Five Awesome YouTube Music Videos

So I was cruising around the internet today, no particular plan in mind, when I decided to peruse one of my old standbys, YouTube.  The only place I know that can simultaneously host  live puppies and the world’s biggest zit, YouTube is everyone’s guilty pleasure.  Think about it, you almost never hear people talk about browsing around on YouTube–that wouldn’t be cool.  But when you’re looking for the replay of Megan Fox’s disastrous hosting gig on SNL, where do you go?  That’s right baby, to the Tube of You that’s where.  So today, we’re gonna let our freak flag fly and embrace our perverse love of free videos by the thousands by giving you the best music your monthly ISP charge will buy.

First up is personal fave the Avett Brothers, who celebrated their major-label Rick Rubin-produced debut album I & Love & You with an appearance on David Letterman.  The Avetts recently threw down an intimate live concert at NPR as well and in a couple of weeks they’ll be bringing their music to my native Kentucky.  From punk to bluegrass, these guys can do it all.

Mr. Tomlin brought you some super supergroups in yesterday’s post, no question about it.  I couldn’t go without telling you about one other supergroup you’re sure to love.  7 Worlds Collide is the collaboration between Crowded House’s Neil Finn, his son Liam, Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy and über-drummer Glenn Kotche, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien and Phil Selway, along with many others.  7 Worlds Collide is actually Finn’s brainchild and has been around since 2001, but the most recent incarnation seems to be getting a lot of press lately.  Ever the hipster, YouTube has some keen concert footage from the band that will blow your mind.

I’ve professed my love for Dirty Projectors before, and I’m sure I will again.  Not only is Bitte Orca in my top 3 albums of the year, they are one band I would drop just about everything to see live.  Why?  Well, check this vid from Jimmy Fallon from earlier in the week where they debut a new song called “When the World Comes to an End”.  Simply fantastic.

YouTube also introduced me to my favorite new band, L.A.’s Fool’s Gold.  This collective of musicians plays a world-music-influenced brand of pop that is simply fabulous.  Their new music video for “Surprise Hotel” ain’t all that bad either.  Check it out and prepare to be amazed.

Did you think I was going to get out of here without mentioning Bon Iver?  There’s no way.  Frontman Justin Vernon is like the Tim Tebow of rock music (minus the concussion), and he’s even making his presence felt on YouTube.  Some weeks back, I told you about his plans to play a sunrise show at a Hollywood cemetery.  Well the gig happened on 9/27/09 and thankfully YouTube was there.  Here’s the show closer “The Wolves I & II” and as an added bonus, here’s Muzzle of Bees’ account of attending the show, which evidently was a unique mystical experience.