The Indie Thread

[philN]

Phil- it was Feelgood Lost, I think.

I haven't actually heard Feelgood Lost, but I did hear that it was disappointing compared to "You Forgot It In People". I'd say, give YFIIP a try. I can burn you a copy of it, if you don't feel like taking the risk.

 

[philN]

My daughter used to like Arcade Fire, but says now that they're so well known they aren't legit any more. She likes Hot hot heat because she knows them and is probably hoping they won't become well known, guess that would cancel them out?

The Arcade Fire really isn't that big yet. Pitchfork made it album of the year, which probably had an effect on album sales and hype, but that is mostly in Indie circles, not really mainstream (although they do have a video on MTV right now, I believe).

Either way, Hot Hot Heat is more well known than Arcade Fire already. Their last album got radio play, magazine coverage, MTV slots, and just about everything else that comes with mainstream success. So I guess your daughter is going to have to find another new band that no ones heard of so she can say "I liked them before they were famous". Ahh, what would Indie be without pretense and elitism?

 

[philN]

I've decided there isn't nearly enough Animal Collective love being shared in here.

I mean, sure, Pitchfork says you should like the Arcade Fire more than them, but seriously Sung Tongs is a terrific album and a great progression from some of their past releases. I think musically it is much more complex than alot of other stuff that is raved and praised by indie kids. And even if you can't get into some of the less melodic stuff, "Who Can Win A Rabbit" is pure pop bliss. C'mon, people.

 

[blackwasp]

Either way, Hot Hot Heat is more well known than Arcade Fire already. Their last album got radio play, magazine coverage, MTV slots, and just about everything else that comes with mainstream success. So I guess your daughter is going to have to find another new band that no ones heard of so she can say "I liked them before they were famous". Ahh, what would Indie be without pretense and elitism?

Agreed.

 

[nadroj1985]

lame.

Phil- it was Feelgood Lost, I think.

Dude, get "You Forgot It In People." It grooves like none other, especially "Pacific Theme." It will blow your mind.

 

[Bobdolerson]

Ok, name some bands because I like some Australian indie/alternative bands and I am not sure if my version of indie would be the same as yours? They may have a little rock, electronica and experimental in there too...

The Arcade Fire
The Bank Holidays (Australian)
The Bees
The Coral (UK)
The Boat People (I think Australian)
The Charlatans (Australian)
Gelbison (Australian)
The Sleepy Jackson (Australian)
The Fiery Furnaces (American)
The Killers
The Music (UK)
The Shins (Australian?)
The Thrills (Ireland)
End Of Fashion (Australian)
Simian (UK)
Spoon (UK?)

Can't go wrong with The Shins and The Killers...

But what about Death Cab for Cutie?
Franz Ferdinand?

(Nice list...but show the love for DCFC)

 

[JaelWasWickedCool]

The Arcade Fire really isn't that big yet. Pitchfork made it album of the year, which probably had an effect on album sales and hype, but that is mostly in Indie circles, not really mainstream (although they do have a video on MTV right now, I believe).

Either way, Hot Hot Heat is more well known than Arcade Fire already. Their last album got radio play, magazine coverage, MTV slots, and just about everything else that comes with mainstream success. So I guess your daughter is going to have to find another new band that no ones heard of so she can say "I liked them before they were famous". Ahh, what would Indie be without pretense and elitism?

haha, good call, phil. you beat me to saying that.

as far as the animal collective, i haven't heard a whole lot by them, but it seems like music that grows better with every listen. i definitely like the stuff i've got by them better now than i did on first listen. haha.

 

[The Theory]

But what about Death Cab for Cutie?

(Nice list...but show the love for DCFC)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

*pant pant*

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

 

[philN]

I can tolerate Death Cab, but for the most part I think they are overrated. But I do on occasion enjoy some of Ben Gibbard's solo stuff and some Postal Service.

 

[antiarte]

Can't go wrong with The Shins and The Killers...

But what about Death Cab for Cutie?
Franz Ferdinand?

(Nice list...but show the love for DCFC)

Transatlanticism was boring! But I did like Franz Ferdinand's album.

 

[ladylike]

I love FF! I just didn't put them in there because I think of them as rock/alternative with a nogalistic 80's feel. They are one my favourite bands, haven't seen them live, they have only been to the east coast.

 

[blackwasp]

Franz Ferdinand is alright, but I don't understand what all the hype was about with their debut. I was looking forward to their performance at the Grammy's, but it was lame. What was I thinking?

 

[philN]

Their album was alright. Sort of a guilty pleasure for a little while, but there are similar bands that are doing the same thing right now (and doing it better). I think the Futureheads and Bloc Party are far more interesting than Franz Ferdinand, especially with repeated listens.

 

[The Theory]

Phil, you're too trendy. Stop it. Join the "we-don't-give-a-(oops!)-what-anybody-says" anti-pitchfork wanks like me!

 

[philN]

Jacob- I would, but Pitchfork is what got me into quite a few bands I really enjoy. I think they are hit or miss. Sometimes I agree, sometimes I don't. And while I hate the arrogance of it all, they sometimes know what they are talking about (which is obviously not the case with the Franz Ferdinand review. 9.0!?! I don't think so.)

And if I'm not mistaken, both your and Pitchfork's tastes are aligned when it comes to Woven Hand. No one who likes David Eugene Edwards can be all bad, right?

 

[philN]

For the record: I love the word "wanks" and "wankers" and most derivatives thereof. But when I use them people usually give me confused stares. Maybe I'll move to the UK...

 

[nadroj1985]

I've found that most of the reviewers I respect attain that status not by liking the same records I do, but by finding out which records are important to discuss. I think Pitchfork does that effectively -- for the most part, whether they like or dislike this or that piece of music, they are addressing the artists and music that are really doing something interesting in music right now. They are talking about The Books and Sufjan Stevens and Radiohead and Iron & Wine and Joanna Newsom and Modest Mouse and The Fiery Furnaces etc. That I disagree with them every now and then on The Arcade Fire or Animal Collective or something else is a small price to pay for keeping up with what's happening in music.

 

[philN]

I've found that most of the reviewers I respect attain that status not by liking the same records I do, but by finding out which records are important to discuss. I think Pitchfork does that effectively -- for the most part, whether they like or dislike this or that piece of music, they are addressing the artists and music that are really doing something interesting in music right now. They are talking about The Books and Sufjan Stevens and Radiohead and Iron & Wine and Joanna Newsom and Modest Mouse and The Fiery Furnaces etc. That I disagree with them every now and then on The Arcade Fire or Animal Collective or something else is a small price to pay for keeping up with what's happening in music.

I second all of this.

Except, I agree with them on Animal Collective. I think Sung Tongs is great.

 

[nadroj1985]

^I think Animal Collective is really interesting, the kind of band we might be talking about 20 years from now. But I just don't enjoy listening to them, so it doesn't matter much to me. *shrugs*

 

[theFijian]

Franz Ferdinand is alright, but I don't understand what all the hype was about with their debut. I was looking forward to their performance at the Grammy's, but it was lame. What was I thinking?

You were thinking "They're Scottish...they must be good!"