It has been since I first heard it,growing up I heard a variety of music, everything from country to classic rock. The Black Crowes to me have never really fit a genre, their music's only style, is the style called Great Music. The vocals have emotion, the band as a whole has soul.

To me that is what makes great music, I like music that has passion, a fire if you will.

I saw the Black Crowes in a documentary years back, If I remember it was VH1's "Behind the music" I knew I was hooked from day one.

The guitar parts on Black Crowes songs kind of have a Jazz-rock flavor to me.

Songs like "Remedy" remind me of what Bob Seger used to refer to as "that Olde Time Rock N' Roll." In their own way they have transcended genres and stereotypes to create their own blends and brands, yet at the same time the quality is always there.

I like the fact that their music is not too polished, they have kind of a garage band Jam session feel.

They get into the music, and they have a rattling stage presence, like Elvis only wished he could've had. Don't get me wrong, I mean nothing against Elvis, he after all set the stage for such bands that would come after him, but he was also too bound to his addictions.

The Black Crowes are hard hitting,uncompromising,brilliant and unique. In my eyes they are Legends in their own time. They take you a journey that is both riveting and gripping,

If they made a film on the Black Crowes it would be a drama, a comedy,a documentary and a thriller.

Cheers to one of the most genuine talents in history, may new fans and old alike continue to enjoy them for years to come.

The Beatles have been known for decades. Everyone knows who they are and their songs. All of their music changes your mood in special ways. Most of their songs are about love, so the songs can make people feel so many different ways.

The Beatles were a British band of boys that America fell in love with. The girls fell in love with them. Their music has affected so many bands that have come and gone since them. The Beatles have outlasted any other band ever brought up.

The Beatles has affected everyone. Music is a crazy thing. It has powers that nothing else can do. We all have our favorite bands, but everyone knows the Beatles. The Beatles is the band of the century.

1. Okay so the band that has made it all the way up to number one would have to be Avenged Sevenfold. This band has it all, from the amazing vocals of M. Shadows all the way to the melodic guitar solos of Synster Gates, this band has been around for years and still manages to be number one. Avenged Sevenfold is originally from Huntington Beach, California. Avenged Sevenfold has been around since 1999 and is still at the top of the charts today. They really didn't catch a big record break until their City Of Evil record, which was officially released to the public June 7th, 2005. This album houses songs such as, Bat Country, Seize The Day, Beast And The Harlort, and so many more. All in all i give Avenged Sevenfold a rating of a 9.5 on a scale of 1-10. They have it all, you should check them out, you wont be disappointed.
2. The band that has made it to my number two would have to be Enter Shikari. Enter Shikari has a different, more distinctive sound to them than say Avenged Sevenfold. This band has been rocking out since 2003. All of the members of Enter Shikari are from St. Albans, Hertfordshire. The best way to describe the sound of these guys would have to be old school nintendo beats. They have more of a techno sound to them but their lyrics are amazing. Their debut album, Take The Skies was released on March 19th, 2007 and reached #4 in the Official UK Album Chart. Some of the best songs by Enter Shikari would have to be Anything Can Happen Within The Next Half Hour, Mothership, Labrynth, Ok Time For Plan B, and Sorry Your Not A Winner. All of their songs are amazing but those would have to be my favorites. All in all i give Enter Shikari an 8.8 on a scale of 1-10, 1 being bad, and 10 being amazing! Listen to Enter Shikari, you will love them!
3. The Band that has made it all the way up to my number three would have to be Silverstein. Silverstein is more of an emotional screamo band but they are still amazing none the less. Silverstein has been around since 2000 and is still rocking out today. Silverstein is originally from Burlington, Ontario. The best way to describe the sound of Silverstein would have to be they have more of a harcore emoness to them. Silversteins Lyrics are all in all amazing though, and they are what make this band so good. Silverstein got their name from the children's author Shel Silverstein. Silverstein signed with Victory Records in 2002 and has been with them ever since. Some of Silverstein's best song would have to be Giving Up, Smashed Into Pieces, Bleeds No More, Smile In Your Sleep, If You Could See Into My Soul, and Still Dreaming. In conclusions, Silverstein is one of the best bands out there as well as the other 2. You should check them out. I give Silverstein a 9.7 on the scale of 1-10. That's almost perfect! Go check them out!

