The British Are Coming

USA Today ran a recent article about the rapid rise of British bands and their potential impact in America. The story focuses on the success of recent imports, Arctic Monkeys, Hard-fi, and the Subways. If nothing else, it strengthens the argument that I've been making for some time now, that many of the best young bands are coming out of the UK right now. It should be noted that this in no way implies that they will experience monetary success in the States, sales of Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not have been modest at best, and it remains to be seen whether these bands can make it outside of Metropolitan areas. Has the collapse of traditional rock radio stations stunted American growth? Great new music is still made in the US and, even more so, in Canada but for now, the quality and quantity of new bands in the UK really stands out for me.

A related USA Today story looks at an additional 12 British bands looking to break-through on American soil. If recent live shows are any indication, I think Editors, Nine Black Alps, and Maximo Park are well on their way.