Here we go, a list of a few of the more exciting alternative rock tracks making waves right now:
Kings Of Leon - Radioactive
Just released to radio last week, a quick glance shows this track has already been added to quite a bit of alternative rock stations around the country. If your station hasn't added it yet, they sure are behind the eight ball. Kings Of Leon are fast becoming one of the biggest alt rock acts in the past 5 years. I like this track better than anything on Only By The Night, so this could be a great album we get from Kings Of Leon coming up October 19th. Cool music video too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPBbMbKSZrQ
Cee-Lo Green - F@*# You
One of those songs that perhaps is getting some of it's notoriety from the explicit lyrics, this song no doubt is also carried by Cee-Lo Green's incredible soulful singing and talent. Catchy isn't the word for this one! There are also some amusing Youtube videos made for this song that have become popular on the internet as well. In fact, the video for this song has had over 2 million (!) hits in one week! After the success of Gnarls Barkley it's no surprise Cee-Lo has been waiting to break as a solo artist, and this may be his chance. His first two albums released in the 2000's were to of great critical acclaim but of little record sales, and he was promptly dropped from his label. After that success came with DJ Danger Mouse with Gnarls Barkley. His first solo effort since GB, The Lady Killer, comes out in December. With this lead off single gaining steam this could be his solo breakout album. We shall see!
Arcade Fire - Ready to Start
This indie rock group from Montreal, Quebec has proved that you don't need to sound like Nickelback or Lady GaGa to score a #1 Billboard 200 album! Congratulations to them for the success and for the continuation of making amazing music as they have done their entire career. This first single is just the tip of the iceberg, this whole album is excellent from front to back, get it! Definitely in my top 5 if not top 3 alternative albums of the year so far.
Jimmy Eat World - My Best Theory
Jimmy Eat World's new album Invented features the return of producer Mark Trombino, who helped the band produce their first few albums up until 2001's Bleed American. Fans of the band's older sound will probably like the new single "My Best Theory" as it has the more raw rocking sound of their older material. I'm a fan of the new song and have high hopes for the new album. This single has already invaded alternative radio, debuting at #10 on the Alternative chart.
The Futureheads - Heartbeat Song
Saw this Scottish band first open for Franz Ferdinand in 2004. I was thoroughly impressed. Now in 2010 they are back with a new release and tour to follow. Getting some moderate airplay on stations like WFNX, WEQX and CD 101. Check out the
Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
London's Mumford & Sons have had a surprise alt radio hit this year with the very folkish tune "Little Lion Man". Everyone I've shown this catchy number has immediately liked it. Great acoustic guitar (and banjo!) all the way through, and the lyrics work great, and there is of course the F-Bomb in the chorus. Good thing for radio edits.
The Temper Trap - Fader
The Temper Trap have had a successful year in the US as "Sweet Disposition" was all over the alternative radio landscape as well as in numerous commercials and TV shows. The album has been a success as well and the band has done great despite being under the radar otherwise. This new single "Fader" is a more rocking tune then the prevous hit and showcases lead singer Dougy Mandagi's versatility to different styles. I personally like it better than "Sweet Disposition". This Melbourne Australia, band is hitting the studio to work on a new album later this year. Hopefully some more great material to look forward to from them.
Interpol - Barricade
Interpol just released their self-titled album this past week. Although with long time bassist Carlos Dengler's departure shortly after the completion of the new album, this band shows no sign of slowing down as they are embarking on a worldwide tour through the end of 2010. Here's the new video for "Barricade": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjm4Bvx3ZU0
Weezer - Memories
This band is BUSY, all over Youtube with their "Invasion" compaign, Snuggie parody commercials, you name it. They are re-releasing their classic 1996 release, Pinkerton, with a deluxe package in November. Also set for release is a compilation of unreleased material called Death To False Metal. On top of that the new release, Hurley, comes out today. The album is named after the Lost character of the same name. "Memories" has some interesting tongue in cheek lyrics from Rivers Cuomo, and is a bit different then their material on their last album. Looks to be another huge release from an Alt rock monster.
