Here's a short list of some newer currents on your alt stations:
Gorillaz - Stylo (Featuring Mos Def, Bobby Womack)
First and foremost this is one of the best collaborations I've heard in a while. Rapper/actor Mos Def, R&B singer Bobby Womack and the Gorillaz all continue to push the envelope for new and innovative music with "Stylo." The new album Plastic Beach doesn't come out until March 5th but just from hearing this track I have high hopes it will be nothing short of amazing.
Broken Bells - High Road
What an incredibly catchy tune! Already getting good airplay on more adventurous alternative stations (WFNX Boston, WBRU Providence, CD101 Columbus, Channel 92.3 San Jose, Radio 104.5 Philly) "High Road" showcases great synth rhythms with some amazing vocals. Broken Bells is made up of James Mercer of The Shins and DJ Danger Mouse (also one half of Gnarls Barkley, and producer of the Beatles/Jay-Z mashup The Grey Album). Their forthcoming self-titled album is due out in March, and this first single is already generating a buzz. Can't wait to hear it!
Muse - The Resistance
To say Muse are at the top of their game would be an understatement. The UK act have taken over as one of the premier acts in alternative rock in the past few years. The new album is nothing short of great. This second single is already at #11 and rising. Along with "Uprising" still in the top 5, Muse has proved they are a band that continues to put out great music into the 2010's.
Alice In Chains - Your Decision
The next single off of Alice In Chains return album, Black Gives Way to Blue, "Your Decision" is a down tempo acoustic number that could have been off the Unplugged album from 1996. Jerry Cantrell is a great songwriter and the fact that he wrote most of AIC's music in the past allows this to work great even in the absence of the late vocalist Layne Staley. The new guy is convincing and helps to harmonize in that same manner Layne did without being too overbearing. I like it! R.I.P. Layne.
Vampire Weekend - Cousins
A high energy, fast number in the same vein as their first hit, "A-Punk"; the first track from New York band Vampire Weekend's new album is bound to be a great hit on alternative radio as the former was. In fact, sitting at #20 currently, it is already charting higher than "A-Punk" did in 2008, at #25. The new album debuting at #1 was also an amazing feat for an Indie Rock band not on a major label. Congrats to Vampire Weekend for this!
Passion Pit - Little Secrets
Another catchy dance floor anthem from local heroes (Boston, MA) Passion Pit. This one seems to be on the same track as being a surprise hit like "The Reeling" was in 2009. Good for these guys, the record is great.
Pearl Jam - Just Breathe
A slower, more tame follow up to first single "The Fixer". I'm not a huge fan, but people seem to like it and it's charting well. Personally, I think Backspacer is a great record, and there are better songs on it that are better choices for a third or fourth single.
The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition
Despite the album being released early last year, Australian band The Temper Trap have just recently gotten some recognition on the alternative circuit with this moody track, "Sweet Disposition." (Better late than never!) Also being featured in the trailer for movie 500 Days of Summer doesn't hurt. I like the feeling of this track and uplifting feeling it gives you. Amazing music video to go with it as well. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxKjOOR9sPU
Silversun Pickups - The Royal We
Not much to say about this that I haven't said before. Awesome band, amazing album. Another great track off said album. I think they could release all the songs on the album as singles and each one would perform. I wish they would! ;D
Phoenix - Lisztomania
At this point, If your station isn't playing the band Phoenix, who has won the Grammy for best Alternative
Album of the year; who's breakthrough single "1901" has FINALLY hit the #1 spot on the Alt/MR chart, then they just aren't an alternative rock station, period. And they shouldn't ever claim to be. Anyways, this band is amazing. And it shows.
Gorillaz - Stylo (Featuring Mos Def, Bobby Womack)
First and foremost this is one of the best collaborations I've heard in a while. Rapper/actor Mos Def, R&B singer Bobby Womack and the Gorillaz all continue to push the envelope for new and innovative music with "Stylo." The new album Plastic Beach doesn't come out until March 5th but just from hearing this track I have high hopes it will be nothing short of amazing.
Broken Bells - High Road
What an incredibly catchy tune! Already getting good airplay on more adventurous alternative stations (WFNX Boston, WBRU Providence, CD101 Columbus, Channel 92.3 San Jose, Radio 104.5 Philly) "High Road" showcases great synth rhythms with some amazing vocals. Broken Bells is made up of James Mercer of The Shins and DJ Danger Mouse (also one half of Gnarls Barkley, and producer of the Beatles/Jay-Z mashup The Grey Album). Their forthcoming self-titled album is due out in March, and this first single is already generating a buzz. Can't wait to hear it!
Muse - The Resistance
To say Muse are at the top of their game would be an understatement. The UK act have taken over as one of the premier acts in alternative rock in the past few years. The new album is nothing short of great. This second single is already at #11 and rising. Along with "Uprising" still in the top 5, Muse has proved they are a band that continues to put out great music into the 2010's.
Alice In Chains - Your Decision
The next single off of Alice In Chains return album, Black Gives Way to Blue, "Your Decision" is a down tempo acoustic number that could have been off the Unplugged album from 1996. Jerry Cantrell is a great songwriter and the fact that he wrote most of AIC's music in the past allows this to work great even in the absence of the late vocalist Layne Staley. The new guy is convincing and helps to harmonize in that same manner Layne did without being too overbearing. I like it! R.I.P. Layne.
Vampire Weekend - Cousins
A high energy, fast number in the same vein as their first hit, "A-Punk"; the first track from New York band Vampire Weekend's new album is bound to be a great hit on alternative radio as the former was. In fact, sitting at #20 currently, it is already charting higher than "A-Punk" did in 2008, at #25. The new album debuting at #1 was also an amazing feat for an Indie Rock band not on a major label. Congrats to Vampire Weekend for this!
Passion Pit - Little Secrets
Another catchy dance floor anthem from local heroes (Boston, MA) Passion Pit. This one seems to be on the same track as being a surprise hit like "The Reeling" was in 2009. Good for these guys, the record is great.
Pearl Jam - Just Breathe
A slower, more tame follow up to first single "The Fixer". I'm not a huge fan, but people seem to like it and it's charting well. Personally, I think Backspacer is a great record, and there are better songs on it that are better choices for a third or fourth single.
The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition
Despite the album being released early last year, Australian band The Temper Trap have just recently gotten some recognition on the alternative circuit with this moody track, "Sweet Disposition." (Better late than never!) Also being featured in the trailer for movie 500 Days of Summer doesn't hurt. I like the feeling of this track and uplifting feeling it gives you. Amazing music video to go with it as well. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxKjOOR9sPU
Silversun Pickups - The Royal We
Not much to say about this that I haven't said before. Awesome band, amazing album. Another great track off said album. I think they could release all the songs on the album as singles and each one would perform. I wish they would! ;D
Phoenix - Lisztomania
At this point, If your station isn't playing the band Phoenix, who has won the Grammy for best Alternative
Album of the year; who's breakthrough single "1901" has FINALLY hit the #1 spot on the Alt/MR chart, then they just aren't an alternative rock station, period. And they shouldn't ever claim to be. Anyways, this band is amazing. And it shows.