A-List bands you’ve unfortunately forgotten

And why you should not

By Marco Ferraris
Published Friday, March 13, 2009

You hear that masterpiece on the radio, you wait for the name of the song and band, and then think to yourself, “I’m so Youtubing this when I get home!” And you never do. It happens. Here are four alternative bands that this has no doubt happened to.

Against Me!

Some of you have probably never heard of these guys, but they’re one of my personal favorites. No doubt you heard the opening drum beat of “Stop” that gets your knee hammering, followed by the easy rock anthem sing along “stop, take some time to think” again and again. These Floridian rockers are fierce.

Songs to check out: “Thrash Unreal”, “Don’t Lose Touch”.

The Arcade Fire

They’re weird… but that means they’re not normal. We like not normal. This ensemble is large in numbers and boasts a variety of instruments, enabling them to crank out some very interesting sounds. “No Cars Go” was one of their first singles (off the second album) which is only one of their many diverse songs.

Songs to check out: “Keep the Car Running”, “Intervention”.

Angels & Airwaves

There are a lot of haters when it comes to this band, but I think they’re worthy. Using a lot of effects and new riffs, they create a very soothing sound that always feels right. The controversial voice of Tom DeLonge returns with songs of adventure and that it’s all about being part of something different and bigger. Some think this band is all about struggle, but it’s not. Yeah, I have a soft spot for them.

Songs to check out: “It Hurts”, “Secret Crowds”

Arctic Monkeys

A good English treble-heavy band with cutting guitars and legitimate melodies that you most likely heard once or twice either in the car or on a friend’s iPod. For me it was their first chart topping single “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” that got me hooked. Don’t forget them.

Songs to check out: “Fluorescent Adolescent”, “Fake Tales of San Francisco”