Boards

Help me, I don't like music anymore

baraccas [Edit] [Delete] 86 replies 12:16 January 2nd, 2013

So, the thing I thought would never happen happened. I've hit my mid-30s and I've stopped being interested in new bands. I just can't get excited about anything right now. I don't have as much time to look for new stuff these days as I used to, but I trawl Spotify looking for new stuff to get into, and nothing grabs me. I went through Pitchfork's entire top 100 tracks list and only felt compelled to download one track - Chairlift 'I Belong In Your Arms'.

All I want to listen to right now is '90s power pop (Teenage Fanclub, Fountains of Wayne, Lemonheads, mid-period Wilco, Sugar etc.) - and nobody seems to be releasing that kind of thing anymore.

This all makes me sad. So, can you all help me with some recommendations for new stuff to listen to? I don't have the patience for anything too challenging (I was bored out of my mind at Shellac ATP last month) - so am looking for stuff which ticks the following boxes:

- No reverb
- Super-melodic (see bands above)
- Harmonies
- Unaffected vocals

I've tried Yuck, before anyone suggests them.

Can y'all help out a jaded music-lover out?

View NestedLinear

Relevant artist taggings:
None

Japandroids
Cloud Nothings
Diiv

SpartacusHughes | 2 Jan '13, 12:35 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Cheers. Love Japandroids; Diiv are a bit reverb-y; will check out Cloud Nothings.
  
  baraccas @SpartacusHughes | 2 Jan '13, 12:37 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Further guidance
  
  Japandroids - Wet Hair
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnJn2Rh3ki8
  
  Cloud Nothings - Should Have
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwuCSi2BgUI
  
  Diiv - How Long Have You Known
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYHK7ts675g
  
  There might be a fair reverb here and there, and not that much in the way of harmonies, but some of this ought to butter your muffin.
  
  SpartacusHughes @SpartacusHughes | 2 Jan '13, 12:39 | X | ^ This | Reply
  - (Oh - just seen your reply, soz. Cloud Nothings s/t or Turning On might be a better starting point than the more recent Attack on Memory)
    
    SpartacusHughes @SpartacusHughes | 2 Jan '13, 12:41 | X | ^ This | Reply
    
    JaguarPirate this'd this
just listen to this on repeat all day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSLQBJnU0kY

codpieceface | 2 Jan '13, 12:37 | X | ^ This | Reply
- MLEHMLEH MLEH MLEH MLEH HIYA MLEH MLEHMLEH
  
  codpieceface @codpieceface | 2 Jan '13, 12:38 | X | ^ This | Reply
I'd try gardening, cooking

maybe even a bit of genealogy.

WhiteLightWhiteCity | 2 Jan '13, 12:39 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Cooking - yes; gardening - not my scene; genealogy - maybe. However, I don't have much time in between my jigsaw puzzles, bridge nights and golfing. I'll try and make time...
  
  baraccas @WhiteLightWhiteCity | 2 Jan '13, 12:44 | X | ^ This | Reply
No reverb?!

pfft

good luck with that

Body_In_The_Thames | 2 Jan '13, 13:06 | X | ^ This | Reply

robluvsnic, Oissin_, justanothersheeldz, badgertastic, and Antpocalypsenow this'd this
Tried Wild Flag / Corin Tucker Band?

I guess it depends on how much of a Sleater-Kinney fan you were.

Lee Ranaldo's recent solo album is pretty nice and melodic. And I'd have said The Shins were back on that sort of form with their last one.

Bloc Party's last album was similarly a return to form, I thought.

