XTC

This bands seems to be getting smaller by the minute. But after a 10 year hiatus, they still have it. A few years back I met them at a signing, at which lead singer, Andy Partridge complimented my famous "chess shirt". He then proceded to turn the guy on the cover of Skylarking into Robin the Boy Wonder.

Favorite Album:

Oranges & Lemons - Highlights: "Garden of Earthly Delights", "The Mayor of Simpleton", "King for a Day", "The Loving", "Poor Skeleton Steps Out", "Scarecrow People", "Cynical Days", "Across This Antheap" and "Miniature Sun".

Notable Albums:

Black Sea - Highlights: "Generals and Majors", "Rocket From a Bottle", "Towers of London", "Burning with Optimism's Flame" and "Sgt. Rock".

Skylarking - Highlights: "Summer's Cauldron", "Grass", "That's Really Super, Supergirl", "Season Cycle", "Earn Enough for Us", "Dear God", "Dying" and "Sacrificial Bonfire".

Website: www,chalkhills.org


Wire

One of the original punk bands that just won't die. Always on the cutting edge but often unnoticed (though "Eardrum Buzz" got some MTV play in the late 80s). Their recent return to their punk roots proves that those mainstreamers calling themselves "punk" today don't have a clue.

Favorite Album:

Manscape - The critics hate this one, but what the hell do they know. Highlights: "Stampede", "Patterns of Behavior", "Small Black Reptile", "Torch It", "Where's the Deputation?", "What Do You See?", and "Goodby Ploy".

Notable Albums:

Pink Flag - Highlights: "Field Day for the Sundays", "Three Girl Rhumba", "Low Down", "It's So Obvious", "Mr. Suit", "Strange", "Fragile", "Mannequin" and "12XU".

154 - Highlights: "I Should Have Known Better", "The Other Window", "A Mutual Friend", "Once is Enough", "Map NotReference 41°N 91° W", and "40 Versions".

The Ideal Copy/Snakedrill - Highlights: "Ahead", "Feed Me", "Ambitious", "Cheeking Tongues", "Over Theirs", "A Serious of Snakes", "Drill" and "Advantages in Height". Read & Burn 01 - A return to their punk form! Highlights: "In the Art of Stopping", "I Don't Understand", "Comet" and "The Agfers of Kodak".

Website: www.pinkflag.com


Siouxsie and the Banshees

We trekked up to San Francisco to see Siouxsie Sioux and Co. in April 2002, and the show was well worth the trip. They played mostly rare cuts and B-Sides, a true fans set list! And Budgie worked those drums!

Favorite Album:

Tinderbox - "Cities of Dust" is up there on my top ten favorite songs list. Other Highlights: "The Sweetest Chill", "This Unrest", "Party's Fall" and "Lands End".

Notable albums:

JuJu - Highlights: "Spellbound", "Monitor", "Sin in My Heart", "Voodoo Dolly", "Into the Light" and "Nightshift".

A Kiss In the Dreamhouse - Highlights: "Cascade", "Obsession", "Melt!", "Painted Bird" and "Slowdive". Peepshow - Highlights: "Peek-a-Boo", "The Killing Jar", "Scarecrow", "Carousel", "Burn-Up", and "Rhapsody".

Website: www.thecreatures.com


Depeche Mode

Okay, I won't bore you again with the stories of how I keep meeting these guys. All I'll say is that after all these years, their music keeps getting better and better.

Favorite Album:

Black Celebrations - Highlights: "Black Celebration", "Fly on the Windscreen", "A Question of Lust", "A Question of Time", "Stripped", "Dressed in Black" and "But Not Tonight".

Notable Albums:

Some Great Reward - Highlights: "Something to Do", "Lie to Me", "It Doesn't Matter", "Somebody", "Master and Servant" and "Blasphemous Rumors".

Violator - Highlights: "Sweetest Perfection", "Personal Jesus", "Halo", "Waiting for the Night", "Enjoy the Silence" and "Blue Dress". Songs of Faith and Devotion - Highlights: "I Feel You", "Walking in My Shoes", "Mercy in You", "In Your Room", "Rush" "One Caress" and "Higher Love".

Website: www.depechemode.com

 

Even more bands!

Listen to these bands at my radio station: Darkest Before Dawn.