Inspired by Heppo's column in this month's issue, I've been thinking about the current bands I most like and have come to the conclusion that I have discovered the vast majority myself in various ways.

- The National: downloaded some stuff after reading an article which made them sound up my street.

- Decemberists: saw them play years ago in a small club having never heard them

- Shearwater: same as the National

- Besnard Lakes: same as above

- Leisure Society: heard one song on the radio when they were absolutely unknown

The list goes on. In this age of so much press on music telling us what is good and what isn't, I wonder if I have subconciously decided to ignore all that and search out my own stuff. What are your experiences?