My Music - From the Kinks to Mumford and Sons

Those who know me know how much I love music. All kinds. But mostly Rock, Pop, Country. Been going to see live shows since I was around 10 years old...way way way long time ago. Talked my older brother into bringing me to my first big-girl show when I was 12. The Kinks. They performed at what was once called "The Providence Civic Center" (now known as "The Dunk"). Poco and Henry Gross played that night, too. Good times. Ah, how I loved the Kinks. Still do. And thankfully they're still making music, although they do so as solo artists now.

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Since then, I've seen many big acts: Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Cher, Queen, Aerosmith, Shania Twain, J. Geils, Pat Benatar, Toby Keith, Sammy Hagar (w/the Waboritas, Van Halen and Chickenfoot), Heart, Blake Shelton. I've seen many before they were household names: Kiss, Journey, Zac Brown Band.

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These days, while I still like the famous artists, I usually like to listen to the mostly unknown. The indie band. The singer-songwriter. The music is more raw. Shows more intimate and personal. I'm really not that enamored with the 60,000 seat arenas where I spend more time looking at the band on a big screen than straining to see the little human specks on a stage a hundred yards away. And don't get me started on the astronomical ticket prices, process and handling fees, etc.

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I put out the word recently to my friends. I need some new music. I feel like my iPod is getting a bit stagnant. I need new blood. Here's a list of some new (to me, anyway) acts I'm listening and grooving to.

• Lumineers
• Crystal Bowersox
• Steve Everett
• Alabama Shakes
• Mumford and Sons

How about you? What are you listening to? Care to share some good recommendations?