Music is such a huge industry that many well deserving artists seem to be wrongly pushed aside and hidden from the general masses. The following are a selection of some artists that I believe everyone should give a quick listen to. Music is very personal, so many people won’t agree with some of my selections, however I have selected artists who I think could make it in the mainstream. Oh, and I have put a ‘best songs’ part to the lists, which include firstly the best song off the album shown, then two other songs that are good by the artist.
This first band I probably wouldn’t consider to be too alternative, many people know about this band in England, at least. However this album is so good I had to include it. Vampire Weekend is an American indie rock band from New York City, formed in 2006, and signed to XL Recordings. The band released their eponymous debut album on January 29, 2008. The album produced brilliantly unique sounding songs such as ‘A-Punk’ and ‘Mansard roof’. Many may recognize the song ‘A-Punk’ as the title song from the Will Farrell film ‘Step Brothers’. The bands genre has been described as Alternative rock, Indie rock, World beat and New wave. I love this album because it brings an excellent, up-beat indie rock feel which many love. The band are a festival favourite, performing exceptional sets at the world famous Glastonbury festival. The band have also brought out a second album called ‘Contra’.
Best songs: ‘A-Punk’, ‘Oxford Comma’, ‘Cousins’.
The Get Up Kids are an American alternative rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, formed in 1995. The band have been described as ‘emo’, but don’t worry we’re not talking ‘all in black’ teen emo, this is deep musical stuff! The band actually try and disassociate themselves with the emo scene, with the lead singer even apologizing for founding the emo scene which, in his words, has ‘developed into nothing more than pretentious glam rock’. The Get Up Kids are truly deserving of being the founding fathers of the punk-emo scene, with their excellent album ‘Something to write home about’ still ‘doing the rounds’ today. The Band just recently performed a 10th anniversary comeback tour celebrating ten years of success of this album. The album boasts twelve brilliantly catchy songs with deep lyrical meaning. The albums best song (in my opinion) is ‘I’m a loner Dottie, a rebel’ which I have to say Is probably one of my all time favorite songs. This album really speaks for itself so give it a listen!
Best songs: ‘I’m a loner Dottie, a rebel’, ‘Overdue’, ‘Campfire Kansas’.
Mumford & Sons are a folk rock band which formed in London, England. The band is made up of Marcus Mumford (vocals, guitar, drums, mandolin), “Country” Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboards, accordion), and Ted Dwane (vocals, double bass). The band formed in 2007, and contributed to the rising popularity of folk music in young people. Along with artists such as Laura Marling, Johnny Flynn, Jay Jay Pistolet and Noah and the Whale, this album really captures the powerful genre of folk/rock in a new and enjoyable way. Mumford & sons really translate this genre for the masses, with truly moving songs such as ‘Thistle & weed’ and ‘little lion man’. The album also fulfills the musical needs of the mainstream, with the title track ‘the cave’ which many of my friends who ‘only like rap’ (for some reason) say even they adore. The album is a must have for anyone who loves Folk, and even for people who (like me) don’t particularly like it.
Best songs: ‘The Cave’, ‘Little Lion Man’, ‘Roll Away Your Stone’.
‘The Academy Is…’ are an American alternative rock band from Barrington, Illinois. They formed in 2003, and signed to the ‘Fueled By Ramen’ label. ‘Almost Here’ was the band’s debut album. This is a great album for those who don’t like heavy rock or over complicated tunes. ‘The Academy Is…’ keep it simple in a brilliant way, with lead singer William Beckett bringing wonderful lyrical genius to the equation, followed by simple yet catchy guitar riffs and drumming solos, this album is sure to please. ‘Almost Here’ is a great chill out album.
Best songs: ‘Attention’, ‘Classifieds’, ‘Slow Down’.
Modest Mouse have been around a very long time indeed, they first formed way back in 1993. Today, the band are still going strong and their most popular album, ‘We were dead before the ship sank’, was released on March 20th, 2007, and reached number one on the US Billboard 200 charts, the album spawned the hit single “Dashboard”, as well as “Missed the Boat” and “We’ve Got Everything”. The band have a very iconic style, with lead singer Isaac Brock giving refreshingly unique vocals followed with almost improvised sounding guitar solos. The song ‘The Good Times Are Killing Me’ adds to the improvised feel with moving and talking in the background.
