1. Man Man
Man Man
Why:
This is pretty much my favorite band of all time, and is also Tyler's (for the record). They are an experimental rock band from Philadelphia with an amazing drummer (Chris Powell a.k.a. Pow Pow, left) and an amazing lead singer/keyboardist/songwriter (Ryan Kattner a.k.a. Honus Honus, right) as well as other members who play the saxophone and guitar among a whole slew of other things. The lyrics are gold--some of the most intelligent and piercing I've ever heard--and the music is crazy, wild, fun, and beautiful. I can't recommend them enough. I have also met them, and they are some of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of being around in my life. I'm not exaggerating.
A Popular Song:
"Hold Onto Your Heart"
Their latest album on Amazon:
"On Oni Pond"
Band Page:
ManManBandBand.com
2. Sylvan Esso
Sylvan Esso
Why:
Sylvan Esso is an electro-pop band from Durham, NC, and consists of singer Amelia Meath (left) and producer Nick Sanborn (right). Their music can be danced to--and trust me, it's fun--but it's also pretty deep and soulful. I find myself getting lost in their songs and then going around singing them for days without even complaining that they're stuck in my head. Amelia has a unique and easy-to-listen-to vocal style and Nick can do some pretty impressive technical electronic stuff (I don't know how that shit works). They recently played on Jimmy Fallon which brought them a much-deserved bit of spotlight.
A Popular Song:
"Hey Mami" (Perk: she's funny)
Their latest album on Amazon:
"Sylvan Esso"
Band Page:
sylvanesso.com
4. Fruit Bats
Fruit Bats
Why:
This folk-rock band from Chicago features singer/songwriter Eric Johnson (second from left), who was also previously the guitarist for The Shins. Their gentle and sweet style is appealing in pretty much any mood and to pretty much anyone's tastes (much like The Shins). They've actually been around for a long time (since 1997) and were early to the folk-rock scene, but they don't get nearly as much attention as they should. Go listen to them and try not to be happy.
A Popular Song:
"When U Love Somebody"
Their latest album on Amazon:
"Mouthfuls"
Band Page:
EricDJohnsonMusic.com
