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A few weeks ago I predicted that "Float On" by Modest Mouse will be "the definitive 'indie' rock anthem of Summer 2004." While I may have overstated my case, if NPR has anything to do with it (and it probably doesn't) the song is on its way:
Music commentator Alexandra Patsavas is a music supervisor in Los Angeles, and we let her listen to all the new albums so we don't have to. Today, she's got five song suggestions that you should consider including in your summer music rotation: "Float On" by Modest Mouse; "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers; "Spitting Games" by Snow Patrol; "Saturday Night" by Ozomatli; and "One Horse Town" by The Thrills.
So what about the rest there? Anyone have any thoughts on The Killers, Snow Patrol, Ozomatli, or The Thrills? And who are these "Shins" I've been hearing a bit about? Bekah, Steve, Justin, (and anyone else, of course) hear my pleas for enlightenment!
Note: Looks like Steve's got some summer recommendations here.
Posted June 30, 2004 06:30 AM | life generally
I have to say, as a long-time Modest Mouse fan, "Float On" is a masterful piece of pop. Good News for People Who Love Bad News is a pretty decent album, but I still think Lonesome Crowded West is my favorite.
As a loyal Chicago resident, I have to second Steve's recommendation of A Ghost is Born from Wilco... I'd also recommend Van Lear Rose which is the Loretta Lynn/Jack White album... and it's amazing.
The Shins were just here a week or two ago, sadly, I missed that show. The last show I saw was Stellastarr* who were really good... and for a child of 80s Alternative, their self-titled album is great. As for The Shins, they are pretty good, although I've only heard Chutes Too Narrow which is kind of stylistically all over the road, but in ways reminds me of Supergrass, minus the pure pop genius that is Supergrass.
Personally, I'm really looking forward to Interpol's followup to Turn on the Bright Lights. God, that was a fantastic album, and they put on just about the best show I've ever seen.
Posted by: Dave! at June 30, 2004 10:20 AM
If we're judging my exposure, "Float On" is on MTV every time I'm at the gym. The Thrills record is fun if you don't mind Irish lads doing the Beach Boys. I found the Snow Patrol record to be much like NPR itself, not offensive, but hushed and just a little bit boring. The Killers I like quite a bit.
The college radio station here seems to be stuck on a constant loop of the new Sonic Youth album except when it plays !!! or the new Jay Farrar.
Posted by: Steve at June 30, 2004 11:06 AM
I meant "by exposure", not just "my exposure."
Posted by: Steve at June 30, 2004 11:08 AM
If the rotation here shows any patterns the anthem would have to be either Followed the Waves by Auf Der Mar, or Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand.
Posted by: Beanie at June 30, 2004 12:11 PM
Ah, the Shins. I saw them a few weeks ago, and the show was wonderful. "Chutes Too Narrow" is the new album; those preoccupied with indie-slang would refer to it as "more accessible" than the earlier "Oh, Inverted World!", though I love both of them. Absolutely pick these albums up. They are musical magic...and good for summer too, I think. Although I guess good music should be good for any season...especially because "summer anthems" are usually songs like "Fly" by Sugar Ray or "Big Pimpin." I don't know about all that...
Posted by: Bekah at June 30, 2004 04:35 PM
If being played on Nickelodeon-owned "Teen/Tween" station, THE N is any indication, Modest Mouse has a summer hit on their hand.
Last year, they played the crap out of 'Hey Ya.' I liked Modest Mouse better when 10 year olds didn't know who they were.
The Shins don't really slay me, honestly. But they're on SubPop so they must be cool, right? They're also featured on Zach Braff's indie summer feature, Garden State so that might further qualify them as a band of summer.
But if I were to choose a SubPop band for these lazy days of summer, I prefer The Postal Service.
The Killers are the new Pet Shop Boys.
Posted by: Cinnamon at July 2, 2004 02:29 AM
You're all miles ahead of me, but thanks for the tips. I may be doing some iTunes downloading shortly and I'll let you know what it all sounds like to me. Wilco's new one is definitely high on my list. Which reminds me, there's apparently a new biography out about Jeff Tweedy -- Salon reviews it here.
I love the Pet Shop Boys. The Killers just moved up on the list, and I have a soft spot for Morissey (which Dave also recommended on his site. Man, when I start thinking about all the great music I'd love to hear, that's when I really start wishing I had *lots* of disposable income.
Posted by: ambimb at July 2, 2004 08:40 AM
Disclaimer: I don't think The Killers are as innovative or dancey as the Pet Shop Boys, but they remind me of them in many ways.
Posted by: Cinnamon at July 2, 2004 01:19 PM
