.. especially if you listen to the radio or just basically live in the United States, period. I've put together a small list of musicians for those that want to listen to something different then what's being offered to you by media and other trash. If you find anything you like just ask me about where to purchase their stuff as some of these can actually be bought in the North American region. Venus Belgian band with a French drummer, they are at the top of the unknown. The only band out there still considered not to be a part of a single genre due to their extreme diversity and creativity. For instance their latest album Red Room is more alternative, mainly using the bass for distorted aggro riffs. Their previous album on the other hand titled Vertigone was more of a blend of several styles of music including orchestra and indie. The album before this one is titled The Man Who Was Already Dead and is recorded live with most notable John Barry and Jewish Folkore along with the full Ensemble Musiques Nouvelles. It is widely considered by music critiques to be the greatest album of our current generation. To read more on the band you can read the article I wrote on them over at Wikipedia by clicking here. You can listen to many of their latest tracks over at their official website, which up until this year did not exist, which shows how little the band cares for fame as they do for their music. I personally have conversed with them, and they are great people. To get their albums I find that you can actually have them shipped to your doorstep by just contacting them at their website and asking for information. Official website: http://www.venusmusic.be/ Great fansite: http://www.outofbreath.com/ Full length new tracks: http://www.totoutard.com/ Stellastarr* NYC based band, Stellastarr* have quite a big reputation in the US among indie fans and yet they're still unknown to the majority of people that would naturally take to their unique mix of styles. I find that a lot of baseball fans listen to them, I'll explain why down the lines. They often have a sound similar to the Cure, right down to the vocals. Adding punk and mellow tones to their NYC style rock music gives them a great edge. Their tone has a very harmonic tone at times that can just simply be explained as emotional musical vibes. Most notably to some MLB fans a shortened version of their track "My Coco" was featured in MLB 2004 by EA Sports as a part of their head music list. To those that have not heard the full length version of "My Coco" or never heard it at all period I strongly suggest giving it a shot. The long climax is one of the most emotionally played pieces of music I've heard since the 1980's. Official website: http://www.stellastarr.com/ Elbow A Manchester based band with a unique feel. Elbow produces strange indie/alternative rock that can only be described as "different." Taken from another website describing them: Acclaimed for their innovative sound, breathtaking live gigs and the candid, evocative lyrics of singer Guy Garvey, Elbow have received vast critical acclaim and been endorsed by major artists Blur, REM, U2, and Velvet Underground whose bassist John Cale cited Elbow's "Switching Off" as one of the greatest songs ever written in a BBC interview. However, commercial success has yet to match Elbow's critical acclaim and cult status. Their acoustic cover of Destiny's Child's "Independent Woman", made exclusively for a Radio 1 session, was turned into a popular web animation by Rathergood.com's Joel Veitch, and features a band of flat-capped kittens "performing" the song. The song and video are excellent, btw, and I have that linked below. Official website: http://www.elbow.co.uk/index.asp Music: Video - Independent Woman Vitalic A French electronic musician. Hands down the best electronic music since Air and Daft Punk strangely enough, all of which come from the same region. Take it from someone who can't usually stand electronic or house music, this is some of the best music in general I have heard in a long time. Not only does it pump your stereo, but it can get you going, calm you down, or make you emotional believe it or not. This is one of the staples from Pascal Arbez [Vitalic] as he once stated, "there is a problem with the current genre these days where everything has to be mixed to death. I wanted to bring out something new and emotional, something never done before in this sense." From the very first track on his major debut OK Cowboy, "Polkamatic" is an excellent introduction that follows into what is, in my honest opinion, the best techno song I have heard in years titled "Poney Part 1." Also notable that Vitalic usually has hilarious music videos that poke fun at the music media with "My Friend Dario" (with hot chicks) and are often just somewhat strange and funny with "Poney Part 1." (flying dogs) Official website: http://www.vitalic.citizen-records.com/ Music: Video - My Friend Dario; Video - Poney Part 1 (edited & cut short) Half Asleep A Belgian band that is completely original and dynamic with their cult music. They tend to focus on the energy that the piano naturally produces while adding some more tempo or flavor to the songs with well written lyrics that have yet to be matched on originality based on what I hear today. The opening track is a very soft and repeating piece that allows you to prepare for what's to come ahead with amazing tracks like "Un Quart" and "D'invisibles Courtisants." No matter which genre of music you tend to like if you want to get into this band the only real way to do so is to sit down and concentrate on every song. If I could sum this band up into one word it would be "genius." The best