As mentioned, this is a list of the bands I listen to, which means I have at least one of their CDs. Not all bands are created equal. Some just had one really good release and I can't stand anything else they do. Some I'm so devoted that I'll buy anything they put out blindly. But I'll bounce around to each of them in my own time. I blindly worship these people Apocalyptica - It's cello metal, it's instrumental, it's hot. I love the fuck out of these guys. They're original, adorable, and the biggest dorks in the world of rock. In one word, squee. Mediaeval Baebes - The Baebes are a group of seven women (formerly as many as twelve) who sing in Middle English as well as other dead languages, taking poetry from the past and setting it to music. Amazing harmony. Rasputina - A cello rock band and probably one of my favorites EVER. Melora writes quirky, interesting lyrics that combined with the thunderous voice of the cello make for a sound that's simultaneously bouncy and dark. In other words, pwn. System of a Down - I... love System so hard. Like many people I was drawn in when "Chop Suey!" got so big in 2001. People say their music has decreased in quality, especially after Daron Malakian started singing, but I think he and Serj make great noise together. Therion - When I describe this band to people, it usually comes down to the words "opera metal". Not quite accurate, but close. It's big and dramatic-- four-part choir, full orchestra, and some elements of traditional metal to remind you what it's all really about. Three Weird Sisters - First word that comes to mind is... plucky. These ladies write songs about everything and anything from epic fantasy adventures to the horrible realization that all women turn into their mothers at some point. Awesome, but not perfect Dir en grey - I went through a J-rock phase when I was 15, and Diru remains a strong favorite of mine. Most noteworthy for me is Kyo's voice, which can be anything from high and sweet to the most anguished cry of agony. I'm of the opinion that their music isn't as good anymore, but from the beginning to about 2003 blows me away. Disturbed - Why Disturbed over other nu metal bands? Because David Draiman screams so good. End of story. Flogging Molly - How can one describe Flogging Molly? Jig rock? However you describe it, it usually sounds really lame. And then you actually listen to it. Méav Ni Mhaolchatha - Normally I don't really care about solo soprano acts, but Méav is just... amazing. Her voice is very high and sweet and pure. It's ethereal without being breathy. The ladies of Celtic Woman are all talented, but she's easily my favorite. Rammstein - The fact that these guys are so popular in America while still writing songs in German amazes me. I can't speak German, but between rocking really hard and writing superior poetry, they are made of win. I'd like to find out more about Heather Alexander - Heather is a powerhouse. She's a lusty singer, she plays a mean fiddle, and it's a damn shame that she's retired. Bedlam Bards - So much fun! A Renaissance Faire type of group. While they are not the most talented singers, everything is always done with feeling and energy. Brobdingnagian Bards - A bard by any other name has a shorter name. Corvus Corax - Let's cover the basics. They're big German guys with bagpipes and drums who sing in Latin and French. Oh, and they wrote an opera. Faun - Import prices keep me from getting more of their stuff. Americans need better taste in music. Godsmack - I wasn't really interested in them aside from "Voodoo" until their IV album, which I adore. The Lost Boys - I can't resist anyone who sings a good "Bedlam Boys" and theirs is splendidly creepy. Otherwise they are probably the most vocally talented of the male bards in my list, mixing the traditional, the bawdy, and the satirical. Omnia - Don't have CD yet because of import prices, but it WILL happen. Neo-pagan, filk type music. The Sixteen - I knew I loved The Sixteen from the moment I first heard them sing Allegri's "Miserere". Their harmony can't be beat. Unswabbed - I don't have a CD yet, but I'm gonna get one. French rock is usually either completely without balls or else in English, and what import price is worth that? I've good with the one CD I've got Blink-182 Michelle Branch Dead Can Dance The Cambridge Singers Crash Test Dummies Eisbrecher Estampie Gackt hide The Hilliard Ensemble Irfan Korn Malice Mizer Loreena McKennitt Murder by Death Nirvana No Doubt Noir Désir Penicillin A Perfect Circle Peter, Paul, and Mary Psycho le Cemu SAVAE Trio Mediaeval Rob Zombie |