Florence & the Machine - The Dog Days Are Over
Florence Welch, the creative force behind Florence & the Machine, has achieved great success in her native UK in the past year or two. The album, Lungs was actually released last year, but is finally starting to receive a buzz here in the States. Her MTV VMA performance of "The Dog Days Are Over" stunned MTV audiences with the riveting performance. A few months ago only exclusively being played on indie rock and college stations, this single is being added nationwide as the public is beginning to recognize the talent of Florence Welch. Check out her VMA performance here: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1647698/20100913/florence_and_the_machine.jhtml
Linkin Park - The Catalyst
First single from their new forthcoming album, A Thousand Suns. I'm not really a Linkin Park fan at all, but you can't deny they are still huge. This song debuted at #3 on the Alt chart and is now sitting tight at #1. They now have had more top 5 Alternative chart singles only second to Green Day. Pretty impressive. I personally don't enjoy their music, I've been told this new single is more "techno-ish", I could certainly agree with that. At least they are trying something new. Either way the new album will be huge like all their other stuff.
Phoenix - Lasso
Another great single from the Grammy-winning French band Phoenix. If you don't have this amazing album by now, do yourself a favor and pick it up. ;D
The Black Keys - Tighten Up
Akron, Ohio's Black Keys have put out some great blues-influenced rock music in the past few years. They even released the critically acclaimed hip hop collaboration project, BlakRoc, last year to critical acclaim. So it wouldn't surprise you that the new album, Brothers is no slouch compared to their other material. This song has been going strong for a few months and shows no sign of slowing down. Known for their energetic live shows, this band is a must see if you were to get the chance. Check out the humorous video for "Tighten Up": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaPBCBjSVc&ob=av3e
Smashing Pumpkins - Freak
After several attempts and failures over the past few years to reunite the original members, the Smashing Pumpkins name has become Billy Corgan and whoever he picks for his backing band. In fact, current drummer Mike Bryne was ONE year old when the Pumpkins first album, Gish came out in 1991! This is not a bad thing however as Corgan is still writing great new music. I like this new single better than anything they've put out in the past few years. "Freak" is a free mp3 download from the band's website, and will be part of the new album, being released piece by piece on the band's website. An interesting concept indeed, as Corgan has noted that fans will be able to "hear the album and listen as it's being made." Here's the mp3 download link for this new single "Freak": http://www.smashingpumpkins.com/player/mp3/Freak_(Explicit).mp3
Brandon Flowers - Crossfire
Solo release from The Killers front man. Yes, it sounds like The Killers. Yes, it's good. Yes, if you don't like The Killers you probably won't like this and vice versa. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it right? The album Flamingo just released last week. Pick it up and see if you can tell the difference ;D
Kings Of Leon - Radioactive
Just released to radio last week, a quick glance shows this track has already been added to quite a bit of alternative rock stations around the country. If your station hasn't added it yet, they sure are behind the eight ball. Kings Of Leon are fast becoming one of the biggest alt rock acts in the past 5 years. I like this track better than anything on Only By The Night, so this could be a great album we get from Kings Of Leon coming up October 19th. Cool music video too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPBbMbKSZrQ
Cee-Lo Green - F@*# You
One of those songs that perhaps is getting some of it's notoriety from the explicit lyrics, this song no doubt is also carried by Cee-Lo Green's incredible soulful singing and talent. Catchy isn't the word for this one! There are also some amusing Youtube videos made for this song that have become popular on the internet as well. In fact, the video for this song has had over 2 million (!) hits in one week! After the success of Gnarls Barkley it's no surprise Cee-Lo has been waiting to break as a solo artist, and this may be his chance. His first two albums released in the 2000's were to of great critical acclaim but of little record sales, and he was promptly dropped from his label. After that success came with DJ Danger Mouse with Gnarls Barkley. His first solo effort since GB, The Lady Killer, comes out in December. With this lead off single gaining steam this could be his solo breakout album. We shall see!
Arcade Fire - Ready to Start
This indie rock group from Montreal, Quebec has proved that you don't need to sound like Nickelback or Lady GaGa to score a #1 Billboard 200 album! Congratulations to them for the success and for the continuation of making amazing music as they have done their entire career. This first single is just the tip of the iceberg, this whole album is excellent from front to back, get it! Definitely in my top 5 if not top 3 alternative albums of the year so far.
Jimmy Eat World - My Best Theory
Jimmy Eat World's new album Invented features the return of producer Mark Trombino, who helped the band produce their first few albums up until 2001's Bleed American. Fans of the band's older sound will probably like the new single "My Best Theory" as it has the more raw rocking sound of their older material. I'm a fan of the new song and have high hopes for the new album. This single has already invaded alternative radio, debuting at #10 on the Alternative chart.
