I've been toying with this idea for some time, as U2 are my favorite band. I finally came up with a system (DORK WARNING! DORK WARNING!) that I liked and decided to rank the albums via "song ranking averages"; aka, 1 is "who were the ad wizards who thought this song was a good idea?" to 10, which is "simply one of my favorite songs ever, across the board". I ranked each song and averaged, and each album thus has a score.
A few disclaimers before I post:
*** This is MY ranking...there are some songs by U2 that are deemed "10" by many out there that just don't capture me as much...and I'm sure the reverse is true as well...
*** I have so far chosen to not rank the new album, "No Line on the Horizon"...although I may leave some small commentary at the end based on my initial opinions...
*** I am only including true studio albums save "Rattle and Hum", which had enough studio material (vs. "live") to be ranked. As a result, though, I only ranked studio songs for "RaH".
*** What is interesting about this list is how the album I usually consider as my favorite did not get #1 on this list...or 2 or 3 for that matter...this is probably due to the fact that it has such a wide range of rankings...but some of my absolute favorite songs are on that album (I'll leave it to your imagination for now), but it has just enough "meh"-songs to drop it down a bit...
*** My criteria for "highlight songs" on each album was a ranking of 8 or better. Essentially, these are the songs that most "move me"...
HERE WE GO...
# 11: Pop (1997), 4.58 avg: Highlight song: "Wake Up Dead Man"
# 10: Zooropa (1993), 4.7 avg: Highlight song: "The First Time"
# 9: October (1981), 5.18 avg: Highlight song: "Gloria"
# 8: Boy (1980), 5.82 avg: : Highlight songs: "I Will Follow", "Out of Control"
# 7: Rattle and Hum (1988), 6.11 avg: Highlight songs: "Heartland", "When Love Comes to Town", "All I Want is You"
# 6: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004), 7.18 avg: Highlight songs: "Vertigo", "City of Blinding Lights"
# 5: Achtung Baby (1991), 7.25 avg: Highlight songs: "Until the End of the World", "Zoo Station", "Mysterious Ways", "The Fly"
# 4: The Unforgettable Fire (1984), 7.3 avg: Highlight songs: "Pride", "Bad", "A Sort of Homecoming", "The Unforgettable Fire", "Wire"
# 3: War (1983), 7.4 avg: Highlight songs: "New Years' Day", "Like a Song", "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "Two Hearts Beat as One", "40"
# 2: All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000), 7.64 avg/7 median:Highlight songs: "Beautiful Day", "Grace", "Walk On", "Elevation", "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of"
# 1: The Joshua Tree (1987), 7.64 avg/8 median: Highlight songs: "Where the Streets Have No Name", "With or Without You", "In God's Country", "Bullet the Blue Sky", "Red Hill Mining Town", "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
So there you go. The last 6 are quite close, with 1 and 2 being so close I needed a tiebreaker (the median). Where does "No Line on the Horizon" rank? Well, it's entirely too early to make a true ranking (only heard most songs on it once), but at first glance, I'd say in the "Rattle and Hum"-range ("6ish"). But, one interesting thing is while I have generally enjoyed the songs at some level, I'm not finding ANY "8 or aboves" so far on it...even my least favorite U2 albums have at least one song that I think is worthy of mention as a classic U2 song...not sure yet if "NLotH" will deliver that... I may update this list later when I feel I have a better grasp of things!
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Making Thunder...
As I've said recently (http://haphazardangus.blogspot.com/2008/12/great-song.html), I have been blessed by discovering the music of an old 80s band, The Call. Another of their songs has been flying through my head lately (even when I cannot help it!), called "The Morning". The part that specifically is awesome to me is what I suppose you'd call the "bridge" or "tag" (you know...that part about 2/3 through some songs that is structured differently than the rest of the song...musicians know what I mean):
I wanna run, I wanna shout, I wanna make thunder
Wanna know what kind of spell I've fallen under
Show me, show me
I wanna live, I wanna breathe, I wanna love hard
Wanna give my life to you
Lose me in you
I just love this cry to God. I hear complete, reckless desire to be God's. I especially love the lines about making thunder and loving hard. To love hard...implies truly choosing to love, being proactive in it, purposeful in it. To look for where God's love can shine through you and going for it... And making thunder? Not sure, but the wild man in me just thinks it sounds cool. Sounds William Wallace-esque. Maximus-sque. Aragorn-esque. You get the picture. While I am not always "wired" like those famous movie characters...I cannot deny that when I watch Braveheart, Gladiator, or The Lord of the Rings series, a part of my soul wants to "have what they're having", so to speak...a passion to do whatever it takes...to "make thunder" in this world in the name of Jesus...
I wanna run, I wanna shout, I wanna make thunder
Wanna know what kind of spell I've fallen under
Show me, show me
I wanna live, I wanna breathe, I wanna love hard
Wanna give my life to you
Lose me in you
I just love this cry to God. I hear complete, reckless desire to be God's. I especially love the lines about making thunder and loving hard. To love hard...implies truly choosing to love, being proactive in it, purposeful in it. To look for where God's love can shine through you and going for it... And making thunder? Not sure, but the wild man in me just thinks it sounds cool. Sounds William Wallace-esque. Maximus-sque. Aragorn-esque. You get the picture. While I am not always "wired" like those famous movie characters...I cannot deny that when I watch Braveheart, Gladiator, or The Lord of the Rings series, a part of my soul wants to "have what they're having", so to speak...a passion to do whatever it takes...to "make thunder" in this world in the name of Jesus...
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Great Song
I have liked this song for some time...but lately the lyrics are so "me", so encouraging, etc. It is by the (mostly) 80s band The Call. Their style is what I'd call "Simple Minds-meets-80s/version of U2, from an American standpoint" (as those other bands are Scottish and Irish, respectively). At any rate, I have recently discovered much more of their catalog...and man, I dig it. Powerful, poetic, honest lyrics (by lead vocalist Michael Been) from a spiritual, Christian perspective. Not lots (if any) direct "Jesus" quotes, but you don't have to go far to realize the Truth Been writes from... If you go hunting for The Call's music (out of curiosity), I recommend the Restored album most of all, but selections from Into the Woods and Let the Day Begin are also great. There are other albums (both earlier and later) that I have yet to discover...but I hope to.
I will let the lyrics speak for themselves...
