I have recently rediscovered my love for this band called Vex Red. I currently have their CD playing on shuffle repeat.
They're kind of...I don't know how to describe it. And the recommendation bands that come up with it aren't anywhere close.
They're described as having "hard rocking riffs and "raving electronic melodies." Sort of alternative-ish. Anyways, they're really good. I don't even know if they're still together or not.
What bands do you like that not many other people might've ever heard?
-pH
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Ordered approximately by how much I enjoy them:
The Meligrove Band Novillero MSTRKRFT Metric Beneath Augusta Controller.Controller
There's some great stuff happening in the Canadian indie scene these days. Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
um... Keller Williams is excellent. North Mississippi Allstars is great Southern Blues Rocky Mountain Yonder String Band is great Bluegrass i should hope that everyone knows Ween, they are fantastic. G. Love and Special Sauce are excellent hip hop/blues/jazz too many to name...
Posted by SC Carver (Member # 8173) on :
My Morning Jacket Sufjan Stevens FoxyMorons
I got "Z" by My Morning Jacket about a month ago and I haven't been able to stop listening to it. A great album from start to finish. I don't really know how to describe it. A melodic mix of rock influences with haunting vocals.
Posted by solo (Member # 3148) on :
twinky took several of mine but I will add:
Wintersleep - check out the video for their song "Fog". It is very cool.
the smalls were a very cool Punk/Metal with a bit of country thrown in band from Alberta. They broke up years ago but I still listen to them quite a bit.
Christine Fellows is really impressing me lately. Sort of alternative folk. Her voice reminds me of Lisa Loeb a bit but her music isn't as mainstream.
Buck 65 is great, laid-back hip-hop from eastern Canada.
Stars - Set Yourself On Fire album is really solid.
Drive-By Truckers are great gritty Country-Rock.
Bend Sinister seem to be making some great prog-metal. I've only heard three songs so far but I will track down more.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
quote:Originally posted by SC Carver: Sufjan Stevens
Seen him in concert. Twice.
I don't know many music groups that most people haven't heard of. I'll ask my sister.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
I also like Action Action. From what I hear, however, they're becoming increasingly popular.
I like how synthpop has mutated and is coming back.
-pH
Posted by 0range7Penguin (Member # 7337) on :
For all I know people may be very familiar with them because I live in a hole when it comes to pop culture but here are two groups i just came across.
1. Nightwish- They are a rock opera mix. FOr all those that like metal music without the screaming.
2. THe Clancy Brothers-Irish drinking songs. Great fun to listen to.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
I'm fond of:
1) Dropbox
2) Dizmas
Posted by SC Carver (Member # 8173) on :
I'll second "Drive by Truckers" especially the Decoration Day CD
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Holy crap, solo, those Bend Sinister songs are awesome. I have got to move to Vancouver. The Toronto scene is good, but Vancouver is just something else.
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
Anouar Brahem Susana Baca Ben Neill Horace Silver Peace Orchestra Samite BT Los Fabulosos Cadillacs The Atoll Propellerheads Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet Ghazal
Anyone who's ever heard any of those people, I'll give you a hundred doll hairs.
(dang, that joke works so much better when it's not written down.)
[edit: Just for the record, I didn't solely select these people for their obscurity, although they do work well for that. They're also all on my 100% guaranteed groovy list. So if you see any of their CDs in the store, I'll stake my reputation that they're worth the money.]
[ March 24, 2006, 10:38 PM: Message edited by: Baron Samedi ]
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
Los Fabulosos did that song... matador? I seem to remember it reaching some popularity a while back. Got some airplay down in Paraguay.
Oh, and to contribute: not that this is music that no one has ever heard of, but The Decemberists and Sufjan Stevens are both out of this world.
Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
I just discovered Gram Parsons about a month ago. Of course, I'd heard of him - who hasn't, what with how he went out at Joshua Tree and all - but I hadn't ever heard any of his music and known it was him. But I found a biography of him at the library and read it, and became intrigued by the descriptions of his music. So I went shopping and came up with a compilation CD of his two solo albums, GP and Grievous Angel, as well as a greatest hits compilation from his time with the Flying Burrito Brothers.
Amazing. A lot of his stuff sounds like straight country. But not. He had a compelling voice, and he wrote some intriguing lyrics. The duets he sang with Emmylou Harris on his solo albums...it is simply amazing how their voices blended. Their duet on "Love Hurts" on Grievous Angel may be the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. And for my money, he sings the definitive version of the Stones "Wild Horses"; that was on one of the Burritos' albums.
I read somewhere that people either "get" Parsons' music or they don't. Well, I definitely get it.
Posted by Ben (Member # 6117) on :
White Hot Water Music may have played their last song as a band, everybody but one regrouped in the new band The Draft. So good.
that is all...
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
quote: too many to name...
