Elaborate.
I just browsed this part of the board and was surprised to find that there isn't already a thread for this. (We have one for Favorite Japanese Bands though)
So anyway, I am of the opinion that you can learn a lot about a person through the music they listen to. Having said that, let's get some favorite bands going on here.
Mine are:
1. Thrice - Without a doubt, this is my favorite band. Sure I go through my spurts with them, but there's something about their music that always has me coming back. They are so multi-faceted and talented, and the four volumes of the Alchemy Index more than prove this. They have truly evolved from a post-hardcore band into something that really resonates with me. I can't recommend them enough.
2. The Smashing Pumpkins - You're probably seeing a pattern by now, but I really love bands that aren't afraid to try new things and risk pissing off their fans in order to further themselves musically. The Smashing Pumpkins are another prime example of this. Nearly every disc they've put out has differed vastly from the last and almost every one of them hasn't failed to wow me, with the only exception being "Machina II: The Friends and Enemies of Modern Music". There's a reason the Pumpkins were the cream of the rock crop back in the 90's: they carp rocked, and they still do. (See: Superchrist/Doomsday Clock/Tarantula)
3. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Another band that is constantly changing and wowing fans with every release. This band more or less single handedly invented the mathcore genre and have continued to evolve and push the boundaries within that space. The amount of technical musicianship here is pretty much the apex of hardcore music.
4. Muse - What can I say? This band simply rocks, and does so by experimenting within the traditional rock formula, adding in electronics and all kinds of other crazyness. Not to mention Matt Bellamy's pretty amazing voice (especially the trademark falsetto!) and his intense guitar solos. This is 70's era arena rock only revamped for the current generation and I couldn't be happier.
5. Dir en grey - I'd be lying if I said they weren't one of my favorite bands. I don't listen to them now as much as I used to, but I still love them and carefully watch everything they do. Of course, "VULGAR" will always have a special place in my musical library as well.
6. The Blood Brothers - Spastic, artsy and totally unpredictable, The Blood Brothers were constant innovators among the post-hardcore genre. Their flamboyance and lack of fear to do something different are probably what made them stick out like a sore thumb, as well as their "spazcore" style. (I have no idea who came up with that, and as ridiculous as it is, it fits.) Unfortunately they broke up late last year.
7. Jaguar Love - I just discovered this band yesterday. It is the new project of former Blood Brothers members Johnny Whitney (vocals, keys) and Cody Votolato (Guitar), as well as the previous drummer of Pretty Girls Make Graves, Jay Clark. They effectively carry on the art rock torch that the Blood Brothers ignited, only in a much more listener friendly way, sans screaming and down tuned guitars. The experimental array of keys (Organs, Wurlitzer, piano, etc.) combined with some wild electronics and Johnny's trademark falsetto croon make for a bouncy set of songs that give off a positive vibe despite the oftentimes disturbing lyrics.
8. Protest the Hero - Forgot to put them on the list and I'm too lazy to type out why I like them right now. Basically they are crazy innovative and their level of complex musicianship amazes me.
So... What are your favorite bands and why?
I just browsed this part of the board and was surprised to find that there isn't already a thread for this. (We have one for Favorite Japanese Bands though)
So anyway, I am of the opinion that you can learn a lot about a person through the music they listen to. Having said that, let's get some favorite bands going on here.
Mine are:
1. Thrice - Without a doubt, this is my favorite band. Sure I go through my spurts with them, but there's something about their music that always has me coming back. They are so multi-faceted and talented, and the four volumes of the Alchemy Index more than prove this. They have truly evolved from a post-hardcore band into something that really resonates with me. I can't recommend them enough.
2. The Smashing Pumpkins - You're probably seeing a pattern by now, but I really love bands that aren't afraid to try new things and risk pissing off their fans in order to further themselves musically. The Smashing Pumpkins are another prime example of this. Nearly every disc they've put out has differed vastly from the last and almost every one of them hasn't failed to wow me, with the only exception being "Machina II: The Friends and Enemies of Modern Music". There's a reason the Pumpkins were the cream of the rock crop back in the 90's: they carp rocked, and they still do. (See: Superchrist/Doomsday Clock/Tarantula)
3. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Another band that is constantly changing and wowing fans with every release. This band more or less single handedly invented the mathcore genre and have continued to evolve and push the boundaries within that space. The amount of technical musicianship here is pretty much the apex of hardcore music.
4. Muse - What can I say? This band simply rocks, and does so by experimenting within the traditional rock formula, adding in electronics and all kinds of other crazyness. Not to mention Matt Bellamy's pretty amazing voice (especially the trademark falsetto!) and his intense guitar solos. This is 70's era arena rock only revamped for the current generation and I couldn't be happier.
5. Dir en grey - I'd be lying if I said they weren't one of my favorite bands. I don't listen to them now as much as I used to, but I still love them and carefully watch everything they do. Of course, "VULGAR" will always have a special place in my musical library as well.
6. The Blood Brothers - Spastic, artsy and totally unpredictable, The Blood Brothers were constant innovators among the post-hardcore genre. Their flamboyance and lack of fear to do something different are probably what made them stick out like a sore thumb, as well as their "spazcore" style. (I have no idea who came up with that, and as ridiculous as it is, it fits.) Unfortunately they broke up late last year.
7. Jaguar Love - I just discovered this band yesterday. It is the new project of former Blood Brothers members Johnny Whitney (vocals, keys) and Cody Votolato (Guitar), as well as the previous drummer of Pretty Girls Make Graves, Jay Clark. They effectively carry on the art rock torch that the Blood Brothers ignited, only in a much more listener friendly way, sans screaming and down tuned guitars. The experimental array of keys (Organs, Wurlitzer, piano, etc.) combined with some wild electronics and Johnny's trademark falsetto croon make for a bouncy set of songs that give off a positive vibe despite the oftentimes disturbing lyrics.
8. Protest the Hero - Forgot to put them on the list and I'm too lazy to type out why I like them right now. Basically they are crazy innovative and their level of complex musicianship amazes me.
So... What are your favorite bands and why?