TheoGB | 2 Jan '13, 13:07 | X | ^ This | Reply
- seconding Wild Flag
  
  robluvsnic @TheoGB | 2 Jan '13, 14:45 | X | ^ This | Reply
  
  thewarn, Teepee_uk, TheWza, and rainmaker this'd this
- Was a medium SK fan - will give Wild Flag a whirl, cheers. Couldn't get into the new Shins record, other than the single.
  
  baraccas @TheoGB | 2 Jan '13, 18:06 | X | ^ This | Reply
MARTHA http://marthadiy.bandcamp.com/

fuckyeahdubstep | 2 Jan '13, 13:11 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Not bad! Your band?
  
  baraccas @fuckyeahdubstep | 2 Jan '13, 18:08 | X | ^ This | Reply
  - nah. just a great band from up North.
    
    fuckyeahdubstep @baraccas | 2 Jan '13, 18:09 | X | ^ This | Reply
Mid-30s?

YOu took your time.

Royter-Hatfood | 2 Jan '13, 13:12 | X | ^ This | Reply

cat_race this'd this
I turned 40 last year and the same happened to me at your young age

I'd just accept that there won't ever be bands better than Sugar again frankly. And get Bob Mould's Silver Age if you haven't already. And start discovering all those old bands you never got round too. Old bands are better than new bands, yes I've said it.

But Blood red Shoes are really good. Came late to the party for them admittedly.

Stuzza | 2 Jan '13, 13:22 | X | ^ This | Reply

funkycow, Stone_Wick, and dcnuman this'd this
- Yep, Silver Age was ace. Been listening to too many old bands of late, hence why I'm here. Need new stuff...
  
  baraccas @Stuzza | 2 Jan '13, 18:09 | X | ^ This | Reply
  - Similar position
    
    I'm in my mid-30s too and I've gone from buying all manner of electronic and post rock records five years ago to then point whereby I haven't bought a newly-released record in over 12 months.
    
    But so what? What is this urge to keep up with the new? So much new music is ultimately aimed at younger people, because it's produced by younger people who aren't yet sufficiently jaded to feel like they've heard it all before and couldn't give a fuck any more. It's just a natural progression. I'm happy with what I've got on my iPod and don't feel any urge to shove a load of new stuff on. The new can only ever be truly invigorating in your young years in my opinion. Eventually it's perfectly natural to tire of the chase and settle for what you know you like. Copper Blue, as someone else mentioned. That was of our time.
    
    wj_gibson @baraccas | 2 Jan '13, 19:18 | X | ^ This | Reply
    - I'm 21 and recently discovered Copper Blue and love it
      
      that's not odd at all right?
      
      yuggy @wj_gibson | 3 Jan '13, 00:04 | X | ^ This | Reply
possibly Paws - Cokefloat

bit rougher than some of the bands you were mentioning, but very energetic and sweet

Jellyfish - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfOSCflq5VM
Bloodline - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO85rgfuaG8
Sore Tummy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrp5WBLZsTE

In a very similar vein, try Wavves

King Of The Beach - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDKh61eMMuE

And for some very clean, jangly Edinburgh fun, try Kid Canaveral

You Only Went Out To Get Drunk Last Night - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaBb9oGiG-M
Good Morning - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67S_AyF7y50

JaguarPirate | 2 Jan '13, 13:23 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Think I saw Paws supporting Japandroids recently...
  
  ...and Jellyfish are great obv. Will check out the rest though - thanks!
  
  baraccas @JaguarPirate | 2 Jan '13, 18:10 | X | ^ This | Reply
maybe give Mazes a go

they might not tick all the above boxes but they're in a similar vein

hungover | 2 Jan '13, 13:24 | X | ^ This | Reply

JaguarPirate and CeeJay this'd this
Nobody seems to be releasing that kind of thing anymore?

Really? There's a whole Power Pop Underground thats been around since the 80's. Check out Not Lame, who despite stopping their label are still doing mailorder I think. Shame Minus Zero seem to have shut down their site, else I'd suggest them too. Check out anyone whose played the International Pop Overthrow festivals, or buy one of the compilations they've put out as a sampler.

Don't listen to much of that stuff, but one of my faves of last year was the apallingly named Young Guv & The Scuzz, who put out a great mini-album of old skool Power Pop.

