Essay by Sydney Pierce (LHS Class of 2010)
Music to Study By
Music to Study By
Bon Iver. For those of us that occasionally like to sit around and read (while not being distracted by loud music, which is usually my problem), this is an ideal band. Their lyrics are incredibly inspiring, which makes them stimulating for anyone. They're very soft indie, giving them an edge against the popular music that tends to hit in all the harder places.
Electronic Indie Pop
The xx. Somewhat electronic at points, but also very soft. Rather than a duet, this is actually a group of kids who met in high school. However, only two of them sing. The guy sounds like the lead singer to The Fray and the girl sounds eerily similar to Norah Jones, both of which make listening to them a bit nostalgic and weird. But, their lyrics (and music) are really cool.
Surf Alternative
Jack's Mannequin. I would describe them as very poppy. Lots of piano, a guy with leukemia, and fun songs. Their album Everything In Transit is the ideal summer album. For any other reason, simply listen to their other album, entitled The Glass Passenger. This is music that makes you simply feel like you're not alone, which is useful these days. Some of their songs are extremely touching while others just make you want to dance.
Mix Mastery
Girl Talk. This guy is a DJ. He mixes little snippets from other songs (everything from Journey to Lil Wayne). Anyone can have fun with this music. Think party mix on steroids, if you will. You’ll be surprised at just how much you already know from what he plays. The back beats can be anything from Oasis, Radiohead, or Rage Against the Machine while the vocals can differ from Dexys Midnight Runners (ya know, they sing that terribly catchy song “Come On Eileen”) to Jay Z.
Early Pop Punk
Brand New. Their lyrics are brilliant. The lead singer's voice is great. Their newest album is a lot harder than the others, but their album The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me is probably one of the best albums I have ever heard. You’ll be swooning, while possibly a little overwhelmed, after you listen to them just once.
Feel-Good Jam Rock
John Butler Trio. It's bouncy and awesome. So, hooray. He’s Australian and ... just really fun. He tends to focus on love in many different forms. So for all of you wishing for something a little more meaningful, this may be right up your alley. Easy listening is no exaggeration. In fact, just listening to the instrumentals these guys put out will have you feeling light and free. You’ll be feeling it in a heartbeat.
Alt-Country
Keith Moody and My Band. So you know how living in Tennessee basically gives you the stereotype of either hating country music or loving it? Well, my honest opinion to that is you’re just not looking hard enough. This band is energetic; you’re not getting the stereotypical country music/blues rendezvous that involves tractors and cheating exes. Instead, you’ll be humbled by just how much you’ve overlooked this genre. These guys seem to possess the ability to make anyone start singing along. Don’t believe me? Just listen.
Electronic Indie Pop
The xx. Somewhat electronic at points, but also very soft. Rather than a duet, this is actually a group of kids who met in high school. However, only two of them sing. The guy sounds like the lead singer to The Fray and the girl sounds eerily similar to Norah Jones, both of which make listening to them a bit nostalgic and weird. But, their lyrics (and music) are really cool.
Surf Alternative
Jack's Mannequin. I would describe them as very poppy. Lots of piano, a guy with leukemia, and fun songs. Their album Everything In Transit is the ideal summer album. For any other reason, simply listen to their other album, entitled The Glass Passenger. This is music that makes you simply feel like you're not alone, which is useful these days. Some of their songs are extremely touching while others just make you want to dance.
Mix Mastery
Girl Talk. This guy is a DJ. He mixes little snippets from other songs (everything from Journey to Lil Wayne). Anyone can have fun with this music. Think party mix on steroids, if you will. You’ll be surprised at just how much you already know from what he plays. The back beats can be anything from Oasis, Radiohead, or Rage Against the Machine while the vocals can differ from Dexys Midnight Runners (ya know, they sing that terribly catchy song “Come On Eileen”) to Jay Z.
Early Pop Punk
Brand New. Their lyrics are brilliant. The lead singer's voice is great. Their newest album is a lot harder than the others, but their album The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me is probably one of the best albums I have ever heard. You’ll be swooning, while possibly a little overwhelmed, after you listen to them just once.
Feel-Good Jam Rock
John Butler Trio. It's bouncy and awesome. So, hooray. He’s Australian and ... just really fun. He tends to focus on love in many different forms. So for all of you wishing for something a little more meaningful, this may be right up your alley. Easy listening is no exaggeration. In fact, just listening to the instrumentals these guys put out will have you feeling light and free. You’ll be feeling it in a heartbeat.
Alt-Country
Keith Moody and My Band. So you know how living in Tennessee basically gives you the stereotype of either hating country music or loving it? Well, my honest opinion to that is you’re just not looking hard enough. This band is energetic; you’re not getting the stereotypical country music/blues rendezvous that involves tractors and cheating exes. Instead, you’ll be humbled by just how much you’ve overlooked this genre. These guys seem to possess the ability to make anyone start singing along. Don’t believe me? Just listen.
Questions for Further Writing:
Which of the bands that Sydney mentioned do you think is the most important genre-bending artist?
Which of the recommendations that she mentioned surprised you by how good they were?
What bands do you think we should be listening to? Why?
DJ Girl Talk sounds pretty interesting. And everyone go listen to Ocean by John Butler Trio that guy can play a twelve string guitar like I've never heard before!
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