Top 10 Bands Who Don't Get Enough

Pun totally intended.

This is my list of the top 10 bands who deserve more recognition. I was looking at 2 key factors for this, lack of Notoriety, and raw talent. Agree or disagree, too bad I don't care what you think. Let me know who you though should be on this list though, I've been looking for a few new bands that don't suck.

So in no particular order here you are.

10 ~ Chiodos

Not going to lie, I'm a bit bias about these guys, they grew up near me, and I am a sucker for a good keyboard part. However, whether you like them or not, you cannot argue with the fact that they are all gifted musicians. The vocals are a bit whiny, and the guitar rifts are a tad sloppy, but they deserve this spot as much as anyone.

9 ~ Rhapsody

A progressive metal band, a genre that is not for everyone, but amazingly well done. Sort of a mix between Celtic and Metal. Any D&D fan will die for this band, they are truly great. Powerful and ridiculously fast drums accompanied by equally as impressive guitar part. Think Dragonforce is good? Check out "Emerald Sword" by these guys, blows Dragonforce out of the water.

8 ~ The Loved Ones

The minute I heard these guys I knew I loved them. They are true rockers that is matched by very few. They are incredible. Rich vocals, solid bass, steady guitar. It is hard not to like these guys. It took me all but three minutes to decide that these guys deserved FAR more recognition then they have, which is next to none.

7 ~ Carbon Leaf

I honestly don't know how to describe this genre. I mean, I could, but I would do it badly and It wouldn't do these guys justice. They are all truly talented. Stunning Vocals that one just has to experience. Touching lyrics put to music that is uplifting done in a way that makes everyone in ear shot want to sing along. Check these guys OUT. Their song "Desperation Song" is by far one of the happiest and amazing things I have heard in my life.

6 ~ Clutch

One of the more popular ones on the list. A sort of hard rock with a country twang that just can't be ignored. A powerful Baritone singer, with outstanding drums, And an organ, an ORGAN PEOPLE. How often do you hear that played to Hardcore, rock your socks off music? I would venture to say never.

5 ~ Crossfade

These guys can rock, there is no question about it in my mind. They are one of the bands that I don't really listen to that much, not because I don't like them. But because I can't find them anywhere. I haven't really gone out of my way to look mind, but I keep an eye open. Check these guys out.

4 ~ Atreyu

The only band on the list whose name I don't know how to pronounce. They are great though I fell in love with them as soon as I heard the opening to the song "Falling Down" and after 3 days worth of searching, I finally located them. The singer may not be the best, but he just.. works. impressive guitarist, the drums are a Little sloppy but nothing that can't be over looked.

The next three are the top three and ARE in order.

3 ~ Zebrahead

The easiest way for me to describe these guys would be, a talented Linkin Park. "Hello Tomorrow" took my breath away. A singer/guitarist and a rapper, yet none of that "I HATE MY PARENTS" scream-o that just ruins any good voice. These guys deserve the #3 spot, they have true unrecognized talent that the world must hear.

2 ~ Rise Against


Another one of the more popular bands on the list, but they are here cause when I first started listening to them, a buddy of mine in radio hadn't ever heard of them. You know what that says to me? That no one knows who they are. And they deserve it more than most. They are stunning. Some of the fastest guitar chords I've ever heard. The singer has a bit of a growl in his voice, but it fits the rest of the band well. These guys have never had much in the way of a hit, but all of their songs are worthy of recognition. Check them out, they are really, really great.

1 ~ The Riverboat Gamblers

If ANY of you has heard of these guys, let me know ASAP. They are one of the best punk bands out there right now. The most energetic band I have EVER heard. They are the only band I've ever heard of that, when they go to perform, the security had to pull THEM off of stuff. The Lead singer is so energetic, that during one of his performances, he had to leave because he got motion sickness. Not 2 minutes later though, he was back on stage rock just as hard, if not, harder. Truly a gifted band it is a miracle no one has picked these guys up yet. I have scowered the nation looking for their CD's. Out of 9, I have found 2, and I got them both from the same guy. Go look these guys up, they are one of the bes bands I've ever heard, and if you ever get the chance to see them live. Take it, and and take in the stunning display that only true rock legends can perform.

Checklist

Hello Tomorrow - Zebrahead
Rumors of my Demise have been Greatly Exaggerated - Rise Against
I'm Still not Dead - The Riverboat Gamblers

Take care of each other, HP.

Come Out and Play.

I'm going to make a point of reviewing bands that few people have heard of today. If for no other reason then to serve as a warning/prophet of horrible/wonderful things in this world.

First on the list. "Rancid." Oh. My. God. I have never heard a more appropriately named band. They are truly awful. I kid you not, they are horrendous. the singer can NOT sing, he can't even pretend he can sing. The drummer is equally as terrible, he is nothing mare than a preschooler banging on a few pots and pans. Thank God almighty they have Matt Freeman on bass or there would be no rhythm at all, there barely is now. The guitarist isn't quite as bad, but he is hardly great. He's like the bee in the midst of hornets, at least he won't sting quite as hard. Yet, having said all of that, part of me feels that this group has potential. If they threw out the singer, and the drummer and found some guys that could actually do it. Then I would say go out and check them out. If you are a hardcore skinhead, go check them out, other than that stay as far away as possible.