The Call I Still Believe (Great Design) Lyrics (by Michael Been):
I been in a cave
For forty days
Only a spark
To light my way
I wanna give out
I wanna give in
This is our crime
This is our sin
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the pain
And the grief
Through the lives
Through the storms
Through the cries
And through the wars
Oh, I still believe
Flat on my back
Out at sea
Hopin' these waves
Don't cover me
I'm turned and tossed
Upon the waves
When the darkness comes
I feel the grave
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the cold
And through heat
Through the rain
And through the tears
Through the crowds
And through the cheers
Oh, I still believe
I'll march this road
I'll climb this hill
Upon on my knees
if I have to
I'll take my place
Up on this stage
I'll wait 'til the
end of time
for you like
everybody else
I'm out on my own
Walkin' the streets
Look at the faces
That I meet
I feel like I
Like I want to go
home
What do I feel
What do I know
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the shame
And through the grief
Through the heartache
Through the tears
Through the waiting
Through the years
For people like us
In places like this
We need all the hope
That we can get
Oh, I still believe
I will let the lyrics speak for themselves...
The Call I Still Believe (Great Design) Lyrics (by Michael Been):
I been in a cave
For forty days
Only a spark
To light my way
I wanna give out
I wanna give in
This is our crime
This is our sin
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the pain
And the grief
Through the lives
Through the storms
Through the cries
And through the wars
Oh, I still believe
Flat on my back
Out at sea
Hopin' these waves
Don't cover me
I'm turned and tossed
Upon the waves
When the darkness comes
I feel the grave
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the cold
And through heat
Through the rain
And through the tears
Through the crowds
And through the cheers
Oh, I still believe
I'll march this road
I'll climb this hill
Upon on my knees
if I have to
I'll take my place
Up on this stage
I'll wait 'til the
end of time
for you like
everybody else
I'm out on my own
Walkin' the streets
Look at the faces
That I meet
I feel like I
Like I want to go
home
What do I feel
What do I know
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the shame
And through the grief
Through the heartache
Through the tears
Through the waiting
Through the years
For people like us
In places like this
We need all the hope
That we can get
Oh, I still believe
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
More Than Fine
"More Than Fine", by Switchfoot
When I wake in the morning,
I want to blow into pieces.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.
When I'm up with the sunrise
I want more than just blue skies.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.
I'm not giving up, giving up, not giving up now.
I'm not giving up, giving up, not backing down.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
When I'm lit with the sunrise.
I want more than just a good time.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.
I'm not giving up, giving up, not giving up now.
I'm not giving up, giving up, not selling out.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
More than oceans away from the dawn.
More than oceans away from the dawn.
More than oceans away from who we are
More than oceans, more than oceans, yeah.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
This is how I feel today/lately... Not awful (despite some tough circumstances going on right now), but wondering if there is more than just ok...more than just getting by...
Why do I feel just "ok" though? My guess is it's my sinful, selfish nature coming out. I mean, sure, one could look at my criteria right now and say, "You have every right to only be 'ok' right now...in fact, ok is pretty good!", but for some reason I don't feel like that's "it". I think that God has so much more for us..."more than oceans" (that's a bunch if you really step back and ponder...). I mean, heck, Christ's death and resurrection alone to pay for my sins should be enought to make my entire life one gigantic woohoo! But for some reason, that doesn't feel like enough at times...to quote some different lyrics, like sometimes I "still haven't found what I'm looking for" (even though Bono shares his faith in God's Kingdom, etc...but still feels lost sometimes...).
I want oceans. I want more than fine.
But what does that mean? Material things? I doubt that...even though my human side gan "go there" if not careful. An easy life? Again, probably not the point. But what?
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
book_id=50&chapter=10&verse=9&end_verse=11&version=31&context=context
9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.***John 10:9-11 (NIV)
"...life, and have it to the full."
I need to really ponder that one and ask God to really show me what that means. And my guess is: I probably already know...in some way or fashion...I just too easily forget, or am too easily swayed to doubt, or just let the "me" in me take over too much.
Bottom line: God has given me life, a good, no, GREAT life. I eat. I stay warm...cool...dry... I have friends to share life with. A wonderful family. And most of all, a redeemer, savior, and king: Jesus. It can be tough, it can be rough, but ultimately I am more than fine...I am God's kid! Now, what more, really, do I need to realize God has blessed more than I even can fathom? Given more mercy? Given more love?
Oh God, my heart cries out to LIVE this realization! I am yours!
When I wake in the morning,
I want to blow into pieces.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.
When I'm up with the sunrise
I want more than just blue skies.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.
I'm not giving up, giving up, not giving up now.
I'm not giving up, giving up, not backing down.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
When I'm lit with the sunrise.
I want more than just a good time.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.
I'm not giving up, giving up, not giving up now.
I'm not giving up, giving up, not selling out.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
More than oceans away from the dawn.
More than oceans away from the dawn.
More than oceans away from who we are
More than oceans, more than oceans, yeah.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
This is how I feel today/lately... Not awful (despite some tough circumstances going on right now), but wondering if there is more than just ok...more than just getting by...
Why do I feel just "ok" though? My guess is it's my sinful, selfish nature coming out. I mean, sure, one could look at my criteria right now and say, "You have every right to only be 'ok' right now...in fact, ok is pretty good!", but for some reason I don't feel like that's "it". I think that God has so much more for us..."more than oceans" (that's a bunch if you really step back and ponder...). I mean, heck, Christ's death and resurrection alone to pay for my sins should be enought to make my entire life one gigantic woohoo! But for some reason, that doesn't feel like enough at times...to quote some different lyrics, like sometimes I "still haven't found what I'm looking for" (even though Bono shares his faith in God's Kingdom, etc...but still feels lost sometimes...).
I want oceans. I want more than fine.
But what does that mean? Material things? I doubt that...even though my human side gan "go there" if not careful. An easy life? Again, probably not the point. But what?
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
book_id=50&chapter=10&verse=9&end_verse=11&version=31&context=context
9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.***John 10:9-11 (NIV)
"...life, and have it to the full."
I need to really ponder that one and ask God to really show me what that means. And my guess is: I probably already know...in some way or fashion...I just too easily forget, or am too easily swayed to doubt, or just let the "me" in me take over too much.
