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Your Basic Guide to Music’s Odd-Balls…
Written by Einat Brigler
With so many bands out there, and so many genres of music, it is sometimes hard to know what’s good and what isn’t. For that, though, there is always the trusty internet or the radio. What about those songs and artists that aren’t necessarily mainstreamed? Those artists that are more-often-than-not well known but considered odd? Equipped with my trusty I-pod, the wonderful thing that is RadioBlogClub, and the opinions of several friends, I set out to compile a list of artists that are considered weird – an acquired taste – but are, when broken down to their simplest forms of music very good.
1) Moby
Techno-pop and mellowed out songs that could potentially provide the perfect backdrop for getting pleasantly high. What might turn you off…
The lack of musical variety and the epic length of most of Moby’s songs are not exactly conducive to rocking out, or even keeping awake. What will turn you on…
His guest vocalists keep his listener’s ears somewhat excited and the soft, almost hypnotic lull of his songs could be the perfect backdrop for a night of relaxation.
Listen to: Porcelain
2) Bjork
Known for being extremely eccentric, Bjork has been a steady presence on the music charts since her debut in the mid 1990s. What might turn you off…
Bjork’s voice is not a conventional one – high and sometimes scratchy, it adds a certain annoying quality to some songs that may have the tendency to make the listener want to run and hide. What will turn you on…
Because her songs are so unique, Bjork provides the average hipster listener with a reprieve from the barrage of mainstreamed music that can, at times, sound dull, boring and oh-so-ordinary.
Listen to: Human Behavior
3) Marilyn Manson
Shock rocker Marilyn Manson is most known for his ambiguous sexual appearance and his rather gothic brand of music. What might turn you off…
Aside from his rather sometimes disturbing appearance, most of Manson’s songs are somewhat difficult to understand and their content could be considered highly disturbing at times. What will turn you on…
Placing aside all stereotypes regarding shock/Goth rock, Manson has been considered a song-writing genius by the underground rock world, and musically, his songs are extremely powerful.
Listen to: Sweet Dreams
4) She Wants Revenge
Hailing from the almighty US of A, alternative rockers She Wants Revenge are an interesting mix of music, thrumming bass lines and nearly monotone vocals. What might turn you off…
The monotone way in which the singer chooses to deliver his songs can potentially confuse and/or disturb any casual listener and the subject matter of their songs can be considered more than a little abrasive. What will turn you on…
The beats provided as a backdrop to all She Wants Revenge songs are absolutely amazing. Coupled with that is the clarity of their lyrics and the genius way in which the songs are put together, She Wants Revenge has the ability to grab their listeners by the ears and keep them happily occupied for the duration of their record.
Listen to: I Want to Fucking Tear You Apart
5) Peter, Bjorn and John
Swedish musicians Peter, Bjorn and John have come together to provide and interestingly poppy brand of alternative music that is now slowly making its steady way across North America. What might turn you off…
Because they are not singing in their native tongue, their lyrics are awkwardly strung together and their vocals often fall a little flat of the melody. What will turn you on…
Language barrier aside, Peter, Bjorn and John provide songs that are easy to listen to and provide a general sense of contentment.
Listen to: Old Folks
6) Portishead
Fronted by a female, British pop-rocker Portishead are not you average music-goer’s regular cup of tea. What might turn you off…
The singer’s voice in undeniably whiny, which could provide a highly dampening effect on any listener’s enjoyment. What will turn you on…
The musicality of this band is stunningly thick. Not restricting themselves to the run-of-the-mill band instruments, the orchestration of Portishead’s songs and their use of full orchestral instruments will keep listeners busy with musical enjoyment.
Listen to: Sour Times
7) Dandy Warhols
Providing the word with somewhat edgy alternative pop, the Dandy Warhols are an interesting addition to any collection. What might turn you off…
Hard to pinpoint as a negative trait, all Dandy Warhols songs tell some sort of story. What could be potentially annoying is their tendency for lyrical repetition. What will turn you on…
Cheerful and upbeat, the Dandy Warhol’s provide the kind of music needed to get you through those gloom and glum days.
Listen to: Bohemian Like You
8) The Pixies
Prominent in the underground scene, the Pixies can be found listed as inspirational to all the new generation rock/alternative musicians sweeping the globe. What might turn you off…
Those heavy into the “scene” would argue that there is no real drawback to the Pixies, but their sometimes heavy (both in the lyrical and musical sense) songs must be taken in stride, and in somewhat small-ish doses. What will turn you on…
Highly innovative and moving songs keep the hoards of underground scenesters loyal. To them, the Pixies are the epitome of a successful underground Indie band.
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