We all know what it’s like to be too intimidated to start listening to a big name artist with an even bigger discography. Never fear, Allston Pudding is here with a list of jumping off points that might help you or a friend get well acquainted with what could be your next favorite artist. Click here for our other Beginner’s Guides!
Whenever anyone mentions the Foo Fighters, the most common reaction they get is someone saying, “Oh yeah! Isn’t that one dude from Nirvana in that?” While yes, Dave Grohl is in the Foo Fighters, there’s much more to them than that! (Although Dave Grohl is pretty cool.) Making their mark as one of the most iconic pure rock and roll groups throughout the 2000s, the Foos have come a long way, leaving a staggering eight albums in their wake. Throw that together with countless collaborations with other big names in the rock industry, in addition to many memorable TV appearances, and it’s easy to get lost. After announcing a performance at Wrigley Field this summer to kick off their 2015 tour, accompanied by a mini-series on HBO, their name has been everywhere. So, before you buy your tickets, where do you even begin? We’re here to help!
The perfect starting point is the same one the band has- Back And Forth tells the origin story of the Foo Fighters, from their Nirvana roots to their journey as a separate entity. It details the hardships they went through, as well as each member’s profound love and appreciation for music. It helps you develop an attachment to them, because who doesn’t love a band that loves music as much as you do? Spanning 16 years, the documentary follows them through their evolution and emergence into the rock sensations we know them as today.
You’ll love this if: Almost Famous is your favorite movie, you just finished Sonic Highways and want more, you want to admire Dave Grohl’s beard.
The Colour And The Shape (1997)
Not their first album, but certainly one of their best. And it’s one any beginner should find especially appealing- it’s the album with “Everlong” on it. Channeling their grungy past, The Colour and the Shape is fast-paced yet surprisingly airy for such a dense sound. It flows with the craft of a band that’s been around for decades. It’s a tight album, showing little evidence that it’s only their second release. Plus you can hear the shifting sound, bridging the gap between the late 90s and early 2000s.
You’ll love this if: You loved Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged, you could play “Everlong” on expert level on Rock Band.
Fave tracks: Monkey Wrench, My Hero, Everlong.
Fresh Pots (2009)
Okay, technically this was for Dave Grohl’s other band, Them Crooked Vultures. But they were only active for one year, putting out one album- and anyways, who doesn’t want to see Dave Grohl playing the drums, flinging his arms around wildly illustrating his coffee addiction? We can certainly all relate.
You’ll love this if: You have a soul, you enjoy sketch comedy, coffee is your lifeblood.
Seeing the Foo Fighters live is an experience that deserves its own entire article. But that’s for another day- for now, check out one of their most phenomenal performances to date. Filled with raw energy and a flawless setlist, this show is well known among the most dedicated Foo fans.
You’ll love this if: You like watching streams of concerts, you can’t afford to go to a real Foo Fighters concert.
Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace (2011)
An exceptionally solid album, from start to finish. This is one of those albums where you find yourself not wanting to skip over any track. It also showcases their growth as a band, and how they’ve come to develop their own sound separate from their roots. Encapsulating maturity in sound and appearance, it acts as a Foo Fighters landmark.
You’ll love this if: You’re really into Paul McCartney & Wings, melodic guitar makes you weak in the knees, you’ve ever felt homesick.
Fave tracks: Home, Pretender
A track off their previous album, “White Limo” is exemplary of the diversity the Foo Fighters are capable of. They have their fair share of aggressive songs, peppered with emotional, more melancholic tunes- but “White Limo” brings them to an entirely different place. Showing a more harsh side, it’s packed full of the sort of guttural, vocal chord testing screeching you’d be more likely to find on a Slipknot album. While perhaps not the most pleasant song to listen to, it’s an important one, as it showcases their mastery of their own sound- and how they’re not afraid to play around with it.
You’ll love this if: You’re a huge metal fan, you pull inspiration from Marilyn Manson, you want to hear Dave Grohl lose his voice.
The first single off their newest release, Sonic Highways. It’s a culmination of everything the band has been working towards for the past two decades. (Has it really been that long?) Adding in elements of funk, with throbbing bass lines and syncopated rhythms a la the Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Something From Nothing” takes the Foo Fighters and challenges everything they know about themselves. It’s a dynamic new sound, pulling from their past but rebuilding a new façade on top of that. This is their cue that we’re entering a new era of Foo. And you shouldn’t fight it.
You’ll love this if: You haven’t taken off your Red Hot Chili Peppers shirt since the 90s, you finished the last episode of Sonic Highways on HBO and don’t know what to do with your life, you picked up their newest album.
SXSW Keynote Speech (2013)
As if you needed another reason to love Dave Grohl. He’s a fantastic public speaker, which shines through in his South By Southwest keynote speech from last year. He discussed his work with Sound City, the studio that recorded many great bands- including Nirvana, marking one of the reasons he felt such a connection with the place. His pure love for music comes out through his words.
You’ll love this if: You’re obsessed with TED talks, Fresh Pots made you giggle, you’re unhealthily obsessed with Dave Grohl like I am.
They haven’t announced the remaining dates or locations for their 2015 tour yet, but keep an eye out for those, because tickets will go. Fast. Delve into their newest album if any of this appealed to you, and check out the older stuff as well. Bonus points if you watch Sonic Highways!