This week we will look at some of the top British artists and bands from the last hand full of years. Some new stuff, and some slightly older stuff. What is amazing to me is all of this music is coming from a country that is about 60 times smaller than the United States. England is roughly the size of Alabama, yet they produce some of the industries heaviest of hitters! Here's a sampling...
Jump Into The Fog, by The Wombats - This is one of those weird cases in which I don't really like the band but I freaking love the song. It actually slipped past my radar completely. "Techno Fan" was the first song I heard of theirs... Meh, I was not a fan. Then I heard this and I was like "Oooooh! Ok! Let's roll Wombats!". Here I come to find out that this song was released almost a year and a half ago... Whoops!
2 + 2 = 5, by Radiohead - What this band lacks in basic elementary addition skills, they more then make up for with their ability to make supreme rock music. I like all of the different hats that Radiohead has tried on over the years, but this might be be my favorite. I LOVE (yes, in all caps) their new stuff, but I miss when they used to freak out like this.
The Fear, by Lily Allen - I have a big ole soft spot for British Pop music. Robbie Williams was a stud and Bittersweet Symphony might be a Top 10 Pop song of all time. Now days Mrs. Allen is the queen if Brit Pop. She is to England what Brittney is to us... kinda. Ok, forget I said that. Just know that she is awesome!
Night And Day, by Hot Chip - This song has been getting lots of play on The Current and for good reason. It's infectious. It get's stuck in your head, but not in an annoying way if that makes sense. These guys have been lurking around the music scene for the better part of a decade, but have just recently started to gain some major steam here in the states. It probably doesn't hurt that they played Bonnie to LCD Soundsystem's Clyde. They were long time collaborators and tour mates.
Future Starts Slow, by The Kills - Just another moody, menacing, brooding tune from one of my favorite bands. C'mon Danny! This is great!
Is It Any Wonder?, by Keane - Keane is one of those bands that's WAY bigger in Europe than they are here in the states. They have pumped out four LP's and a couple of those (Hopes and Fears, and Under the Iron Sea) are considered to be among the greatest British albums of all time! Just ask Q Magazine...
Junk Of The Heart (Happy), by The Kooks - I included this one on my Throwbacks playlist a month or so ago. I thought I'd throw it in again, just in case it didn't stick.
Starlight, by Muse - Muse is another one of those bands that has not fully captivated us Americans quite like they have with the rest of the world. They are definitely getting there with the Grammy wins and all, but it is other worldly over seas. They have sold over 15 million records worldwide, thanks in large part to songs like this.
Prospekt's March/Poppyfields, by Coldplay - Coldplay is an obvious choice. They have countless hits, they are arguably the biggest band in the world, and I am not ashamed to say that I love them. This is one of their "under the radar" songs, off of the Prespekt's March EP. I love it! This song blooms like a freaking flower!!!
I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor, by The Arctic Monkeys - This Beautifully loud (some would say obnoxious) song is from Britain's favorite indie rock band The Arctic Monkeys. They supposedly put on a fantastic live show so check them out if you get a chance. (Won't be for a while. They just came through with The Black Keys)
The Cave, by Mumford & Sons - No band has ever swooped in and grabbed me as quickly, and as effectively and Mumford did in 2010. It was all Mumford all the time (radio,TV, Grammy's, music festivals), and what a weird band to accomplish such a feat. A four piece neo-bluegrass outfit with a dramatic flare, who primarily worked with sappy, sometimes whiny love songs. Whatever their formula was, we were ready for it.
So Human, by Lady Sovereign - When a lot of Brits sing you don't really pick up on an accent too much. Take Adelle for example. Everyone knows what she sounds like when she's singing, but when she talks... WHOA! Holy thick British accent! British rap is funny to me because they can't hide their accents. Lady Sovereign is a very British rapper, who is also very belligerent, bubbly, and delightful.
Angels, by The XX - I am sooooooo looking forward to this album. Coming from a bunch of 17 year olds, their shockingly tempered and reserved 2009 self titled debut was an absolute treat. From the sounds of this first single off their follow up album "Coexist" due out in September, we can expect to hear more of the beautiful same.
Sweet Sour, by Band Of Skulls - This band kinda reminds me of the rockier, less hop-hop side of Beck. They seem to always come up with the catchiest rock songs.
Last Living Souls, by Gorillaz - One of the most unique music experiences around. Damon Albarn and Co. have created a cartoon band and world in which rock, punk, hip-hop, dance, and symphony blend together. Their second album "Demon Days" is one of my all time favorites. Here's hoping they make at least one more!
This was just a tiny taste of what the old country has to offer. Maybe next time we'll visit Sweden where we can check in on Lykkie Li, First Aid Kit, and The Tallest Man on Earth. We'll see. No promises. Thanks for reading people! You're beautiful.
