Godspeed is one of Canada’s most famous bands. One of the archetypes of the post-punk sound, a style of instrumental music that builds and descends in epically long tracks. After releasing an EP, Godspeed released a double album (totaling a whopping 9 songs), “Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven.” This title track is a beautiful introduction to their sound. This song builds and builds until it crescendos making you feel like raising your skinny fists to the heavens!
“Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven“ (play/download mp3)
Buy/Listen to all of Godspeed’s music.
Punchy, catchy post-rock from UK’s now defunct stars, The Rakes. “Retreat” is the title track to The Rakes’ first EP, released in the US on Dim Mak Records. This gem is begging: “slacker’s anthem.”
“Retreat“ (play/download mp3)
Buy The Rakes music at Amazon
Ah the yummy post-rock guitar-scapes of Mogwai. This should be the soundtrack to hiking up Everest with the complete hardcover Tolkien in your backback. Cascading layers of über-proggy goodness.
“San Pedro“ (play/download mp3)
Buy Mogwai Stuff.
Controller Controller‘s “Silent Seven” is an angular punky funky song about paranoia and the dumbing down of society. Sharp, socially conscious and witty, with a Gang Of Four meets early XTC sound, and an odd 80′s pop chorus quote thrown in for spice. Very cool stuff.
“Silent Seven“
(play/download mp3)
The Shins combine beautifully crafted pop with inspirational hyper-intellectual lyrics. Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, The Shins create music for smart pop connoisseurs. Their witty songwriting is a dream come true for Literature lovers like myself (and you). So put on your thinking cap and enjoy, smarty pants!
“Kissing the Lipless“ (play/download mp3)
Buy their records and merch here, DIY all the way.