Poprivet | 2 Jan '13, 13:30 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Power pop is missing from my life too
  
  I'll be checking all of these.
  We should have a rolling Power Pop thread for 2013!
  
  Lililololaure @Poprivet | 2 Jan '13, 13:46 | X | ^ This | Reply
  - I seem to remember there was an awesome power pop thread on here a year or two back. Picked up loads of great tips in there.
    
    baraccas @Lililololaure | 2 Jan '13, 18:12 | X | ^ This | Reply
- This is all new to me...
  
  Thanks - will explore.
  
  baraccas @Poprivet | 2 Jan '13, 18:11 | X | ^ This | Reply
are you me?

you have just described me.

starshaped | 2 Jan '13, 13:31 | X | ^ This | Reply

Antpocalypsenow and spiritofjazz this'd this
maybe just try and widen your taste in music?

Noblet | 2 Jan '13, 13:32 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Did that in my 20s
  
  Can't muster up the energy to sit down with a Sunn O album these days. Just want to listen to pop tunes now.
  
  baraccas @Noblet | 2 Jan '13, 18:13 | X | ^ This | Reply
- This exactly what I think (and I'm older than you
  
  bornin69 @Noblet | 2 Jan '13, 19:26 | X | ^ This | Reply
  - If you just look for bands that sound like the bands you liked 20 years ago
    
    You are bound to be disappointed.
    
    You have two options - just settle for listening to your old records or open yourself to as much wildly different stuff as you can and hope something sticks. I choose mainly the second with occasional dashes of the first
    
    bornin69 @bornin69 | 2 Jan '13, 19:29 | X | ^ This | Reply
    
    wonton and Noblet this'd this
I run the website of a band called Eureka Machines

and from what you're saying it sounds like you need a bit of them in your life.

Damian | 2 Jan '13, 13:37 | X | ^ This | Reply
- PS
  
  Those are some of my favourite bands ever, too. These days it's mostly power pop-type stuff for me too, and poppy prog such as Everything Everything and Dutch Uncles.
  
  And a bit of techno.
  
  I'm 40.
  
  Damian @Damian | 2 Jan '13, 13:39 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Noted!
  
  baraccas @Damian | 2 Jan '13, 18:14 | X | ^ This | Reply
I'm afraid you're beyond help if you've fallen out of love with music!

TheGrudge | 2 Jan '13, 13:57 | X | ^ This | Reply
now, now - threads

Start with the title track.

funkycow | 2 Jan '13, 14:15 | X | ^ This | Reply
- great album
  
  no idea if it meets the above criteria, but a great album nonetheless.
  
  robluvsnic @funkycow | 2 Jan '13, 14:46 | X | ^ This | Reply
  - FULL of reverb, though?
    
    TheoGB @robluvsnic | 2 Jan '13, 15:11 | X | ^ This | Reply
    - probably
      
      I only notice reverb when it's absent — at which point, I press stop/delete.
      
      robluvsnic @TheoGB | 3 Jan '13, 14:19 | X | ^ This | Reply
you don't HAVE to like music you know

it doesn't actually matter

cat_race | 2 Jan '13, 14:46 | X | ^ This | Reply
- heretic - ban request
  
  funkycow @cat_race | 2 Jan '13, 16:58 | X | ^ This | Reply
Just listen to jazz like any normal adult.

OvertakenByTractors | 2 Jan '13, 15:04 | X | ^ This | Reply

JaguarPirate and sexydave this'd this
Real estate? Apples in stereo?