Moving down the line. "Dream Theater. " Truly one of the more talented bands I've heard in a while. Truly unique vocals, keep in mind, unique does not mean good, nor does it mean bad, it means unique. No one else sounds like this guy. I enjoy it, but I can see how people wouldn't. Solid bass part, nothing spectacular but he is good enough to keep things going. Spectacular drummer, he is one of my favorite parts of the band. He has a kick ass part in the song "Honor Thy Father." The best part about this band is that they have John Petrucci on guitar. One of the fastest guitar players in the world, and without a doubt one of the best. Almost as equally amazing is the keys, there is a great duet where the keys and guitar go back and forth in a "Anything you can do I can do better" way. Truly one of the better bands in the world today, a little older than most but not bad at all.

I had a few more I wanted to review but I'll wait till I get a few more readers and actually get the word out there.

In personal news I am going to see "Breaking Benjamin" and "Three Days Grace" in concert this weekend. I am stoked and think this combination is truly genius. We'll see if I'm right this weekend.

Checklist

Love Addict - Family Force 5
Feathers - Coheed & Cambria
Let it Die - Foo Fighters

Take care of each other, HP.

There was a big deal lately about the band "Paramore," I will admit, I am a huge fan of these guys (and gal) and I am glad to hear the rumor has been put to rest. The band recently had to cancel a couple tour dates that (of course) led to speculation about something big going on in the band. The band is not breaking up, and Hayley did not get the pregerz. This is an amazing reflection on our imagination if you ask me. they cancel a few shows and everyone thinks it's something big.

"Everyone says, 'oh everything has to mean something,' well some things don't mean anything."
-George Carlin

"Paramore" is a must for everyone. They are truly one of the best bands out there right now, and it is no surprise they are growing as quickly as they are. The have solid lyrics backed by absolutely amazing vocals, and energetic and talented guitar parts. They are 1 of the top ten most energetic bands (according to this humble critique) and are must see live. Do everything within your power to get a hold of these guys, and bask in the glory that is "Paramore."

I was looking for something new this week and i happened to find a real gem. I don't usually go for the whole British Pop scene, but Kate Nash just made it work for me. I'm a sucker for a good singer, and even this one was the proverbial "diamond in the rough." Her accent does come through fairly thick, so if that bothers you then I would advise you try Regina Spektor, And if you like Regina, you must check out this one. The worst part about this one is the lyric writing. Don't get me wrong, I've heard worse, but it could certainly be better.

It would appear that "Red Jumpsuit Apparatus" is going on tour this April. If you have not heard anything and want to check them out, do it but don't be excited about it. They are a good band, but they lack anything that sets them apart from the rest of the rock world. They are a solid band and their songs are enjoyable, but if you are looking for something that will take your breath away, look elsewhere.

Checklist

Fieder Frue - Rammstien
Injection - Rise Against
and True Believers - Bouncing Souls

Take care of each other, HP.

Ho everyone.

I hope the lot of you caught that Ender's Game reference in the title, if not, go read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, truly the best book I've ever read.

But that's not what this blog is about, it is about Rock music. I have always thought of myself as a completely fair person, and I wish to share my opinion with the rest of the world. Now This will not be exclusively Rock, or music for that matter, it is a blog, and as it is such, you will have to sit through some of my miserable rantings of how life sucks every now and again. How about this, I promise not to bitch at you too much, and you promise not to bitch at me too much. Deal? I thought so.

Moving on, lets take a look at whats happening in the world of music. "The Kills" have a new album coming out, "Midnight Bloom" on March 18th. I will admit I am not a big fan, but they are enjoyable enough. They are a little too basic for my taste though, they could use something a little more unique, however they are great, when your high. Perfect "need to mellow out" music.

"Panic! at the Disco" also has a new release coming up at the end of March. The 25th I believe, keep an eye out for that one. I am not a huge PATD fan, but I have to admit, somewhere in that confused mixed up bunch of scene kids there is raw talent that deserves to be recognized. "Counting Crows" also has a new album coming out that day called "Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings." I gotta give props to the singer of CC, he's not the best but he is definitely worth checking out. Gotta admit though, my favorite song by them has got to be "Accidentally in Love." No, not because it was on Shrek 2, but in the music video there is a really hot chick in her underwear. If that isn't enough reason to make a song awesome, then I don't deserve to be a critique. Seriously though, I think everyone can relate to that song, check it out.

I think that is enough for an opening blog, I'll leave you with a few songs to check out.

Desperation Song - Carbon Leaf
Motorcycle Driver - Joe Satriani
and, Too Many Ways Too Fall - Arc Angels

HP, signing out.