Your Top Ten Favorite Bands & Artists

[M Two One]

Your Top Ten Favorite Bands & Artists

This is going to be similar to the top ten games thread in the media section, only you assort this list with your favorite music bands and artists. This doesn't pertain to one genre of music, so mix it up. We'd like to know who are your ten favorites of all genres combined and no more then ten. You don't have to put them in an order if you can't, that doesn't really matter because favorites often change around frequently. Also, it would help putting an explaination about each of your selections with a link to a video or MP3. You don't have to write a report, just a brief description is fine, though you're more then welcome to putting down all the information you like. Like the recommendations game, this thread should be able to help you discover new music. I'll go ahead and get this started.


<div align="center"><u><font size=""3"">M Two One's Top 10</font></u>

Venus <font size=""1"">Belgium</font>

Sigur R?s <font size=""1"">Iceland</font>

Dredg <font size=""1"">United States</font>

Battles <font size=""1"">United States</font>

Vitalic <font size=""1"">France</font>

Et? 67 <font size=""1"">Belgium</font>

Persephone's Bees <font size=""1"">Russia & United States</font>

Doves <font size=""1"">England</font>

Sharko <font size=""1"">Belgium</font>

Cities <font size=""1"">United States</font></div>


Venus, there is no comparison to their music. They produced their own genre taking dozens of instruments and genres and molding them all together to make a fantastic blend of original music. Each album is different, starting from dark and beautiful and taking many of those tracks and turning them into orchestrated genius on the following album. Then you release Vertigone? What the hell else do I need? There is my favorite band hands down.

Sigur R?s were difficult to get into at first, but over a span of up to two years it finally grew on me and then dug under my common interests rooting their music into my brain. The sounds are unique, not everyday you hear a lead vocalist playing the guitar with an E-bow made for the cello. The only real inspirations I can think of them having would be orchestrated music and Radiohead, then blending them together into a dark vivid sound that is basically otherworldly.

Dredg were once my favorite band with their unique sound and changing moods. However, their last album was such a disappointment thanks to the simplifying change of their original sound, plus selling out, it is all downhill from here and I expect the next album to drop them even further. However, I'll always love their previous albums which take in dream pop with nu-metal and actual art to create an entirely different approach to music.

Battles are a strange bunch with an original sound. They seem to take in inspiration from dozens of different angles including metal, indie, electronic and even jazz. I had heard them a while ago, but ignored them at first. When I heard their new album it actually didn't have to grow on me what with those strange vocal additions to each track. I actually became hooked right off the bat. The entire Mirrored album is extremely addictive.

Rounding out my top five is Vitalic. A strange Frenchman named Pascal Arbez who is deeply inspired by Air, Daft Punk and many forms of emotional music. Arbez as a joke once claimed to be a Ukrainian that emigrated from Ukraine to East Germany when the Berlin Wall fell, accompanied by his dog, "Mini Robot". His music is deep and original, though you can hear the inspirations he spoke of. Songs range from typical house (one of which won dance track of the year for his genre worldwide) to stuff that actually can bring out strange emotions.

Et? 67 are a young group of Belgians that still believe in singing in their native southern Belgium language, French. I don't think this should actual inhibit anyone from enjoying their music. They blend indie with native music and some punk to round out an original debut album after a successful EP released locally. Persephone's Bees are a nice refreshing band blending 60's rock with indie and Swedish pop. The singer is actually from Russia and they actually put together a track on their latest album with Russian vocals, which was a really nice addition. The Doves don't have one of the best vocalists in the world, but his style matches every aspect of their music and blends in so well that it makes him sound quite amazing at times. Music can do that and give these guys a lot of credit going from electronic musicians to indie dream pop. They have a refreshing sound and a nice tone often surrounded by great lyrics and a deep point of view. Click the video linked to their name in my list above to find out what I mean. Sharko, another great Belgian band. This country seems to put out amazing and original music by the woodwork. Purely indie's finest today. The little sounds they add to amazing music, plus their great music videos all combine to make them one of the most enjoyable acts of all-time. Cities are up and comers in the indie genre, but they've already put out such a wonderful first effort followed up by a remixed album redone by several of today's hottest artists. This is why they just barely make my top ten. Their debut album is highlighted by the track "Writing on the Wall," which has no specific chorus, runs almost four minutes and doesn't repeat a single verse until the very last few seconds.

Just missing out on my top ten are Elbow and V.A.S.T. Elbow have some amazing work, but they remind me a bit of the Doves. The major difference at times is that the singer is a bit selfish in having the media focus entirely on himself and their music isn't as deep or emotional most of the time. V.A.S.T are just amazing, Jon Crosby has got to be one of my favorite vocalists of all-time. However, they've skimmed away into the darkness since being dropped by their record company. Their first album holds truest to original form.

