I'm highlighting music today. The good this week, and the bad next week (of what's new out there). I'm guilty of having extensive knowledge of only a few select genres of music, so this will definitely be limited to Indie/not huge name bands (they're better than most of the mainstream filth flooding the radio waves anyhow) of the alternative type.

Starting with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. Old 97's meets Death Cab, up beat, but mellow. Strong lyrics and melodies with a variety of instruments and synths; from violins to 80's synth keyboard. I can do nothing but praise this fan base worthy Indie band from Washington.



For those who like it a little harder and a little more, screamy? The Blood Brothers, though now a household name among hardcore and screamcore fans, are still a little band looking to make it big in the little world of Indie. Don't expect to understand half the words this guy sings. I've never been one for screamcore, but I like selected songs from these guys. Faint of heart please do not listen. Melodic "singing" mixed with choruses of intense screaming, some songs have less screaming than others (those are the ones I personally prefer). They're part of a huge wave of screamcore, give at least two songs a chance before you write them off (or love them to death): Ambulance vs. Ambulance and The Salesman Denver Max.

This is my plug for Canadian content; Of Montreal. If you're into the synth/electronic/mellow/beat/dance (let's just say Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie) wave hitting us right now, PLEASE give this phenomenal Canadian band a try. I'm all for promoting Canadian arts, and you would be doing me and Canadian music an injustice if you didn't listen (since I won't promote music pirating just yet) to the song, Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games.



Let's visit France for Coco Rosie... and their totally bizarre use of children's toys, a harp, and the Opera trained lyricism of two sisters. I saw them on tour with Bright Eyes and Tilly and the Wall, and usually an opening band doesn't phase you, but they're the best new experimental band to hit us for a long while. These lovely ladies throw social criticism, literary references and lyric free jam songs at us with all their quirks and unique...singing...styles.



Tunes for thought, next week: The ugly side of indie music.

Until we meet again, taker easy, and if she's easy taker twice.