[Western Music] Start with this one! Classic and popular songs of alternative rock

LongshotCatfish&the Bottlemen

Catfish and the Bottlemen – Longshot

Catfish and the Bottlemen are an indie rock band from Wales.

They’re such a polished band that you wouldn’t believe they came from a quiet corner of Europe! This song is included on their album The Balance, released in April 2019.

With this album in tow, it sounds like they’ll be playing numerous festivals throughout 2019.

We can’t take our eyes off them going forward!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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To Here Knows WhenMy Bloody Valentine

My Bloody Valentine – To Here Knows When (Official Music Video)

One of the genres that was popular in the alternative scene of the ’90s was shoegaze.

The leading example is My Bloody Valentine.

Their music centers on a thick wall of noise that feels like it’s closing in on you, and the guitar sound of My Bloody Valentine’s guitarist, Kevin Shields, was especially beloved.

Their shows are said to hand out earplugs because the sound is so noisy that there’s a risk of “bursting the audience’s eardrums” (lol).

BlackPearl Jam

Pearl Jam – Black

Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots…

Many of the popular bands that emerged from the alternative movement of the ’90s were forced to disband or go on hiatus following the death of a member.

In the midst of that, the one band that can truly be said to have continued steadily is Pearl Jam.

They weathered the shifting scene and kept working consistently, and today they’re often regarded as a band that represents America.

Musically, among the grunge scene, their sound leans closer to rock ’n’ roll, and they command a wide range of expression—from aggressive sounds to the calm, seasoned music befitting veterans.

Alone TogetherThe Strokes

The Strokes – Alone together

This is a classic by The Strokes, the band that sparked the rock ’n’ roll revival that emerged after 2000.

It’s curious how their endlessly laid-back sound feels fresh and new instead.

The languid vocals also add a great flavor.

11 Minutes ft. Travis BarkerYUNGBLUD, Halsey

YUNGBLUD, Halsey – 11 Minutes (Official Video) ft. Travis Barker

This is the song 11 Minutes by YUNGBLUD, a rock singer from the UK.

It’s a collaboration with the charismatic pop singer Halsey.

His vocals, reminiscent of ONE OK ROCK’s Taka, have an edgy feel.

In fact, there are rumors that YUNGBLUD might be Halsey’s new boyfriend.

I’m curious where that will go, but in any case, their collaboration makes for a really cool track.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Chlorinetwenty one pilots

twenty one pilots – Chlorine (Official Video)

The unintelligible lyrics make it pop in a way! This is “Chlorine” by Twenty One Pilots, an alternative hip-hop duo from the United States.

They won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.

The monster that appears in the music video is cute! I’m really looking forward to their future work.

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Song 2Blur

Blur – Song 2 (Official Music Video)

In the UK during the 1990s, a British style of rock known as Britpop was popular, featuring bands distinct from those of the American alternative movement.

One of the bands that epitomized Britpop was Blur.

In particular, the song “Song 2,” which I’m introducing here, employed grunge techniques and played a role in fueling the alternative boom in Britain.