Damien

I've said it once, but it's worth repeating. His name recalls those of mega-pop-stars. But, his music is far more dynamic than radio-friendly bubblegum tunes. That said, some of it would fit in fine on the radio.

Damien Jurado's music is a blast from the past and a breath of fresh air at the same time. He taps into something that makes his music immediate. He should be standard issue.

His music is touching, purposeful, authentic and pure. Along with a handful of other modern artists, he has rekindled the hope I found in music in my teenage years.

I started with his 4th full-length from 2002, I Break Chairs and was instantly hooked. I followed with a record that is the polar opposite. The gorgeous, quiet And Now That I'm In Your Shadow from 2006.

Perhaps my favorite record by Damien Jurado is the 1999 album Rehearsals for Departure. This album starts with a folky classic called 'Ohio' that tells the story of a girl far away from home going through an emotional train ride. There are no throw-away tracks on this album. It's kind of hard to believe Jurado was just getting started when he put this one out. It sounds like the work of a folk legend. Jurado is highly recommended!