Ditto that. Though my recent obsession has been Mr. Lif (yeah yeah, not obscure, but his new cd is ace).
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
Pinback (technically complex pop songs about life, love, and the internet) Common Rotation (like Barenaked Ladies, but better) Mad Caddies (take every genre of music of the last 50 years, put in a blender) Stars (dreamy synthpop with lovely boy-girl vocals) The Rentals (simply put, the best Moog-based band ever) Dresden Dolls (piano-based punk cabaret) Ozma (the Weezer soundalikes who ended up beating Weezer at their own game) Quasi (featuring the "rocksichord" and Sleater-Kinney's drummer) Blonde Redhead (haunting Asian-influenced indie pop) Deathray (ludicrously catchy power pop) Yellow Second (more ludicrously catchy power pop) Get Him Eat Him (indie pop powered by vocoders!)
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
I've heard Blond Redhead before, but isn't it Redhead Blonde? Theya re cool, but the woman has a voice that sometimes makes my teeth ache because it's just so high and cold. I have also heard Dresden Dolls. People need to hear DIR EN GREY. they currectly playing the FVT. They are so GOOD. They are my favourite most exciting band EVER. I love them. There are also some other bands I like but I can't think of thier names right now. There's individuals like Veda Hille. She has this whole folk thing going on. I need to buy her cd. I heard it when I had my own radio station and it was pretty good and disturbing and had just enough blood ot make it good.
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
Nope, it's definitely Blonde Redhead. Both singers definitely have idiosyncratic voices, but that's part of the appeal. Their vocal timbres really add to the desolate feel of the music.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
I do like the texture of their music a lot. They had a lot of lovely guitars. Which makes me think of Anja Garbarek because I heard her around the same time. SHe's the daughter of Jan Garbarek who played saxaphone with the Hilliard Ensemble. She has a spiffy song with a lovely guitar in it called I won't Hurt You. Her voice is high and cool. I'm trying to find more stuff with women with high nice voices and electronic instruments or guitars.
Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
I agree with Twinky. The Canadian scene, particularly in Montreal, has some great things happening such as: God Speed You Black Emperor! Do Make Say Think The Black Ox Orkestar Non-Canadian obscure things I love: Disrobe-Local Chicago DIY Thrash/Punk/Metal Ferdinand Fox-Local Chicago Pop/Funk/Rock/Rap (Both have MySpace pages, check 'em out) Mike Patton and all his fun projects like Peeping Tom and Fantomas Random Bollywood soundtracks because the female vocals truly amaze me.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Luet, you are my new best friend.
Posted by Libbie (Member # 9529) on :
Oingo Boingo. Easily the world's best and most versatile band.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Ohhh, I love them. But if you think they're the most versatile, try some of Luet's bands Posted by Earendil18 (Member # 3180) on :
Eric Whitacre = choral Yoko Kanno = omnivore
'nuff said.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
(Canadian Alternative bands)
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
quote:Originally posted by Synesthesia: I do like the texture of their music a lot. They had a lot of lovely guitars. Which makes me think of Anja Garbarek because I heard her around the same time. SHe's the daughter of Jan Garbarek who played saxaphone with the Hilliard Ensemble. She has a spiffy song with a lovely guitar in it called I won't Hurt You. Her voice is high and cool. I'm trying to find more stuff with women with high nice voices and electronic instruments or guitars.
Jan Garbarek's daughter is making music? I like Jan. Of course, he's got about a million albums out, and if you don't find the right one you're likely to be irritated or bored to tears. But if you do find the right one, you won't know what hit you.
In fact, one of his best albums was a duet with Anouar Brahem, who I listed in my last post.
Anyway, if she's got any of her father's talent, she might just be worth checking out. Thanks for the tip. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I like Gram Parsons, too.
Things many people haven't heard of that I like... Lessee...
Dry Branch Fire Squad Stan Rogers Kate Wolf John McCusker Iris DeMent (especially her first two albums) Niamh Parsons
There are many more I can't think of off the top of my head. Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
Brendan Canty and Lois Maffeo are cool. Brendan Canty used to be in Fugazi which is another band I like. Then there is Ida. Their music makes me think small old houses with peeling paint
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
quote:Originally posted by vonk: um... Keller Williams is excellent. North Mississippi Allstars is great Southern Blues Rocky Mountain Yonder String Band is great Bluegrass i should hope that everyone knows Ween, they are fantastic. G. Love and Special Sauce are excellent hip hop/blues/jazz too many to name...
Vonk, have you seen John Hiatt with the North Mississippi All Stars?
Other bands I like that you might like:
The Avett Brothers Donna the Buffalo Sam Bush The Horse Flies The Red Stick Ramblers Jackie Greene
Posted by Elmer's Glue (Member # 9313) on :
They Might Be Giants.
