Back in January of 2005 I made this lovely post regarding bands I was "getting into". Looking back some of those bands (Dresden Dolls and Muse) have stuck around and now hold a special place in my iTunes library. Others, like The Mars Volta, I haven't heard in a while. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy their music, I just don't consider them a favorite. So I decided to make a list of a few bands I am currently "digging". Only time will tell who will stick around as one of my favorites. List:
1) Silversun Pickups
Through the process of asexual reproduction, the Smashing Pumpkins reproduced and gave birth to something called Silversun Pickups. Being the bad mother we all know Billy Corgan would make, he drank during his band's pregnancy, which led to the deformities of it's offspring. The new James Iha plays drums, new Billy Corgan has a lazy eye, and the new Jimmy Chamberlin's drum set morphed into a set of keyboards and synthesizers. Luckily for everyone the new D'Arcy is still plucking away at her bass, only way hotter than the original. OK, I'll admit I am exaggerating a little bit, but sometimes I can't help but compare the two bands. Is it because I really miss the old Smashing Pumpkins? Or is it because I've come to the realization that I like the Silversun Pickups more than the Smashing Pumpkins? Their hit single "Lazy Eye" is still awesome, even though I enjoy "Future Foe Scenarios" more. Having seen them at Coachella, I can tell you that the Silversun Pickups can pull off an amazing live show.
2) LCD Soundsystem
"Daft Punk is playing at my house, my house!" "It's time to get away, It's time to get away, from You! To think I used to pity you! To think I used to talk to you!" "We are North American Scum! Ah ahh, We are North American!" "And if the sun comes up, if the sun comes up, if the sun comes up and I still don't wanna stagger home. Then it's the memory of our betters that are keeping us on our feet." Just a sample of their lyrics. LCD Soundsystem are fucking FUN. Awesome funky electro-punk. From their more dancy songs like "Get Innocuous" to their more chill songs like "All My Friends" and "New York I Love You", it is all good. I also saw them at Coachella this year, and I cannot wait until I will see them again opening for the Arcade Fire at the Hollywood Bowl.
3) Gogol Bordello
Gypsy punk! Amazingly fun to listen to. Favorites include "Super theory of Super everthing" and "Super Taranta!" They also put on an amazing live show. Sadly I didn't discover them until after Coachella. Otherwise I would have seen them instead of leaving early during Bjork.
4) The Knife
The Knife are weird. That's the only way I can describe them. This description does not do them justice. The Knife are a brother-sister electronic duo. Their music is very uplifting at times and very ambient at others. They rarely play live. They wear masks to hide their identities. "Marble House" makes me cry (not really, but it's pretty sweet) and "We Share Our Mother's Health" makes me want to get up and dance (not really, but it's pretty cool).
5) Daft Punk
What can I saw about Daft Punk? I'll start by saying that I am really bummed out about missing them when they played at the Sports Arena last week. There is something about Daft Punk I can't describe. They are not your usual DJ act. Is it the robot outfits? Is it the awesome catchy songs they spin? Even if you don't know who I am talking about, I am pretty sure you've heard a Daft Punk song. My personal favorite "Digital Love" was in a GAP commercial, and "Da Funk" is played at sporting events.
I can see my musical taste shifting a little bit into the electronica side of things, but I will always enjoy a nice trashy rock (as in classic, alternative, indie, metal, grunge, etc) song.