(Reposted from a couple weeks ago)
Because I am extremely pretentious when it comes to music (lawl) and because a friend told me that he has no one to introduce him to new music – I thought I would go ahead and start a regular posting of what albums I’m currently into.
Disclaimer: By no means am I stating these bands are “OMG new hot bands”. Some of them have been around awhile and I either just discovered them or I’m still listening to them. Some of them are local. Some of them are a bit strange and take some getting used to. I make no promises that because I’m into them, you will be too. Without further ado….
1) Band of Horses – Everything All The Time (2006)
Classic indie rock. This was their debut album last year, and they just released another album last month which is a little more country/folkesque. This album has been on repeat for a few weeks now. If you listen to only one song out of this entire list, make sure to listen to “The Funeral” all the way through. It is a haunting, beautiful, powerful song. The breakdown at the end takes my breath away.
2) Of Montreal- Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? (2007)
No album has been on repeat the last couple of months like this one. It is catchy song after catchy song. Picking the genre of these guys is damn near impossible. From Wikipedia – “The group has a style that is typical of many Elephant 6 bands due to its interest in combining musical experimentation and the basic tenets of pop, such as catchy melodies and sing-along choruses. The band’s style has been influenced by not only more conventional indie pop and psychedelic music, but also by vaudeville and music hall on their earlier releases and by afrobeat, funk, krautrock and reggae in their more recent releases.” Give these tracks a listen, and when you’re done – buy all their albums.
3) Animal Collective – Strawberry Jam (2007)
Experimental/noise-rock/psychfolk band out of New York. Not a band that you listen to for the lyrics, open up your mind and listen to what these guys do with instruments that most people don’t even think of doing. Definitely a top album of 2007.
4) Beirut – The Flying Club Cup (2007)
21 year old Frontman Zach Condon isn’t new to music by any means. His first solo album was released at the age of 16, and this is his second album released with his full band. His unique voice and beautiful harmonies + the variety of the instruments on the album (accordion, harmonica, organ, ukelele, cello, sax, mandolin, trumpet, violin, etc.) make this an exciting listen. Check it out.
5) The Decemberists – The Crane Wife (2006)
Easily my favorite album of 2006, this album is phenomenal from start to finish. Picking a few songs is almost impossible. I have probably listened to this over 100 times this year, and don’t intend on stopping anytime soon. Unfortunately they cancelled the second half of their tour and I had to get a refund for my tickets otherwise I’d be seeing them this weekend. Anyway, this band shot quickly up to my top 3 favorites of all times…they are just the epitome of songwriting skills.
6) Arcade Fire – Neon Bible (2007)
Another top album of 2007, although I must admit that I’ve been listening to their debut album “Funeral” just as much lately. This band was formed by a husband and wife team and has a huge collective membership of different musicians who tour with them. Also one of the best live bands to go see.
7) The Owls – Daughters and Suns (2007)
A local indie/folk band out of my hometown, Twin Cities. I’d love the chance to see these guys live. I’m a huge fan of their female singer’s voice (I am such a sucker for harmonies!)
Sunset Rubdown – Random Spirit Lover (2007)
Catchy catchy catchy. Remind me a lot of better Modest Mouse. Their singer is from Wolf Parade, which are another great indie band.
9) Dear and the Headlights – Small Steps, Heavy Hooves (2007)
Sort of an emo/indie hybrid, this band is incredibly talented and quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The track “It’s Gettin Easy” is amazing.
10) Windmill - Puddle City Racing Lights (2007)
Epic is the only word to explain these guys. One of the best new bands in a long time.
Check out the playlist above or click on these artist’s Myspaces to listen to more.
Tami Baribeau is the Associate Producer for Metaplace, Inc, currently working on Island Life. She is also the Lead Editor of feminist gaming blog The Border House, and the National Facebook Games Examiner for Examiner.com. She can be reached on Twitter or by email.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
OOooo I had never heard of Sunset Rubdown, I will definetly check them out now. I thoroughly approve of most of your list, though for some reason Animal Collective just doesn’t do it for me. Good picks!
Where the hell is Coheed on this list????
Big Decemberists and Arcade Fire guy myself.
The Decemberists’ “The Mariner’s Revenge” has become of my favorite “story” songs of all time. Nice tunes, Cuppy. I’m going to have to give Windmill some more attention for sure.
Who the hell is Bildoo!?
That first song is one of the songs in Skate that I loved but could never remember to look up after I finished playing the game. Now I am going to have to buy that CD!