It’s happened to the best of us; inevitably we will open our favorite music program and feel completely uninspired. Even our favorite songs get a little stale after a while, and the hunt is on for new music. Sometimes the radio or television offers some suggestions (NBC’s Chuck is a good place to start) but it’s not always easy to find titles and artists to go with the music from these mediums.

Enter: the internet. The expansive cloud of the online world is full of inspiration for new songs, albums, artists, even new genres. The expanse also makes it just as hard to find this new music. Here’s a helpful little list of some great websites to start the search:

Online Radio:

Pandora: Pandora, like most of the services on this list, works by matching similar songs to artists and tracks you’re already interested in. Based on the Music Genome Project, it’s extremely proficient at making picks.

Last.fm: Last.fm works like Pandora in that it recommends songs based on the artists or songs you like. This works by installing a program on your computer that works in conjunction with your existing audio player. As you listen, it “Scrobbles” (gathers and sends) song info to the site that allows it to make the recommendations. They also offer radio stations with various genres and themes.

Musicovery: This service has a slightly different twist on how it makes music choices. Instead of asking for songs and artists, it asks you to adjust a number of more abstract topics. Included in the choices are mood and tempo, as well as sliders allowing the service to choose for itself or to follow your favorite songs and artists. You can also select a specific period of time, or narrow results to one of eighteen different genres.

Some other fun services:

Mufin: Basically a stripped down version of the above services, Mufin allows for users to search for music and then offers related songs based on an algorithm that analyzes things like tempo and sound density.

Midomi: Midomi is helpful when you can’t think of that song that’s been stuck in your head. Just click and hum or sing and the service tells you the song. There’s also a ton of music to explore.

Shazam: If you’ve got a cell phone that lets you install applications, this service is extremely helpful. Hold your phone near a music source and the service identifies the song.

Gnoosic: Type in three of your favorite artists and let the service pick another artist you might like.

If you use iTunes, the new Genius sidebar is your best friend. Based on the song in your library that is currently selected, you can browse related songs and artists.

Do you use any of these services or have any more to add to the list? Add your thoughts and suggestions in the comments!

Few rappers can come anywhere close to the talent of Mos Def.  1999’s Black on Both Sides is one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time.  The New Danger and True Magic each continue a tradition of exceptional lyrical ability and beats that are fresh, interesting, and dynamic.  The fourth solo album, The Ecstatic is slated to drop sometime in February of 2009, and if the single “Life in Marvelous Times” and the YouTube concert videos floating around are any indication, this might be his best yet.  The single features the beat from “Champions” by Mr. Flash and TTC.  Mos throws his lyrics over top, and delivers them flawlessly, reacting to the beat when necessary, playing off its in-your-face attitude.

If you haven’t seen it already, here is the YouTube video of Mos in concert, in which we get a little talking about The Ecstatic then a short peek into one of the new songs from the album.  Look for it in a couple months, it’s sure to be yet another great record in an already stellar discography.

The Elms, a band of four friends out of Seymour, Indiana, has somehow managed to fly an enormous talent somewhat under the radar since their first album, The Big Surprise, back in 2001.  It, along with their second album Truth, Soul, Rock & Roll were both released on a Christian record label, leaving many to apply the label of “Christian Rock”, implying their music was to be used first and foremost  to spread the word of God.  Lead singer Owen Thomas, in a post on the band’s message board explains, “As a collective, we don’t feel like our job is to convince people to join an exclusive club. We want everyone, people of faith or not, to find hope in the music. If we ever feel like writing songs that reflect our personal spiritual affectations, we will. And have.”

 Their 2006 release of The Chess Hotel showcased the band’s ability to truly rock out.  Their new label, Universal Records South, and new sound (which can easily be compared to other modern rock groups like Jet and The Black Crowes) marked a turning point for the group.   The Big Surprise was essentially pop, but The Chess Hotel was a huge jump that landed right in the middle of rock n’ roll.

This tradition will be continued on their upcoming release, expected in 2009.  They have already begun to release new singles, “This is How the World Will End” and “The Shake”, with the latter making it nearly impossible to listen without getting up and dancing your ass off.  Thomas has a powerful delivery at every point across his gigantic vocal range.  Whether it’s just rock for rock’s sake or the always-welcome power ballad, he’s backed up by a band with serious talent.  Big chord progressions, perfect riffs, and drum beats that’ll have you tapping your foot without knowing it are staples for the new sound of The Elms.

“This is How the World Will End” and “The Shake” are available now.  The Chess Hotel is an album well worth owning, and the first two releases, which have a bit of a lower-key sound, are equally rewarding listens.  Be sure to check them out and keep an ear out for the new album next year. 

What better way to start a new music blog than a Top Albums list.  Here it is, love it or hate it.

Honorable Mention:
GZA the Genius - Pro Tools
Few members of the Wu Tang Clan have found success with solo careers.  The RZA is a world-class producer and even arranged the soundtrack for the Kill Bill movies and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard had some great songs (”Got Your Money” anyone?), but GZA the Genius has put out multiple albums that have showcased his amazing talents as a lyricist.  Pro Tools is no exception, with songs like “Pencil” and “Paper Plate” that are just downright incredible.  Also standing out is the fun vehicular-themed “0% Finance”, which some have said lacks passion in delivery, but easily makes up for with such interesting lyrics.  There are some duds on the album, however, which just barely kept it out of the top 8.

T-Pain - Thr33 Ringz
When it comes to the vocoder, T-Pain rules, which means he gets the honorable mention nod over Kanye’s 808’s.  Standouts are “Ringleader Man” and the surprisingly superb “Reality Show” which has replay value that rivals any song in 2008.  Unfortunately songs like “Chopped ‘n’ Screwed” leave a lot of depth to be desired.