My favorite singer of all-time actually came from a mediocre nu-metal/electronic band called Ultraspank. His name is Pete Murray and the man sings as if he had leather lungs. Truly amazing vocalist, see for yourself here.

 

[Sasha]

This is quite impossible for me. There have been artists of mine that I've adored before, that I now just straight up hate. Music evolves as do my emotions and understanding towards it.

The only one I can think of is Tool, because I sincerely love everything they've done and I find no fault in any of their music. I'll do my current top ten though...

1.) Tool
2.) J Dilla
3.) Amon Dull II
4.) Dalek
5.) Secret Chiefs 3
6.) Magma
7.) Talib Kweli
8.) Amon Tobin
9.) Animal Collective
10.) 65daysofstatic

 

[M Two One]

Doesn't have to be all-time, current is fine. That's what I just did.

 

[Voodoo Child]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Doves don't have one of the best vocalists in the world, but his style matches every aspect of their music and blends in so well that it makes him sound quite amazing at times. Music can do that and give these guys a lot of credit going from electronic musicians to indie dream pop. They have a refreshing sound and a nice tone often surrounded by great lyrics and a deep point of view. Click the video linked to their name in my list above to find out what I mean.</div>

I forgot you liked those guys. They're one of my favorites as well (just not top ten). I'd agree on Goodwin vocals too. They're not perfect, but they do fit their style perfectly. "Black and White Town" is probably my favorite from them. This song you posted always reminded me of The Strokes, musically.

My top 10 -

1) Red Hot Chili Peppers (including John Frusciante)
2) The Doors
3) Pink Floyd
4) The Jimi Hendrix Experience
5) The Beatles
6) Black Sabbath
7) Sly and the Family Stone
8) Air
9) Strawberry Alarm Clock
10) The Smashing Pumpkins

My favorite band has been the Chilis since I was a kid, and I have a feeling they always will be. Their music hits me in a way nothing else does. #2-5 are pretty innerchangable but that top five is, and always has been, my five favorite bands by a mile, and #6 through the bands I didn't rank may change from month to month, but those guys are all consistently in my rotation, and that's how I'd rank my interests in them now.

 

[Casual]

Mogwai
Porcupine Tree
Pink Floyd
Muse
Handsome Boy Modeling School
Joe Satriani
Eminem
Gorillaz
God is an Astronaut
Tenacious D

 

[Chutney]

1. Jimi Hendrix
2. Led Zeppelin
3. Rakim
4. The Beatles
5. Public Enemy
6. Black Sabbath
7. Wu-Tang Clan
8. Mos Def
9. Bob Dylan
10. Pink Floyd

The order changes on any given day.

 

[NTC]

These are mine at the moment, will probably add an all time one after I think about it some more.

<u>Hip-Hop</u>

Kenn Starr
Zion I
Strange Fruit Project
Skyzoo
Foreign Exchange
Little Brother
The Roots
Living Legends
Murs
Juggaknots

<u>Dance</u>

S?bastien L?ger
Robbie Rivera
Paul van Dyk
Scot Project
Danny Tenaglia
Steve Lawler
Booka Shade
Dave Seaman
Dr. Willis
Kamui

 

[M Two One]

<div class="quote_poster">Voodoo Child Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I forgot you liked those guys. They're one of my favorites as well (just not top ten). I'd agree on Goodwin vocals too. They're not perfect, but they do fit their style perfectly. "Black and White Town" is probably my favorite from them. This song you posted always reminded me of The Strokes, musically.

My top 10 -

1) Red Hot Chili Peppers (including John Frusciante)
2) The Doors
3) Pink Floyd
4) The Jimi Hendrix Experience
5) The Beatles
6) Black Sabbath
7) Sly and the Family Stone
8) Air
9) Strawberry Alarm Clock
10) The Smashing Pumpkins

My favorite band has been the Chilis since I was a kid, and I have a feeling they always will be. Their music hits me in a way nothing else does. #2-5 are pretty innerchangable but that top five is, and always has been, my five favorite bands by a mile, and #6 through the bands I didn't rank may change from month to month, but those guys are all consistently in my rotation, and that's how I'd rank my interests in them now.</div>

I actually compare some of the Doves' tracks to the Flaming Lips' sound. They often have fun songs with unique and similar sound effects. I had actually figured you'd have Venus or Sigur R?s in your list simply since you've been big on them for a while. Not that it matters, anyway, good stuff all around. Nice to see Sly on your list.

