Time for a new list. I am counting down my top fifty favorite rock bands. No – I will not include all fifty in this blog. Instead, I will count down the first ten, from #50 to #41. Here we go.
The criteria I used for creating this list
If you are an old fart like me, there are a lot of rock bands to choose from when creating a top fifty list. Here are the three criteria I used to curate this list:
- I must own at least one of their albums on vinyl – this eliminates many choices.
- The band released more than one album.
- I still have to enjoy listening to their music.
For example, Oasis did not make the list. I enjoy their music but do not own any of their vinyl.
Favorite rock band #50 – Oingo Boingo
Let’s start the list with an obscure band – Oingo Boingo. Yes, their band name is fun to say. They are a band from the 80s that included lots of members and instruments. They play some weird stuff. Danny Elfman was their frontman. I like listening to many of their strange songs.
Favorite Rock Band #49 – KISS
Some people are going to hate this choice. Yes – I was a KISS fan growing up. When I say KISS I mean original members in full make-up and costumes. Classic KISS means from their first album up to KISS Alive 2. Most of their music after that was crap.
Coming in at #48 – Squeeze
Squeeze is a new wave band from the UK. They actually had some hit songs like “Tempted”. My favorite song by this band is “Black Coffee in Bed”.
Favorite Rock Band #47 – Talking Heads
Talking Heads is a new wave band from NYC. I thought about ranking them higher, but I just don’t enjoy some of their early experimental music. They released several strong albums and had some hit songs like “Burning Down the House”.
Favorite Rock Band #46 – English Beat
The English Beat is an 80s band that some people have forgotten about over the years. Their music was a combination of reggae and new wave. I like many of their songs and they released several good albums.
At #45 – Pretenders
The Pretenders were founded in London and fronted by Chrissie Hynde. She is definitely the brains and creative force behind the band. They have several great albums and many hit songs. I always enjoy listening to them.
Favorite Rock Band #44 – Echo and the Bunnymen
At #44 is another new wave band from the UK, Echo and the Bunnymen. These lads are from Liverpool. They released several excellent albums. Their lead singer likes to say that “The Killing Moon” is the greatest song ever written. Not really true – but it is pretty damn good.
Favorite Rock Band #43 – Generation X
Generation X is one of the original punk bands from London. This band is where Billy Idol got started. Their first album is excellent. The second one is not as good. Their last album is a mixed bag although it includes the hit song “Dancing with Myself”. Yes – that song is an original Generation X tune. Billy just brought it with him when he came to the states. Smart move on his part.
Coming in at #42 – Smithereens
Another band from NYC. They released several really good albums. Oddly enough I saw the Smithereens open for the Ramones and the crowd hated them. Probably because they were not a punk band. I remember walking away from their performance thinking that they had some catchy guitar-heavy songs.
Favorite Rock band #41 – Romantics
Let’s finish part 1 of the list with a new wave band from Detroit, The Romantics. Their debut album was awesome. Another album of theirs, In Heat, is killer. I saw the Romantics at the Bayou in Washington DC in 1986. It remains one of the best concerts I ever attended.
There you have it – part 1 of my list of top fifty favorite rock bands. If you recommend a band – let me know in the comments. All feedback is welcome. Feel free to post your own list.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.