Band: the cut off
Album: Packaged Up for Beginners
Released: February 13, 2008
Home Town: Fort Worth, TX
Why is it on here?: Critics have described the cut off as a "fascinatingly languid conglomeration of '60s garage/psychedlia and '90s grunge leftovers". I stole that from their website. They have won multiple awards in the DFW area and have been predicted by a random guy on the street to reach #1 within the next 5 years. For the sake of the bass player who is a friend of mine, I hope that guy is right, plus if they make it big time maybe Chad can get me Kelly Clarkson's autograph.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
"Panic Switch" - Silversun Pickups
Band: Silversun Pickups
Album: Swoon
Released: April 14th, 2009
Home Town: Los Angeles, CA
Why is it on here?: This is "on here" because by the time this gets posted I will be waiting to see these guys open up for Muse tonight. The distorted guitar and Brian Aubert's voice conjure up the sound of the Smashing Pumpkins. I think its a fair comparison to make but once you hear the chorus, you'll forget all about Billly Corgan. By the way, did you hear he is dating Jessica Simpson now? Never thought one of the biggest names in alternative music would be taking Tony Romo's leftovers.
Album: Swoon
Released: April 14th, 2009
Home Town: Los Angeles, CA
Why is it on here?: This is "on here" because by the time this gets posted I will be waiting to see these guys open up for Muse tonight. The distorted guitar and Brian Aubert's voice conjure up the sound of the Smashing Pumpkins. I think its a fair comparison to make but once you hear the chorus, you'll forget all about Billly Corgan. By the way, did you hear he is dating Jessica Simpson now? Never thought one of the biggest names in alternative music would be taking Tony Romo's leftovers.
Friday, February 26, 2010
"The Good Life" - Weezer
Band: Weezer
Album: Pinkerton
Released: September 24, 2006
Home Town: Los Angeles, CA
Why is it on here?: This is the second single from my favorite Weezer album and arguably their best album to date. Pinkerton had a noticeably darker sound than the Blue album and although it was at first a commercial disappointment, it has gone on to sell almost a million copies. I could go on and on about how much I like this album but I've heard that people stop reading paragraphs after two sentences so you probably aren't even reading this. I made that up. =W=
Album: Pinkerton
Released: September 24, 2006
Home Town: Los Angeles, CA
Why is it on here?: This is the second single from my favorite Weezer album and arguably their best album to date. Pinkerton had a noticeably darker sound than the Blue album and although it was at first a commercial disappointment, it has gone on to sell almost a million copies. I could go on and on about how much I like this album but I've heard that people stop reading paragraphs after two sentences so you probably aren't even reading this. I made that up. =W=
Thursday, February 25, 2010
"Publish My Love" - Rogue Wave
Band: Rogue Wave
Album: Descended like Vultures
Released: October 25, 2005
Home Town: Oakland, CA
Why is it on here?: Sound reminds me a little bit of REM, especially the chorus. In science circles a rogue wave is a large wave that can threaten even large ships and ocean liners. Not sure I get that from the sound of this band...good stuff nonetheless.
Album: Descended like Vultures
Released: October 25, 2005
Home Town: Oakland, CA
Why is it on here?: Sound reminds me a little bit of REM, especially the chorus. In science circles a rogue wave is a large wave that can threaten even large ships and ocean liners. Not sure I get that from the sound of this band...good stuff nonetheless.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
"Sunshine" - Matt Costa
Artist: Matt Costa
Album: Songs We Sing
Released: July 26, 2005
Home Town: Huntington Beach, CA
Why is it on here?: I saw Matt Costa open for Death Cab at the Fox here in Atlanta, I had always wanted to see him. He just stood on stage by himself and played his guitar, there is something about that I enjoy. He has a great organic sound and the video has some great artwork.
