CheshireCatNY
2nd Level Orange Feather
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2002
- Messages
- 2,353
- Points
- 36
This is for all you nutcases out there who are obsessed with downloading music (like me). I've actually been thinking of getting a second hard drive JUST for all the MP3's I've acquired. I've got a little over 2 gigs worth on a 4 gig hard drive! I'm that guy everyone knows who's always making and trading mix CD's. I've been wanting to do this thread for a long time but realized I would have to set aside A LOT of time to do it (compiling the list of music) Well anyway...
I know there are a lot of music fans here and I also know that every music fan is into one or two performers/bands that they consider to be obscure and makes the listener feel unique for having "found" the music. I've made it a specialty actually and most people I play music for usually haven't heard of any of the bands or singers being listened too. This thread is for people to share info on music you wouldn't normally hear in the mainstream or if so, has had very little exposure (at least in the U.S.) Try to give details as to the type of music just in case its not really for everyone, as well as particular tracks that may exemplify the sound of the group.
Basically this thread is intended to expand peoples musical horizons a bit and open up to new sounds they may not be used to. And for the curious, I use "Ares" to download music. It works really well for me and you can get it online for free. I go through my periods where I listen to different music, currently I'm really into European Symphonic Metal Bands; heavy metal with instrumentals worthy of the Philharmonic Orchestra.
Stratovarius: Symphonic metal at its best! The guitar work in their songs are insane. I recommend the tracks "Stratosphere" and "Stratofortress" (they're just instrumentals with no vocals but awesome nonetheless)
Blind Guardian: Another Symphonic metal band, this one of a much more midieval/irish influence. A lot of chorus style vocals too, although a bit much sometimes. Check out "The Soulforged" and a very humorous version of "Mr. Sandman" they did.
Drain S.T.H.: Easily the hottest group of female rockers I have ever seen IN MY LIFE (I would so tickle all of them in a heart beat! Pic included at the bottom.) They're a Swedish metal band that sound like the female version of Alice In Chains with similar vocal ranges and effects. "Serve the Shame", "Crack the Liar's Smile", "I Don't Mind" and "Get Inside" are all great tracks.
Soul Coughing: You may have heard one or two of their songs in old Cartoon Network promo's called "Shorties". The lead singer sounds a lot like Dave Mathews but they're like a fusion of soft rock, funk and techno effects. Try to find "Circles", it'll sum up the bands general sound.
Mindless Self Indulgence: Pure unhibited madness. I saw these guys live in concert and it was awesome. The strangest combination of Industrial, Punk and Rap and a lead singer with one hell of a soprano voice. "******" and "Bitches" are two good tracks despite the names. (I don't listen to the messages, just the music and neither song is all that offensive anyway)
Snake River Conspiracy: I found that most fans of the band Garbage also like these guys. Or should I say two, its just two people, a female vocalist and some dude that does everything else on a computer. Very techno/metal/industrial inspired. Most of their stuff is covers (and centered on relationships/love) but I love the female vocalist and they have a really unique sound. I recommend "Lovesong", "More Than Love", "You and Your Friend" (an awesome song about a 3-way relationship), "Breed" (that uses a sampled track from the original Planet of the Apes soundtrack) and a pretty decent cover of Bush's "How Soon Is Now".
Prozzak: One of my guiltier pleasures, an English techno-pop band with mundanely repetitive lyrics but a sound that'll lodge itself in your brain for days. LOL. You may have already heard their song "It Sucks To Be You", if you haven't, try it, it'll be in your head faster than that "Blue Song" by Eiffel 16. I saw one music video for that particular song and it seems that the songs (and videos) are centered around a character named Simon trying to find love, like a continuous story.
Long Beach Dub All Stars: After Brad Nowell died, the remaining members of Sublime mixed up with some reggae/hip-hop guys and created this new group. They're relatively unknown but very cool. (A lot of stoner music, LOL)
Corky and the Juice Pigs: Anyone who's a fan of FOX's MadTV will know who these guys are. One of the funniest comedy music groups to come out of Canada. Supposedly they have one album in existence called "PANTS" but I haven't been able to find it anywhere. The songs "Eskimo", "R.E.M.ember", "Dolphin Boy" and "Pandas" are hilarious.
