Deliver me MORE!
November 25, 2010 10:47 AM Subscribe
I have, unexpectedly, found myself to be enjoying the music of The Postal Service. What else might I like?
I've been aware (and dismissive) of this sort of stuff for a long while, and now I find myself enjoying it. Particularly, the album Give Up has won me over, and I demand more. Any recommendations for similar upbeat, poppy electronica with vocals? And yes, I'm familiar with Death Cab, and don't care for it! Thanks mefi!
I've been aware (and dismissive) of this sort of stuff for a long while, and now I find myself enjoying it. Particularly, the album Give Up has won me over, and I demand more. Any recommendations for similar upbeat, poppy electronica with vocals? And yes, I'm familiar with Death Cab, and don't care for it! Thanks mefi!
Chromeo makes me want to dance my pants off. Heard about them in college and dismissed them, then really got into them.
posted by darkgroove at 10:55 AM on November 25, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by darkgroove at 10:55 AM on November 25, 2010 [3 favorites]
Owl City is also VERY similar to Postal Service (I actually thought it was the Postal Service before finding out it was a different band).
posted by darkgroove at 10:56 AM on November 25, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by darkgroove at 10:56 AM on November 25, 2010 [1 favorite]
You want the genuinely 'upbeat' (lyric wise, anyway) bizarro clone of PS? - you want Owl City.
posted by bitterkitten at 10:58 AM on November 25, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by bitterkitten at 10:58 AM on November 25, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for all the recommendations so far!
I forgot all about The Notwist; I have enjoyed them in the past and will dig that stuff back out. I also checked out some Dntel, and it is along the lines of what I am after. Thanks!
Chromeo is a bit too "dancey" for my tastes, but I will peruse their catalog a little more. Thanks!
I actually really loathe Owl City. I have heard the name brought up in my circle of peers as a thing worthy of derision, and after hearing them I know why. How is it possible that I like Postal Service, but hate Owl City? They really are, in many ways, indistinguishable.
posted by broadway bill at 11:08 AM on November 25, 2010
I forgot all about The Notwist; I have enjoyed them in the past and will dig that stuff back out. I also checked out some Dntel, and it is along the lines of what I am after. Thanks!
Chromeo is a bit too "dancey" for my tastes, but I will peruse their catalog a little more. Thanks!
I actually really loathe Owl City. I have heard the name brought up in my circle of peers as a thing worthy of derision, and after hearing them I know why. How is it possible that I like Postal Service, but hate Owl City? They really are, in many ways, indistinguishable.
posted by broadway bill at 11:08 AM on November 25, 2010
Best answer: Dntel is Jimmy Tamborello = half of The Postal Service. Gibbard and Tamborello first worked together when Gibbard did guest vocals on this amazing song: This is the Dream of Evan and Chan.
Also check out this Styrofoam song with Gibbard on guest vocals: Couches in Alleys.
More:
Imogen Heap (previously)
Frou Frou (Imogen Heap is the singer)
Ms. John Soda (the non-singing half of this duo is in The Notwist)
Figurine (Tamborello is in this band)
Jonsi (the singer from Sigur Ros)
Bjork
The Knife
Goldfrapp
Decoder Ring - Fractions album
Radiohead - Kid A album
Thom Yorke
MGMT
Uh Huh Her
Nine Inch Nails - With Teeth album
Older stuff:
Prince (all his albums from the '80s)
Sheila E.
Depeche Mode
New Order
Echo & the Bunnymen
I totally agree about Owl City. I love The Postal Service, and I hate Owl City because they sound so much like The Postal Service. It's like "the uncanny valley."
posted by John Cohen at 11:31 AM on November 25, 2010 [5 favorites]
Also check out this Styrofoam song with Gibbard on guest vocals: Couches in Alleys.
More:
Imogen Heap (previously)
Frou Frou (Imogen Heap is the singer)
Ms. John Soda (the non-singing half of this duo is in The Notwist)
Figurine (Tamborello is in this band)
Jonsi (the singer from Sigur Ros)
Bjork
The Knife
Goldfrapp
Decoder Ring - Fractions album
Radiohead - Kid A album
Thom Yorke
MGMT
Uh Huh Her
Nine Inch Nails - With Teeth album
Older stuff:
Prince (all his albums from the '80s)
Sheila E.
Depeche Mode
New Order
Echo & the Bunnymen
I totally agree about Owl City. I love The Postal Service, and I hate Owl City because they sound so much like The Postal Service. It's like "the uncanny valley."
posted by John Cohen at 11:31 AM on November 25, 2010 [5 favorites]
Gnarls Barkley.