Album: Songs We Sing
Released: July 26, 2005
Home Town: Huntington Beach, CA
Why is it on here?: I saw Matt Costa open for Death Cab at the Fox here in Atlanta, I had always wanted to see him. He just stood on stage by himself and played his guitar, there is something about that I enjoy. He has a great organic sound and the video has some great artwork.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"Pink Bullets" - The Shins
Band: The Shins
Album: Chutes Too Narrow
Released: October 21, 2003
Home Town: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why is it on here?: Another great track by the Shins.
Album: Chutes Too Narrow
Released: October 21, 2003
Home Town: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why is it on here?: Another great track by the Shins.
Monday, February 22, 2010
"Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades" - Brand New
Band: Brand New
Album: Deja Entendu
Released: June 17, 2003
Home Town: Long Island, NY
Why is it on here?: I remember waiting in anticipation for this album to come out back in 2002 and 2003 -- I was not disappointed. Deja Entendu moved Brand New from the category of "pretty cool power pop band" to a legitimate rock band. This song is intense and the video has a really cool premise. The song name is a quote taken from the 1998 Wes Anderson movie, Rushmore and means "Thus passes through the glory of the world". Interesting but I'm not sure I get it...
Album: Deja Entendu
Released: June 17, 2003
Home Town: Long Island, NY
Why is it on here?: I remember waiting in anticipation for this album to come out back in 2002 and 2003 -- I was not disappointed. Deja Entendu moved Brand New from the category of "pretty cool power pop band" to a legitimate rock band. This song is intense and the video has a really cool premise. The song name is a quote taken from the 1998 Wes Anderson movie, Rushmore and means "Thus passes through the glory of the world". Interesting but I'm not sure I get it...
Sunday, February 21, 2010
"Lily Two" - Matt Pond PA
Band: Matt Pond PA
Album: Emblems
Released: May 4, 2004
Home Town: Philadelphia, PA
Why is it on here?: I love the organic sound of MPPA. This song is great for a day like this, sunny but cool outside - would be great to listen to in a park watching leaves fall off the trees. Ok that was lame but at any rate...MPPA did a great cover of Champagne Supernova you may be interested in looking up. Enjoy your week.
Album: Emblems
Released: May 4, 2004
Home Town: Philadelphia, PA
Why is it on here?: I love the organic sound of MPPA. This song is great for a day like this, sunny but cool outside - would be great to listen to in a park watching leaves fall off the trees. Ok that was lame but at any rate...MPPA did a great cover of Champagne Supernova you may be interested in looking up. Enjoy your week.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
"There is a Light That Never Goes Out" - The Smiths
Band: The Smiths
Album:The Queen is Dead
Released: June 16, 1986
Home Town: Manchester, England
Why is it on here?: This is probably one of my favorite songs of all time, no matter the genre, time period etc. There is something about Morrissey's voice that is so unique that once you hear it, you'll never forget it. The video is a bit self indulgent but hey, it was the 80s. I just wish I wasn't 5 years old when this record came out - it would've been nice to see it live.
Album:The Queen is Dead
Released: June 16, 1986
Home Town: Manchester, England
Why is it on here?: This is probably one of my favorite songs of all time, no matter the genre, time period etc. There is something about Morrissey's voice that is so unique that once you hear it, you'll never forget it. The video is a bit self indulgent but hey, it was the 80s. I just wish I wasn't 5 years old when this record came out - it would've been nice to see it live.
Friday, February 19, 2010
"Banquet" - Bloc Party
Band: Bloc Party
Album: Silent Alarm
Released: February 2, 2005
Home Town: London, England
Why is it on here?: Bloc Party started off strong with their first album "Silent Alarm", full of catchy, dancey, groovy songs that are characterized by a sound reminiscent of the 80s and a drummer that doesn't know when to stop. Enjoy and be sure to listen to the drums - probably my favorite aspect of this band.
