Best British Indie Bands

I have listened to Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, The Wombats and Oasis and almost everything else on this list enough to tell my opinion (so if you haven't listened to everything don't bother to comment), and I've come to the conclusion that Oasis has the most classical and rhythmic songs. Others are all very good and in fact really good, but they just need the harmony and experience which Oasis has had.

Beautiful music everything they do addicting lyrics and the cord production is wonderful on every song. They really are the best indie band from the UK. They write songs with meaning, passion, and soul. Even though the broke up what they did while they were together was absolutely genius. I love them after all they're my wonderwall.

OASIS are really #1 INDIE band as well as one of the Great bands of all time... Their lyrical genius is beautifully portrayed with great music.

They are really not appreciated as they should be.!

The gallagher brothers were really great partners.. I wish they re-unite in FUTURE..!

I am a huge fan of the Artic Monkeys but how are oasis not first. They are the hearts and should of British music and there contribution to music has been outstanding. There was not one bad song on the first two albums and even when they had so called "bad" albums, there were still 4 or 5 fantastic songs on those albums

Simply, no one can top the monkeys with their UNFORGETTABLE lyrics and riffs every single tune released. They have a different sound every album that keeps the listeners on their toes wondering what's in store, but nonetheless are ALWAYS pleased with the content released. Been around since Humbug, and have never been displeased with any tune and that says something special for me, and I'm sure that speaks a lot for any monkeys listener.

The verve, the kaiser chiefs and oasis are all pretty good, but honestly who could beat the monkeys? THey beat all the bands on this list just by having such a cool name! Rock on Monkeys! Oh and don't sit down because I moved your chair! LEGENDS! X

Usually I lost my interest in bands if they become 'mainstream' and everyone is talking about their music. BUT Unfortunately I got to know their music through radio... So I became a fan when they've already been mainstream. And this time, I just really don't care they are extremely well-known and popular. They deserve it. Great music, great lyrics. Not perfect, but that way it'd be boring ;) I really liked British Indie. Now I LOVE it. xoxo

I love Oasis yet, I would still buy Whatever You Say I Am, that's What I'm Not over any Oasis album and that's the end of it because no other bands really come into contention when thinking of the best, British, Indie band.

Radiohead's unique sound and unique lyrics beat any other band's easily. No other band on this list has achieved as much as Radiohead has in music over the past years. Take, for example, the fact that Radiohead has made it to Billboard's top 100 rock songs of the 90's. Take, for example, how long Radiohead has stayed in the music industry and how long the band has prospered. No other band has achieved this much, this fast and during its career as a band. Many other bands only achieve this status after they have fallen apart.26 years in the music industry. That's big. The Beatles lasted less than half that time.

Well I love arctic monkeys too but Radiohead is Radiohead and will always be Radiohead, they don't fit in any genre or style, they have their own genre. And the feelings you got in each songs of these guys, man they are unique. Their bests albums are in my opinion "OK Computer" and "In Rainbows", and if I had to recommend a song to any person in Earth will always be "Paranoid Android" that's its just a masterpiece.

Not many bands are able to not only stand the test of time, but do so while drastically altering their sound and style from album to album without losing or isolating their fans. While I enjoy some Radiohead albums more than others, you can not deny their creativity, musicianship and ability. I also agree that OK Computer is quite possibly the best album of all time, across all genres, ever.

Radiohead keeps evolving their sound, with every record different from the next and its inspiring. Their lyrics are thought provoking, their music speaks to the soul, they are everything you'd want in a band and more.

The smiths are without the doubt the meaning of the word indie/alternative, unlike many of the above they actually sing about real things in life and not continuous rubbish, they are the true sense of British and influence people of all generations. Ironic, original and beautiful creatures. Oh morrissey with his therapeutic voice healing the soul every time a person listens, and Johnny marr with his enduring and spirit lifting guitar playing, honestly would make anyone who actually have one bit of interest in indie music would feel like they are in heaven.

Why are the Smiths so low down? They are the ones who started indie and without them their would be no Arctic Monkeys, no Libertines, no Strokes (Lou Reed was a bigger influence on the Strokes) and no Oasis. Johnny Marr's guitar playing is iconic and Morrissey's voice can't be described by words. I am fourteen and the thing I love about this list is that even though it is in a bad order, practically all the bands on here are amazing! I love indie rock and I think a few new bands such as the Vaccines and the Horrors should be included on here.P.S. listen to Spector, they are brilliant! :) x

Not even in the top 20? That is a disgrace to Indie music I say. Don't get me wrong I love Oasis, Arctic Monkeys etc but The Smiths were the band that started it all (If not The Jam or Joy Division were). Morrissey's lyrics defined a generation, Johnny Marr's guitar playing is some of the best ever. Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce are such an underrated rhythm section which is a real disappointment as they are amazing.

All other bands in this list create(d) music fit to a specific time. The Smiths music is timeless. All one needs to do is look at their debut album (debut! ), and see that it doesn't fall under any genre. Their originality and uniqueness earn them the #1 spot, in my opinion. Their influence on the others in the list have already been mentioned by others.

The Roses should be further up because they originated and founded the Madchester sound that other bands on this list kind of adopted. They ushered in a new sound in the rock genre. They had ups and downs but their ups were amazing. They had great lyrics, John was probably one of the best guitarists to come out of England and their instrumentals were unbelivable. I even like the way Ian isn't the best singer, his voice has enough of that distinctive Manchester accent and character to appeal to the bands target audience which was mainly northerners. Unreal band

Should be top of the list. Brown and Squire = Jagger Richards. If it wasn't for the Roses the indie scene wouldn't have spawned the talent it did likevthe happy Mondays or inspirall carpets who also don't feature in the top ten yet blur do! Your having a laugh. No roses and Oasis would never of happened to the admission of Noel Gallagher himself who also quoted"the stone roses are the best band in the world"

Should be number 1, the indie scene didn't have a definitive "sound" before them but it sure did afterwards. Can't believe the bands people are placing above them, ridiculous. The Arctic Monkeys FFS! It's like having a top ten punk list without the Sex Pistols at number 1 or a 60's list without the Beatles.

It's crazy that the Stone Roses are not on this list. Anyone who knows anything about British Indie bands, knows the Stone Roses were one of the most seminal and highly rated British indie bands of their time. And what about The Smiths, and on a lower scale - Blur? Heloo?

In my opinion: The Verve were and still are completely underestimated and stereo typed for the commercial hits only (the drugs don't work & the one with the stolen riff for example), unlike other indie bands Ashcroft and the Verve fear not to go ambient in an alternative way which is something that's been missing from Indie since Pink Floyd. To be ranked on a totally different scale.

what is Arctic Monkeys doing in the number 1 spot?
And,
Where is Elbow and the Guilemots? don't make me go to page 2!

While Blur and Oasis are the better bands (my favorite band is blur) no one can match the swagger and vocal prowess of Richard Ashcroft. Listen to their albums... They're absolutely incredible. The Verve are a definite #3 on this list for sure.

The verve is the most innovative band in the world and probably the greatest underrated band ever!

Verve sure deserve a top 3 spot. Superb vocals lyrics and music. Awesome album quality.

Stereophonics should be in this space!

blur, the choice band of those whom hater Oasis and got as big as they did for that solo reason, don't get me wrong there are some class tunes within these albums, some real standout songs that bring back that "back in the day" reminiscing.

I always got a scenes that blur were always afraid to get their hands as dirty as Oasis or ocean colour scene with their music and that young posh anarchist impression could never compete with the pure grit other bands delivered.

"Oi Damo" when you coming back to visit Aldham?

My favourite band of all time. A band that would fit in everywhere, they would always find a way to move with the changes in scene and culture and always have a good solid body of work and fan base.

Listen to any two Blur albums, and each will have a different soul. Why are they so low on the list? Graham and Damon's relationship has shown how powerful music can be.

Number 20, that's nuts. They moved with the times and were always amazing. Every album from leisure to think tank was incredible.

My number one, but should definitely be in the top 5

X

Album #1 Parachutes is the truest form of Coldplay you will find up until X&Y, where Coldplay discover and pronounce a more rock-ethic approach. Unfortunately, and it's a big unfortunate, the later pieces are getting more and more "pop," which, in turn, sends a somewhat "Erhhh" across my mouth box. It would appear that even as big and as branded Coldplay still are, they have lost their way in my opinion. Which of these two can you lip-sync more easily to off the top of your head, "Yellow" or "Ghost Story"? See what I mean?

Coldplay are hardly Indie, they're 95% Alternative Rock, I don't know why they are even on this list. Obviously great band though and consistent too.

Coldplay owns! Best band ever in this world! But I have to agree with the guy before, they're mostly Alt Rock.

Coldplay's music is much more to be Alternative Rock I think..

The Cure is number what now?! Are you kidding me? Talk about timeless! I grew up on them and STILL love their tunes!

I don't think they're Indie at all. They're Post-Punk, Alternative Rock, and Gothic Rock.

I don't understand how can the be so low on the list.

The best at romantic ballads.

They may not be as big as some of the others on this list, but they are quite arguably the most innovative and influential, so long as you exclude Radiohead, to be honest Radiohead shouldn't even be on this list anyway as they're not actually an Indie band.

I like a lot here on the list! But kaiser chiefs stands out. Their music is great!

Awesome band very underrated, newest album is really good. Great guitarist.

Best cool indie band ever, you rock kaiser cheifs... love the upbeat tempo of last few albums! Last album bit slower

Please someone kill me now, how can you compare Joy Division to the Kooks. What could compel someone to claim that the Kaiser chiefs are better. Done about 4-5 good songs in five albums. Joy Division 2 studio albums 19 good songs, that doesn't even include the classics. As what has previously said insanely influential, who without, there would definitively be no other bands on this list. Horrendous list

The Wombats above Joy Division, easily top deserve top spot with the Smiths second with Stone Roses third, come on half of these bands are not British, why are the Strokes on this list they are from New York. Top ten should be; Joy Division, Smiths, New Order, Stone Roses, Radiohead, Libertines, Oasis, Bauhaus, Babyshambles and maybe Kasabian,

Ian Curtis' lyrical mastery alone should surely warrant Joy Division a place above Kasabian and Bloc Party, add the fact that they make generally great music should push them to that number 1 spot shouldn't it? Oasis made good music without the lyrics to back it up, Joy Division were the complete package

A source of outstanding inspiration. Hardly can anyone going on seeking for another self-identity, being dissatisfied with the world inside or outside your ego brush around an opportunity of the genuine Dasein

Jarvis is one if the greatest lyricists of the past 30 years and sum up real life like no other singer. Why are they so low? Such an underrated band

You must be joking top ten at the very least, mike luke.

"Oh Liam! " there's lots of opportunity with this band but without the song writers skill its found lacking, "expectation! ". much harder than the style of the high flying birds and there lye the issue of comparison to both Noels crew and Oasis, there was always going to be conflicting comparisons and without good backing vocals and harmonics you will find Liam's vocals much too "in ya face".

How are New Order at 22!? Joy Division and them should be at 1 and 2...best British Indie/Alternative Rock bands ever!
If it wasn't for them or Joy Division a majority of the other Indie/Alternative Rock bands on this list would not have been around.

Surely they should be in the top 10. Best British band along with smiths and the cure

Oh wow, I remember these guys!

Their music is uniquely Awesome. They don't sound like most of the bands out there, which is why I could Never get bored listening to all of their songs - be it b-sides or covers. They have the best guitar riffs, drums, Kapranos' voice, back-ups etc that make a great band.

On top of that, their live performances are splendid! Which is the reason I fall in love with them in the 1st place. You could never tell the difference from their recorded ones!

The most intelligent and fascinating lyrics I've ever heard. The most beautiful voice. The most energizing concerts I've ever seen. Too many "the most" for one band, but they DO deserve it. In my list they are on the first place.

