Text: Jared Stalder

“Alternative” seems like an outdated term. During the disco era, listening to something alternative meant listening to a sound that was totally different. Much alternative music ends up on the pop charts and alternative singers/groups become popular. Do they lose their “alternative” status?

At the same time, if “pop” is only popular or mainstream music then what happens when the mainstream starts listening to alternative? It’s a bit of a conundrum and if you ask 10 people, you’ll get 10 different answers. Clearly, the definition lies in a combination of things including sound, popularity, style, etc.

Here are some pop and alternative comparisons. If you’re a pop princess then you might discover some new alternative artists you like. If you’re a diehard alternative fan then, well, at least you’ll know what the masses are listening to.

James Blunt

You may not own the single or even like the song but you’ve surely heard “You’re Beautiful”, James Blunt’s breakout hit in 2006. Whether you curse it or sing along with it, the song was hard to hide from in ’06. In fact, the song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, something that hadn’t been done by a British artist for almost a decade.

Blunt has quite a distinctive singing voice and a unique musical style. He sings soft ballads with a voice that’s both beautiful (in the opinion of fans) and sincere. He’s been quoted: “Essentially, it’s kind of acoustic-soul-pop-guitar-folk thing. I would say it’s like my own mini-genre: the James Blunt genre.” Watch out James, your head’s about to explode.

Well, his most recent album in ‘07, All Lost Souls has received mixed reviews and may be grounding him a bit. He strayed away from his folky sound incorporating more of a pop/rock vibe but folky is what his fans like.

VS

Alternative
Marc Almond

Marc Almond is best known as half of the 80s New Wave duo, Soft Cell (Tainted Love being their most mainstream song… Yes, Pussy Cat Dolls covered it). Since his career with Soft Cell he has collaborated with a number of artists including Antony and the Johnsons, Souxsie Sioux and Sneaker Pimps. Obvious influences in Almond’s music include David Bowie, Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop.

Almond’s newest album, Stardom Road (2007) is mostly a collection of cover songs with many sung with other artists he’s collaborated with in the past. The album is his first offering since his almost fatal car accident in 2004 and his song choices and emotion is clearly a culmination of his wide scope of influences.

Marc Almond has a unique, sultry voice but it’s not only his voice that makes him unique. The artistic quality and passion he puts into his music (whether a cover or self-penned) gives him an edge and is why he’s still on the music scene after almost 30 years.

The Verdict…

Both of these English singers have a distinct voice and sound. Almond gets credit for sticking to his style but then Blunt has Oprah as a fan. In the end Marc Almond has staying power… in 5 years you’ll probably be saying “James who?”

2. Pop

Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy is a case of “you say punk, I say pop”. Hardcore fans convince themselves that they’re listening to something punk or even alternative, in part due to Pete Wentz’, “we don’t care” attitude. Ok, I’ll concede a bit and call it “pop punk” but only because of their throaty vocals and meshed strings.

Much of the group’s likeability is rooted in their lyrics which is claimed to be a product of the group, however the main songwriters are lead vocalist Patrick Stump and lead lyricist Pete Wentz. Pete narrates on personal experience (sometimes esoteric) and frequently uses irony to convey his message.

VS

Alternative
Placebo

Placebo is a band that’s hard to put a label on which may be why they have kept the “alternative” tag firmly attached. They’ve been around since the mid 90’s and started during the post-grunge era with a gritty and unique sound. Over the years their music has become softer but their experimentation with less traditional sounds has increased. With the release of their third album, Black Market Music, they even experimented with hip-hop and disco elements, something that was previously so taboo that it worked. Placebo’s last album, Meds (2006) was a culmination of years of techniques but captured much of the feel of their first album, a kind of “return to our roots”.

Much of Placebo’s attraction is in their lyrics which show no holding back when it comes to issues of sexuality and drugs. Many are based on real experiences as one member is homosexual and another bi… and drug use is admitted as well. It will be interesting to see what they’ll be saying in their next album, due to be released this summer.

The Verdict…

Both Placebo and Fall Out Boy have a way with words which is the attraction to both bands; Placebo more in-your-face and Fall Out Boy with irony. I prefer my music (like my men) straightforward but if you like your music less candid then stick to Fall Out Boy.

3. Pop

The Feeling

Five piece Brit band, The Feeling have only been around for a handful of years but they’ve become quite popular in their country and are growing in popularity in the US. In 2006 (just about the year they entered the scene) they were the most played band on UK radio, with one of their songs being played every 5 minutes. I don’t know if that would make me love them or hate them but needless to say they quickly formed a large fan base.

Their music is definitely pop (as admitted by the band) with silky smooth ballads (or too-slow-to-dance-songs) certainly their strength. There are no surprises or guesswork with this music which suits their fans just fine. Their second album (yes, they already have another) is a bit of a rehash of their first. Again, they’re sticking with what they know… and what makes the fans happy.

VS

Alternative
Antony and the Johnsons

On first listen to Antony and The Johnsons you’re caught a bit off guard; the vocals are so strong and lead singer Antony Hegarty has such a unique voice (some call it a “warble”… a bit like Kate Bush). This, in combination with the ambient sound scapes make this band a refreshing and soothing change. Many of their songs talk about things generally ignored in music such as transgender and queer issues, sometimes reaching esoteric levels.

Anthony and the Johnsons had a slow start with their first album in 2001 but their mainstream attention didn’t come until their second album, I am a Bird Now in 2005. Their last album just released in January, has hit the charts in much of Europe and Australia. They are certainly taking music to a new level of art without compromising their style or their popularity.

Verdict…
Both The Feeling and Antony and the Johnsons strength lie in their ballads but the latter has such a unique sound that it would be hard to convert one way or the other. If you want to impress your alterna-gay friends then pretend you don’t listen to The Feeling and tell them you love Antony and the Johnson (even if you don’t).

4. Pop

The Veronicas

New to the scene duo, The Veronicas have made quite a splash in their home country of Australia with an increasing amount of fans in the US and the UK. Their sound is quite pop and their fans are less typical pop listeners but no matter how you dress it up they are a pop duo. The twin sisters, Lisa and Jess would be yelling at me right about now (as would some of their faux-hipster fans) since they prefer to be called a “rock band”. I guess they don’t want to be called “sell outs” but they’re still young so hopefully they’ll learn to accept their genre.

Their most recent album, Hook Me Up, shows that the girls have done some growing up and their music has evolved. Their creativity sometimes fails but their catchy tunes have hit the dance floor regardless. The Veronicas fashion style has had a huge impact on its fans (or even created fans) similar to the skater-girl-punk look that Avril Lavigne gave rise to. It’s all about black and white stripes, heavy eyeliner and red lipstick.

VS

Alternative
CSS

CSS hails from Brazil and while they sing in both English and Portuguese, the former is used more (especially in choruses) to attract an international listener. Their music has been described as electroclash but their sound has evolved with infectious use of synth and a stray from the done-to-death 80s beat.

A couple of breaks, including the use of their song in the Latin broadcast of The Simple Life, lead to their popularity in South America and eventually in the Northern Hemisphere. Their North American popularity grew with the somewhat lucky use of Music is My Hot Hot Sex in an iPod commercial. Their sound and look is still on the Indie side of the Alternative spectrum, right where they, and their fans, like them. Their latest album, Donkey, retains their synth/indie sound but is certainly more polished… in a good way.

The Verdict…

If you’re heading out to your typical fag bar put on The Veronicas on to get you in the mood. Then, once you get back, listen to some CSS to get The Veronicas out of your head. As far as staying power, both The Veronicas and CSS have a large fan base in their home countries but The Veronicas have the tween dollar and are based in L.A.