Album: Silent Alarm
Released: February 2, 2005
Home Town: London, England
Why is it on here?: Bloc Party started off strong with their first album "Silent Alarm", full of catchy, dancey, groovy songs that are characterized by a sound reminiscent of the 80s and a drummer that doesn't know when to stop. Enjoy and be sure to listen to the drums - probably my favorite aspect of this band.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
"Karma Police" - Radiohead
Artist: Radiohead
Album: OK Computer
Released: June 16, 1997
Home Town: Oxfordshire, England
Why is it on here?: It'd be nuts to do UK week and not include something by Radiohead. I chose this song because it was the first song I heard by them when the light switch finally clicked on. This video got pretty heavy rotation on MTV when I was in high school and I'll never forget the first time I saw it. Pretty cool and certainly fits the name of the song. (please excuse whatever lame commercial MTV decides to play before playing the video, I couldnt find a clip on Youtube)
Album: OK Computer
Released: June 16, 1997
Home Town: Oxfordshire, England
Why is it on here?: It'd be nuts to do UK week and not include something by Radiohead. I chose this song because it was the first song I heard by them when the light switch finally clicked on. This video got pretty heavy rotation on MTV when I was in high school and I'll never forget the first time I saw it. Pretty cool and certainly fits the name of the song. (please excuse whatever lame commercial MTV decides to play before playing the video, I couldnt find a clip on Youtube)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
"Writing to Reach You" - Travis
Band: Travis
Album: The Man Who
Released: May 24, 1999
Home Town: Glasgow, Scotland
Why is it on here?:
Another great band from Scotland - maybe I'm biased but I think these guys are much more talented than their more famous British counterparts Coldplay. They aren't dating Gweneth Paltrow either - which might have something to do with it.
Just to give you an idea of their popularity in the UK - this album was #1 on the UK Album Chart in 1999 vs #135 on the Billboard the US. Just for reference, the number one album in the US that year was Millennium by the Backstreet Boys - and you wonder why people think Europeans are cooler than us?
Their songs are always smooth and catchy. One thing I always wonder about UK bands is how they manage to sing without the accent?
Album: The Man Who
Released: May 24, 1999
Home Town: Glasgow, Scotland
Why is it on here?:
Another great band from Scotland - maybe I'm biased but I think these guys are much more talented than their more famous British counterparts Coldplay. They aren't dating Gweneth Paltrow either - which might have something to do with it.
Just to give you an idea of their popularity in the UK - this album was #1 on the UK Album Chart in 1999 vs #135 on the Billboard the US. Just for reference, the number one album in the US that year was Millennium by the Backstreet Boys - and you wonder why people think Europeans are cooler than us?
Their songs are always smooth and catchy. One thing I always wonder about UK bands is how they manage to sing without the accent?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
"Cornerstone" - Arctic Monkeys
Band: Arctic Monkeys
Album: Humbug
Released: August 19, 2009
Home Town: Sheffield, England
Why is it on here?: I had this album in my CD player for about 3 weeks straight - every song is just as good as the one before it. Probably more to come from these guys.
Album: Humbug
Released: August 19, 2009
Home Town: Sheffield, England
Why is it on here?: I had this album in my CD player for about 3 weeks straight - every song is just as good as the one before it. Probably more to come from these guys.
Monday, February 15, 2010
"Geraldine" - Glasvegas
Sunday, February 14, 2010
"Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken" - Camera Obscura
Band: Camera Obscura
Album: Let's Get Out of This Country
Released: June 6, 2006
Home Town: Glasgow, Scotland
Why is it on here?: I'm admittedly a big fan of female vocalists, something about the smoothness of their voices gets me every time. This video makes me laugh with its retro styling and the fact that the lead singer doesn't seem to be having a great time. At any rate, this band from Glasgow kicks off a week straight of UK bands. This song may not be fitting for Valentine's Day but I don't think Enrique Iglesias makes much sense here either.
