RyanJ

I guess the thing that bothers me is that there's this whole stereotype out there that rap is bad, vulgar, etc., and I think it's based on a very narrow view of the genre. Of course, I certainly can't blame anyone for having that opinion of rap based on what is promoted by the media, and you're right, it shouldn't affect my appreciation of the music. BTW people might not know this since I haven't posted here much, but rap is just one of many genres I listen to, I listen to a lot more rock as well as folk, jazz, electronic, blues, etc.

My apologies, that was put rather harshly, but I guess I can get worked up when you say a genre that I and many others enjoy is "not music".

This may apply to much of the commercial "gangsta" rap promoted by the radio and MTV, but that's only one segment of hip-hop music. There are plenty of rappers, particularly of the alternative/underground variety, who don't use excessive profanity and rap about important issues. You can't judge an entire genre by its lowest common denominator.

"Calling and Not Calling My Ex" by Okkervil River is kind of along the lines of moving away "Backwards Walk" by Frightened Rabbit If you like folky stuff, Bon Iver! +1 for Beck's Sea Change album as well

Some of my favorites: Jim James (My Morning Jacket) Stuart Staples (Tindersticks) Bon Iver Van Morrison Jeff Buckley B.B. King

I have Mark Lanegan's album Bubblegum, it's great IMO. The one he and Greg Dulli put out last year was pretty good as well. Anyone heard the new Grizzly Bear album? I love it, probably my favorite of the year so far.