My car's sound system fried, so I've had a rare opportunity to survey corporate radio the last couple weeks. Broken Bells is pretty much the hottest shit KBCO 97.3 Boulder has been playing. Combining the world's best producer with a dynamic indie songwriter, Broken Bells has rolled out several top notch tunes, while cultivating a unique down tempo sound. They are also part of the re-emergence of important Supergroups.
The term Supergroup is archaic, but more than ever, interesting cross-genre collaborations are happening and pushing pop music forward. The density of these Supergroups is heavier now than even the 60s, when the concept was fresh. And we have the pleasure of having the most star studded and one of the best selling Supergroups of all time thriving right now.
Them Crooked Vultures is, on the pedigree side of the ranking system, unparalleled. The Vultures are built for their leader, desert rock legend, Josh Homme, even though he is the worst known member of the group. John Paul Jones has aged regally and lays down pulsating bass lines, while prolific Dave Grohl adds vitriolic drumming.The Rock Gods have finally given Homme a rhythm section worthy of his talents. This band should be a live powerhouse for a while.
Gorillaz are the modern version of this creation, and one for which we need a new moniker to fit
Broken Social Scene, New Pornographers, Monsters of Folk, Postal Service, amongst others. Based on the multi-interested members of these groups, I think they should get their own genre, Collaborock. Gorillaz set the standard: combining art across mediums, hosting a revolving and evolving cast of cohorts, and delivering quality with each album, Collaborockers take idiosyncratic parts and merge them into something widely palatable.
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