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[Dice]

Avia
Definitely a french electronica group, if you are familiar with the scene you know the cool style that usually comes from there. The best I could do to explain their style is say they are kind of downtempo (in following the strength of french music).

Spy
Pure genius as far as I'm concerned. I didn't come to know him through the car commercial, I kind of stumbled upon him just recently, but WOW. It's very eclectic but all good and somehow fits together just right. The album was apparently released 5 years ago (ahead of his time), I'm not sure if the guy has done anything else since.

The Wiseguys
These guys had a couple big (for the genre) hits a year or two after it came out. I've known them a long time but forgot and was recently reminded of them, they are a really good big beat/house/hiphop mix.

Pheonix
I first heard a track from these guys on the Lost in Translation soundtrack, they are a french band but you'd never know it (aside from the fact you have to import it). This album is very funk/disco with a slight jason mraz feel to it, I really like it a lot. Their second album which came out recently is very different and not nearly as good IMO.

Keane
Just discovered them very recently, they seem to be a big new thing right now so you may have heard of them. They are often compared to Coldplay but I could only see that if your musical knowledge is limited to the last 5 years. They are definitely giving me an older vibe, though I haven't totally nailed down what the influences I'm hearing are. I really love the tone of the vocalist, but he could stand to be more dynamic and have some more power now and then. Still, overall a pretty good band; relaxing, romantic (as in romanticism, not "the mood") feeling stuff.

If you hadn't noticed, amazon recommendations can lead you to nice things if you have the patience to follow them far enough and listen to endless clips.

 

[MrAngryFace]

The Shins - Oh Inverted World/Chutes Too Narrow

Soundtracks - Wicker Park and Garden State

Metric - Old World Underground, Where Are you Now?

 

[moist]

Might be kinda hard to find but it's very much worth it.



Edit:

also check out Children of Bodom if you wanna hear some badass dualing guitar/keyboard solos.

 

[Dice]

Oooo I listened to some stuff from Metric and I loooove it, it definitely fits in with the rest of the stuff I've been listening to.

You know it may seem like there is a big retro comeback happening, but I think it's just a return to simplicity and nice clean sounds. As technology advanced alternative styles ran rampant and people tried to mix genres everywhere, often making a nasty mess. I expected this kind of return to a more simple and quality sound after musicians leanred to not use absolutely everything at their disposal all at once, but I never expected it to be this good. With several groups it's still a bit derivative, but I can see it moving on and innovating from it's current place.

 

[=W=]

http://www.jetpackrock.net

Just some fun, goofy, insanely catchy rock-n-roll.

 

[Error Macro]

Quite possibly the best live performance of any genre that I've ever heard. Standout tracks are: "Let Me Touch You For Awhile", "Choctaw Hayride", "Every Time You Say Goodbye" (my personal favorite of all AK+US songs), "Ghost in This House", "Faraway Land", "Oh, Atlanta", "There Is A Reason."

 

[sefskillz]

I only recently heard this album, but it came out about a year ago.

if you haven't heard this, check it out... especially you maf

 

[LinesInTheSand]

Fucking awesome CD

Great instrumental album

 

[Diablos]

Death Cab for Cutie - The Photo Album

It came out in October of 2001, so it's not new. But it is a great album and perhaps DCFC's best work. A lot better than their latest release (which I find to be dull). Information Travels Faster and Debate Exposes Doubt (how very indie those names are ) are some of the best songs this band has done.

Really, really good, melodic indie pop/rock.

 

[Kefkaff]

Pain of Salvation - The Perfect Element
Pain of Salvation - Entropia
Mastodon - Leviathan


Pain of Salvation, only after listening to one of their albums quickly became one of my favorite bands. They are simply amazing, Daniel Gildenlow is one of the best vocalists in recent memory. Their new album, "Be", comes out in a few weeks, so make sure to check that out too.

The new Mastodon that came out this year, is so far my favorite album of the year. It's a rather short album at 43 minutes. I'm used to the 60+ minute concept albums, but this CD just blew me away. The vocals are a bit different from Mastodon's earlier work, but I love the change. This CD is a concept album based on Moby Dick.

EDIT: Also agreeing with Linesinthesand's recommendations.

 

[enjoy bell woods]

Super Furry Animals, Guerilla

One of the greatest albums of all time. And it'll get you into the rest of the band's output once you let it sink in. Guerilla is definitely their most difficult listen, but once you like it, you love it.

