In a message dated 10/30/2003 2:01:44 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
audities-owner@smoe.org writes:
P.P.S. Bands that *really* rock that should overthrow the White Stripes
very soon: JET, FU MANCHU, QUEENS OF THE STONEAGE, TURBONEGRO, THE BRONXX
Just to add a YMMV comment... I don't think all of the above (excepting 
QOTSA, who did in fact make a huge critical and commercial splash) hold a candle to 
the White Stripes or even the Strokes, two bands who actually *do* write good 
songs and actually *do* manipulate their images in their own favor. Jet in 
particular strike me as a bunch of hacks--if you're into a weirdly defensive 
version of the Shazam (who they sound shockingly like) then it may be your thing, 
but "Rollover DJ" is lyrically probably the worst rock song of the year, 
dealing in the same tired "hang the DJ" sentiment that's been kicking around for 
20 years now. Big yawn. Fu Manchu always seems like bland stoner-gook to me 
(talk about a band's songs ALL SOUNDING THE SAME) so I certainly don't see that 
one.

In other news, I'd like to add that I also think that "Hey Ya" by Outkast is 
one of the most fantastic pop singles of the year. The double album from which 
its pulled isnt quite as brilliant, but it's completely gonzo and all over 
the place--it's a pure platter of styles and sounds that sometimes works, 
sometimes fails, but never fails to be entertaining. Anyone who enjoys it and hasn't 
been paying attention to their career until now--they've been around and 
POPULAR for a decade now--should dig into some of their older stuff. They have a 
really good greatest hits (!) compilation out.

Also for devotees of the Plimsouls and Hoodoo Gurus and other early 80s 
power-pop: check out the Star Spangles. Advance warning: They are pure IMITATORS of 
the style, going so far as to rewrite the Gurus' "I Want You Back" into their 
own "I'll Get Her Back", but if you're into this stuff you'll find there's a 
lot to enjoy. Also they have one fantastic, classic power-pop single--one of 
the best of the year, no question--in "Which One of the Two of Us Is Gonna Burn 
This House Down?"

Also last night I saw a show by the Weakerthans, originally founded as a side 
project for Propagandhi's John Sampson, and I must wholeheartedly recommend 
seeing the band or buying their fantastic new disc "Reconstruction Site" to 
almost anyone on this list. RS is packed with literate, pretty songs with 
gorgeous, unusual lyrics and a wonderful attention to production detail (both on 
record and on stage their guitar tones were immaculate, quite a surprise for a 
punk offshoot). Sampson never avoids an unusual and warm lyrical turn and it's 
made this album into one of my most unexpected gems of the year. 
Seriously--check it out. The album is packed with lots of what most of us would consider 
"power pop" gems despite that this band is generally popular more within emo 
circles.

Also, I know they've been sort of abandoned by this list, but Copperpot just 
put out their second full length (and the first with a full band) and it blows 
the doors off the old one. Bolder, catchier, and more fully realized, this is 
really good stuff.

--Jason