Bottom line: God has given me life, a good, no, GREAT life. I eat. I stay warm...cool...dry... I have friends to share life with. A wonderful family. And most of all, a redeemer, savior, and king: Jesus. It can be tough, it can be rough, but ultimately I am more than fine...I am God's kid! Now, what more, really, do I need to realize God has blessed more than I even can fathom? Given more mercy? Given more love?
Oh God, my heart cries out to LIVE this realization! I am yours!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Proud of our Youth Band!
I just want to salute the folks in ParadigmShift, the youth worship band at our church. They have been working their TAILS OFF getting songs prepped to lead worship at our mission trip to Fayetteville, AR, in a bit more than a week. It has always been a fun group in its' various permutations, but for some reason, it seems like things are "clicking" really well. My hope is that their motivation is truly based on a desire to give God all the glory, and from conversations I've had both corporately and individually, it seems like it is.
Some songs being learned are simply for fun or to set a "mood" (Like, "Sadie hawkins Dance" by Relient K...basically just a good jumpy song to play as folks are arriving at an event), but some are almost giving me chills...in a good way. Today we did a couple new songs (for us), and it was almost like practice itself was meant to worship God with all our might (I mean, I know it ALL should be...but sometimes practice, for better or worse can seem like...well, practice...but today, it was another level...AWESOME!). Songs like "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman or "Give Me Jesus" by Jeremy Camp were just so moving...so what I needed...I am praying that God speaks through the lyrics and arrangements as we worship in song at mission trip...and that we are singing/playing loudly (and sincerely) back to him!
Some songs being learned are simply for fun or to set a "mood" (Like, "Sadie hawkins Dance" by Relient K...basically just a good jumpy song to play as folks are arriving at an event), but some are almost giving me chills...in a good way. Today we did a couple new songs (for us), and it was almost like practice itself was meant to worship God with all our might (I mean, I know it ALL should be...but sometimes practice, for better or worse can seem like...well, practice...but today, it was another level...AWESOME!). Songs like "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman or "Give Me Jesus" by Jeremy Camp were just so moving...so what I needed...I am praying that God speaks through the lyrics and arrangements as we worship in song at mission trip...and that we are singing/playing loudly (and sincerely) back to him!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
my review of The Police concert...
What can I say, it was impressive. And despite me not even really listing The Police as one of my "Top 5" favorite bands (definitely top 10 though...), it may very well have been the first concert I've ever attended where I knew (and sang) pretty much every word to each song...honestly, only "hole in My Life" and "Driven to Tears" gave me some trouble...and I still knew much of the latter.
They opened with a somewhat stripped down version of "Bring On the Night" which was pretty cool...then rolled right into "Message in a Bottle" with full force. Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland proceeded to weave quite a collection of great Police classics ("Walking On the Moon", "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da", "Can't Stand Losing You","Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", "Don't Stand So Close to Me", a VERY cool version of "Wrapped Around Your Finger", a sort-of jazzed up "When the World is Running Down...", "Invisible Sun", and encores "Roxanne", "King of Pain, "So Lonely", "Every Breath You Take", and ending with "Next to You".
My favorite songs of the night? Well, I always love "Message in a Bottle", which they played basically unaltered, but I really liked what they did to "Wrapped Around Your Finger" and "King of Pain", in which drummer Stewart Copeland would go behind the drum set and play with all kinds of cool percussion and sound gadgets, often tossing his sticks in the air mid-song and running back to his drum set to rock. Also special was "So Lonely", which basically became a jam session showcasing Andy Summer's underrated guitar skills.
My only dissapointments? Well:
****I wish they played "Synchronicity II" and "Walking in Your Footsteps" instead of, say, "hole in My Life" and maybe the closer, "Next to You"...but those are small complaints and bands almost NEVER play every song you want to hear.
****It was hot as CRUD... In fact, Missy once had to leave our seats to go get air...
Overall, a fun evening. My wife Missy, when asked how she liked it, gave an "it was fine", but she is not the Police fan I am...so I rephrased: "Ok, did you like the 4 or 5 songs you new ahead of time?" "Oh yeah, they were great!" I know she especially was surprised by "Don't Stand So Close to Me", as she likes songs that are a story (even ones about, ahem, "a teacher-student relationship") and "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", a song she knew and liked but though it was from just Sting, not The Police...
I'm sure I missed a song in there somewhere...
They opened with a somewhat stripped down version of "Bring On the Night" which was pretty cool...then rolled right into "Message in a Bottle" with full force. Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland proceeded to weave quite a collection of great Police classics ("Walking On the Moon", "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da", "Can't Stand Losing You","Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", "Don't Stand So Close to Me", a VERY cool version of "Wrapped Around Your Finger", a sort-of jazzed up "When the World is Running Down...", "Invisible Sun", and encores "Roxanne", "King of Pain, "So Lonely", "Every Breath You Take", and ending with "Next to You".
My favorite songs of the night? Well, I always love "Message in a Bottle", which they played basically unaltered, but I really liked what they did to "Wrapped Around Your Finger" and "King of Pain", in which drummer Stewart Copeland would go behind the drum set and play with all kinds of cool percussion and sound gadgets, often tossing his sticks in the air mid-song and running back to his drum set to rock. Also special was "So Lonely", which basically became a jam session showcasing Andy Summer's underrated guitar skills.
My only dissapointments? Well:
****I wish they played "Synchronicity II" and "Walking in Your Footsteps" instead of, say, "hole in My Life" and maybe the closer, "Next to You"...but those are small complaints and bands almost NEVER play every song you want to hear.
****It was hot as CRUD... In fact, Missy once had to leave our seats to go get air...
Overall, a fun evening. My wife Missy, when asked how she liked it, gave an "it was fine", but she is not the Police fan I am...so I rephrased: "Ok, did you like the 4 or 5 songs you new ahead of time?" "Oh yeah, they were great!" I know she especially was surprised by "Don't Stand So Close to Me", as she likes songs that are a story (even ones about, ahem, "a teacher-student relationship") and "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", a song she knew and liked but though it was from just Sting, not The Police...
I'm sure I missed a song in there somewhere...
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
My "I Want to See That Concert Before I Die" List
I have always loved live music. My concert attendance is certainly less frequent than, say, the mid-90s (went to a ton of shows from 1993-1997...hey, that coincides with my senior year of high school and my TCU years...). Saw artists like Rush, Sting, King's X, The Samples, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Matthews Band, etc. I have seen others before or since (U2, Van halen, Jimmy Buffett, Bon Jovi, Creed, Delirious, etc.), but below is my list of bands/artists I'd love to see before I die...