Album: Let's Get Out of This Country
Released: June 6, 2006
Home Town: Glasgow, Scotland
Why is it on here?: I'm admittedly a big fan of female vocalists, something about the smoothness of their voices gets me every time. This video makes me laugh with its retro styling and the fact that the lead singer doesn't seem to be having a great time. At any rate, this band from Glasgow kicks off a week straight of UK bands. This song may not be fitting for Valentine's Day but I don't think Enrique Iglesias makes much sense here either.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
"Spitting Games" - Snow Patrol
Artist: Snow Patrol
Album: Final Straw
Released: March 30, 2004
Why is it on here?: With all of the snow lately in both of my homes (Atlanta and DFW), I thought Snow Patrol was a fitting choice. You've probably heard of these guys, but you probably haven't heard this song. This was the first song by them I ever heard - its pretty good. Happy Snow Day.
Album: Final Straw
Released: March 30, 2004
Why is it on here?: With all of the snow lately in both of my homes (Atlanta and DFW), I thought Snow Patrol was a fitting choice. You've probably heard of these guys, but you probably haven't heard this song. This was the first song by them I ever heard - its pretty good. Happy Snow Day.
Friday, February 12, 2010
"Image of the Invisible" - Thrice
Artist: Thrice
Album: Vheissu
Released: October 18, 2005
Home Town: Irvine, CA
Why is it on here?: In my opinion Thrice is by far the most underrated hard rock band out there. They've been cranking out records for a decade now and each one is new and refreshing, while still sticking to the core of what make them who they are. Dustin Kensrue, the lead singer often fills his songs with Christian imagery and spirit filled/positive lyrics to create songs that you'll want to hear over and over again.
Album: Vheissu
Released: October 18, 2005
Home Town: Irvine, CA
Why is it on here?: In my opinion Thrice is by far the most underrated hard rock band out there. They've been cranking out records for a decade now and each one is new and refreshing, while still sticking to the core of what make them who they are. Dustin Kensrue, the lead singer often fills his songs with Christian imagery and spirit filled/positive lyrics to create songs that you'll want to hear over and over again.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
"Saint Simon" - The Shins
Band: The Shins
Album: Chutes Too Narrow
Released: October 21, 2003
Home Town: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why is it on here?:
Does the song sound good?
Are you clueless as to what the lyrics are talking about?
Does the video make no sense whatsoever?
If you answered yes to these three questions, chances are you are listening to The Shins. All kidding aside though, these guys are a great band who continue to put out great records while never adapting a cookie cutter mentality. If Natalie Portman says they'll change your life, I think you should give them a listen.
Album: Chutes Too Narrow
Released: October 21, 2003
Home Town: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why is it on here?:
Does the song sound good?
Are you clueless as to what the lyrics are talking about?
Does the video make no sense whatsoever?
If you answered yes to these three questions, chances are you are listening to The Shins. All kidding aside though, these guys are a great band who continue to put out great records while never adapting a cookie cutter mentality. If Natalie Portman says they'll change your life, I think you should give them a listen.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
"Weightless" - Nada Surf
Band: Nada Surf
Album: Lucky
Released: February 5, 2008
Home Town: Brooklyn, NY
Why is it on here?: You might remember Nada Surf from the mid-90s when they had a hit on MTV with "Popular". Despite their start as a one-hit wonder of sorts, they have become a genuinely good rock band and have emerged as one of my favorites, though they are quite elusive when it comes to touring. All of their songs have a great meaning and really helped me through some rough times a few years back. This video is especially cool because it was filmed in Dallas - in a few shots you can see the skyline and reunion tower.
Album: Lucky
Released: February 5, 2008
Home Town: Brooklyn, NY
Why is it on here?: You might remember Nada Surf from the mid-90s when they had a hit on MTV with "Popular". Despite their start as a one-hit wonder of sorts, they have become a genuinely good rock band and have emerged as one of my favorites, though they are quite elusive when it comes to touring. All of their songs have a great meaning and really helped me through some rough times a few years back. This video is especially cool because it was filmed in Dallas - in a few shots you can see the skyline and reunion tower.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
"Power Bleed" - Starlight Mints
Band: Starlight Mints
Album: Change Remains
Released: June 21, 2009
Home Town: Norman, OK
Why is it on here?: Another band with quite a unique sound. Typically their songs are a little creepy and slower than "Power Bleed" which is the first single off of their latest album. I picked this song because of the video. Anything that conjures images of A Clockwork Orange, Fruit of the Loom and Devo at the same time is worth taking a look at.
