In the last week I've added 1,302 songs (8.83 gigs) to my library and I'm pretty stoked about it. Since my parents instilled in me the importance of sharing at a very young age, you get to reap the rewards. Now, I'm not claiming to be an authority on music, nor am I trying to show off some innate ability to find obscure bands (many of these aren't). The reason I'm doing this is because good music makes any situation better, any day brighter, and any night more fun - no matter where you are or who you're with. I believe the right song at the right time is what creates perfect moments. I want to share with you some of my latest discoveries as well as some of my oldest favorites so you can have as many of those perfect moments as possible.
I was inspired by a recent article in Esquire entitled "50 Songs Every Man Should Listen To." I highly recommend it. Some of the bands in this note came right off of that list.
These are in no particular order.
Temper Trap
Because when "Sweet Disposition" comes on my iPod when I'm running through the streets of downtown St. Louis as the sun sets, surrounded by tall buildings and the energy of the city before the nightlife, I feel like I can do anything. I like that feeling. Because during the summer when my friends and I are having drinks on the roof and a slight breeze blows through as we look over the Mississippi and city lights and this song comes up on the playlist, I feel like everything is perfect. I like that feeling too.
Mumm-Ra
Remember the feeling of an excellent relationship? No? Let me remind you. You smile every time she walks in the room, she constantly takes up every last corner of your thoughts, and you swear you've never been so happy in your life. "She's Got You High" will get you as close to that place as you can get without actually being there. Unfortunately, this British indie rock group is no longer making music. That reminds me of the shittiness of a break up. Boo.
Innerparty System
Because if you can listen to them without at least tapping your foot, you may no be human. Check out "Don't Stop."
The Black Keys
Because any band that can record a record in a vacant rubber factory in Akron, Ohio has to be good. It helps that Dan Auerbach is a God damn genius. Soulful rock just doesn't get the recognition that it should. If you close your eyes as you listen to them, you'd swear you're in New Orleans or Tennessee.
The Smiths
Because there's something cool about the simplicity of their songs. There's also something to be learned from a band that's been around as long as they have. For instance, they're right about pretty girls. They do make graves.
The Black Angels, Dan Auerbach, and Radio Moscow
Because there is no such thing as too much awesome rock. Radio Moscow is proof that ridiculous solo guitar riffs still do exist. See also The Black Keys.
Science for Girls
Because collaborations are all the rage and some nights are made for staying in, sipping on a Hendrick's and tonic (with a slice of cucumber in it, thanks Julia) and relaxing. I did that once.
Broken Bell
Because an indie superband is a beautiful thing and The High Road is as close to perfect as a song can get.
She & Him
Because I am in love with Zooey Deschanel. Period. This is where I put in my shameless plug for (500) Days of Summer.
Kings of Leon
Because no matter how many times they play Sex On Fire, I will sing along. Their other records are good, too. Yes, they do have other records. No, you probably won't like them. Excellent live show.
Brand New
Without a doubt, the best live show I have ever seen. Brand New at the Beaumont in Kansas City in November of 2007 showed me God for 12 songs. Pure talent. Pure awesome talent. Play Crack the Sky is the most beautiful song I think I've ever heard. Not to mention the rest of their songs that will violently rock your face off and then back on again.
After Midnight Project
I dare you to listen to "Take Me Home" and not rock out. After that, listen to the acoustic version and try not to be equally as impressed.
The Hotrats
Because they single handedly disprove the "Those who 'can,' start a band. Those who 'can't,' start a cover band" theory. It's the cover band side project of Supergrass. I like their rendition of "Damaged Goods" and "Love is the Drug" better than the originals.
Autovein
Because "Suicides & Lullabies" and "Come To You" changed my life. Because these guys play Sidebar every Thursday as Optimus Prime and the Masters of the Universe. Because they're from Saint Louis. Because they're better than Story of the Year. Because they're really fucking good.
The Early November
Because of the finger snapping. The finger snapping.
Ace Enders and a Million Different People
Because when The Early November broke up, Ace Enders wasn't done writing the brilliant music of a heartbroken genius. The first track on his record will hook you.
Rogue Wave
Because "Eyes" is a fantastic night time driving song. The next time I drive home to Omaha after work, I will listen to this song when the sun goes down. You've heard this song, but you'll never be able to remember where you heard it. I know I can't.
Warren Zevon
Because there are two things that can solve every problem you will ever face. One, wisdom from your father. Two, a glass of whiskey and a Warren Zevon song.
Silversun Pickups
This band will forever remind me of the first summer in St. Louis. I spent summer weekends in my apartment, at the pool, walking down Washington Avenue, hanging out at Sidebar, or drinking on a patio some where. Always with great people. We started every night with "Panic Switch" and a drink. I have yet to come across a Silversun Pickups song that I don't like.
Bob Dylan
Duh.
Taking Back Sunday, Finch, and Matchbook Romance
Because in college, Craig, Meis and I would drunkenly sing songs by these bands at the top of our lungs in the basement of our house on Southwood Drive in Columbia. Songs that are connected to memories like that never get old. Also, lyrics as bold as "the truth is you could slit my throat and with my one last gasping breath I'd apologize for bleeding on your shirt" don't come around very often. There's nothing wrong with revisiting teenage angst every once in a while.
Blind Pilot, Okkerville River, Cave Singers, and The Fruit Bats
Because nothing beats sitting in a coffee place listening to good folk and people watching on a Sunday morning. Not that I've ever done that, it just sounds like it would be a really cool, hipster thing to do.
Rocksonix
Because sometimes (very rarely) you just have to blast your ears with so much bass that they start bleeding. Anyone that can remix Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek" and make it awesome gets props.
Eels
Because any song that Mark Oliver Everette writes is a staggering work of heartbreaking genius.
Metric
Because I want to hold Emily Haines' hand.
The xx
Because when you're deathly hungover in Vegas, this is the only band you will want to listen to. They make all your problems melt away.
David Nail
Because "Red Light" is the only country song that I have ever downloaded.
Jay Reatard
James Mercer put it best: "When I heard Jay Reatard before he died. I thought there could be a new wave of American punk. It's still possible. Unfortunately, he won't be leading the charge." He died from a cocaine overdose in January. Alcohol was a contributing factor.
I could go on forever. So, in the interest of wanting people to actually read all of this, I'll stop here. There are 35 bands and 26 uses of "because." Get downloading.
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