The Police:I am actually getting to check this off my list tonight! Woohoo! I have always been a Police fan...in fact, "Synchronicity" was like my 2nd or 3rd cassette tape purchased EVER, like in 1983. But, they split up after that one... I love (and have seen twice) Sting, and always appreciate him playing 4 or 5 Police songs per set, but to me they are different "entities". Sting has a very cool thing going on, and a great band, but there is something magical about the trip of Sting, Stewart Copeland (one of my favorite drummers) and Andy Summers bringing the "Regatta de Blanc". And growing up, they were always on my, "If they ever get back together and tour..." list... I'll give a review tomorrow...
Led Zeppelin: In high school, Zep was one of the "holy trinity" of bands my best friend and I had, meaning, if either Zep, Rush, or Van halen was on the radio, all "channel surfing" had to stop for that song... Well, you probably know Zep has been broken up for, oh, 28 years...but there are rumors stirring...and a recent "one-off" concert that apparently went well...so I hold out hope. This may be my remaining concert I would be willing to travel far for, just to see...
"David Lee Roth" Van halen: This is one I was never sure would happen...but it is. I realize I have already missed two DFW-area shows in the past year... I have already seen "hagar-era" Van halen (in fact, my first "real" concert in January of 92), but if Eddie can stay healthy, I may just be able to hear "Panama" and "Unchained" the way they were meant to be...with Roth...
U2 (again): This may be asking alot, but even though I love to turn up Van halen to 11, when asked what my "all criteria considered" favorite band is, I have to say U2. Now, technically they shouldn't be on this list anymore (I finally saw them in 2005), but dang it, it was incredible...and I want to experience it once more...
Metallica: For various reasons, Metallica has always been my favorite "rock your face off sonic assault"-type band. Never my favorite band, but in the top 5 or 10 to be sure. And just legendary to my generation (rocker children of the 80s/early 90s).
Def Leppard: While The Police's "Synchronicity" was my 2nd or 3rd cassette purchased...my first EVER was Def Leppard's "Pyromania". I wore that thing out (and did "hysteria" 4 years later). Cheesy? You bet. But it "works". There was a 5 or 6 year period (my late-elementary through middle school years) where they ruled the world...and it was fine by me. They still tour and make music, and while they may be a characature of their former selves, I hear they can still bring it live...
The Police:I am actually getting to check this off my list tonight! Woohoo! I have always been a Police fan...in fact, "Synchronicity" was like my 2nd or 3rd cassette tape purchased EVER, like in 1983. But, they split up after that one... I love (and have seen twice) Sting, and always appreciate him playing 4 or 5 Police songs per set, but to me they are different "entities". Sting has a very cool thing going on, and a great band, but there is something magical about the trip of Sting, Stewart Copeland (one of my favorite drummers) and Andy Summers bringing the "Regatta de Blanc". And growing up, they were always on my, "If they ever get back together and tour..." list... I'll give a review tomorrow...
Led Zeppelin: In high school, Zep was one of the "holy trinity" of bands my best friend and I had, meaning, if either Zep, Rush, or Van halen was on the radio, all "channel surfing" had to stop for that song... Well, you probably know Zep has been broken up for, oh, 28 years...but there are rumors stirring...and a recent "one-off" concert that apparently went well...so I hold out hope. This may be my remaining concert I would be willing to travel far for, just to see...
"David Lee Roth" Van halen: This is one I was never sure would happen...but it is. I realize I have already missed two DFW-area shows in the past year... I have already seen "hagar-era" Van halen (in fact, my first "real" concert in January of 92), but if Eddie can stay healthy, I may just be able to hear "Panama" and "Unchained" the way they were meant to be...with Roth...
U2 (again): This may be asking alot, but even though I love to turn up Van halen to 11, when asked what my "all criteria considered" favorite band is, I have to say U2. Now, technically they shouldn't be on this list anymore (I finally saw them in 2005), but dang it, it was incredible...and I want to experience it once more...
Metallica: For various reasons, Metallica has always been my favorite "rock your face off sonic assault"-type band. Never my favorite band, but in the top 5 or 10 to be sure. And just legendary to my generation (rocker children of the 80s/early 90s).
Def Leppard: While The Police's "Synchronicity" was my 2nd or 3rd cassette purchased...my first EVER was Def Leppard's "Pyromania". I wore that thing out (and did "hysteria" 4 years later). Cheesy? You bet. But it "works". There was a 5 or 6 year period (my late-elementary through middle school years) where they ruled the world...and it was fine by me. They still tour and make music, and while they may be a characature of their former selves, I hear they can still bring it live...
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
drums...drums in the deep...
(I just like how Gandalf reads that line in "The Fellowship of the Ring", when they are in Moria...)
I play drums. (Duh, you say...just look at your profile picture!) I'm not a particularly good drummer (I am my own worst critic), but it's something I enjoy. I mean, I suppose I can hold my own on many songs (and can-in often "simplified" versions, mind you, imitate certain styles and drummers when needed), but I'm definitely not some guru like my friend Aaron. If held down and forced to give "personal influences" (aka, drummers that are my "default style" when I'm not overtly trying to imitate someone, or when I just add some personal flair to a song), I would say Alex Van halen...I just notice his style, intensity, fills, etc., sounding a bit like what I tend to do...
The funny thing is how I catch myself truly "losing myself" in a worshipful (of God, not me...hopefully...) sense as I drum. I certainly think worshipping God is WAY BEYOND just songs/music (Romans 12:1-2 is a "life-verse" of mine that I prayerfully seek: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2012:1-2&version=65), but I do enjoy a good worshipful moment in song. Yet, I've never been a singer, guitarist, kazooist, etc. But with drumming, I just seem to lose myself. It is a funny feeling...almost second nature...very cool but hard to describe...
I started drumming at age 15 (essentially figuring out the basics of drumming on Aaron's new "Thunder" set from Sears...before he even did ha!), but did not actually own a personal drum kit until I was...28? 2002 I think it was... I essentially did not drum AT ALL between 1993 and 2002...but my wonderful wife Missy surprised me for my 28th birthday by rounding up some cash from family members and purchasing a used Tama Superstar set. A black one :-). It wasn't new, and had some "pieced together"-ness to it, but I love it. It has character. Aaron even did some research beforehand and learned that my type of set was one of the premier sets of arena bands in the 70s and 80s...so I figured it was a good one. Over the years I've added stuff (like a splash, double-bass pedal, and I now would like to acquire an additional crash cymbal...someday...), and I've had to add some duct-tape in places (I'm calling it "FrankenDrums", kinda like Eddie Van halen's pieced-together guitar he built and used exclusively back in the day), but like I said, I still love 'em.
