Playlist 1: Driving in the Summertime

This playlist was composed by myself and two of my best friends, who all have extremely similar tastes in music (we tend more towards alternative and indie music). The music varies slightly in vocal and rhythmic styles, moods, messages, and tempos and not all of it is extremely recent (some of it comes from the ‘90’s), but it is all quite similar. These songs form an audiotopia for me, one that is reminiscent of driving during a late summer night, and reminiscent of good friends and good times.

1. “Heavy Metal Drummer.” Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Nonesuch Records, LP5161, 2002. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOLwKmw0cFY (4/4/10).

This song by Wilco has a slow, mellow mood and tempo, represented by the freely tapping snare drum and light acoustic guitar interspersed with high piano notes. The lyrics and melody hold an air of nostalgia, of a love lost to someone else and the memories it contained (“I miss the innocence I’ve known, playing KISS covers beautiful and stoned”). Wilco is a band formed in Chicago in 1994 who has released a vast number of albums. They are influenced by artists such as Bill Fay and Television, and have in turn influence many artists over the period of their existence.

2. “Colossal.” Wolfmother, Wolfmother. Modular, MODCD036, 2005. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUKvfKzHYTg (4/4/10).

This song is set up interestingly based on the comparison between its lyrics and its instrumental background. The instrumental aspect can be defined as “rock and roll” upon first listen, due to the thrashing electric guitar, harsh vocals, and crashing of the drums, yet the tempo of the song is slow at best, eventually speeding up at the end. The tempo of the song correlates with the journey of the narrator; at first he is confused by the “colossal land” and “magical day” he is faced with, and once he encounters the “colossal girl” and begins to pursue her and wonder about her, the song speeds up as if he is in a chase. Wolfmother is a newer group from Australia who define themselves in the alternative/ “stoner” rock category, and despite not having gained significant fame here in the US, are still an innovative new band on the horizon.

3. “Wolf Like Me.” TV on the Radio, Return to Cookie Mountain. 4AD and Interscope Records, CADCD260, 2006. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfJOm_NzuXE&feature=related (4/4/10).

“Wolf Like Me” has a very clear, evident beat maintained by the drumming clearly heard in the background of the song, with the low, rumbling rhythm of the electric guitar and the low, gruff vocals centering around this beat. It starts out as quite fast-medium tempo; a song one can keep time to and be encouraged to dance to. It slows down for awhile, and it seems like someone has replicated the beginning of the song, yet slowed it down extremely. The song soon resumes its fast pace. The lyrics are rather nonsensical, but their alliteration and rhyming contributes to the rhythm of that song (i.e. “gotta bust that box gotta gut that fish”). Although the band Wolf Like Me is centered in the United Kingdom, this song was their most popular single in the United States and became multipurpose (it was even used in a Nike ad and for an Xbox game).

4. “Sweet Disposition.” Temper Trap, Conditions. Liberation, LMCD0056, 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxQ6HR9UbA0 (4/4/10).

This song has a very light, free mood, based on the high pitched, floaty vocals and the light acoustic guitar in the background. The lyrics tell the story of endless love, and someone with the hope of winning someone lost back in the end. Despite the situation of loss seeming sad upon first perception, the sonic elements of the song offer a sense of anticipation and expectation. Temper Trap is a band from Australia who is not really famous or heard of here in the United States, but this particular song was made famous by the movie “(500) Days of Summer”, in which it was featured.

5. “I Hear Noises.” Tegan & Sara, If It Was You. Vapor and Sanctuary, 89400, 2002. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii2c85rWMjc (4/4/10).

Tegan and Sara began as a group in Calgary in 1998, and have had many appearances in Sarah McLachlan’s Lilith Fair (as well as a tour with Neil Young and the Pretenders, among other such ventures in the rock world). The lyrics of “I Hear Noises” tell the story of someone who is unhappily stuck in a relationship, and their entrapment is due to not wanting the person to be alone and other conditions of the relationship. The electric guitar, vocals, and keyboard (as sonic elements) provide a catchy tune, but definitely not one that is happy and upbeat – it is more or less indescribably powerful.

