Silversun Pickups - Carnavas, and 80’s revival bands
Silversun Pickups is a band out of Silverlake, a young/hip neighborhood of Los Angeles. They’ve gotten a lot of positive attention for their album, Carnavas, and a lot of comparisons to Sonic Youth and Smashing Pumpkins. The comparisons are deserved. They’re one of those indie bands that wear their influences on their sleeve. It bugs me to no end.
However, the album is really strong. If you can get past the vocalist who sounds too much like Billy Corgan. Which I can’t always. So my favorite songs are the ones where he doesn’t sound as much like him, like on “Rusted Wheel,” which I’m still not convinced isn’t actually the girl in the band singing. (?)
Am I the only one bothered by these 80’s revival bands? (OK, the Smashing Pumpkins are from the 90’s, but Sonic Youth isn’t.) I like a lot of them, but I’ve noticed the ones I have a hard time swallowing are the ones with vocalists who sound too much other singers. Such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Karen O sounds so much like Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons. And Interpol. I really like Interpol. But whenever I hear them, all I can think is, “Why aren’t I listening to Joy Division?”
However, I love Film School. Maybe because they sound so much like the Chameleons, one of my favorite 80’s bands. But the singer doesn’t remind me too much of anyone in particular.
Here’s the video for Silversun Pickups’ “Lazy Eye:”
I’ll post a couple songs from Carnavas to the radio.blog, including “Rusted Wheel,” my favorite.
I get the exact same reaction to Interpol. I don’t see how anyone who’s heard Joy Division wouldn’t.
Comment by BTD Greg — December 28, 2006 @ 2:39 pm
I’m not as bothered by revival bands as I am by bands that cover a) fantastic songs in a heinous way. or b) heinous songs period - land of confusion, anyone?
Comment by Jennifer — December 28, 2006 @ 2:48 pm
Since I like Joy Division, Interpol is welcome stuff — though I understand what Susan and BTD are talking about.
Comment by Supergenius — December 28, 2006 @ 3:09 pm
Interpol has one song that is one of my favorites from recent years, “Take You on a Cruise.” I love it. And I like a lot of the 80’s revival stuff, even the ones that drive me crazy.
But they do drive me crazy.
Comment by Susan M — December 28, 2006 @ 3:17 pm
If I like the songs, I don’t care who they remind me of and I’m a product of the 80’s. I
Comment by Melina — December 29, 2006 @ 3:17 pm
If I like the songs, I don’t care who they remind me of and I’m a product of the 80’s. I *heart* the Silversun Pickups, Mew, Interpol, etc. As long as nobody tries to sound like “The Flirts”, I’m okay.
Comment by Melina — December 29, 2006 @ 3:17 pm