Myspace music opens public to hidden gems

By: Liz Koenig

Posted: 3/10/05

03/10/05 - Procrastinating on schoolwork is always the best time to explore new music. Those nights when I feel like I just can't take in any more psychology or nutrition, or I cant type that last paper just yet, I turn to the music portion of Myspace.com.

It's always fun to surf around and listen to random bands and read their blogs and profiles. It's a great way to be introduced to new sounds; at least while procrastinating I am actually doing something useful with my time. I'm expanding and exploring into a world of music I otherwise may have never known, had I not went into Myspace.

I was not thrilled on my first finding in this particular adventure to explore Myspace. I came across an alternative power-pop band from Portland, Ore. called Careen.

The only reason I bother mentioning them is because I see in this band a potential to really create something. Like most of the bands featured on Myspace, Careen is a developing band.

When I heard their song "Turn Up Turn Down" I thought I was listening to OKGO for about the first five seconds, then the tone changed. The music was catchy but the vocals became too generic. There was nothing special or catchy about it.

They have this Euro-rock sound they are trying to hit but have not reached the level to execute that sound well enough. I plan on keeping an eye on Careen's Myspace profile and see if they do develop, because I feel if they do develop and mature, they will produce some quality music.

Continuing my search I hit gold twice. First with a pop/ indie/ ambient band called Minipop from San Francisco. The band is composed of three girls and two guys. The band is absolutely amazing. The female's vocals are what pulls the band together, entrapping the listener in her gripping, soothing voice.

My favorite song was "Fingerprints." It is their most popular song on Myspace, with 6,239 plays. They listed influences such as the Smiths, Deathcab for Cutie, Portishead, Nada Surf, Radiohead, Joy Division, Postal Service, Bjork, Coldplay and the Flaming Lips. The band has only been together since October, but they sound really solid for being together for such a short amount of time.

The second incredible group I came across is another mainly female group. They are Tegan and Sara, sisters from Vancouver. Tegan and Sara Quinn sing lead vocals and play the guitar while Chris Carlson plays bass and Rob Chursinoff is the drummer.

They have their first album out called So Jealous. Their music is without a doubt unique and pulls apart from anything I have heard lately. Their voice is distinctive and plays a major role in making them sound so different. Their creative personality is displayed through their music.

On the Myspace profile Tegan notes how her childhood dreams included being a clown, working as a veterinarian with polar bears in the Arctic and being a rock star. Sara, on the complete flipside, wanted to become a lawyer and live in Boston. Tegan and Sara have performed with Hot Hot Heat, Ryan Adams, Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds. This April they will go on tour with the Killers.

I could go on and on with lists of bands I have come across. You don't have to be a member of Myspace to get access to the Myspace music. It's an excellent way to explore and listen to new music as well as an effective way of furthering procrastination.