Thanks for reading and hopefully learning some things about 3 amazing bands. I also hope that you take the time to listen to them and some of the songs listed. Thanks again.

 

When I first heard this song it was on Youtube with the official video. I hadn't quite been paying attention to the lyrics or the video. After listening to it a few more times I got most of the lyrics in my head (with the help of the written lyrics off to the side). The power and force put into this song is great and I absolutely love it. There's something inside the music that makes it a very strong song. Maybe it's the topic in which they sing of. But this song is not promoting suicide…

After watching the video a couple times through and through and hearing the lyrics it was easy to tell that Lovex is singing against suicide with all their heart.

Note: Music Video Spoilers!

In the video it shows the band playing in a room, but clips come up regularly of a hooded teenager with a book bag walking through dark areas, typically alone or mixed in with a crowd. Throughout the video little facts about suicide are displayed; stating how many people die from suicide annually in certain areas and their age ranges. It switches between band playing and the troubled teenager until the very end. The teenager has walked to a cliff, or a rather long drop off, and is looking down. As they lean forward to throw themselves off the cliff a hand rests on their shoulder and keeps them from falling. As the camera switches view we see it looks to be one of the band members. The teenager pulls off their hood and I'm pretty sure it is a young female. Text comes up towards the end about how there is always help.

Here's the video

Not only does the video show the anti-suicidal message from Lovex but their lyrics do as well. Its not as obvious in some places, but when thinking about it you can see how Theon (the lead singer) is singing against suicide. I admit though, I don't fully understand these lyrics yet. I feel there are a lot of hidden messages in the words that can't be fully described with letters and sentences. It's more a feeling. (Or maybe I'm insane).

Look into these eyes

I've seen the same- These two lines, to me, are saying "you" aren't alone, others have seen the pain.

Death won't spare us from the shame - The first thing I noticed, a key to seeing this is about killing yourself.

Buy more hours by forgetting who's to blame

I see the pictures

They're all gone

You've crossed the line

You don't belong

Let down your game!

Do you feel the same

As I miss true harmony

No way

(Whoa Whoa Whoa)

Bullet for the Pain

You roll the dice

Release my hell

Rebel in eyes that'll never tell

And to me you're not the only one to feel redemption - To me these 4 lines are kind of confusing. Looking at it one way I believe that its basically saying you make the choices and keep it all inside, "eyes that"ll never tell'.

Prophecies merge into seeds
Growing only to crush our dreams
Let down your game

Like I said, there is really a lot to this song I'm still trying to fully understand and I don't want to guess the meanings. Look into it yourself and figure out how you think of it. But I know this song is to prevent and not promote suicide; or at least they are singing against it. Check out the video. Lovex for the win.

1. Jason Mraz

   If you haven't heard of this dude, it is high time you should. In my opinion, one of the most talented singer/composer I have ever heard. With his geekish boyish look, you might just mistake him for another boy next door. But hey, this boy next door could play his guitar really well. And he is fantastic in his lip-sync, lyrics and melodies. You should hear him sing "live". Absolutely captivating to the ears. For starters, you might want to try some songs from this guy. My personal favourites? "I'm Yours", "Life is Wonderful", "You and I Both", "Wordplay", "Geek in the Pink", "The Remedy(I Don't Worry).

2. Travis

   This Scottish band is of an indie influence and if you like alternative rock, you might want to give this band a try. I first heard of them in their album "12 Memories". Fran Healy, the lead vocalist has a melanchoia touch to his voice and the songs would croon you. "12 Memories" was an affecting album since it's inspired by real life stories. Till this date, this band has 5 albums and a compilation of Singles. Some tracks worth checking out are "Beautiful Occupation", "Re-Offender", "One Night", "Sing", "Why Does it Always Rain on Me", "Battleships".