[Owl City is the tween-friendly heartthrob version of Postal Service]
posted by amethysts at 11:33 AM on November 25, 2010 [2 favorites]
[Owl City is the tween-friendly heartthrob version of Postal Service]
posted by amethysts at 11:33 AM on November 25, 2010 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Check out:
Friendly Fires (More dancy, you may not like so much if you're not digging Chromeo, but give em a shot)
I'll second The Knife.
Caribou (less of the Death Cabby vocals, more towards electronic music, but fairly varied.)
Some of the female vocals on the Give Up album are done by the lady from
Rilo Kiley
Villa Nah (More towards Synth Pop in style, might scratch the same itch)
posted by utsutsu at 11:40 AM on November 25, 2010
Friendly Fires (More dancy, you may not like so much if you're not digging Chromeo, but give em a shot)
I'll second The Knife.
Caribou (less of the Death Cabby vocals, more towards electronic music, but fairly varied.)
Some of the female vocals on the Give Up album are done by the lady from
Rilo Kiley
Villa Nah (More towards Synth Pop in style, might scratch the same itch)
posted by utsutsu at 11:40 AM on November 25, 2010
Response by poster: OOH! Thanks so much for these lists!! Keep em comin...
I like The Knife. Not at all a fan of Gnarls Barkley (I listen to a lot of hip hop, and G.O.O.D.I.E. is one of my favorite Southern groups of the era, but I loathe Cee-Lo outside of that setting), but thanks for the thought all the same. I do like some Imogen Heap stuff, but it does not satisfy me like Postal Service or Notwist. In my searches, I also stumbled across 13 & God, which I am also enjoying. Ms. John Soda is great! Decoder Ring, too.
I have enjoyed Caribou before, and will give that another go too. I also do like the Friendly Fires stuff I am hearing!
Less a fan of Bjork, NIN, Radiohead, MGMT, etc... none of that scratches the itch for me. As far as the older stuff goes (Sheila E., Prince, DM, etc...) I am already well versed in that stuff, but I am looking more for things that are really, really similar to The Postal Service sort of sound (but not Owl City levels of similar), and less interested in the originators of the general style.
posted by broadway bill at 11:56 AM on November 25, 2010
I like The Knife. Not at all a fan of Gnarls Barkley (I listen to a lot of hip hop, and G.O.O.D.I.E. is one of my favorite Southern groups of the era, but I loathe Cee-Lo outside of that setting), but thanks for the thought all the same. I do like some Imogen Heap stuff, but it does not satisfy me like Postal Service or Notwist. In my searches, I also stumbled across 13 & God, which I am also enjoying. Ms. John Soda is great! Decoder Ring, too.
I have enjoyed Caribou before, and will give that another go too. I also do like the Friendly Fires stuff I am hearing!
Less a fan of Bjork, NIN, Radiohead, MGMT, etc... none of that scratches the itch for me. As far as the older stuff goes (Sheila E., Prince, DM, etc...) I am already well versed in that stuff, but I am looking more for things that are really, really similar to The Postal Service sort of sound (but not Owl City levels of similar), and less interested in the originators of the general style.
posted by broadway bill at 11:56 AM on November 25, 2010
Response by poster: Forgot to say that I really really enjoy Villa Nah, at first glance. Thanks!
posted by broadway bill at 11:56 AM on November 25, 2010
posted by broadway bill at 11:56 AM on November 25, 2010
Best answer: Back in the day when I was looking for exactly this, I discovered The Mobius Band. They were the closest sounding music I could find at the time.
posted by special-k at 11:57 AM on November 25, 2010
posted by special-k at 11:57 AM on November 25, 2010
Decoder Ring, too.
Just so you know, I would only recommend the Fractions album. A lot of their other work is instrumental and more trippy than poppy. The singer in that YouTube clip was just a guest singer on a few of the songs on Fractions. Her name is Lenka; she's an Australian pop star in her own right, but I don't know if you'd like her solo album.
posted by John Cohen at 12:07 PM on November 25, 2010
Just so you know, I would only recommend the Fractions album. A lot of their other work is instrumental and more trippy than poppy. The singer in that YouTube clip was just a guest singer on a few of the songs on Fractions. Her name is Lenka; she's an Australian pop star in her own right, but I don't know if you'd like her solo album.
posted by John Cohen at 12:07 PM on November 25, 2010
Check out Noah and the Whale.