part? Their entire album, (We Are Now) Seated In Profile, is free from their official website. Just follow the link below. Official website: http://www.halfasleep.be/ Download the album: Click here The Doves They aren't a small band, one of Manchester's best are quite big in England and across Europe. However, in North America they're still reletively unknown to many. Originally the band was an electronic group, but when they reached their 30's they decided to take a different direction and really, thankfully they did. One of the best talents in the genre, they have produced some really exciting and original music blending indie music with their electronic background and creating something very pure that usually just makes you feel great listening to each song. I often suggest this band to those that don't know them if they're into Coldplay or Dredg as their style can relate to both based on seperate songs. Official website: http://www.doves.net/ Under the Influence of Giants California based band that have just signed a major record deal not too long ago and recently put out their first major release self-titled album. Their previous album was much more accepted among the more underground types as a stellar piece of unique blends between well over 70 different bands and artists most notably Marvin Gaye, the Beetles, and the Bee Gees. Hence their current name "Under the Influence of Giants." The new album, while not as good as their previous effort, still shows that even though you sell out to a big company you can put out a good piece that will blow out all of the other radio trends. For a start I strongly suggest listening to their tracks "Workin'," "Bones," "Day Sleeper" and "Hell of a Guy." Official website: http://www.utiog.com S.T.U.N. LA based politically psychotic punk band that seem to be the only ones that are willing to fall away from just typical lines and simple guitar and bass play that is killing the current genre in the United States. Instead they mix old school with something entirely new and aggressive. Often screaming out in double vocal tones they still manage to keep something mellow about the album, which I give them a ton of credit for with tracks like "Reuters" and especially notable "We Will Come To You." Their best track "Movement" appears to be almost a tribute to Rage Against the Machine mixing their [RATM] famous style with their own blend. This band is often known for controversy taking part in secretive anti-government rallies and getting the crap beat out of by riot squads. Official website: http://www.stunmusic.com The Cloud Room NYC based band that are trying to rise up from the underground after signing a deal with a small record label. They have a nice mellow tone that can often pick up and bring you to a good mood. Very simple lyrics and music for just about anyone to get into especially if you're into the genre. At one point they were considered Coldplay knockoffs. However, their fans, including myself, would beg to differ as their music sounds nothing in comparison. Official website: http://www.thecloudroom.com/ Luke French punk band mixing the genre with alternative and indie to produce something worth listening to whether you know their language or not. They are completely unknown in the United States as far as I am aware of, but in Europe they are quite well taken and have produced top selling albums across the continent. I don't expect anyone to browse through their website unless you know French, so I've also provided links to some of their best music videos. Official website: http://www.luke.com.fr/ Music: Video - La Sentinelle; Video - Soledad; Video - Le Reste du Monde; Video - Hasta Siempre Black Rebel Motorcycle Club SF/LA based band combining a great mix of indie and what is often to be noted as rough country. A nice original sound using a common blend of instruments like harmonica, acoustic guitars, piano and many others. Strangely enough even though they're from the United States the majority of their success has come from European touring where most of their fans are located. Official website: http://www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com/ I have more, but this is enough for one sit down at the computer. Enjoy!
That's a pretty good list, but I came into this thread looking for some respect for The Decemberists =(
Basically The Decemberists are a breath of fresh air, bringing back the art of story telling back into music; reminiscent to Johnny Cash to an extent. Ever since they were first formed in Portland, Oregon, they're music has always changed. Their latest album http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crane_Wife is slated for release on October 3, 2006, however it was leaked, and is now available through "other means". I'd definately reccomend any of their albums, to any fans of 'old' music. Where musical talent, and lyrical ability actually matters.
All new music production is leaked these days. You can always find a band's new album through piracy, which I do not recommend anyone to do. Decemberists are pretty good, remind me of a couple of French artists.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting M Two One:</div><div class="quote_post">All new music production is leaked these days. You can always find a band's new album through piracy, which I do not recommend anyone to do. Decemberists are pretty good, remind me of a couple of French artists.</div> Well yeah...but I couldn't help myself. I'm gonna get the CD as soon as it's out...but it was too good to wait
Oh I don't blame you I did it once before with a band, but I bought the album anyway in the end. I like to have official album art and all that jazz.