Raymond Scott: One of the odd ones in my collection, a classic Jazz orchestra composer from the 1930's-40's. If you're a cartoon fan, right away you'll recognize the music as the classic compositions used in most of the classic MGM and Warner Brothers cartoons, "Powerhouse" and "Toy Trumpet" specifically.
Ween: There are really no words to describe this group...I'm serious. They're to be heard to be believed. This is one of the few groups that exists specifically and exclusively geared towards the drug community. Every time the band goes into the recording studio, they always do it on a different drug, so every song they do sounds completely different like they're all from different groups. Also the music has certain music/audio effects that are specifically designed to effect people who are on something. I had a drugee roomate in college who would listen to these guys while tripping face. Try out "The Golden Eel", "Voodoo Lady", "Ocean Man" and "Fancy Pants" if you're curious.
Apocalyptica: Now heres an odd one, an actual traditional orchestra trying to mimic metal music. A guitar solo replaced with a banging violin solo and so forth. Actually some pretty impressive stuff. Try "Fight Fire With Fire" (and despite what it sounds like, there are no electric guitars in this track! Thats all string section baby!)
Catch 22: Anyone who likes upbeat, bouncy ska music would love these guys. The lead singer is a real fast talker, able to cram a lot of lyrics into short spans of time. "On and On and On" sums up their sound.
King Missle: This band came up with one of the most memorable yet obscure underground hits of the 90's, "Detachable Penis". The rest of their repetoire is equally as bizarre. They do a lot of spoken word stuff set to a mix of rock and jazz instrumentals, with very little actual singing, but its some humorous yet at times thought provoking material. Other goodies are "Martin Scorsese" (make sure its the uncut one! It should be around 2 minutes long) and "The Evil Children". (the vocalist and writer, John S. Hall did a lot of solo stuff too thats pretty interesting)
Nightwish: You ever wonder what would happen if a female Opera singer joined a European Symphonic Metal band?......okay I guess I'm the only one BUT THIS GROUP ROCKS DAMMIT! The leader singers voice is simply awe-inspiring and they have a distinctive midieval overtone to their music. "Over The Hills And Far Away", "Wishmaster" and "Nemo" are my favorties.
"Sweet Dreams" by the Dildo Brothers: Suprisingly I like this cover of the Eurythmics song better than the Marilyn Manson version.
"Heart Of Glass" by The Lunachicks: What is it about Punk bands covering 80's songs? Well here's a good example, good vocals.
"Why Does It Hurt When I Pee" by Frank Zappa: I'm sure you got a good laugh out of reading that title. So go download the song 😀
"Boyz in the Hood" by Dynamite Hack: A one hit wonder and a 90's classic, hear a tough angry gangsta rap sung by some white guys in the style of gentle pop-rock. Very funny.
"Sugar Cane" by the Space Monkeys: An all-white, british rap group.....mmmyep....this song's pretty catchy though....
"New Age Girl" by DeadEye Dick:....kinda hard to describe this one....kinda classic rock inspired....maybe a little punk...I dunno. Its cool though...
"One Step Beyond" by Madness: You can argue about the origin of Punk wether you believe it to be the Ramones in New York or the Sex Pistols in England, but we all know Madness created the Ska music genre. This track is considered to be the great great grandaddy of all Ska music.
"Tickled to Death" by Combustible Edison:......do I really have to explain this one? They have a wierd zoot-suit big band kinda sound mixed with various modern influences. This one track just kinda stood out in my mind (duuuuuuuh...wonder why?)
"Legend Of A Cowgirl" by Imani Coppola: No relation to Francis Ford I swear. Another hard to define genre, this one was lumped into that all-too-famous "alternative" category insitituted in the 90's Gen-X generation. Kinda hip-hop/soul inspired with some elements of rock and country mixed in.
"Angels Song" by Sevendust: Even people who don't like rock tend to like this one. This is the second reference to Sublime's lead singer, because this one was dedicated to the memory of Brad Nowell and is just a very powerful and moving song.
"Nobody" by Skindred: Now HERE is an interesting category; Jamaican Hardcore! They actually just sound like a Jamaican version of Sevendust and this particular song is a fav.
"Fallen From Grace" by Sneaker Pimps: I first heard this one in the soundtrack for "The Saint" with Val Kilmer. A nice mellow, soulful, funky little diddy with a lead singer that sounds like she's on helium. Good relaxation music.
"Baby One More Time" by Ahmet & Dweezil Zappa: I never thought I would EVER like this Britanny Speares song until I heard it covered by dear Franks boys, Ahmet and Dweezil. Industrial Metal guys, FOR REAL!
"The Masochistic Minstrel" by Grandharvas:.....yet another hard one to define....another "alternative" title. A mix of hippy rock with a little electronic influence thrown in.
"Kiss Kiss" by Stella Soleil: A very strange but catchy Latin inspired track. I really can't describe much past that...you have to hear it to understand what I mean...
"Gin and Juice" by Phish: Yup, you heard me, Phish did a cover of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre's gangsta rap classic. All I can visualize when I'm hearing it though is some "Uncle Jed" style country band. LOL. A very cool and unique cover.
"The Devil Does Drugs" by My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult: Now thats a mouthful. A bizarre techno/rave/dance track. You may remember if from the Cool World soundtrack.
"Ich Bin Ein Auslander" by Pop Will Eat Itself: A bizarre German (no reeeeally?) metal track from the late 80's with.....what can only be described as Satan with a stomach problem providing backup vocals. A must for anyone into wierd but cool metal songs.
"If I Only Had A Brain" by M.C. 100 Foot Jesus: Just get it, its cool. Funky background beat with a humorous spoken word and backup synth singing.
"Dungeons & Dragons" by The Dead Alewives: Not a song, just the funniest stand alone comedy track I have ever come across. Just a sit in on a session of D&D and the humorous banter of the game geeks.
"Duvet" by Boa: This band was made popular after providing this english-language sung theme song of the anime "Serial Experiments: LAIN". For you anime fans, SEE THIS DAMN SERIES!!! IT'LL BREAK YOUR BRAIN!!! And the song is just a calming, slow melody with a female lead vocalist reminscent of Sarah Mclaughlan.
"Start the Commotion" by the Wiseguys: YOU REMEMBER THIS ONE! I know it....and you will too when you hear it. It was in a very popular commercial campaign for a car company. A jazzy repetive dance track that would probably do good on a workout mix.
"Carol of the Bells" by The Trans-Siberian Orchestra: What will be considered a classic christmas song in the future (or possibly already is), this Symphonic Metal rendering of Christmas classic is just amazing.
.....wow....thats it.....DONE......😛
I know there are a lot of music fans here and I also know that every music fan is into one or two performers/bands that they consider to be obscure and makes the listener feel unique for having "found" the music. I've made it a specialty actually and most people I play music for usually haven't heard of any of the bands or singers being listened too. This thread is for people to share info on music you wouldn't normally hear in the mainstream or if so, has had very little exposure (at least in the U.S.) Try to give details as to the type of music just in case its not really for everyone, as well as particular tracks that may exemplify the sound of the group.
Basically this thread is intended to expand peoples musical horizons a bit and open up to new sounds they may not be used to. And for the curious, I use "Ares" to download music. It works really well for me and you can get it online for free. I go through my periods where I listen to different music, currently I'm really into European Symphonic Metal Bands; heavy metal with instrumentals worthy of the Philharmonic Orchestra.
BANDS/PERFORMERS
Stratovarius: Symphonic metal at its best! The guitar work in their songs are insane. I recommend the tracks "Stratosphere" and "Stratofortress" (they're just instrumentals with no vocals but awesome nonetheless)
Blind Guardian: Another Symphonic metal band, this one of a much more midieval/irish influence. A lot of chorus style vocals too, although a bit much sometimes. Check out "The Soulforged" and a very humorous version of "Mr. Sandman" they did.
Drain S.T.H.: Easily the hottest group of female rockers I have ever seen IN MY LIFE (I would so tickle all of them in a heart beat! Pic included at the bottom.) They're a Swedish metal band that sound like the female version of Alice In Chains with similar vocal ranges and effects. "Serve the Shame", "Crack the Liar's Smile", "I Don't Mind" and "Get Inside" are all great tracks.
Soul Coughing: You may have heard one or two of their songs in old Cartoon Network promo's called "Shorties". The lead singer sounds a lot like Dave Mathews but they're like a fusion of soft rock, funk and techno effects. Try to find "Circles", it'll sum up the bands general sound.
Mindless Self Indulgence: Pure unhibited madness. I saw these guys live in concert and it was awesome. The strangest combination of Industrial, Punk and Rap and a lead singer with one hell of a soprano voice. "******" and "Bitches" are two good tracks despite the names. (I don't listen to the messages, just the music and neither song is all that offensive anyway)
Snake River Conspiracy: I found that most fans of the band Garbage also like these guys. Or should I say two, its just two people, a female vocalist and some dude that does everything else on a computer. Very techno/metal/industrial inspired. Most of their stuff is covers (and centered on relationships/love) but I love the female vocalist and they have a really unique sound. I recommend "Lovesong", "More Than Love", "You and Your Friend" (an awesome song about a 3-way relationship), "Breed" (that uses a sampled track from the original Planet of the Apes soundtrack) and a pretty decent cover of Bush's "How Soon Is Now".
Prozzak: One of my guiltier pleasures, an English techno-pop band with mundanely repetitive lyrics but a sound that'll lodge itself in your brain for days. LOL. You may have already heard their song "It Sucks To Be You", if you haven't, try it, it'll be in your head faster than that "Blue Song" by Eiffel 16. I saw one music video for that particular song and it seems that the songs (and videos) are centered around a character named Simon trying to find love, like a continuous story.
Long Beach Dub All Stars: After Brad Nowell died, the remaining members of Sublime mixed up with some reggae/hip-hop guys and created this new group. They're relatively unknown but very cool. (A lot of stoner music, LOL)
Corky and the Juice Pigs: Anyone who's a fan of FOX's MadTV will know who these guys are. One of the funniest comedy music groups to come out of Canada. Supposedly they have one album in existence called "PANTS" but I haven't been able to find it anywhere. The songs "Eskimo", "R.E.M.ember", "Dolphin Boy" and "Pandas" are hilarious.
Raymond Scott: One of the odd ones in my collection, a classic Jazz orchestra composer from the 1930's-40's. If you're a cartoon fan, right away you'll recognize the music as the classic compositions used in most of the classic MGM and Warner Brothers cartoons, "Powerhouse" and "Toy Trumpet" specifically.
Ween: There are really no words to describe this group...I'm serious. They're to be heard to be believed. This is one of the few groups that exists specifically and exclusively geared towards the drug community. Every time the band goes into the recording studio, they always do it on a different drug, so every song they do sounds completely different like they're all from different groups. Also the music has certain music/audio effects that are specifically designed to effect people who are on something. I had a drugee roomate in college who would listen to these guys while tripping face. Try out "The Golden Eel", "Voodoo Lady", "Ocean Man" and "Fancy Pants" if you're curious.
Apocalyptica: Now heres an odd one, an actual traditional orchestra trying to mimic metal music. A guitar solo replaced with a banging violin solo and so forth. Actually some pretty impressive stuff. Try "Fight Fire With Fire" (and despite what it sounds like, there are no electric guitars in this track! Thats all string section baby!)
Catch 22: Anyone who likes upbeat, bouncy ska music would love these guys. The lead singer is a real fast talker, able to cram a lot of lyrics into short spans of time. "On and On and On" sums up their sound.
King Missle: This band came up with one of the most memorable yet obscure underground hits of the 90's, "Detachable Penis". The rest of their repetoire is equally as bizarre. They do a lot of spoken word stuff set to a mix of rock and jazz instrumentals, with very little actual singing, but its some humorous yet at times thought provoking material. Other goodies are "Martin Scorsese" (make sure its the uncut one! It should be around 2 minutes long) and "The Evil Children". (the vocalist and writer, John S. Hall did a lot of solo stuff too thats pretty interesting)
Nightwish: You ever wonder what would happen if a female Opera singer joined a European Symphonic Metal band?......okay I guess I'm the only one BUT THIS GROUP ROCKS DAMMIT! The leader singers voice is simply awe-inspiring and they have a distinctive midieval overtone to their music. "Over The Hills And Far Away", "Wishmaster" and "Nemo" are my favorties.
INDIVIDUAL SONGS
"Sweet Dreams" by the Dildo Brothers: Suprisingly I like this cover of the Eurythmics song better than the Marilyn Manson version.
"Heart Of Glass" by The Lunachicks: What is it about Punk bands covering 80's songs? Well here's a good example, good vocals.
