Monday, May 31, 2010

Rock On! ( No, I am not commenting about the exploits of Farhan Akhtar)

I listen to music occasionally. So you wont find me at rock concerts or  quietly standing in the corridor off my office listening to a nirvana track. But when I do listen, I have some favorites to which I like to stick to.  I don't experiment with music and like my favoraite comfort meal of french fries, I listen to a couple of band's only. 

 

So below are a list of my favorite music groups.  Why am I posting it on my blog like a celebrity? I have no clue but its good to share. Or so I have heard.

 

 

 

 U2

This Irish band rates highest on our list as one of the most consistent and popular acts over the past three decades. U2 is loved, not only for their soul-searching lyrics and music, but for their contributions in the field of humanitarianism and the fight against poverty. Of course, with great power comes great responsibility and sometimes… stupidity! One tries to blank out the Boyzone link. Reaching a level of mega-stardom with their 1987 release, The Joshua Tree, compiling great numbers such as ‘with or without you’ and ‘where the streets have no name’. U2 has developed a reputation of pursuing new musical paths with each new album, making them all the more worth while.

 

The Rolling Stones

Although our next favourite band, is nothing to look at, they are legends in the rock and roll business. Referred to as one of the ‘the greatest rock and roll band in the world’, the Stones have released a total number of 29 albums and 37 singles. Formed in London in 1962, with a song writing partnership between singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, the group began playing American blues, R&B, Rock n’ Roll, reggae and disco. Prancing and wiggling through their sexual guises, relishing their role with their leader singer, Mick Jagger, known as a white guy singing black, an English guy singing American and a young guy singing old. The Stones rock!

Led Zeppelin

Commended as ‘rock gods’, Led Zeppelin continues to be held in high regard for their artistic achievements, commercial success, broad influence and their classical injection of mythological and spiritual themes into rock music. Commercially, this group has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide. They are also known for their gross offstage outtakes, like the much debated ‘shark episode’ involving a shark, a woman and hotel, the details of which we would rather not get into. That aside, recognised as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal, this rock group, drew inspiration from many other musical genres, including clues, soul, funk, jazz, classical, folk, Latin and Indian. Known for their elaborate wardrobe, hairstyles, and flamboyant onstage gestures, its no wonder that this band rates high on our list as one of the most definitive archetypes of rock and roll.

 

 Guns N’ Roses

Having sold an estimated 90 million albums world-wide, they are one of America’s most successful rock bands. Their 1987 major label debut, Appetite for Destruction, went on to sell 20 million copies world-wide. The 80s and 90s saw the band’s musical style and onstage presence usher in a new era within the dominant hard rock and heavy metal scene, offering a grittier, more traditionalist take on rock music, which paved the way for ‘sleaze’ rock. However, on account of petty disputes and Axl’s fowl temper the rock band of yesterday no longer exists. Maybe GNR’s new manager, who ever the poor soul is, should think about issuing a warning sign on their merchandise — heroin and botox don’t jive well.

 

 

Coldplay

Coldplay’s early material was often compared to the likes of Jeff Buckley and Radiohead, while also drawing comparisons to U2. What’s more, this band is not only loved for their rhythmic, easy listening melody and powerful lyrics, but for their contribution to society. In fact, rumour has it that in their early years, Coldplay were also widely noted for their claim to give 10% of their band’s profits to charity.  Apart from that, Coldplay have managed to draw a number of influences from different sources for each of their albums, such as Echo and the Bunnymen for Parachutes and George Harrison Coldplay have also drawn influence from other sources, including and George Harrison and Johnny Cash for A Rush of Blood to the Head. So, listen in on some of our favourites, like Yellow, Trouble, Shiver and The scientist.

 

 Aerosmith

Known as the ‘the bad boys from Boston’ this band, produced a string of groundbreaking hard rock albums and enjoyed major popularity throughout the 1970s. Unfortunately, as with most rock bands, their serious substance abuse and drug addictions contributed to their decline, and almost relegated them to the chronicles of history. But, with a little help from their manager, Tim Collins, the band regrouped five years later to become on one of the major innovators in American hard rock, heavy metal, blues and R&B, and has continued to inspired legions of rock artists that came after them. But no matter how old and ugly they grow, even when wheelchairs and walkers will be required on stage, this band still knows how to get you rockin!

 

 

Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Commended for their unique lyrical themes such as love, friendship, teenage angst, romance, drugs, loneliness, alcohol, political annotations and dealing with death, this rock group reaches new heights with every passing year. The Peppers have sold over 60 million records world-wide, and have taken the 10th position on the Billboard Modern Rock Chart for the most number one singles. Rumour has it that their earlier shows were composed almost entirely of improvisations. Reputed for their shocking and rather crass sense of style, the Peppers endeavour to keep us completely entertained, both acoustically and visually.

 

 

 Queen

Have a mad ‘bawa’ who’s fan base includes Liza Minnelli sing, “I want to break free (2), I want to break free from your lies, You’re so self satisfied I don’t need you, I’ve got to break free, God knows (2), I want to break free” and you might have a die hard queen fan. Queen were an English rock band formed by Brian May, Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor in London, England in 1970. Known as Britain’s most successful band of over the past three decades, the band became popular during the mid-to-late 1970s and still remains an extremely large international fan base. Noted for having made significant contributions to genres such as arena rock, glam rock, hard rock, pop rock and progressive rock, Queen are remembered for their original blend of theatrics, showmanship, kitsch and extravagance. And we love them for that.
 

Nirvana

My next favourite rock band is a must have for any grunge junkie. Hailed as the “flagship band” of Generation X, Nirvana exploded into mainstream rock, shedding new light on alternative subgenere of alternative rock. Other Seattle rock bands such as Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden also gained wide scale popularity and as a result, alternative rock became a dominant genre on radio and television. Identified for both offstage sexual theatrics which tag well with their powerful lyrics, personifying their dark interior with hit singles such as smells like teen sprit, lithium, come as your are and heart-shaped box, its no surprise that this band ‘rocks’!  
Pink Floyd
Known as pioneers of progressive rock with philosophical lyrics, classic rock song writing, sonic experimentation, innovative covert art and elaborate live shows, its no wonder that this band has been respected over decades amongst fans and those in the billboard world as one of the greatest rock bands ever! Nearly as famous as Floyd’s music was the artwork that they portrayed on their album covers. Over time, most of the artwork has acquired fame in its own right. Most notably the cover depicting a man shaking the hand of his burning alter–ego for the ‘Wish You Were Here’ album. Floyd surprised us all in 1985, with the departure of Roger Waters. Putting their issues aside for the greater good, the band regrouped for one last concert, 24 years later, at the London Live 8 concert.