Tropical Island Music Artist Draft - FINIS
- Thread starter Bricklayer
- Start date
Alicia Keys
She's already been around for about a decade, and her voice is easily one of the best ever IMO. Also, an amazing artist on the piano as well. Easily one of my top 5 female solo artists ever.
[video=youtube;rywUS-ohqeE&ob=av2n]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rywUS-ohqeE&ob=av2n[/video]
[video=youtube;xPvwDcrT6rU&ob=av2e]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPvwDcrT6rU&ob=av2e[/video]
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Linkin Park
Very few artists, IMO, can consistently mix and combine so many different elements of music like these guys. They can go from "One Step Closer" and "Crawling," to "In The End" and "What I've Done." and then slow it way down with "Shadow of the Day" and "Iridescent."
They've evolved and they've also stayed true to who they are. Great, great band.
[video=youtube;8sgycukafqQ&ob=av2n]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sgycukafqQ&ob=av2n[/video]
[video=youtube;n1PCW0C1aiM&ob=av2n]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1PCW0C1aiM&ob=av2n[/video]
[video=youtube;Gd9OhYroLN0&ob=av2e]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd9OhYroLN0&ob=av2e[/video]
Linkin Park
Very few artists, IMO, can consistently mix and combine so many different elements of music like these guys. They can go from "One Step Closer" and "Crawling," to "In The End" and "What I've Done." and then slow it way down with "Shadow of the Day" and "Iridescent."
They've evolved and they've also stayed true to who they are. Great, great band.
Queen Latifah..
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/queen-latifah-p96755
"Queen Latifah was certainly not the first female rapper, but she was the first one to become a bona fide star. She had more charisma than her predecessors, and her strong, intelligent, no-nonsense persona made her arguably the first MC who could properly be described as feminist. Her third album, Black Reign, was the first album by a female MC ever to go gold, a commercial breakthrough that paved the way for a talented crew of women rappers to make their own way onto the charts as the '90s progressed."
[video]http://youtu.be/MB1LXcRDoiA[/video]
[video]http://youtu.be/fKXFeMnCQAI[/video]
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/queen-latifah-p96755
"Queen Latifah was certainly not the first female rapper, but she was the first one to become a bona fide star. She had more charisma than her predecessors, and her strong, intelligent, no-nonsense persona made her arguably the first MC who could properly be described as feminist. Her third album, Black Reign, was the first album by a female MC ever to go gold, a commercial breakthrough that paved the way for a talented crew of women rappers to make their own way onto the charts as the '90s progressed."
[video]http://youtu.be/MB1LXcRDoiA[/video]
[video]http://youtu.be/fKXFeMnCQAI[/video]
Another one of those bands that just mix so many types of music it's amazing. Very rare to see a hip hop "band." However, these guys have mastered it over the last 2 decades. Also, some of the most underrated performers/rappers in music today, IMO. They never get the credit/publicity they deserve.
The Roots
[video=youtube;ojC0mg2hJCc&ob=av2e]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojC0mg2hJCc&ob=av2e[/video]
[video=youtube;MJCHeEQV454&feature=relmfu]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJCHeEQV454&feature=relmfu[/video]
[video=youtube;_I1IX2cqjQ4&feature=relmfu]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I1IX2cqjQ4&feature=relmfu[/video]
The Roots
[video=youtube;ojC0mg2hJCc&ob=av2e]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojC0mg2hJCc&ob=av2e[/video]
[video=youtube;MJCHeEQV454&feature=relmfu]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJCHeEQV454&feature=relmfu[/video]
[video=youtube;_I1IX2cqjQ4&feature=relmfu]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I1IX2cqjQ4&feature=relmfu[/video]
I've been letting this artist slip for several rounds now, always finding an excuse to take another artist instead. I tried to do so again this time, but I'm going to overcome the urge and just go with my gut: Sting.
Ever since the Police went earlier in the draft, Sting has been on my board. In all honesty, I think his work since he left the Police has actually been better, though I don't expect that most would agree. He has obviously been less of a rock-and-roller since then, but really, it suits him. He's done jazz, he's done country, he's mixed in Arabian singing, he's experimented with instrumentation (like the use of the Northumbrian Pipe on The Soul Cages), and he's thrown the whole idea a change up and put out an album of Dowland's lute music, a Christmas album, and an album of symphonic remixes of his own songs. He doesn't allow himself to get pinned down and it really makes for a diverse and fantastic catalog.