I think this is the first time I've specifically mentioned Guerilla on the board. I, uh, love the rest of their output pretty much equally, but this is their most special album. I'd say Mwng is the closest to capturing the magic of Guerilla. The rest of their stuff is fucking great, too. But Guerilla is incredible.

The band is like, not really easily categorized. Just listen.

CHECK OUT "NORTHERN LITES", JUST BECAUSE YOU ASSHOLES WILL ONLY LISTEN IF A SONG IS CATCHY.

And get your samples here: http://www.superfurry.com/1999guerilla.asp

OH SHIT, A WHOLE SONG: http://www.superfurry.com/mp3/guerilla/citizensbandall.mp3

That's one of those negative tracks some bands like to put on albums. CHECK IT OUT.

Produced by Steve Albini. Bitter. Raw. Angry. Cynical. Awesome.

CHECK OUT "UNSOLVED CHILD MURDER", "LIGHT AIRCRAFT ON FIRE", "DEAD SEA NAVIGATORS", "TOMBSTONE"

 

[Star Power]

Thurston Moore - Psychic Hearts
Song: "Ono Soul"

Joanna Newsom - The Milk Eyed Mender
Song: "Bridges and Balloons"

Of Montreal - Satanic Panic In the Attic
Song: "Disconnect the Dots"

Richard Hell and the Voidoids - Blank Generation
Song: "Blank Generation"

 

[heavy liquid]

 

[Alucard]

This album deserves every bit of praise it gets and more...

The Arcade Fire - Funeral

I have decided that it's my album of the year for 2004. I'm utterly and completely floored. This album is so fucking amazing that it's almost disgusting. I haven't been this moved by a record in a while. Seriously, I don't think I've ever wanted to cry so much just listening to a music album. @_@

 

[Star Power]

You... White Man... Tinymixtapes... Pictchfork... 100s of others... I need this album now. But somehow I doubt it is actually as good as everyone says. I went to buy it on Tuesday, but it was sold out so I got the new Devendra Banhart. I'll pick it up this weekend along with Interpol's "Antics."

 

[enjoy bell woods]

You... White Man... Tinymixtapes... Pictchfork... 100s of others... I need this album now. But somehow I doubt it is actually as good as everyone says. I went to buy it on Tuesday, but it was sold out so I got the new Devendra Banhart. I'll pick it up this weekend along with Interpol's "Antics."

I too get very apprehensive about these albums everyone loves. Do you have any idea what they sound like? I keep hearing hype, but I haven't actually heard the band.

 

[Star Power]

I too get very apprehensive about these albums everyone loves. Do you have any idea what they sound like? I keep hearing hype, but I haven't actually heard the band.

I've heard that they sort of sound like Neutral Milk Hotel meets Interpol.. or something. I don't know. I'm gonna buy that album without hearing anything at all.. I never do that anymore (last time I did that was with TMV's album on release day, but I had heard Tremulant EP).

 

[Alucard]

If you enjoy slightly artsy, emotional albums with some subtle pop hooks then I seriously don't think you can be disappointed with this album. Last year, Broken Social Scene totally knocked me on my ass, this year it's these guys by a mile. But don't take my word for it...give the album a listen and decide for yourself. Try to drown out the hype because I know that can ruin the initial listening experience. Seriously though, it's good. It's great.

 

[Outdoor Miner]

Super Furry Animals, Guerilla

One of the greatest albums of all time. And it'll get you into the rest of the band's input once you let it sink in. Guerilla is definitely their most difficult listen, but once you like it, you love it.

I think this is the first time I've specifically mentioned Guerilla on the board. I, uh, love the rest of their output pretty much equally, but this is their most special album. I'd say Mwng is the closest to capturing the magic of Guerilla. The rest of their stuff is fucking great, too. But Guerilla is incredible.

The band is like, not really easily categorized. Just listen.

CHECK OUT "NORTHERN LITES", JUST BECAUSE YOU ASSHOLES WILL ONLY LISTEN IF A SONG IS CATCHY.

And get your samples here: http://www.superfurry.com/1999guerilla.asp

OH SHIT, A WHOLE SONG: http://www.superfurry.com/mp3/guerilla/citizensbandall.mp3

That's one of those negative tracks some bands like to put on albums. CHECK IT OUT.

Produced by Steve Albini. Bitter. Raw. Angry. Cynical. Awesome.