Posted by Avadaru (Member # 3026) on :
Sam Roberts On Architecture in Helsinki A.C. Newman John Vanderslice Mike Doughty
I am really into Under the Influence of Giants right now.
-pH
Posted by Celaeno (Member # 8562) on :
quote:Originally posted by Baron Samedi: BT
Anyone who's ever heard any of those people, I'll give you a hundred doll hairs.
(dang, that joke works so much better when it's not written down.)
I have two BT tracks on my computer, but you can keep your hundred doll hairs.
Solo, I've seen Stars in concert. I think I need to hear them again, though. It was a bad venue and we couldn't hear well. I was unimpressed, but I doubt that was their fault.
And for something completely different, try Keali'i Reichel.
Posted by Eduardo St. Elmo (Member # 9566) on :
So here's my two (3) bits:
Cosmic Dealer (dutch rock band from the 70's. only produced one album "Crystallization"; reminiscent of Jethro Tull [that's mostly because of the flute]) Flairck (aspire to combine folk music and classical pieces; essentially a string band [guitar, violin, fiddle, etc.]) Vernon Reid ("Mistaken Identity", lots of sampling and very cool guitar riffs)
Posted by sarfa (Member # 579) on :
I can never resist a music thread. Some bands that I've "discovered" in the past few of years (and I use the term loosely, as none of them are all that obscure).
I'll second both Stars and Pinback
Stars - an incredibly catchy mellow, indie/pop band.
Pinback - an indie-rock band that uses some pretty interesting guitar textures and rhythms. Reminiscent of some late 90's indie-bands like No Knife or The Casket Lottery, but a little more mellow.
Minus the Bear- a great indie-rock band with some very interesting guitar work (lot's of unique tapping) and they play around a little with time signatures.
Dredg - these guys sort of sound like a mix between Tool, U2, and Pink Floyd, with a hint of jazz. Great vocals & rhythm section and some really dynamic, effect-heavy guitar work. If you want them at their best, get "el cielo." Their newest album "Catch Without Arms" is really good too, but is a little more straight forward (less Pink Floyd and Jazz influence). warning: the vocals on the first album "leitmotif" aren't up to the standards of the other two albums, though the CD is still really good.
Posted by solo (Member # 3148) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ben: White Hot Water Music may have played their last song as a band, everybody but one regrouped in the new band The Draft. So good.
that is all...
I hadn't heard about this. Very cool.
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
sarfa- Sounds like we have pretty similar tastes! I totally forgot to mention Minus the Bear. They played a free show at my school last year, and were even better live than they are on record- one of the tightest bands I've ever seen. And they have the best song titles ever... I will never forget the experience that was seeing "Monkey!! Knife!! Fight!!" and "Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse" performed live.
Pinback is fantastic live, as well. Their bassist is incredibly talented- he can effectively play the bassline, lead "guitar" lines, and sing simultaneously. Really jaw-dropping to watch in person.
Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
I'm fond of Firewater, and I'll second someone else's Dresden Dolls rec from somewhere upthread.
Posted by solo (Member # 3148) on :
To add some more:
Rodrigo y Gabriela - A classical guitar duo from Ireland via Mexico. They play incredibly intricate stuff and do some covers including Orion by Metallica and Stairway to Heaven by Led Zep.
Explosions in the Sky - Primarily an instrumental rock band. They did the music for Friday Night Lights (The movie and at least some of the upcoming TV series). They have one album that is available for free download on their website.
The Unicorns - Another Canadian product. This band has broken up now but the album that I have is pretty solid. I would compare them to the Flaming Lips.
Joel Plaskett - Canadian indie rock/pop/country. This guy writes some great tunes that are catchy without being annoying. I especially love the songs Natural Disaster and Love This Town.
Jawbreaker - Anyone who listens to 90s punk and on should definitely know about Jawbreaker and if they don't, they should check them out. These guys made some of the best music in the genre. Very underrated.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
Men Women and Children have a great disco-y song called Dance in my Blood I like a lot. And the Exit has a song called Don't Push. Its reggae-ish
Posted by sarfa (Member # 579) on :
Tarrsk - I haven't had the opportunity to see Pinback live yet, but I did get to see Minus the Bear this year at Coachella (with Tool, Coheed & Cambria, and Bloc Party). They were great, in fact, that was the first time I had heard of them and I immediately went out and bought everything they had ever put out.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Gah, I hate Coheed. I am also annoyed with them for confusing me as to their gender. Much like my annoyance with the new Justin Timberlake song. IT IS NOT MY FAULT YOU SOUND LIKE A GIRL, JUSTIN. Especially when you are talking about bondage and have a VERY MASCULINE sounding co-vocalist. But when I pretend you are a girl, the song is not as confusing to me. Maybe a bisexual girl, when I listen to the lyrics, but a girl.
