[M0T0XGUY]

I figured I'd make my first dive into the music forum with style: a request for recommendations. Basically, I'm looking for some new material to complement my solid collection of indie bands; from Vampire Weekend to the Apples in Stereo. Lately, I've been digging Blitzen Trapper's new album, as well as older material from Oh No Oh My and Beulah. Still, I think I'd enjoy something a bit more upbeat to combat the working hell-hole that is high-school; something with a catchy melody, quick pace and intimate production if possible.

Thanks in advance,
Nick

 

[Spy_Hill]

Future Clouds and Radar

 

[thatwunguy]

If you haven't already, check out the Format, Hot Chip, Devandra Banhart, and Devotchka. Although I'm sure you have heard some of them.

 

[cwell2112]

You might like Rilo Kiley. Sweet sounding vocals (female) and nice melodies. Their songs aren't particularly complex or interesting I suppose, but they are catchy.

 

[jellojoe]

I would recommend Belle & Sebastian, Metric, The Shins, and Stereolab, if you don't have them already. If I still had to do homework, I'd put Stereolab's catalog on a loop.

 

[mow_the_hawk]

x2 on Belle & Sebastian and The Shins

 

[M0T0XGUY]

Some solid recommendations so far; thanks guys.

@thatwunguy: I've always been a fan of DeVotchKa, Hot Chip and the Format, but Devendra Banhart is a new one for me. His albums' production is rather sterile, but I bought a few melodic songs that caught my attention. So far, I'm liking what I'm hearing.

@jellojoe: You happened to pin down a few of my favorite artists there. The Shins and Belle and Sebastian in particular round off the majority of my "top 10" lists, and Stereolab puts out consistently outstanding material. Metric, though, is a little too "rocky" / "garage-y" for me - though I appreciate the recommendation.

 

[jonathanjong]

Let's see...

Arctic Monkey, Badly Drawn Boy, Band of Horses, Bloc Party, Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Tegan & Sara.

 

[xlEnt]

broken west is care free fun

 

[compuryan]

Cloud Cult if you haven't heard them. I just found out about them about a month ago and can't get enough.

 

[jellojoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0T0XGUY /img/forum/go_quote.gif ... @jellojoe: You happened to pin down a few of my favorite artists there. The Shins and Belle and Sebastian in particular round off the majority of my "top 10" lists, and Stereolab puts out consistently outstanding material. Metric, though, is a little too "rocky" / "garage-y" for me - though I appreciate the recommendation.

Metric's debut, released as their third studio album, is not as rocky. Architecture in Helsinki is a fun and sometimes goofy band; maybe they're better known now with their music on a Sprint TV ad.

 

[ahmed]

I'd recommend you to listen to The Last Shadow Puppets. It's new project from Alex Turner (Arctic Monkey) , plus Metro Station. I have a lot, but I think those are the best.

 

[kjpmkjp]

How about some love for the Canadians.

Broken Social Scene
Hey Rosetta!
The Weakerthans
Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton
Feist
Hello Beautiful (Maybe?)

 

[JSTpt1022]

The National, The New Pornographers (a must if you like B&S), Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes...

 

[Davey]

Wow, don't see much talk about Beulah anymore, but they did produce a couple great records!

One of my favorite listens in recent times is the debut from Aussie band Augie March, Sunset Studies. Has a bit of the droney sound I love of Yo La Tengo (and if you don't know them, you do need "Electr-O-Pura" and "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One"), but more of the Beatles melodica, very poetic lyrics too. But maybe not as upbeat throughout as you are looking for.

I'd say you'd probably love the Caribou records based on some of the others you mentioned. The latest "Andorra" was a big favorite last year, while "Up In Flames" remains a big favorite always. But high school was a long time ago for me

And one along the same lines as those "Elephant 6" type bands you list, the self-titled second and final album from The Glands, a band that is sorely missed by many of us. A little Pavement sounding, a bit like Spoon, some Shins, but still distinctive, and totally loveable.