3. The Perishers

   This had to be my favourite band. As a Swedish rock band, The Perishers have one of the best music arrangements I have ever heard. Most often, their songs are soothing to the ears but can be depressing as well. The melodies are beautiful and tug at the heartstrings. This band might not be in the same league as Coldplay yet but they have sung a couple of soundtracks for series like "The O.C.", "One Tree Hill" and "Veronica Mars". One thing that is easily noted is the band's idiosyncratic sounds. Soft and mellow. You should check out songs like "Trouble Sleeping", "Let There Be Morning", "Pills", "Nothing Like You And I".

4. RyanDan

   RyanDan is a duo from Canadian who just launched their album recently. Other than being a pair of twins, this is a highly musical twin. I first heard of their songs while browsing a music store and man was I hooked. They have more of a contemporary classical style to their music but it makes them all the more appealing. Did I mention one of the brothers has a super high pitch voice that could blow you away? I thought they deserved more credits than their current standings now. But anyway, do check out "The Prayer", "I'll Be There", "Like the Sun", "Tears of an Angel".

There you go. Just some of my personal favourites in my journey of music listening. Their songs might not be for everyone since music is highly subjective. But if you would like your ears to be pleased, you should check out my recommendations.

I find that some songs continue to be touchstones for me. Just hearing the music I grew up with and revisiting certain songs again can send me hurtling back in time to my youth, remembering the events, thoughts and feelings of that time.

Here are some songs that have personal significance for me, as the music that helped define my youth.

1. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by Elton John

   As a little girl, I remember waking up early on weekend mornings and listening to Elton John on my little blue plastic Panasonic Toot-a-Loop radio (I used plastic ear buds and my big sister's matching donut shaped radio was bright yellow decorated with peace sign stickers!)

   I had no idea what Elton was talking about when he mentioned the girl with kaleidoscope eyes, but I wanted to know more. This song fascinated me, as a kind of gateway to mysterious grown up stuff I then knew nothing about. I was a creative kid, I loved the imaginative lyrics and this song seemed all about play and wild fantasy worlds.

2. Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan

   Whenever I hear this song, I am transported back to my second grade class taught by Ms. Lynk. My teacher was a hippie and I decked myself out in love beads and braids and colorful outfits so I could be just like her. How I adored Ms. Lynk and some of my other teachers at the time! We used to sing this song in class, and perhaps that stimulated my interest in performing (I would later go on to perform in plays and study acting.)

   Memories of Dylan make me recall a time of peace and love and a circle of school kids swaying and singing along to that song. Everything seemed much simpler then, in an era before color coded alert levels, a time when the answer is blowin' in the wind…

3. American Pie by Don McLean

   American Pie was one of those songs that was everywhere as I was growing up, and it became a sort of anthem of my youth. In a time before iPods and music downloads, there was just the local radio station to rely on, along with spinning some vinyl. American Pie was constantly playing in the background when I was a little girl; at about eight and a half minutes long, the song seemed neverending to my young ears!

   The song has additional significance to me, because in 1964, Don McLean won the first ever talent search competition at a local summer fair called The Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, New York.

4. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

   Along with American Pie, Stairway to Heaven was another one of those songs that seemed to go on forever. This made it the perfect background music for school dances and for the prom! When someone asked you to dance during Stairway to Heaven, you were assured of spending many minutes out on the dance floor, holding on tight to your crush and swaying to the endless strains of Zeppelin.
   
   Stairway to Heaven always evokes for me memories of school dances in the old gym of our tiny rural high school in the Hudson Valley. When it wasn't being used for basketball games, our creaky old gym with the ancient wooden stage was dressed up in cheesy disco lights and lots of crepe paper for dances and special events. Led Zepplin makes me think of cotton ball clouds, too much construction paper and the crepe paper streamers that decorated the old gym for our junior prom theme: Stairway to Heaven (the effect was a little tacky, but fun!)

