thoughts on today's rock music
Okay so someone asked me to discuss how I feel about music nowadays. I’m going to be honest and tell you that I’m going to be terrible at this. I will definitely give it a try. I’m going to sound like an old curmudgeon because I have a really hard time getting into new bands and even just discovering new bands. I’m not going to talk about glam rock AT ALL! So yeah, I’m just a little stuck in my ways, to say the least. So I compiled a list of some bands that I’m into today. More specifically, these bands are all rooted in rock n’ roll. That’s all I really know about, so that’s all you’re gonna get.
These are in no particular order, but it’s no coincidence who is number 1 ;) I also put some of my favorite songs followed by the album they’re off of just in case you want a listen.
The Strokes- If you know me, you saw this one coming. The Strokes have been my favorite band for the past 5 years. I discovered them kind of late; nonetheless, I argue that Is This It and Room on Fire are the two best Strokes albums. I also worship the ground that Julian Casablancas walks on and have seen his solo band three times. JC and the Voidz are definitely unique. Check them out, if you want to have an existential crisis and leave asking yourself ‘what is music?’ ALSO Albert Hammond Jr.’s solo album “Yours to Keep” is a must hear! Just goes to show you what talented musicians are in this band. Back to the Strokes, they're easy to listen to but still undeniably rock. Favorite song: Someday- Is This It
Paramore- This one might surprise a lot of people (it usually does). Paramore is so heavily associated with pop-punk, emo, warped tour music, but I think of them as so much more. Hayley Williams has a sick voice and is a phenomenal performer. I dare you to go watch a youtube clip of the final riot! I’ve seen Paramore live about six times, and I have never been disappointed. Riot and Brand New Eyes have consistently been in my top 25 most played playlist on iTunes since 2010. Favorite song: All I Wanted- Brand New Eyes
Billy Boy on Poison- Unfortunately, this band is no longer together. I think I may have actually shed a tear because this band is the closest thing to glam rock that I’ve seen in a while. Their songs are catchy, but still in your face rock n’ roll. Also, I think these guys were like teenagers when this album came out, so that’s super impressive. Listen to Drama Junkie Queen, if you’re a glam rocker, you’ll love it (even the album title is so good!) Favorite song: Angry Young Man - Drama Junkie Queen
Arctic Monkeys- Maybe not so surprising, but I love this band. There’s something about Alex Turner’s vocals that make me melt, and the fact that he can sing whilst playing those sick riffs, so great. I was first introduced to Arctic Monkeys when I heard “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” and I was hooked. The song starts with a guitar solo! I also listened to some live video the other day and was amazed at how great his voice sounds live. Favorite song: I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor- Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.
Ida Maria- Because there needed to be more awesome female artists on this list. Ida Maria is so cool! I was first introduced to her upon hearing “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked” on the radio. At first I thought it was hilarious (actually it’s still funny) but she has a Joan Jett esque rasp to her voice that drew me in. I saw her play at the Roxy a few years back and it was so fun. She knows how to put on a good show! Favorite song: Stella- Fortress ‘round My Heart
Foo Fighters – The weirdest thing… I hated Foo Fighters for the longest time. I think I associated them with like Nickleback and those kinds of bands, but when I actually gave them a listen, instead of assuming I’d hate them, I realized how wrong I was. Whenever their songs come up on shuffle, I can’t skip them. Actually as my mom and I say “my band comes out” whenever I hear them. Meaning, I start to air drum and air guitar. Favorite song: My Hero- The Colour and the Shape CLASSIC.
Royal Blood- Okay Foo Fighters isn’t new music, but this band is. I saw them at Coachella and they definitely quenched my thirst for loud music. I was a little sick of hearing folky bands, so I was happy to have some loud music hit me in the face. This band is kind of a heavier Black Keys (they even have that 2 guys in a band thing going for them). I’m definitely glad I got to see them at Coachella, I needed a band like them! On another note though, I think the best band I ever saw at Coachella (BESIDES The Strokes, because that’s too obvious, THE HIVES!!!!!) But back to Royal Blood, they're pretty cool, check them out if you haven't already. Favorite song: Little Monster- Royal Blood
Wolfmother- Speaking of loud music hitting you in the face, this band does just that. I’ve seen them twice now, and they were so fun! Kind of took me back to the 70s, even though I was never there. How Andrew Stockdale hits those notes, is beyond me. I’m a soprano in choir, and I couldn’t sound pretty hitting those notes. Favorite song: Apple Tree- Wolfmother
That was a lot of writing! I have a lot more bands, now that I think about it, but I’ll have to save some more for another post. But here’s my attempt to come up with some modern bands rooted in rock n roll. The thing we all know and love, that’s not dead!!
