Silversun Pickups is a 4 piece band from Los Angeles, California. They have produced some of the most original music I’ve ever heard and because of that they are one of my favorite bands. Below is a list of my Top 10 favorite songs by them, in no particular order.
1. Little Lover’s So Polite – Carnavas
This song is very catchy; its drum beat makes you bob your head. The main guitar riff is perfect, in that it doesn’t get in the way of the song; it only adds to it, it just wouldn’t be as great without it. When I listen to this song I think of driving down a freeway at midnight with all the windows down.
2. Future Foe Scenarios – Carnavas
A little more dark this time around, but that just makes it better. The use of keyboards and different sound effect is much more abundant this time around, and I love it. The singer uses his scream in a terrific way, not over-doing it at all, adding just the right amount of attitude. The guitar’s distortion is buttery smooth. The last 45 seconds or so is basically a fade out of distorted guitars and sound effects that really sets a dark mood and makes me feel a little depressed, but in a good way.
3. Lazy Eye – Carnavas
Ah, Lazy Eye, I never would have heard of this amazing band if it weren’t for this song. I remember the first time I heard Lazy Eye on KROQ in Southern California, I believe I was driving in Huntington Beach at the time and I specifically remember hearing it come on the radio and being blowing away and calling the radio station to ask who the artist was. The catchy beat is very similar to a Smashing Pumpkins song, 1979. Another amazing guitar tone is introduced with the solo. The screaming towards the middle of the song does a great deal for the feel of the song, only adding more intensity to something that previously drug you in, deeper and deeper.
4. Rusted Wheel – Carnavas
An intro of very eerie guitar sound effects that makes you curious to know how in the world this will possibly turn into something great. The drums kick in and we’re quickly lost in the web of sound. This continues for a while with more and more build up then we get more drums and it continues to build. Finally we get relief with amazing harmonies and vocals. The longest track on the album never gets boring. Very dark, and rightfully so.
5. Three Seed – Carnavas
A bass melody with backing guitar harmonies makes for a beautiful setting. An easy to like drum beat with great vocals lead into another amazing guitar riff/melody. Again, this song wouldn’t be as great without it. It is a slower song that lets us enter a relaxed state. The guitar solo wakes us right up with something very different yet amazing. Nothing crazy here, just very original.
6. Common Reactor – Carnavas
This is probably my favorite song on the album. This is definitely a song that showcases what makes this band so great, they create moods with their music. Sometimes they’re a bit dark. For me this song puts me in a mood of awakening. That is, I was previously in a dark mood, now I’m seeing the light and cheering up. As the song continues the chorus becomes more upbeat and I really hear the song for what it is by the way it makes me feel.
7. There’s No Secrets This Year – Swoon
Well, this is the first song from their newest album, Swoon. It was an instant favorite at first listen. The guitar work was definitely different this time around, nothing that stands out, it simply blends into the song and only creates something beautiful, complimenting the singer’s voice. It’s very upbeat which is a nice change.
8. The Royal We – Swoon
This is a powerful song with lyrics that stand out to me for one of the first times. More amazing guitar work that makes me feel good. We get a bit of screaming again towards the end, which is something this album doesn’t have much of.
9. It’s Nice To Know You Work Alone – Swoon
Wow, can you say catchy? A bass line that leads into an infectious guitar riff. It continues to hammer its way through the song, backing the amazing vocals and lyrics. This song has a ton of attitude and it’s something that was an instant favorite. The guitar work on this one is nothing short of genius.
10. Substitution – Swoon
What’s this? A happy song? That’s what it appears to be anyway. It’s definitely upbeat and makes me feel good listening to it. Amazing guitar work should be the expected by now, and indeed it is.
Believe me it wasn’t easy picking just 10. Every song is terrific to me, especially the new album. I’m a bit on the obsessed side. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
