Blonde Redhead

Blonde Redhead is one of those great bands that is able to blend terrific musicianship with interesting and creative song structure, yet still write music that is catchy and fun. Check out the music section of their site: Blonde Redhead. I've seen them live a couple of times, and they are an amazing band. See them in a small venue if possible, as some of their more intricate work seems to get lost in big rooms.

Arab on Radar

If you like dissonant, slightly chaotic music, Arab on Radar is a band you should check out. Somewhere between the noisey guitar driven Jesus Lizard and straight up 'art rock', they are a really fun band to listen to. It may take a little getting used to, but once you get past the abrasiveness of it all, there are some really interesting things going, especially if you're a musician. Check out their myspace page to get a feel:Arab on Radar. Also check out the other bands on Skin Graft Records.

Order a CD or ten here: Arab on Radar on Amazon.com

The Jesus Lizard

The Jesus Lizard was one of those Chicago bands that made wild, loud music that had a pounding rhythm, but with a certain swagger. Their best stuff was recorded by Steve Albini, and released on Touch and Go Records during the early '90s. I remember seeing them live for the first time and being stunned at the crazy drunken rage of David Yow. You halfway expected him to collapse at any moment. You can check out a few of their songs here:Touch And Go Records. While you're their be sure to check out The Shipping News, June of '44, and the other great Touch and Go artists.

You can hear more samples and order CDs here: Jesus Lizard on Amazon.com

Jawbreaker/Jets to Brazil

Jawbreaker was one of my favorite bands of the early 90's. After they signed with Geffen, though, they broke up, and their major label debut was shelved. It is soon to be available again, on Blackball Records, which is run by Adam Pfahler, formerly of Jawbreaker. Check out the samples on this page, and you can get a feel for their stuff. You can hear a few more here: Midheaven.com.
While Jawbreaker broke up in '96, Blake (the singer/guitarist) went on to form another great band, Jets to Brazil. While I think some of their stuff is a tad derivative, it's still well made and fun to listen to: You're Having The Time Of My Life. Of course, the intro sounds just like the Eurythmics, but hey, after that it's pretty good! Not quite as raw as Jawbreaker, though...

Check out more Jawbreaker here: Jawbreaker on Amazon.com

And Jets to Brazil here: Jets To Brazil on Amazon.com

Lightning Bolt

Another one of those crazy noise bands, these guys are interesting, and have oddly been the sweethearts of the indie scene lately. My friend Larry first told me about them, and I must say, they are addictive, if you like your rock raw, and slightly schizophrenic! Here's a song to give a taste: Dracula Mountain. And another: 13 Monsters. Be sure to listen to the whole thing, or you'll miss the best parts! Check out their site at : LaserBeast.com.

More of their fancy noise: Lightning Bolt on Amazon.com