Best songs: ‘Missed the Boat’, ‘Float On’, ‘3rd Planet’.
Jamie Alexander Treays is a 24-year-old English singer/songwriter from Wimbledon, South London. ‘Panic Prevention’ (released on 29th January, 2007) was a huge commercial success in England, with the songs ‘If you got the money’ (which reached number 13 in the charts) and ‘Calm Down Dearest’ (which reached number 9). ‘Back in the Game’ was named as single of the week by DJ Alex Zane. Jamie’s style is a mixture of indie and UK Garage style rap, which culminate in a truly excellent unique style. Jamie won the best solo artist award at the 2007 NME Awards; He also won the 2010 solo artist award for his second album ‘Kings and Queens’.
Best songs: ‘Calm Down Dearest’, ‘Sheila’, ‘Sticks and Stones’.
Taking Back Sunday are probably the most well know band on this list, however many who have heard of them know only a few songs, none of which are on their arguably best album, ‘Where you want to be’. The smooth sounding emotional rock starts heavy with ‘Set phasers To Stun’ to ‘The Union’, until TBS show their delicate side with the brilliant, technically perfect acoustic song ‘New American Classic’. The title track ‘A Decade Under The Influence’ expresses the typical Taking Back Sunday style of neat lyrics and twin vocals, which culminate in a truly brilliant unique sound. Adding to TBS’s unique look is front man Adam Lazzara, who has been praised for impressive stage presence with his trademark moves and mesmerizing mic swinging.
Best songs: ‘A Decade Under The Influence’, ‘Make damn sure’, ‘Cute without the e (cut from the team)’
Passion Pit is also a band many people would have heard of. They are an American electronic band from Cambridge, Massachusetts. They formed in 2007 and their debut EP ‘Chunk of Change’ was released on September 16, 2008. Their first full album ‘Manners’, explores electro synth-pop on an excitingly psychedelic level. The best song on the album ‘sleepyhead’ starts with neat, catchy singing which kicks into erratic keyboard squeals leaving the listener drowned in excellent prismatic tones. This album is perfect for synth and electronic pop lovers.
Best songs: ‘Sleepyhead’, ‘Little Secrets’, ‘To Kingdom Come’.
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly is the stage name of English artist Sam Duckworth. Cape’s debut album, ‘The Chronicles of a Bohemian Teenager’, has been described as an indie/emo fusion. The album was very well received by critics and even made the top 100 albums of 2006 lists of Q and NME, which is admirable for such an alternative artist. Musically, the artistically crafted songs are built around picked acoustic guitar and crisp laptop beats, which are combined in an impressively seamless way. Small segments of cello, violin and cornet prevent the style from appearing too limited. ‘Chronicles’ is a refreshingly upbeat album, sure to please those laid back acoustic/electro lovers.
Best songs: ‘Call Me Ishmael’, ‘War of The Worlds’, ‘Find The Time’.
The Postal Service is an American electronic indie pop band composed of vocalist Ben Gibbard of ‘Death Cab for Cutie’ and producer Jimmy Tamborello of ‘’Dntel, Headset and Figurine’. The band’s debut album, Give Up, was released on February 18, 2003. The albums soft rhythmic beats and up-tempo synthesized tunes, followed by Ben Gibbard’s truly relaxing vocals collaborate for a terrific album. The album’s most well-known single was “Such Great Heights” which brings together interesting lyrics and brilliantly catchy tunes. The album is consistent throughout and, like many albums on this list, produces song after song of excellent material. This is an album truly worthy of the number one spot!
Best songs: ‘Such Great Heights’, ‘The District Sleeps Alone Tonight’, ‘We Will Become Silhouettes’.
Where is Gina G – Oooh ah just a little bit?
One question: WHERE ARE ARCTIC MONKEYS. I demand a list, any list, that features them.
their last album was a bit of a disappointment
compared to the other masterpieces, yes, but they just chose a different, darker instrumental sound. however, I still like Dangerous Animals, Secret Door, Fire and the Thud, Cornerstone, and Pretty Visitors. Nevertheless, they should have at least been in the top 3. Knock out that horrendous Jamie T group (and that was supposedly their best song, according to the author). "Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly" weren't all that great either
boring list
i agree. . .
i disagree. just go only and tune in. some really good music.
ups. go ONLINE and tune in…
Agree as well.