MrBones | 2 Jan '13, 15:08 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Real Estate = reverb junkies. Had enough of that sound.
  
  baraccas @MrBones | 2 Jan '13, 18:15 | X | ^ This | Reply
I felt once like I was going off music

anything new I listened to seemed to wash over me and not be that brilliant. I think I was trying too hard, I was downloading tons of stuff and not really listening to it properly. I think it is a problem with getting older, there is so much incredible music you have listened to so far in your life that not a lot has a real element of surprise any more. Not every record can sound like discovering some epic album aged 15 when you were young, in love and summers didn't piss with rain every day. Just relax and keep listening, listen to old stuff, stuff you love, and don't worry if some arty band of twats that people rave about doesn't float your boat.

steinbolt | 2 Jan '13, 15:14 | X | ^ This | Reply

TheWza, musicdating, stanstubbs, baraccas, Royter-Hatfood, Stone_Wick, Antpocalypsenow, El_Goodo, and moshymoshy this'd this
- well said - it
  
  Stone_Wick @steinbolt | 2 Jan '13, 20:58 | X | ^ This | Reply
- crudmuffins - I hate you, auto-post.
  
  As I was saying, it isn't anything to freak out about. Sometimes, there's just not anything exciting happening in music - a dry year (or 5) for your personal taste. Wait a bit and see if something doesn't turn up down the road. When I hit a patch like that, I start to appreciate those 'filler' 'album' tracks that have been there all along but not overplayed. Example: 'Babe I'm Gonna Leave You' - Led Zeppelin
  
  Stone_Wick @steinbolt | 2 Jan '13, 21:03 | X | ^ This | Reply
I got into drone when 'bands' became boring

Then all the other stuff was a pleasant break from the droning. It's good to have some contrasting styles in the stuff you listen to.

And ^jazz....

funkycow | 2 Jan '13, 16:17 | X | ^ This | Reply
i recently hit 35

loving music as much as ever if not more though, I'd agree with funkycow's contrasting styles point though, it's good to have varying genres and styles for varying moods, keeps things interesting. If a genre is becoming boring resit it a while, look for something else, I got back in to post rock last year after not really listening to any for 5 or more years. Anyway, maybe to chilled for you but try- A Whisper in the Noise - a good bit of indie/post rock/modern classical and ticks all the boxes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXh0KBoYyqQ

Richter Collective output might be a good shout, Bats, Jogging etc

imho | 2 Jan '13, 16:37 | X | ^ This | Reply
bit of a strange suggestion perhaps

but since they fufill quite a few of the criteria you've mentioned Panic At The Disco maybe? In terms of making slightly oddball pop music they're pretty much my go to band.

still love this track -> http://youtu.be/-xj_xBTC02s

wewerewerewolvesonce | 2 Jan '13, 18:11 | X | ^ This | Reply
- as a side note
  
  I think I'd forgotten how ubiquitous reverb has become by stating that as a requirement I think it rules out about half the the DiS top 50 if not more.
  
  wewerewerewolvesonce @wewerewerewolvesonce | 2 Jan '13, 18:16 | X | ^ This | Reply
- for more guitars
  
  Ravenous
  http://ravenous.bandcamp.com/album/splendid
  
  wewerewerewolvesonce @wewerewerewolvesonce | 3 Jan '13, 00:14 | X | ^ This | Reply
dis is like logan's run

it's too late for you pal

anal_schwarzenegger | 2 Jan '13, 18:22 | X | ^ This | Reply

baraccas this'd this
Ty Segall?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj7oo_iLp9Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgOJxSMTWsk

Oissin_ | 2 Jan '13, 18:36 | X | ^ This | Reply
The Men?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en1lfsSaOqw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7XmQzlxMoE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26psxrhO1hQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L02d8OAbFg

Oissin_ | 2 Jan '13, 18:42 | X | ^ This | Reply
yes you do

Severed799 | 2 Jan '13, 19:10 | X | ^ This | Reply
You should listen to Diarrhea Planet

they're the first new(ish) band in ages i've actually liked

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDNHL_jN_ro

also all their songs are like 1 min 30 long so you can listen to the whole of their (great) album in about 20 mins

Wasted_Opportunity | 2 Jan '13, 19:51 | X | ^ This | Reply
I play in a powerpop band

and keep an eye open for new powerpop-esque bands but haven't seen much of note in the last few years. There's quite a few powerpop blogs out there who do their end of year roundups but nothing in 2012 really blew me away. Really liked Young Guv & The Scuzz as recommended ^^up thread^^ though. Here's an unhelpful list of oldies to keep you feeling out of touch.

