1

David Holmes, The Holy Pictures (Mercury)
“He’s a British DJ who did all the music for the Oceans movies (11-13), which is the only thing I liked about those movies.”

 

2

Animal Collective, Jan. 22nd at Metro
“They’re not necessarily my thing but some of the songs get to me, and I continue to go back and see if I can finally get into the spirit that a lot of my friends appreciate.”

 

3

Badfinger, Magic Christian Music (Apple)
“Nowadays, every band on a major label want to be superstars; back then, there was more emphasis on career. Bands knew how to make albums, not just singles.”

 

4

Frightened Rabbit, Jan. 24th at the Empty Bottle
“I saw them at Metro [in October] and really liked the show. They’re from Scotland. Nothing groundbreaking, just good songwriting, good lyrics, and happy performers.”

 

5

Sleepercar, West Texas (Doghouse)
“It’s Jim Ward who was in At the Drive-In, but it sounds nothing like that. I don’t want to use the term ’alt-country,’ but it’s rootsy. I saw them at MusicfestNW and haven’t stopped listening since.