The Futureheads - Heartbeat Song
Saw this Scottish band first open for Franz Ferdinand in 2004. I was thoroughly impressed. Now in 2010 they are back with a new release and tour to follow. Getting some moderate airplay on stations like WFNX, WEQX and CD 101. Check out the
Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
London's Mumford & Sons have had a surprise alt radio hit this year with the very folkish tune "Little Lion Man". Everyone I've shown this catchy number has immediately liked it. Great acoustic guitar (and banjo!) all the way through, and the lyrics work great, and there is of course the F-Bomb in the chorus. Good thing for radio edits.
The Temper Trap - Fader
The Temper Trap have had a successful year in the US as "Sweet Disposition" was all over the alternative radio landscape as well as in numerous commercials and TV shows. The album has been a success as well and the band has done great despite being under the radar otherwise. This new single "Fader" is a more rocking tune then the prevous hit and showcases lead singer Dougy Mandagi's versatility to different styles. I personally like it better than "Sweet Disposition". This Melbourne Australia, band is hitting the studio to work on a new album later this year. Hopefully some more great material to look forward to from them.
Interpol - Barricade
Interpol just released their self-titled album this past week. Although with long time bassist Carlos Dengler's departure shortly after the completion of the new album, this band shows no sign of slowing down as they are embarking on a worldwide tour through the end of 2010. Here's the new video for "Barricade": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjm4Bvx3ZU0
Weezer - Memories
This band is BUSY, all over Youtube with their "Invasion" compaign, Snuggie parody commercials, you name it. They are re-releasing their classic 1996 release, Pinkerton, with a deluxe package in November. Also set for release is a compilation of unreleased material called Death To False Metal. On top of that the new release, Hurley, comes out today. The album is named after the Lost character of the same name. "Memories" has some interesting tongue in cheek lyrics from Rivers Cuomo, and is a bit different then their material on their last album. Looks to be another huge release from an Alt rock monster.
Florence & the Machine - The Dog Days Are Over
Florence Welch, the creative force behind Florence & the Machine, has achieved great success in her native UK in the past year or two. The album, Lungs was actually released last year, but is finally starting to receive a buzz here in the States. Her MTV VMA performance of "The Dog Days Are Over" stunned MTV audiences with the riveting performance. A few months ago only exclusively being played on indie rock and college stations, this single is being added nationwide as the public is beginning to recognize the talent of Florence Welch. Check out her VMA performance here: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1647698/20100913/florence_and_the_machine.jhtml
Linkin Park - The Catalyst
First single from their new forthcoming album, A Thousand Suns. I'm not really a Linkin Park fan at all, but you can't deny they are still huge. This song debuted at #3 on the Alt chart and is now sitting tight at #1. They now have had more top 5 Alternative chart singles only second to Green Day. Pretty impressive. I personally don't enjoy their music, I've been told this new single is more "techno-ish", I could certainly agree with that. At least they are trying something new. Either way the new album will be huge like all their other stuff.
Phoenix - Lasso
Another great single from the Grammy-winning French band Phoenix. If you don't have this amazing album by now, do yourself a favor and pick it up. ;D
The Black Keys - Tighten Up
Akron, Ohio's Black Keys have put out some great blues-influenced rock music in the past few years. They even released the critically acclaimed hip hop collaboration project, BlakRoc, last year to critical acclaim. So it wouldn't surprise you that the new album, Brothers is no slouch compared to their other material. This song has been going strong for a few months and shows no sign of slowing down. Known for their energetic live shows, this band is a must see if you were to get the chance. Check out the humorous video for "Tighten Up": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaPBCBjSVc&ob=av3e
Smashing Pumpkins - Freak
After several attempts and failures over the past few years to reunite the original members, the Smashing Pumpkins name has become Billy Corgan and whoever he picks for his backing band. In fact, current drummer Mike Bryne was ONE year old when the Pumpkins first album, Gish came out in 1991! This is not a bad thing however as Corgan is still writing great new music. I like this new single better than anything they've put out in the past few years. "Freak" is a free mp3 download from the band's website, and will be part of the new album, being released piece by piece on the band's website. An interesting concept indeed, as Corgan has noted that fans will be able to "hear the album and listen as it's being made." Here's the mp3 download link for this new single "Freak": http://www.smashingpumpkins.com/player/mp3/Freak_(Explicit).mp3
Brandon Flowers - Crossfire
Solo release from The Killers front man. Yes, it sounds like The Killers. Yes, it's good. Yes, if you don't like The Killers you probably won't like this and vice versa. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it right? The album Flamingo just released last week. Pick it up and see if you can tell the difference ;D