6. “What I Got.” Sublime, Sublime. MCA Records, 11413,1996. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHrWEzPT4H8 (4/4/10).

Sublime started out in 1988 as a garage band, and rose to fame in the ‘90s in California. Their song, “What I Got”, is extremely happy-go-lucky based on the lyrics and the melody. The acoustic guitar and shuffling of the drum sets a nice backbeat to the happy lyrics that indicate a contented state (regardless of what life dishes out). “I don’t cry, when my dog runs away, I don’t get angry at the bills I have to pay…Lovin’s what I got, I said remember that.” Most claim that this song alludes to a drug culture of sorts, and that marijuana or some other drug would lead to the contented state described in this song.

7. “Last Nite.” The Strokes, Is This It. RCA, 73177, 2006. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXaHy814cEA (4/4/10).

The Strokes formed in 1998 in New York, New York and released their debut album “Is This It” in 2001. “Last Nite” contains a harsh electric guitar, gruff vocals, and strong, powerful drumming. The mood could be described as brash, aggressive, and angry, and the song has a very retro, old-ish feel to it. The lyrics are a bit depressing, as they talk about the narrator and a girl “feeling so down” and noone knowing why or being able to understand. The lyrics carry quite an angsty vibe.

8. “Your Ex-Lover is Dead.” Stars, Set Yourself on Fire. Arts & Crafts, 000009, 2005. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUwRvukyxDo (4/4/10).

Stars was formed in 2001 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and released their debut album in the same year. “Your Ex-Lover is Dead” contains keyboard, violin (as well as an orchestra), and harmonica, providing a sort of folky, sophisticated, theatrical feel. As a listener, one feels as if they are being freely carried by the melody of the song. The lyrics of the song deal with handling a relationship post break up after it is clear that both parties have moved on, and how awkward interaction can be. It is quite easily relatable for anyone that has previously been in a relationship and has to deal with his or her ex-partner in any way.

9. “I’m a Lady.” Santigold, Santogold. Downtown Records, 70034, 2008. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpL8odTN2_c (4/4/10)

Santi White, the frontwoman of Santigold, formed this group in New York as a solo project (the rest of the members of the group change frequently). White’s husky voice, the low buzz of the electric guitar, and the steady beat of the drum give the song a powerful, energetic, resonant mood. The lyrics of the song are meant to assert White’s belief that she is a strong-willed, independent young woman, yet she knows that because she is attractive, she will never be seen as anything more than a woman. “And I like sometimes to wave it high, up where everyone can see, I’m a lady…”

10. “Blueside.” Rooney, Rooney. Polydor, INTW32031, 2003. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55NGR8BOKqo (4/4/10).

Rooney was founded in 2002 in Los Angeles, California. They are a band that has enjoyed much promotion and exposure of their music, including being featured on the show The O.C. The song “Blueside”, for some people, has lyrical allusions to suicide; for example, “And it’s so hard for me to explain, what I will miss to myself.” The wailing of the electric guitar and the soft backbeat of the drums indicates a depressing tone, and indicates the song may have a sad message.

11.  “Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse.” Of Montreal, Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?. Polyvinyl, 124, 2007. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp_K6yyfxuA&feature=fvst (4/4/10).

Of Montreal was formed in Athens, Georgia in the ‘90s. Its formation was inspired after its frontman, Kevin Barnes, broke off a romance with a woman from Montreal. “Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse” has an electronic vibe inspired by the keyboard in place, as well as the unique sounds created by the electric guitar. The song feels eclectic and crazy, like an acid trip of sorts. This mood is appropriate, seeing as the lyrics describe a person’s relationship with drugs. “Chemicals don’t make me sick again, I’m always so dubious of your intent, like I can’t afford to replace what you’ve spent.” His mood imbalances as a result of this drug are described in great detail.

12. “We Are Golden.” Mika, The Boy Who Knew Too Much. Universal Distribution, 252712588, 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdrMJn4jtPM (4/4/10).

