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1. Peter Gabriel
Ok, he's not specifically a band, but this man to me represents absolute brilliance. When I listen to his music, I feel this mythical fantasy quality crawl from deep within into my world. I feel that fictional joyful carefree section of Fritzelvania revitalize. This isn't to say he doesn't write/perform serious or "depressing" material. His form and presentation makes these topics come alive and transport you into a deep mode of thinking. Definate feel good music for me. I can't tell you how many times I've felt down and Peter Gabriel was always there telling me to stay open and keep on truckin'. Thanks Peter for a lifetime of goodtimes. =)
2. Pink Floyd
I know I know... VERY TOUGH decision. The reason I list Pink Floyd this high is again the relational factor. I still strongly hold the belief that Pink Floyd wrote an album for every stage of my life. I think I am mid-Dark Side of the Moon now. I've already done The Wall and Momentary Lapse of Reason. Regardless, their always unique, always excellent. Many times I've aspired to see Roger Waters here in Chicago, but I never seem to have the money to see him. Regardless, I feel Pink Floyd is one of the greatest bands ever to exist and ever will exist. Amen. =)
3. Depeche Mode
Alright... Alright... alot of people don't like Depeche Mode or they think they are homosexual in nature. Well... they can just go fly a kite. I love Depeche Mode. I started with Violator when i was about 14 or so and I haven't been able to stop since. They write catchy, sometimes gothic type songs. I really enjoy them because their music often times reflects some spiritual conflicts that go on inside me. I'm tired. I'll write more later.
4. Public Enemy
Ok, you might be wondering... "Fritz, aren't you white?" And yeah, I'm real white. So why the hell do I like them? Public Enemy really speaks to me. Even though I can't sympathize totally with their messages because I am not of their culture, I still really dig the fact that they are sticking up for a cause. It didn't matter what the repercussions were, they stood up for their rights. They wanted to dispense equal rights to everyone, and by God I dig that. On a more personal level, Public Enemy gave me the fight... the raw GUTS to stand up for myself. I mean, Christ, if these guys have enough balls to go out there and speak their minds in front of millions, then I OWE it to them to at least give it a try. Thank you Public Enemy for making me a new person. =)
5. Muddy Waters
Despite only recently listening to Muddy Waters, what I have heard is FANTASTIC. I love it. I can't express it any other way. In every enlightened person's career there comes a time of reckoning. You start out with the pop culture bullshit, then work your way back to what is REAL music. Muddy Waters IS that path for me. He opened up my eyes to what American music represents. Now, I feel as if I can take my entire musical aunterage(sp!) and understand it on a whole new level! Get on Napster and try it... it's worth your while. =)
6. Nine Inch Nails
I might change this later. I say this because NIN did help me alot back in my good old teen angst days. I still pull out their albums once in a great while. Believe me, these are probably the most listened to in my entire collection. I had LOTS of teen angst. =) hehe.... Anyway, I enjoyed their industrial sounds and creations up until The Fragile. I'm still not sure what I think of that album. For some reason I feel as if Trent had sold out a bit. =( Anyway, like I said, I might change this one as I develop the guide.
7. U2
BUSES AND BOMBS! BUSES AND BOMBS! While U2 didn't completely launch me into the socio-political battles that I fight now, it did open my eyes to some nice songs. All I can say about U2 is that they simply flip my switch. Done and done. =) Besides, don't you want to name your child Bono?
8. Chumbawamba
Ok... Ok... If you feel the need to slap me here, you are permitted. THIS is the band that initially opened my eyes to politically motivated music. For instance, you hear them on the radio... fun, innocent, and nifty... right??? WRONG! Chumbawamba are complete anarchists. I've had their page in my links section for probably a year now. =) What's even cooler is that it's easier for me to relate than Public Enemy in a sense simply from their similar culture. I feel I can understand P.E. easier when it's put across in Chumbawamba terms.. even though they aren't fighting the same fight in many senses... regardless.. they are on my list.. they are number seven... DEAL WITH IT.
9. Frank Sinatra
Anotehr pick that seems unlikely, eh? I enjoy Frank because of his style. I love to sing along with all of his selections. I never really liked Duets, but I've thoroughly enjoyed his other works. I think my favorite all time song from Mr. Sinatra was Three Coins or I Get a Kick Out of You. I'm not sure if that's the OFFICIAL title, but it will do for now. There's something definately said about the sway and rhythm of his music. There's something there that just causes me to swing and swagger like a half-drunken frat boy. Oh well... perhaps somethings the world will NEVER know. =)
10. Stone Temple Pilots
Believe it or not, I knocked off Led Zepplin for this spot! I list Stone Temple Pilots almost as an honorable mention, but they make number 10. STP has a place in my heart for quality. I feel that throughout my teen years, STP consistently churned out some really nifty songs that I enjoyed. Not too robust, not too boring. Not too funkah fresh, not too plain either. This almost dead mediation breeds magic within my ears. Kudos STP, keep on playin' kids.
Hastily Assembled on: 22.11.00
This list subject to change without prior notice. Should Brittney Spears or The Backstreet Boys EVER.. I REPEAT EVER be mentioned on this list. Kill me. I'll thank you later.