Beefy is in, next up from
Double X
Nick Cave
Nick Cave is intelligent. Also a little schizophrenic and dark. He sings about God, death, suffering, etc.
When I first heard this in a description I think a normal reaction to this would be "another darkened spiritual prince? yawn". I mean honestly, a decade after Jim Morrison, with Ian Curtis, Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, and others playing the "doomsday guru" card, you would think Nick Cave would be another one of those guys.
However, Nick Cave has many things going for him. He's incredibly literate - and knows how to use it. He quotes the bible to good effect without sounding like a fundy, plus if he doesn't have anything new to say, he can expert at saying it a different way. He reads a large amount of poetry, philosophy, and many novels. Exceptional songwriter all around.
Second, he always finds the right people to play with him. Even though he is usually in the spotlight, he has had Mick Harvey, Blixa Bargeld, and Rowland Howard play with him. All of those men are very talented musicians, especially Howard.
And of course, he is exceptionally talented. You don't get the feeling he is a pretentious d
icknose, and watching his performances there is definitely something going on. His voice is one of my favorites. Sarcastic, drenched in postmodernism, and all around dark. He sort of has the Dylan syndrome, just need to get used to the voice and you will get immersed by it.
Okay finally (to prevent this from being a ramble), he is one of the most consistent artists in music history. Not 'consistent' like Paul McCartney, but reliable that I stopped reading reviews for his albums and just buy one whenever I see it. Never disappointed, always thoroughly enjoy them. Which is weird, because no matter what he does, Nick Cave always has his distinctive sound and struggles with diversity.
If I haven't convinced you to vote for him...here's his most popular songs showing his 3 'stages'.
The Birthday Party - Dead Joe (from Junkyard)
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - Mercy Seat (from Tender Prey)
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - Hiding All Away ( from Abattoir Blues/Lyre Of Orpheus)
You must like one of these - go out and an get album. And vote for him here.