Have I mentioned that I love lists? They bring order to an inchoate world. Anyways, here's a rather arbitary list of the Top 40 Bands of the year, as chosen by some music bloggers.
There's a lot I agree with here, and a lot I just don't know. (One of the saddest parts of leaving college is losing touch with the alt music zeitgeist.) So whose nominations do I second? The Hold Steady are deserving, even if they often sound just like early Bruce. (And I mean "Ashbury Park" early.) The Decembrists are lovely, if a little affected. Same goes for Surfjan Stevens. I love me my Catpower, although The Greatest isn't as great as The Covers Record. Dylan and Wilco are both very deserving (just saw Dylan live, and I've never seen him so alive: he was wailing on the harmonica and prancing about the stage), and I'd probably add Jeff Tweedy too, just to recongize his heartbreakingly good solo tour.
And what do I disagree with? First of all, we should remove Ryan Adams from the list, if only to discourage him from putting out so many medicore records with two perfect tracks. And how could Bright Eyes be excluded? That's a tremendous oversight.
What am I missing? Help me recapture the pulse of the alt music scene.
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I totally agree with the #1, Tv on the Radio. They sound like an updated "security" era Peter Gabriel at points. Missing from the list (unless i just plain missed it) was The Arcade Fire. They are utterly fantastic. The Silversun Pickups (they made the list) are worth listening to if you spent your youth listening to the Smashing Pumpkins (Gish mostly).
I just downloaded a free iTunes plugin called iLike that builds a database and friend list based on what you're listening to. It's a pretty clever way to stay on top of things. It works on both Mac an PC (I installed it at work and at home).
Also, I highly (can't recommend enough, actually) recommend KEXP. They have a great streaming broadcast (you can find it in itunes' radio library, too) and a realtime playlist. John in the Morning is the best radio show I've ever heard; and, judging from your post, you will truly enjoy his show (6am-10amPST, 9am-1pmEST). He brought me back into the fold of the "alt music zeitgeist" as you call it by playing bands that i've always loved along with the newest and greatest indie/alt stuff out there.
Thanks so much. I'm going to take all your advice.