After seeing @saintwildcard's Top 25 Favourite Bands, I was inspired to create my own list of musicians that I like. As you can imagine, narrowing it down is pretty difficult and my taste does move around a bit so this list is just my current favourites. Now, lets begin with some honourable mentions. These are some of the groups that didn't quite reach the top 10 this time but they're still great:
- Rage Against the Machine
- The Brian Jonestown Massacre
- The Black Keys
- Faith No More
- The Prodigy
- The Smashing Pumpkins
- Iggy and the Stooges
And there are so many more that I could add but I'm not going to.
10.) Electric Six
As front man Dick Valentine would say, Electric Six are the bomb. You might have heard "Danger! High Voltage" before, it did get pretty popular, but they're more than just a one hit wonder in my opinion. Catchy guitar, entertaining lyrics, definitely a something to listen to if you want to lighten your mood a bit.
Favourite song: While Danger! High Voltage is probably deserving of being their most well known track, almost every other song from their album "Fire" is awesome too although their other albums do contain some good stuff too.
9.) Metallica
The first metal band I ever liked, James Hetfield's powerful vocals is what makes Metallica stand out from other thrash bands and they've got some great riffs too along with memorable lyrics like "Hush little baby, don't say a word, and never mind that noise you heard".
Favourite song: I'm going with the fan-favourite of "Master Of Puppets" but recently I've been getting into their cover of the Misfits, "Die, Die My Darling".
8.) Fun Lovin' Criminals
I don't think I know many other bands like Fun Lovin' Criminals, they've got a unique sound and it's not only original but it's great quality. The mix of hip-hop and alternative rock is something I enjoy, seeing as I like both the genres, and Huey Morgan's distinct New York accent comes shinning through in such a cool manner. The fact that vocals are not rushed adds to their entertainment factor.
Favourite song: Either "Scooby Snacks" which is probably one of their more famous ones or "Korean Bodega".
7.) Jurassic 5
If you like hip-hop that isn't just about "b!tch, booty, n!gg@" or whatever and haven't heard Jurassic 5, go listen to them now. That's an order, these guys are seriously good. They've got such a chill vibe which I think can be lacking from other artists and, even though they're one group, they use a number of different vocalists meaning that there's a range of different styles which is something I enjoy.
Favourite song: "Concrete Schoolyard" is probably their best hit, it's such a relaxing song.
6.) The Sisters of Mercy
Forming in 1977, the group are one of the earliest bands on this list. Could you tell that from listening to them? Perhaps. They don't feel very modern but I like that, "goth" seems to have died down and been replaced with "emo" so the Sisters of Mercy's older feel is one of the reasons I listen to them.
Favourite song: "This Corrosion"
5.) The Dandy Warhols
The thing with the Dandy Warhols is that I can imagine both alternative and mainstream music lovers appreciating them. They're diverse in the fact that some of their songs actually sound quite pop-influenced but mange to avoid coming out as too commercial while others include distorted guitars and more alternative based. Both of these styles are great.
Favourite song: If I want a bit of a dance then it's "Bohemian Like You", if I want something more mellow then "Godless".
4.) Kasabian
Kasabian have been criticised by some for copying Oasis' style and I do agree that they do have a similar sound. But I personally don't see that as an issue to whether I like a band or not, they're using an older formula and adding a modern mix to it. If I need some energy, there songs do get me pumped and I enjoy there Englishy (I don't think Englishy is a word but meh) feel.
Favourite song: "Fire". I'd heard "Club Foot" beforehand and liked it but Fire's what made me fully appreciate them.
3.) Slipknot
Life ain't all sunshine and rainbows as Slipknot nicely show. I didn't really like their style when I first heard them, it was a bit too heavy for me at the age of twelve. However, some of my friends got into the band later on and persuaded me to re-listen to them, I did and now I love them.
Favourite song: Tough one, most of their songs are of good quality. I'll put "Wait and Bleed" at the top of the list, mainly because it's the first song of their's I liked.
2.) Radiohead
A pretty highly acclaimed group, Radiohead definitely deserve their good reviews. It was possibly my mum who showed me them (I know, my mum showing me them isn't really very "rockstar" but she does have quite good taste so meh) and my first ever album was their "OK Computer" which I still enjoy to this day. I know they're not for everyone, you get some people who think they're "whiney" but it's some of the best whining I've ever heard.
Favourite song: At the moment, it's "Exit Music". You should check out "Just" if you haven't seen it though, one of the best music videos I can think of.
1.) Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Making the top spot had to go to the genius of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The lyrics to their songs are so good, it's crazy. Take "Higgs Boson Blues" for example, it's poetic and the metaphors used really capture my attention. Again, "The Mercy Seat" use of religious imagery is done in such a great fashion. Nick's deep voice is captivating and he sounds almost like a narrator rather than a singer. Both slow and fast paced songs are equally good, they're consistent in quality. Overall, a great band.
Favourite song: I refuse to answer.
So, that's my top 10 favourite bands. What are yours?
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