5. Rock Lobster by The B-52's

   School dances in our tiny farming community also featured a ritual called the battle of the “air bands.” I had a crush on a boy named Rick, a family friend. One night Rick dressed up with some classmates as The B-52's, complete with tight pants, punked out hair and sunglasses, and the group did their best Rock Lobster for the crowd.
   
   Punk seemed a little preposterous for our tiny, All-American community in upstate New York that certainly had no edge. But Rick rocked the house. I also remember getting to dance with Rick for endless minutes to Stairway to Heaven, which was divine.
   
   When I was a senior in high school Rick died in a tragic accident, but whenever I hear those songs it always brings me back to those sweet, innocent high school memories of the times we shared together.

6. We Got the Beat by The Go-Gos

   Who can forget the thrill of getting their learner's permit and hitting the open road? (and trying not to hit anything with the car!) We Got the Beat by The Go-Gos was the background music as I was first learning to drive. I loved the infectious pop beat and the girl power of this fun group. I loved every song on The Go-Gos Beauty and the Beat album and I played their songs over and over the summer I learned to drive (a tiny, four on the floor bright yellow compact Chevette with cool red racing stripes!)

7. Call Me by Blondie

   Before I got out of high school, something pivotal happened in my development: I discovered Blondie. Blondie was such a revelation to me and other girls. Here was a strong woman, unafraid to be powerful, individual and sexual. Anyone who undersold Debbie Harry as just another dumb blonde quickly changed their mind. Her lyrics, her sound and her delivery were unlike anything seen before, and she definitely helped change the role of women in the music industry. Every time I heard Call Me, I was impressed by how cool Blondie was, and their downtown New York vibe made me long to leave the Hudson Valley to pursue my own artistic career in New York City.

8. New York State of Mind by Billy Joel

   I'll admit it: I wasn't one of the cool kids in school. I was either a drama geek, or spending time in the library hitting the books, dreaming of my fabulous future that would begin when I left upstate New York.
   
   I recall hours spent in our small school library spinning Billy Joel records. I was in the honor society, which meant that I could wander the school and do what I wished during my study halls. So I chose to sit in the library and hang out in the peaceful courtyard there, or go into the music room and put on some headphones and listen to Billy Joel.
   
   Joel sang about Chinatown, and Riverside…and totally being in a New York state of mind. Whenever I hear that song I think about being young and dreaming of a performing arts career in the Big Apple, and a shiny new life that I felt was waiting for me in Manhattan.

Now that I've been to New York City and returned home to the Hudson Valley, I have a greater appreciation for growing up in a small town. These are some songs that make me fondly remember my youth in upstate New York.

The Who

The Who is one of my favorite bands. They have created a large amount of amazing songs and changed rock as we know it. This band also contains my favorite drummer, Keith Moon.

The Beatles

I bet you saw this coming. The Beatles should be on every greatest rock bands list. They are one of the most famous bands ever. Anyone who hasn't heard any of The Beatles music needs to crawl out from under their rock.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are another one of my favorite bands. As with The Beatles, they are one of the most famous bands ever. Not only are they one of the most famous, but they are also one of the oldest bands ever, the band was formed way back in 1962!

AC/DC

This is probably my number one favorite band. They have a unique sound, and created so many rock anthems it's not even funny. AC/DC has a signature sound that just sticks with me and makes their songs very well known.

Motley Crue

How could I complete a list like this without a great 80's hairband like Motley Crue? This band was formed in 1981 by Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee. Tommy Lee is one of the best drummers ever in my opinion. He would often perform stunts like playing the drums upside down. My favorite song from Motley Crue would have to be Kickstart My Heart. Give it a listen!

Guns N' Roses

Another great band. They have created some amazing and well known hits such as Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Chile o' Mine, Knockin' on Heavens Door, Live and Let Die, and November Rain. Guitar icon Slash is part of GNR, which has made them quite a bit more famous.

