The General Consensus

The General Consensus (previously the poorly named HAWT List) is a page that ranks current music. I will focus on why these artists have particular relevance to Denver, but the rankings are based on my viewpoint of the general national consensus of music writers, music fans (those that are my friends), record stores, etc. If you feel I missed something or am far off, feel free to comment or make your own list in the thus far rightfully ignored comments section.

1. Arcade Fire - Playing at Madison Square Garden, the jewel of our nation's cultural center, suggests Arcade Fire have transcended silly indie rock labels and become one of America's Favorite Rock Bands. But, perhaps to solidify that reputation, they have eschewed touring non-coastal cities. Does this mean they don't think Middle America is ready for their ambition on a grand scale? Is it a shrewd marketing move? Or am I just impatient?



Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) by user39221


2. Big Boi - Sir Lucius is the perfect change up for your flannel rock rotation.

3. Best Coast - Listening to Best Coast is like smoking a cigarette. An initial buzz, the risk of addiction, and then self disgust. They play the Bluebird in November, which will be a good time and place to sell snap bracelets to tweensters.

4. Band of Horses - Making an awkward jump from cult adoration to mainstream ambition placed Infinite Arms next to the register at Starbucks and on a featured shelf at Twist and Shout. They played the best 2010 show I've seen at the Ogden. They move up to the Fillmore in the Fall, which mainly means LoDo Bros will be in attendance.

5. Candy Claws - From Colorado's apparent hipster capitol, Fort Collins, they grace the Hi-Dive Friday and are beginning to transition from "a dreampop band from Colorado" to Our DreamPop Band. Their new album is the perfect soundtrack for someone drinking absinthe on an inflatable raft on an alpine lake.

6. Black Keys - They played the best show I've yet seen in my year long residence in Denver in early June. Brothers has continued to sell at Twist and Shout, and they continue to grace the late night circuit. Their tunes are wholesome, durable, and ideal for vinyl appreciation or mountain driving.



7. LCD Soundsystem - The LCD show with Hot Chip this fall may be an unprecedented Hipster Carnival. Also, they have a fabulous Pandora station.


Simmering: MIA (no longer blowing minds), The Roots (because they always are), Lady Gaga (ok, she could also be #1 on this list, but I don't really feel like writing about Lady Gaga; but I don't mind listening to her music)

Waiting List: Crystal Castles (Ogden next week), Mastodon (is there still good metal?),