Pit5 Music News Cache

Though Eisley's initial buzz was more about their young age than their music, the Texan teenage indie-pop quintet have proved that they're not novelty—and never have been. With the recent release of their sophomore record, Combinations, the band wear their growing pains on their sleeve with a darker take on their usually sun-drenched tunes. We caught up with singer/guitarist Sherri DuPree to find out what albums influenced her to get to their sleeker, more mature sound.

Radiohead - OK Computer
This album changed my life. It really shaped my musical outlook! It really is like no other album. The lyrics are completely odd, but captivating. I love how Thom Yorke can sing one song with so much passion, then sing the next song so it sounds so hollow and empty that you want to cry. Also, the guitar tones on this album are perfection. Johnny Greenwood is the guitarist to end all guitarists.

Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Though this album is completely raw and rough around the edges recording-wise, I am convinced it is possibly the most beautiful album that will ever be created. Jeff Mangum's lyrics are so unique. Like a literary explosion from his gut, if that makes sense. The songs on this album break my heart and then make me want to join a freak-circus. I don't even know what that means, but that's how it makes me feel. The title track has a musical saw played all through it that sounds like animals crying. It's bizarre but it's really amazing.

The Beatles - Abbey Road
Though I love every Beatles album, this one will always be my favorite. I used to play the cassette in my "jam box" when I was little and continually flip it over and over. I couldn't believe someone could write a song as pretty as "Here Comes the Sun" or "Because." My parents got me into The Beatles and ever since I can remember their music has always been there to influence me in a positive way. Paul McCartney IS my hero.

Bjork - Vespertine
When I first heard Bjork (on her album, Post) it took me awhile to get into. I was unsure of it, but smart enough to know that I should like it, because I could tell it was different and unique in a good way. I just kept listening, then when Vespertine came out I was sold. I've sung this album at the top of my lungs more than any other album. My sisters and I call her our "Musical Mother."

Sunny Day Real Estate - How it Feels to Be Something On
This was a big influence when I first started writing songs. Jeremy Enigk is a songwriter down to his bones—and his voice is so good. If I were a guy, this is how I would want to sing. He can sound so sweet, then totally wail in the same song and somehow make it work.

Kashmir - Zitilites
Why has no one heard of this band in the USA (they're from Copenhagen)?? I don't even remember how I heard of them, but thank goodness I did. I only had to hear this album once to know I had just heard a new inspiration for myself, musically. They are wonderful songwriters. And the singer, Kasper Eistrup, has this kind of lazy way of singing that naturally draws females to listen to him.

The Cardigans - Long Gone Before Daylight
This is the only Cardigans album that I listen to, but I've listened to it hundreds and hundreds of times. It feels more mellow and less pop than their other albums. It's really very beautiful and sad at times. I don't listen to many girl vocalists but I love, love, love this album. The guitar tones are magnificent too.

Iron and Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days
This band amazes me. Somehow Sam Beam has made a career for himself while the whole time barely singing above a whisper! His lyrics always make me feel like I'm being allowed to see into the life of a man who lives under a log in the middle of a deep wood, who just eats rabbit and plays his guitar—and never talks except to sing in his whispery way. Listen to it, you'll know what I mean.

Kent - Isola
I discovered this band by accident on the radio. They only have two albums in English in the US (Isola and Hagnesta Hill; they're from Sweden), and both English albums are equally amazing. I remember getting my mom to take me to the store to buy this album and being SO happy that the whole album was good, because I had only heard one song, but I loved that song so much that it was enough for me to go get the record ("If You Were Here" was the song).

The Decemberists - Picaresque
I'm a fan of every record this band has made, but this one is my favorite. Colin Meloy is currently my very favorite lyricist. I love old books and stories and that's what his lyrics are like. He majored in creative writing, which I'm pretty sure is why he can write the way he does. All of their songs have this shanty feel, like they're all living at sea and know they'll never make it back home. It's terribly romantic!

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
10.11.07