The Decemberists are a band you either love or hate. The pseudo-intellectual, arty pretensions that turn some purists off make them demi-gods to others. Picaresque is a very listenable album (as is much of their output since their debut in 2002), and they are a very interesting live act. Plus, the average IQ of a Decemberists show crowd may be the highest in rock (the silly promo shot in the video notwithstanding; it shows they don't take themselves too seriously).
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Metric "Sick Muse" (2009)
Here is a band who are doing it the right way...building a core audience by consistently putting out good music & buzz worthy videos. They remind me a bit of Garbage. It helps that lead singer Emily Haines is easy on the eyes.
Real Estate "Beach Comber" (2009)
Mellow, jangly guitar laden debut from this New Jersey quartet. A simple guitar hook that sounds instantly familiar, though like nothing you've probably heard before.
Atlas Sound "Shelia" (2009)
The lyrics are almost as creepy as the video image, but the melody will stick in your head after repeated listenings. Except the middle, where it slows down and makes you feel like killing yourself. Well, not quite, but it does create an odd contrast of moods within the song.
The Besnard Lakes "Like The Ocean, Like The Innocent Pt 1 & 2" (2010)
The Canadian music scene has really exploded in the past few years. This art rock opus from the Montreal collective is long, but thoroughly engaging.
The Flaming Lips "Feeling Yourself Disintegrate" (1999)
Stepping back pre-millenium, the Oklahoma trip rockers put out this mellow-dramatic masterpiece on their great "Soft Bulletin" CD.
Sufjan Stevens "Chicago" (2008)
For some reason, this song reminds me of that old "I'd Like To Teach The World" Coke commercial from the early '70's. Arty and melodic, if not the socially-relevant anthem it sounds like it should be.
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