29. Beach Fossils “Clash the Truth” (2013)
The 2000s NYC indie sleaze era didn’t quite carry over into the 2010s. It only mutated into a more sophisticated sound that was less about crushing beers until 4 a.m. and asking retail workers if they had any skinnier jeans in the back, and more about shopping at Whole Foods early on a Sunday morning to beat the crowds.
28. White Zombie “Thunder Kiss ‘65” (1992)
White Zombie almost feels like they were formed at a truck stop in Nevada in the middle of the night by a few friends who all shared an interest in exotic reptiles. But no. Turns out, this band knows how to swipe a MetroCard without looking like a tourist. The reptile thing is yet to be debunked though.
27. They Might Be Giants “Particle Man” (1990)
They Might Be Giants is the Pixar animation studio of bands. They seemingly write songs for kids that can also be enjoyed by adults alike. “Particle Man” is like “Toy Story 2” in music form.
26. LCD Soundsystem “All My Friends” (2007)
LCD Soundsystem is likely one of the only bands that can write a seven-minute song that’s nothing more than a couple of repetitive piano notes gently elevating the whole time and it not being absolute dog shit. Truly impressive skill set on display here.
25. The Drums “Money” (2011)
No lyric has ever captured the essence of living in New York City better than: “I want to buy you something but I don’t have any money.” Unless of course you’re rich, in which case, why are you even reading this? Go back to enjoying your savings account.
24. Living Colour “Cult of Personality” (1988)
“Cult of Personality” quite possibly contains the slickest opening riff on this list. The band formed in New York City in the mid-80s and consisted of two guys from the Big Apple, one from Connecticut, and the other from London. Guess which member wanted to spell “color” with a “u”? I assume the one from Connecticut. They’re so pompous up there.
23. Type O Negative “Black No. 1 (Little Miss Scare-All)” (1994)
Type O Negative wrote a fair amount of Odyssean-like epics that take you on a journey through a dark and spooky forest where you eventually come out the other end needing a drink of water for hydration. This is coincidentally also what it feels like to ride the Coney Island Cyclone after the sun goes down.
22. Anthrax “Caught In A Mosh” (1987)
Anthrax formed in New York City in the ‘80s. Some will tell you that NYC was just better back then. But that can’t be right. Ronald Reagan was president during most of that decade. I assure you nothing was better during that administration.
21. Salt-N-Pepa “Push It” (1986)
Salt-N-Pepa are trailblazers in the hip hop world. They’ve even transcended into the Geico commercial cinematic universe. We won’t hold that against them since it’s likely one of the few ways musicians can be fairly compensated for their art today. That’s probably why I see Jake From State Farm every day. He must make incredible music on the side.