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The 2000s
Jason Falkner is a true genius and probably the best pop songwriter working today. He was a member of Jellyfish and the Grays, and has since released a handful of brilliant solo albums. Jason's influences range from 60s and 70s pop to 80s new wave, which he expertly combines to create his own unique style. Falkner produces and plays all of the instruments on his records, a skill that he mastered as a teenager with his four-track cassette recorder. 'The 4 Track Years' CD provides amazing insight into these talents and provides an even more personal look at his songs that his studio albums.
Sloan began life in the early 90s as an indie rock band, gaining a mainstream audience in their Canadian homeland but only a cult following on US college radio. Many consider 94's "Twice Removed,' the apex of their early indie rock sound, to be their best record. However, they have surpassed that album with subsequent releases like 'Between the Bridges' and 'Pretty Together.' On these records, Sloan has tightened their sound and abandoned the sloppy looseness that defined their early records. Their sound now evokes images of 60s and 70s pop rock with a more modern feel. Each member of the band contributes songs to their albums and each has become an accomplished writer since the early days. Few bands in rock history have four composers as talented as the members of Sloan in one group. They are a great live act as well and one of the best bands touring in the 00s.
Superdrag is a power pop band from Knoxville, Tennessee that had a minor hit in '96 with 'Sucked Out.' Their sound combines typical power pop influences with the harder edge of distorted guitars. What really sets Superdrag apart from other power pop bands of this era is chief songwriter John Davis, who offers strong melodies and creative arrangements. Davis' songs combine great hooks with vivid, emotive lyrics. The band developed a reputation for putting on a very intense and energetic live show. 'Headtrip in Every Key' and 'In The Valley of Dying Stars' stand as two of the greatest album of this period.
Brendan Benson, while not prolific, is one of the best pop rock artists around. His albums rank as some of the best released in the latter '90s and early '00s. He co-wrote a lot of his material with Jason Falkner, who also produced and appeared on several tracks on both records. Benson is a quirky songwriter and his songs are melodic and giddy, reflecting a fragile state of mind. 'One Mississippi' is brilliant and the follow up 'Lapalco' is nearly as good.
More 00s bands and links:
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