Why I've Created This Countdown
For me, a bit of self-exploration is an absolute blast, especially when pondering my favorite subject: music. I'm excited to do this countdown for myself, for anyone who shares some of the same flavors, and for any person just looking for some good musical recommendations.
My overall goal with this countdown is to have some fun. I will also be offering some great merchandise from all of these bands and artists, to see if I can maybe afford to buy some diapers for my new kiddo (We're having a boy, Cadence, in December!). But ultimately, there is no topic I love more, so I'm going to run with this primarily for that reason!
One note: you will notice a lot of female artists on my list. I've been catching shovel-fulls of you know what from friends for years. Listen, for me, music is a very beautiful, often times sensual pleasure. In that capacity, can you understand why I might enjoy a feminine quality in my music?
Of course, when it's time to rock, I'm all about that, too. I think I'm somewhat varied in what I enjoy, but I don't seek out variation at the expense of favoring certain styles that seem to consistently move me. Does that make sense?
3 Honorable Mentions
Definitely Worth A Listen... DEFINITELY!
Ten is tough! I've been spiritually emerged in the world of music for over 30 years now, so picking ten artists who have moved me the absolute most over this stretch of time really leaves some dynamite entertainers off my list.By the way, though they are completely deserving of all the adoration they've received over the decades, I am omitting the usual suspects (the Beatles, Elvis, Zepplin, the Stones, Pink Floyd, Sabbath, and the like) because my focus is a bit more on modernity. My entire list spans from what was new when I was a child (80's) to what is new now. For the record, when it comes to those classic greats listed above, nobody touches the Beatles!
My 1st three honorable mentions:
Tori Amos - This witty, eccentric virtuoso is not only a dynamo on her instrument (piano) in a technical fashion, she is also a world-class composer, songwriter, and vocalist. So many wonderful melodies, she takes you to a new world with each song. Absolutely astounding!
Sade - Can it get any smoother? Sade is a Nigerian/English singer with a voice that can only be described as "sultry." Sade has topped the U.S. Charts with tasty grooves including "Smooth Operator", "The Sweetest Taboo", "No Ordinary Love", and "By Your Side."
Prince - Yes, the legend himself. One of the most creative and ambitious musical forces to ever grace our planet. Songwriter, singer, guitarist, dancer, visionary. I love the entire 1999 album...every last note of it! If it's been awhile, I suggest you re-introduce yourself STAT!
#10
And My List Begins...
FAITH NO MOREFronted by vocalist Mike Patton, Faith No More was the poster child for the term "ahead of their time." One listen to their debut album, The Real Thing, and you knew you were being treated to something quite special. And though their popularity progressively waned over the course of their next three campaigns (Angel Dust, King For A Day...Fool For A Lifetime, and Album of the Year), devout fans of this Bay Area outfit, including myself, would say the band only got better over time.
Great Song, Great Video!
I've chosen the video Stripsearch from 1997's Album of the Year to show you a lesser known, but insanely wonderful Faith No More. Enjoy!
FAITH NO MORE Stripsearch
Excellent quality and brilliant song 'Stripsearch' by Faith no more!
Runtime: 4:36
65898 views
10 Comments:
Faith No More Stuff...
The Real Thing
From Out Of Nowhere, Falling To Pieces, Epic, etc.
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 11/22/2008) 
King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetime
Evidence, Ricochet, The Gentle Art of Making Enemies, etc.
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 11/22/2008)
Album of the Year
Stripsearch, Collision, Last Cup of Sorrow, etc.
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 11/22/2008)
Faith No More - Vintage Logo Adult T-Shirt
Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2008)
#9
NO DOUBTSka, Punk Rock, Pop, Disco, Retro, Reggae, whatcha got? This Anaheim, California powerhouse just can't lose! Fronted by now famous solo artist, fashion guru, and software designer Gwen Stefani, the number of hit songs this band has put out in a relatively short period of time is absolutely staggering. Just A Girl, Spiderwebs, Sunday Morning, Don't Speak, Ex-Girlfriend, New, Bathwater, Simple Kind of Life, Hella Good, Underneath It All, Hey Baby, Running, In My Head, It's My Life... and this is spanning only Three Records!
I love this band's energy, mood, talent, stage antics, musical variety, and humble, "dorky" attitude. I anticipate that they will come back with a vengance very, very soon!
Super Fun Song N' Vid!
No Doubt Albums
#8
RATTYeah, that's right. I never said I wasn't a butt-rock geek! Hey, these guys got me through puberty, and I still find them to be the tastiest of all 80's rock bands, with Cinderella, Guns N Roses, and Skid Row following closely behind.
What I loved and still love most about Ratt was their consistency. They consistently put out good rock tunes. Great guitar work, tight rhythm section, and the best "hair metal" voice in the biz with front man, Stephen Pearcy.