It's obviously a well researched list and something the author is passionate about so I wouldn't describe it as a boring list- but it is not to my taste and I am really not interested. I gave it a shot though!
it is well researched, but tbh it is a very boring list
After a string of really great lists on listverse, I guess a list like this was inevitable. I'm guessing this list was posted solely for the controversy that would ensue.
I agree. I didn't learn anything from this list other than I really don't know much about alternative music.
i was searching for alternative ROCK. This is obviously just alternative… like alternative lifestyles.
So why the hell did you read it? Why not just give up halfway through? Are you one of those guys who watch a 10-minute video on youtube and then comment how you want your 10 minutes back?
Have you even bother to give these bands a chance at all?
Yep, boring too
Have 5/10 not bad.
I had already heard of some of these groups (Postal Service, Modest Mouse) before reading this list, but I can vouch for their merits. I would rather listen to Modest Mouse on repeat all day than even five minutes of crap by Justin Bieber.
5 minutes? i tried to listen to just one song and only got about 15 seconds.
15 seconds?
the biloxi cta (public transit) has tvs on some trollys/busses/etc
my ears and eyes started bleeding after 5 seconds.
i had to get off the damn train
My friends bet that I can listen to a Justin Bieber song for five minutes. I made it to 5 minutes and two seconds before stopping. That is how much I can deal with it if someone gave me twenty dollars for it.
My personal favorite these days- Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard.
Best songs – Only one, Way away, Ocean avenue.
Give it a shot, they are really good, especially "Only One".
are you posting this comment from 2003?
haaaa
hahaha
I agee. it is a really is a good album, even if it is "old". i was about 7 when it came out and i never stopped listening to it.
Most of these are pretty known groups. They just aren't that good.
Ehhh…..I know pretty much all of these artist but find them all to be very dull. I would recommend ´The Dictators, Jawbreaker, The Undertones and my favorite The Pogues.
Interesting list. the only one i've listened to is vampire weekend and it is brilliant.
i would add Santogold,
i totally agree
dubstep is going to be the future
repsect.
respect***
Dubstep isnt the future, but if you live in california, you know that electronic dance music *IS* the future. Cali raves have the cutest girls, and everyone is having fun there, rather than just trying to get laid like at a club.
Dubstep *IS* electronic dance music.
whole heartedly agree, i'm toying with the idea that Rusko could have created the universe
Rusko, Caspa, Bassnectar, NERO…. Yeah, dubstep wins.
Eoto and datsik rule the world of dubstep
weak. i could only make it all the way through one of those 9 (#8 wouldn't play) songs (the academy is…). everything else sounded pretty much the same, like crap.
has the alternative genre changed this much in the last 15 years? where are bands like: nirvana, REM, soundgarden, belly, throwing muses, hole, tori amos, temple of the dog, matthew sweet, archers of loaf, nine inch nails, L7, babes in toyland, sponge, live, flogging molly, smashing pumpkins, weezer, superchunk, mother love bone, liz phair, sunny day real estate, sonic youth, and a couple tons of other bands not on the top of my head?
i'm all for progressing musically, but i think it's time for some regressing.
agreed 100%
you must be my age! (30) the author must be at least 10 years younger.
i like pretty much all of your selections, good list (yours)
nope, i'll be the age 55 year olds claim to be when they don't want to look old in less than a month (39).
Great point. To me, most of these bands conjure up the image of poncy teens who capatilized on the indie explosion a few years ago and are trying to evolve.
Hear, hear!
I would also throw Radiohead and the Pixies in there.
These are exactly the bands I was thinking of when I clicked this link… oh well, I guess our ages are showing.
I'm 19 and I agree with you 100%.
Very subjective topic indeed: what is good and what is alternative?
To be honest: I don't know if it still counts as alternative, but I love Interpol. If you have to take their most "alterantive" album I'd say: "Turn on the bright lights" (even though "Antics" is better, just more mainstream).
