Come and Share This Jam with Me

There's nothing like early 2000's New York City Rock. Along with The Strokes and Interpol , the Yeah Yeah Yeahs led the resurgence of New York City Rock but were often viewed as the more playful and flamboyant group to come out of the scene. While songs like " Heads Will Roll " definitely justify this identity, not to mention front-woman Karen O's elaborate outfits and antics, it is "Maps" that displays the range the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have. "Maps" is a cathartic tune about regret and longing that plays at your heart strings with terse lyrics, melancholic and alternating chords that creates empathetic sense of feeling for the listener.  From their debut album, Fever to Tell   "Maps" is just one of the few tracks that brought the Yeah Yeah Yeahs into the spotlight. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' impact is definitely seen in more obscure bands who may be considered "art bands" but mostly these groups are just the alternative ...

Part of what's left of the famed  Jonathan Fire* Eater , The Walkmen are able to distance themselves from Jonathan Fire* Eater incorporating and marking themselves with a post-punk revival style, and their breakout banger, "The Rat" is more than telling of that. Listed by Pitchfork as the sixth best single of 2004 (if that means anything to you), "The Rat" is singer Hamilton Leithauser explicating his disappointments in a frustrating anthem of loneliness and loss in a bravado that expresses a hope to feel wanted or at least noticed. After Jonathan Fire* Eater had fizzled out and The Strokes , Interpol and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs had taken over. The shift in New York City went from the nuanced and gothic stylings in downtown Manhattan to a post-punk and indie rock flavor that focused on the raw basics of rocks rather than trying to break the mold. It was music that reflected the irritation of the indie rockers in New York having to accept an out-dated U2 an...

Welcome to the first entry of my "Throwback Thursday" installation! Normally, this occasion is synonymous with replaying old and popular bangers but, I don't want to do any of that. My throwback's will bring light to old, under-appreciated songs that deserve recognition either for its contributions to music or the fact that it's dope. To get this bi-weekly holiday started, let's revisit Jonathan Fire* Eater's "Give Me Daughters." Jonathan Fire* Eater was the band that set the New York City rock scene aflame as groups such as The Strokes , Interpol and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs  would soon follow in their footsteps. The story of Jonathan Fire* Eater can be summed up with one line, they're the greatest band you've never heard of. With the release of their EP, Tremble Under Boom Lights , which features "Give Me Daughters,"   Jonathan Fire* Eater was set to blow up   and even signed a record deal with DreamWorks, which was unheard o...