Like Faith No More, these fellas are most popular for their early work; namely 1983's Round And Round. That song is merely the cover page of their large portfolio.
I'm sticking to my guns, people. Ratt is my numero ocho of all time!
One Of My Favorites
Ratt Records
Invasion of Your Privacy
Lay It Down, You're In Love, Between the Eyes, etc.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2008)
Dancing Undercover
Dance Dance Dance, Body Talk, Slip of the Lip, etc.
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/22/2008)
Reach for the Sky
I Want a Woman, Way Cool Junior, No Surprise, etc.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2008)
More Ratt...
Detonator
Lovin' You's a Dirty Job, All Or Nothing, Hard Time
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/22/2008)
Aqua Net Fresh Fragrance Professional Hair Spray - 2 Super Hold - 14 Oz
Amazon Price: $2.68 (as of 11/22/2008)
3 More Honorable Mentions
+ My Pick For Best New Artist!
Incubus - What a talent this Calabasas, California quintet is! I've seen them live twice and was floored each time. Frontman Brandon Boyd has such a unique and well controlled vocal, the songwriting is top of the class, and their lyrics are meaningful and inspirational.Ben Harper - Chills. The man gives me chills. Songs like Another Lonely Day, The Gospel, and Mama cut right to the core. When I was first exposed to his music in the late 90's, I had an impression of him that was totally inaccurate. I sort of visualized a reggae/hippy type fella. But when I had the pleasure of attending a performance at The Back Yard in Austin, a new picture emerged. The man is a full-fledge Rock Star!
Nirvana - They helped change the face of rock music. With songs of social-political irritation and teenage rebellion, mixed with a heavy edge that wasn't quite punk, not quite metal, and not really folk... but a strange synthesis of the three, this Aberdeen, Washington trio fronted by the late Kurt Cobain blazed a path that no band has yet been able to fully walk upon.
And the Award For Best New Artist Goes To:
Corinne Bailey Rae - I don't know how you get your music. MP3 Download, CD, or however... GET THIS ALBUM!!! Every song is absolutely gorgeous and moving. This young Brit is the real deal! I can't stress this enough... Get her record! I'll include a purchase link for all my honorable mentions right before I reveal my #1 favorite musical artist of all time!
And The List Continues!
#7
LETTERS TO CLEOAnother female-fronted rock band makes the list! Like No Doubt, this band is very well varied and produces phenomenal music. The similarities pretty much end there, though. LTC has a more edgy, dark, and indie sound. Kay Hanley's vocals are soft and sweet, but many times her lyrics are not. Her voice is full of resolve. You can tell she's a fighter. The drummer for this New England act is quite gifted, interesting, and a lot of fun to listen to. Musically, they are an extremely tight band. If you're not familiar with LTC, I'd say you owe yourself a listen!
Letters To Cleo Video
Letters to Cleo - Here and Now
Video del grupo de música alternativa Letters to Cleo. "Here and Now". http://www.dotpod.com.ar
Runtime: 3:36
172906 views
10 Comments:
Another Vid From LTC
Get on With It by Letters to Cleo
filmed in 1993, a free record store Boston performance. the quality is not great but perhaps worth a view if you are a fan
Runtime: 4:03
15432 views
10 Comments:
Letters To Cleo Goodies
Aurora Gory Alice
Sorry there's no photo for this one. Songs include Here and Now, Get On With It, Mellie's Coming Over, etc.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2008)
Wholesale Meats and Fish
Awake, Laudanum, He's Got An Answer, etc.
Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 11/22/2008)
Letters To Cleo Poster Funky Band Shot
Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2008)
#6
KORNOh, yeah...these guys! With so much cookie-cutter garbage polluting the airwaves these days, it's nice to know that there's a band like Korn out there, constantly - and I mean constantly pumping out unique, quality music. With the thickest rhythm section my ears have ever heard, plenty of ingenius song structure, all the raw force of a nuclear blast, and a highly capable and eccentric Jonathan Davis at the healm, it's no wonder they've become icons in our culture.
And have you heard their Unplugged album? It is the best Unplugged ever done, I'm convinced. You go, boys!
Kornea Kandy
Korn - Throw Me Away (Director: C.J. Johnson)
Shot in high definition, this Korn video follows the intersecting lives of two girls.
Runtime: 4:41
281687 views
10 Comments:
With the Magnificent Amy Lee!
Korn feat. Amy Lee - Freak On a Leash
Korn featuring Amy Lee (from Evanescence) - Freak On a Leash 2007 Unplugged Version to: Joana
Runtime: 3:42
67776 views
10 Comments:
Korn Korner
Life Is Peachy
Low Rider, A.D.I.D.A.S, No Place To Hide, etc.
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 11/22/2008)
Follow the Leader
It's On, Freak On A Leash, Got the Life, etc.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 11/22/2008)
More From Korn Korner
Take a Look in the Mirror
Y'all Want A Single, Did My Time, Play Me, etc.
