Guest Post: 25 British Music Artists You Should Be Listening To

Editor’s Note: The following is a guest post from Amie Taylor on what she thinks are the Top British bands and musicians that Anglophiles should be listening to. Thanks Amie!

Music from across The Pond has been a fascination of mine my whole life, it seems, and I have my parents to profusely thank for initially putting me on the right track.  My early childhood was filled with the sounds of The Beatles, Dusty Springfield, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, Eric Clapton, The Who, Tom Jones, The Kinks, and Van Morrison.  I developed an early appreciation for the classics that ruled the airwaves of the oldies radio stations my mom and dad favoured.

Then, like many children of the 1980s, I became obsessed with the music of The Smiths, Wham!, Depeche Mode, Elvis Costello and The Attractions, The Police, Tears for Fears, The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Culture Club, Duran Duran, The Human League, OMD, Sheena Easton, Pet Shop Boys, XTC, New Order, and The Clash.  I would fluctuate between new wave neon paired with acid washed jeans, and all black ensembles that included a well-worn pair of Doc Martens.

In the 1990s, I listened to Annie Lennox, The Sundays, U2, Sinéad O’Connor, Oasis, Massive Attack, Bush, Morrissey, Happy Mondays, Blur, Jamiroquai, Sade, Nick Drake, Sting, Radiohead, and yes, The Spice Girls.  I also worked in a record shop for a spell during this time period, which fully enabled my already out-of-control music habit.

In the last decade, I’ve surrounded myself with the sounds of Amy Winehouse, Travis, Coldplay, Jem, Corinne Bailey Rae, Damien Rice, Lily Allen, Dido, Gorillaz, Joss Stone, David Gray, Muse, Jamie Cullum, KT Tunstall, Duffy, and Zero 7.  I’m always amazed when I look at my music collection and realize just how many gifted artists from England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland have contributed to the soundtrack of my life.

These days, there are several more talented artists from the UK in regular rotation on my iPod.  Some of these acts you may be familiar with because they have received some much-deserved accolades and industry recognition.  And some of them you may not have heard of before now, as they’re in the process of trying to break through to U.S. audiences.  But all of them have this in common: they are incredibly talented, and certainly worth checking out.  Here they are, in random order, for your listening pleasure.

