There are literally hundreds of genres and sub-genres in the music industry today. One that was able to make the leap from garages, to college radio, to mainstream media was Geek Rock. Just to simplify things, I will be using "Geek Rock" as an all encompassing term that includes all of its sub-genres (so please no comments about me not knowing the difference between Geeks and Nerds. Thanks). Anyway, Geek Rock came to the height of its popularity in the mid 90's, a time when being a little weird was the cool thing to do. These bands usually have little quirks to them like thick glasses, sweaters and synthesizers. I've compiled a list of 5 bands that have come to define the genre of Geek Rock. They are in no particular order, but in order to understand the present, we must first look at the past...
5. Devo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIEVqFB4WUo&feature=player_embedded Widely considered the original Geek Rock band, Devo formed in 1972 but didn't hit it big until the release of their 1980. That year saw the release of their album Freedom of Choice, featuring the hit single "Whip It". Clad in their bright yellow jumpsuits and red circular hats, Devo set the precedence for songs about being too shy to talk to a girl and being an outcast. The song "Girl U Want" features the lyrics: "Look at you with your mouth watering / Look at you with your mind spinning". Today, lead singer Mark Mothersbaugh can be seen on the cult hit TV show "Yo Gabba Gabba!" teaching little kids how to draw. The band also still sporadically tours and releases music.