CRM114

There is no better band in the world at the present moment than Wilco and they are ALL American, baby! In my eyes, Jeff Tweedy is becoming an icon and a very important songwriter.

chess

I have every CMJ going back to their first issue, so I am exposed to most of the lesser known bands. Of the bunch you mention, Modest Mouse gets the nod. And you didn't mention them, but I've always liked Superchunk and Ani Difranco continues to impress.

The indie scene has always had come stuff that was good in an eclectic way, but I'm talking more about the stuff the lables spoon feed these days. You'd think that Incubus and Linkin Park were brilliant, when they should probably be mowing lawns somewhere.

chess

I admit, I've never given Wilco a fair chance. Recommend a sample (4-5 songs) for me if you don't mind.

Sorry for the change of topic, but I thought the geographical slam begged a comparison...and comparitively, we suck IMO. For every great band we produce, the (tiny) UK produces 4-5 and it's been that way since the sixties.

Jazzbutcher

most overrated band ever

Daytripper

Indeed! Of my nearly 1000 CD's, I'd say 90% of them were British artists.

Hiro11

Regarding Oasis:
I don't think so, both "What's the Story Morning Glory" and "Definitely Maybe" are terrific albums. Listen to "Cigarettes and Alcohol" or "Some Might Say", they're both great songs.

Hiro11

I think what you're saying is that "what's popular in the US is worse than what's popular in the UK". If that's the case, I have four words for you "Jive Bunny and Mixmaster ". The only stuff that makes it across the pond is the good stuff, all the UK-only crap stays there...but there's just as much of it as there is here.

Hiro11

IMO, both of these artist define "overrated indie music".

Walter Mitty

this guy is so overrated. he signed the biggest record deal EVER in UK recording history - $140 million dollars with EMI.

Daytripper

Well, define overrated. Are we talking about critics? Because they don't love Robbie.

atlantamoi

My first thought as well. This is a singles band all the way. I like them, but the hype is not warranted.

I much prefer Coldplay's "Rush of Blood" CD over "Parachutes". The first time I heard Yellow I thought it was Dave Matthews or someone who reeeally likes DM. That's a negative. But I've grown to like that song and the album... but think "Rush" is better in almost every respect.

I love Teenage Fanclub and when "Thirteen" came out I gave it two spins and then sold it back to a used CD store. 10 years on I went ahead and bought a cheapo copy on Ebay to give it another chance and I actually think there are some great songs on that baby... especially some of the extra tracks.

CRM114

The last three albums in total. Before that, you need to be into a little alt-country vibe. Still brilliant stuff IMO.

I love EVERY song so I can't give you the 5 best or anything like that. From the last 3 albums, I picked these songs almost at random: Kamera, She's a Jar, Pot Kettle Black, Theologians, Muzzle of Bees

Hiro11

I actually think Being There is their best.

My five Wilco songs:
"I am Trying To Break Your Heart"
"Outtasite"
"Via Chicago"
"Shot in the Arm"
"Muzzle of Bees"

chess

Thanks fellas. I'll check out those tunes and possibly buy an album or three.

CRM114

Being There is fantastic but with all this talk of Coldplay and Radiohead, it appears the readers of the thread are not into the more organic music.

wendersfan

I'll have to agree that Reef are a pretty terrible band, and I can't stand the vocals at all. As for others:

Teenage Fanclub are one of my favorite bands. Thirteen may have sucked but they've redeemed themselves since.

The first Oasis album was a near masterpiece, and the second was almost as good. Their album of b-sides is better than most "regular" albums released in the pasr decade, but overall they are pretty lame these days.

Coldplay? They're OK, but there like the new U2 or something - loved by hip suburban moms the world over, so how good could they be?

IMO the most overrated British bands in history are Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. But screw "overrated" - let's talk "underrated", specifically The Small Faces!

CRM114

Question. Was LSD involved when coming to this conclusion?

Most underrated British bands? I'd have to say XTC - who IMHO is/was one of the greatest bands of the last 25 years.

As for Coldplay, I have the benefit of completely tuning out pop culture and just listening to the music. I don't listen to the radio or watch any MTV-type stuff. They are quite good.

wendersfan

XTC are great, but underrated isn't the correct term. "Little-known" is more accurate. Everyone I know who is familiar with their music thinks they're a phenomenal band.

One doesn't need drugs to know how bad Zeppelin and Floyd were, one just needs ears.

CRM114

Little known means underrated to me. They should be much more well known and thus rated highly.

No, I meant the LSD would show you how good Pink Floyd was...um, thats what I've heard at least.... Ah, the younger days.

Hollowgen

like 'em or not, denying that Led Zeppelin was an extremely talented band with a near flawless run is like denying that humans have ears.

chess

The Beatles?
The Rolling Stones?
Pink Floyd?
Led Zeppelin?
Radiohead?
Coldplay?

Why not just throw in the Cure, the Smiths, the Clash, Clapton, the Police, the Sex Pistols, and Depeche Mode? Hell, why not slam U2 as well, they're almost British?

This thread makes baby Jesus cry.

Shawn41

I'm just curious because I've recently started listening to Franz Ferdinand, but have you heard the entire album? I realize that their lyrics are nothing special, but the song you quoted is (in my opinion) their worst, lyrically. Every band will have a few songs that are not up to par, and in this case, it's obvious the song was meant to be more catchy than deep (which is a terrible phenomenon spreading throughout the top40, I'll admit). This is not meant to be a personal attack in any way; I'm simply curious. For the record, they are nowhere near my favorite band, but I do still like them.

Shawn

Daytripper

I'll go one better, I think it's an outstanding album. And one of last year's best. Sure the lyrics to "This Fire" aren't the best. But doesn't every band have at least one song on each album that is considered filler? Or maybe not as good as the rest? I agree though, those lyrics are cheesy.

Dan

Sadly, I've heard the entire album many times. Usually, when I hear an album that much (not by choice, but still), I tend to accept certain songs as being quite good (where, upon one listen, I may flat-out say the song sucks). But I can honestly say that I don't enjoy a single track on that entire album.

from Cheating On You:
goodbye girl, it isn't over
goodbye girl, because it's only love
...
I'm cheating on you, yeah
I'm cheating on me

From Michael:
This is where I'll be, so heavenly.
(that one might as well be in a Lindsay Lohan song)

I'm not trying to say that lyrics are the most important thing ever. It's just that, in cases like Franz Ferdinand, they put a strong emphasis on their lyrics (by the way the songs are structured), and they churn out crap like the above passages. It would be slightly more tolerable if the music was a little more interesting, but to my ears, it's very... basic, in the sense that it doesn't feel like they're offering anything remotely original; lyrically or musically. Bah, anyway. I'm typing too much. I have no problem with people who like FF. I just simply can't stand them.

Coldplay fans, on the other hand...

Hollowgen

maybe a strong emphasis on campy lyrics? franz ferdinand's music is fun to listen to. because the lyrics are so goofy. unless they're fruitcakes, my guess is they're fully aware of this. i think that album is great.