Led Zeppelin

Ahh yes, who could forget the Zeppelin. Formed way back in 1968, this is another one of the most famous bands ever. They have created songs such as the famous Immigrant Song, and Stairway to Heaven.

Iron Maiden

This British metal band was formed in 1975 by one of the best bassists ever; Steve Harris. They are known mostly from lead singer Bruce Dickinson's unique voice. Some great hits by them are Run to the Hills, and Number of the Beast.

Deep Purple

Another pioneer of metal/hard rock. I don't really know too much about Deep Purple, but I do know some songs such as Highway Star, and the very famous Smoke on the Water.

Pink Floyd

Last but not least is Pink Floyd. Pink Floyd are another English rock band formed in 1964. They have sold 74.5 million albums in the US alone. That's pretty good if you ask me.

That about raps it up for now. I'm sure I've left out a few famous band, but those are for another day. Hope you enjoyed my article! Feel free to comment.

These bands represent a small niche in the independent labels that are producing more and more groups that either go un-noticed or get looked over due to the commercial industry. This is definitely not a definitive list by any means. You would be surprised how many bands simply die before getting out to the public what they have to offer due to the music industries insistence on "what the public wants". The easiest way to discover some truly wonderful music is to go through your local music shops bargain bin, or pick up a few indie label compilations. You will be happy you did. Some great labels to check out can be found at the following sites: www.subpop.com, www.Elephant6.com, www.rykodisc.com. Don't stop at just these sites, there are many more out there with a lot of untapped potential.

 

1. Earth, Wind, and Fire

   Say what you like, these guys were way ahead of their time and still are. Maurice, Phillip and the crew had a unique style all their own. From the fabulous horns, groovy bass lines, the fantasy infused tunes, to the smooth urban ballads; this band set the stage and a benchmark for many to follow. There is not one person who will admit truthfully when you hear Fantasy; it takes you on a ride in the clouds, like you have no responsibilities.

2. Chicago

   Peter Cetera and the crew were just magical. Being a lover of just about every genre of music, I developed an affinity for Chicago. That unique style and harmonizing caught my ears the minute I heard them for the first time. Loved those guitar riffs.

3. The Doobie Brothers

   I love Mike Mac's signature voice that forces you to listen, enough said, but hey there are no limits to what a fool would believe.

4. The Human League.

   I was drawn to this bang by one song and it's not Fascination, it was I'm only human. This song is one of my all time favorite, so it's only fitting they earn a spot.

5. New Edition

   Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, and Mike, sing that song Ralph. These guys were just there in every way you could imagine pertaining to R&B. Funky, gritty jams, ballads you can lose yourself in, they were edgy as they had all the bases covered for the tenure they were atop the charts.

Rounding out the bottom six are:

1. Aerosmith
2. The Ohio Players
3. The Bee Gees
4. The Spinners
5. Boys 2 Men

The drummer, Doug Market, was a mammoth of talent, rocking out with bass player, Justin Darrow. In short, there were no tricks or frills because they are not necessary. The only gimmick Thunderhawk needs, is to show up and play. I miss the days when bands wrote good songs and did not have to hide behind effects and technology to disguise their mediocrity. Thunderhawk is raw energy and ability. In the darkness of the music world, they are a beacon of hope. There are still some good bands out there.

I have heard some of their recordings, which are available through iTunes, and in the “studio” they polish themselves up a bit. They, however, have managed to do so with out sounding over produced. The word studio was in quotes because all of their recordings are done in various bedrooms and basements were lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Josh Hall has lived over the years. Do not let this fool you into thinking they are some garage band with a four track. Hall is an adept engineer, more than adequately disguising his limited resources.

For now these lads are rocking the Muncie and Fort Wayne, IN area on what seems to be a fairly regular basis. If you live in the area and like indie power pop, look out for these guys. If you just like indie power pop check them out on MySpace .