Mika debuted as an artist with his single “Relax, Take it Easy” in fall of 2006. The album “The Boy Who Knew Too Much”, which contains “We Are Golden”, was released in 2009. The keyboard, drums, and assorted other instruments (including what appears to be maracas) on the track provide a light-hearted, whimsical mood to the song. The lyrics speak of coming of age and discovering yourself as a young person; for example, “teenage dreams in a teenage circus, running around like a clown on purpose, who gives a damn about the family you come from, no giving up when you’re young and you want some.” Listening to this song puts the listener in an upbeat and positive mood.

13. “Strange Apparition.” Beck, The Information. Interscope Records, 757600, 2006. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4I0_p13K_Y (4/4/10)

Beck began his solo career in 1994 with the debut of his first album, “Mellow Gold”. “Strange Apparition”, like most of Beck’s music, has an eclectic instrumental sound as a result of the electric guitar and the drum in the background. The lyrics discuss Beck’s religious affiliations, and his conflicts as a result. It discusses a “strange apparition” and references the Lord quite often. It’s quite a pensive song, and makes one feel introspective in terms of religious opinions.

14. “Let Go.” Frou Frou, Details. MCA Records, 586996, June 4, 2002. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_97UoGngJBQ (4/4/10).

Frou Frou is a collaboration between Imogen Heap and Guy Sigsworth that began in 2002. The lyrics of the song “Let Go” indicate the “magic” and intricate elements of the human breakdown, and describe it in a way that makes it seem beautiful. This song was written to be adapted to a scene in the movie “Garden State”, and describes the situation in the scene perfectly. The percussion mixed with slow violin playing provides an elegant, sophisticated air to the song.

15. “Heads Will Roll.” Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It’s Blitz!. Polydor, 2702576,  2009, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trcv0g-3YGc (4/4/10).

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs were formed in 2000 in New York, NY. “Heads Will Roll”, which debuted on their 2009 album “It’s Blitz!”, is more of a dance-y, energetic song. The lyrics reference “danc[ing] ‘til your dead” quite often, and the background music is more electronic and sounds more techno than rock. It sounds more or less like a song you would hear while getting excited for a night out on the town, one that would get you pumped up and energized for life.

Playlist 2: Alternative/Indie Music in Great Britain

Playlist Two: After doing some research into the alternative/indie scene “across the pond” in Great Britain, I formed this playlist based on what I found to be contemporary examples of this particular genre of music (combined with some I purely enjoyed). These songs specifically derive from the nations of Scotland, England, and Ireland. Indie/alternative music in Britain spiked in popularity after the ‘80s, and was inspired by punk. It was originally called ‘C86’ due to the “New Musical Express” magazine in Britain. The following music is representative of its evolution over time.

1. “There Goes the Fear.” The Doves, There Goes the Fear – Single. EMI Music Distribution, 550779, 2002. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHXt8yPll2s (4/4/10).

The Doves were founded in 1998 in Manchester, England, and have a sound similar to that of Radiohead or The Verve. Their song “There Goes the Fear” was part of the “(500) Days of Summer” soundtrack. The breathy vocals, keyboard, and percussion in this song gives it a dreamy, ethereal quality, and puts the listener in a mellow, content mood. The lyrics describe not letting life pass you by and appreciating what it gives you/embracing change, but how you sometimes can’t help that life goes by in a flash.

2. “Brianstorm.” Arctic Monkeys, Favourite Worst Nightmare. Domino, 136, 2007. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30w8DyEJ__0 (4/4/10).

The Arctic Monkeys began their rise to fame in 2005 and have a sound similar to that of the Strokes and the Clash. “Brianstorm”, from the album “Favourite Worst Nightmare”, is an extremely catchy song with a melody provided by the powerful hammering of an electric guitar and the steady, harsh beats of the drum which provides an aggressive, volatile sonic element. The meaning of the song is simple – it’s about a man named Brian who is good at getting girls. 

3. “She’s Electric.” Oasis, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?. Epic, 67351, 1995. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dUV4VAr9lk (4/4/10).

