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Float On
I hereby predict the definitive "indie" rock anthem of Summer 2004 will be: "Float On" by Modest Mouse. [video, lyrics] If I were you, I'd follow this advice:
you MUST TURN IT UP LOUD SO THE DRUMS AND BASS MAKE YOU CRAZY. holymoly! dan!!
Now accepting nominations for other contenders in this or any other category of must-listen music. Studying requires a good soundtrack, no?
BTW: Several free (legal) and yummy mp3s here. And Better Propaganda also promises to be a treasure trove of great new tunes.
Ok. Back to making Erie my docile little plaything.
Posted April 23, 2004 08:03 PM | life generally
Information WANTS to be free!! Screw the RIAA.
For my money, I'll take Built to Spill over MM any day, though.
Posted by: justin at April 23, 2004 10:05 PM
Since "indie" is now a style of music rather than a general description of bands, "Float On" might qualify. I haven't listened to the whole record, yet, but what I've heard, I've liked. They've got the K records thing going, "indie" to the core. Since my laptop lacks a subwoofer, I can't say how the low-end affects me though.
Studying definitely requires a good soundtrack. For the last week or so, mine's been a weird combination of Afghan Whigs, Coltrane's Classic Quartet, The Band, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Robert Johnson, Public Enemy and Kasey Chambers, but with two weeks left to go, it'll change a lot.
I wish my good friends in Head of Femur had released a new album in time for finals but their recording schedule doesn't conform to my whims, the bastards.
As far as indie rock anthems of the summer...I can't say for sure. I'm turning into my dad and only listening to stuff that was released when I was an undergrad, but I've heard a few things that have perked my ears. Franz Ferdinand is like a less mopy Interpol with a tad bit of Gang of Four thrown in. I can't say what song for sure, but these guys'll be in the mix.
One more to watch for: former Hole and Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf der Maur (can that possibly be her real name?) has a record coming out. I've just heard the first single, but it packs a wicked punch. Indie rock? Maybe not to true indie rawkers, but I have a feeling we'll be hearing it a lot this year.
Posted by: Steve at April 24, 2004 01:37 AM
BTS = very good, yes, but all I have is "Ultimate Alternative Wavers," which I'm told is not their best. I really like "Three Years Ago Today" and "A Lie for a Lie," though.
And "indie" was probably maybe not the best term. "College"? Modest Mouse seems somewhere between really "indie" and major lable, but is there a good name for that?
One problem w/veering far from the big labels and top 40 when talking about "rock music" (what does *that* mean anymore?) is that it's too easy to get into pissing contests about who's "indie-er" than thou. I'll admit up front I'm an indie music know-nothing. In fact, in recent years I've become something of a music know-nothing generally, partly because I also tend to listen mostly to things released when I was in college (or even high school or jr. high in the case of some depeche mode, smiths, cure, billy bragg, tori amos, and other faves), or to more recent releases by artists I know (I'm an incurable REM fan, even after they became a trio). But the study soundtrack thus far has been mostly Modest Mouse, Billy Bragg, Coldplay (see, I'm 100% pop!), Elevator Ride, Pavement, New Pornographers, TMBG, and Wilco.
Consider BTS and "Curve that Byrd" by Head of Femur to the mix. Good stuff.
Posted by: ambimb at April 24, 2004 06:25 AM
TMBG to study to? Interesting. I have seen them live one too many times. I think it did some sort of damage.
As far as studying goes, I tend towards either the classical station or else my limited jazz collection.
Posted by: justin at April 25, 2004 11:59 PM
yeah, justin, i'm with you. words in music distract me when i'm reading or writing or studying, so it's usually jazz and classical for me too.
Posted by: monica at April 26, 2004 07:50 AM