/rant.
-pH
Posted by Celaeno (Member # 8562) on :
sarfa, you went to Coachella? Oh, jealousy. I'm trying to make it out next year.
Posted by Javert (Member # 3076) on :
Common Rotation...very good, silly folksy stuff, with one or two very beautiful songs thrown in...and they do an awesome cover of Karma Chamaeleon. (I probably spelled that wrong) Oh, and the lead singer is Adam Busch, the guy who played Warren on "Buffy".
Shinedown - Good, old fashioned rock, with some songs a bit softer and some a bit harder. Somewhat mainstream, but there are a lot of people I know who haven't heard of them. There are a few good tracks on their first album, but the second is solid the whole way thru. And some of their acoustic tracks are their best.
Posted by Ben (Member # 6117) on :
Jawbreaker's Accident Prone is what I am using as framework on an essay about my Denver Experiences.
Posted by kojabu (Member # 8042) on :
twinky: Metric had a song play on Grey's Anatomy and I'm so obsessed with it now. One of the songs was "Police and Private" and I think another one was "Monster Hospital"
Posted by jasonepowell (Member # 1600) on :
I like Jawbreaker too, but I also like their emo little brother Jets to Brazil (RIP).
Other more esoteric bands I've been digging lately:
Old 97's - Alt Rock Country. Great band. Their live record is fantastic. The Sounds - love their cd, it's a pop/punk/new wavey extravaganza. Listen to "Song With a Mission". It's a frickin' audiovirus. No joke. Third'd for Drive By Truckers Neko Case - on the more country side of alt-country. Camera Obscura - another sort of new wavey dream pop group, with a fantastic singer.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
The Drive By Truckers are coming here, but on a Wednesday night, dagnabbit.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Lately I've been listening to a lot of Heavy Crüde. They're the group that did most of the music for Hiatus, and they're as freaking amazing as every other element of that show would have been.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
I'm so with you on that, Noemon.
-pH
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Have you heard the bootleg of their Hiatus-themed concert? Fantastic stuff; Nils Östergård's solo in Venture: Earthfall is absolutely breath-taking.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Nope, but I did get the live album. I usually hate live albums, but this one was amazing! What a tragedy we'll never get to see them play.
-pH
Posted by sarfa (Member # 579) on :
pH- Claudio may sound like girl, but that girl (err, guy) can sing, and they are all tremendous musicians who write the most technical yet catchy rock music I have ever heard.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
SIA! You got to hear her. They used her song in a that so you think you can dance show and in other places like the last episode of 6 Feet Under. She has sung with Zero 7. She's great! Her CD Colour the Small one has great texture in its songs.
Posted by sarfa (Member # 579) on :
Here are some other great bands that you may or may not have heard (most of which have broken up). I know I've posted many of these before (years ago), so many of you who were around back then will probably remember some of these.
The Mars Volta - While they have gotten some radio play (and are currently on tour with the Chilli Peppers), they're still relatively unkown. My favorite band out there right now. An Indie, jazz influenced Pink Floyd. If you get the chance, see them live.
Elliot - (NOT to be confused with Elliot Smith)Great indie band that put out 3 very diferent CD's. All 3 are great, but check out False Cathedrals for their best work.
Mineral - Mid-90's indie/emo band. powerful stuff and helped shape the sound of the early emo scene.
The Gloria Record - ex-members of Mineral. They have a very cool, mellow, ambient sound (kind of 80's influenced).
Sunny Day Real Estate - The band that really started the whole emo thing in the early 90's. Their later 2 CD's are a bit of a departure from their first 2, but equally good.
The Fire Theft - Most of the original line-up of Sunny Day Real Estate (minus guitarist/songwriter Dan Hoerner). If you like the later Sunny Day sound, buy this record.
Further Seems Forever - excellent guitar melodies and vocals (despite having 3 different singers on their 3 albums). Some fairly sophisticated song structuring in there too.
Give Until Gone - Terrific Orange County band. If you can find the CD Settled for the Art Official buy it. Versatile little emo band with some really good musicianship (the vocals are a litle sketchy though).
Rilo Kiley - Sometimes alt-country, sometimes indie. Very versatile. Their quality is up and down, but they have written some really good songs.
No Knife - Great guitar sounds and textures from this band.
Far - 90's post hardcore band. Very Simple, but powerful (especially the vocals).
Texas is the Reason - mid-90's emo/post-hardcore. simple, catchy, good.
Stavesacre - You may have to look past the Christian rhetoric with these guys, but they are a powerful hardrock band with some post-hardcore roots. Great vocals.
Sparta - Ex-members of At the Drive In (the ones that didn't go to the Mars Volta). great indie-rock, but it took me a while to get used to the vocals. You know, I never liked At the Drive In , but I really like both the bands spawned by it's demise. kinda weird.