Oasis was formed in 1993 in Manchester, England, and became truly famous in 1994. They are one of Britain’s “most popular and critically acclaimed bands of the decade” according to allmusic.com. “She’s Electric”, from their 1995 album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory, lyrically tells the story of a girl who is “electric” – most likely meaning she has something radiant about her – and about how the narrator “wants to be electric too” – most likely wants to get to know her or be with her. The electric/acoustic guitar and percussion offer a sort of easygoing, folky feel

4. “Chelsea Dagger.” The Fratellis, Costello Music. Sony Music Distribution, 5090272, 2007. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=935CFnTt-iA (4/4/10).

The Fratellis originated in Glasgow, Scotland, premiered with their first show in 2005, and released their first EP in 2006. “Chelsea Dagger” from their album “Costello Music” tells the story of a prostitute (hence the use of the term “dagger” – a “dag” means a person of low/loose morals) from the Chelsea area of England. Based on the sonic element of this song, “Chelsea Dagger” sounds “rambunctious”, the ‘swagger’ of the electric guitar and the a capella vocals in the background sounds like something you would hear played in a bar in Great Britain.

5. “Mercury.” Bloc Party, Intimacy. Atlantic, 512336, October 28^th, 2008. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvbJU1rj390 (4/4/10).

Bloc Party, a band formed in London, England, derives their influence from Sonic Youth, Joy Division, Gang of Four, and the Cure (allmusic.com). “Mercury”, a song from their 2008 album “Intimacy”, has an eclectic techno musical backdrop and a vocalist with an erratic voice that adds a certain air of franticness and anxiety to the song as a whole. “Mercury in retrogade” alludes to Mars rotating backwards, meaning everything could be going awry.

6. “Asleep on a Sunbeam.” Belle and Sebastian, Dear Catastrophe Waitress. Rough Trade Records, 080, October 7, 2003. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B6UstLp6D4 (4/4/10).

Belle and Sebastian were founded in Glasgow, Scotland in 1995. “Asleep on a Sunbeam” from their album “Dear Catastrophe Waitress” is a simple, straight to the point song about a couple who decides to go on a camping trip. The sonic element of this song can be described as nothing other than calm and peaceful. The guitar and occasional interjection of the trumpet is similar to something one would hear on an advertisement for camping goods. Upon listening to this, the listener would most likely feel the urge to go on a camping trip themselves.

7. “Small World.” Roddy Frame, Surf. Cooking Vinyl Records, 117, October 8, 2002. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy3VtM7wKFM (4/4/10).

Roddy Frame, a native of East Kilbride, Scotland, began his career in 1980. His song “Small World” from his 2002 album, Surf, is merely Frame’s smooth, soothing vocals accompanied by the playing of his acoustic guitar. It feels like a very peaceful, reflective song. The lyrics, however, deal with space and intergalactic lasers, and having time turned back so the narrator’s girl can return to him. The lyrical and sonic elements sharply conflict with one another.

8. “Keep it Clean.” Camera Obscura, Underachievers Please Try Harder. Merge, 239, September, 2003. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiLh9rkvjac (4/4/10).

Camera Obscura formed in Glasgow, Scotland in 1996. “Keep it Clean” from their 2003 album “Underachievers Please Try Harder” tells the story of a girl who’s ex-boyfriend wants her back, but she is in a new relationship and wants no part of the entire situation. The soft acoustic guitar, mellow drum beat, and soft, crooning vocals provide a very mellow, summery mood for the song.

9. “Make Your Move.” The Delgados, The Great Eastern. Beggars Banquet, 81021, May 9, 2000. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF5AVKEo3N4 (4/4/10).

The Delgados formed in Scotland in 1994, and are still famous in their own right despite not having achieved the fame of fellow Scottish band Belle and Sebastian. Their song “Make Your Move” from their 2000 album “The Great Eastern” has an instrumental melody provided by a piano and some sort of woodwind instrument (most likely a flute). The sonic component makes the song seem soul-searching and introspective, placid and melancholy. The lyrics are pleading and compelling someone to make a move towards the narrator, “so go with me. Inside. Believe. You have so much to give.”

10. “Soon it Will be Fire.” Richard Youngs, Sapphie. Jagjaguwar, 19, 1999, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDR4-VJxMx4 (4/4/10).