1. Mumford & Sons. I was introduced to this amazing band at the beginning of 2010 by a friend of mine who lives in London.  Since that time, their music has become very special to me.  Their sound is quintessentially English, and will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time flat.  These blokes from London sell out shows and festivals in the UK in mere minutes, so I felt extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to see them perform in a small jazz club in Phoenix, Arizona this past summer.  Nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize as well as two Grammy Awards, if I had only one word to describe Mumford & Sons, it would be this: mind-blowing.  Listen: Little Lion Man, Awake My Soul, White Blank Page
2. Laura Marling. I first discovered this gifted English songstress in 2009, and I have been in love with her beautiful voice ever since.  Originally from Hampshire, England, she has been twice nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.  At just 20 years of age with a seasoned sound that continues to wow audiences the world over, she’s released several EPs, and two full-length albums.  Marling’s gift for songwriting is staggering, and fortunately for all of us, she often collaborates and tours with Mumford & Sons and Johnny Flynn (see #5).  Listen: New Romantic, Goodbye England (Covered In Snow), Blues Run the Game
3. Bombay Bicycle Club. These gents from Crouch End in North London are friends of Mumford & Sons.  In fact, I first heard them in October of 2010 on a BBC Radio 1 special, aptly titled Mumford & Sons and Friends.  Their warm, folksy sound will draw you in and won’t let go.  Their album Flaws has become a favourite of mine, and they’re currently working on their third studio album, tentatively scheduled for release in June 2011.  Listen: Ivy & Gold, Flaws, Always Like This
4. Eliza Doolittle. This cheeky young lady from London is a new musical find for me.  She was recently featured on a Los Angeles radio station that I listen to online, and from just the first few bars of her song Skinny Genes, I fell head over heels in love with her sound.  If you’re a fan of the legendary Lily Allen and Kate Nash (see #18), you’ll love Eliza.  Listen: Skinny Genes, Pack Up, Rollerblades
5. Johnny Flynn. A friend of Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling, this brilliant artist was raised in Hampshire and rural West Wales, is half-brother to English actor/musician Jerome Flynn, and went to school with Luke Pritchard of The Kooks (see #11).  Johnny’s first album, A Larum, with his band The Sussex Wit, is stellar and he recently released his second full-length album, Been Listening.  I saw his show at a small club in Scottsdale, Arizona in November, and was utterly charmed by his performance, as well as his humble demeanour.  He performed solo, with just his voice and his guitar, and he brought the house down.  Flynn’s sound is unique, timeless, and could easily be from another era.  It’s hard to believe he’s only 27 years old.  Listen: The Box, The Water (featuring Laura Marling), Kentucky Pill
6. Camera Obscura. I’ve been a fan of this indie pop band from Glasgow, Scotland for the last 4 years, and their offerings just keep getting better and better.  Their excellent 2006 album, Let’s Get Out of This Country, contained an answer song to the legendary Lloyd Cole and The Commotions’ track Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken?.  Their brilliant 2009 release, My Maudlin Career, gets quite a lot of airplay on my iPod.  Camera Obscura’s sound is sugary, upbeat, and just plain fun.  Listen: Lloyd, I’m Ready to be Heartbroken, French Navy, The Sweetest Thing
7. Bobby Long. Born in Wigan, near Manchester, this English singer/songwriter has a voice that far exceeds his years, and like his friends and contemporaries Marcus Foster (see #19) and Sam Bradley (see #24), he writes beautiful, haunting songs.  Long’s debut album, A Winter Tale, will be released in February of 2011, and he’ll be touring the States around the same time.  Listen: Who Have You Been Loving, The Bounty of Mary Jane, Two Tone Lover
8. Adele. This Grammy award-winning songstress from Tottenham is one of the better known artists on this list, yet I still come across people who haven’t heard of her.  Adele’s voice brings me to tears; it has that goose-pimply quality that makes people stop in their tracks and ask, “Who is this?”  Her second full-length album is scheduled to be released in early 2011.  I, for one, can’t wait.  Listen: Chasing Pavements, Right As Rain, Someone Like You
9. Passenger. Pandora gets all the credit for my discovery of Passenger.  I heard the song Night Vision Binoculars whilst listening to a station I’d created based off of Florence + the Machine (see #16).  The track is essentially an anthem for stalkers, but it’s so catchy and clever that I made note of the artist.  Once a five-piece band from Brighton fronted by singer/songwriter Mike Rosenberg, Passenger is now a one-man show.  And what a show it is.  Listen: Night Vision Binoculars, The One You Love, Golden Thread
10. The School. Originally from Cardiff, Wales, The School falls within the same genre as Camera Obscura with their catchy hooks, dreamy melodies, and stellar female lead vocals.  iTunes recommended this fun pop band to me based on previous purchases, and although I’m fairly new to their music, they had me once I heard Let It Slip.  Listen: Valentine, Let It Slip, All I Wanna Do
11. The Kooks. Gavin and Stacey was more than one of my favourite television shows; it was also a showcase for excellent music.  I first heard the song She Moves In Her Own Way by The Kooks in the very first episode, and I used the Shazam app on my phone to identify it.  I’ve been a fan of this indie pop band from Brighton ever since.  Listen: She Moves In Her Own Way, Ooh La, Always Where I Need To Be
