9. Sparklehorse: Homecoming Queen
Basically a vehicle for singer/guitarist Mark Linkous (ex-The Dancing Hoods), Sparklehorse has been releasing albums since 1996. Linkous was one of the more prominant lo-fi artists of the mid to late 90's, recording much of the material at home. Taking his cues from folk and country as much as noise pop, Sparklehorse featured a surprisingly organic, melancholic sound on their debut, Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot. Recorded at a time when noise pop was starting to recede into the background, the album is understated in comparison to earlier noisefests. Still, its hazy sound, which erupts into surprise noise bursts, as well as other devices, merits its (or his) inclusion on the list.
10. Archers of Loaf: Web In Front
Part of the Chapel Hill, NC scene that also produced Superchunk and Polvo, Archers of Loaf specialized in an edgy, tense noise pop that shared some similarities with Pavement and the sonic dissonance of Sonic Youth. "Web In Front" was a college radio hit in 1993. Gravel voiced singer Eric Bachmann sings and growls atop a swirling, noisy, two-guitar attack. Archers of Loaf's debut Icky Mettle stands as their best, although all four of their albums (plus one live) are worth exploring. The band broke up in 1998.
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Article comments
1 - Bryan McKay
The fact that the Mercury Rev share some similarities with the Flaming Lips is no accident, really. Johnathan Donahue, the groups singer and acoustic guitarist, once was the sound technician for the Flaming Lips and played guitar with them for a period of time. And Dave Fridmann, bassist and multi-instrumentalist in the Mercury Rev (and their producer), is the Flaming Lips' longtime collaborator/producer.
2 - SFC SKI
Well, all the bands do have the similar theme of being mostly unlistenable.
3 - sydney
Some great bands there. I know SFC Ski doesnt like them, but that only makes me like 'em more.
Jesus and mary chain in particular, and the lips.
I'll add Nick Drake, for sunday mornings.
oh and a real intersting one called Ariel Pink's haunted graffiti.
4 - Marty Thau
SUICIDE should be on that list, don't you think? After all they are one of the major influences of Jesus & Mary Chain, Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev.