Monday, November 1, 2010
Top Five Indie-Rock Songs
When thinking of indie music, a stereotypical connection to “hipsters” is brought up. “You like indie music; you must be a hipster.” I have heard this spoken by the individuals who usually do not listen to indie music. Although, the ones being called hipsters generally are offended by this classification, these name callers are surprisingly not far off. Why the offensiveness? Pondering this question, I have discovered the reason is that hipsters do not want to be like anyone else. According to UrbanDictionary, hipsters ”value independent thinking...(and have) an appreciation of art and indie-rock.” The term “indie” is short for independent. Being classified in a group creates a dependence on others, contradicting the entire independence that is desired. In reality, it is rather unlikely to meet a hipster who doesn’t have a common ground of interests with someone else. This is where the stereotype of liking indie music becomes true. When thinking of populated areas where hipsters gather, one of the first thoughts is the setting of underground music venues that house independent music. Indie music, indie-rock in particular, is any band that produces their own music or through an independent record label. Still confused how to determine if the band is indie? A key to being a great indie-rock band is to have other instruments added to your typical guitar, bass, and drums. What makes a great indie-rock song is to create participation for the audience, whether that is singing along or something a little more creative and catchy.
Radiohead, Talk Show Host (1996)
Right away one may disagree with a song that is coming out of the 90’s to be a top five song. Well think again, it doesn’t matter how old a song is it still can be appreciated years later and kick a new songs ass. Straight out of England, Radiohead has been around making music since the mid 80’s. Radiohead fits to have a perfect indie-rock sound with the addition of piano, keyboard, and synthesizer to the guitar, bass, and drums. The supreme aspect of Talk Show Host is its ability to transform one into a trance. Getting stuck in the atmosphere of depression, the lyrics counsel the listener allowing them to relate. Thom Yorke’s voice sings the lyrics, “I want to be someone else or I’ll explode,” admitting the desire to escape into seclusion. Letting go to the song, the zombie trance takes over. If you’re thinking, “I still have not heard this song,” you’re probably wrong. In the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet - most high schools play this film - Talk Show Host introduces the scene of the initial appearance of Romeo Montague. On a sunset beach, the first four beats of the song begin forming the melody of “bom, bom, bom, bom.” Watching this scene and listening to the music, the mind makes the connection of a sad, broken heart. With this impression, it has become a song of numbness. At some point in ones life the desire to fully let go of this world and let someone else do the talking comes along. When this time is right, try listening to Talk Show Host to satisfy these emotions.
Arcade Fire, Rebellion (Lies) (2004)
Next on the list goes to Rebellion (Lies) by the Canadian band Arcade Fire. Many people may know of this band strictly from the song Wake Up that is set to the Where the Wild Things Are trailer. What many may not know is this band has even more satisfying songs. One may be thinking, what makes this band better than any other indie-rock band? Again, unlike the typical guitar, bass, and drums band, Arcade Fire is multi-instrumental. In addition, a piano, keyboard, mandolin, violin, viola, hurdy gurdy, harp, cello, French horn, and accordion can all be heard. With so many instruments a common thought of an overwhelming and incomprehensible sound may occur. Arcade Fire is so brilliant for that they’re able to have so many instruments but be able to still portray a coherent bliss. The song begins with the introduction of the drums that set the beat. Fellow listeners may catch themselves taping their foot up and down to this beat throughout the song. The characteristic of having interaction between the music and the audience makes this song standout. Rebellion (Lies) has handclaps and “hoo’s” that make the audience feel as though they’re a part of the song. What makes a great song isn’t only what is being heard instrumentally or vocally. The broken down lyrics of the chorus “every time you close your eyes. Lies, lies!” brings up a deeper meaning. The significance of the lyrics is what made me come to realize why this song deserves to be on the top five-indie rock songs. Throughout ones life the theory that one will die without sleep is brought up. Rebellion (Lies) touches upon the fact that it is a “lie” that you need sleep to live. Arcade Fire is voicing out that you will be okay if you stay awake; stay awake and contemplate things that you haven’t never thought about before.
Peter Bjorn and John, Young Folks (2006)
The familiar jingle Young Folks performed by the Swedish trio, known as Peter Bjorn and John, makes the top indie-rock list. This song is well known all over the world for its catchy whistle solo. Again the audience participates, whistling along to the solo until it turns into one of those tormenting situations where the melody gets stuck in your head for hours. Serving as an instrument, the whistle adds to the playfulness. Corresponding to the title of the song, a listener gets a feeling of youth. Maracas, bongos, and the whistle stand out the most in this song adding to the overall joy. I find myself getting antsy waiting for the whistle to come so I can bop my head and whistle along. Many would agree that this song deserves credit for its catchiness. In 2006 the well-respected indie music critic, Pitchfork Media, ranked Young Folks as #5 on the “Top 100 Tracks of 2006.” This is another song that people may not know about by its title. This supports the common phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” by not liking the song because of who it is by, but because overall it’s an extraordinary song.
Grizzly Bear, On A Neck, On A Spit (2006)
Another song making it’s way out of the year 2006 comes from the band Grizzly Bear based out of Brooklyn, New York. Grizzly Bear can be heard using a minimal set of instruments including dominantly: guitar, bass, drums, omnichord, and keyboard. With the few instruments, a relaxing effect is created. Just simply listening to Grizzly Bear, one could suggest that any of their songs could be considered a top song since they all have the common breathtaking sound. What makes this song better than the others is the attribute of it being broken up into two parts. It is as if the song tells a story with a soft, slow beginning, a transition in tempo in the middle, and a pick up of pitch and intensity of the instruments for the climax. The accompaniment of the alluring singers voice makes it feel as though one is in a dream. On a Neck, On a Spit can easily be looked past if one gives up on it because of its slow beginning. When I first discovered the transition of this song, my mind was blown away by how complementing the first half was to the second. It’s like peanut butter and jelly, two complete different parts joined together to create a harmonious composition.
Modest Mouse, Float On (2004)
Emerging out of Portland, Oregon, indie-rock band Modest Mouse makes it way to mainstream recognition with it’s poppy song Float On. A great song is one that can be heard by a 6th grader or a student in college and still recognized as something unique. Six years ago when this song came out I was just entering junior high. Now I am a freshman in college and I still love this song. Modest Mouse is typically known to be a band of negative portrayals. When Float On came out it was an instant hit because of the new positive vibes. A true fan of Modest Mouse popularly displays a disagreement of Float On being one of their top songs. The only reason they believe this is because of the songs pop and positive quality that attracted listeners. With the change of tune from negative to positive, the true fans just don’t enjoy the unfamiliarity. The most enjoyable part about this song is that it makes the body uncontrollably convulse; some call this dancing. Sitting down with my feet propped up, listening to Float On, on repeat; I find my head rocking from side to side with my feet doing the same in a parallel matter. Even with this upbeat song, Modest Mouse was still able to stick to who they are with their harsh distinctive singing. Whether you’re a true fan or not, this song will always serve as a memorable indie-rock song.
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