Fun e-exploration...

Among the numerous advantages to the internet, one that I particularly enjoy is the opportunity to find sources of entertainment (specifically, movies and music) that I would never be able to find without the internet.

Whether it's foreign films or music that isn't produced by major record companies, I feel like I'm not being true to myself if I don't actively seek such material out. This very process is how I came to discover the film "King of Kong" (mentioned in an earlier blog post).

Very often, when browsing music on iTunes, Amazon, FYE or other sites, you'll have recommendations of other albums or artists, and that is always a prime opportunity. Even Myspace or Facebook are great channels to find music that's not signed by record labels. "Kings of Leon", signed by a major record label, having their music played on mainstream airwaves and selling out large arenas, were once a more indie band, and have previously released a number of albums (all of which are excellent, and their latest album "Only By The Night", while not up there with their previous work, is still pretty solid).

One of my favorite time-wasting activities is to browse Youtube and start by finding alternative forms of popular songs. Two of my favorite such videos are below:







Videos like these are prime examples of yet another reason why I love the internet. Up until finding these videos, I had no idea who Antonio Forcione, Flecktones or Andy McKee were. Needless to say, after watching these videos, I aggressively sought out the rest of each of these amazingly talented artist's catalogs, and my musical life has been greatly enriched by such additions.

I know such hunting isn't really life-changing or relevant to the world's problems or concerns, but videos like these are always great, even if you just want to turn off the monitor and listen to beautifully melodic sounds to ease your stress level after work or after a bout of studying.

Or, if you're just a lover of music in general (as I am), you can appreciate imagination and talent, regardless of genre or culture, so seek out as much music as you can, and as always... happy listening!