So many catchy songs. Their amazing riffing and general humour has been maintainted throughout each and every album. My favourite band.

One of the Best concerts I've ever seen. Kapranos is a stage animal! They deserve to be at top 10

The Script is an inspirational band. They're songs always have a special meaning to them and many fans can reakte to them in some situation of their life. You can go to their music for support, inspiration, motivation or when you just need to relax. But they are more than just great musicians. They're great people too. Even after 10 years, they're still down to earth people and still care about their fans.

The script are amazing! I think they should really be up there with all the rest o' the epicest bands. I'm not sure why they want me to spell everything incorrectly. Every time I put an ' they say it's better quality. I don't know what's happening there. Awkward.

Embarrassed to say, but I actually just recently learned about The Script. I think they'd pretty awesome. And they are actually the reason I started listening to Indie again. Except for Modest Mouse, I never get tired of them

The Script is the best band ever! Danny and Mark have so good voices. If you could see me now, the man who can't be moved, hall of fame and six degrees of separation is my top 4.

Am I not right In saying Muse are truly the most talented band In the world? May not be the best to some, but you can't get more pure talent then you can In Muse! I dunno why people don't like Muse as much with there new stuff! They're still amazing. Muse through and through! They're still amazing yeah they have the old amazing classics: Falling down, muscle museum, blackout but still... Explorers! That Is a great song

I agree with the other comments, doesn't really make much sense muse being this low on the list.
The only reason I can think why is oasis, coldplay, the kooks, bloc party and blur etc, are more pop indie, whilst muse is a lot closer to rock indie. I personally wouldn't put oasis and muse in the same music category but still... Very weird that its still this low.

There are many great bands in this list... But MUSE not in top 10?! Seriously?! For example how can be the kooks or razorlight be better? Muse has got this unique style and matt's voice is just incredible! One of the best Live-Bands! You have to vote for them and show that the majority of people in this world have good music taste!

I find the fact that Coldplay is higher on this list than Muse atrocious. Muse is by far one of the most creative acts in modern music and frankly deserve at least top five on this list.
They were voted best live band for a reason, you know.

"Underdog", "Fire", "Club Foot" and "Days Are Forgotten" are simply amazing tunes. From the brilliant riffs down to the rocking violins and cellos - this band has it all. Their music spans through a lot of different genres and I personally like their experimenting. The band, as said by Segre, isn't an indie rock band (and dislike being named as such) so I think they probably shouldn't be listed here

Kasabian Is simply the best. Re-Wired is outta this world. Not to mention every single album they have put out has been a perfect 10/10. Club Foot, Shoot the Runner, Empire, Underdog, Fire, Take Aim, Fast Fuse, Thick as Thieves, Switchblade Smiles, Days are forgotten... They are just the best band out there. Period.

So many amazing and very different songs! Personal favourites are Man of Simple Pleasures, Velociraptor, La Fee Verte, Empire, Test Transmissions and Me Plus One - and I REALLY struggled to narrow it down to that many!

No one can put on a better show than kasabian, they are literally the best live sounding band you can find. the crowd participation is always mental and their songs are just perfect! should be number 1 however I do love oasis and muse too

Never recorded a bad song. Inside In/Inside Out was a brilliant start and they only got better with Konk. Sway and See The Sun have to be two of the greatest songs of all time. Third album may not be as stand-out as the first two but if you don't compare them, it's still a good album. How on Earth are bands like The Script ahead of them!?

This band is the definition of indie. Perfect blend between electric and acoustic material. Just listen to "Naive" and "She moves in her own way" and you'll know what I mean. Should definitely be closer to the number 1 spot.

Such a good band! I love their music and I hope they will make more albums! I really love there B-side to! And there covers, I love everything of them, they are the first indie band I've ever heard and one of the best!

The are such an amazing band! The are incredible! Nothing else I can say. The really should be on the top of this list.
I LOVE them. I discovered them by accident, but it was the best accident I ever had. Just saying.