1. The Strokes
This indie/garage quintet from New York are my absolute favourite band in the entire world. Ever. Their debut album "Is This it" met with huge success worldwide, which some say they weren't able to top with later albums, but I disagree. Their latest album "Comedown Machine" has had pretty mixed reviews including fans turning against them due to the fact that they've moved away from garage-revival and sound very 80s New Wave, but personally I love it. It's also great that over the last few albums there's been more input from all of the band members, as frontman Julian Casablancas wrote the first couple albums basically single-handedly. The Strokes haven't lost their spark to me but have improved.
Favourite Song: You Only Live Once
2.The Vaccines
The way The Vaccines came about is reflected in the pace of their songs in their first album: fast. And it didn't take long for them to become a favourite of mine after seeing them at Alexandra Palace in November last year. Their second album "Come of Age" is a lot better than their first (but I still love "What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?"), their sound is evolving from Ramones-y punk and they're coming into their own a bit more. Their dress sense is changing too, they've forgotten their hipster-y look like the one in the above picture and adopted a more rock 'n' roll double denim and longer hair. It's impossible for me to choose an absolute favourite song by them as I have so many, so instead I've just chosen the one my iPod says I've listened to the most.
Favourite Song: Teenage Icon
3.The Clash
Dodgy haircuts and dress sense aside, The Clash are too cool. They're good to listen to in any situation as their songs are quite diverse and for every mood. I listen to them mainly on my journeys to school as they wake me up a bit, especially "Clash City Rockers", and from school too, but they're great to listen to/sing along (and play air guitar) to anywhere (just don't embarrass yourself haha). Helping to define punk rock in Britain during the late 70s, they're a mixture of everything ranging from reggae to rockabilly.
Favourite Song: (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais
4.Tame Impala
If you like psychedelic, colourful, dreamy and chilled out sounding music, check out Tame Impala. I'm not in love with all of their songs, but I love their sound in general. Great for picnics on summery days or walking back home in the sunshine. Sadly bassist Nick Allbrook recently left, but is still making music with his band Pond which shares two other band members with Tame Impala. Very excited to see Tame Impala play at Hammersmith Apollo in June!
Favourite Song: Elephant
5. Oasis
When you think of music in 90s England, you think Oasis. The Gallagher brothers and co were one of the first bands that made me obsessed with music. I can always go back to their songs if I feel nostalgic or just need cheering up. And most people know the lyrics to Wonderwall even if that's the only Oasis song they know.
Favourite Song: The Importance of Being Idle
So there you have it, my top 5 bands. If you don't know any of them, go check 'em out! And if you do, then leave a comment saying your favourite songs by them :)
Yas xx
