So many awesome bands, so little time.
No need to feel totally humiliated because you don't know the difference between The Big Pink and "The Color Purple." If you happen to find yourself at a loss for a knowing retort when your friends start name-dropping bands you've never heard of, DO NOT PANIC. Instead, close your eyes, take a breath and feel free to spitball any of the following insider tidbits on the following "it" bands that give you instant cred. You're so very welcome.
1.) The National: Over the past 10 years, The National has won over hipsters with its Americana-inspired indie-rock and good Samaritans with its pension for political action and philanthropy. Your key talking point: "I was into 'Cherry Tree' way before 'High Violet.' " Watch the video for "Apartment Story" below.
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2.) Broken Bells: This supergroup features James Mercer (from The Shins) and Danger Mouse (from Gnarls Barkley). Somewhere, Cee-Lo is pouting in a corner, wearing a dashiki, because he's not in on this innovative indie-pop. Your key talking point: "If 'Garden State' was made today, the song 'The High Road' would totally be on the soundtrack." Watch the video for "The Ghost Inside" below.
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3.) Crystal Castles: Not only does singer Alice Glass have the fiercest bowl cut we've seen this side of Joey Lawrence (circa "Gimme A Break!"), but the rest of the band is pretty bitchin', too. These quirky Canadians have successfully created a whole new genre: zombie electro-pop. One listen to "Crimewave" and you'll hear what we mean. Your key talking point: "I have to admit. I was pretty impressed when Toshiba used 'Air War' in that commercial." Watch the video for "Crimewave" below.
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+ More videos after the jump.
4.) The xx: Is it just us or does singer Romy Madley Croft kinda look like Justin Bieber's older, British sister? Regardless, "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening recently chose the band to perform at the All Tomorrow's Party festival he's curating in England next month. Perhaps a guest appearance in Springfield is to follow? Your key talking point: "Man. If I went to school in England, I would've had my parents send me to The Elliot School, too." (Members of The xx, Hot Chip and Four Tet graduated from the school.) Watch the video for "Islands" below.
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5.) Yeasayer: Jay-Z recently gave this Brooklyn-based psychedelic pop quintet a shout-out during his set at Coachella. If it's good enough for Hova, it's good enough for us. Your key talking point: "I don't know about you, but I think Yeasayer totally stole the show from MGMT when they opened for them back in '08." Watch the video for "O.N.E." below.
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6.) Liars: Back in the day, singer Angus Andrew used to date Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman Karen O. Those days are over, but his band's signature brand of art-rock lives on. Your key talking point: "I actually prefer Liars' songs that are more than 4 minutes -- like 'This Dust Makes That Mud,' which clocks in at a little more than a half an hour." Watch the video for "The Other Side Of Mt. Heart Attack."
