The A to Z list continues to find the top ten bands/artists in the alphabet. O is here and needs help to complete the list. As usual your suggestions are wanted in completing this list. These are in no particular order as well.
01) Ozzy Osbourne
02) Oasis
03) Oingo Boingo
04) Roy Orbison
05) Operation Ivy
06) Opeth
07) O’Brother
08) Oathbreaker
09)
10)
One of my favorite things about doing Audioeclectica and writing about up and coming bands is being able to watch them grow. Some of the bands of the week I’ve written about have really stepped up their games from their first releases. One such band is Spirit In The Room. Led by main songwriter and multi instrumentalist Dennis Sanders, Spirit In The Room has carved out their own niche. The use of electronics and programming fits perfectly with the experimental sort of doom punk rock vibe. There seems to be a river of inspiration flowing through Dennis, as the band is constantly releasing new material that just keeps getting better. One other thing that I really dig about Spirit In The Room is the fact that Dennis isn’t afraid to take chances with his music. There are tons of different influences that poke their heads out in the songs, and that’s what makes Spirit In The Room different and intriguing. Check them out as they are about to embark on a small tour.
Cut To The Crash:
Meat Themes:
Destroyed By The Future EP:
Churchburner:
There is a new “collective group” (I’ve stopped using the term Supergroup) out called Gone Is Gone. It’s made up of Troy Sanders of Mastodon, Troy Van Leeuwen of Queens of the Stone Age, Tony Hajjar of At The Drive In and Mike Zarin. On paper this sounds like it could sound really cool, but it just doesn’t do it sadly. So much talent, but the execution is lackluster. Speaking of lackluster, on their full length debut album Echolocation, Gone Is Gone did a cover of Portishead’s “Roads.” Their version really misses the mark and is quite possibly one of the worst covers I’ve ever heard. Hear it for yourself.
Gone Is Gone- Roads:
Portishead- Roads (Studio Version from Dummy):
Portishead- Roads (Live Version from Roseland Ballroom 1998):
There are so many bands that broke up way long ago and have yet to return. One of the most sought after reunions is for Sean Patrick Morrissey and Johnny Marr to put The Smiths back together. The band formed in 1982 but sadly broke up in 1987 when Johnny Marr wanted to expand upon his musical ventures. The Smiths though released four of the most influential and essential albums in music history (The Smiths, The Queen Is Dead, Meat Is Murder and Strangeways, Here We Come). Their songs had parts post-punk, dance pop, and a tinge of shoegaze. Lyrically, Morrissey was a wordsmith. His knack for writing depressing but subliminally humorous songs was quite striking. Johnny Marr’s style of guitar playing is beyond influential as well. His use of space and atmosphere in the songs and albums was the perfect compliment to Morrissey’s voice.
If you look at the bands that came after The Smiths, you can really hear the influence they had. The “Brit-Pop” movement of the early/mid 90’s with Oasis, The Stone Roses, Blur and others, owe a lot to The Smiths, even if those bands were more commercial. It’s amazing to see how impact The Smiths still have. People flock to see Morrissey live when he comes to town. Johnny Marr is quite the sought after songwriter and player for many bands. He did a stint with Modest Mouse not too long ago.
I truly hope that Morrissey and Johnny Marr can get past whatever issues they have and reunite for the fans. Yes, those two guys will make boat loads of money, but for many of their fans it will be the first time they will get to see them live. If Axl and Slash can get over their issues, they can too.
The Smiths:
The Queen Is Dead:
Meat Is Murder:
Strangeways, Here We Come:
How Soon Is Now?:
AUDIOECLECTICA 