Zwann - Short lived post Smashing Pumpkins project for Billy Corgan (and Jimmy Chamberlain). More laid back with more texture than the Pumpkins.
Cave In - Great band, but you have to be careful when buying their albums. Their first 2 are screaming metal-core; decent, but not for the faint of heart. They went through a huge metamorphosis and completely changed their sound after those first 2 records. Buy Antenna , Jupiter , and Tides of Tomorrow (in that order) for some of the best rock you will ever hear. Big guitars with some spacey effects. Stay away from the album Perfect Pitch Black though. Horrible stuff on that one.
Open Hand - good rock. nuff said.
Sensefield - really good post-punk/emo band. Great vocals and melodies (and the tallest lead singer I have ever seen, he's at least 6'8", who was also the last lead singer for Further Seems Forever).
Posted by solo (Member # 3148) on :
I'm listening to Jupiter by Cave In right now. I'll second the recommendation there.
I have to disagree about At The Drive-In though. I like Sparta and The Mars Volta but neither live up to At The Drive-In to me.
The only Sunny Day Real Estate album that I love is Diary.
Posted by Tarrsk (Member # 332) on :
A few more:
The Reputation - fantastic girl-led power pop with a nice mixture of guitars and moody piano. Sarge - the former band of The Reputation's lead singer/ primary songwriter; pretty much the same thing except with more of a pop-punk edge. Rx Bandits - punk and reggae meets prog rock. Ratatat - instrumental electronica rock, with a sound reminiscent of old 16-bit Nintendo systems on crack.
Posted by Ben (Member # 6117) on :
The only Sunny Day album I can listen to from start to finish is Rising Tide. Others I can listen to some songs off each album at a time, but not as a whole.
And I wouldn't say that Elliot's False Cathedrals is that different from Song in the Air.
I would second Open Hand. My friend sara sent me an ep six years ago and it rocked my face off. I have since bought their "album" The Dream,which as essentially eps packaged together as one record, and their You and Me record.
Dillinger Escape Plan - a math-metal band that I enjoy.
For Squirrels - a band from the early/mid 90s that ended in a carcrash. One album titled Example. so good.
Guns N Roses: A band from the late 80s early 90s that stood out from the rest of the glam metal acts due to solid songwriting and guitarwork. Their Guitarists signature was a top hat and big glasses. The singer had long red hair. They had a few minor hits, but never really broke through to become superstars. maybe someday their genius will be appreciated.
2 Skinnee J's - Fun nerdcore rap band.
Lake Trout - best described as live Drum and Bass.
Dr. Ring Ding and the Senior Allstars - A fantastic ska/reggae band from the now defunct Moon Ska label. Plus the singer was german. That amuses me for some reason. Very underappreciated.
[ August 31, 2006, 08:18 AM: Message edited by: Ben ]
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
quote:Originally posted by solo: I have to disagree about At The Drive-In though. I like Sparta and The Mars Volta but neither live up to At The Drive-In to me.
Really? Someone once convinced me to pick up their album In Casino Out, and I'll never forgive them. It's a serious contender for least favorite album in my whole collection. I can't get two songs into that thing without wanting to stab someone in the eye with an icepick. I once listened to about 2/3 of that disc at a stretch and I felt like I'd run a marathon.
So what is it about them that you find appealing? Please, take some of the mystery out of it for me. Because up until now I just assumed it was recommended to me as a cruel practical joke.
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
quote:Originally posted by kojabu: twinky: Metric had a song play on Grey's Anatomy and I'm so obsessed with it now. One of the songs was "Police and Private" and I think another one was "Monster Hospital"
I saw Metric live this summer. They were at the same festival where I saw Massive Attack, DJ Shadow, Gnarls Barkley, The Flaming Lips, Bob Mould and The Who.
I can't say the show turned me into a big fan, but they were okay. After their gig they came into the crowd and stood about 10 feet from us for the Gnarls Barkley set. They are, if nothing else, a fairly attractive assemblage of musicians.
Posted by Ben (Member # 6117) on :
I love In Casino Out. one of their appeals was the bands the live set. When they were around, I had never seen a band work as hard as they did on stage. Those guys poured everything they had out on stage and then some.
But their albums are great as well (i still listen regularly). I think it's just their energy pours out through the speakers even then. Their passion for music is obvious and they have alot of fun. Their lyrics are outrageous though.
Posted by Eldrad (Member # 8578) on :
quote:Originally posted by Luet13: I agree with Twinky. The Canadian scene, particularly in Montreal, has some great things happening such as: God Speed You Black Emperor! Do Make Say Think The Black Ox Orkestar Non-Canadian obscure things I love: Disrobe-Local Chicago DIY Thrash/Punk/Metal Ferdinand Fox-Local Chicago Pop/Funk/Rock/Rap (Both have MySpace pages, check 'em out) Mike Patton and all his fun projects like Peeping Tom and Fantomas Random Bollywood soundtracks because the female vocals truly amaze me.
