Right Away, Great Captain is as good as indie folk gets to be honest.
So have a listen to both albums.
It will take a few listen's to completely appreciate, the melodies are subtle and yet addictive. Brilliant lyrics saturate both albums, The Bitter End and The Eventually Home.
If you need convincing, here are the three most accessible songs IMO. Look up Right Ahead, Young Sailor, Devil Dressed in Blue and Oh No, I Tried.
But you're probably lazy like me, so here are the links.
My next picks for the best of folk series are a few bands i have really been enjoying after a recent discovery.
Blind Pilot are an indie folk/ pop band originating from Portland, Oregon.
At first listen most of the songs are immediately catchy, some although being original sound familiar, almost as if you had dreamed of the hooks and progressions previously.
Admittedly, Blind Pilots album 3 Rounds and a Sound could easily fall into the trap of becoming a non-offensive album to be played in the background of a store, however there is enough distinction in some outstanding songs which pulls the album through any mediocrity.
Some of these great tracks are The Story I Heard, The Bitter End and the title track 3 Rounds and a Sound.
3 Rattles and a Sound:
The Story I Heard (very good live):
Cast Spells is my next best of folk pick. A band which has a simple and honest sound, beautiful harmonies and make full use of acoustic instrumentation. You have to give major props to artists who can sit in a little room and just make such good music. Outstanding tracks are A Badge, Letters, Water Story Hellos.
A Badge (live):
Their Ep is only $3.99 from the following website:
Cast Spells also work closely with another band named Good Old War, i highly recommend listening to them and they have a similar sound. They have made a split Ep with Cast Spells and its a really nice piece of work.
My Own Sinking Ship (live):
That's Some Dream:
You can also download it cheap from their band camp website here:
I don't think i could sleep tonight if i didn't make my first music post about Neutral Milk Hotel. I love this band more than you can imagine. If you have never heard of them, first read this brief history and then please go and buy their album as soon as you can. You really need them on your iPod.
Neutral Milk Hotel was formed by lead singer and guitarist Jeff Mangum in the early 90's. They made one EP and two albums. The most interesting thing about NMH is that despite growing success the band broke up in 1999 never performing again. The cause for the breakup is thought to be due to Jeff Mangum's disenchantment with touring and the music press. Later on he also suffered a nervous breakdown.
"In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" was the bands second album and was released to critical acclaim. To this day it is still regarded as one of the best albums amongst indie circles. The album is fascinating from start to finish and is largely inspired by the story of Anne Frank.
Here is the most appealing song on the record (King of Carrot Flowers Part 1, 2 & 3) but each song, despite the eclectic and often overpowering sound, grows on you on each listen and never gets old.
Have a listen to Oh Comely and Two Headed Boy Part 1 and 2 as well if the above link captures your ear! Possibly the greatest thing about NMH is that many songs were never studio recorded, instead captured live at impromptu performances at friends birthday parties or radio shows. There aren't many other band's in existence which have been as influential in the indie music scene today. We can only hope that one day Jeff tours and records again!