Richard Youngs began releasing albums in the early ‘90s in Glasgow, Scotland. His song “Soon it Will be Fire” from his 1999 album Sapphie is fueled by the slow, high pitched plucking of the acoustic guitar and Youngs’s brass, high pitched voice providing a spacey sort of mood to the song. The lyrics are rather spread out through the song; it appears that each line of the song is merely one word drawn out at a time. The lyrics paired with the sonic element actually help the listener envision fire.

11. “Duel.” Swervedriver, Mezcal Head. A&M, 540129, October 5, 1993, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9xCibsXdqI (4/4/10)

Swervedriver was formed in 1990 in London, England. The stretched out, resonant vocals and the powerful, driving electric guitar and drumming styles in “Duel” by Swervedriver evoke a heavy, rock and roll sort of mood. Although the lyrics and title of the song could be taken to depict some sort of internal struggle, it has been claimed by the band that the song was heavily influenced by the movie of the same name by Steven Spielberg (allmusic.com).

12. “Bittersweet Symphony.” The Verve, This is Music: The Singles ’92-’98. Virgin, 63688, 2004. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9u9mZz-o-g (4/4/10)

The Verve, who formed in 1989 in Wigan, England, have been considered “one of the most innovative and spellbinding bands on the contemporary British pop scene” (allmusic.com). The violins and driving percussion beat of “Bittersweet Symphony” evokes a serene yet powerful mood. The lyrics speak of merely just going through life and its different phases, handling each day differently, and dealing with the many facets of one’s personality.

13. “Still Point.” Flying Saucer Attack, Further. Drag City, 69, 1995, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE9SmUdCbeM (4/4/10).

Flying Saucer Attack was formed in Bristol, England in 1993. “Still Point” is an extremely distracting song to write about. Even though you can hear the acoustic guitar and the high pitched voice of a woman in the background, the entire song is overpowered by what sounds like an alien landing. You can barely even hear the lyrics of the song. Personally, I chose this song as an example of an extremely unique brand of indie that derives from Great Britain.

14. “The Midnight Choir.” The Thrills, Teenager. EMI Music Distribution, 3037, 2007. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Tyk6O_9hRM (4/4/10).

The Thrills formed in 2001 in Dublin, Ireland, and made their international debut in 2003. The high pitched vocals, acoustic, soft snare drum, and mandolin provide a sort of Irish twang within the song, and set a lively, exuberant mood for the song. The song discusses the prospect of losing what you know, and how terrible it would be. “And the midnight choir they sing, they sing a hymn we used to believe in, but it’s all we’ve got.”

15. “Waves.” The Devlins, Waves. Nettwerk, 30399, 2007. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf48t4ZCR-o (4/4/10).

The Devlins formed in the 1990s in Dublin, Ireland and their debut album, “Drift”, came out in 1993. Their song “Waves” by the Devlins includes soft acoustic, vocals, drumming as well as contribution from a woodwind section, which gives the song an earthy, intimate feel. The lyrics of the song provide hope that the narrator’s “luck will change” as a result of being so happy and infatuated with a girl. 

Alternative/Indie Music of the '70s and '80s

Indie music didn’t truly pick up until around the ‘70s and ‘80s, when the underground industry truly began to flourish. The “roots of modern indie music” are said to have begun with The Velvet Underground’s self-titled album. This album has influenced many current indie and alternative artists, even to this day. Also, the “do it yourself” technique involved with punk music has influenced alternative/indie music, even from its beginnings. The following are examples of alternative/indie music from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Most of it is more powerful and overlaps more with punk rock than alternative/indie music from later in time, but it is still retained within this genre.

1. “After Hours.” The Velvet Underground, The Velvet Underground. Universal Japan, 0554594, 1969. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE8KBWgUZxw (4/4/10).