Brendan Benson - Lapalco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffv4B_iOKWo

Jellyfish - Spilt Milk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtIo7K9DusA

Silver Sun - Neo Wave
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK1FmOvmyWA

The Waxwings - Low to the Ground
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUSn4-vZgsc

New Pornographers - Mass Romantic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C4P-mACPAI

Ben Kweller - Sha sha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIkCpSyg5oY

The Apples In Stereo - New Magnetic Wonder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyRnzeV2NgU

The Exploding Hearts - Guitar Romantic (Raw and punky but v. melodic)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1rS5V9mZHA

Nada Surf - Let Go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km211bmIA1c&list=PL8133980766B95A92&index=4

The Posies - Frosting On The Beater
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYLNO-0CLHo

The Semantics - Powerbill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9STN_iQT-Y4

SurfsUp | 2 Jan '13, 20:49 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Most of these I know and love...
  
  But The Semantics are a great find! Thanks!
  
  baraccas @SurfsUp | 3 Jan '13, 00:12 | X | ^ This | Reply
Similar tastes, similar age

mikefarky | 2 Jan '13, 21:29 | X | ^ This | Reply
Cheatahs.

felson | 2 Jan '13, 21:32 | X | ^ This | Reply

badgertastic this'd this
Er

Two Eugenius albums cool
Agree with guy who is looking back.
Totally got into back catalogue s of yo la tengo, Neil young , ty segall

mikefarky | 2 Jan '13, 21:33 | X | ^ This | Reply
I'm 38

90s indie all day, everyday. Dig up the past, bury the future!

badgertastic | 2 Jan '13, 23:23 | X | ^ This | Reply
Not sure but....

Amplifier might fit the bill- proggy but tons of blazing guitars :)

dcnuman | 3 Jan '13, 00:00 | X | ^ This | Reply
- Amplifier are great. Nice to see some love for them.
  
  TheGrudge @dcnuman | 3 Jan '13, 10:06 | X | ^ This | Reply
there are loads of Superchunk albums to keep you busy

watsona7 | 3 Jan '13, 00:17 | X | ^ This | Reply
I know this is exactly what you DON'T want to hear but...

When I get a bit jaded with music I find it only gets worse when I just stick to safer recommendations. Builiding up a collection of bands that are very similar to those that I already like just makes it all seem even more recycled. At these points I actually go and investigate something new, doesn't have to be challenging but perhaps just a genre you haven't given enough chance yet. For example, not long ago I stopped searching for more "buzz albums" from recent years and concentrated on the back catalogues of "slowcore" bands like Low, Sun Kil Moon, Tindersticks, The Czars etc etc. And now I love music again.

wonton | 3 Jan '13, 00:22 | X | ^ This | Reply

theShipment, Lililololaure, GoatmeatMF, and JaguarPirate this'd this
- This is pretty close to how I would reply.
  
  theShipment @wonton | 3 Jan '13, 00:24 | X | ^ This | Reply
- This works for me
  
  I got so tired of music with guitars that I despaired and tried everything to find the joy in it. I've had a two year sojourn to hip hop island and now coming back to guitar city sounds fresh and exciting again.
  
  El_Goodo @wonton | 3 Jan '13, 08:18 | X | ^ This | Reply
  - This is my reply too
    
    You need to listen to something totally different. Get some new friends. Move house.
    
    srsly tho
    
    Don't keep trying to find reworkings of what you already like, because it's all so ingrained in your psyche that you'll never find anything to compete.
    
    You said you have no patience though which isn't the attitude you need if you want to get refreshed. Feeling jaded without feeling you have the resources to give anything a go is always going to lead to failure and disappointment.
    
    On top of that, it sounds like you are trying to listen to music that is far too wet. Toughen up man!
    
