Whenever I meet someone new, I normally have a specific
screening question that tells me if we will hit it off or not.
What kind of music do you listen to?
This simple question can keep me going for hours; I
absolutely love music (no, I don’t play any instruments unless you count me
singing by myself in my car). Going to live shows, buying vinyl and other band merch, relating to song content and lyrics...music is such an important aspect of my life. So it’s time for my recommendation list. This took me a
while to figure out, and I’m sure I could do my top 50 bands, but I’ll leave
that for another day. Here we go.
#1: Plants and Animals
Jazz inspired, post-classic rock trio from Montreal I’ve
seen more times than I can remember (just saw them last Thursday at the Great
Hall). Their lyrics cover love, loss, relationships and the good nights you
will always remember. I could see this band every single night and never be disappointed;
you can feel their passion for music and it makes me think that there is still
hope for real, raw music in today’s superficial auto-tuned, unoriginal music
industry. Here’s one of my favourite songs from the guys, Lightshow, from their newest album The End of That.
#2: Fleet Foxes
These indie folk band comes from Seattle Washington and I
first listened to them on a long ride home from the cottage. This is the type
of band you can put on while you’re cleaning or doing homework…and magically,
everything will just feel right. I saw them last year at Massey Hall and almost
cried (I’m becoming more aware that music has the ability to make me cry real
easily…). The five members of this band make it seem like there are 15 people:
most of the members play multiple instruments which really challenges the qualities of the folk genre.
Last I heard these guys were on a “hiatus” (yes, you guessed it, I cried when I
heard that) but I’m hoping with all my might that they will return with a
fourth album soon. Here’s one of my favourites, Grown Ocean, from their album, Helplessness Blues.
#3: Bahamas
Toronto native, Afie Jurvanen, who goes by the stage name “Bahamas”, is another top contender in my favourite musicians. I saw Bahamas in Hamilton
last year, and was hesitant to go at first. His music sounded really good, but
there wasn’t that special something there that made me want to be first in line to get a
ticket to. I went, against my initial concerns, and experienced a true musician
in all his glory. It was just him with his guitar, two back-up singers and a
drummer. The music is so minimalistic but he makes up for that with his
personality. My favourite song of his, Caught me Thinking, from his newest album, Barchords.
#4: Every Time I Die (ETID)
A lot of people don’t get this one. I, of course, have my
reasons. These guys know how to put on a show. I’ve seen them over six times
and I am currently waiting for their annual Christmas show in buffalo next
month. At first, I hated them. Scream-o music will always be noise to me until
ETID came along. I actually listened to their lyrics, then I saw them and was
obsessed. Have you ever been in an actual mosh pit where the next morning your
entire body hurts? Yeah, chances are you were at an ETID show. The fans make
this band exciting. It also doesn’t hurt to listen to these guys when you need
to get some aggression out! Here's Wanderlust from their album, New Junk Aesthetic.
#5: Animal Collective
Another band I hated at first but grew to
appreciate them. I have never seen them, but I’ve heard (and watched) their
shows. I respect the dedication these guys put into their work. Their music can
only be described to me as art. When I listen to them I see colours, shapes,
lines, movement. I hope one day to finally see them live, and I’ll make sure to
let you guys know. Here's Blueish from their album, Merriweather Post Pavilion. Hopefully you've discovered someone new. Share yours!
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