Best tracks: Leif Erikson, Obstacle 1, NYC
Wow, I've never heard anyone say Antics is better than TOTBL. Each to their own.
TOTBL is amazing, don't get me wrong ^^, Antics just has more stadium'ish rock songs, more away from the intimate TOTBL. Guess they speak to me more, but I love both albums. (Our love to admire is also a good album, but a lot less good than the first 2)
This list is too alternative.
Seriously, half this music isn't even true alternative, its played constantly on top 40 radio. I laughed when I read the list, come to Seattle and hear some real alternative music.
Seattle, home of Alt-rock
I predict a massive flamewar/argument. Something about music gets people’s “anger juices” flowing.
I bet we're all on common ground with the fact that all of those songs above are musical masterpieces compared to Justin Bieber.
Kesha is even worse.
where is thrice….
in the trash.
Even in the trash they'd still be awesome.
Romero, our comment should be the title of a Modest Mouse album.
easilly the worst list i've ever read on here
Agreed. Wish it was deleted and replaced with a real list.
Worse than the talking donkeys?
talking donkeys was trivia… wasn't the most interesting thing in the world… but there was alot of stuff i diddnt know.
May as well call this list "Top 10 Alternative Albums the Author thinks you should buy because he's such a music nazi." Seriously, this sh*t is highly subjective, why is it even on listverse?
10 albums the author thinks are really cool because he/she thinks no one else has ever heard of these bands therefore making him/her cool because he/she has heard of them even though there are better albums out there in the genre.
Also the "you should own" part makes him/her pretty snobbish.
As if this list wasn't subjective enough, the author adds three "best songs" for each group. Out of the 95% of people that won't agree with this list, the remaining 5% will probably disagree with these being the best songs.
Pretty much everything on here is subjective.
No way, I love being told what music to listen to by hipsters!
Seriously though, I agree. I enjoy lists about facts and interesting lies disguised as facts, not some random guy's musical tastes.
Can we have a new list please? This one is toss.
Sitting in office, cant hear any one. Evening will be for music.
Have heard none of these bands. but due to ur recommendations, might give them a try…
this list is embarrassing..for someone who is in to such cool things i figured your music taste would be better than a girl's in the 8th grade
Someones a Twilight fan..
all crap, listen to classic rock
We need a top ten of list of Led Zeppelin songs!
There's already a top 15: http://listverse.com/2007/11/23/top-15-led-zeppel…
Cheers for the link man!
classic rock is fine and indeed is much better than today`s alt. rock or indie for the most part. but it`s also true that today is full with acts that mop the floor with many of the overrated classic rock press darlings. something simplistic and repetitive like AC/DC is no match to bands that play technically demanding, highly imaginative and creative music like Animals As Leaders or The Mars Volta. methinks the bands that are truly pushing the boundaries of music fall into the realm of loud, abrasive and sometimes dissonant to a point that turn off most people right off the bat. most of the forerunners in music today for that matter are in metal or many of its derivatives be it jazz metal or experimental mathcore.
Yet another person who thinks their one genre is better than every other genre. Get out of your hole and open up to other artists. (I say artists, because they should be judged independent of their genre.)
Reading the comments, it's almost embarrassing how many people hee are criticizing this list.
Realistically people, YES it is subjective, however you also be willing to listen to new forms of music, without disregarding it as 'opinion' or 'rubbish'.
On the other hand a lot of these groups are absolutely fantastic, 'Mumford and Sons' were amazing at Leeds Festival, and I intend on seeing 'Vampire Weekend' as soon as possible.
Some variety is always a good thing.
Well to each his own opinon… it seems most WERE willing to listen to something new, and it didn't (all) sit well with them. Yes variety is the spice of life, but not everyone has to concour. Your comment comes off as brash and accusitory, I don't think you meant it that way, but it doesn't seem you're respecting others opinons as it doesn't coincide with yours. My apologies if I am incorrect.
WHERE THE F— ARE THE PIXIES????
I second that notion.
I third it!
music is very subjective. its pretty hard to do a top 10 list unless it is based on facts and numbers (album sales). this is more like the author's personal favorite list.
realistically speaking album sales dont mean shyt. just because Grammy endorses one or another mediocre musician doesnt necessarily make them any good.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Actually you came in second. Haha couldn't resist the chance. Better luck next time.
