Music Worth Seeking Out

It’s been way too long since I’ve written a music post.  And even longer since I’ve done a podcast.  I will get back to making those when time permits, promise.  In the meanwhile, hopefully this will make amends.

First up, good news: after a certain amount of prodding (mostly by yours truly), Almost Ugly is finally releasing some more music to the world.  Look for a nine-track collection to be hitting iTunes within the next couple of months.  In the meanwhile, there are four songs available for listening on their MySpace page.

Next on the playlist is Chris Ryan.  A young man with a gift of melody presented through well-formed acoustic work, earnest vocals and reflective lyrics minus the usual overwrought teen angst.  He might make it anyway.  Beat the bandwagon and herd of swooning young ladies sure to flock his way once they catch a glimpse of that rarity of rarities — heartthrob looks with actual talent behind the dreamy sigh-inducing eyes (so I’m told — like how would I know?).  Get hooked now over at his MySpace page.  Make a point to check out “Color Of Your Eyes.”  It’s a hit, or at the least ought to be.

Last but certainly not least, the mighty Marillion‘s new album Happiness Is The Road will be released domestically in CD format next week.  Naturally I couldn’t wait, so I pre-ordered it from the band’s Web site many moons ago.  It arrived a couple of days ago.  Two word review: Oh.  Wow.  The band’s gift for intricate, richly textured heart-rendering musing free from commercial constraints has never shone brighter.  Marillion is the band Radiohead can only dream of becoming when it grows up.