Singersroom: "15 Best Indie Bands of All Time" (October 9, 2024)

15 Best Indie Bands of All Time
By Edward Tomlin

The Smiths remain one of the most significant bands in music history, leaving an indelible mark on the indie scene. Originating from Manchester in 1982, they crafted a unique sound characterized by jangly guitars, evocative lyrics, and the unmistakable charisma of frontman Morrissey. The partnership between Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr produced an impressive array of songs that resonated deeply with the disenchanted youth of the time. Tracks like “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” and “How Soon Is Now?” have transcended generations, becoming timeless anthems of heartache and introspection. Their ability to combine catchy melodies with poignant lyricism created a distinctive musical style that was both accessible and profound. Though their career was relatively short-lived, their influence continues to inspire countless musicians and bands today. The Smiths’ music often delves into themes of alienation, love, and societal critique, resonating with those who feel out of place in the world. Their legacy as one of the greatest indie bands of all time is firmly established, solidifying their place in the pantheon of music history as pioneers of a genre that champions authenticity and emotional depth.

Spoiler: Full list

15 Best Indie Bands of All Time - Singersroom.com

The world of indie music is a vast, vibrant universe where raw talent meets unbridled creativity. It's a place where unconventional sounds flourish, and artists break away from industry norms to craft something genuinely unique. Whether you're a seasoned indie connoisseur or a newcomer seeking...

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Regards,
FWD.

 

[Orange Crush]

No Coldplay? Sorry, but I cannot take this seriously.

 

[trans]

curious how they judge whats indie here. radiohead? lots of punk or hardcore bands missing here at least here in the us where they werent part of pop music or culture. black flag influenced a lot of people as have the descendents (check out the doc) and i think dinosaur jr along with sonic youth helped shoegazer going when they toured england with the dead kennedys. minor threat and ian helped create the model that a lot of us indie bands copied to start new labels. flag sonic youth and mudhoney helped map out the first cross country tours by indie and helped create new scenes in every town they visited here in the us. i mean the replacements might have had an effect on some people and wrote some good songs. decemberists also on elephant six and there first three albums are amazing in terms of quality. the offsprings smash was one of the best selling indie records of its time and they still sell out stadiums which is more than i can say for the monkeys or vampire weekend. the offsprings most famous song to date has over a billion plays and is only a few years ol. nothing off smash is even in the top five. having wrote this i wonder if they explained and i just skipped it. to late now i guess but still

 

[Dusty Miller's Hornpipe]

Top <insert number> list are silly. Sillier still when they miss out The Wedding Present

 

[Les Tameside]

I can barely believe they put LCD Sound System in the list at the expense of Talking Heads—the band that clearly influenced them.

Only The Smiths, The Pixies and Belle and Sebastian seem worthy of their place.

 

[luiz felipe scolari]

Nice write-up for the Smiths, but at least half those bands aren't really indie. They missed out The Fall, probably the ultimate indie band. Pavement surely deserve a place too.

 

[SteveWS]

Are MBV considered Indie? If so, they should've been high-up on the list, IMO.

 

[Les Tameside]

Are MBV considered Indie? If so, they should've been high-up on the list, IMO.

Also, Spacemen 3, Stone Roses, and The Cure would be nailed on. You’d imagine?

 

[Stephen Hofmann]

Stupid list by a stupid American.

 

[Stephen Hofmann]

Top <insert number> list are silly. Sillier still when they miss out The Wedding Present

American list. You think they know the Wedding Present?

 

[Stephen Hofmann]

curious how they judge whats indie here. radiohead? lots of punk or hardcore bands missing here at least here in the us where they werent part of pop music or culture. black flag influenced a lot of people as have the descendents (check out the doc) and i think dinosaur jr along with sonic youth helped shoegazer going when they toured england with the dead kennedys. minor threat and ian helped create the model that a lot of us indie bands copied to start new labels. flag sonic youth and mudhoney helped map out the first cross country tours by indie and helped create new scenes in every town they visited here in the us. i mean the replacements might have had an effect on some people and wrote some good songs. decemberists also on elephant six and there first three albums are amazing in terms of quality. the offsprings smash was one of the best selling indie records of its time and they still sell out stadiums which is more than i can say for the monkeys or vampire weekend. the offsprings most famous song to date has over a billion plays and is only a few years ol. nothing off smash is even in the top five. having wrote this i wonder if they explained and i just skipped it. to late now i guess but still

Yere.........but that's all American shit. The UK had a far more interesting indie scene in the 80s.

 

[Lujan369]

Y FELT????

 

[Gregor Samsa]

Joy Division? The Field Mice? Arguably The Cure? Bright Eyes? Cursive?

 

[gordyboy9]

what about a list of music journalists who make lists,would be way more original than this dung heap.

these lists started at the turn of the century where the amount of tv channels grew but they struggled to fill the air-time,you would have 50 james bond greatest moments that lasted 3 hours,its cheap tv.

 

[Les Tameside]

what about a list of music journalists who make lists,would be way more original than this dung heap.

these lists started at the turn of the century where the amount of tv channels grew but they struggled to fill the air-time,you would have 50 james bond greatest moments that lasted 3 hours,its cheap tv.

50 greatest James Bond moments, coming in at just under 3 hours? You were simply watching the full cut of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

 

[Guernie]

What gives with this list? HOW COULD YOU LEAVE OUT .... THE FALL !!

 

[goinghome]

curious how they judge whats indie here. radiohead? lots of punk or hardcore bands missing here at least here in the us where they werent part of pop music or culture. black flag influenced a lot of people as have the descendents (check out the doc) and i think dinosaur jr along with sonic youth helped shoegazer going when they toured england with the dead kennedys. minor threat and ian helped create the model that a lot of us indie bands copied to start new labels. flag sonic youth and mudhoney helped map out the first cross country tours by indie and helped create new scenes in every town they visited here in the us. i mean the replacements might have had an effect on some people and wrote some good songs. decemberists also on elephant six and there first three albums are amazing in terms of quality. the offsprings smash was one of the best selling indie records of its time and they still sell out stadiums which is more than i can say for the monkeys or vampire weekend. the offsprings most famous song to date has over a billion plays and is only a few years ol. nothing off smash is even in the top five. having wrote this i wonder if they explained and i just skipped it. to late now i guess but still

The independent claim lacks consistency. Sometimes people mean record companies, sometimes the type of music.

The Smiths and peers are also cited foremost in this overview of indie music from a few weeks ago- https://neonmusic.co.uk/the-ultimate-guide-to-indie-music-definition-history-and-examples

Others assume Indie music started with grunge, and while the category had evolved and maybe got genre recognition in the 90s, the descriptor existed well before then, some say even from the 50s -

"The term derives from “independent” – which is to say a record label operating independently from commercial, mainstream record companies. Such independent record labels existed long before the iconic labels of UK post-punk era music, such as Rough Trade and Creation. Sam Phillips’ Sun Records and Berry Gordy’s Motown were independent labels in the 1950s and 60s; these auteurist founders often took on A&R, managerial, engineering and production duties as well as overseeing the manufacturing and distribution processes..."- https://theconversation.com/explainer-indie-music-28321

That 2014 article, which is better thought through, also mentions Smiths.

 

[WhalleyRange]

Appalling list
If by indie they mean alternative there's so many great bands missing