Amazon Price: $8.97 (as of 11/22/2008)
See You on the Other Side
Twisted Transistor, Throw Me Away, Coming Undone, etc.
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 11/22/2008)
Live & Rare
Earache My Eye, Another Brick In The Wall (Pts. 1, 2, and 3), Proud, etc.
Amazon Price: $9.97 (as of 11/22/2008)
MTV Unplugged
Creep (Radiohead Cover), Freak On A Leash (With Amy Lee), Make Me Bad/In Between Days (With The Cure)
Amazon Price: $13.97 (as of 11/22/2008)
What Do YOU Think?
Okay, It's HALFTIME!
What Ever Shall We Do?
Well, Hows About A Quick Halftime Show!||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Ashlee Simpson Gets Booed
You make me wana.... BOOOOooooOOOOOooooOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Runtime: 0:30
31863 views
10 Comments:
That Was Fun. Alright, Time For The 2nd Half!
#5
Nikka CostaHave you ever seen or heard such style? Talk about a one-of-a-kind ROCK STAR! Nikka is soul. Nikka is passion. Nikka is amazing! Her more upbeat music is some of the biggest music and vocal you've ever heard. With songs like Everybody Got Their Somethin', Like A Feather, And Around The World, any party you throw is guaranteed to be a blast! But I believe her real magic lies in her more subdued, ballad-type songs. The combination of soulful vocal and dark melody gets me every time.
If you're unfamiliar with this California redhead, I feel honored to introduce you. It's your lucky day, indeed!
From The "Blow" Soundtrack. Amazing Song!
Nikka Costa - Push & Pull
From the album 'Everybody Got Their Something' and 'Blow' soundtrack
Runtime: 4:23
232610 views
10 Comments:
Another Bit Of Nikka Magic!
Pick A Nikka Nick-Nack Or Two!
Everybody Got Their Something
Like A Feather, Push & Pull, Tug of War, etc.
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 11/22/2008)
can'tneverdidnothin'
Around the World, Fooled Ya Baby, I Gotta Know, etc.
Amazon Price: $11.97 (as of 11/22/2008)
Pebble to a Pearl
BRAND NEW Nikka Album Released Oct. 14, 2008!
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 11/22/2008)
#4
ALICE IN CHAINSIn my opinion, AIC is easily the best band to come out of the 90's Seattle grunge movement. I'll repeat that... EASILY the best. Maybe Nirvana is 2nd, or maybe Soundgarden or Pearl Jam. No matter. Whoever 2nd is runs a DISTANT 2nd, in my opinion.
Alice In Chains was fronted by Layne Staley, one of the greatest rock vocal talents to ever hit studio or stage. Combined with guitarist Jerry Cantrell's visionary blues-metal hybrid style and clean vocal harmony, drummer Sean Kinney's stellar cymbal and hi-hat work (and overall percussional mastery), and phenomenal bass by the Mikes (Starr and Inez), Alice in Chains was not merely a symbol of a movement... they were absolute virtuosos!
Since Layne's passing in April of 2002, the band has attempted to carry on the AIC name with a new lead vocalist. This has been met with many a mixed reaction from loyal fans. I personally think that changing the name of the band would be a more honorable move on Mr. Cantrell's part.
In any event, Alice in Chains is my fourth favorite musical act ever. Enjoy.
What Do YOU Think?
Awesome!
Alice in chains Unplugged "Got me wrong"
that don't last forever something's gotta turn out right
Runtime: 4:39
23196 views
10 Comments:
Alice On CD!
More AIC Offerings
Unplugged
Rivaling Korn As One Of Unplugged's Best Performances!
Amazon Price: $9.97 (as of 11/22/2008)
The Essential Alice in Chains
Greatest Hits + Get Born Again, Died, and A Little Bitter
Amazon Price: $15.97 (as of 11/22/2008)
Above
Layne Staley's Side Project - River of Deceit, I Don't Know Anything, Long Gone Day, etc.
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 11/22/2008)
Alice in Chains (Layne Staley 1967-2002) Music Poster Print - 24" X 36"
Amazon Price: $0.97 (as of 11/22/2008)
Alice In Chains Three Legged Dog Adult T-Shirt
Amazon Price: (as of 11/22/2008)
3 More Honorable Mentions
+ My Pick For Best Metal Band
Jamiroquai - It's impossible to listen to these cats without dancing. Jay Kay is one of the most dynamic front men on Earth, with dance moves almost as slick and captivating as his voice. This British funk machine is a must for any great dance party!Shakira - And while we're on the subject of great singer/dancers, how's about this little Colombian firecracker! With hip wiggling that would make Elvis blush, one of the most distinctive voices in all of popular music, and a huge musical range; from Latin to pop to rock to dance to hip-hop, Shakira's success across North America and beyond is, in my opinion, extremely well earned.