It's Godspeed You! Black Emperor
But joking aside, I second this recommendation and also recommend their side project, The Silver Mt. Zion Orchestra and Tra-La-La Band.
Someone mentioned Dance in My Blood by Men Women and Children; that's not their only good song, as their self-titled album is really fantastic.
I'm going to third Cave In as well, as their non-metal stuff is really quite good. My roommate last year is very much into metal and also likes their other albums, as well as Dillinger, so for those of you who like metal, it'd be good to check them out, as well as Converge and Thrice.
There's a band called Murder By Death that's also really fantastic. They're largely acoustic, with a singer who sounds quite similar to Johnny Cash (they actually have a song called Sometimes the Line Walks You).
I absolutely must recommend Porcupine Tree. They're a small British group with something like a dozen albums in their discography. A lot of their earlier stuff isn't so good, but more recent albums like Deadwing and In Absentia are among my favorites of all time. They're prog rock with breathy vocals, and it's beautiful.
Somewhat similar is Opeth and their album Damnation. They're pretty well-known on the metal scene, as I understand it, but Damnation takes a softer instrumental approach with some of the most beautiful vocals I've ever heard.
The Seatbelts are also pretty good; their music is all over the place, so it's difficult to describe, but for those of you who have seen Cowboy Bebop, they did the music for the show.
I've just started to get into a group called Ted Leo & The Pharmacists. They're a rock/indie group that are definitely worth checking out.
Seconding They Might Be Giants, though they're pretty well-known, if I remember right.
Someone mentioned Zero 7 above, and I highly recommend that as well. It's pretty varied, too, so the best way to describe their music is to tell you to listen to it.
For those of you who like Celtic music, Battlefield Band is amazing. They have a huge discography, and everything I've heard by them is superb.
For those of you who like Pink Floyd (so I guess mostly everyone, right?), you might be interested in checking out Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music. They were on the music scene around the same time and influenced each other pretty heavily, if I remember right.
Another band metal fans might like is a band started in my hometown of Parkersburg called Zao. Most, if not all, of the original members are gone now, but they're good as far as metal goes (heck, I mostly can't stand to listen to metal, but I can tolerate Zao pretty well). Oh, there's also Glassjaw (metal) and their side project Head Automatica (dancepop). HA's quite good, and I hear good things about Glassjaw from people who like that genre.
As for a few artists that you all probably already know, John Mayer recently teamed up with Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino for the John Mayer Trio, and it is wonderful stuff. A lot of people learned about Modest Mouse from their album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, but even though it's a great album, it is not their best; check out The Moon & Antarctica in particular, though they've got quite a lot of work in their name. I'm also going to have to say that I very much prefer The Mars Volta to At The Drive-In; I think he does better vocal work and that there's somewhat more depth and variation to the instrumentation with The Mars Volta than there is with At The Drive-In.
I'm sure most of you know about it already, but for those of you who don't, Pandora, an internet radio station, is an absolutely fantastic way to listen to and to research some of the suggestions made here. It's free, and it can also help you learn of even more artists you haven't heard of before.
Edit: I also want to add that I both love and hate these posts. I love them because of all the new music, I hate them because I'm busy for months afterwards trying out so much different stuff and so I don't listen to a lot of the great stuff I already have.
Posted by sarfa (Member # 579) on :
Ben - I'm surprised at your opinion regarding Elliot. I could maybe understand if you had said U.S. Songs didn't sound that diferent from False Cathedrals, as those two albums have some striking similarities, but False Cathedrals has a very different sound from Songs in the Air. Songs in the Air is a very melow, almost ambient rock album (in fact, many Elliot fans argue that it is too mellow, though I disagree). The 2nd guitarist uses a lot of effects and textured chords (as opposed to the more common single-string, octave-chord, and power chord use on the first 2 records. This is due, in large part, to a change in guitarist) and there is much less crunch and power from both guitars.
Posted by solo (Member # 3148) on :
quote:Originally posted by Baron Samedi:
quote:Originally posted by solo: I have to disagree about At The Drive-In though. I like Sparta and The Mars Volta but neither live up to At The Drive-In to me.
Really? Someone once convinced me to pick up their album In Casino Out, and I'll never forgive them. It's a serious contender for least favorite album in my whole collection. I can't get two songs into that thing without wanting to stab someone in the eye with an icepick. I once listened to about 2/3 of that disc at a stretch and I felt like I'd run a marathon.
So what is it about them that you find appealing? Please, take some of the mystery out of it for me. Because up until now I just assumed it was recommended to me as a cruel practical joke.
