When I listen to music, I mostly listen to whole albums front-to-back (except songs I really don't like). I have the luxury of being able to do that because I'm at a desk all day.

Sometimes I have to listen to a CD a few times before I like it. But having the time to listen to lots of whole CDs gives me a chance to give bands a few listens before saying I don't like them. Some bands that didn't make an immediate impact on me but I ended up really liking were The Beta Band, Ben Harper, Dashboard Confessional, Death from Above 1979, Four Tet, Modest Mouse and Wilco. If it's a sound I'm unfamiliar with sometimes it takes me a bit longer to like it.

Sometimes music hits me like a ton of bricks and I know right away that I like the sound. Artists like Muse, The Futureheads, Kasabian, Nick Drake, Kings of Leon, Metric, The Organ, Death Cab for Cutie, Bloc Party, Billy Talent, The Shins, The Stills, Interpol, Teitur, Yellowcard, Underworld, The Used and finally José González.

José González was born in Sweden to Argentinean parents. His music is what I'd call folk rock but unlike his contemporaries it's often more up-tempo. The South American influences are obvious on some songs, like "Remain" on his album Veneer but I don't think you'll have to like that sound to like José. You'll probably like him if you like other folk/rock artists like Iron & Wine, Teitur or Nick Drake. The finger-plucking, dramatic volume changes and the (acoustic) lack of backing drums particularly remind me of Nick Drake.

Thanks go to Erin for recommending José González. She has pretty good taste and a pretty good record of recommending bands I'll enjoy, like Editors and back in the day, Pete Yorn and Starsailor.