 

[Voodoo Child]

<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I actually compare some of the Doves' tracks to the Flaming Lips' sound. They often have fun songs with unique and similar sound effects. I had actually figured you'd have Venus or Sigur R?s in your list simply since you've been big on them for a while. Not that it matters, anyway, good stuff all around. Nice to see Sly on your list.</div>

Yeah, I was thinking about putting Venus there. They're pretty close. I mean, it's pretty hard to name just ten. Not only am I leaving off guys like Venus and Sigur Ros, I'm leaving off a lot of bands I grew up listening to, like Radiohead, Incubus, Pearl Jam, Jefferson Airplane, and King Crimson. I've got just about every cd those bands have put out.

The top #6-10 could really be expanded to #6-50 with each artist holding equal importance to me, you know? I'm sure it's sort of similar for all of us.

Now, if we were doing individual tracks, "Hoppipolla" definitely would be in my top ten. I'm addicted to it. The piano in it is especially beautiful and haunting. To be honest, I really haven't heard enough of Sigur Ros and want to hear more. You'd be surprised how unavailable they are down here, compared to Venus, whose complete anthology I pretty much own now.

Oh yeah, and "Glosoli" is one of my favorites at the moment. The first few times I heard it, I thought it dragged on a little too much, but the more I listen to it, the more it's growing on me. I love the wind chimes in it (if those are even wind chimes... I suck at identifying percussion instruments, or any obscure instruments for that matter). "Saeglopur," if that's how you spell it, is another good one. I think you may have actually recommended it in the rec' thread before. The climax of that song always gets me. It's in such stark contrast to the beginning and the end in terms of tempo, volume, etc., yet it all flows together seemlessly.

 

[M Two One]

Don't worry about the spelling man, you don't need to add those special characters like I do. I only do it because I'm used to it.

I know what you mean about adding other artists. It was odd for me to remove those final two from my top ten, but I made the list refering to what I'm listening to now. Then again, it was difficult to leave out more then the two. Oh well, I like the idea. I'm surprised Sigur R?s aren't more available where you are considering that they play in the US quite often. Venus have never played or been heard anywhere outside of Belgium, France, Netherlands Luxembourg and the UK. No matter though, have you been able to find any Sigur R?s albums?

You should really give a listen to Sharko if you haven't yet. Another great Belgian band. You can find a video link in my list directly from the name. From there you'll find many others and I always enjoy their music videos because they're unique and often times funny.

As for Radiohead, I left them off simply because their new stuff hasn't been all too great. This is why Dredg has fallen from second and will likely continue what with how bad a turn they've taken with their music. Basically they took that eerie sound mixed with high emotions and made it simple, comforting and often times corny. I don't like that.

 

[Voodoo Child]

<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Don't worry about the spelling man, you don't need to add those special characters like I do. I only do it because I'm used to it.

I know what you mean about adding other artists. It was odd for me to remove those final two from my top ten, but I made the list refering to what I'm listening to now. Then again, it was difficult to leave out more then the two. Oh well, I like the idea. I'm surprised Sigur R?s aren't more available where you are considering that they play in the US quite often. Venus have never played or been heard anywhere outside of Belgium, France, Netherlands Luxembourg and the UK. No matter though, have you been able to find any Sigur R?s albums?

You should really give a listen to Sharko if you haven't yet. Another great Belgian band. You can find a video link in my list directly from the name. From there you'll find many others and I always enjoy their music videos because they're unique and often times funny.

As for Radiohead, I left them off simply because their new stuff hasn't been all too great. This is why Dredg has fallen from second and will likely continue what with how bad a turn they've taken with their music. Basically they took that eerie sound and made it simple and comforting. I don't like that.</div>

Well, I'm not really an album kind of guy unless I buy with a gift certificate (like I did Venus) or unless it's the Chilis (kinda a loyalty thing more than anything with them). So really, my only avenues are torrents, Limewire, etc., and I haven't found much of Sigur Ros through those channels, just a few singles.

Haven't listened to Sharko. I've got Limewire open, so I'll see if I can find any of their stuff.

Radiohead's last few albums haven't really disappointed me that much, but you're right, they have fallen off a bit. They're still listenable though. "There There" is one of my favorite songs at the moment, and "Pyramid Song" is great too, but I don't know if you'd consider that part of their new stuff or not, since it was recorded about six or seven years ago.

 

[Dark Hero]

1) The Doors
2) Fall Out Boy
3) The Pink Spiders
4) Red Hot Chili Peppers
5) Taking Back Sunday
6) The Game
7) Kelly Clarkson
8) Blink 182
9) Eminem
10)Cute Is What We Aim For

 

[Mamba]

<div class="quote_poster">Dark Hero Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">1) The Doors
2) Fall Out Boy
3) The Pink Spiders
4) Red Hot Chili Peppers
5) Taking Back Sunday
6) The Game
7) Kelly Clarkson
8) Blink 182
9) Eminem
10)Cute Is What We Aim For</div>


What a list

Love the versatility, I really do.