#8 Usher - Here I Stand
Even though the hit “Love In This Club” was a little lyrically shallow, it was catchy.  Where this album shines, however, is in Usher’s incredible vocal talent.  “Moving Mountains” is a powerful and passionate song that showcases this talent well, but nowhere is it more evident than on the stripped-down “Something Special” which is a true gem.  It’s sweet, passionate, and Usher’s amazing voice combined with perfectly timed harmonies lifts it well into the realm of greatness.  Here I Stand is easily one of Usher’s greatest albums and is comfortably at home as one of the years best.

#7 Panic at the Disco - Pretty. Odd.
This is an extremelt adventurous sophomore album from PATD.  There are slight remnants of their first album, but their sound on Pretty. Odd. is new and refreshing.  Big horns (and even chimes on “That Green Gentleman”) complete an already complex (sort of organized chaos) sound the band has perfected.  “Northern Downpour” offers up some beautiful lyrics that show the band has matured considerably in the years between releases.  They even cross into the realm of bluegrass (WHAT?!) on “Folkin’ Around” which is as fun and lovable as its title.  The real standout on this album, however, is “When the Day Met the Night” which is full of deep, beautiful images that tell a very sweet love story.  A great sophomore release that shows the band isn’t afraid to push the limits of their musical talents.  Side note: enjoy the album, avoid them live at all costs.

#6 ADELE - 19
Adele’s voice is one of those that knocks you off your feet every time you hear it.  19 is a jaw-dropping debut album that starts off with the vocal-driven songs “Daydreamer” and “Best for Last” that are fully capable of producing goose bumps.   That feeling doesn’t go away, especially with songs like “Chasing Pavements” and “Right as Rain” which are positively huge
productions.  This album is mature and fun and it’s just the beginning of a career that is sure to be full of truly stunning music.

#5 Old Crow Medicine Show - Tennessee Pusher
OCMS is best known for “Wagon Wheel”, which (while a superb song) is just one of many great songs from the Nashville-based group.  Their mastery of the folky/bluegrassy sound continues on Tennessee Pusher which, if nothing else, incredibly fun.  “Alabama High-Test” is a wonderful opener, followed by a slower-tempo but equally enjoyable “Highway Halo”.  The group tackles a serious national issue in “Methamphetamine” but doesn’t allow it to put a damper on songs like “Humdinger” and the raunchy “Mary’s Kitchen”.

#4 James Morrison - Songs for You, Thruths for Me
Morrison’s debut album Undiscovered was a good-not-great release that triumphed in one very important aspect: it promised that great things could come from the raspy-voiced Briton.  Its downside was that the singer sounded a little uninterested for a large portion of the album, which made it hard to really care what he was singing about.  Songs for You, Truths for Me
makes up for this completely.  The sophomore effort is full of passion, big horns, and (of course) Morrison’s amazing voice.  “You Make it Real” could be one of the most beautiful songs of all time, thanks in large part to the vocal performance.  Other standouts include “The Only Night” and “Fix the World Up for You”.  Unfortunately “Once When I Was Little” and “Love Is Hard” are hard to love (pun intended) and work against this otherwise great album.

#3 Anthony Hamilton - The Point of it All
Anthony Hamilton is an R&B heavyweight, especially since Comin’ From Where I’m From.  The Point of it All showcases his talent in a big way.  It’s easy to feel the passion Hamilton pours into every song, especially on the title track “The Point of it All” and the sweet “Her Heart”.  He knows how to have fun, though, as showcased by the standout track “Cool” and the simple head-bobber “I Did It for Sho”.  It’s easy to see a comparison to another heavyweight, John Legend, whose 2008 album Evolver fell short due to its ability to be so easily forgettable immediately after listening.  The Point of it All, however, is definitely memorable and begs to be listened to again.  Put this album on and groove to it, slow dance to it, or just sit and absorb his powerful voice and smooth melodies.

#2 The Weepies - Hideaway
Past albums from the duo of Deb Talen and Steve Tannen have been…weepy, for lack of a better word.  Talen’s vocals were lackluster and somewhat boring, leaving me begging for the few songs (”Jolene” for instance) led by Tannen.  Hideaway continues the brilliant songwriting that has been a direct continuation of the duo’s solo days and Talen takes a huge step in the right direction vocally.  Her voice is perfectly matched to bright acoustic guitars and playful melodies (like the waltzy “Little Bird”).  Tannen, meanwhile continues to shine, especially on the album’s opener “Can’t Go Back Now”.  Other memorable (and up-tempo!) songs include the title song “Hideaway” and the gorgeous love-song finisher “All This Beauty”.

#1 Kings of Leon - Only By the Light
KoL have a history of great albums, and Only By the Light continues the streak.  This album is beautiful from the second you put it on.  The chilling “Closer” immediately showcases Caleb Followill’s amazing vocal talent as well as the maturing the group’s sound has undergone over the years (a fine wine analogy comes to mind).  It’s followed by the gritty “Crawl” and the playful “Sex on Fire”, two instant favorites.  What really makes this album shine is its middle stretch, however, which showcases the bands ability to switch gears ever so slightly, crafting slower, yet still powerful songs like “Manhattan” that
make you want to close your eyes and soak it all in.  They even take it a step further on “Notion”, which if polished just slightly is a song that is almost pop-y enough to fit in on Hanson’s The Walk.  This is hands down the gold medalist for the year and an album that can easily be listened to again and again and be fresh and exciting every time.