THank you for the tips. Doves and Stellastarr are both great. I also like INTERPOL (best rock band of the last few years) GOMEZ CHARLATANS SHE WANTS REVENGE TV ON THE RADIO THE SEA AND CAKE
I like all of your suggestions as well. Interpol however, to me they're just a bit too much of the same, each album. When I suggest them to people I often only suggest their best work and that's about it because then if you hear everything - basically all the same. I just can't stand that track C'mere. Good taste in music though and if you have more please post 'em up. I'll have to check out The Sea and Cake.
Roll Deep. They are a grime group from East London. Grime fits in the same category as rap music. Invalid Video Link
^ Yea, I've listened to them before. I think they had a song in FIFA, which is how I probably found them.
<div class="quote_poster">Laker_fan Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Roll Deep. They are a grime group from East London. Grime fits in the same category as rap music. Invalid Video Link</div> that is NICE...so this is where all the good black artists have gone
<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Half Asleep A Belgian band that is completely original and dynamic with their cult music. They tend to focus on the energy that the piano naturally produces while adding some more tempo or flavor to the songs with well written lyrics that have yet to be matched on originality based on what I hear today. The opening track is a very soft and repeating piece that allows you to prepare for what's to come ahead with amazing tracks like "Un Quart" and "D'invisibles Courtisants." No matter which genre of music you tend to like if you want to get into this band the only real way to do so is to sit down and concentrate on every song. If I could sum this band up into one word it would be "genius." The best part? Their entire album, (We Are Now) Seated In Profile, is free from their official website. Just follow the link below. Official website: http://www.halfasleep.be/ Download the album: Click here </div> Wow. They're so good, and so eerie.....
http://www.last.fm/music/Ghost+Trio http://www.kiilto.net/ghosttrio/music.php Possibly my new ob(po)session.
More new music for your ears. The band to save American indie rock music has arrived and they're called Cities. Hailing from Chapel Hill and even attendies of UNC they released their debut album in April this year and even released a top notch remix album not too long ago to boost. They've been compared to the Killers and Interpol only with a more enthusiastic sound and "1000 x better." Get into the sound now because in a few years this will be the biggest band in the United States and possibly in their genre worldwide. Official Site - http://citiesmusic.com/ MySpace Site with full tracks - http://www.myspace.com/citiesnc If you want to buy their music I highly suggest purchasing the albums at their Record Label site. There you can get both of their albums for only 17 dollars plus shipping. International shipping is quite cheap at under 7 dollars. Some of many, many reviews below ---- "North Carolinas Cities, supporting their new Yep Roc disc, play tight, dramatic indie rock fueled by a singer whos surprisingly comfy in the falsetto range." -Time Out New York "These Cities boys are Americas next great rock hope."-The Big Takeover "The songs on Cities are not all down-tempo, but there is a haunting aspect to Cities musicwhich is what solidifies this record as very much a part of the recovery of American indie rock." -Amazon.com "Cities reveal a well-written complex rock record, which comes together effortlessly." -Risen "So Cities. I like this record. I've listened to it a number of times this weekend and it's pretty good. But it reminds me of my reaction to Wolfmother after seeing them and listening to them a few times. It's good and fun and all...refreshingly not like everything else out there..." -Centralvillage.blogs.com
^ very nice. I listened to Writing on the Wall, gonna listen to the rest; I just hope it's as good. edit- it is. I'm definitely going to buy this.
I also highly suggest Godspeed You! Black Emperor - http://www.brainwashed.com/godspeed/music.html Persephone's Bees - http://www.gotanproject.com/videos.php?lang=en The Coral - http://www.thecoral.co.uk/
Harry and the Potters. It's these two kids who sing songs about Harry Potter. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Harry and the Potters are an indie wizard rock band from Norwood, Massachusetts who formed in 2002. The band consists of brothers Joe (19 years) and Paul (27 years) DeGeorge. Inspired by the J.K. Rowling book series, Harry Potter, the two band members dress and claim to be the book's titular character, Joe being Harry of Year 4, while Paul is Harry of Year 7. They released their self-titled first album in July 2003 and, their second album, Voldemort Can't Stop the Rock!, was recorded in May and June of 2004. Their third full length album, Harry and the Potters and the Power of Love, was recorded between February and June of 2006. They have also done a Holiday compilation CD with several other "wizard rock" bands called A Magical Christmas of Magic. Georg Pedersen designed the artwork for their full-length albums, and comic artist Dave Roman designed the art work for their holiday CD, A Magical Christmas of Magic.</div> Source It's actually kinda disturbing.
