I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately - don’t ask me why - but I wanted to compile a list. 5 is just too few and I would leave out crucial bands. So this is my Top 10 favorite bands and my favorite album by each band. I will probably leave a comment by each one explaining my choices. It’s a VERY wide range of tastes, so a little explanation is probably needed.
1. Genesis - The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974)
When I say “Genesis” as #1 band - I’m always including Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel and their solo works in there as well. So they are really my all-time top 3 - BUT because I don’t listen to them that much, I keep them grouped at #1 instead of taking up room. This 2-disc album is an amazing concept album stemmed completely from Peter’s brain. It was unfortunately his last with Genesis and in 1975 Phil Collins moved from drummer to drummer AND singer. The Gabriel-led era of Genesis is not necessarily my favorite, but this album is. “Carpet Crawlers” is a great song - and the remake in 1999 featured Peter and Phil BOTH singing on this track and it’s a highlight for me. Talks of a reunion have been strong since 2005 and I can’t imagine the amount of money I would pay to see Genesis in its orginal line-up.
2. 311 - 311 (1995)
Most of the time I prefer the songs from “Music” and “Evolver” in 311’s collection - but this album is the one that introduced me to 311 and I have the fondest memories of it. It is also the year I graduated high school and reminds me of my earliest times at DeVry and good times. 311 will always be special to me.
3. The Used - The Used (2002)
Sometimes I wonder about my choice to put The Used up so high in my list - but it doesn’t feel right without it. They introduced me to emo/screamo/pop-punk sort of genres - which continue to be my favorite kind of music even today. I’ve seen them several times in concert and they are excellent musicians. Bert may not have a strong voice, but I love his passion he has and they all work really well together. I would never miss them when they come to town.
4. Mudvayne - L.D. 50 (2000)
It was hard to choose between this album and the Beginning of Things to End. Both are great albums and Mudvayne has been a great outlet for me - the anger, the passion, the honesty of their lyrics are amazing. And they are all each nothing short of brilliant musicians. I was never impressed by the mask/make-up thing, but it doesn’t bother me either. Another band I wouldn’t miss when they come to town. The last show I saw of theirs last year was one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. They played the entire LD50 album and it was amazing.
5. 30 Seconds to Mars - A Beautiful Lie (2005)
30 Seconds to Mars is the only band - to date - that I have seen who sounds better LIVE than they do on their cd. The cd is amazing, the band is amazing and RIGHT NOW they are by far my favorite band. It was hard for me not to put them higher on my list. Jared Leto is highly talented - who could argue? I can’t help but love someone who is passionate about so many things in life - and succeeds in them. He’s a great actor and an even better singer. His voice is SO strong and SO amazing - it gives me the chills. The lyrics and writing on this album are top-notch and I’m very excited they are starting to receive some deserving press - helps for the promise of another album. Oh and did I mention he’s beautiful?
6. Nine Inch Nails - The Downward Spiral (1994)
Wow. Nin at #6. This even amazes me. Nine Inch Nails had more of an affect on me and my life than any other band I’ve ever listened to. I’ve never been obssessed with a band like I was with NIN in high school and college. I have dozens of t-shirts, magazines, videos, 42 CD’s and anything you can imagine with NIN on or in it. But, like all things, I grew away from NIN and even the new stuff - as much as I like it - it’s not really my style anymore and I don’t listen to it much. This album means a great deal to me and I would probably still burst into tears if I played “A Warm Place” (#10). It’s an instrumental and it’s SO sad. I played it over and over when my best friend moved away to Maryland back in college and that song means a lot to me.
7. John Mayer - Heavier Things (2003)
Don’t get me wrong, I love John Mayer. But I’m a little unsure about him and this album being in my Top 10. But that is only because of my present feelings toward it. I can remember listening to this cd over and over and over when I was pregnant and after I had Tyler. So it means a lot to me and it IS a great album. John is amazing live and a phenomenal guitar player. So if nothing else, it serves good memories and I would still sing along if I listened to it today.
8. Bleed The Dream - Built By Blood (2005)
Just a great cd. That’s all there is to it. I can’t say enough good things about this under-rated band and this great album that they put out last year. It was a creation from some demos they released in 2004 (cd called “Awake”) and a few of the songs were re-worked and put out again. Each song is emotional and passionate and I absolutely love this cd and this band.
9. Garbage - Version 2.0 (1998)
Most listened to cd I’ve ever owned. I wore it out when it came out in 1998, and again every year after that until fairly recently. I’ve owned 4 copies of the cd because of wear and tear - and I’ve been a huge Garbage fan since high school. I love everything Garbage does and this cd is my favorite.
10. Alanis Morissette - So-Called Choas (2004)
I somewhat randomly chose this cd - but I had to include Alanis in my top 10 because I love ALL of her cds. I’ve always looked up to her and her strength. Guys still think of her as the angry girl from You Outta Know - but she is anything but negative. She is a very positive strong person and her cds are all very inspiring and I look forward to each one of them.
**Note: Some CD’s that were very close and I almost feel like I’ve left them out:
Incubus - SCIENCE (1997)
36 Crazyfists - Snow-Capped Romance (2003)
Funeral For a Friend - Hours (2005)
Garden State Soundtrack (2004)
The Cure - Disintegration (1989)
The Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream (1993)
Taproot - Gift (2000)