The Velvet Underground formed in 1964 in New York, NY. Despite not being completely appreciated by the mainstream audience, they did have a rather large cult following. “After Hours” pairs an acoustic guitar with the voice of Maureen Tucker, the group’s drummer. The song has a solitary, lonely feel to it based on the instrumental quality. The lyrics also give the song a feeling of hopelessness. “If you close the door, the night could last forever, leave the sunshine out, and say hello to never.” It gives a feeling of one closing oneself off from the rest of the world and giving up on life.

2. “Killing an Arab.” The Cure, Staring at the Sea: The Singles. Elektra, 60477-2, 1986. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh01Pil7vj4&feature=PlayList&p=AF6E321D090476B5&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=70 (4/4/10).

The Cure formed in 1976 in Crawley, England, and are one of the most “enduring and powerful” rock bands of those that emerged in the late ‘70s (allmusic.com). “Killing an Arab” relates to a book called “The Stranger” by Albert Camus which deals with existentialism (not with actually killing an Arab). The powerful driving of the electric guitar (including some powerful riffs at certain points in the song) and the beating of the drum indicates power and strength within the song, and creates an angry mood.

3. “Big Takeover.” Bad Brains, Rock for Light. Caroline Distribution, CAROL-1613-2, 1983. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdPjX8QWSjg (4/4/10).

Bad Brains was formed in 1979 in Washington D.C. The lyrics of “Big Takeover” are fairly straightforward – Bad Brains claims that the United States is headed the same way that Nazi Germany was, “a big takeover” and a Nazi quest. The powerful riffs of the electric guitar, the angry beating of the drums, and the raspy, strong vocals indicate an intense, hostile mood.

4. “She Said.” The Cramps, Smell of Female. Vengeance Records, 670, 1983. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT7FSzdIDno&feature=related (4/4/10).

The Cramps were formed in 1976 in Sacramento, California. “She Said” technically qualifies as indie/alternative, but it seems that there are hints of rockabilly and southern flavor within the music as a result of the banjo and guitar in the song. The harsh beating of the tom toms and the Neanderthal-like quality of the vocals are extremely rudimentary and primal. The vocals are essentially sounds such as “ooh ee ah ah”, so it’s hard to discern any sort of words or story behind the songs.

5. “Into the Heart.” U2, Boy. Island, 842296, 1980.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnJGwDUrk7E (4/4/10).

U2 formed in 1976 in Dublin, Ireland, and became one of the most popular rock bands of the ‘80s. “Into the Heart” from their 1980 album “Boy” is one of their earlier hits. The wailing of the electric guitar which wanes back and forth in pitch as well as the raspy vocals of Bono provide a soulful, poignant mood for this musical selection. The lyrics of this song allude to a strong longing for childhood and the innocence it holds.

6. “Sex Beat.” Gun Club, Fire of Love. Rhino/WEA, 79945, 1981. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoCFgVf6bAc (4/4/10).

Gun Club was founded in 1980 in Los Angeles, California. “Sex Beat” was on their 1981 album “Fire of Love”, and a listener would find that this song not only falls under the alternative/indie genre, but also carries elements of punk rock. The driving, steady tone of the electric guitar and the powerful beating of the drum brings forth a fiery, commanding mood. A listener, upon hearing this song, could hear a message warning that the element of desire makes people crazy.

7. “Cherry Tree.” 10,000 Maniacs, In My Tribe, Elektra Asylum, 60738, 1987. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7rikO0nsHA (4/4/10).

10,000 Maniacs was formed in 1981 in Jamestown, NY. “Cherry Tree”, from their 1987 album “In My Tribe”, alludes to the saga of an illiterate person who is trying to teach himself how to read. They are scared and embarrassed and ashamed, and they are trying to overcome final obstacles in order to finally learn. The strumming of the acoustic guitar and the happy, uplifting voice of Natalie Merchant provides an intimate, uplifting mood for the song.

8. “In My Town.” The Afghan Whigs, Big Top Halloween. Ultra Suede, 213078, 1988. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApEI0aaR06U (4/4/10).

The Afghan Whigs formed in 1986 in Cincinnati, Ohio. “In My Town”, from their 1988 album “Ultra Suede”, has a sort of punk feel to it based on the wailing of the electric guitar, harsh drumming technique, and raspy, whiny voice of the vocalist.