I can't comment specifically on In Casino/Out as I haven't listened to it enough to remember specific songs. I would recommend checking out Relationship of Command and Vaya if you want to hear some of their best work.
Why I prefer them to Sparta and The Mars Volta? Probably due to the more raw nature of their sound. The Mars Volta are great when I want to listen to amazing technical guitar playing but they are a little bit self indulgent there. Sparta are a great alternative rock band with excellent tone and an interesting sound (though I lost interest in their second album pretty quickly). At The Drive-In are more punk/post-punk influenced and that is a sound I really enjoy. They were more experimental with sound in general than either of the bands that sprung from their ashes.
Posted by sarfa (Member # 579) on :
Just heard a great band that I had never heard of before.
The Receiving End of Sirens - Dynamic band with big guitars offset by intricate single string melodies as well as mellow, moody, ambient, effects-laden parts. They also like to play around with time signatures from time to time. The only minor drawback is that they occasionally fall into some of the standard screamo stylings, but even those parts are usually pulled off well with something a little extra thrown in to set them apart from your average screamo band.
Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
Sparklehorse. Luke Henley.
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
There's a few groups/artists I didn't bring up in my first post because I only have one or two albums by each of them, so I can't personally vouch for their entire catalogue. But the albums I have are good enough, and the groups/artists obscure enough, that it might fit.
Kila is a modern celtic group. It's mostly instrumental, but with a few vocals here and there when it suits the music. They're fairly experimental, so they probably don't sound like any celtic music you're likely to have heard before. A lot of it sounds like a cross between The Chieftains and The Gipsy Kings, but of course that doesn't capture it completely. And they have ways of throwing in curveballs. For example, you can listen to the piece that convinced me to buy the album here. [click on the link that reads "Listen to The Hour Before Dawn"] Be warned, this track doesn't really sound like anything else on the album. It's utterly brilliant, but in a totally different way.
While you're at the link from the last paragraph, the next track down is by a Ugandan musician named Samite. Again, this song is much simpler than most of his work, dispensing with the percussive African polyrhythms that feature prominently in his albums. But it's still breathtaking, a tribute to the musician's late wife that communicates his feelings toward her with crystal clarity, even though you won't understand any of the words. I liked that track enough that I ended up buying two of his albums, and they're both amazing from start to finish.
Going back to the Celtic sound, or at least somewhere near it, there's a musician from Norway named Annbjorg Lien. She plays the violin and a similar instrument called the Hardingfele. Her music has traditional Nordic roots with a fresh modern approach. It sounds sort of like if Edvard Grieg were a rock star. The compositions are first-rate, and they're augmented by brilliant performances, full of character, soul and energy. Baba Yaga is the album I own, and it's highly recommended.
Speaking of Norwegian music, Jaga Jazzist are pretty damn sweet themselves. They're from the same country as Lien, but you'd never guess it from their music. They're a 10-piece acid-jazz combo with great chops in both jazz and techno. If you can imagine a jam session with Charles Mingus, Aphex Twin, John Coltrane and Stereolab, you might have some idea what you're in for. I own their album A Livingroom Hush, and anyone with any interest in either jazz or electronica will have a hard time not digging it.
Posted by vwiggin (Member # 926) on :
Jenny Lewis Plain White Ts Tim Hardin Rufus Wainwright Benjamin Wagner Postal Service (actually pretty popular thanks to Grey's Anatomy and Veronica Mars)
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
Wow, I forgot all about this thread since I killed it last time. I'm curious, did anyone listen to Kila or Samite from the NPR link in my last post (two up from this one)? Any opinions, good or bad?
Posted by Mintieman (Member # 4620) on :
I am so jealous of you Baron. Sounds like an amazing festival.
A great band by the name of Okkervil River doesn't get enough kudos. Strong, visceral music with a folksy feel.
The other band I'd like to hype are The Grates. Goddamn good fun pop. Hyper-energetic live and catchy easy music to listen to.
Oh and Mars Volta > ATDI >>> Justin Timberlake > Sparta
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
"While you're at the link from the last paragraph, the next track down is by a Ugandan musician named Samite."
Samite is fabulous. We see him(them) every summer at GrassRoots. In fact, I believe he lives in Ithaca now(or is based there) Richie STearns often joins them for a late night set. He is an old time banjo player. It sounds strange, but it is freaking AMAZING. The banjo came from Africa, anyway.
"a tribute to the musician's late wife that communicates his feelings toward her with crystal clarity, even though you won't understand any of the words."
You are so right! It is very moving.
There are so very many African bands that blow me away. Oliver Mtukudzi is one.
Tinariwen, a gypsy band from Mali(I think) is another. Mamadou Diabate is a third. He plays the kora, which is this giant many-stringed instrument that looks like, well, never mind. It is beautiful and soothing, and the skill for playing it is passed down through generations.
