Rock/pop bands who use banjo?
July 14, 2017 4:30 PM Subscribe
Banjo at least as much as guitar...
Like Mojave 3, say. But there's too little of it there. I don't want some blues artist w/ a heartland agenda, nor bluegrass, though both are fine. But on Spotify, if I could find some band that incorporates the banjo as either a constant background or even a lead instrument, I'd be on my way. Keyword, "pleasant," "tuneful." More banjo-based dreampop or if such a thing exists, art-rock. Angels of Epistemology I already have, want less off-beat and perhaps quieter.
Like Mojave 3, say. But there's too little of it there. I don't want some blues artist w/ a heartland agenda, nor bluegrass, though both are fine. But on Spotify, if I could find some band that incorporates the banjo as either a constant background or even a lead instrument, I'd be on my way. Keyword, "pleasant," "tuneful." More banjo-based dreampop or if such a thing exists, art-rock. Angels of Epistemology I already have, want less off-beat and perhaps quieter.
The Avett Brothers might scratch your itch.
posted by soundguy99 at 5:30 PM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by soundguy99 at 5:30 PM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
I think Modest Mouse utilizes a lot of banjo in their music. Satin in a coffin, for instance.
posted by oxfordcomma at 5:37 PM on July 14, 2017
posted by oxfordcomma at 5:37 PM on July 14, 2017
Bela Fleck had a few rock albums, Flight of The Cosmic Hippo is probably the most rock oriented. He's played with bands like Dave Matthews. There is a pronounced banjo part in Gallows Pole by Led Zeppelin.
posted by Lame_username at 5:41 PM on July 14, 2017
posted by Lame_username at 5:41 PM on July 14, 2017
Response by poster: Sure, I know the Zep. Precious 'n few. Avetts not doin it yet..
posted by noelpratt2nd at 5:45 PM on July 14, 2017
posted by noelpratt2nd at 5:45 PM on July 14, 2017
Response by poster: MM "Strangers to-- ," nope. Need gentler music, more present banjo.
posted by noelpratt2nd at 6:24 PM on July 14, 2017
posted by noelpratt2nd at 6:24 PM on July 14, 2017
Califone: Fisherman's Wife, All My Friends Are Funeral Singers, Don't Let Me Die Nervous, Sawtooth Sung a Cheater's Song
posted by the return of the thin white sock at 6:34 PM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by the return of the thin white sock at 6:34 PM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
Camper Van Beethoven?
posted by humboldt32 at 7:14 PM on July 14, 2017
posted by humboldt32 at 7:14 PM on July 14, 2017
It's a one-off, but the Eagles' Journey Of The Sorcerer may hit the "dreampop" element.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:07 PM on July 14, 2017
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:07 PM on July 14, 2017
Neko Case frequently features banjo in her songs, played by the legendary Jon Rauhouse. Her earlier work is more alt-countryish than her more recent albums.
posted by desuetude at 8:50 PM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by desuetude at 8:50 PM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Otis Taylor. He practically invented the trance-banjo genre.
posted by irisclara at 9:45 PM on July 14, 2017
posted by irisclara at 9:45 PM on July 14, 2017
Response by poster: Some good things here, thanks, but I realize I should've just asked, Are there any other bands pretty much like Mojave 3...the gentle-picking laidback thing over the course of albums.
posted by noelpratt2nd at 6:09 AM on July 15, 2017
posted by noelpratt2nd at 6:09 AM on July 15, 2017
Couldn't name a song off the top of my head, but I'm positive that there's plenty o' banjo in Calexico's oeuvre. Much of it hits the "dreamy" and "arty" buttons.
posted by Dr. Wu at 11:37 AM on July 15, 2017
posted by Dr. Wu at 11:37 AM on July 15, 2017
Mumford and sons!
posted by speakeasy at 3:16 PM on July 15, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by speakeasy at 3:16 PM on July 15, 2017 [1 favorite]
I'm not that familiar with Mojave 3, but what I found on Youtube reminds me somewhat of The Church, in particular their album Priest=Aura.
posted by the return of the thin white sock at 6:11 PM on July 16, 2017
posted by the return of the thin white sock at 6:11 PM on July 16, 2017
Response by poster: Neil Halstead and Slowdive have new releases I didn't know about so all's good. Thank you all for some interesting other stuff.
posted by noelpratt2nd at 1:38 PM on July 17, 2017
posted by noelpratt2nd at 1:38 PM on July 17, 2017
Trampled by Turtles (Wait So Long is one of my favorite songs)
Nickel Creek
Elle King
Perhaps some of Steve Martin's music?
posted by TomFoolery at 5:07 PM on July 17, 2017
Nickel Creek
Elle King
Perhaps some of Steve Martin's music?
posted by TomFoolery at 5:07 PM on July 17, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by youcancallmeal at 4:43 PM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]