Why I don’t hate music: Josh Venable edition

by Sarah Crisman

Listening to music day in and and day out can become a cumbersome task, even for the most passionate aficionado. What do the professionals turn to when they want to just listen for the sake of listening? I asked The Adventure Club's Josh Venable what he plays when he's not working. I was quite pleased to see a couple local stand-by's on the list (and even discovered a few established artists I didn't know about, natch).

Glasvegas, Glasvegas (2008): "The songs may all sound the same, but when they're all good, it doesn't really matter."

Here, In Arms: Outlaws (2009): "Brent Engel sounds like Springsteen, and a little like Dylan. He actually plays in my Springsteen tribute band (but that's not why he's on this list). He's from Dallas and everyone should listen to him."

Superchunk, Learned to Surf (acoustic demo)

Softsational mix tape: "Inspired by a VH1 special I watched with my wife. There's a lot of Cat Stevens, Christopher Cross, Air Supply and Carly Simon ... Listening to Air Supply reminds me that I still have a heart."

War Tapes, Dreaming of You (single): "They're an L.A. band -- like Interpol, if Interpol weren't boring."

Happy Mondays, Bummed (1988)

Rhett Miller, Rhett Miller (2009)

The Stone Roses, The Stone Roses (1989): "Their first album is just about as perfect as you can get."

Big Star, Keep An Eye On the Sky Box Set (Rhino, 2009)

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