 

[Legacy]

1. Eminem
2. Nas
3. 2Pac
4. Biggie
5. Rakim
6. Bone Thugs N Harmony
7. Ice Cube
8. Dr. Dre
9. Jay-Z
10. Snoop Dogg

 

[The Walrus]

1)Jimi Hendrix Expierence
2)The Beatles
3)Red Hot Chili Peppers
4)The Doors
5)Arctic Monkeys/Muse
6)Audioslave
7)Ben Harper
8)Lenny Kravitz(Underated sometimes)
9)Blur
10)Incubus/Foo Fighters/Jet/Sublime

**Fatboy Slim & Bob Sinclar (not bands, but gret DJs nonetheless)

 

[M Two One]

You can add any genre of music you want. Hence "bands and artists."

 

[Sasha]

<div class="quote_poster">Casual Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Mogwai
Porcupine Tree</div>

 

[The Walrus]

1)Jimi Hendrix Expierence
2)The Beatles
3)Red Hot Chili Peppers
4)The Doors
5)Arctic Monkeys/Muse
6)The White Stripes/Audioslave
7)Ben Harper
8)Lenny Kravitz
9)Blur
10)Incubus/Foo Fighters/Jet/Sublime

Man its hard to make a top 10. lol

 

[Apollo]

-No order.

1.) Iron and Wine
2.) The Doors
3.) The Postal Service
4.) Sufjan Stevens
5.) The Beatles
6.) Beck
7.) Jimi Hendrix
8.) Bob Dylan
9.) U2
10.) Damien Rice

 

[Sasha]

I'm goin' to see Damien in Nashville in September. Should be quite the show. It'll be in the Ryman auditorium, in which Johnny Cash among many others have played.

 

[Dark Hero]

<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What a list

Love the versatility, I really do.</div>

Yeah, i listen to everything except country i love listening to Kelly Clarkson thats the only artist that I'm surprise i listen too...

 

[Iggy]

I've got no variation LOL. I don't listen to much rock, mainly just rnb and hip hop. Heres mine in order of favorite, not in order of talent.

1) Kanye West
2) John Legend
3) Common
4) The Game
5) Outkast
6) Lupe Fiasco
7) TI
8) Pharrell
9) Nas
10) Jay Z

 

[Shard]

Ok if this is any genre of music... here goes...

1. Tupac
2. Brand New
3. Sublime
4. Say Anything
5. Lil Wayne
6. Senses Fail
7. Rascal Flatts
8. Taylor Swift
9. Pretty Ricky
10. Taking Back Sunday

 

[TheFreshPrince]

Hmm.. this is hard, right now i'll go with

The Beatles
Bob Marley
Coldplay
Goo Goo Dolls
Jack Johnson
Nirvana
Queen
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Stevie Wonder
Terry Reid


Beatles, Marley, and Jack Johnson will always be up there, but other than that there are so many bands that come to mind

 

[The Walrus]

<div class="quote_poster">TheFreshPrince Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Hmm.. this is hard, right now i'll go with

The Beatles
Bob Marley
Coldplay
Goo Goo Dolls
Jack Johnson
Nirvana
Queen
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Stevie Wonder
Terry Reid


Beatles, Marley, and Jack Johnson will always be up there, but other than that there are so many bands that come to mind</div>

Jack Johnson is a ripoff BenHarper. I hate Jack Johnson.

 

[Riot]

1. Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. Jimi Hendrix Experience
3. Sublime
4. Reel Big Fish
5. Nirvana
6. The Beatles
7. Tenacious D
8. Slightly Stoopid
9. Tool
10. Alice In Chains

4-10 is in no order.

 

[Bobcats]

In no order at the top of my head.

Fave 5 bands:

Nirvana
Metallica
Sublime
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Jimi Hendrix

Fave 5 rappers

Eazy-E
2pac
Biggie
Mobb Deep
NWA

 

[TheFreshPrince]

<div class="quote_poster">The Walrus Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Jack Johnson is a ripoff BenHarper. I hate Jack Johnson.</div>

they are friends, how is he a rip-off? They make music together

 

[jbbDowntown]

In no particular order

Brand New
AC/DC
Mos Def
The Roots
Manchester Orchestra
Molotov
Pink Floyd
Bone Thugs N Harmony
DJ Jazzy Jeff (minus Will Smith)
The Mars Volta

Honorable Mention:
Gnarls Barkley
Dilated Peoples
Jaguares

 

[Shard]

<div class="quote_poster">Downtown Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">In no particular order

Brand New
AC/DC
Mos Def
The Roots
Manchester Orchestra
Molotov
Pink Floyd
Bone Thugs N Harmony
DJ Jazzy Jeff (minus Will Smith)
The Mars Volta

Honorable Mention:
Gnarls Barkley
Dilated Peoples
Jaguares</div>

Did you go to one of the Brand New/Manchester Orchestra shows?