www.oocities.org/notoriousjed/music.html
Here are a few of the main bands that I would include in my personal "Roots & Influences."
Creedence Clearwater Revival - In my opinion, the best American band thus far. Lead singer/guitarist/songwriter John Fogerty still tours. Stu Cook and Doug Clifford still tour as well. They are touring under the name Creedence Clearwater Revisited. (Don't they realize that their voices ruined CCR's last album "Mardi Gras"?...it's horrible!) I've never seen them live, and I feel that it would be a bastardization of CCR if I did. Why would anyone want to go and see some band's old drummer and bass player? John Fogerty wrote all the good songs, or at least arranged them. He played lead guitar and sang. He was CCR.
Phish - Great musicians, but not performing together at this time. Trey Anastasio has a new album out, and he's continuing to tour. My friends and I have bets going...and we're figuring that Phish will tour again within the next 3 years. My personal favorite songs include, but are not limited to, "Landlady," "Squirming Coil," "My Friend, My Friend," "Inlaw Josie Whales," and "Waste."
My Morning Jacket - Great rock band outta Kentucky. Helluva live show too.
Beck - What can't this guy do? He can make the best music in any genre. He's also the reason I got a "B" in organic chemistry...here's a tip, don't listen to "Midnite Vultures" while studying chemistry.
Stone Temple Pilots - Growing up, they were probably the reason I wanted a guitar. I've seen 'em a few times live, and they're still good. There will probably always be a place for them in my collection.
Oasis - I tag them responsible for bringing Brit pop & rock back to the mainstream US radio. If it weren't for these Brits, radio here would suck. My favorite songs include "Live Forever," "Slide Away," "Digsy's Diner," "Listen Up," "Don't Look Back in Anger," "She's Electric," "I Hope, I Think, I Know," "Fade In-Out," "Rockin' Chair," "Talk Tonight," "Wonderwall," "Where Did It All Go Wrong?," and "Sunday Morning Call."
Soundgarden - #1 Seattle grunge band. Favorite songs include "Outshined," "Something," "Spoonman," "Limo Wreck," "Just Like Suicide," "Burden In My Hand," "Blow Up the Outside World," and "Rhinosaur."
Wilco - All that I can say is that Jeff Tweedy is a genious. (I've been told he's a communist too ?!?) I recommend anything with their name on it. (Except socialist/communist propaganda) Buy the new album "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." You will not be disappointed. It's beautiful, and well worth it.
The Soundtrack Of Our Lives - Excellent music that combines Sweden and neo-psychedelia.
Travis - Fran Healy has the best voice in the world. I recommend anything with their name on it.
starsailor - Another band from the U.K. Well crafted debut album is on the shelves right now. I still haven't been able to convince anyone else to buy it, let alone download any of their songs.
The Eagles - The second greatest American band. No wonder their first greatest hits album is the all-time best selling record.
Widespread Panic - Best jam band that's still in existance. Each instrument is played to it's full potential. Great stuff.
Randy Bachman of The Guess Who & Bachman-Turner Overdrive - Check out the Hard Rock Cafe in Calgary, Alberta. Bachman is clearly one of the best Canadian musicians ever. (Not a very hard thing to accomplish)
Stone Roses - British music at its finest. I really like John Squire's guitar work...even in his last band, the Seahorses. My faves are "Mersey Paradise," "Tell Me," "All Across the Sands," "Daybreak," "Tightrope," and "Breaking into Heaven."
Ride - Right up there with the Stone Roses. Broke through with great stuff, that you rarely hear on the radio in the States.
Coldplay - Another young Brit band. They are one of the few groups putting good music out.
Foo Fighters - Dave Grohl is a great all-around musician with a knack for making great tunes. Should have a new album out this summer. (2002)
Weezer - Have a patented sound that's bar none. I loved them in '94, and still appreciate hearing them today. Should have two new albums out within the next year.
Our Lady Peace - Despite being Canadian, I still love 'em. They have a great new cd coming out in June. It's their fifth one, and they've only been getting better.
Pete Yorn - Great new musician. His "musicforthemorningafter" is Annika and Jed's album. Pete is currently on tour with Weezer.
Mason Jennings - A transplanted Minnesotan with a ton of great stuff and even more potential. Good folksy tunes, and genius political tunes (though I don't agree with them.)
Sponge - Detroit 5-piece modern-day glam-rock. They're not even a band anymore, but I still treat them like they are. My favorite songs include, "Giants," "Have You Seen Mary?," "Plowed," and "Rainin'."
Neil Young - If I had to choose one artist to listen to for the rest of my life, it would be Neil Young. His new album, "Are You Passionate?" is timeless. I don't think that there has been a more accomplished musician that has covered so many genres. He has influenced countless musicians out there, and will continue to do so for a very, very long time.
The Who - In my opinion, the greatest rock band ever. The Who epitomize what a rock band should be. 30 Years of Maximum R&B is a must have for any Who fan.