    Of the billions of things to suggest this is my suggestion. A nice smooth way in to something different.
    
    Om - At Giza
    
    (it's not on youtube, this is all I could find but it might be on Spotify): http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xkqsy3_om-at-giza_music#.UOVcrme8psM
    
    GoatmeatMF @El_Goodo | 3 Jan '13, 10:31 | X | ^ This | Reply
    - Also
      
      try some of the new Emeralds. Clean, majestic, exciting.
      
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP-Yd0diVBk
      
      GoatmeatMF @GoatmeatMF | 3 Jan '13, 10:37 | X | ^ This | Reply
  - exactly the same for me too
    
    really struggling to come up with my favourite albums of this year because I've by-and-large been ignoring recent indie (normally what I spend all my time listening to) in favour of catching up on all the classic rap that I never gave a chance before. Probably gonna have another 6 months of this before I feel motivated to go back to guitar bands, and then everything will be even better
    
    JaguarPirate @El_Goodo | 3 Jan '13, 12:30 | X | ^ This | Reply
If you like Japandroids (which I don't, but bear with me)

you might LOVE Crash Of Rhinos, who are currently my new favourite band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lKVGhkkp98

Lots of energy, 5 vocalist, 2 bassists, some Kinsella influence, some more aggy old-school emo influence. Amazing basically.

badmanreturns | 3 Jan '13, 00:34 | X | ^ This | Reply
- i bloody hate japandroids. i find them very boring indeed
  
  but crash are superb. and lovely guys too. also look up the little explorer and the jesus years, their old bands. the little explorer are gay emo and the jesus years rip off ghosts and vodka
  
  cat_race @badmanreturns | 3 Jan '13, 13:29 | X | ^ This | Reply
Music is ok I guess

Icarus-Smicarus | 3 Jan '13, 00:38 | X | ^ This | Reply
You've come to the wrong place buddy

cowcow | 3 Jan '13, 00:39 | X | ^ This | Reply
if you don't like music, try sucking your own dick...if you can reach

bloodrodgers | 3 Jan '13, 04:41 | X | ^ This | Reply
Sloan back catalog

one chord to another, navy blues, between the bridges - start there.

theintl | 3 Jan '13, 08:20 | X | ^ This | Reply
That Pitchfork list was fucking gash

Lucien | 3 Jan '13, 10:24 | X | ^ This | Reply
last night i listened to that playlist of perfect songs that yesiamaduck put together

most of them were unbearable

cat_race | 3 Jan '13, 10:38 | X | ^ This | Reply
- i enjoyed jimi hendrix
  
  that was about it
  
  cat_race @cat_race | 3 Jan '13, 10:38 | X | ^ This | Reply
I'm pretty much the same at the age of 25.

There are still some bands doing power pop or more melodic stuff. Here's some from within the last 5 years anyway:

Attic Lights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE7BuuvABL0

Telekinesis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CAIqGaj8MQ

Peter, Bjorn & John
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP9MqDbfLrc

The Phoenix Foundation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6MM0i-sPaM

Other Lives
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWMqgeIDJs8

Clair_de_Lune | 3 Jan '13, 12:01 | X | ^ This | Reply
Just head over to the Merge Records website...

You'll get the new Bob Mould record, Telekenisis, Wye Oak, Mount Moriah and other stuff that ticks the 1990's vibe you obviously crave.

INHREC | 3 Jan '13, 12:29 | X | ^ This | Reply
Mazes!

Perhaps not the album that's gonna come out early this year, but the first Mazes album is pure power pop.

calumlynn | 3 Jan '13, 12:33 | X | ^ This | Reply
not listening to indie is definitely the way foward

anal_schwarzenegger | 3 Jan '13, 13:33 | X | ^ This | Reply

GoatmeatMF and Oissin_ this'd this

Reply to this thread

View NestedLinear

« Back to Music forum

Thread not appearing correctly? Click here to rebuild | Report this