Lately, I've had the privilege of teaching two teens the very basics of drumming (coordination, basic beats/rhythms, fills, transitions, tempo, etc.)and it's been a joy to see their confidence and creativity grow. Ultimately, even though I DO have a ball playing drums for our youth band, ParadigmShift, I would love to transition out of the primary drum throne and hand much of it over to one of these two (or other teen drummers). But for now, I get to be the old guy who rocks out with the kiddoes.
Someday, though, I would LOVE to be in a garage or cover band with some other folks refusing to stop the rock despite advancing age :-). In fact, I was drumming on the dash of Missy's car recently to a Metallica song ("Wherever I May Roam", if you must know) as Missy drove down the highway...and I saw a smile on her face. "You want me to be in a band, don't you?", I asked. "Uh-huh" she said.
So if anyone in the Parker County/W. Tarrant areas wants to jam to bad 80s arena rock, let me know! Muwahahaha....
I play drums. (Duh, you say...just look at your profile picture!) I'm not a particularly good drummer (I am my own worst critic), but it's something I enjoy. I mean, I suppose I can hold my own on many songs (and can-in often "simplified" versions, mind you, imitate certain styles and drummers when needed), but I'm definitely not some guru like my friend Aaron. If held down and forced to give "personal influences" (aka, drummers that are my "default style" when I'm not overtly trying to imitate someone, or when I just add some personal flair to a song), I would say Alex Van halen...I just notice his style, intensity, fills, etc., sounding a bit like what I tend to do...
The funny thing is how I catch myself truly "losing myself" in a worshipful (of God, not me...hopefully...) sense as I drum. I certainly think worshipping God is WAY BEYOND just songs/music (Romans 12:1-2 is a "life-verse" of mine that I prayerfully seek: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2012:1-2&version=65), but I do enjoy a good worshipful moment in song. Yet, I've never been a singer, guitarist, kazooist, etc. But with drumming, I just seem to lose myself. It is a funny feeling...almost second nature...very cool but hard to describe...
I started drumming at age 15 (essentially figuring out the basics of drumming on Aaron's new "Thunder" set from Sears...before he even did ha!), but did not actually own a personal drum kit until I was...28? 2002 I think it was... I essentially did not drum AT ALL between 1993 and 2002...but my wonderful wife Missy surprised me for my 28th birthday by rounding up some cash from family members and purchasing a used Tama Superstar set. A black one :-). It wasn't new, and had some "pieced together"-ness to it, but I love it. It has character. Aaron even did some research beforehand and learned that my type of set was one of the premier sets of arena bands in the 70s and 80s...so I figured it was a good one. Over the years I've added stuff (like a splash, double-bass pedal, and I now would like to acquire an additional crash cymbal...someday...), and I've had to add some duct-tape in places (I'm calling it "FrankenDrums", kinda like Eddie Van halen's pieced-together guitar he built and used exclusively back in the day), but like I said, I still love 'em.
Lately, I've had the privilege of teaching two teens the very basics of drumming (coordination, basic beats/rhythms, fills, transitions, tempo, etc.)and it's been a joy to see their confidence and creativity grow. Ultimately, even though I DO have a ball playing drums for our youth band, ParadigmShift, I would love to transition out of the primary drum throne and hand much of it over to one of these two (or other teen drummers). But for now, I get to be the old guy who rocks out with the kiddoes.
Someday, though, I would LOVE to be in a garage or cover band with some other folks refusing to stop the rock despite advancing age :-). In fact, I was drumming on the dash of Missy's car recently to a Metallica song ("Wherever I May Roam", if you must know) as Missy drove down the highway...and I saw a smile on her face. "You want me to be in a band, don't you?", I asked. "Uh-huh" she said.
So if anyone in the Parker County/W. Tarrant areas wants to jam to bad 80s arena rock, let me know! Muwahahaha....
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
i've decided i really, REALLY like foo fighters
It's been awhile since I got truly excited about a musical artist. I mean, occasionally I'll hear a cd or song that's fun for awhile, but there are few artists that truly "stir me up". One is U2. Another is the David Crowder* Band. And now, Foo Fighters...
Not that they are new, either in reality or to my ears. I remember back in '94 or so when I heard that Dave Grohl, the drummer from Nirvana, was in a new band where he was singing and playing guitar. While I was impressed he was diverse in his musical talent...I had no idea he was so gifted he could actually play EVERY instrument on the album (at least the first one; later albums used different musicians). I enjoyed most of what I heard form them for 13 years or so while never really "being into them". They were just a decent band, better than most out there at any given time, but for some reason I never allowed my imagination to be gripped by them.
Well, I ended up with several songs of theirs on my ipod, including a few that were rockin' enough to be added to my "ExcerRock" playlist. This is my "running/cycling" playlist of songs that just rock, make you want to pump your fist in the air, etc. Keeps me moving. But usually, lyrics don't matter. After listening to a few Foo Fighters songs on that playlist (and thus others due to my being so impressed), they are now in my eyes a rare band that a) rocks and b) lyrically rocks and seems to sing with purpose. A perfect example (my favorite song right now?) is "No Way Back" from their CD In Your Honor that came out in 2004 (I think). I'll post lyrics and comment on them in a moment, but first, a small diatribe...
***I am not one of these folks who think the only stuff worth pondering is overtly "Christian" stuff. Music, books, art, etc. While I am not one who thinks "anything goes" either, I do believe God can speak to us using things out of left field. Things that, at first glance, might not be "Christian". What I am about to share may be one of those times where something not overtly Christian has had a profound effect on my faith...and inspires me...
No Way Back
by Dave Grohl/Foo Fighters
Lately, I've been
Livin' in my head
The rest of me is dead,
I'm dying for truth.
Make me, believe,
No more left and right,
Come on take my side,
I'm fightin' for you,
Fightin' for you.
Pleased to meet you take my hand,
There is no way back from here,
Pleased to meet you say your prayers,
There is no way back from here,
But I don't care,
No way back from here.
