Fave Bands 80s, 90s, 2000+
Popmatters posted "The Best Hopes to Break Out in 2014," including my write-up for pick The Wild Feathers — a band I caught in Austin at the ACL Music Festival, embracing a classic country rock sound from the 70s music scene.
Since the New Year is a great time to update and organize your music collection, here are suggestions for new bands across the genres. The groupings are for reference only — a guide for those willing to experiment. Some bands have been around awhile, but that doesn't mean their new music isn't fresh for a listen.
Country folk rock leanings
The Wild Feathers, Jamestown Revival, The Head & The Heart, White Denim, Okkervil River, Band of Horses
Solid rockers
Divine Fits, Dr. Dog, The Dandy Warhols, The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys
Harder edged rockers
Augustines, Superhumanoids, Jack White, TV on the Radio
Contemplative indie rockers
The National, Junip, Yo La Tengo, Grizzly Bear, The Shins, Travis
Epic soulful rock
Portugal. The Man, Phosphorescent, Spiritualized, Frightened Rabbit
Electronic indie pop
Painted Palms, Ra Ra Riot, Phoenix, Jagwar Ma, Youth Lagoon, Washed Out, Broken Bells, The Go! Team
Mellow tunes
Low, Devendra Banhart, Earlimart, Mazzy Star, Nada Surf, Jim James, The Olms
Psych rock leanings
MGMT, Tame Impala, The Flaming Lips, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Deerhunter, Animal Collective, Wampire, STRFKR
Punk rock leanings
Parquet Courts, Franz Ferdinand, Superchunk, Palma Violets, Matt and Kim
Motown sound leanings
Vintage Trouble, Mayor Hawthorne, Har Mar Superstar, Fitz & The Tantrums, Nick Waterhouse
Gal groups indie pop/rock
Haim, Lucius, Frankie Rose, Santigold, Dum Dum Girls, Warpaint
Guy groups indie pop/rock
Bombay Bicycle Club, Foals, Vampire Weekend, Django Django, Telekinesis, Cayucas, Generationals, Caveman, Dan Croll, Smith Westerns, Cage the Elephant
Gal/guy groups indie pop/rock
Tennis, Cults, Phantogram, MS MR, The Naked and Famous
Electronic zone out
Boards of Canada, Caspian, Hammock, Beach House, M83, Moderat, Moby (instrumentals)
Dance tunes galore
YACHT, Hot Chip, Passion Pit, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Cut Copy, Daft Punk, Empire of the Sun, Holy Ghost!, Arcade Fire (new)
Experimental electronica
The Octopus Project, Jon Hopkins, Beck, Bibio, Toro Y Moi, Atoms for Peace, Panda Bear, Four Tet, Major Lazor, Pretty Lights, Trentemoller, Porcelain Raft, Black Moth Super Rainbow
Also see: Newer Fave Bands · My Essential Music