Manchester Orchestra

Next band is Manchester Orchestra, they didn't really have any really funny pictures to follow my previous pattern but oh well, this picture will have to do.
Now, I happened by this band purely through accident. My friend, the one who is obsessed with Juliet Simms, sent me a link telling me to watch a video, but this video was also on the page. Long story short I watched the wrong video but FELL IN LOVE!
This group comes from Atlanta, Georgia and formed back in 2005. According to wikipedia, they are an "indie rock group". I group them more of alternative rock, the only reason they've been smooshed over to "indie" is because they are on an indie label.
The group is headed by Andy Hull, who is lead vocals, plays guitar, piano and is the group's songwriter. It's from him that we get all of their metaphoric lyrics, which at sometimes are a little twisted but hey who isn't at some point in their life. He also has a pretty wicked beard that I believe many men would be jealous of. Jease I'm even jealous of it!
The lead guitarist in the group, playing all the wicked melodies and putting you in the rocking out mood is Robert McDowell, who also adds some backing vocals.
Another backing vocals guy is keyboardist Chris Freeman, who is secretly my favourite... as I said before, I'm a sucker for a piano. He does some additional percussion too... so oooo ahhh a pianist who is multi talented, dream come true.
Bass is played by Johnathon Corley, he's just cool. I love his hair and if I ever meet him, will ask how he gets it so silky smooth looking!
Finally the drummer is Jeremiah Edmond, he just plays the drums so quickly and well, I love him. He looks like he's a wee little guy (as in really short) BUT still... I may let it slide. Evidence of his drumming is seen in the video I happened across when I first found them. (Link below)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCttzQSsdWc

On to the music, the music, the music. Now their most recent album, Mean Everything to Nothing, is above. It was released in 2009, and is AMAZING.
It's filled with crazy guitar, Andy Hull's soft voice and deep lyrics and just oozes pure awesome.
Before this they released an album called I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child, which was also sooo good. BUT I'm much more in love with Mean Everything to Nothing.
Currently, everytime I need to get "pumped up" I listen to their music... as I said before filled with awesome guitar that's hard rock-esque and then Hull's voice comes through and it's calming, then right back into the chorus filled with guitar and drums and piano and bass and everything that's right. The lyrics echo in the back of your head and in almost song there's a crazy climax that's every bit as satisfying as the rest of the song.
Holy, I am obsessed with this band right now.

As per usual, songs to download

Now That You're Home
Golden Ticket
Everything To Nothing
I Think I saw You
My Friend Marcus

Now That You're Home: three syllables A-MA-ZING. This is the song that has that amazing climax that I was talking about, the entire song builds to the last minute and then the lyrics, the music EVERYTHING becomes the most amazing thing you've ever heard, or one of the most amazing things.

Golden Ticket: this song is a bit slower and not as rocky BUT the best part of the song is the echo or far away voice that comes in the middle saying "I've lost my golden ticket back home". Just reminds me of Willy Wonka... and Wizard of Oz, or an sweet combination of the two.

Everything to Nothing: the song that I first heard by them. Again, it's epic... the lyrics make it sound like a hate filled song, but it's not really right? You mean everything to nobody but me, and again... builds to the end and is phenomenal. Holy.

I Think I Saw You: kind of slower and cute and just adorable. It's off of the first album and has references to other songs on the album, but is so good.

My Friend Marcus: this is kind of a mash of a bunch of songs, it contains part of Everything to Nothing but is it's own song. And I have an uncle named Marcus, so it kind of hits home... kind of?

Seriously, download them. They're epic and awesome and I need to see them live!
Friends said they didn't really like them live, but they're folksy people... if you like to rock out then these guys are a must! (Based on watching their live footage on youtube).