Wake me, I'm ready,
Somethin' don't seem right,
I was dreamin',
I was talkin' to you,
Memory, mend me,
Know I've seen my share,
Things I can't repair,
I'm breakin' to you,
I'm breakin' to you.
Pleased to meet you take my hand,
There is no way back from here,
Pleased to meet you say your prayers,
There is no way back from here,
But I don't care,No way back from, here.
Pleased to meet you say your prayers,
There is no way back from here,
Pleased to meet you say your prayers,
There is no way back from here,
But I don't care,
No way back from, here.
I have no idea what Grohl's personal spiritual bent is. But for some reason...I see God in this. I see someone screaming their heart out for Him. I see reckless abandon. I see risk. And it fires me up inside. "No way back, and I don't care." New creation, anyone? "Old is gone, new has come" anyone? Take up your cross and follow? Drop your nets? I see all of that in this song. A cry for truth, to follow in faith, to be broken and put back together by God. I ran to this song yesterday, and was the most encouraged and fired up to follow Jesus as I've been in a long time (and things haven't been necessarily "dry" lately). It was awesome.
So amazing how the Lord speaks to us...even out of left field. Even with the Fighters of Foo.
Not that they are new, either in reality or to my ears. I remember back in '94 or so when I heard that Dave Grohl, the drummer from Nirvana, was in a new band where he was singing and playing guitar. While I was impressed he was diverse in his musical talent...I had no idea he was so gifted he could actually play EVERY instrument on the album (at least the first one; later albums used different musicians). I enjoyed most of what I heard form them for 13 years or so while never really "being into them". They were just a decent band, better than most out there at any given time, but for some reason I never allowed my imagination to be gripped by them.
Well, I ended up with several songs of theirs on my ipod, including a few that were rockin' enough to be added to my "ExcerRock" playlist. This is my "running/cycling" playlist of songs that just rock, make you want to pump your fist in the air, etc. Keeps me moving. But usually, lyrics don't matter. After listening to a few Foo Fighters songs on that playlist (and thus others due to my being so impressed), they are now in my eyes a rare band that a) rocks and b) lyrically rocks and seems to sing with purpose. A perfect example (my favorite song right now?) is "No Way Back" from their CD In Your Honor that came out in 2004 (I think). I'll post lyrics and comment on them in a moment, but first, a small diatribe...
***I am not one of these folks who think the only stuff worth pondering is overtly "Christian" stuff. Music, books, art, etc. While I am not one who thinks "anything goes" either, I do believe God can speak to us using things out of left field. Things that, at first glance, might not be "Christian". What I am about to share may be one of those times where something not overtly Christian has had a profound effect on my faith...and inspires me...
No Way Back
by Dave Grohl/Foo Fighters
Lately, I've been
Livin' in my head
The rest of me is dead,
I'm dying for truth.
Make me, believe,
No more left and right,
Come on take my side,
I'm fightin' for you,
Fightin' for you.
Pleased to meet you take my hand,
There is no way back from here,
Pleased to meet you say your prayers,
There is no way back from here,
But I don't care,
No way back from here.
Wake me, I'm ready,
Somethin' don't seem right,
I was dreamin',
I was talkin' to you,
Memory, mend me,
Know I've seen my share,
Things I can't repair,
I'm breakin' to you,
I'm breakin' to you.
Pleased to meet you take my hand,
There is no way back from here,
Pleased to meet you say your prayers,
There is no way back from here,
But I don't care,No way back from, here.
Pleased to meet you say your prayers,
There is no way back from here,
Pleased to meet you say your prayers,
There is no way back from here,
But I don't care,
No way back from, here.
I have no idea what Grohl's personal spiritual bent is. But for some reason...I see God in this. I see someone screaming their heart out for Him. I see reckless abandon. I see risk. And it fires me up inside. "No way back, and I don't care." New creation, anyone? "Old is gone, new has come" anyone? Take up your cross and follow? Drop your nets? I see all of that in this song. A cry for truth, to follow in faith, to be broken and put back together by God. I ran to this song yesterday, and was the most encouraged and fired up to follow Jesus as I've been in a long time (and things haven't been necessarily "dry" lately). It was awesome.
So amazing how the Lord speaks to us...even out of left field. Even with the Fighters of Foo.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Cold At Six Flags, but a Great Show
So for Good Friday, I took the youth to SixFlags (a tradition in these parts) for "Christian Youth Weekend". Overall, a good day, if looooooong (I AM GETTING OLD...I get bored of amusement parks after just a couple hours...and I used to practically want to live in them...) and COLD (50s dropping into the low 40s with wind at the concert). Relient K was the headliner and wow were they good.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
A ROCKIN’ Band
I am a music nut, and as I have gotten older, I have increasingly learned to appreciate nearly all genres (even some country…but the “older” and more “outlaw”, the better!). But growing up, it was all about “arena rock”, “power rock”, metal, etc. You know, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Dokken, Metallica, etc. Lots of riffs, power chords, guitar solos, pump-your-fist-air-guitar-windows down with the volume at eleven…
Well, I have often told folks that what rock music needs today is a group of, “young guys who play ‘80s rock, but without all the squeals, screams, and screeches, without the big hair, without the spandex, and without all the sexual innuendo.” In fact, I often tell folks that if I were to start a band, that is the type of band I would want to be in…
Ladies and gents, I present you with my newest musical guilty pleasure: THE SHOWDOWN (http://www.theshowdownmetal.com/).
Now, there is nothing groundbreaking here, but generally it is what my request describes above. Just good, fun, ROCK. And as a Christian myself, it is nice that they too are Christians. Now, some may be bummed that their lyrics aren’t very “blunt” as far as their beliefs go (I think their faith does shine in the lyrics…you just have to digest what they are saying…no spoonfeeding), but at the very least it is cool to have a band like this that isn’t singing about drugs, sex, etc. (like The Darkness…another recent band playing 80s rock, but even the “edited” version of their cd I own is a bit much at times). Plus, they have a fun rockin’ cover of Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Son”, a song I have always loved.
So, if you are in the mood for something new that reminds you of something old, check out The Showdown…
Well, I have often told folks that what rock music needs today is a group of, “young guys who play ‘80s rock, but without all the squeals, screams, and screeches, without the big hair, without the spandex, and without all the sexual innuendo.” In fact, I often tell folks that if I were to start a band, that is the type of band I would want to be in…
Ladies and gents, I present you with my newest musical guilty pleasure: THE SHOWDOWN (http://www.theshowdownmetal.com/).
