Here is the survey I'll be discussing:
Over the past week I've listened to albums by these bands, but before sharing let me clarify a few things:
- I will not let the size of their discography affect my assessment of how good or bad they are.
- Since music is a matter of personal taste that will affect my personal feelings about each band.
- I'd only ever heard of two of these artists before (OK Go and Michael) and I'd only really heard one of each of their songs. I won't let that sway my opinion.
- I'm not really going to say which is best. It's very hard for me to render that sort of decision because they are all different genre wise. Instead my rankings will only be meant to indicate the order of preference I have for a show from them at HU.
- I know little to nothing about their stage presence, but I do know that some bands have great music, but are terrible live. I'd actually welcome information about that. I'll even offer amendments and give shout outs for those tips, but for the sake of simplicity I won't change the initial rankings.
With all of that said let's begin:
#5 Christina Perri:
I like her sound, but it maybe because I've heard similar artists. Acoustic semi-angsty woman music isn't bad in and of itself. I can't say that I'd want to hear it in concert though. I remember going to hear Sara Bareilles when she came to Harding. I remember liking her music, but also feeling like I was out of place. Perri's music is quite similar in lyrical content and general style (not saying she's a carbon copy but she's similar enough). This music isn't written for me. It's for other women, mostly for other women who have had their hearts broken. Since I'm not in that category she comes in last.
#4 OK Go
I enjoy their music. It's got an interesting feel in it, it's mostly upbeat and fun, they definitely put together a strong showing in their albums. That said I feel like I'd be disappointed live. There's a lot going on in their songs, and it can be really hard for a band to get that same tight sound form their album when they play it live. Now granted there is a movement toward a simpler approach in their most recent release (last years Of the Blue Colour of the Sky). I just didn't hear anything that made me say, these are the guys I want to hear live. In fact from what I've heard from some who have seen them the live show they put on can be disappointing.
*******NOTE*******
These last three were in close contention I wanted to declare a three way tie. Honestly if I were putting point values to them they'd be within a few decimals of each other. The tipping point is what I see the potential concert being like. But I feel like I should just keep going.
*******NOTE*******
#3 Michael Franti
I was surprised by how much I like Michael Franti. His blend of r&b, rap, and reggae (and a few other styles) really reflect a high musical IQ. He blended old tunes into his own stuff, he has some excellent original stuff. So what put's him in third? He's got a lot to say, and he says it well, but quite frankly it might be a problem for the sensibilities of the audience in front of which he'd be appearing. Personally, I don't mind it, but that coupled with the fact that I don't know how good a concert can be in that genre (especially at HU) and that most people will recognize little else besides, "Say Hey, (I love you)" and probably take offense to a fair share of it, puts this at #3.
#2 The Civil Wars
I'm a simple guy and a simple sound goes a long way with me. The Civil Wars have a simple sound and solid presence musically. I'm always happy to hear a new folk/rock band. Their album Barton Hollow is a well constructed piece and puts their exquisitely simple sound on display beautifully. So why don't they win out? Half of their album is on a playlist I call "Mellow and the Calms" and it's what I play while I'm relaxing or taking a nap. All of their music isn't that way, but a fair share of what I can find is. It's good music, it's soothing, but it can be thought of as a calmer Avett Brothers. I don't want to go to a concert where I am at risk of being overly chilled out so #2 it is.
#1 Foster the People
Somewhere between in the musical galaxy, in the vicinity of The Black Keys you'll find Foster the People. That was what first came to mind as I listened to Torches, but a Black Keys sound knock off they are not. Their music is all their can be energetic, it can be calm, it can be celebratory it can be sad, but it is always good! I recommend this band to anyone looking for a sound all it's own. When I listen to this album a concert scene is what I see. It feels a bit more epic than the Admin, but if their music is any indication they can keep an audience entertained.
So there you are my thoughts on the first collection of artists that have been recommended. I know that the current rankings on the survey don't bode well for my top choice, but that doesn't change the choices.
See you in another life,
-matt
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