Top 10 New York bands you should discover…

by Mike on October 12th, 2007

This list isn’t focused on only new bands….it’s New York bands you should discover or re-discover.

Here we go folks…

This is a great band to start the list because they are simply a great rock band. They give you what you expect…acknowledgment that New York City Rock and Roll is alive and well…with a little experimentation.
Standout track: Little House of Savages

9. Velvet Underground

Yes, I know you’ve heard of them. Yes, I know they are one of (if not the) greatest New York band ever. Do yourself a favor and re-discover Velvet Underground. In fact, re-discover them every month. It will make you a better person.
Standout track: This is tough, but as an introductory track I go with ‘I’m waiting for the man’

8. The Bravery

The Bravery rode the post-punk dance rock wave to success. Catchy, good in rock clubs and radio friendly. Their latest album The Sun and the Moon takes a bit of a different turn and it shows some growth and more depth. Have a listen.
Standout track: Believe

7. Ryan Adams

The king of wearing emotions on a proverbial sleeve…and being difficult when in front of an audience. But the man writes some of the best emotion evoking songs in the city. Plus he does versions of legendary songs better than the originals - find a version of Ryan doing Wonderwall.
Standout track: It doesn’t get much better than ‘Come Pick Me Up.’

6. Interpol

Very popular band that a lot of people still don’t know. You’ve heard of them, but have you given them a good listen? Download 5-7 tracks and listen to them on the subway.
Standout track: PDA

5. The National

You have to be in the right mood for the National. They are a very mellow band who carry catchy and sometimes trippy melodies accompanied most often by some very good songwriting.
Standout track: Secret Meeting

4. Bruce Springsteen

Yeah, you’ve already discovered The Boss when you bought the Born In The U.S.A. cassette. Bruce Springsteen is back and arguably better than ever. His latest album is a gem. I know he’s from Jersey, but this album is solid.
Standout track: Give the whole new album a listen and decide for yourself - it’s better than the reviews.

3. Liars

I love stories of bands formed through postings on a wall. In the case of the Liars, it was a ‘Musicians Wanted’ poster on the wall of a local record shop. This band has some depth to them. They rock a little Beck-ish, they rock a little old-school New York style and they’re helping define the current New York scene. They sway from rock to a experimental, but you can’t complain with the variety. This band is blowing up.
Standout track: Plaster Casts of Everything

2. White Rabbits

They migrated to New York with big dreams. The dreams have taken shape in the form of cool gigs with cool bands and a date with Shane MacGowan. Keep it up lads.
Standout track: Kid on my Shoulders

1. Albert Hammond Jr. The Strokes were left off this list, but if you haven’t listened or don’t own Is This It, do that first. Albert Hammond Jr’s solo effort has been a very cool journey. A bit Strokish, but with a softer touch that I never knew Albert had in him. Very, very cool.
Standout track: In Transit