Our Top Five(s)

Today's blogging extravaganza is going to focus on some sweet music, namely, our top five artists of all time list. And I won't lie to you, this was a difficult decision for me to only pick five... but i did it. So did Greg. Here it is.


RADIOHEAD

Greg and I both agree that this band is not only phenomenally talented, but amazingly resilient. With seven studio albums and countless b-sides, their eclectic and oft times unpredictable style has proven to effectively communicate to various types of people throughout the years. I often say, if I had to choose one band and only one band for the rest of my life, it would definitely be Radiohead. And Thom Yorke has a kick butt voice. Enough said.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

Is definitely in my top ten-- and definitely in Greg's top five. The man has transitioned from being a Mousketeer, boy-banding squealer, to one of the most innovative and talented artists out there. He can sing, he can dance and my goodness, he knows how to dress. I bet he smells great too... but that's not why Greg picked him. He's also a savvy business man, and has aligned himself with some of the best producers in the business. (Hello Timbaland!) If, for some reason you live under a rock and haven't listened to Future Sex/Love Sounds, I highly recommend that you do.

2PAC

I was really surprised to hear that Greg had chosen 2pac to be in his top five... HAHAHA. Get serious! Pac's definitely my contribution to the list. Say what you will about his combative, misogynistic leanings, he has put out some of the most thought-provoking and intellectual songs of our time. I think I respect him because he was educated and definitely addressed the issues that were going on in his world. Though I may not totally identify with what he's saying, (and don't love all the f words) I can tell when he was reading Shakespeare or Machiavelli or whatever else. And a "How Do You Want It" every so often never hurt anybody. ;)

CARTEL

One of Greg's picks, Cartel is a great band. Unlike a lot of bands that are out there today, Cartel has a distinctive rock'n'roll vibe that results in a great musical experience. If you haven't already done so, I would highly recommend that you check them out. Also, I hear they put on a heck of a live show; one of Greg's favorite concerts to date.

COLDPLAY

This band is near and dear to my heart. I have lots of fond memories listening to A Rush of Blood to the Head whilst commuting back and forth from Provo one summer. That fond memory aside, I can't help but be astounded at the fact that every album they put out is as great as the one before. They remind me a lot of Radiohead in that respect: they're able to reinvent themselves without destroying what they're all about. It doesn't hurt that Chris Martin's easy on the eyes, either. Oh yeah, and British bands just are great anyway. Love the accents.

WYCLEF JEAN/THE FUGEES

I combined these two into one category because I feel I can discuss them together, and because this post is getting really long and I'm lazy. Anyway, I chose The Fugees as one of my top five and Greg chose Wyclef. Seeing as how Wyclef was in the Fugees, I think that it is fitting they are discussed together. Basically, I think that the talents of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef and Pras resulted in the amalgamation of hip hop goodness. It's a shame they all can't just get along. Not only were the Fugees incredible when they were together, their subject matter and lyricism are still pertinent today. Good for Wyclef still representing his incredible talents in his various solo albums. I never tire of hearing what he comes up with next. So yay for Wyclef and The Fugees.

RASCALL FLATTS

Obviously not my choice, Rascall Flatts holds a special place in my dear husband's heart. Admittedly, I can handle most of their songs, for they do not sound like the monotonous rattling and whining of the typical country song. I love seeing Greg's face light up when he sings along to them in the car. I respect the fact that they are a clean band that writes about happy things and not about shooting somebody up in a back alley. (Sorry, Pac.) So yay for making the music that you love and doing so in a way that doesn't offend people and makes them smile.

RYAN ADAMS

Last, but not least, my final addition to the top five is Ryan Adams. What can I say? It's something about the versatility of his voice... and how his side projects (with his former band, Whiskeytown and with the Cardinals) evoke the folksy vibe of a Willie Nelson or a Johnny Cash, aka the way that country should be. I like the fact that he knows how to rock and he's committed to being a rock star. And he just has a really calming, really pretty voice.