Shotgun Jimmie

This has been a wonderful decade in the music world. So many styles have emerged and blossomed, and I believe that a lot of it has to do with the Internet.

Whereas up until this decade everything we heard was largely dictated by the radio and television networks, the web has opened the doors to so many independent artists and labels that may not have garnered mainstream attention before.

This has been great for music lovers, especially those who follow the indie rock music scene. Looking back on the decade that was, I thought it would be fun to review this past decade’s top 5 bands of this genre. This is all in my humble opinion, and you have every right to disagree.

5. The folksy style of The Shins has always struck a chord with me. While the band only produced three albums, they were all top notch. I’m excited for their next release.

4. The Arcade Fire only produced two albums, but Funeral, the band’s debut, was a monumental release and largely defined a style of music that still continues to develop present day. It’s amazing to think that it’s been five years since their debut, but it was a classic that’s still just as enjoyable to this day.

3. Spoon has become one of those mainstays in the indie world, thanks to singer Britt Daniel’s knack for catchy hooks. Look for yet another release from the band.

2. Wilco symbolically and musically meant a lot to this past decade, and they get my vote for number two. Yankee Hotel Foxtrot started it all at the beginning of the 2000s, and Jeff Tweedy and crew have continued to produce some great music ever since.

1. Radiohead. Many might say they were the best 90s rock band too, at least of the second half. While my vote there goes to Pearl Jam, Radiohead carried its momentum from the 90s into the 2000s, creating some brilliant and truly innovative music.

“Snow Patrol” are a five-piece Irish/Scottish indie/alternative rock band from Dundee. Snow Patrol were formed way back in 1994 and currently the band consists of Gary Lightbody (Vocals and Guitar), Nathan Connolly (Guitar and Backing Vocals), Paul Wilson (Bass), Jonny Quinn (Drums) and Tom Simpson (Keyboards). Snow Patrol were originally known as in indie rock band but have moved to a more alternative rock and power pop sound.

A Hundred Million Suns opens with “If There’s A Rocket Tie Me To It”. It starts off in the distance with the help of synthesizers and gradually sounds louder and gets into the track when the correct momentum hits on. When the guitar comes on, it sounds really good before Gary comes on with his trademark husky yet soft vocals. As Gary sings, the background music carries on and hit a high when Gary goes, “A fire a fire, you can only take what you can carry… A pulse your pulse, it’s the only thing I can remember…” Snow Patrol also gear up the tempo in this part. The remaining 1 minute, If There’s A Rocket Tie Me To It just gets louder and Snow Patrol add some background howls as Gary sings to the end… Great appetizer here…  (more…)

“Tokyo Police Club” are a four-piece Canadian indie rock band from Newmarket, Ontario. Tokyo Police Club were formed in 2005 and they are Dave Monks (Vocals and Bass), Josh Hook (Guitar), Graham Wright (Keyboards) and Greg Alsop (Drums). Their musical genres are mainly indie rock, garage rock and post-punk revival.

Elephant Shell has a good opening with “Centennial”. In the few seconds upon opening, you can hear the sound of a malfunctioned robot. The robot might be stuck or jammed somewhere, i thought to myself. Shortly, the draggy keyboard and Dave Monks just come in. Centennial is not a fast tempo track, but the guitar and bass seem to be able to work this track out. In the bridge, handclaps joining by keyboard, just come in for a brief second. And that might be one of the best moments on Centennial. At the end, i like Dave Monks goes, “I’m only wishing well, though you won’t believe me, this coming Thursday evening, is our centennial…” and succeeded by wedding-like keyboard. A short opening, but i’m convinced to find out more about Tokyo Police Club.  (more…)

“The Pigeon Detectives” are a five-piece indie rock band from Rothwell, Leeds in England. The Pigeon Detectives are Matt Bowman (Vocals), Oliver Main (Guitars and Backing Vocal), Ryan Wilson (Guitar and Backing Vocal), Dave Best (Bass and Backing Vocal) and Jimmy Naylor (Drums and Backing Vocals). Their music genre are mainly alternative rock, indie rock and garage rock revival and they are signed to Leeds based independent record label Dance To The Radio. Their funny band name? Honestly, i don’t think it’s funny, it’s very unique instead. Speaking of it and according to NME, Drummer Jimmi Naylor stated that he has never like the name, but it grew on him and The Pigeon Detectives started to gain attention due to the silly name. He even mentioned that, “It came from an Australian guy who we met at the Leeds Festival.

Emergency by The Pigeon Detectives is a great successor to its predecessor, Wait For Me. For some, it might even sound better than Wait For Me. It’s kind of funny that you find that The Pigeon Detectives are in some ways, a cross between The Futureheads and The Libertines. The Pigeon Detectives have the raw energy of The Futureheads and the killing guitar hooks of The Libertines. Well The Pigeon Detectives are relatively still new, with only Emergency being their second album, but i’m pretty sure they have a steady growth of fans. (more…)

“Albert Hammond, Jr.” is an indie pop/rock artist from Los Angeles, California. He plays the guitar and his favourite guitar instruments are Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul. He is also a guitarist of indie rock band, The Strokes. When he’s with The Strokes, he often plays the rhythm guitar. As he ventures into his side project solo career, he still plays the similar musical soundscape as The Strokes, a bit of garage and indie pop rock.

Como Te Llama opens with a very guitar-oriented “Bargain Of A Century”. The beginning few seconds, i can hear the bass as if it’s running on a open field. Once the music catches on, you can hear the banjo beginning to play. When Albert Hammond, Jr. takes the stage, he sings in an energy-less voice. The guitar did a very good job in helping out this track. Well, this is how Albert Hammod, Jr. sings right? Very similar to the style of Julian Casablancas.   (more…)