Years active: 1985-present (as a solo act)
Catalog: 10 studio albums (8h26m), 4 live albums (about 5h)
Landmark songs: Fortress Around Your Heart, If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, All This Time, If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, Desert Rose
Song I keep coming back to:
(Really odd video, there, Sting!)
Ever since the Police went earlier in the draft, Sting has been on my board. In all honesty, I think his work since he left the Police has actually been better, though I don't expect that most would agree. He has obviously been less of a rock-and-roller since then, but really, it suits him. He's done jazz, he's done country, he's mixed in Arabian singing, he's experimented with instrumentation (like the use of the Northumbrian Pipe on The Soul Cages), and he's thrown the whole idea a change up and put out an album of Dowland's lute music, a Christmas album, and an album of symphonic remixes of his own songs. He doesn't allow himself to get pinned down and it really makes for a diverse and fantastic catalog.
Years active: 1985-present (as a solo act)
Catalog: 10 studio albums (8h26m), 4 live albums (about 5h)
Landmark songs: Fortress Around Your Heart, If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, All This Time, If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, Desert Rose
Song I keep coming back to:
(Really odd video, there, Sting!)
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Alright, the Sublime pick bothered me a bit, so I'm going to pick up my 3rd Boston based band in the last 5 (Cars, Boston and now:
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
I went to school right through the heart of the 90s ska wave, and this was my flavor of choice. Not pure ska, but these guys are widely credited with helping to create a fun combined form that came to be known as ska core, which in this band's case largely meant that they would add in power amongst the horns with bursts of metal guitar, and that their lead singer often shouted out lyrics like Jimmy Durante gone metal rather than the normal "island voice" common to most ska. Sometimes it worked better than others, but when it did it was a helluva lot of fun, and it was a combination that worked to make them one of the most successful ska bands of the decade with several major crossover hits.
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
I went to school right through the heart of the 90s ska wave, and this was my flavor of choice. Not pure ska, but these guys are widely credited with helping to create a fun combined form that came to be known as ska core, which in this band's case largely meant that they would add in power amongst the horns with bursts of metal guitar, and that their lead singer often shouted out lyrics like Jimmy Durante gone metal rather than the normal "island voice" common to most ska. Sometimes it worked better than others, but when it did it was a helluva lot of fun, and it was a combination that worked to make them one of the most successful ska bands of the decade with several major crossover hits.
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Thanks for the primer Brick. Speaking of ska/punk...This next selection added a great deal to this genre without nary an original song. Originally a spoof cover band composed of famous musicians from various punk/metal bands, they have evolved into the premier punk cover band, and a force with uptempo/alternative versions of most classics. They leave no stone unturned, creatively covering all genres. With my 11th selection, I choose:
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Fun, fun stuff, and a guilty pleasure of mine for many years now
.
More: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/me-first-and-the-gimme-gimmes-p293526
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Fun, fun stuff, and a guilty pleasure of mine for many years now
.More: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/me-first-and-the-gimme-gimmes-p293526
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Glad someone picked them so I don't force myself to do a last second add. I think their earliest stuff was best before they started recycling punk riffs into the start of every tune, but the songbook is great. I would call them an un-guilty pleasure because they often cover catchy tunes by acts I would never have in my collection.
Alright then... next up for me... The Supersuckers.
The self-proclaimed "Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band in the World" may also be one of the hardest working. They seem to be touring non-stop, though have taken a break over the past year, and they are well known for their "big show" where they open for themselves by performing a country set then following it up with a hard rock set. These guys are always fantastic and have managed to keep things interesting through the years whether it is with their trademark brand of hard rock, their country side featuring some great originals with some amazing covers of classic honky tonk or their covers that run the full spectrum from the Coasters to Jerry Reed to Outkast.