CHECK OUT "UNSOLVED CHILD MURDER", "LIGHT AIRCRAFT ON FIRE", "DEAD SEA NAVIGATORS", "TOMBSTONE"

I really, really dig Guerilla. It's my fave album of theirs. "NIGHT VISION, nUHG UGH GUGH NUGH NUGH NUGH, NIGHT VISION, nUGH NGUH GHUGH UHG UHG, NIGHT VISION AHHHHHHHHH!"... hehe, good stuff.

*cheers*

I never knew Albini produced an Auteurs album, hmm, i should give this band a shot. Didn't the lead singer for that band co-find Black Box Recorder? Coulda swore that's how i remember them.

 

[arter_2]

man i love music and all but these threads are getting out of hand
check out:

the thrills
the charlatans
the avalanches
Razorlight -- (up all night great friggan cd)
Keane
Novastar -- another lonely soul Great album

 

[hXc_thugg]

Songs: Ohia
Songs: Ohia
Songs: Ohia

 

[Falch]

Mastodon - Leviathan

Hardcore/metal. Incredible, just like their last album Remission.

 

[Dice]

Bitter. Raw. Angry. Cynical.

No thanks.

Anyways, I think I figured out Keane. They are like a really mild U2 with a little bit of Queen in the melody of vocals, and yet still a light touch of George Michael and Barry Manilow. Though thats still missing something, they really strongly remind me of someone from a long time ago that I can't quite place.

 

[nitewulf]

Interpol - Turn On the Bright Lights.
I dont know how they went from this to "Antics". Stunning album.

Controller.Controller - History.
Attitude driven indie rock. Very catchy guitar and electronics driven music.

Alpinestars - White Noise.
For the Frou Frou fans. They also have a tremendous Kraftwerk influence.

Stereolab - Emperor Tomato Ketchup.
Good, melodious electro-pop.

The Organ - Grab That Gun.
Easily my album of the year. Melancholy, melodious guitar driven pop. There's feeling of hopelessness and desperation throughout the whole album. Every single track is stunning. The vocalist is perfect!
Damn what is it about canadian girl vocalists that's getting me so? (Controller.Controller)

 

[Kefkaff]

Mastodon - Leviathan

That cover is fucking awesome, and the art inside is amazing too.

 

[Prospero]

Call me crazy if you want, but this is the best album I've heard this year:

I bought it at Best Buy last week for $9.99, figuring, what the hell, almost any CD's worth $10. I couldn't even be bothered to open the CD until this morning. But after listening to it twice in a row straight through, I am shocked. It sounds nothing like '80s Tears For Fears--its clear influence is Sgt. Pepper-era Beatles moreso than anything else, but there's a lot of original stuff mixed in as well. Long songs with complex structures, horn sections, and string arrangements; production is intended to make the music more melodically complex, rather than just throwing a whole bunch of cool noises in the mix; almost every song has a rock-out chorus; real instruments are played throughout with only a very few synths and drum loops; beautiful lyrics; not a single track on the disc is filler. None of the songs on the disc will make good singles, but taken as a whole the entire album is genius.

 

[enjoy bell woods]

I really, really dig Guerilla. It's my fave album of theirs. "NIGHT VISION, nUHG UGH GUGH NUGH NUGH NUGH, NIGHT VISION, nUGH NGUH GHUGH UHG UHG, NIGHT VISION AHHHHHHHHH!"... hehe, good stuff.

*cheers*

I never knew Albini produced an Auteurs album, hmm, i should give this band a shot. Didn't the lead singer for that band co-find Black Box Recorder? Coulda swore that's how i remember them.

Yeah, Luke Haines is basically The Auteurs. He is indeed in Black Box Recorder. For After Murder Park, he had to record a majority of the album while he was in a wheelchair. I forget what happened to him. But Luke Haines is seriously one of the most cynical, bitter voices in music out there.

Aside from that one Auteurs album and Black Box Recorder, these are also great projects:

I LOVE this CD.

 

[Lambtron]

enjoy bell woods/Star Power: The Arcade Fire does live up to the hype. I was shocked at just how good it is. It's sprawling and unconventional, I dunno, I don't think it sounds anything like Interpol or Neutral Milk Hotel (as an aside, does everyone compare everything to NMH? At the radio station last year everything from The Shins to John Vanderslice was compared to NMH :\), it reminds me more of Broken Social Scene, and at times, Modest Mouse... but it's got a vibe all its own. It's definitely worth hunting down. Great great great.