9. “Creep in the Cellar.” Butthole Surfers, Rembrandt Pussyhorse. Touch & Go, 08, 1986. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3aGFH7XuEE (4/4/10).

The Butthole Surfers were founded in 1982 in San Antonio, Texas, and are one of the most famous bands to arise from the music underground. “Creep in the Cellar”, from their 1986 album “Rembrandt Pussyhorse”, The style of this song gets a big experimental – the fiddle within the song sounds jangly and shaken, giving a sort of haunted effect, and the vocals sound like something straight out of a horror movie. These sonic elements combined with the lyrical element of the story (which, plainly enough, tells the story of a creep in the cellar) almost makes me feel like I’m hearing a scary story read aloud to me, complete with special effects.

10. “She is Death.” The Flaming Lips, Hear it Is. Restless, 72173-2, 1986. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZel7KBpky0 (4/4/10).

The Flaming Lips were founded in 1986 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Overall, their music can more or less be described as “surreal” or “bizarre”. The song “She is Death” from the 1986 album “Hear it Is” contains extremely hypnotic lyrics, both in terms of words and the way in which they are sung. “She is death, all of the time, she is death, al of the days” is said in an extremely spellbinding way, and it seems to flow and wane back and forth  amidst the song. The wailing of the electric guitar and steady, slow beat of the drum also contributes to this absorbing effect.

11. “Hate Your Friends.” Lemonheads, Hate Your Friends. Taang! Records, T-15-2, 1987. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-mugW_eWNA&feature=related (4/4/10).

The Lemonheads were formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts, and started out as a punk-pop trio, later evolving into a more alternative/indie rock band. Their song “Hate Your Friends” from the 1987 album “Hate Your Friends” is filled with angry, angsty lyrics about how sometimes, for various reasons, “don’t you know? You hate your friends.” The raspy, harsh voice of the vocalist and the thrashing electric guitar and drums that accompany him add to the whole angry, fiery effect of the song as a whole.

12. “Reward.” Meat Puppets, Meat Puppets. Meat Puppets Partnership, 12804, 1982. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMZk1duA7dA (4/4/10).                                                                                            The Meat Puppets were formed in the 1980s, and are one of the greatest forces of the underground music world. The song “Reward” from the album “Meat Puppets” is an intriguing song sonically, because of the quality of the guitar playing/guitar riffs within the song and the texture and pitch of the vocals. This song appears to contain some garage band elements which give it an appealing raw quality.

13. “Caribou.” Pixies, Come on Pilgrim [EP]. 4AD, 70709, 1987. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPRX6jyu_xY (4/4/10).

The Pixies formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts, and are one of the most influential alternative rock bands of that generation. “Caribou” from the EP “Come on Pilgrim” has a sort of thrashy electric guitar drum element that is reminiscent of a punk or garage band, and howly, unrefined vocals that add a certain raw, fresh element to the song. Based on the lyrical content, one can maybe ascertain that “Caribou” is some sort of God or other revered figure.

14. “Radio Free Europe.” R.E.M, Murmur. IRS, 44797-0014-2, 1983. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU3fBfY9cyU (4/4/10).

REM formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia, and was one of the first bands to bridge the crossover between post-punk and alternative rock. “Radio Free Europe”, from their album Murmur, discusses all of the radio propaganda that took place during the Cold War era in the United States. The song is extremely catchy in terms of sonic elements based on the soothing voice of the vocalist, twanging of the electric guitar, and steady beat of the drum.

15. “Big Sky.” Yo La Tengo, Ride the Tiger. Matador, 205, 1986. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhrb_HG-EDc (4/4/10).

Yo La Tengo was formed in 1984 in Hoboken, New Jersey, and is a band so similar to the Velvet Underground that they are often compared to them (and even portrayed them in the movie “I Shot Andy Warhol”). The vocals, steady and smooth beat of the drum, and the soft strumming of the guitar provide a soothing, placid element to the song that is quite appealing. The lyrics contribute to this element, with words such as “big sky too high to see people like you and me, one day we will be free, we won’t care, just you see.”