Have not forgotten

Sunny Day Real Estate

Yeah I know you've heard of them, but just in case someone out there doesn't know who made emo music popular, lets cover it. Sunny Day Real Estate. There are a lot of bands that made emo, did emo, and were emo, but only few who made it famous. Sunny Day Real Estate was among the pack. Hell, they led the pack. Sunny Day Real Estate's song "Sometimes" is an anthem in my down time playlist. This song has many moments comparible to something Pinback or The Pixies might do, with melodies very much fitting for one of the greatest emo bands of all time. They are not virgins to reunions, and are currently sporting their second one. Be sure to purchase an expensive ticket to see them in a city near you (if they come).
Sunny Day Real Estate


Fun fact: bass player Nate Mendel, and drummer William Goldsmith are now members of The Foo Fighters

Lewis

Did anyone else follow the Deep Elm Records roster circa 2002? Deep Elm Records was my blood. All I wanted to do when I got older (because of the bands on their catalog) was tour in a dingy, rusted out van. Playing shows to 20 people at a time, but still going balls to the wall with intensity. That is what Deep Elm was to me. It was bands who seemed not to care about anything other than making music that pleased them, and only them. It was as if no one but themselves existed. They didn't care if you liked their music, just let them sleep on your floor. Lewis was my addiction. The song "Feet on the Ground" blew me away (and still does). It is packed with everything that melow rock SHOULD have! It is without a doubt, one of maybe 10 songs total that have moved me the way it does and has. This summer I was on tour with a Deep Elm Records band, and was able to grab the very last Lewis record in print. Before that, all I had was LastFM to hear it. Having this CD has only progressed my obsession with what Lewis is. They are emotional rock and roll done very well.

Colourmusic

Colourmusic on Wikipedia

I accidently came across Colourmusic about 2 and a half years ago. I was drawn in very quickly. This song was fresh to me. It was exciting, and I found myself visiting their page very frequently. If you are a fan of good music, this is a band you'll want to follow. If you are one who respects a seal of approval from Wayne Coyne..they have it.

St.Vincent

I actually never intently sat down to listen to St.Vincent until just the other day. I was lost, but am now found. This (as I listen now) first track is incredible! Turn up the speakers, let the bass bounce the room, and sit back as Annie Clark (who is St.Vincent) and her voice give you an out of body experience. After a little googling, and online research, it's no wonder why Annie Clark has beautiful music flowing through her veins. Not only was she a member of The Polyphonic Spree (starting 2003), but also a member of Sufjan Steven's touring band (starting 2006). St.Vincent is/has picking up buzz very quickly, and I am sure that in no time your friend with the Death Cab t-shirt will come knocking on your door with a burnt copy of her CD, or at least a mix with her on it. I am glad the world has an Annie Clark in it.

Ra Ra Riot

Even though I don't have the greatest voice in the world, I enjoy singing or humming (other people's) catchy, creative melodies. Ra Ra Riot in "St.Peters Day Festival" delivers just that. I don't feel that the song is an A+ from start to finish, but I do believe that the parts that are A+, go above and beyond the grading scale making up for the parts that are B-. I dare you to listen to this song though. Don't be surprised if you replay it 3 or 4 (15 in my case) times. Ra Ra Riot is fun, easy to listen to, and enjoyable in their album "The Rhumb Line". Don't miss out by being a stranger to this group's work.

Javelins

One of the first shows that I went to was Anathallo, Colour Revolt, Foxhole, and Javelins. I was in awe. It was above a pizza parlour in Ohio, and the air was exciting. I was young, and really into any band that most of my friends hadn't heard of. This was the show to be at. I will venture out of describing the entire show, and move towards the glory that was Javelins.
Javelins is a three piece, but plays a large sound, and you soon forget that there are only 3 of them on stage. The drummer, who is also the singer, commands the forces with his naturally high voice belting through the speakers, and drumming pulsing through the room. With the one lone guitarist playing fast strumming patterns, and high amounts of reverb, there were moments where I thought God was resting his presence on the room. The bass player had stage left to himself, and played with perfect bass tone that swirled through the room. The bass player seemed to be responsible for the backing tracks that carried synths, auxiliary percussion, and some complimentary guitar parts. It was a great performance, and they have shaped me significantly. Give them a listen by clicking their band name, Javelins. Be sure to listen to their song "Entropy", which they released on a split vinyl with the band Anathallo.