Violent Femmes. My first concert too, they were awesome.

Some of the bands listed here I didn't know they were considered "indie"? (Such as the Decemberists). Then again, I'm horrendous at genres :bonkhead:

Im embarrassed by this thread...

What in particular? I think most of these groups are indie enough.

So the idea of a band being indie is tough nowadays because of the commercialization of the indie name. The genre indie being more influenced by new wave, post-punk, garage rock is what I believe this thread is talking about so I will say THE STROKES. They were easily the most exciting band for me coming out of the early 2000s new wave/indie rock explosion. The New York indie scene is definitely the most listened to for me. They were not independent when I listened to them as they were already signed to RCA.

Now if we are talking about independent artists, then I would have to say my first "indie" band would be Love Battery. I used to be really into grunge so I would take a look at whatever band sub pop signed or was close to signing.

Ive always thought The Strokes were a good band that didn't quite live up to their potential. Some of their melodies were really good but then Julian would f*ck them up, exmpl this song.



For the most part the string section had a well defined sound, it wasn't anything that special but it had a signature Strokes sound the problem is Julian didn't always find a vocal melody that would compliment the songs and instead would go on to his little world and write from there. Jim morrison could pull off something like that but i don't think Julian can and honestly.. i just don't like the guy. he rubs me the wrong way for some reason.

^^^

For the most part I agree with you. The problem with Julian is that he, along with tons of other "indie" rock band frontmen, have huge egos. They let that bleed into the music and it diminishes the songs. However, I do think that for the most part it wasn't the vocal melodies that were the problem. It really was his voice. After the first three albums Julian's singing voice began to deteriorate. He drank and smoked alot which obviously did a ton of damage. In 2011 and 2012 it was really at the peak of the problem. The only reason songs like Under Cover of Darkness and Machu Pichu sound good is due to the studio effects.

I watched the Austin City Limits Concert online and thought that his voice has been improving considerably though.

Sorry for the little rant there.

Kaiser Chiefs.

I believe mine was The Verve. Or maybe Oasis. Nah. The Verve. Coulda been Oasis. Nah. I'm going with The Verve:

The Promise Ring - '30 Degrees Everywhere'