The Thermals

I've always been a big fan of The Thermals, even though i have just recently gotten majorly into them. Even though The Thermals are from Portland, and the majority of bands on this blog are from Seattle, the theme of this blog is Northwest bands, and i certainly couldn't possibly write under that banner without mentioning them.
The Thermals were founded in 2002 by Hutch Harris and Kathy Foster. They have released five studio albums, there latest "Personal Life" , came out this year. The Thermals are one of catchiest bands i know, its really a big surprise that they aren't played on the radio more. Their music is very simple, but its powerfully moving in a way that just makes you wanna get up and dance. Most of there songs have insanely clever lyrics and pounding four chord progressions.
The Thermals have a very punk rock feeling to them, though they haven't sold out to a lame leather and paperclips image like some of there predecessors.

I simple adore there music, every album reaches a new high, my favorites are F...ing A and The Body, The Blood, The Machine. Both these albums make me wanna move, if i had it my way, The Thermals would be the only thing blasting at these lame school dances. (i'm serious, the music at our dances is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo lame)
How We Know of of F***ing A is one of my all time favorite songs of all time, plus the music video is really really cool. And Only For You" off Personal Life is really super special good.

I've never really listened to there first album so i'm gonna skip it.


F***ing A

How We Know :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5SKUt5C89g&ob=av2e

A Stare Like Yours
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyfJlQZzK_4



The Body, The Blood, The Machine

Pillar of Salt :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwgNMrs-i80

Heres Your Future:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPsdjlPVaJU



Now We Can See

We Were Sick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSv8ck8qUxc

When I Was Afraid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOD1E8O6vZc



Personal Life

I Don't Believe You:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOLC9gELguQ

Only for You:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7P2ihDfZrs&feature=related

Band of Horses

One of Seattle's most prominent music scenes these days is the "Beard Rock" scene. This scene is primarily lead by Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses and various other folk-rock influenced groups. This is my segway into talking about Band of Horses because they were not only a founding band of this scene, but also of the smooth sailing, clean guitar riffing sound that is dominating both independent and major record labels.

Band of Horses is a really sweet band that arose from the ashes of Carissa's Weird, another Northwest favorite of mine. They were formed in 2004 by Ben Birdwell.
Band of Horses are truly originals, some compare Birdwells vocals to Jim James or Neil Young but i think they are set apart from these influences because of the sure seize of them (vocals). Birwell's monumental Tenor is what makes band of Horses such a great band. When you listen to there albums, you are totally taken out of your body through a folk inspired journey through the building block skyline of Seattle, then down a warm summer road. Its quit an experience.

I look at whats being played on the radio and in peoples cars and it makes me want to conjure another flood to wipe out this generation of youth that listen to music with out substance. But then i hear bands such as Band of Horses and they serve as a rainbow reminding me that there is hope!!!!!!

Band of Horses has released three studio records
Here are a few of my favorite tracks, but certantly listen to them all!

Everything All the Time:
St. Augustine-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEGGCKF5OTA&feature=related
Wicked Girl-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmlsFScrsuI
The Great Salt Lakes-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMHu6PjK5UU


Cease To Begin
Detlef Schrempf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYhrCsgHa0k&feature=related
Marry Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4uNSMRMR8U&feature=related
No Ones Gonna Love You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7_s9H0BRrU&feature=related


Infinite Arms
For Annabelle-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzsP6nCaXNI
Factory-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBIf2Wt0zT4