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The Rice Thresher
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Ben Horne, Elizabeth Jardina, Sarah Pitre, Robert Reichle, Mariel Tam and Dalton Tomlin
Members of the Thresher staff think the following bands have been unfairly overlooked or forgotten about by most music listeners. So the next time you're looking for something completely dissimilar to your regular tastes, we recommend giving these groups a shot. -˙Ben Horne, Elizabeth Jardina, Sarah Pitre, Robert Reichle, Mariel Tam and Dalton Tomlin
Rocket from the CryptThis San Diego group combines equal parts punk and horn-infused indie rock to create an aggressive yet musical style that puts most mainstream rock acts to shame. They're crazy, they're prolific and they're big in England; one day they're bound to get the recognition they deserve here.
Dar WilliamsDar Williams sings folk music for smart people. Since 1995, this Wesleyan University grad has been touring relentlessly and has produced four albums full of witty and often beautiful music that strikes a chord with the earnest and hopeful set (mostly female college students). Her most recent album, The Green World, includes songs about messianic cults, overcoming depression, being in college, Vietnam War-era protests, and her refusal to be a Yoko Ono.
Freedom SoldFreedom Sold is a Houston-based hip-hop duo that brings back socially and politically conscious messages to the genre in a Public Enemy way. But their sound draws more on the grunge era, innovative blends of alternative guitar rock elements and classic turntablism.
GusterThis three-piece group from Massachusetts is known for its fun live shows and a drummer who only uses his hands (even for cymbals). They're steadily building a following with their deep lyrics and percussion-driven, but not too heavy, approach to music.
Elliott SmithHe's sad, shy and solitary, but this singer-songwriter moves audiences to places on the emotional landscape that other artists rarely manage to reach. Whether it's just him and his accoustic guitar or Smith accompanied by a full band, he produces truly beautiful, almost orchestral music.
CatPowerLet's just say her name sounds nothing like her music. Performing solely with her guitar or piano, Cat Power (a.k.a. Chan Marshall) sings with a slightly raspy but hauntingly beautiful voice. Her music is stark, simple and incredibly intense with emotion. On her latest album, Covers, she reinterprets songs such as the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction" until they are unrecognizable in a new and darker form.
Netural Milk HotelJeff Magnum's chaotic pop workshop produces lo-fi melodies that range from wonky to almost orchestral, yet always remain strangely beautiful. The Athens, Ga.-based group's last disc, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, is a good foray into the Elephant 6 pop collective for neophytes who want to dip their collective toe into stunningly catchy indie pop.
Big Audio DynamiteThe child of the Clash's Mick Jones, BAD was one of the first mainstream rock acts to extensively use sampling and other elements of hip-hop. Their influences also include techno and dance music (except they did it before it was cool).
Afghan WhigsAlthough they recently broke up, this band of Ohioans painstakingly blended a foundation of alt-rock with touches of soul and R&B; Greg Dulli's lyrics and vocals are filled with anger and lust. Their last three albums (Gentlemen, Black Love, 1965) have both a professional sound and an independent spirit.
Super Furry AnimalsPower pop meets psychedelia in the music of this band from Wales, culminating in last year's Mwng, probably the only modern Welsh-language pop album you'll find this side of the Atlantic. For catchy tunes you can sing along to (including words with vowels), try SFA's Radiator (1998), featuring the soaring secret-agent theme "She's Got Spies" and a soccer-arena anthem about everyone's favorite vampire goat-suckers, "Chupacabras."
The UrgeTen years ago, they were experimenting with a mixture of funk, hardcore, ska, rock and reggae. Today, this St. Louis band has perfected the formula and incorporated it into their sweaty, exhausting live shows.
Catherine WheelThe earlier work by this UK band is reminiscent of Pink Floyd, full of mood and atmosphere and spacey guitars. Their recent albums, on the other hand, are more like American alt-rock and are not as consistently good.
PortisheadOne of the foremost bands of the trip-hop genre, Portishead made a smash debut with the moody Dummy. Follow-ups Portishead and the live album PNYC continue to harness their rich sounds and Beth Gibbons' hypnotic vocals.
King DjangoBetween his solo projects and his work with the bands Skinnerbox and the Stubborn All-Stars, this singer/trombonist has successfully dabbled in dancehall, dub, techno, hip-hop, punk, klezmer, ska and roots reggae. All the while, he's given respect to his musical roots and supported a lively musical scene in New York City.
Michael NymanThis prolific composer has released many classical albums and scores. Two of his best are the scores for Gattaca and Ravenous, a unique collaboration with Blur's Damon Albarn.
Old 97'sBack in the mid-'90s, this Dallas band lured me away from the world of straightforward indie pop and down the gnarled road where pop, rock and even punk music live alongside country, folk, debauchery and runaway cats. Call it "insurgent country," "no depression," "cowpunk" or what you will, but watch out because it could ensnarl you too.
Cibo MattoA jazzy, borderline ambient hip-hop group from New York, Cibo Matto is famous for an album whose songs are completely dedicated to food (standout tracks on Viva! La Woman include "Beef Jerky" and "White Pepper Ice Cream"). Their name is Italian, some of their lyrics are in French, and the band's female lead singers are Japanese, making for a musical stew that's almost as eclectic as their tastes in food.
Sleater-KinneyWith the demise of Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney wins the sparkly tiara as the ultimate grrl rock band. Corin, Carrie and Janet have been spouting in-your-face lyrics since the release of their self-titled album in 1996 on the Kill Rock Stars label. The mix of rough guitar and Corin's wailing gets those feet moving and that anger flowing.
Belle & SebastianThese guys would be indie pop's reigning heavyweights if they weren't so frail. Judge the Scottish seven-piece, perhaps strongest on 1996's If You're Feeling Sinister, for yourself: delicate, light melodies that you won't be able to beat out of your head.
KRS-ONEThe self-proclaimed greatest MC of all time, KRS-ONE has recently made some more commercial connections a la Puff Daddy, but by and large he remains true to old school hip-hop, delivering rhymes that challenge the listener intellectually while entertaining. KRS-ONE (Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone) is always the first to point out that hip-hop is not a rapper with a manufactured beat, but rather an extensive culture with four elements: deejaying, emceeing (rapping), breakdancing and graffiti art.
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