Album: Change Remains
Released: June 21, 2009
Home Town: Norman, OK
Why is it on here?: Another band with quite a unique sound. Typically their songs are a little creepy and slower than "Power Bleed" which is the first single off of their latest album. I picked this song because of the video. Anything that conjures images of A Clockwork Orange, Fruit of the Loom and Devo at the same time is worth taking a look at.
Monday, February 8, 2010
"Can You Tell" - Ra Ra Riot
Band: Ra Ra Riot
Album: The Rhumb Line
Released: August 19, 2008
Home Town: Syracuse, NY
Why is it on here?: I first saw these guys open for Death Cab a year or so ago and was instantly impressed. Another band that utilizes violins and cellos - apparently I have a thing for that. Ra Ra Riot is a relatively young band who I can see doing great things in the future. I doubt though that they will ever play at halftime of the SuperBowl but that's probably a good thing.
Album: The Rhumb Line
Released: August 19, 2008
Home Town: Syracuse, NY
Why is it on here?: I first saw these guys open for Death Cab a year or so ago and was instantly impressed. Another band that utilizes violins and cellos - apparently I have a thing for that. Ra Ra Riot is a relatively young band who I can see doing great things in the future. I doubt though that they will ever play at halftime of the SuperBowl but that's probably a good thing.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
"Trouble with Dreams" - Eels
Band: Eels
Album: Blinking Lights and Other Revelations
Released: April 26, 2005
Hometown: California
Why is it on here?: Eels have been around since the early 90's and had some radio success with "Novocaine for the Soul" in 1998. This is a great example of a band who doesn't do anything fancy, they write great songs filled with emotion and continue to sell records.The lead singer, "E", as he likes to be called was also featured in a recent documentary about his relationship with his father a famous mathematician. I picked this song because of the interesting combination of instruments they chose to use, especially during this live performance. Maybe it's the realist in me but I think there is some truth in this song. "The Trouble with Dreams is that they don't come true"
Album: Blinking Lights and Other Revelations
Released: April 26, 2005
Hometown: California
Why is it on here?: Eels have been around since the early 90's and had some radio success with "Novocaine for the Soul" in 1998. This is a great example of a band who doesn't do anything fancy, they write great songs filled with emotion and continue to sell records.The lead singer, "E", as he likes to be called was also featured in a recent documentary about his relationship with his father a famous mathematician. I picked this song because of the interesting combination of instruments they chose to use, especially during this live performance. Maybe it's the realist in me but I think there is some truth in this song. "The Trouble with Dreams is that they don't come true"
Saturday, February 6, 2010
"The Reeling" - Passion Pit
Band: Passion Pit
Album: MannersReleased: May 18, 2009
Why is it on here?: The perfect mix of electronic and pop. I hate dancing, but I like pretending to like dancing when Passion Pit comes on.
Why is it on here?: The perfect mix of electronic and pop. I hate dancing, but I like pretending to like dancing when Passion Pit comes on.
