[Fenster]

The New Pornographers only have two full albums out, "Mass Romantic" which was their debut and "Electric Version" which is their most recent. I am partial to Mass Romantic but I really like both albums a lot.

They're comprised of members from several Canadian bands, sort of like a supergroup of indie heroes. Lots of guitars and synthesizers. Very poppy, melodic stuff, but their sound is very unique.

 

[nanahachi]

Fenster, thanks for the ideas and the info!

btw, snake-eyes is just as rad as soundwave. nice avatar.

 

[Fenster]

No problem, man.

BTW, one more suggestion. Try out The Unicorns. If you can get past the initial strangeness of their sound, you will be rewarded. Truly one of the most unique-sounding bands I've ever heard, and their songwriting is equal parts disturbing and side-splittingly funny. (and they're Canadian, too. Go figure.)

Go check out the tracks Sea Ghost and I Was Born a Unicorn from their album "Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?"

 

[grinch]

i'd like to mention that most of the bands in this thread aren't really "indie" since the majority are signed to major labels. for instance, modest mouse was originally on k, and then up records, but signed to sony in '99 or 2000. pavement was on matador, but i'm not sure if stephen malkmus is or not now.. err anyway.


you like malkmus but you haven't heard pavement? seriously, pickup brighten the corners, terror twilight, and/or slanted and enchanted. not always uplifting, but always catchy.

elliott smith was on kill rock stars for a bunch of stuff, and then released an album on dreamworks. "figure 8" is his big label debut, but my personal favorite is "either/or" which goes down as one of my favorite albums of all time, by far. be warned, the recording quality is very lo-fi for that one though, and this album is definitely NOT uplifting.

i really really really like the band Karate. it's sort of an indie dreamy jazz/rock, very laid back and so wonderfully sleepy. it's just a simple guitar/bass/drums setup, but for some reason their stuff really works so well for me. my personal favorite album is "the bed is in the ocean" but any of their first four are incredible. their latest release "some boots" is also damned good, so you don't really have to look hard to pickup a good one by these guys, that is if you like their style.

 

[rapoon]

backing up life here.

if all you've heard of modest mouse is "good news..", go get "lonesome crowded west" or "this is a long drive...." (personal fav).

 

[nanahachi]

grinch-- i knew it was a mistake to even use the term "indie" but thus far i think it's gotten people on the right path for what to suggest

and I know that you knew that too.

yes, i will go d/l or buy some pavement asap. some things might be obvious to the rest of the world, but I need a real kick in the ass sometimes, so please keep pointing things like that out to me!

rapoon, thanks, will do!

half.com here i come

 

[Murdoch]

I'll chime in to second two groups mentioned earlier: The Shins and New Pornographers. My preferences are "Chutes too Narrow" for The Shins, and "Electric Version" for New Pornographers. These are two high energy original pop albums that will definitely lift your spirits.

 

[slug]

i am also a huge fan of broken social scene and modest mouse. Why dont you check out:

the dismemberment plan
...and you will know us by the trail of dead
spiritualized
the postal service
the notwist
sonic youth
sunny day real estate
wilco
yo la tengo

some repeats of what others have recommended, which should make you try them out even more.

 

[dhelm]

-starlight mints if you like malkmus
-Jeff Buckley if Elliott Smith fan, Nick Drake, Pete Yorn, Pedro the Lion are other good singer/songwriters.
-If you like post-rock look into Mogwai, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, Boards of Canada, Mum.
-If you like The Postal Service make sure you check out Dntel. Solo project of the electronic half of TPS, his single featured ben and was really the start of TPS.
-Check out spoon, and ill double on Built to Spill and Death Cab for Cutie (Keep it like a secret is a good place to start with BTS, and for DCFC Transatlanticism is my favorite.)

Pleanty more great music where that came from too.

 

[slug]

dhelm, i pretty much love every single artist you just named... havent heard mum or explosions in the sky but i will check them out based on everything else you mentioned.

 

[strohmie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slug dhelm, i pretty much love every single artist you just named... havent heard mum or explosions in the sky but i will check them out based on everything else you mentioned.

Mum's "Yesterday Was Dramatic, Today is OK" album is one that's on heavy rotation for me right now, definitely try it out.

 

[nanahachi]

anyone know of something similar to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club?
This album is great ("take them on, on your own")!

(thanks Minya)

 

[Bolt San]

I second almost everything in here, especially Mum.
More stuff:
Interpol
..And you will know us by the trail of dead
Electrelane
Ash
Mission of Burma
Dinosaur Jr

 

[grinch]

i've been listening to turbonegro's scandinavian leather lately. pretty damn amusing, and similar sound to black rebel motorcycle club.

nothing like good old norwegian rock n' roll!

 

[slug]

just got The Unicorns: Who will cut our hair when we're gone?

Cool band with a sense of humor.