Hope everyone is keeping warm as we are approaching the winter months. This month, I chose 4 albums that fit around the theme of “side bands” or “side projects.” Upon researching for this blog post, it not only amazed me of the talent of some musicians, but also how they can fit all these projects in a set schedule when thinking about writing, producing, recording, and touring. In some cases, certain musicians had an upward of about 3-4 side projects. Certain musicians showed some genre/stylistic changes between projects and that showed just how flexible and wide-ranging they can be.
I hope that you enjoy the albums below! For each album recommendation, I have provided a YouTube link to a song from that particular album. Feel free to give each song a listen! If you have any comments, recommendations, or musical suggestions, don’t hesitate to email me at reference@deerfieldlibrary.org, or leave a comment on the Instagram or Twitter post. Enjoy!
ARTIST: Omar Rodriguez-Lopez
ALBUM TITLE: Blind Worms, Pious Swine (2016)
Known for his main bands At the Drive-In and Mars Volta, prog-rock guitarist has a robust collection of solo albums. This particular album is one of Omar’s most popular albums that includes a cover of Ellie Goulding’s song Lights.
SONG TO CHECK OUT: Lights (cover)
SIMILAR ARTISTS: Porcupine Tree, The Dear Hunter, Antemasque
ARTIST: Blakroc
ALBUM TITLE: Blakroc (2009)
This album is as much a collaboration of genres as it is with musical artists. The Black Keys use their blues-rock instrumentals with various hip hop artists on this 10 track album.
SONG TO CHECK OUT: On the Vista
SIMILAR ARTISTS: N.A.S.A., RZA, G. Love & Special Sauce
ARTIST: VCMG
ALBUM TITLE: Ssss (2012)
The 2 original members from the original Depeche Mode have collaborated to create a sound that they describe as “minimal dance music.” These songs have a special ability to put you in a trance, while still offering you to bob your head along to the beat.
SONG TO CHECK OUT: Lowly
SIMILAR ARTISTS: Surgeon, Function, The Chemical Brothers
ARTIST: Them Crooked Vultures
ALBUM TITLE: Them Crooked Vultures (2009)
Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) + Dave Grohl (Queens of the Stone Age/Foo Fighters/Nirvana) + John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) all teamed up to create a modern “classic rock” album.
SONG TO CHECK OUT: New Fang
SIMILAR ARTISTS: Desert Sessions, Dead Weather, Royal Blood
COMMUNITY RECOMMENDATIONS
To be featured in this section next month, send your music recommendation to reference@deerfieldlibrary.org or leave a comment on social media!