Oh snap!
There's nothing like a good dose of fail to get the day started!
Not my cup of tea this list
yeah i agree that this list is pretty pants. i wouldn't class half these bands as "alternative".
Taking Back Sunday's song 'MakeDamnSure' isn't on 'Where You Want To Be', it's on 'Louder Now'. Bit of a critical mistake to make in a list about albums you should own….
actually if you read the introduction i made it clear that one of the 'best songs' wasnt on the album
…and "Cute Without The 'E'" is on 'Tell All Your Friends.'
postal service at number one…………………..sorry ass list! Lets try mgmt or arcade fire, nirvana, pearl jam, james, etc……….i can say a million other bands/albums that are well deserving of this list…you lose. crap list as usual for the past six months
but then again i could present a lot of different bands that musically could rip a new one for the bands you suggest. do you know how many guitar players out there that deserve more recognition than Kurt Cobain? what Kurt could play can be learned in the matter of couple months by a total novice which is not the case with the likes of Jeff Loomis, Ron Jarzombek, Buckethead, Tosin Abasi and tons of other metal and jazz performers. but then again media focus on easily catchy simple 3 chord run off the mill bands without the regard for many components such as technique, innovation etc. MGMT and focktons of other such bands are the equivalent of Lady Gaga of the rock world. that what you suggest is just a case of media promoted, comparatively mediocre bands. do you know how many bands are out there, old and new, that could show Metallica a thing or two let alone Nirvana? Meshuggah, Gojira, Voivod, Dream Theater, Opeth etc.
Nirvana and Pearl Jam are decidedly grunge rock.
MGMT could be called electronic by some.
I can`t believe people listen to this "music.."
I can't believe you just typed out something so stupid and ignorant.
oh people, what is wrong with our despicable race?
E.g. Armadillotron above me, its subjective to person, just cos you dont like it, it isnt 'music?'
well why is there rap music and piano, screamo and greek for example, because people like DIFFERENT things
imagine if we all liked the same things.. *****.. what an exciting world that would be.
Yeah well, nobody likes the same thing. Whenever I go into the Pub, one of my friends plays the SAME BLOODY SONG, everytime he goes in. "It reminds me of my old girlfriend." And it`s "In The Jungle," by that ***** band. It drives me up the wall.
ahhh yes "that ***** band" im familiar with their work.,…..they are involved in almost all the music on the radio……
howeverrrrrr i would like to add that i think listverse would be better if it wasnt so niche if you know what i mean, like a list where the general masses would like it e.g. facts/mysteries/murder lists, rather than best FORD cars or best ROCK songs eg.
10 REAL Alternative albums you should own…(Just My own personal list that I thought I would share.)
10. Shudder To Think – The Pony Express Record
9. The Action – Rolled Gold
8 Chris Bell – I am the Cosmos.
7. Husker Du – New Day Rising
6. The Pixies – Doolittle
5. My Bloody Valentine – Loveless
4. Malfunkshun – Return To Olympus (Grunge begins here.)
3. The International Submarine Band (Alt Country begins here)
2. Last Crack – Burning Time (Alt Metal begins here)
1. The Beatles – Revolver (yes really… Modern and Alternative rock would have never existed without this album).
Just my opinion. feel free to flame, but please check out the first 9 albums i posted. Number 1 is obvious.
^^ i like your list better ^^
Malfunkshun – Return To Olympus (Grunge begins here.)
RIP Andy Wood…
Thanks for Husker Du and Pixies. They are very good bands. Yes, the Beatles are an obvious choice as they did so many totally new things with their music. And while we're at it, let's mention Black Sabbath and their important first album. They were critically lambasted for years, but that album changed music.
HUSKER DU! Incredible band.
Wow Shudder to Think is great! I knew I wasn't the only fan out there, but still surprised to see them pop up on someone's favorites
Craig Wedren's solo album "Lapland" is pretty good too.