Now, there is nothing groundbreaking here, but generally it is what my request describes above. Just good, fun, ROCK. And as a Christian myself, it is nice that they too are Christians. Now, some may be bummed that their lyrics aren’t very “blunt” as far as their beliefs go (I think their faith does shine in the lyrics…you just have to digest what they are saying…no spoonfeeding), but at the very least it is cool to have a band like this that isn’t singing about drugs, sex, etc. (like The Darkness…another recent band playing 80s rock, but even the “edited” version of their cd I own is a bit much at times). Plus, they have a fun rockin’ cover of Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Son”, a song I have always loved.
So, if you are in the mood for something new that reminds you of something old, check out The Showdown…
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Most Underrated Musical Artists According to...Me...
I know, I've been busy and/or lazy lately with my posts...I'll try to get better...
Ok, on to something I have had fun pondering the past few weeks: What are some bands/solo artist I think don't get the due they are, well, due? In no order (just as they come to mind):
* The Cult: When I think of bands that simply ROCK, I usually think of the usual Metallica's, Van Halen's, Led Zeppelin's, etc., of the hard rock world. But one band that, each time I listen to their at-times metal, bluesy, boogie-rock, or even bordeline goth/new-wave stuff, I just go "wow, that was cool" is The Cult. I remember my mom seeing a CD of their once in my collection and in her innocent, sometimes naive persona, saying, "Uh, Ben, is that some satanic band?" No mom...they actually, while not a Christian band, have some good stuff to sing about (and plenty of "pointless rock songs" as well...), and they tend to shy away from the sex/drugs/rock n' roll of most bands formed in the 80s. In most cases (not all), their sound is a unique one. Guitarist Billy Duffy most definitely has a "sound" that has been imitated. IF you want to see what I mean, take a listen to albums like "Sonic Temple", "Electric", "Love", and their surprisingly strong 2001 offerering, "Between Good and Evil". Get ready to have your face rocked off...
* Pre-"Hysteria" Def Leppard: I know, I know..."Def Leppard?" Well, once they got all glossed-over (which is still kinda fun to listen to), I think the hype was too much, but their first three albums are just as good as any hard rock that was out there at the time (and "Pyromania" is still a great "windows down, turn it up to 11" listen). Easily as good as AC/DC in their prime, in my opinion...but Leppard seems to be more remembered for their 1987-92 selves...
* Ben Harper (& the Innocent Criminals): There is already one good funky/rock, guitar-god-esque, multiracial, extremely spiritual (Christian?), sometime husband and boyfriend of celebs out there. His name is Lenny Kravitz. I love him, but if anything, he is overrated. Ben Harper is cut from seemingly the same cloth, but is soooooooooo good. Way better guitarist (and plays a 1920s lap-electric), much deeper lyrically (Lenny has some good ones...but the "let love rule"-mantra, while good to hear, needs to be mixed up more), just darn good in general. I was firts truly turned on to Harper's talents when I was in Houston from 2001-2004, even though I had heard his song "Steal My Kisses" on the radio before that era. The "Live From Mars" double disk is outstanding (one disk straight up rockin', the other just Ben and a guitar playing to a smaller crowd"), but just about everything I've heard is greatness. He also did a fun collaboration album with the Blind Boys of Alabama ("There Will be a Light") that is pretty much a blues-gospel offering. Dig it!
* Rich Mullins: R.I.P.... This guy is about as "KLTY/KSBJ" as I get (folks in DFW and Houston know what I mean), but his lyrics (as well as some of his later music) is outstanding. So deep, light years more than most of the "I love Jesus, yay!" stuff out there. "A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band" may be one of the best Christian albums I know of.
* Simple Minds: Always overshadowed by others (U2, anyone?), this band nonetheless has some great stuff out there. A few big hits ("Don't You Forget About Me", anyone), but it is their more minor, obscure stuff that is so great. "Belfast Child", "Sanctify Yourself", "Waterfront"...great stuff. I haven't heard any of their post-mid-90s stuff, but would love to check it out. Also, a whole lot more spiritual than you might realize...
* King's X: Maybe the most underappreciated hard rock band of all time. I remember first hearing them in 1988, and being like, "dang, that is like nothing i've heard: great guitars, harmonies, deep lyrics...". They do get props from some of the heavyweights: they were ranked in either the 70s or 80s on VH1's "Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" a few years back, and the bands that gushed over them were quite impressive. Very spiritual (if not afraid, especially their post-1995 stuff, to openly question their faith...without seeming to completely abandon it). Ty Tabor is one of the most unsung guitarists out there. Saw them in concert during my college days, and WOW (and they are a trio!). "Dogman", "Ear Candy", and "Faith, Hope, Love" are my favorites...and the few songs I have heard from more recent albums are darn good, too.
* Soundgarden: I am shocked how many teens today have no idea that the lead singer of Audioslave (Chris Cornell) used to front one of the most groundbreaking bands of the early/mid-90s to come out of the Seattle "grunge" movement. Soundgarden was a pretty huge band by their breakup, but I rarely hear them discussed anymore, which is a shame. I love the album "Superunknown".
* "Vegas-Era" Elvis Presley: I bet you are perplexed now..."Elvis? He is THE KING!" Yes...but he is mostly respected for his early work. His later (late 60s-70s) era is loved by many, but often remembered for his personal excesses, health issues, etc., and thus it is almost a "joke" to many. But listen to some of that stuff. I know he almost (maybe never at all...not sure) never wrote his own stuff, but thanks to marrying into a family of 70s-era Elvis freaks, I must say I quite enjoy most of this time in his career. "Kentucky Rain", "Polk Salad Annie"...fun fun!
* The Beatles: Yes, I just said The Beatles. I know, I know, like Elvis, they are "the Elite" of rock n' roll, so how can they be underrated? Because I don't really think most folks born after their time truly realize how much they revolutionized music. They were talented, great, had tons of hits, yes, but I think my appreciation truly started after a high school history class's "cultural day" on the 60s. Coach Schwartz, a self-proclaimed Beatles buff (and conspiracy theorist...aliens, JFK, etc.) showed us examples of the rock music climate of the early 60s, right before the Beatles arrived: BORING! Lots of the same-ol' rockabilly, etc. Then the Beatles...wow. The songs weren't even structured the same, played the same, etc. In fact, what I heard was...the same basic structure we have today! They were maybe the first to do that...so THAT is why I think they are underrated, still. They are respected for all they did in a short time (8 years?), for all their wonderful sound experimentation, etc., but the fact that our basic "rock/pop song format" is what it is today due to their unique approach...that is why they are on this list. Folks just don't realize that.
