The Subways

So yes, they were on the O.C. a number of years ago, and yes they are at least somewhat mainstream, but I don't regard the second tag as necessarily bad and the band is good enough that I can avoid the first one. Plus, they have a new album hitting shelves in June, and I thought I'd get people excited for it.
The Subways originate from England, near London, and sound much like the Fratellis, not because both bands have lead singers with UK accents, but because both are loud, fast, fun, and easily danceable. If you like anything resembling Punk, Grunge, or Garage bands, then this music is for you. The difference between this band and other post-punk/grunge bands is, they actually have musical talent. The singer is fantastic, the guitarist uses more than his bottom two strings, and the bassist plays more than one instrument (I like that, you may not care so much). Songs like "She Sun" and "Somewhere," although not released as singles and not as popular as the others, prove how much depth this band has. In the end, though, this band still comes down to power chords and fast drumbeats. Simple recommendation: If you liked the Fratellis, even a little, buy a CD; if you didn't, don't. Its really that simple.

The Mountain Goats

The Mountain Goats is the best ever urban folk band in Claremont, California. I would like nothing more than to be lying in the sun on The Grass right now listening to any song off of the 2002 release All Hail West Texas right now. Unfortunately, its dark and cold (California cold at least), and I have a strong feeling that the bed of green is all kinds of wet. So, make believe with me if you care while you read. Last year it seemed as though the wacked out stereo on the Civic would only play The Mountain Goats and because of this I got very sick of the music, and left it alone for a while. I am happy now to have rediscovered the greatness of John Darnielle's simply emotional voice coming through with a strong lo-fi sound. The Mountain Goats later work takes on a different feel. From Tallahassee onwards Darnielle began to work in a studio with a band. While adopting a new sound, the music is in no way inferior. Songs like Broom People are easy proof that even when the circumstances have changed, at the heart of the music, the same artist is still creating. One of my favorite songs by them is Color In Your Cheeks. Not that I think you should probably check it out or something.

Fakers - Scissor Sisters

In the same vein as the most Fakers post, today's will be another cover of Pink Floyd. This time the song is Comfortably Numb (link is to the original). Anyone who's listened to the original would describe it as slow, psychedelic, mellow, and awesome. Scissor Sisters manage to deliver on the last one, but fall short in the other categories. The song starts off with a trademark Pink Floyd sounds, but quickly takes on a hip hop beat, electronic sounds, and crazy dude's falsetto. The chorus' melody and feel are all but lost as they take on a whole new feel, and almost a new meaning. Bubbly, light beeps fill any empty space Pink Floyd originally left, but work unbelievably well. To make things simple, the first time I heard this version, I didn't realize it was the same song. However, if I didn't recommend it, I wouldn't be writing about it. For an entirely different but definitely enjoyable experience, listen to the Scissor Sisters' version of Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb.