The combination of music and geekery had it’s explosion last decade, and still continues to run strong for certain artists. Artists like Harry and the Potters, Das Racist, and Jonathan Coulton continue to push their levels of geek into the red and up to eleven.

10. Aimee Mann – Lost in Space (Special Edition)

Prior to this album’s release in 2003, Aimee Mann was primarily known as the chick who did the music for that movie Magnolia. You may also remember her as being the chick from that band, ‘Til Tuesday? Don’t recall her, listen to THIS song. Suffice to say, she did have an impressive back catalog, but when this album dropped, it became her least successful album. That’s not to say that it’s not good, it’s great. In fact, this is one of the best night time albums you’ve never heard (seriously, throw on some headphones and go for a night walk; it’s the perfect companion). The geeky appeal of this album is the artwork, done by Seth from Drawn and Quarterly. The art is comic book art and contains a small little story that is far from uplifting, but that’s kind of the appeal that draws to this album. Check out Seth’s stuff HERE. Be sure to get the special edition; it has more artwork from Seth in it.

9. I Fight Dragons – KABOOM!

I Fight Dragons finally dropped their first full length album last year after releasing two stellar EPs (“Cool is Just a Number” & “Welcome to the Breakdown”). IFD is a band that infuses video game sounds into their music. The experience is so unique and compelling that you can’t help but love this band, especially with songs like “The Geeks Will Inherit the Earth” and “She’s Got Sorcery.”

8. The Reign of Kindo – This Is Also What Happens

Back in 2010, The Reign of Kindo released their album This Is What Happens. As a companion piece, released the same day, the band gave us This Is Also What Happens, an 8-bit video game version of their studio album. Aside from being one of my favorite bands, If you listen to TIAWH, your mind will be blown. The album sounds like it really could have been plucked from any video game; tracks like “Thrill of the Fall” definitely sounds like it could have come from a Mega Man game, as does the rest of the album. You will not be disappointed here folks, in fact more bands should attempt this.

7. The Adventures of Duane & Brando – LP of Devestation!

Duane & Brando are one of the most unique musical groups out there. They take Nintendo video game music from the early days of Nintendo’s existence, and remix it, rap over it and just stun. They’re almost like the Lonely Island but a version that does video game music, and let’s just say that these guys can spit rhymes better than many rappers out there. Such remixes include Mega Man’s  Air Man stage, as well as Battletoads, Bomberman, Mario, Double Dragon, Punchout, and Zelda.

6. Harry and the Potters – Voldemort Can’t Stop the Rock

Of all the bands on this list, Harry and the Potters have released more music than any of them. It wasn’t until their second LP, Voldemort Can’t Stop the Rock, that Harry and the Potters really started to garner attention, fueled largely by the fun title track to this album. It’s not hard to tell what this band writes songs about, and on their first, self-titled LP, the band largely focused on a lo-fi, indie sound, and while this album contains that, it’s a bit more polished. The songs are fun, and if you love Harry Potter, check this band out. (The Moaning Myrtles are another fantastic band in the genre.)

5. Das Racist – Shut Up, Dude (Mix-Tape)

It’s really hard to pick a release from Das Racist (they’re all so fucking brilliant), but Shut Up, Dude is probably their geekiest effort. The track “Rainbow in the Dark” is a stunning, visual track, that demands you shut the lights out and listen. It name drops people like Jeff Mangum and Dennis Haskin’s character on Saved by the Bell, Mr. Belding. This track also sounds like it could have been put on the Rainbow Road level of Mario Kart 64. I have to give credit to the track “hahahaha jk” from the bands other Mix Tape Sit Down, Man. It takes balls to sample the Days of Our Lives theme and say that you were a General Hospital Fan.

4. That 1 Guy – The Moon is Disgusting

That 1 Guy is easily the most unique in terms of instrumentation. He invented what he calls “The Magic Pipe,” which is the strangest instrument on the planet . The albums most stunning attribute is that he is making all these sounds on his own, primarily with this pipe and a snare drum. The best way to describe said musician is as a geeky, awesome version of Nine Inch Nails, but there really is a mix of blues, industrial, pop, and rock. You can find a little bit of everything on here for the music fan.

3. Stephen Lynch – The Craig Machine

Part comedy, part music, Stephen Lynch’s songs are hilarious and geeky as hell. Songs like “D&D” speak wonders about the life of those who play the illustrious game. Lynch also wrote the song “Craig” which inspired the title to the album. The song focuses on Jesus’ other brother, Craig and his partying ways. Lynch can also be a bit vile at times as well, “Halloween” is a testament to that. The beginning of “Love Song,” which Lynch quotes as saying he wrote for his lady,begins with “If I had a hammer” and ends with “I have herpies.” Lynch’s ability to take a song in an unpredictable manner is what makes him the man, and, hell, he is “The Craig Machine.”

2. Adam WarRock – The War for Infinity

Adam WarRock is one of those artists who’s name does not fit his mold; it sounds like some metal outfit, hell bent on battle. You definitely don’t think Pop Culture Hip-Hop Artist, that’s for sure. But holy hell, this album in particular is the shit, period! It’s not often you find lawyers quitting their jobs to pursue Hip-Hop. His songs on The War for Infinity explores what makes a hero and a villain, and does so with many pop culture references (Can’t do it without a Spider-Man, “great responsibility” spot.). You’ve also got some cool battles going on and just one hell of a story unfolding on the album.

1. Jonathan Coulton – Best. Concert. Ever.

Jonathan Coulton is one of those guys who would just be fun to hang out with, wonder where he get’s his material from. BCE is definitely one of the best concert I’ve ever heard album wise, but It’s Coulton’s charisma that makes the album worth the purchase. Coulton has this ability to write the most wonderful melodies, with some of the most awkward and funny lyrics you’ve ever heard. “Ikea,” about the companies founding will have you on the floor. “Skullcrusher Mountain” has one of the best lines I’ve ever heard in a song: “but I’m so into you, but I’m too smart for you.” Yeah, It’s a dick thing to say, but it’s so hilarious! In a way, this music is too smart, so buy it, and learn!

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