Music

Mainstream Music

Music of today ranges from crap to really good. Not great. There is very little great music that is commercially selective. I would be really bummed growing up in the mid-late 90s and having that be the first music I listened to and understood. The 80s were at least fun. Alas, there are some good bands out there that deserve some recognition for a few good songs that they have made popular. One hit wonders? Possibly. But still they are really good.

Janes Addiction
I really don't want to put these guys anywhere. They could go in the 80s or here or on a page of its own rightfully. These guys changed the way I listened to music as well as what music I listen to currently. The mix of music and fashion sense these guys have allowed me to become a little more open in my ways of looking at things. A remarkable band that will stand the test of time. Long Live Perry. Oh, and what about The Gift.

Smashing Pumpkins - D'Arcy has recently left but how can you not love the album Gish or Siamese Dream. The newer stuff is just ok with a few exceptions. I have to hand it to Billy Corgan who really kept this band alive through some tough stuff. Even made Courtney Love (Hole) seem respectable as a musician. And that is no easy task.

Green Day - I am going to hear it from a lot of people about this one. Sorry folks, these guys know how to create a catchy tune and take there main premise (punk) along for the ride. Their second and third albums are great and will be party music material for years to come.

Oasis - Ok, they are a bunch of egotistical, whiny coke heads. But they can create a fewhit songs that stick with you. I think Definately, Maybe and Morning Glory are very good albums. I'd compare them to Blur but that will cause much controversy.

Metallica - These guys tear it up. They were to the mid 80s what Zeppelin was to the late 60s early 70s - a rock band. People in my generation don't often see how Led Zep was ever hard, but do we really look at Metallica as hard as we once did, especially compared to some of the new stuff out there.

Beastie Boys - Goes without saying. These guys, via Run DMC, changed the sound of music as we once knew it and continue to tweak it hear and there, keeping it new and revitalized, for our listening pleasure. Long live the Beasties.

Beck - Take all of the Beasties and smoosh them into one crazy mind and body and you have Beck. A great performer for semi-large audiences, not so good with the small intimate ones. But an incredibly creative mind plus he has Willie Nelson as a friend.

Pearl Jam - Eddie Vedder has his issues but this guy'f voice is as distinguishable as you can get. Amazing voice, great but disturbing lyrics and a few hits that will also stand the test of time among teenagers with angst.

Nirvana - Quintessential band. Nevermind is to the 90s and 00s as Frampton Comes Alive was to the 70s. You need this album in your collection otherwise you will not get any girls. Funny, I no longer have this CD. Aha, now it comes together. Just kidding. I recently burned a copy of it.

Stone Temple Pilots - I guess these guys are mainstream or at least were. These guys had it all but then you know the story. Oh well.

Smash Mouth - I got to see these guys in concert recently. Not bad but not great. The hit songs they cleverly bring out just as the summer really takes charge are perfect. For 2 summers in a row 99 and 00, these California guys have really made people want to listen to the radio on the beach. But, radio stations, sadly, burn them out. I this band just wrote good summer songs I would be fully happy.

Blues Traveler - They might not belong here but I couldn't think of anywhere else to put them - maybe Jam Bands, but that was back in the day. These guys sold out, admit it and gloat in the glory of selling out. Give Popper some credit for honesty. And man can that guy party. Just stay healthy big boy, we'd like to see you play for a lot longer.