Joe Marson is a singer/guitarist who molds and sculpts his blues with hints of soul, folk, alternative and straight-up rock ‘n’ roll. He’s traveled the country, making stops in Austin, Boston, Arizona and Oregon, only to settle down in Brooklyn. It seems as if it’s there he’s found his musical calling. He’s currently poised to release his next EP, Electric Soul Magic,later this month, and judging by first single “Love You Safely,” there’s reason to be excited. To give you a taste for the type of music that inspires Marson, and what he listens to in his free time, check out this mix tape he made for MAGNET.
Hozier “Work Song”
Honestly, I could fill this list with just his music alone. Hozier is the best new artist I’ve heard in years. The songwriting, the soul, the pure poetry of his lyrics. Just an outstanding young musician who is obviously wise beyond his years. This song is just perfect in my mind. Verses that take you to another place, and then a chorus that you can’t help but sing at the top of your lungs. Video
Superunloader “Twice In Half”
Local legends from my home town of San Diego. Top-five best bands I’ve ever seen live. This song showcases their sort of Soundgarden-meets-Led Zepplin vibe but I’ve seen them blast through five genres in one song jam. Love the dark, hard-hitting groove on this track as well the dissonant licks by guitarist Jimmy Lewis. They will melt your face and blow your mind. Video
Ollabelle “Blue Northern Lights”
Ollabelle has been a favorite of mine for years. A bunch of great NYC musicians who got together to make some of the most beautiful harmonies. This song, written by the group’s keyboard player Glenn Patscha, just hits me so hard. The lyrics. The space between the lyrics. The honest and vulnerable soul of Glenn’s voice. The harmonies. Video
Corey Cambridge “The Heart”
I love hip hop, but the current popular state of the genre really breaks my heart. Luckily there are rising artists like Corey Cambridge, taking it back to intelligent and well-executed rhymes. This is his latest single. You can’t help but smile with him. Video
The Stanley Brothers “Angel Band”
The last track on the O’ Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. I could list every one of the songs on that soundtrack and write a paragraph about each one. But this takes it home the hardest for me. The raw, live sounding recording is just the epitome of bluegrass harmonies. I’ve sung along to this song, and entire soundtrack in so many different states, modes of transportation, and public places. Video
Red Hot Chili Peppers “Blood Sugar Sex Magik”
Because they are the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In the ’90s, they were one of the most original, hardest hitting rock band of all time. This song, the title track of one of my favorite records ever, is so sexy and cool on the verses and then this explosion of guitars and groove for the chorus. This whole record. Ugh. So good. Get a change of pants and check out this live version. Video
Jeff Buckley “Strange Fruit”
One of my favorite artists of all time. This song from his Live At Sine deluxe set is so influential to me as a solo artist, not to mention a guitar player. The way he could hypnotize with nothing but his voice and a Telecaster is something I think about every time before I get onstage. Also, as a guitar player, his feel was incredible. Those licks in the beginning of the song just cut to the core of me … and that voice. Oh god, that voice. Video
