Compulsory Listening: Which INDIE ROCK & POP albums?

[Cylob]

So many bands. I'll start with a couple of albums from the Madchester era:

The Wonder Stuff - Hup


And of course:


It's enough to bring a sentimental tear to your eye.

[taylormemer]

Just what exactly is Indie Rock

[Cylob]

You know - alternative rock & pop. The bands who do it for the art.

Modern examples:
BRMC, The Vines, The Hives, Liberteens.

Classic Examples:
New Order, Joy Division, The Cure, Blur, Oasis, Primal Scream.

Too many to mention, thousands of bands (literally).

[Twilightseer]

I would say The Smiths. Took advantage of a discount operation to get a few albums at mid-price and WOW

Essential.

[Cylob]

Jolly decent of them. I recall Morrisey was money mad, insisting on a 40% each split for him & Marr and 10% each for the others. It's a shame Joyce the 10 percenter had to sue him for his equal share.

[Twilightseer]

Yeah, but beyond all these business problems, these 4 guys had an awesome chemistry. The first album in particular is fantastic

[Cylob]

Indeed. The second obvious choice, then.


Have you heard Marr's last album. I didn't think it was anything special - not a patch on The Smiths or Electronic. The best thing about Marr right now is his haircut.

[Twilightseer]

Well I promised myself I'd give a listen to the 3 Electronic albums, but haven't done so yet.
Dunno about Marr outside of the Smiths, I know he has a band called the Healers, no idea what they sound like.
Guess he did his best stuff with the Smiths

[Cylob]

I'd say his best album was Electronic/Electronic. It's in my top 10 all-time albums (stubbornly hanging in there). Every track is excellent, it's one of those rare albums without 'fillers'. IMO, it beats any Smiths or New Order release.

Anyway, Johnny's new album 'Boomslang' hasn't much to offer. I wouldn't recommend it.

[taylormemer]

The Vines - Highly Evolved

[Cylob]

Great album that one. Worthy of a screenshot. My favourite tracks - In the Jungle & Get Free.

[taylormemer]

Hey there my favourites aswell.

[Cylob]

Both tracks are just superb. Fit for any occasion.

[taylormemer]

Yer always good to listen to.
Out of the two I would choose Get Free, haha that one is funny, if you have seen the clip for it, they all get struck by lightning at the end.

[Cylob]

Excellent video. I like the windswept effect, the lights, and yeah the final lightning strike. It was the Get Free video that got me into the Vines. How could you not like them after that?

[taylormemer]

Another good clip is Outthaway! (i cant spell it).

[Cylob]

Outtathaway! (I think it is). I haven't seen that video, but the song was a regular on Soccer AM last year.

[taylormemer]

Ok well basicly there just playing live and they smash p all their instruments and amps. Its not a live performance vid though.

[Cylob]

I've never seen that one then. I'll never understand why bands smash-up equipment, I'd be the complete opposite and polish my guitar to a shine on stage.

[taylormemer]

I guess its just to get the crowd going. Ha I could just imagine you polishing your guitar at a live performance, lol.

[Twilightseer]

Don't know if they can be classified as indie, but Placebo is an awesome band.
The first two albums were terrific.

[Xerxes]

Isn't "Indie Pop" a direct contradiction?

[Cylob]

No. There are numerous indie bands that go for a poppy sound. Also, bands such as Oasis, New Order and Depeche Mode have been very popular on independent labels. No contradiction. Some of the most prolific chart-toppers have been on independent labels.

Of course, the music's good - art being the driving force and not sheer profit.