It is interesting to see how African music has evolved from its roots, and to compare it to American music, much of which also evolved from African roots. The roots are strong, for sure. They hold up a mighty huge tree!
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Also, I am seriously addicted to gypsy jazz these days. I saw a performer at Rhythm and Roots, John Jorgenson, who is an American expert in the genre.
If you have never seen the film(mockumentary?) "Sweet and Lowdown," with Sean Penn, rent it now! He is brilliant, and the music is fabulous.
Posted by Baron Samedi (Member # 9175) on :
quote:Originally posted by Elizabeth: Mamadou Diabate is a third. He plays the kora, which is this giant many-stringed instrument that looks like, well, never mind. It is beautiful and soothing, and the skill for playing it is passed down through generations.
HIs he related to this guy? If so, I'm sure he's very good.
Posted by Foust (Member # 3043) on :
Yes, the Canadian music scene is exploding with awesomeness. Two ridiculously huge sources of free, legal music:
He was nominated for the Polaris, and was robbed by that sissy violin player Owen Pallett. K'naan is a refugee from Mogadishu. This album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher, is an unstoppable tour de force. It just never stops being heart stoppingly awesome. See: "If Rap Gets Jealous" and "I Was Stabbed by Satan."
And there's so much more on that site. And did I mention it is FREE and LEGAL?
Oh, and the second source of music, which is kind of like a subset of the first.
The CBC Radio3 podcast. Updates on Fridays; it's an hour long full of the best new Canadian music. If you want your mind blown, open up your itunes and download #69, the Polaris prize episode. All the music comes from New Music Canada, and so yes, it is alllllllll legal.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
These are the taper friendly bands that fit in the "music you don't know" category, but hey, that's the thread! However, if you search the archive, there is tons and tons of music that is being saved from extinction. It is a very cool thing.
[ October 01, 2006, 10:43 AM: Message edited by: Elizabeth ]
Posted by Fitz (Member # 4803) on :
I think anyone who enjoys blues, world music, or guitar sounds in general should check out Ali Farka Toure's Savane.
It's not a genre that I listen to in great abundance, but I'm tempted to call it the best album of 2006.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
That is cool stuff. It is like the African roots of blues redcycled back to Africa. It is a little bit disconcerting, but fascinatingly so! Albums which people make when they know they are dying are awfully powerful.
Another musician who rocks my world is Ernest Ranglin. Yowza.
He was Bob Marley's guitar teacher.
Posted by bluenessuno (Member # 5535) on :
I love the violin played by Kunnakudi – Vaulting With The Strings Daara J – Senegalese rap Cheb Mami – album Dellali provides astounding voice and synth dance beat rhythm Vas reminds me of Dead Can Dance and Enya: voice and atmosphere Konono is amped thumb piano The beautiful sound of the Bulgarian Female Choir on Le Mystere les voix Bulgares Jazz funk of NOMO - New Tones Boubacar Traore – Macire is African Folk Corvus Corax has a wonderful sound and they look bizarre to me Oud player Hamza el Din Oud and violin player Simon Shaheen Scandinavian rock band Dungen (doon-Yen) Allison Shaw’s voice amid Cranes electronic chimes is quiet and beautiful The three voices of Trio Mediaeval Anna Oxygen’s playful All Your Faded Things The rock voices of Scanners (Violence is Golden), Curve (Cuckoo), Duke Spirit (Cuts Across the Land) and Broadcast (Tender Buttons) Coachwhips is abrasive discordant garage punk and I delight in it whereas another band like this would not appeal. Timing? Anyone listened to Mew’s new disc And The Glass Handed Kites. Wainwright’s sister Martha has a very good album. Armenian duduk player Djivan Gasparyan
“Yeah” vote to My Morning Jacket, Pinback, Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Opeth (Have you listened to Ulver? Friend brought my attention to them), Dredg and Oliver Mtukudzi. Nightwish? How about Rain Fell Within and The Gathering? The international music I found from allmusic.com and the samples disc from Global Rhythm magazine (Tinariwen made the cover).
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
I bought the Under the Influence of Giants album this morning, finally. I've been walking into stores and staring at it for a while. I kept telling myself that I could just put it on my mp3 player, but I was worried that I'd get shuffle-happy.
You need this album. Every single song is awesome. And it sounds cool. And there are horns.
-pH
Posted by Launchywiggin (Member # 9116) on :
I'd never heard the band Rogue Wave until recently.
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I am also annoyed with them for confusing me as to their gender. Much like my annoyance with the new Justin Timberlake song. IT IS NOT MY FAULT YOU SOUND LIKE A GIRL, JUSTIN. Especially when you are talking about bondage and have a VERY MASCULINE sounding co-vocalist. But when I pretend you are a girl, the song is not as confusing to me. Maybe a bisexual girl, when I listen to the lyrics, but a girl.