mind of matthew dot net

i’ve had conversations about music with other 30 something’s that really think that all of the good stuff has already been released. i suppose this is a generational thing…folks that grew up in the 70’s think that era had the best music. to me it’s really more of a “git off my lawwwwwn!” syndrome than anything else. i’m of the opinion that every era has a lot to offer…which is why i continue to listen to just as much new music as i do the stuff that i grew up with. obviously i’m still partial to 80’s era alt/punk, but in no way does current stuff suck…well, to all of you who can’t seem to get out of music released in (insert the year you graduated high school) here is a list of current bands that you should open your mind to:

the new pornographers

this so called indie super group is probably my current favorite band. their debut album, mass romantic, is generally thought of as one of the best indie releases of all time…but it’s not their best. pick up 2005’s twin cinema to really get a taste of what this band is all about. neko case has one of the best voices in music today, an a.c. newman writes some of the catchiest hooks in indie music today.

starlight mints

norman, oklahoma’s own little treasure. built on squares is a quirky little album that every music lover should have. a lot of people compare the ‘mints to their oklahoma contemporaries the flaming lips…which i find to be a mistake. yes both bands stick out as being “different” but that is really where the similarities end. great thing about the ‘mints is if you like here in oklahoma you can catch them live pretty often. they own and operate the opolis in norman, and have been known to not only play there, but sell beer to folks that are there to see another band.

band of horses

this is a band that i’m just getting familiar with…and they’re pretty good. their song “the funeral” has gotten some radio play, and was featured on some car commercial earlier this year. fans have told me i’m late to the party on this band…but so what. i like them, and you should check them out.

built to spill

ok these guys are nothing new, in fact they’ve been around for a long time. considered by many to be one of the best anti grunge bands to come out of the grunge era, bts has been making music since 1992. guitarist/vocalist doug martsch is completely underrated as both a songwriter and a musician. i always like a lead guitarist that doesn’t feel like they have to have a face blistering/over the top/80’s glam style solo, but still knows how to command a song. martsch does just that. bts’s most recent release, you in reverse (2006) is a great record that anyone that likes rock n roll should own.

cut//copy

i just started listening to cut//copy, an australian band that takes everything you loved about techno/electronic music in the 80’s and updates it with a modern feel. i like to tell people that cut//copy is like listening to a brand new version of duran duran, new order, and depeche mode all rolled up into a nice little 2009 package. good stuff.

the shins

though not for as long as built to spill, the shins have been around for a while. owing much of their popularity to their mention by natalie portman’s character in the 2004 film garden state, the shins have a sound that is instantly indentifiable. indie pop simply perfected is how i would describe this band. be sure to give them a listen

i’ll post more bands you should hear in the future.