Here's a sample:
Rock:
Country:
Hey Ya Cover:
Also check out: Pretty F'd Up, Born With a Tail, Drivin' Nails in My Coffin (with a little Willie thrown in for good measure!), Supersucker Drive-by Blues
The self-proclaimed "Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band in the World" may also be one of the hardest working. They seem to be touring non-stop, though have taken a break over the past year, and they are well known for their "big show" where they open for themselves by performing a country set then following it up with a hard rock set. These guys are always fantastic and have managed to keep things interesting through the years whether it is with their trademark brand of hard rock, their country side featuring some great originals with some amazing covers of classic honky tonk or their covers that run the full spectrum from the Coasters to Jerry Reed to Outkast.
Here's a sample:
Rock:
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Since the run on modern punk seems to have started, this one seems inevitable;
NoFX
I’m an unbeliever, I’m a heretic
I’m gonna projectile puke off a pew
I’m a trouble making immature imp
I’m gonna turn your other cheek for you
First Album: Punk In Drublic
Favourite Album: Coaster
Why I Started Listening: I never really had a punk phase when I was younger, but pretty all of my current friends did. They all told me NoFX was a must-listen in that category, so when I started listening to punk, they were who I was listening to. I don't disagree with the notion that they're at the top of that genre. The lyrics, especially their humour, are awesome, the sound can pin you against a wall, but can also do a lot of other things. The band, altogether, is simply great.
you can try to find a safe for work NoFX video, but that's just wasting your time. Hence: spoilers. Also: amazing song.
NoFX
I’m an unbeliever, I’m a heretic
I’m gonna projectile puke off a pew
I’m a trouble making immature imp
I’m gonna turn your other cheek for you
First Album: Punk In Drublic
Favourite Album: Coaster
Why I Started Listening: I never really had a punk phase when I was younger, but pretty all of my current friends did. They all told me NoFX was a must-listen in that category, so when I started listening to punk, they were who I was listening to. I don't disagree with the notion that they're at the top of that genre. The lyrics, especially their humour, are awesome, the sound can pin you against a wall, but can also do a lot of other things. The band, altogether, is simply great.
you can try to find a safe for work NoFX video, but that's just wasting your time. Hence: spoilers. Also: amazing song.
[video=google;-5637645708702385131]http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5637645708702385131[/video]
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Kings of Leon
While I'm not a fan of some of their new stuff (particularly Sex on Fire which I find annoying), their older stuff is really good. Given their mainstream status I'm not sure they'll be too popular with the rock-heads here, but I like them so I'll gladly take them.
My favourite song of theirs:
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Okkervil River (1998-active)
Favourite Album: Black Sheep Boy (2005)
Sample Song: The Latest Toughs (from Black Sheep Boy)
This is pretty plain indie folk, it's quite gloomy, it has overly dramatic lyrics and delivery. I'm really not supposed to like it but, call them intangibles, I love it.
And Black Sheep Boy is one of my favourite records ever.
Favourite Album: Black Sheep Boy (2005)
Sample Song: The Latest Toughs (from Black Sheep Boy)
This is pretty plain indie folk, it's quite gloomy, it has overly dramatic lyrics and delivery. I'm really not supposed to like it but, call them intangibles, I love it.
And Black Sheep Boy is one of my favourite records ever.
With this pick I draft, The Allman Brothers Band.
Their 69-73 work alone is easily enough to warrant picking them for me. In that time they released four classic studio albums and one classic live album. Those albums contain some of, if not the best blues-rock ever recorded. They were more than just a blues band, though. They had progressive tendencies as well. Their unique mix of blues, jazz, psychedelic, country, and rock gave them a timeless sound that was never predictable.
They sort of fell off in the latter half of the 70s and didn't do much in the 80s. They returned in 1990 though with a solid comeback album and have been going strong every since.
Their 69-73 work alone is easily enough to warrant picking them for me. In that time they released four classic studio albums and one classic live album. Those albums contain some of, if not the best blues-rock ever recorded. They were more than just a blues band, though. They had progressive tendencies as well. Their unique mix of blues, jazz, psychedelic, country, and rock gave them a timeless sound that was never predictable.
They sort of fell off in the latter half of the 70s and didn't do much in the 80s. They returned in 1990 though with a solid comeback album and have been going strong every since.
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