I've been reading this site for quite some time and never before felt compelled to sign up in order to comment. Whilst I have frequently disagreed with items on lists, I haven't yet seen a list that fails quite so hard. There are several top ten lists worth of great alternative albums that should be on this list. A few examples of albums whose omission is particularly evident:
Radiohead – OK Computer
Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
The Smashing Pumpkins – Mellon Collie and the Infinate Sadness
The White Stripes – Elephant
Beck – Odelay
Spoon – Gimmie Fiction
Live – Throwing Copper
Powderfinger – Internationalist
silverchair – Frogstomp
Machine Gun Fellatio – Paging Mister Strike
Nine Inch Nails – The Downward Spiral
John Butler Trio – Grand National
Tool – Aenima
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – The Boatman's Call
That's just of the top of my head. I'm sure some other people could add to the list of Alt. Albums you 'Should' own.
(My list is a bit Australianised due to current location – if you like alternative and you haven't tried Machine Gun Fellatio, check them out.)
Love the Radiohead album
x
These are the more "classic" alternative albums, I think the listmakers idea was to post recent albums that most people don't know.
PS: Smells like teen spirit is a song, the album is called Nevermind.
PS2: I do like your choices though ^^
Ah, my mistake. I guess my mind was elsewhere when I typed that.
interesting list…. but not very accurate if you want to stick with the 'alternative' topic…. Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpins, Beck, Tool and Nick Cave were all alredy well knowed, some of them with mainstream hits… According to the fact that alternative music means underground music, of course ^^
yup. those are all pop bands, not alternative
I guess you could class those artists as pop bands, but only if you're really, really confused about what the term 'pop bands' refers to.
What I meant was mainstream bands/artists. I always look at mainstream bands (maybe mistakenly?) as pop. I like punk rock like the Dead Kennedys, the Vandals, Raw Power, the Exploited etc.
Radiohead – The bends,
Nirvana – In utero
The Smashing pumpkins – Siamese Dream
The White Stripes – White Blood Cells
Otherwise, I agree with you.
Also great albums, and with the exception of 'In Utero' I'd happily swap them out with my selection.
THESE ARE NOT ALTERNATIVE ALBUMS!!!!! THEY ARE JUST ROCK ALBUMS!! YES EVEN BECK'S ODELAY AS IT IS MOSTLY RADIO FRIENDLY STUFF!! LIVE!?!?! REALLY?? THAT'S A GREAT ALBUM BUT NOT ALTERNATIVE.. PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT IF THEY ARE GOING TO COMPILE LISTS OR EVEN JUST COMMENT.
I guess I don't consider the obscurity of the artist or album to be the defining feature of the 'alternative' genre, autumatically dismissing anything that becomes well known or popular and being unworthy of your attention.
In fact, it smacks of pretension claiming that any music that does better than the artists previous work, or is more 'radio friendly', is suddenly not cool enough to be allowed in your clubhouse. Does music that is good enough to be widely listened to have to be dismissed in case it threatens your precious scenester self-image.
These are damn good albums. Many of them, such as Nirvana, Pumpkins and Radiohead, are the reason alternative music started recieving such a boost during the 90's. And no, this doesn't magically diminish the value of the artist.
Based on that logic, a few entries of the original list – such as Vampire Weekend, Modest Mouse and Mumford and Sons – would need to be struck off, because they're getting plenty of play time on Channel V.
hey retard the albums called nevermind not smells like teen spirit
You want alternative? Listen to MFKR by Slipknot, now that *is* diverse XD
anyone who has voted you down clearly hasnt heard the album and are just going on what they know slipknot sound like now.
MKFR is barely a 'slipknot' album in my eyes…its crazy how different that album sounds to what they became.
Anyone who considers Slipknot to be "Alternative" deserves to be voted down.
Great list! I always try to think that a list of albums is a good soundtrack to that person's life. If it puts you in that chill out mood, there can't be anything wrong with that. I like that there were bands I had heard of and some I had not.. Broadens the horizon so to speak.
Sorry, I have been reading Listverse for about 3 years now and this is the worst list I have seen printed. Yes, taste is subjective, but this is just JonnyAnscombe's favourite alternative albums. There's no interest here, no facts, nothing to learn – just someone else's favourite albums. Plus this isn't even really "alternative music" – it's just a list of mainly similar indie bands.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Aphex Twin – just two of the diverse alternative acts who could have been on this list. Alternative music isn't just four white boys with jagged hair cuts as in most of these examples.
