A Day Late And An MP3 Short

I don't know why, but I always hesitate to listen to new bands my friend rave about.* I trust their opinions about most things, so why wouldn't I give a hear to new music they're ravin' on? Even when I finally end up listening, it's usually by accident (e.g. hearing it on the radio or at a party) or out of boredom. I almost always end up liking whatever it is because my friends have good taste. It's just so embarrassing when I'm listening to THE MOST AWESOME BAND FROM 6 MONTHS AGO. I tell all my friends, 'Oh man this band is so dope!' And they're like, 'Yeah I knew that 6 months ago when I told you to listen them.' Then I have to

because I'm so red in the face about it.

Anyway, here's a list of musics I was late to get into, but am now glad I did:

Animal Collective
Hot Hot Heat
Regina Spektor
The New Pornographers
Xiu Xiu (I'm only 50% glad I finally listened to this)
Harlem Shakes
Lupe Fiasco
The Walkmen
Freakwater

Here are bands/artists I am still thinking about jamming on and might get to in a few months:
Beirut
new Of Montreal albums
PJ Harvey (probably not though)

If you want to make sure I listen to something you love RIGHT AWAY, please send me the tracks or make me a cd. It's much more likely that I'll listen if you make it easy for me. I know you have a vested interest in expanding my cultural horizons (as I have in expanding yours), so help me out a little, ok?

*This also happens with tv programs, but it's much harder to catch up with television. I really wish I had jumped on the Heroes wagon when it first started rolling. Now, unless I want to subscribe to Netflix (which I don't) or buy a million episodes on iTunes (no thanks!), I'm without recourse. People told me of the glory of Degrassi years ago, but I was reticent. Same with Buffy. Luckily, due to the cult following surrounding these shows and the proliferation of reruns, I was able to get back on track.