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Easiest way is to have kids with their own good taste, you just hear it when they have the aux cable

Viking Ambient. Gothic Ambient. Seventies Yacht Rock bands who maybe didn't achieve the commercial success of Steely Dan. Then we get to the million-headed hydra known as Alt-Country. There's always new Music, whether it just came out last week or in 1975.

Absolute truth. I did 10-best-albums lists for 45 years. The two deepest years for music since 1979, imo, were 2016 and 2024. Especially: the decentralization of music distribution has put a LOT more music out there every year than we got in the 70s/80s.

Ethiopiques Vol 4 is 🔥.

Agreed. What helps me find new music: - I switched to Qobuz , a French (partly Canadian owned) streaming service. They are very human curated. - Canadian college radio -- specifically out of Calgary and Victoria CKUA/CFUV - Independent music publications like @hearingthingsco.bsky.social

This is the way. Most cities still have incredible local scenes if you give them a chance. Even better, you usually get to drink with the band after the show.

It takes work, which many seem adverse to. Podcasts and newsletters and friends are my main sources.

TESTIFY

Slow pulp is playing the danforth in November!

Also, Wild Pink is playing Toronto in December. Not sure where you're located, but ... just in case this is relevant info.

My children never tire of informing me that my “Current” playlist includes music from 2009. My tireless response is “and?”

I think there's nothing wrong with sticking with what you know! I just think that people complain that it's hard to find new music, when the main impediment is their disinclination to affirmatively choose to listen to new music.

I also like the idea of “new to me.” A few years ago I got really interested in 1960s French “ye-ye” music. Francoise Hardy, Sylvia Vartan, etc. Linear time and release dates are limiting constructs in music appreciation.

OK Man

Is the YouTube Music algo not calibrated to the individual?

Another big one find critics who recommend stuff you tend to like and follow their recommendations. I have found a lot of stuff I really like from Steven Hyden recommendations going back to his writing for Grantland.

@earthtoeve.bsky.social is one I love. If you like ska, K-man and the 45s is great too. Glorious Sons for some old school rock and roll. Lots if new music to find if you really want too.

Agree completely. There is so much music I still haven't heard. I hope I never stop listening with an open mind.

💯 Hard agree.