Forgotten & Obscure Songs Pt. 2
Here is the second list of forgotten, obscure, lesser-known songs. I decided to get rid of the “before 2000” stipulation I had on the first list. Like the last time, there’s no real ranking it’s just a compilation of songs worth checking out.
Eleven Pond - Watching Trees (1986)
This was released in 1986 in New York and originally only 500 LP copies were made. The song is dance, goth, and new wave. It has some great synth sounds all over. Super underrated.
Lust for Youth - New Boys (2004)
Lust for Youth is a band from Sweden and this song is awesome. I first heard a DJ that was opening for Night Beats play this and I looked for it as soon as I could. The synths sound fantastic on this track. It has similar dancey post-punk goth vibes as Watching Trees, but a bit more electronic. If you like Depeche Mode or The Cure you should check out this band.
Shelly - Steeeam (2020)
The guitar riff at the start immediately hooks you. The drum beat is great and hypnotic. A little-known Clairo side-project that was released in 2020. The B-side to this single, “Natural” isn’t bad either. If you like Clairo or Bedroom Pop this is gonna be for you.
Foxboro Hot Tubs - Mother Mary (2008)
Green Day tries their hand at The Strokes. It’s pretty good and not that well-known. This is literally a Green Day side project and this was written about a year after American Idiot which is pretty amazing. This is catchy as fuck and a well-written Billie Joe homage to Garage Rock.
The Blackbyrds - Mysterious Vibes (1977)
This song is so smooth. The first time I heard this was while waiting for Arctic Monkeys to come on at a show during their Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino tour. I love everything about this song, the synths, the guitar, the strings, the hi-hats, really everything contributes to a groovy track.
Blake Babies - Rain (1989)
Blake Babies is a Band from Boston, Massachusetts who have reunited here and there for a limited number of live shows. I can’t remember when or where I found this song, but it’s one of those where the more I listen to it the more I like it. This song is jangly and indie and sort of Beatles psychedelic. Not everyone will love this but /I think it’s a song worth checking out.
Tonetta - Can’t Wait To Make Love (2014)
You can easily hear lots of 2010s indie rock in this song. The song is very lo-fi but it’s full of charm and upbeat melodies. Tonetta is an interesting character and this short documentary is worth checking out to get to know more about him.
Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse - Little Girl
This is a lesser-known Julian Casablancas song and that’s a shame since it’s really good. The whole album is full of great features and it’s a fantastic album overall.
The Breathing Effect - Rising Inside
This is like psychedelic jazz and that’s cool because you can get lost with some good headphones. The Breathing Effect is a pretty cool band from LA. This is not for everyone, but it’s worth listening to at least once.
Tops - Way To Be Loved (2014)
This is a super cool song with amazing guitar work. The first time I ever heard of this band was when I saw them play live at my campus for free. They are within the realm of Her’s, Men I Trust, and Homeshake so if you’re into any of those you’ll enjoy this. The first time I heard Tame Impala’s “Lost in Yesterday” I thought of the intro to this song.