Friday, February 5, 2010
"Shake it out" Manchester Orchestra
Band: Manchester Orchestra
Album: Mean Everything to Nothing
Released: April 21, 2009
Home Town: Atlanta, GA
Why is it on here?:
1) Gotta give the home town band some props - blowin up large
2) Just announced today they will be playing two shows here in April at the Variety Playhouse
3) Any video that is loosely based on "Over the Top" with Sly Stallone is worth posting
Album: Mean Everything to Nothing
Released: April 21, 2009
Home Town: Atlanta, GA
Why is it on here?:
1) Gotta give the home town band some props - blowin up large
2) Just announced today they will be playing two shows here in April at the Variety Playhouse
3) Any video that is loosely based on "Over the Top" with Sly Stallone is worth posting
Thursday, February 4, 2010
"Penny on a Train Track" - Ben Kweller
Artist: Ben Kweller
Album: Ben Kweller
Released: September 19, 2006
Home Town: Greenville, Tx
Why is it on here?: Ben Kweller is one of my favorite artists. Very early in his career, he formed a band called Radish, which at the time was believed in some circles to be the second coming of Nirvana. Unfortunately for Ben these heights were never achieved with Radish. He has gone on however to have a fairly successful solo career just recently releasing his 4th full length album. When I first saw him open for Dashboard Confessional in the early 2000s, his sound was reminiscent of the early pop gems of Weezer with some Nirvana grunge sprinkled in. As time has passed, Ben has really found his sound, mixing in a more folky western flavor. This song falls somewhere in the middle.
Album: Ben Kweller
Released: September 19, 2006
Home Town: Greenville, Tx
Why is it on here?: Ben Kweller is one of my favorite artists. Very early in his career, he formed a band called Radish, which at the time was believed in some circles to be the second coming of Nirvana. Unfortunately for Ben these heights were never achieved with Radish. He has gone on however to have a fairly successful solo career just recently releasing his 4th full length album. When I first saw him open for Dashboard Confessional in the early 2000s, his sound was reminiscent of the early pop gems of Weezer with some Nirvana grunge sprinkled in. As time has passed, Ben has really found his sound, mixing in a more folky western flavor. This song falls somewhere in the middle.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Trashcan - Delta Spirit
Band: Delta Spirit
Album: Ode to Sunshine
Released: August 26, 2008
Home Town: San Diego, CA
Why is it on here?: Delta Spirit is a rock band with a clear soul influence. If you find yourself wanting to hear more, keep your ears peeled for a new album in May 2010.
Album: Ode to Sunshine
Released: August 26, 2008
Home Town: San Diego, CA
Why is it on here?: Delta Spirit is a rock band with a clear soul influence. If you find yourself wanting to hear more, keep your ears peeled for a new album in May 2010.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Sea Wolf - You're A Wolf
Band:Sea Wolf
Album:Leaves in the River
Released: September 25,2007
Home Town: Los Angeles, CA
Link to MP3: You're a Wolf
Why is it on here?: Sea Wolf combines an organic folk style with poppy choruses to form a unique sound. While the music may not be the most energetic, I promise you that you'll be nodding your head at the end.
Album:Leaves in the River
Released: September 25,2007
Home Town: Los Angeles, CA
Link to MP3: You're a Wolf
Why is it on here?: Sea Wolf combines an organic folk style with poppy choruses to form a unique sound. While the music may not be the most energetic, I promise you that you'll be nodding your head at the end.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Cotopaxi - The Mars Volta
Band: The Mars Volta
Album: Octahedron
Released: June 23, 2009
Home Town: El Paso, Tx
Why is it on here?: Heavily influenced by their Latin American culture, the Mars Volta are one of the most explosive progressive rock bands out there. By the title of the album you would think that this is the El Paso band's 8th album - but in reality it is their 5th. While the sound of this album is a little different this time, there is no mistaking the vocal range of Cedric Bixler-Zavala who could really teach that Adam Lambert (American Idol) a thing or two about how not to try so hard when hitting the high notes.
Album: Octahedron
Released: June 23, 2009
Home Town: El Paso, Tx
Why is it on here?: Heavily influenced by their Latin American culture, the Mars Volta are one of the most explosive progressive rock bands out there. By the title of the album you would think that this is the El Paso band's 8th album - but in reality it is their 5th. While the sound of this album is a little different this time, there is no mistaking the vocal range of Cedric Bixler-Zavala who could really teach that Adam Lambert (American Idol) a thing or two about how not to try so hard when hitting the high notes.
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