Another music thread, and again I'll pimp The pAper chAse. God Bless Your Black Heart. My album of the year so far. It's bombastic, it's weird, it's dark, it's emotional, it's angry, it's sad, it's everything I'd wished for and more. It isn't as crazy as Hide the Kitchen Knives, but it's better in my opinion. It's more of a cohesive unit. There's a story in here, twisted and mangled and waiting to be unraveled. Strings and pianos and fucked up samples and Congleton's insane rantings... just... rah. I can't say enough about this. It's worth checking out. Here is a sample mp3, this is the first track on the record, "Said the Spider to the Fly". It just builds from here...

 

[Error Macro]

I've mentioned it in the past, but again, Your Majesty from The Anniversary is a very, very, good album. It's guaranteed to please the GAF music clique.

Sample:

Sweet Marie


I'm in the process of checking out the Arcade Fire album mentioned above. I like it so far.

 

[Star Power]

That Anniversary song is pretty sweet. Which others should I check out?

 

[Error Macro]

Well, I'd recommend the whole album However, the absolute highlights I would consider to be:

"Crooked Crown", "Peace, Pain & Regret", "The Siren Sings", and "The Ghost Of The River."

Their first album, Designing A Nervous Breakdown, is quite good as well, though it has a very different sound, more along the lines of synth-pop.

 

[element]

That Anniversary song is pretty sweet. Which others should I check out?

Your Majesty is a pretty goodl album. Crooked Crown, Devil on My Side, Death of the King, and Peace, Pain and Regret are worth checking out if you like Sweet Marie. Peace, Pain and Regret chours has a '70s saturday morning cartoon feel to it.

Their other album Designing a Nervous Breakdown is more moog/friends of p sounding.

 

[element]

Well, I'd recommend the whole album However, the absolute highlights I would consider to be:

"Crooked Crown", "Peace, Pain & Regret", "The Siren Sings", and "The Ghost Of The River."

Their first album, Designing A Nervous Breakdown, is quite good as well, though it has a very different sound, more along the lines of synth-pop.

you steal my thunder!!

 

[ced]

The Keane album was pretty good.

Im gonna have to check out this Arcade Fire thing monday or something, I better not be disappointed after all this praise

Hey LinesInTheSand, check out Gordian Knot, its an instrumental project, but seems like you would enjoy it. I guess anyone who likes prog or metal would.

Im still listening to Pineapple Thief, been the best find Ive had in years. There are some good samples on website, other than that kind of hard to find any on a share program.

 

[GG-Duo]

i think i got tired of The Arcade Fire's record already :-/

 

[Alucard]

i think i got tired of The Arcade Fire's record already :-/

Really? Hmmm. I haven't had it for a very long time but I don't see myself ever really growing tired of it. I mean..."I will dig a tunnel, from my window to yours." So catchy.

 

[Dead]

Im kind of unimpressed with The Arcade Fires Funeral....eh, ill give it a few more listens but yeah I dont see where all the hype is coming from....

 

[bridegur]

What's wrong with the new Interpol album? I enjoyed the new songs I heard live...

 

[GG-Duo]

Forgive my swirly impressions:

Really? Hmmm. I haven't had it for a very long time but I don't see myself ever really growing tired of it. I mean..."I will dig a tunnel, from my window to yours." So catchy.

I think it's the same deal with any heavily emotional rock music.
It goes from genuine and emotional to melodramtic if you listen to it too much.

I'm still addicted to the second track, though. "Come on, Alex, you can do it! ... if you are something, don't ask for nothing. If you are nothing, don't ask for nuthin!!!"

What's wrong with the new Interpol album? I enjoyed the new songs I heard live...

IMO, it's nowhere as tight as the first one. It gives the listener too much room to breath and get bored. I don't hate it though, it's just not the same style as the first one.

 

[Jason]

Buy buy buy!

Best song on the disc. The Blow - What Tom Said About Girls

 

[Quadrophenic]

Another music recommendation thread...so another Dios recommendation.

Dios - S/T
Great, great album. Thier like the Beach Boys, Neil Young, Flaming Lips, Radiohead, Grandaddy...its good stuff...

Here are some sample songs:
Starting Five
The Uncertainty of How Things Are
and here is a short/fun movie about Dios...

 

[Star Power]

I think Antics is an excellent album. Most of you would have hated it even if it was obviously far better than Turn on the Bright Lights.