Simon Kafka, Guitar Faculty Simon Kafka discovers new music by "spending time with friends and hearing what they're into." He also uses the Internet where "so many artists have made music available. It's now really easy to explore new music for free." Simon enjoys a variety of music and artists but gravitates towards "artists who are original, take risks, and stay away from being too commercial or compromised." Simon's list of albums includes eclectic rockers and classic Motown. He recommends these choices to "anyone who loves music." Artist: Radiohead Album: In Rainbows Why Simon likes this particular artist/album: I've loved Radiohead for a long long time. For the past 15 years or so, they have released so many great albums and the newest In Rainbows is one of my favorites. Listening to their music is like a sonic experience unlike any other band that I know of. Favorite track(s) on the album: "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" "Go Slowly" "Down is the New Up" and "All I Need". Artist: Animal Collective Album: Feels Why Simon likes this particular artist/album: When I first heard Animal Collective, they really blew my mind. Their music is beautiful, original, totally weird and at the same time accessible to the listener. Feels is my favorite of their albums. The album has a great flow from start to finish. It's not easy in this day and age to be completely original and unlike anything else and they have done it. Their second album Sung Tongs is also really great. Favorite track(s) on the album: "Grass" and "Daffy Duck" Artist: Smokey Robinson, The Marvelettes, Mary Wells, The Four Tops, and more Album: Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Why Simon likes this particular artist/album: I bought this box set at a used store in California and it has been one of my favorites ever since. It goes through the entire collection of singles from the Berry Gordy Motown label. All of this music is so inspiring and fun to listen to. It was a sound that was really new at the time and continues to be imitated by all kinds of artists. Favorite track(s) on the album: "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" "Money (That's What I Want)" and "Do You Love Me?". Artist: The Kinks Album: Arthur Why Simon likes this particular artist/album: I first head The Kinks when I was in college and I've been a fan ever since. Arthur is one of their lesser known albums but it is by far my favorite of theirs. It's a concept album that revolves around the life of a British family in the 20th century. The songwriting and musicianship are incredible and the lyrics are heartbreaking. Favorite track(s) on the album: "Shangri-la" "Some Mother's Son" and "Yes Sir, No Sir". Artist: The Beatles Album: Abbey Road Why Simon likes this particular artist/album: What can you say about The Beatles? They're the best and although I've been listening to them my whole life, I have recently re-discovered and am really enjoying Abbey Road. It was their last album and one of my favorites. The songwriting, playing, production...all unbeatable. The way the second half of the album flows without stopping is just amazing. Favorite track(s) on the album: "Sun King" "I Want You" "Because" and "Mean Mr. Mustard".