I'm gonna start with the honorable mention. Those bands that I love, but don't make it into the elite company of those about to be mentioned are: Newsboys, House of Heroes, Interpol, mewithoutYou, My Morning Jacket, Mogwai, Norma Jean, Haste the Day, Bloc Party, Iron & Wine, and Spoon. Yeah, that's a lot and there's definitely more that I was tempted to say, but if you want to see all of those, you can look at my Facebook page or something. ^_^
Anyway, here's the countdown...
12. Harvey Danger: I have to thank Robert Mason for introducing me to these guys. They're terrific! It's pop, but it's full of bile and attitude. I like it a lot.
11: The Blood Brothers: Sorry mom, but I love these fellas. They're vile, rebellious, nasty, profane, and angry, but I simply can't resist the bizarre imagery, bipolar vocals, manic guitar work, brilliant drumming, and underlying catchiness. Definitely a guilty pleasure.
10. Andrew Bird: He's kind of tied with the next guys. It's completely different, though, and I haven't know about him as long, so I put him one down. Anyhow, Andrew Bird is an incredible musician, witty lyricist, and amazing live performer. He gets big points for simply being awesome.
9. Showbread: I'm tempted to rank these guys higher: Their lyrics are gorgeous, their music intense, creative, and ever-changing. Easily the cream of the crop when it comes to any kind of hardcore music. Raw rock kills!
8. Sanctus Real: An old favourite, these guys constantly hit home with great lyrics, great melodies, and great sound. It's Christian music that can be blasted without shame, which, unless you drift into the world of hardcore and metal, is quite rare.
7. Animal Collective: Another band that I'd consider moving up the list; incredibly creative, they never cease to astound me by their expert manipulation of abstract sounds to make something more accessible and catchy. They're super! Only drugs could have produced stuff like this, though; just listen to their early stuff and it's easy to understand.
6. Brand New: These guys are terrific. They consistently change between albums, and the results are always terrific. They come from an interesting, quasi-Christian viewpoint, which allows them to explore some amazingly deep issues. The music is so good, too!
5. Explosions in the Sky: These guys are the classical composers for the rock era. The intertwining guitar work is constantly gorgeous and emotional, leaving words and singing completely unnecessary. As far as post-rock goes (depending on your definition of such), it doesn't get much better than this.
4. Radiohead: I really don't think I can say anything about these guys that hasn't already been said. They cover such a wide range of styles, constantly making music that no one else could pull off. Thom Yorke's voice is incomparable. Their music never gets old.
3. Modest Mouse: Even though Radiohead is incredibly creative, I put MM ahead of them because they are completely, utterly, and indescribably unique. Radiohead draws from Talking Heads and a bit of arena rock (though not so much on their later work), but Modest Mouse is incomparable. It's such a wonderful, distinctive style of music, tied together by talented musicians and Isaac Brock's ridiculously versatile voice. Their lyrics, although often explicit, are very relatable and powerful. They make for great listening on the road or at work. Also, for the record, old Modest Mouse is WAY better than new Modest Mouse.
2. Sigur Rós: The most beautiful music I've ever heard. It makes me cry from time to time. I want to learn a Scandinavian language just because of these guys. I really don't know what to say; their music is powerful, moving, emotional, life-changing, etc. If you don't like Sigur Rós, you don't have a soul.
1. Franz Ferdinand: Still my favourite band, these guys have simply brought it over their first three albums. I hope they keep pumping out more. I have to admit, I'm kind of a blind follower; I've bought EPs and singles from them. Of course, that's where some of their best music is to be found, so I don't feel bad. I simply love the angularity of the guitars, the intricate, yet catchy basslines, stomping drums, and ridiculously catchy choruses these guys produce. They've changed sounds a little bit between each album, but that keeps it fresh and exciting. Considering the quality that they consistently churn out, I can't complain. Also, I like the way they dress.
