Animal Uprising! The Best Indie Bands With Animal Names

A

ndrew Bird can be classified as a one man act by just his whistling skills alone. Don't let that frighten you, he has backing musicians and an ability to manipulate a violin like you've never heard often playing it like a guitar. Oh, and he just recently released a new album.

Album Pick: "The Mysterious Production of Eggs"
Song Pick: "Imitosis"

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G

uarantee: You've never heard anything like Thunderbirds Are Now! They explode and never slow down. The intense guitar sound mixed with the keys makes them a band definitely worthy of checking out. I highly suggest them to anyone. I had to buy the cd as soon as I previewed them. I've never seen their albums in stores which is a bummer but thank god for the internet. Home shopping is what it's all about. You will not be able to get enough of Thunderbirds Are Now!

Album Pick: "Justamustache"
Song Pick: "Better Safe Than Safari"

A


bsolutely bizzare at times and entirely addicting. The entire animal kingdom and they couldn't settle on one specific species. Just like it sounds like they can't settle on what genre to stick to. I have their song "Grass" playing currently cause I just can't get it out of my head. That song alone is enough to grab your attention and want more. If you're entirely sick
of everything else and are looking for something a bit
more experimental this is one chance you shouldn't pass up.

Album Pick: "Feels"
Song Pick: "Grass"

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T

hey have the type of attitude you love in a band. The first thing you may notice is the guitar hooks which are absolutely astonishing, followed by the accent. Yep, they're English mates. So much good stuff comes from our friends out east. Give any album of theirs a listen and I dare you not to hum along all day. Some critics say they are overhyped and rude.I have to say their irresistable.

Album Pick: "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What, I'm Not"
Song Pick: "When The Sun Goes Down"

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ou've probably already heard of Modest Mouse and you probably already love them. Who doesn't these days? They've gone from the indie unknown to a sudden rise in popularity after their album "Good News For People Who Love Bad News". Bad news for dedicated indie enthusiasts is the band has finally hit the radar and everyone is discovering their old favorite band. Cause let's face it, they just
aren't as cool anymore now that EVERYONE has heard
of them. The good news is they're still as creative and
as infectious as ever. And you know you still like them.

Album Pick: "Lonesome Crowded West"
Song Pick: "Dramamine"

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I

know that you're a sucker for anything acoustic. Early work consisted of frontman John Darnielle singing into his own tape recorder with just his acoustic guitar. He's a little bigger than that now but the concept is still pretty similar. Most of The Mountain Goats albums are made up of beautifully crafted acoustic gems. The lyrics are poetic and every
song shares a unique story. The characters in the songs
seem real to life and easy to believe in. The more recent
albums include more musicians and a fuller sound which
only helps add to the pleasure.

Album Pick: "The Sunset Tree"
Song Pick: "No Children"

The Mountain Goats Tickets from Ticketmaster

S


o they only have two albums if you exclude a short ep (still full of great songs) and it's a shame. I go on streaks of listening to this band. I listened to their first full album consistently waiting months and months for their follow up. It's been a few months since the second release and I still find myself repeating their songs. The interchanging vocals, guitar
sound, synths, pounding drums. It all comes together
so perfectly. I never miss a chance to recommend Wolf Parade.

Album Pick: "At Mount Zoomer"
Song Pick: "Fine Young Cannibals"

Wolf Parade Tickets from Ticketmaster