AGREE!
however counter-intuitive it sounds "alternative" in music doesnt mean alternative in traditional sense. Godspeed You! Black Emperor is what`s called a post-rock band.
If I've misunderstood anything, my bad, but it's not made clear in the author's intro…
"Music is such a huge industry that many well deserving artists seem to be wrongly pushed aside and hidden from the general masses. The following are a selection of some artists that I believe everyone should give a quick listen to."
I read that to mean non-mainstream music in general, as oppose to alt-rock or what-have-you. I quite like post-rock in general to be fair, and in an unrelated aside, I've just got a ticket to see GY!BE in December, can't wait!
How are you categorising "alternative" out of interest?
Thanks for mentioning Aphex Twin.
i was shock to find Taking Back Sunday included on this list… it happens to be among my favorite bands… it was a sad moment when Fred M. left the band.. it was a wasteful decision… i like their song MAKE DAMN SURE!!! totally
Horrible List.
Missed the Boat’, ‘Float On’, ‘3rd Planet’ are all on that album? I dont thin so Tim.
Read the intro, Al.
yeah i forgot the mic swinging of Adam Lazzara is cool and epic…
i see my list is casuing controversy. good good. =)
It also contains mistakes as I stated above.
Modest Mouse
We were dead before the ship sank
Best songs: ‘Missed the Boat’, ‘Float On’, ‘3rd Planet, Stairway to heaven, All along the watchtower, Holland 1945.
If arguing over a list that has all the merits of a blurb in Entertainment Weekly is considered good controversy, this site and this world are going to hell.
Wish you had put the part about all the songs not being off the same album in CAPITAL LETTERS so people would see it and quit triumphantly explaining to you that these weren't all on the same album. That's starting to grate…
It's spelled "causing", not "casuing". And for you to find enjoyment in people not liking your terrible list, that just means you're well suited to the Listverse of today, a website that used to be great and is now rapidly collecting some of the worst writers and largest collections of FAIL on the Net.
Also, you might want to familiarize yourself with real alternative music. None of these bands are anywhere close. There's a difference between alternative music and terrible, pansy emo music.
Yea! the spelling nazis are rollin'
o shut up
This really seems like a list of top 10 Alternative Albums you really like
. Which is very cool, but I must agree subjective… blah blah, choicce, taste opinion, blah blah.
I've heard several of these bands myself, but not my cup of tea, even as someone who has a VERY eclectic taste in music.
Thank you for your list, it's always nice to hear something new, you never know what you'll like until you try
I tried to give them each my attention and found my attention wondering off. Just not my taste in music. I'm surprised though that my daughter doesn't have any of these….I would know as she tries to make me listen to every one of them she finds.
This is the first time in a while that you haven't said "interesting list"
Because it truly isn't. Not enough to keep my interest. Although I did give it a try.
the get up kids are phenomenal, but two of the "best songs" aren't even from something to write home about. best songs should have been dottie, i'll catch you and ten minutes. at least, those are popular ones. also, they didn't create emo. not even their sound within emo. that was rites of spring and jimmy eat world respectively.
as for the rest of the list, well, my list would have at least included albums like meat is murder by the smiths and daydream nation by sonic youth. they're cornerstone alt. albums.
The Smiths. That's going back a ways. First mention of them I've heard in this list. They were a great band and came up with some truly great songs. Morissey and Marr wrote some gems. But if you're going that route, you might as well say it all started with Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd and be done with it.
I know that this list is very subjective, but I feel that anyone who pays for satellite radio would have heard of these bands. I do appreciate your list, but I think a few of these bands have come into a bit of mainstream recognition lately.
One of my favorite bands is "Mute Math" They are from New Orleans and it adds a bit of flavor to their alt rock style. Check them out. They are a amazing.
a boring list by i see most of you feel the same way i do
Somehow… everything you say just somehow *****es me off.
C'mon BucketHead. Brock is almost like an LV mascot. He could have been the mascot at my High School – the South Houston Trojans. Aint nothing like having your football team named after a condom.
