Mind Equals Blown

The Fantasy Band Draft: Analysis on Picks 11-15

Those of you who frequent the AbsolutePunk.net music forum should be familiar with a phenomena that has happened twice before: The Fantasy Band Draft. Ran by MEB Managing Editor Jack Appleby, the two fantasy drafts were wildly successful endeavors, earning over 100,000 combined page views, sparking great music discussion and getting the attention of several important figures, including The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon. We at MindEqualsBlown.net have decided to bring you pick-by-pick coverage of The 3rd Annual Fantasy Band Draft, as well as spotted analysis of the bands that will form from them.

This is our third special section on the draft, spotlighting picks #11-15. For picks #1-5, click here.

As previously mentioned, Andrew’s had some success in this league. His strong vocals, piano skills and relatable lyrics have made him a fan-favorite and star over the past half-decade, and that isn’t about to change. With a new album on the way, McMahon could be the linchpin star of a versatile outfit. Look for his coach to spotlight his piano playing as a way of differentiating from the other pop/punk bands out there.

PROS: Has a voice tailor-made for radio. CONS: Can he, and will he, go back to his Something Corporate roots?

A mainstay in the alt-country genre, Adams will bring Southern roots and stylish twang to his band. But will he be able to recapture the magic from Gold or Jacksonville City Nights, released in 2001 and 2005, respectively? Are his glory days behind him, or will the earnest acoustic-guitar wielding troubadour carry his backing band to the top of the rankings? Adams is certainly a safe veteran pick, but with the emergence of new genres, he may not see the support he once did. Look for a higher ranking here than the Jesse Lacey/Matt Beringer/Adams combo earned in season 1.

PROS: Brings a fresh sound to the table. CONS: Does some of his best work flying solo.

The lead singer of Pitchfork’s resident pop-rock darlings, Phoenix, Mars has the pipes (not to mention a sleek and sexy falsetto) to carry a band with half the critical acclaim. Surrounded by the right group of radio-friendly musicians, he could take a scene that hasn’t openly recognized the pop sensibilities of Phoenix by storm. Certainly will get the hipster vote when it comes to the pop bands in the draft. We’ll see if this rookie coach/player combo can gain approval.

PROS: Comes with his Grammy award. CONS: Is French.

Call him crazy, but he’s a former champion, and you don’t doubt former champions. Last season, this GM’s Kanye/Prince combo took the Fantasy Draft crown. Coming out of left field, he puts his new band into the capable hands of one-half of Daft Punk. God himself couldn’t predict what will come of this group. Surely the product will be brilliant- but will us mortals understand? Or be able to relate? Only time will tell.

PROS: Coach is an evil genius. CONS: Coach is an evil genius.

A much-coveted pop-punk vocalist, Raneri will bring his trademark vocal stylings as one of the Fantasy Band Draft’s most talked about rookies. Skilled at either packing venues with high-energy performances or showing off his sensitive side with intimate acoustic recordings, Raneri is a double-threat vocalist who is a solid foundation for a punk-based band. Raneri is certainly worthy of this #15 selection, and he wouldn’t have slid much farther had he not been picked here.

PROS: Is a cult. CONS: Spends a bunch of time on Turntable.fm

Relevant Links:
The 3rd Annual Fantasy Band Draft.
Analysis of Picks 1-5.
Analysis of Picks 1-6.
Official Twitter hashtag: #FantasyBandDraft