Ok, I have wasted enough time. I promise a more serious, "thinking" post soon.
Ok, on to something I have had fun pondering the past few weeks: What are some bands/solo artist I think don't get the due they are, well, due? In no order (just as they come to mind):
* The Cult: When I think of bands that simply ROCK, I usually think of the usual Metallica's, Van Halen's, Led Zeppelin's, etc., of the hard rock world. But one band that, each time I listen to their at-times metal, bluesy, boogie-rock, or even bordeline goth/new-wave stuff, I just go "wow, that was cool" is The Cult. I remember my mom seeing a CD of their once in my collection and in her innocent, sometimes naive persona, saying, "Uh, Ben, is that some satanic band?" No mom...they actually, while not a Christian band, have some good stuff to sing about (and plenty of "pointless rock songs" as well...), and they tend to shy away from the sex/drugs/rock n' roll of most bands formed in the 80s. In most cases (not all), their sound is a unique one. Guitarist Billy Duffy most definitely has a "sound" that has been imitated. IF you want to see what I mean, take a listen to albums like "Sonic Temple", "Electric", "Love", and their surprisingly strong 2001 offerering, "Between Good and Evil". Get ready to have your face rocked off...
* Pre-"Hysteria" Def Leppard: I know, I know..."Def Leppard?" Well, once they got all glossed-over (which is still kinda fun to listen to), I think the hype was too much, but their first three albums are just as good as any hard rock that was out there at the time (and "Pyromania" is still a great "windows down, turn it up to 11" listen). Easily as good as AC/DC in their prime, in my opinion...but Leppard seems to be more remembered for their 1987-92 selves...
* Ben Harper (& the Innocent Criminals): There is already one good funky/rock, guitar-god-esque, multiracial, extremely spiritual (Christian?), sometime husband and boyfriend of celebs out there. His name is Lenny Kravitz. I love him, but if anything, he is overrated. Ben Harper is cut from seemingly the same cloth, but is soooooooooo good. Way better guitarist (and plays a 1920s lap-electric), much deeper lyrically (Lenny has some good ones...but the "let love rule"-mantra, while good to hear, needs to be mixed up more), just darn good in general. I was firts truly turned on to Harper's talents when I was in Houston from 2001-2004, even though I had heard his song "Steal My Kisses" on the radio before that era. The "Live From Mars" double disk is outstanding (one disk straight up rockin', the other just Ben and a guitar playing to a smaller crowd"), but just about everything I've heard is greatness. He also did a fun collaboration album with the Blind Boys of Alabama ("There Will be a Light") that is pretty much a blues-gospel offering. Dig it!
* Rich Mullins: R.I.P.... This guy is about as "KLTY/KSBJ" as I get (folks in DFW and Houston know what I mean), but his lyrics (as well as some of his later music) is outstanding. So deep, light years more than most of the "I love Jesus, yay!" stuff out there. "A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band" may be one of the best Christian albums I know of.
* Simple Minds: Always overshadowed by others (U2, anyone?), this band nonetheless has some great stuff out there. A few big hits ("Don't You Forget About Me", anyone), but it is their more minor, obscure stuff that is so great. "Belfast Child", "Sanctify Yourself", "Waterfront"...great stuff. I haven't heard any of their post-mid-90s stuff, but would love to check it out. Also, a whole lot more spiritual than you might realize...
* King's X: Maybe the most underappreciated hard rock band of all time. I remember first hearing them in 1988, and being like, "dang, that is like nothing i've heard: great guitars, harmonies, deep lyrics...". They do get props from some of the heavyweights: they were ranked in either the 70s or 80s on VH1's "Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" a few years back, and the bands that gushed over them were quite impressive. Very spiritual (if not afraid, especially their post-1995 stuff, to openly question their faith...without seeming to completely abandon it). Ty Tabor is one of the most unsung guitarists out there. Saw them in concert during my college days, and WOW (and they are a trio!). "Dogman", "Ear Candy", and "Faith, Hope, Love" are my favorites...and the few songs I have heard from more recent albums are darn good, too.
* Soundgarden: I am shocked how many teens today have no idea that the lead singer of Audioslave (Chris Cornell) used to front one of the most groundbreaking bands of the early/mid-90s to come out of the Seattle "grunge" movement. Soundgarden was a pretty huge band by their breakup, but I rarely hear them discussed anymore, which is a shame. I love the album "Superunknown".
* "Vegas-Era" Elvis Presley: I bet you are perplexed now..."Elvis? He is THE KING!" Yes...but he is mostly respected for his early work. His later (late 60s-70s) era is loved by many, but often remembered for his personal excesses, health issues, etc., and thus it is almost a "joke" to many. But listen to some of that stuff. I know he almost (maybe never at all...not sure) never wrote his own stuff, but thanks to marrying into a family of 70s-era Elvis freaks, I must say I quite enjoy most of this time in his career. "Kentucky Rain", "Polk Salad Annie"...fun fun!
* The Beatles: Yes, I just said The Beatles. I know, I know, like Elvis, they are "the Elite" of rock n' roll, so how can they be underrated? Because I don't really think most folks born after their time truly realize how much they revolutionized music. They were talented, great, had tons of hits, yes, but I think my appreciation truly started after a high school history class's "cultural day" on the 60s. Coach Schwartz, a self-proclaimed Beatles buff (and conspiracy theorist...aliens, JFK, etc.) showed us examples of the rock music climate of the early 60s, right before the Beatles arrived: BORING! Lots of the same-ol' rockabilly, etc. Then the Beatles...wow. The songs weren't even structured the same, played the same, etc. In fact, what I heard was...the same basic structure we have today! They were maybe the first to do that...so THAT is why I think they are underrated, still. They are respected for all they did in a short time (8 years?), for all their wonderful sound experimentation, etc., but the fact that our basic "rock/pop song format" is what it is today due to their unique approach...that is why they are on this list. Folks just don't realize that.
Ok, I have wasted enough time. I promise a more serious, "thinking" post soon.
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