And in your more melancholy, snowy day moments, Bon Iver.
posted by Happy Dave at 12:46 PM on November 25, 2010
And in your more melancholy, snowy day moments, Bon Iver.
posted by Happy Dave at 12:46 PM on November 25, 2010
Funny, a friend loved Owl City so I handed him some Postal Service. I also proceeded to make him a list, more names for you below:
Vampire Weekend
Two Door Cinema Club
Phoenix
Beirut
Note that Caribou's stuff has varied widely from album to album, I still like it all though :)
posted by lizbunny at 12:58 PM on November 25, 2010
Vampire Weekend
Two Door Cinema Club
Phoenix
Beirut
Note that Caribou's stuff has varied widely from album to album, I still like it all though :)
posted by lizbunny at 12:58 PM on November 25, 2010
Best answer: Headphones, which I always think of as David Bazan/Pedro the Lion's Postal Service album.
posted by Utilitaritron at 1:29 PM on November 25, 2010
posted by Utilitaritron at 1:29 PM on November 25, 2010
Best answer: Aberfeldy, particularly this album.
posted by The Dutchman at 2:09 PM on November 25, 2010
posted by The Dutchman at 2:09 PM on November 25, 2010
Pandora and Last.fm both do a really good job when seeded with The Postal Service. Many of the bands listed above are familiar to me, precisely because of those two services.
posted by Alt F4 at 2:17 PM on November 25, 2010
posted by Alt F4 at 2:17 PM on November 25, 2010
Anyone who listens to The Postal Services album and then comments that it is similar to Owl City didn't listen close enough. Postal Service is dark and depressing with a dreary voice. Owl City sounds like cotton candy. It's completely different.
posted by lakerk at 5:59 PM on November 25, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by lakerk at 5:59 PM on November 25, 2010 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Similar tone and sound - Faded Paper Figures - North by North
Similar tone and sound, a bit slower/softer - Lali Puna - Faking the Books
More mainstream sounding in parts, but something reminiscent about the vocals in the main melody - Metric - Help I'm Alive
Instrumental, but sounds similar to some PS - Solvent - Some Assembly Required
Another instrumental but more retro - Tinfoil Teakettle - 1982 For You. Very satisfying and lovely synth with all kinds of electronic percussion.
For even more of an 80s retro sound, another Figurine (who somebody mentioned above) song is nice - Electronic Address. Though the aforelinked IMpossible is better.
Mostly instrumental with some similar sounds - Tanlines - Power Everything
Longshot 1 - less like PS but still really pretty and synthy - Frankmusik - Confusion Girl (Don Diablo remix)
Longshot 2 - also less like PS, more dancey, but nice, particularly once it kicks in at 1:27, Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone.
For more ideas, here's somebody asking the same question on another forum years ago.
Owl City is a straight busta ripoff of PS. I hope he sends them royalties. Or that they get to ballpunch him on a defined schedule.
posted by Askr at 7:26 PM on November 25, 2010 [1 favorite]
Similar tone and sound, a bit slower/softer - Lali Puna - Faking the Books
More mainstream sounding in parts, but something reminiscent about the vocals in the main melody - Metric - Help I'm Alive
Instrumental, but sounds similar to some PS - Solvent - Some Assembly Required
Another instrumental but more retro - Tinfoil Teakettle - 1982 For You. Very satisfying and lovely synth with all kinds of electronic percussion.
For even more of an 80s retro sound, another Figurine (who somebody mentioned above) song is nice - Electronic Address. Though the aforelinked IMpossible is better.
Mostly instrumental with some similar sounds - Tanlines - Power Everything
Longshot 1 - less like PS but still really pretty and synthy - Frankmusik - Confusion Girl (Don Diablo remix)
Longshot 2 - also less like PS, more dancey, but nice, particularly once it kicks in at 1:27, Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone.
For more ideas, here's somebody asking the same question on another forum years ago.
Owl City is a straight busta ripoff of PS. I hope he sends them royalties. Or that they get to ballpunch him on a defined schedule.
posted by Askr at 7:26 PM on November 25, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Seconding Stars and Jonsi. Being totally lazy and consulting iTunes Genius brings up Feist and Surfjan Stevens which aren't terrible recommendations.
And while I'm not sure liking The Postal Service means you'll like Rilo Kiley (though I think you will - particularly the album More Adventurous), Jenny Lewis is the singer from both and has some nice solo work (I prefer the first album, "Rabbit Fur Coat") but it certainly doesn't have that electronic sound you probably like from TPS.
posted by maryr at 7:41 PM on November 25, 2010
And while I'm not sure liking The Postal Service means you'll like Rilo Kiley (though I think you will - particularly the album More Adventurous), Jenny Lewis is the singer from both and has some nice solo work (I prefer the first album, "Rabbit Fur Coat") but it certainly doesn't have that electronic sound you probably like from TPS.
posted by maryr at 7:41 PM on November 25, 2010
Best answer: What you need is to take a look at the Music Map!
posted by Cobalt at 7:56 PM on November 25, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Cobalt at 7:56 PM on November 25, 2010 [1 favorite]
I actually really loathe Owl City. I have heard the name brought up in my circle of peers as a thing worthy of derision, and after hearing them I know why. How is it possible that I like Postal Service, but hate Owl City? They really are, in many ways, indistinguishable.
