So here is a polling question for y’all, what is the best band (in your humble opinion) that almost no-one in your country has heard of.
My vote:
Great Big Sea!
A realy excellent band that is apparently well known in Canada, but almost no-one in the U.S. has heard of them (much less heard them). A perfect blend of folk, celtic and a little rock featuring great song hooks and impressive musicianship.
So what do the rest of you have to say?
Bonzo Dog Band (in the U.S. – they’re very well known in the U.K.)
I’m curious when you ask; do you mean an unknown band that a lot of people would like, or an unknown band that not many would like?
More in the latter category, I wish more people could hear “God Speed You Black Emperor!”. They’re a loose musical “collective” of 10 or so members, based in Montreal. They have three full-length releases. Somebody else describes them better then I could:
“Harrowing guitars, plaintive strings, pulsing basses & explosive drums combine with glockenspiels, horns & tape drones to form an overwhelming palette of sounds, always driven by fierce melodic momentum & tremendous attention to dynamics and detail.”
The Tim Version or Super chincilla rescue mission
I wish more people listened to Fountains of Wayne. Maybe then they’d have a label and a new album coming out.
I love the music of Godspeed You Black Emperor!.
I am also a big Värttinä fan. They are from Finland, and have played many concerts in continental Europe, but few in the UK.
Hey, I’ve heard of Great Big Sea. Actually saw a couple of the band members sit in with the Barra McNeils at a club in St. John’s, Newfoundland, a few years ago.
My contribution? Tanglefoot. Another Canadian band with the same kind of blend of Celtic, rock, and folk. They have a few CDs out and they do tour through Canada, the US, and the UK, but they don’t seem to be as well known as they could be.
Gypsy Soul
Good God, people, this band needs to be noticed!! Breathtaking!!
The Secret Commonwealth --a Celtic band that started in the Nashville area, but who’s fame is just spreading now. They have one CD out, and they do a mix of Irish & Australian {?!} music that sounds great. They always return to Nashville & Murfreesboro to do a Halloween concert at the Blue Raider Pub.
I’ve heard Godspeeds song “Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven.” I love that title.
I’m also partial to Firewater (wasn’t there supposed to be a Firewater appreciation thread on the temp board?) and Crooked Fingers. I’m listening to the latter right now.
One more vote for Fountains of Wayne. As long as they’re unsigned, record labels are not allowed to whinge that they can’t find good bands anymore.
Anyone notice how many Canadian bands are on this list? Here’s two more…The Flashing Lights and Elevator. (Sloan is only just well-known enough not to count.)
The best band ever. (IMHO, obviously.) They just released a cd not too long ago, and have played with Cyndi Lauper and RATT. (What a combination!)
It’s pop-punk-country-hair metal goodness.
Of course, it should be known that the guitar player is a very good friend of mine, and I consider him to be my little brother, but they really are talented. They have songclips on their webpage to prove it.
Bottle Rockets
…if you’re into a band that has been labeled as a “country rock/insurgent country” band. Live, they’re just a kick-ass rock band that writes good songs.
No One’s Kind, my boyfriend’s band. But perhaps I am a little biased.
Also, a kind nod to Mineral. I don’t think they’re togeather anymore, but they were very nice indeed.
I’d have to say Marry Me Jane. These guys are great. Very listenable, melodic and the lead singer is creamy.
I believe they did break up. Great band though.
I’m a big fan of the Push Stars
Clandestine Check out their website. Check the calendar. See them when they come near you. Great, original and traditional Celtic music. Beautiful, powerful stuff. Enjoy a good, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky while you watch and listen. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening.
Mary Prankster. The queen of Mid-Atlantic cowpunk. 100% kick ass rock and roll. Here is her website, all of her songs are available for download off of it. Check out “Mercyfuck” and “Swan Dive”. All of the women will instantly fall in love with “The World is Full of Bastards”. If she’s playing neer you, GO. The live show is as good as ANY I’ve ever seen.
I second that!! And also check out Jen Hamel’s solo stuff. You can sample Clandestine’s and Jen’s music at mp3.com.