@brock – I actually look forward to your postings. You always get in trouble even if you don't do anything wrong.
i hate the word alternative .it just *****es me off . They should call alt music “diet metal”
hahahaha diet metal, good one
Ah, disappointing list today. Let’s get it back together tomorrow.
List is too reminiscent of what "I'm holier than thou" indie douchebags listen to.
Perhaps the big issue everyone seems to have is your title, JonnyAnscombe. By 'alternative', you mean non-mainstream (although I generally think a band's mainstream if they hit the radio stations on the higher frequencies. I've heard a small handful of these on the radio) but when everyone sees 'alternative', they are thinking of a well-established music genre and most of of these songs don't fit within it. It's kind of like going to a restaurant and expecting to eat steak but ending up with a peanut butter sandwich.
More than half of these songs are indie rock… should've clearly specified that in the title and made it all strictly about indie rock.
if you want to nit-pick "inide" in the sense you are using(mostly accepted in music today) has not always meant what it means today that`s a generic if hipsterized version of alt.rock. as you might know it meant independent of labels.
Thank you, Mr. Obvious, for obviously stating what I obviously stated in my obvious statement above. That is essentially what I said in the first two sentences of my above post except my comment compared 'alternative', the term, to 'alternative', the perceived/expected sound/vibe. You simply switched 'alternative' for 'indie'.
I appreciate your nit picking of my nit picking.
Nitpicking is one word. Obviously.
lol. I like your sass, Jay.
Why, thank you. Wait! You said Sass, right? With an S in front… Thanks, gabi.
2nd. Sorry
Too American
You could have at least returned with some new material.
Oh jesus, it just keeps getting more and more lame. You realize that Alternative was for those who wanted a funny haircut but didn't have the cajones to play or listen to punk rock in the early and mid 80s. It was a softer, more digestible sound for those who liked to consider themselves a freak, but not too big of a freak. It completely jumped the shark in the early 90s with the explosion of REM, grunge and alternative radio stations. Now it is a wretchedly tired cliche spawned from a music form that was, by nature, safe and boring in the first place.
blogging about punk is pretty safe and boring too you hypocrite.
At least punk rock had a small window of true legitimacy. It is only by chance that punk rock splintered became increasingly watered down and eventually fell under the catch-all label of "alternative". If you want to come here and challenge me and write a personal attack, you better come with something better, than "Nuh-uh, you are". You want to start by pointing out where anything I said was wrong? What did I say that was hypocritical you jerkoff? I'll bet a twenty that you were still on your mama's tit when alternative music was coming around.
That atrocity by Jamie T might be the worst “song” I’ve ever heard.
Even a "too American" list is better than this!
good list. **if** you like these bands. poor list if you have heard the term “alternative rock” and you arent familiar with the genre and want to learn a/b its inception -early forays into the genre should be represented better, as they set the tone and influenced a *****ton of later acts. my ten/15 looks and sounds nothing like this list, butjafe didnt post *my* list. i suppose this is educational, but not if youre curious a/b the genre.. l.v.is usually good for that info. this is more like random albums.
Now i'm interested to read your list!!! ^^
This is no more interesting than reading some 15 year olds "must have" list on Amazon. Listverse should be held to a higher standard than that.
@gfunk101: for someone who never comments, yours is on the money. although nirvana’s “nevermind” is still severly overplayed you dont really need to own it. “bleach”, on the other hand….good on nick cave and nin (although i like fragile) & beck (odelay and guero), live, s.chair, tool, and white stripes (wh. blood cells better way better) . “louder than love” -soungarden. whoever said mother love bone…and last crack. i actually dont have the space on mobile for this kind of comment. maybe later.
Personally, I think "In Utero" is better then "Bleach" but then again, if we all agree, what kind of world would we live in
# 6 Modest Mouse – The album you reference is in correct. Float on and good times are killing me are from Good news for people who love bad news.
Wow, this is like the *****tiest list I have ever read on this site. It's sad that I've enjoyed reading about atrocious Nazi generals and the like more so than this indie/pop-punk mainstream crap. Stop pandering to the 13 year-olds reading this website and try to create something of value.
Dude, it's one list that upset you, calm down.
Go read about your Nazi generals and World War II facts somewhere else as Listverse is a site with VARIETY.