12. Noisettes. My introduction to this indie rock & soul band from London came when a friend shared a link of their cover of The Killers’ song When You Were Young for BBC Radio 1′s Live Lounge.  A bit of YouTube sleuthing on my part for their other songs, and what can I say?  I agree wholeheartedly when they croon the words Never Forget You, because I won’t.  Listen: Never Forget You, Atticus, Cheap Kicks
13. Stephen Fretwell. This artist is another Gavin and Stacey discovery.  Originally from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire in England, Fretwell’s song Run was actually the theme song for the show.  Once I discovered his album Magpie, I knew I’d stumbled upon something very special.  Listen: Run; Bad Bad You, Bad Bad Me; Lines
14. Kerry Leatham. This talented singer/songwriter from London was another iTunes recommendation.  Her song Do You Fancy Me? (Bluff) was the track that initially reeled me in, but after hearing her heartbreakingly beautiful song A Different Light, I became a true fan of her musical stories and sound.  Listen: Do You Fancy Me? (Bluff), A Different Light, Clever Trickery
15. Paolo Nutini. It’s amazing to me that this Scotsman is only 23 years of age.  My introduction to Paolo came when I heard his song New Shoes on a television show a few years back.  I can also say that after seeing a charming interview with him on The Graham Norton Show last year, I now have a crush on the man himself, not just his voice.  Listen: New Shoes, Rewind, Pencil Full of Lead
16. Florence + the Machine. Florence Welch is a goddess.  The lead singer of this London-based indie rock band can bring you to your knees with her haunting, ethereal vocals.  Nominated for a 2009 Mercury Prize, a 2011 Grammy Award, and after an incredible performance at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, Florence + the Machine are currently taking America by storm.  And rightfully so.  Listen: Dog Days Are Over, Hurricane Drunk, Heavy In Your Arms
17. Mark Ronson. I was a fan of Mark Ronson before I even really knew who he was.  This English DJ/guitarist/music producer’s work with Adele, Lily Allen, and Amy Winehouse made quite an impact on me before I happened upon his own albums, Here Comes the Fuzz and Version.  He recently released his third album, Record Collection, as well as produced Duran Duran’s new album, All You Need Is Now, which is scheduled for release in December 2010.  Listen: Oh My God (featuring Lily Allen), Valerie (featuring Amy Winehouse), Bang Bang Bang (featuring Q-Tip and MNDR)
18. Kate Nash. Nash writes music that speaks directly to the heart of any woman who has ever been in a relationship that failed.  Dublin born and London raised, her songs are honest, catchy, and absolutely hilarious.  This 2008 BRIT Awards winner for Best Female Artist released her second full-length album, My Best Friend Is You, in early 2010.  I’m hopeful that a U.S. tour will soon follow.  Listen: Foundations, Merry Happy, Kiss That Grrrl
19. Marcus Foster. This London singer/songwriter has a poignant, unique sound, and cites Tom Waits and Bob Dylan as two of his musical influences.  He recently signed his first record deal, will be touring the U.S. in 2011, and succeeds in other forms of artistic expression as well; he studied sculpture at the Royal College of Art.  Listen: I Don’t Mind, 14 Times, Way Way Way
20. The Script. One of the better known acts on this list, I first heard The Script when I saw the video for their touching song, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved.  This band from Dublin, Ireland will release their second full-length album, Science & Faith, in the U.S. in early 2011.  Had I known it wasn’t yet available stateside, I would have snagged myself a copy when I was in London back in October.  But patience is a virtue, after all.  Listen: The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, Breakeven, For The First Time
21. Imogen Heap. I was a huge fan of the British electronic duo Frou Frou, and have kept tabs on Imogen Heap ever since I heard her lovely vocals on their album, Details.  From the London Borough of Havering, this Grammy-nominated songstress and composer’s music has been used in countless television shows and films.  Her uncommon sound, combined with her brilliant voice, is a stirring combination.  Listen: Goodnight And Go, Hide and Seek, Half Life
22. Mystery Jets. I discovered this amusing 5-piece indie band from Eel Pie Island in Twickenham whilst doing a search for Laura Marling songs.  Someone reviewing their latest album, Serotonin, on iTunes described their sound as a cross between The Beatles and New Order, but 25 years later.  I think that’s a pretty accurate description.  Listen: Young Love (featuring Laura Marling), Two Doors Down, Show Me the Light
23. The Ting Tings. Fun is the word that comes to mind when describing The Ting Tings.  Theirs is the type of music you dance to when you’re all alone, and sing along to while blasting it in the car. This Manchester/London indie pop duo formed back in 2007, and will be releasing their second full-length album in 2011.  Be prepared for their infectious hooks to invade your brain.  Listen: That’s Not My Name, Be the One, Shut Up and Let Me Go
24. Sam Bradley. Sam Bradley has quite a soulful voice and sound for being only 23 years of age.  A friend of fellow singer/songwriters and Londoners Bobby Long and Marcus Foster, Bradley released his second EP, Zuni, in November of 2010.  Here’s hoping for a full-length album, and a slew of U.S. tour dates from this talented gentleman in the coming year.  Listen: Sea Blue, Passport, Wide Open
25. Bad Lieutenant. A friend of mine with great taste in music introduced me to Bad Lieutenant last year, and it was love at first sound.  This English alternative rock band formed in 2007, and is a beautiful joining of some of the former members of New Order.  Their debut album, Never Cry Another Tear, also features appearances from members of Blur, and they’ve recently toured with the likes of the Pet Shop Boys.  Listen: Split the Atom, Sink or Swim, Shine Like the Sun

What UK artists make your must-listen-to list?