NMH - Holland, 1945

Neutral Milk Hotel. If you know about them then I don't need to tell you anything. If you don't, well, you don't know what you're missing. Pioneers in 90's indie rock. Their second album, In the Aeroplane over the Sea, was so amazing that vocalist/songwriter Jeff Mangum never attempted outdoing it (it was impossible!).

This, in my opinion, is the best song to introduce people to the band. It references Anne Frank.

The Libertines

Early 00's had a new trend in rock music, something labelled as "Garage Rock Revival" (a not accurate term), started by The Strokes and The White Stripes in the US. The first UK band to emerge from this were The Libertines. Combining influences from every alternative genre since Punk, their style can be felt in every "indie" band to come out from England after them. And that's just to give you an idea of how good they were.


Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, the two guitarists/lead vocalists, had a unique songwriting style that can only be matched by their decadent lifestyle. Their problems caused the breakup of the band after only two albums. Their best album, for me, is the first one, since the turmoil hadn't broken their focus yet.

My Top 5:
1. Up the Bracket
2. Time for Heroes
3. Can't Stand Me Now
4. What Became of the Likely Lads
5. Boys in the Band

Full Metal Panic

Sousuke Sagara, a 16 year old mercenary, who has lived all his life fighting in various wars. His next mission? To protect a high school girl. This anime combines elements from different genres to create something very enjoyable. There's action, mecha, comedy and some romance, so you'll definitely find something you like.

One of the main characteristics of the show is how it changes from the funny sequences in high school, where Sousuke tries to fit in but he can't due to his soldier mentality, and the serious action scenes where Sousuke pilots his robot and stops the enemies.

And the other main aspect of the show is the relationship between Sousuke and Kaname Chidori, the girl he must protect. Sousuke always takes things literally and can't seem to understand everyday logic. Chidori is short-tempered, so she always ends up yelling at Sousuke for his abnormality. But as they grow closer they start to slowly understand each other.

The characters are really likeable. Besides from the two main ones, you find Sousuke's co-workers and a clumsy girl around his age who happens to be his captain.

As the story progresses it becomes more serious. I recommend you to watch it. Also, Sousuke's awesome!

ELO

Electric Light Orchestra (or just ELO) appeared in the 70's. They blended regular rock instruments with an orchestra. Originally, they wanted to continue taking music in the direction the Beatles left it, but they had to give up on this after two albums (because nobody can manage that). That doesn't mean they became worse. In fact, one of their songs was one of John Lennon's favorites.

Starting with their third album, everything they did in the 70's is excellent! Well, I am a little biased about this, I admit it, but they are actually pretty good. Jeff Lynne, the vocalist and mastermind behind this, had good songwriting skills. However, in the 80's they lost their way. Just don't listen to that (except for a few songs of course).

My Top 5:
-Showdown
-Telephone Line
-10538 Overture
-Strange Magic
-Evil Woman

An announcement + More Top 5s

I'm starting college next week, so I won't have much time for posting. Probably I'll only write once or twice a week. Thanks for following me all this time, make sure you at least drop by every Sunday.

Now, in all my posts about rock artists the most important section, for me, was the top songs. Since I won't be posting too much, I leave you some Top 5s.


Bob Dylan Top 5:
-Blowin' in the Wind
-Mr Tambourine Man
-Like a Rolling Stone
-Subterranean Homesick Blues
-Desolation Row


The Who Top 5:
-Baba O'Riley
-My Generation
-Won't Get Fooled Again
-5:15
-I Can't Explain


Creedence Clearwater Revival Top 5:
-Have You Ever Seen the Rain?
-Fortunate Son
-Lookin' Out My Back Door
-Proud Mary
-Bad Moon Rising


Bruce Springsteen Top 5:
-Born to Run
-Rosalita (Come out Tonight)
-Thunder Road
-Badlands
-Dancing in the Dark or Born in the USA [tie]

Nirvana Top 5:
-Heart Shaped Box
-In Bloom
-All Apologies
-About a Girl
-Sappy