Taking a Music Break

One of the posts I schedule for Jupiter Promotions each week is Music Monday, which usually focuses on a birthday or a significant event that occurred on that day in a prior year. But it got me to thinking about how I never talk about music on my personal blog despite being a huge music fan.

So, what I thought I would do today is talk about what I appreciate about certain groups and eras. Here goes!

Favorite Band

Journey remains at the top of the list for me. As I was growing up, Steve Perry always seemed to connect with me. His smooth voice, the lyrics to the songs and the popularity of the band always resonated with me. Sure, watching the “Behind the Music” video on YouTube knocked Perry down a few pegs for me, but nothing can get me emotionally wound up more than hearing a ballad from my favorite band.

Most Underrated Band

If I mention the name Amy Lee, it is a split as to whether people would recognize who she is. Hailing from our neighbor to the east (Arkansas), Lee is the lead singer of Evanescence. Every time I think I have a new favorite song of theirs, I hear one that I like even more. They are one of the more popular bands on my iTunes account with nine songs. And I am sure there are more I would be happy to download. I got the opportunity to watch them live last October and she sounded just as great in person as she is in studio. And yet, I have no doubt many of you are laughing at me as you read this. Underrated, indeed.

Most Overrated Band

There are several that could fit into this spot but for me there is one band that stands out as being way more overrated than the others – Metallica. They are one of those bands that a lot of people really get into but when I hear them, I tend to want to change the station. They have a couple of songs I can tolerate, but generally I just don’t enjoy listening to them. I even saw them live once and it was probably the most boring concert I have ever attended. Definitely overrated.

Favorite 70’s Band

Although their music extended beyond the 70’s, The Eagles were at their most popular during my first decade of life. One of my favorite songs of all time is “Wasted Time,” while “Hotel California” is also one of the best songs ever. Don Henley has always been one of my favorite vocalists and as a fellow drummer, he has that going for him too. And knowing I can actually hit the same notes as Timothy B. Schmit (“I Can’t Tell You Why”) is worth something.

Favorite 80’s Band (Not Named Journey)

U2 actually first formed in 1976 but hit their height of popularity in the 80’s. The Joshua Tree was always my favorite album back then (yes, kids, we used to call them albums) and I recall listening to it over and over again while I would practice driving. Nothing they have released since then comes close to this classic. Even the songs that weren’t hits were great songs (“Exit,” “One Tree Hill”).

Favorite 90’s Band

For those of you who know me, this one is easy. Pearl Jam is one of those rare groups I have seen more than once (Dallas and OKC), and they rocked it both times. I knew from the first time I heard “Alive” that they would be a big hit, and “Black” has remained one of my favorite songs ever. Even their recent hits sounded great, which is rare for a band to have that much staying power. Many of my friends claim Nirvana or Stone Temple Pilots as their favorites from that era, but I will always stick with Pearl Jam.

Favorite Current Band

I could do categories for the first and second decades of the century, but the truth is I just don’t enjoy the new artists as much as the ones I heard while growing up. However, there is one band that keeps me interested each time I hear a new song. Breaking Benjamin may not be a name everyone knows, but they know how to rock in a way that I enjoy listening to. If you haven’t heard them and you like rock, you should definitely give them a listen.

Favorite Christian Band

I realize it isn’t popular for bands to allow themselves to be categorized as a Christian band, but there is one I have seen twice that definitely falls in this category. Skillet was a group that kept showing up on Pandora (while listening to Evanescence) and their music just keeps pulling me in. I’ve seen them twice and will probably see them more than that before it is over with.

Favorite Local Band

They are no longer around but I was a huge fan of Chainsaw Kittens back in the 90’s. With Tyson Meade on vocals, this local group wasn’t a huge national hit but I got to see them live several times during my college years. They definitely rocked it out and Violent Religion is one of my favorite albums ever released.

So those are my groups on my list – what are some of yours?