Because Postal Service did it first. I also hate Owl City. The first time I heard that stupid fireflies song I was like what the hell? this sounds like postal service, except the lyrics, which are really dumb. is this them? why did they write such a crap song? when i found out it was another band i couldn't believe it. they sound EXACTLY the same, except not good.
sorry, anyway, recommendations. Yeasayer doesn't necessarily sound like Postal Service but I find myself grouping them together in terms of which bands i like to listen to when i'm in a certain mood . . . so you might like them?
posted by lblair at 8:48 PM on November 25, 2010
One more I forgot: Kate Havnevik. She's very similar to Imogen Heap.
posted by John Cohen at 9:06 PM on November 25, 2010
posted by John Cohen at 9:06 PM on November 25, 2010
American Analog Set. Andrew Kenny from AAS used to tour with Ben Gibbard (and is much dreamier in my humble opinion...).
posted by ifjuly at 11:01 PM on November 25, 2010
posted by ifjuly at 11:01 PM on November 25, 2010
Also, Mia Doi Todd's sung for Dntel tracks, and you might dig some of her stuff like "Digital 2.2" or something.
posted by ifjuly at 11:01 PM on November 25, 2010
posted by ifjuly at 11:01 PM on November 25, 2010
The Russian Futurists. Not always electronica -- lots of samples, though. The vocals are very similar. Very upbeat, especially "Paul Simon."
Some of Casiotone For the Painfully Alone. Lo-fi, not nearly as upbeat. Scratches a similar itch for me, though.
posted by HerArchitectLover at 4:43 AM on November 26, 2010 [2 favorites]
Some of Casiotone For the Painfully Alone. Lo-fi, not nearly as upbeat. Scratches a similar itch for me, though.
posted by HerArchitectLover at 4:43 AM on November 26, 2010 [2 favorites]
Best answer: If you like The Postal Service but you don't like Paper Television by The Blow, I will eat my hat.
posted by Zozo at 8:58 AM on November 26, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Zozo at 8:58 AM on November 26, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Wow, thanks so much, everyone, for all of the input. I was sort of at a loss, and now I have tons to catch up on.
It is an odd thing, because I am, as a general rule, pretty up to date on most of this sort of thing. So, things like American Analog Set, The Shins, Sufjan Stevens, Broken Social Scene, etc are bands I have been familiar with for some time. I was never much a fan of any of that stuff (other than AAS), but it appears that Postal Service has opened my ears up. Now I am going back and reacquainting myself with records and groups I never liked and suddenly I do!
I think my favorites to come from this thread are 13 & God (was that recc'd here?), Mobius Band, Headphones, The Blow and Au Revoire Simone.
Great job mefi!
posted by broadway bill at 10:27 PM on November 26, 2010 [1 favorite]
It is an odd thing, because I am, as a general rule, pretty up to date on most of this sort of thing. So, things like American Analog Set, The Shins, Sufjan Stevens, Broken Social Scene, etc are bands I have been familiar with for some time. I was never much a fan of any of that stuff (other than AAS), but it appears that Postal Service has opened my ears up. Now I am going back and reacquainting myself with records and groups I never liked and suddenly I do!
I think my favorites to come from this thread are 13 & God (was that recc'd here?), Mobius Band, Headphones, The Blow and Au Revoire Simone.
Great job mefi!
posted by broadway bill at 10:27 PM on November 26, 2010 [1 favorite]
Without a doubt, absolutely, Faded Paper Figures. They've got the electronic pop thing, AND the girl/boy vocal thing going on.
posted by polyester.lumberjack at 12:15 AM on November 27, 2010
posted by polyester.lumberjack at 12:15 AM on November 27, 2010
Aw, shoot, just saw Askr beat me to it. :)
posted by polyester.lumberjack at 12:16 AM on November 27, 2010
posted by polyester.lumberjack at 12:16 AM on November 27, 2010
I just thought of one more and no one has mentioned it. Check out PlushGun, a Brooklyn based (I think) band.
posted by special-k at 8:57 AM on November 29, 2010
posted by special-k at 8:57 AM on November 29, 2010
A bit more upbeat (and non-English) but: Familjen
posted by benzenedream at 12:43 AM on November 30, 2010
posted by benzenedream at 12:43 AM on November 30, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by proj at 10:53 AM on November 25, 2010