Outkast - Plain and simple, these guys are among the funnest and most unique artists on the planet! When you hear Andre 3000 puttin' his thang down, you don't know if you want to dance, laugh, or f@&k! Their retro, funky version of hip-hop adds some much needed fresh air in a world gone stale. I tip my hat to them for that.
And the award for best metal band goes to:
Chimaira - Got metal? This is my favorite metal band because they've got an element most metal bands lack... fun! Before my #1 is revealed, I'll show you a Chimaira (pronounced Ky-meer-ah) video. It's hard for me to describe good metal vs. bad metal, so I'll just show you some good metal!
But I Digress...
We're Getting Down To The Nitty Gritty!
Okay.
Go Ahead.
Peep My Top 3.
I Bet You're Gonna Love 'Em!
#3
DEFTONESThese guys are everything a great band should be. They're super unique. They're lyrically clever. They're scary talented. They're moody. They're heavy, but only when it's situationally appropriate. They're calculated. They're patient. They're emotionally riveting.
And they're absolutely nothing a band shouldn't be. They're not hype. They're not cliche. They're not predictable. They're not cookie-cutter.
Abe Cunningham is the best drummer in rock music... period. His beats are methodical. His accents are surprisingly perfect. His use of silence is unmatched. His cymbal work is flawless. His tom work is just as good. And his kick rhythm rarely loops (it doesn't repeat itself).
The bass and guitars are clever, as are the compositions they create. The instrumental tones this band creates are the things dreams are made of.
And then there's the man... Chino. What can I say about this cat that would do him the justice he deserves? His mixture of sensitivity, cool-kid style, and start-a-riot-without-a-second-of hesitation energy make him one of the greatest front men in any band... any genre... any era.
If you respect this band half as much as I do, then you'd put them at #6! (Ha Ha!)
Hope you dig the videos!
Nicely Done...
Deftones - Knife Prty (Live Acoustic)
Deftones - Knife Prty (Live) Acoustic Version Mahai'ula Beach, Hawaii
Runtime: 4:48
15008 views
10 Comments:
Heavy And Fun...
Deftones - Hexagram
This is the video for Hexagram, which was the second single of their self-titled album, released in 2003. Hexagram - 2o single do Deftones - 2003 www.deftones.com.br
Runtime: 4:09
785481 views
10 Comments:
Scary Video, Beautiful Song...
Deftones - Xerces (Get Well Chi Cheng)
I used (edit) a video from a Japanese documentary about what would happen "IF" a Comet hit Earth.
Runtime: 3:43
1456 views
4 Comments:
Well...
If I seem a little dramatic, I guess that's because this truly is my favorite subject in the world. I'm a musician myself. Later on, I'll give you a link to my MySpace page so you can check my stuff out and, if you're so generous, leave me some feedback. I guess that's another motivation I have to get this lens up. I wanna get my stuff out there, too!
So okay. Let's find out who's at...
#2
FIONA APPLEShe's sultry and sensitive. She's vicious and cruel. She's angelic and sweet. She's deep and dark... She's vulnerable......She's light.......She's a wonder.
Her music is a dark brand of modern-day slow jazz meets a violently broken-hearted sort of folk/pop, with just a touch of a gothic ballroom thrown in. She's a pianist, a poet, a singer. She's anti-bullshit. She takes her craft seriously... and it shows.
Each album seems to take her an eternity to write and release. Perhaps that's because she's released only three albums in nearly 13 years. Each one is a true masterpiece. Every aspect of her music, from instrumentation to song structure to lyrics to vocal, is very highly calculated and EXTREMELY well executed. She works with only the finest musicians, and so do they!
If you know Fiona solely for her early work, like Sleep To Dream, Shadowboxer, or Criminal, I very strongly urge you to look into her next two records, When the Pawn... and Extraordinary Machine. This Apple definitely sweetens as she ripens!
Enjoy these videos from one of the world's most gifted (and most underrated) entertainers.
A Beautiful Cover
Sally's Song - Fiona Apple
I tried matching the mouthing to the song of the video clip, not so good at it. But I hope you enjoy it! Due to argumentative and pointless fueds in comments I'm blocking the comments, sorry. Jack and Sally are (C) Tim Burton Song is (C) Fiona Apple. Original Sally's Song (C) Danny Elfman
Runtime: 3:21
138293 views
10 Comments:
One of My Absolute Favorite Songs!
Strong Vocals...
Amazing Song. Absolutely Amazing.
Fiona Apple - Not About Love (Live)
Performance of "Not About Love"
Runtime: 4:27
22219 views
10 Comments:
Find Your Fiona Fix
When The Pawn...
Fast As You Can, Paper Bag, Love Ridden, etc.
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 11/22/2008)