don't know if this has been already mentioned
but they've got a shitload of links to download quite a few essentials....
i dunno if all the links still work but hey try it
enjoy

wow this thread really took off. Some one should post a organized list of all the bands metioned here that are actually worth listening to. Of course that would require a ton of work so i doubt it will happen

Weirdly enough, most math rock bores me. I like Don Cab and other bands though.

I really liked The Edmund Fitzgerald when they were around, I saw them play when I was about 15 and they just blew me away. There should be a collected works available soonish so keep an eye out.
Just listen to Eli Cash, it makes it hard to believe that two of the members are now in Foals.

I agree I was probably wrong saying Bastro and Rodan.But,I had no idea where the hell this thread was going.Everyone should just call it a day and say Rush.

Well, Rodan's got some mathy stuff.

i'd think any band making great music that sounds like this would hate to be called 'math rock' just because some idiot thought it had something to do with the band's time signatures.

You calling me an idiot?

I'm sorry, but a math rock band knows they're a math rock band. All those bands have a very clear, defined sound. Besides, only idiots go, "I hate that people call us [such and such genre name]!" Who gives a fuck. At least people listen to you at all.

1.2.3.4 .. The Ramones.
( is there a genre these guys don't fit into? )

Math band or not, Hella definitely has a heavy Don Cab influence.

Hm, I can see a Don Cab influence on early Hella, but the later stuff, I dunno...

Hella have always been a pretty decent math rock band that wants to be a really crazy prog rock band. Unfortunately, their proggier stuff -- their last few albums -- have been terrible. In fact, I find it almost ironic that Hella's best album -- Total Bugs Bunny on Wild Bass -- is by far their simplest work.

"There's No 666 in Outer space" is one of the worst albums I've ever heard.

Hold Your Horse Is is also really really mathy. When I think Hella I think of the song Biblical Violence immediately, and you can't get much mathier than that song IMO.

yeah I love that album.

Yeah. I wish I could play the songs on it.

I'm not that proficient at tapping yet though. I've been practicing and getting better though.

I'm decent at tapping.

I've been trying to learn how to finger pick lately. It's difficult..

yo!
most of you will give me a bad time for liking these guys but hey it's ultra relevant to this thread .
it's a new Italian band that's called AUCAN + their Lp is out on friend labels Rumiance (france) and Africantapes (Italy).
Now these guys are OBVIOUS BATLLES RIPOFF, but it's more bassy/synthy. Sounds good to me, very well crafted with intricate sound textures. Give'em a go. I hear they're good live. Check out their myspace for live vids.

oh my god finger picking. never get used to it.