"Why Does It Hurt When I Pee" by Frank Zappa: I'm sure you got a good laugh out of reading that title. So go download the song 😀
"Boyz in the Hood" by Dynamite Hack: A one hit wonder and a 90's classic, hear a tough angry gangsta rap sung by some white guys in the style of gentle pop-rock. Very funny.
"Sugar Cane" by the Space Monkeys: An all-white, british rap group.....mmmyep....this song's pretty catchy though....
"New Age Girl" by DeadEye Dick:....kinda hard to describe this one....kinda classic rock inspired....maybe a little punk...I dunno. Its cool though...
"One Step Beyond" by Madness: You can argue about the origin of Punk wether you believe it to be the Ramones in New York or the Sex Pistols in England, but we all know Madness created the Ska music genre. This track is considered to be the great great grandaddy of all Ska music.
"Tickled to Death" by Combustible Edison:......do I really have to explain this one? They have a wierd zoot-suit big band kinda sound mixed with various modern influences. This one track just kinda stood out in my mind (duuuuuuuh...wonder why?)
"Legend Of A Cowgirl" by Imani Coppola: No relation to Francis Ford I swear. Another hard to define genre, this one was lumped into that all-too-famous "alternative" category insitituted in the 90's Gen-X generation. Kinda hip-hop/soul inspired with some elements of rock and country mixed in.
"Angels Song" by Sevendust: Even people who don't like rock tend to like this one. This is the second reference to Sublime's lead singer, because this one was dedicated to the memory of Brad Nowell and is just a very powerful and moving song.
"Nobody" by Skindred: Now HERE is an interesting category; Jamaican Hardcore! They actually just sound like a Jamaican version of Sevendust and this particular song is a fav.
"Fallen From Grace" by Sneaker Pimps: I first heard this one in the soundtrack for "The Saint" with Val Kilmer. A nice mellow, soulful, funky little diddy with a lead singer that sounds like she's on helium. Good relaxation music.
"Baby One More Time" by Ahmet & Dweezil Zappa: I never thought I would EVER like this Britanny Speares song until I heard it covered by dear Franks boys, Ahmet and Dweezil. Industrial Metal guys, FOR REAL!
"The Masochistic Minstrel" by Grandharvas:.....yet another hard one to define....another "alternative" title. A mix of hippy rock with a little electronic influence thrown in.
"Kiss Kiss" by Stella Soleil: A very strange but catchy Latin inspired track. I really can't describe much past that...you have to hear it to understand what I mean...
"Gin and Juice" by Phish: Yup, you heard me, Phish did a cover of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre's gangsta rap classic. All I can visualize when I'm hearing it though is some "Uncle Jed" style country band. LOL. A very cool and unique cover.
"The Devil Does Drugs" by My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult: Now thats a mouthful. A bizarre techno/rave/dance track. You may remember if from the Cool World soundtrack.
"Ich Bin Ein Auslander" by Pop Will Eat Itself: A bizarre German (no reeeeally?) metal track from the late 80's with.....what can only be described as Satan with a stomach problem providing backup vocals. A must for anyone into wierd but cool metal songs.
"If I Only Had A Brain" by M.C. 100 Foot Jesus: Just get it, its cool. Funky background beat with a humorous spoken word and backup synth singing.
"Dungeons & Dragons" by The Dead Alewives: Not a song, just the funniest stand alone comedy track I have ever come across. Just a sit in on a session of D&D and the humorous banter of the game geeks.
"Duvet" by Boa: This band was made popular after providing this english-language sung theme song of the anime "Serial Experiments: LAIN". For you anime fans, SEE THIS DAMN SERIES!!! IT'LL BREAK YOUR BRAIN!!! And the song is just a calming, slow melody with a female lead vocalist reminscent of Sarah Mclaughlan.
"Start the Commotion" by the Wiseguys: YOU REMEMBER THIS ONE! I know it....and you will too when you hear it. It was in a very popular commercial campaign for a car company. A jazzy repetive dance track that would probably do good on a workout mix.
"Carol of the Bells" by The Trans-Siberian Orchestra: What will be considered a classic christmas song in the future (or possibly already is), this Symphonic Metal rendering of Christmas classic is just amazing.
.....wow....thats it.....DONE......😛
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