My 30 Top Artists of 2010

So this year I decided to consolidate 2010 Album of the Year and 2010 Song of the Year into 2010 Artist of the year. There were a lot of great options this year -- 110 contenders to be exact. To be a contender I had to have purchased the artists 2010 released CD or full album download. Some artists got bonus points because I saw them live. Some got bonus points because I got to meet them after the show. I know, totally unfair, but it’s my list. HA!

Numbers 30-11 can pretty much go in any order (lazy, I know…again, my list, my rules). I also purposely did not include some big-name pop and country artists that I really liked because I didn’t feel like the headache of y’all making fun of me for listening to (insert artist)…I give ya enough material to make fun of me on a daily basis as it is.

So anyway, here’s the list:

30 Adrienne Pierce
29 Audra Mae
28 Corin Tucker Band
27 Alkaline Trio
26 Bad Religion
25 Hank Williams III
24 The Eels
23 LCD Soundsystem
22 Broken Social Scene
21 Against Me
20 Fake Problems
19 Mumford and Sons
18 Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses
17 Justin Townes Earle
16 Jenny and Johnny
15 Nellie McKay
14 The Watson Twins
13 Spoon
12 Drive-By Truckers
11 Gaslight Anthem

NOW THE TOP 10 WITH SOME COMMENTS

10 Sara Bareilles –King of Anything is one of those songs that give me hope for pop radio. I was so happy to get to see her perform again this summer at Lilith.

9 Allison Moorer – Allison’s Crows disc has been in my wife’s car stereo for about 7 months now (she stole it from me before we saw her earlier this year). Great album from top to bottom and a great if not underrated performer.

8 Elizabeth Cook – I’m seeing her Welder CD pop up on a lot of top of 2010 lists…and for good reason. Easily her finest work to date. On my “must see live” list. Sadly, the stars did not align for any of the three shows she played in my area this year.

7 Chely Wright – Chely had an amazing year personally and professionally. Lifted Off the Ground is by far her finest album to date (and I was a fan of her previous work). She has shifted from mainstream country to a more confessional singer/songwriter style and it suits her and her story well. Was great seeing her perform and meeting her this summer.

6 Ryan Adams and the Cardinals – Didn’t see this one coming. Don’t get me wrong, his albums are usually solid, but the double III/IV CD brought back his more rock side which was more than welcome for me. Although I should note that after his Whiskeytown stuff my favorite record by him is the much maligned Rock N Roll so who am I to judge?

5 Court Yard Hounds – I think that this debut flew WAY under the radar which is surprising seeing that it’s the two sisters from the Dixie Chicks. Delight (Something New Under the Sun) is one of my favorite tracks of the year. They were one of the many highlights from this year’s Lilith.

FULL DISCLOSURE: THE NEXT THREE ARTISTS COULD HAVE PUT OUT CDS WITH THEM DOING NOTHING BUT MAKING FART AND BURP NOISES AND THEY WOULD LIKELY STILL BE IN MY TOP 5. THANKFULLY, THEY WOULD NEVER DO THAT.

4 Old 97’s – One of my favorite bands for almost a decade. As always, they brought it in 2010. Also got to see Rhett do a solo show this year and got a great photo of the two of us after the show.

3 Superchunk – Nine times out of 10 I’ll say Superchunk is my favorite band of all time. So how awesome was it for me that Superchunk not only returned this year, but returned sounding like Foolish era Superchunk?

2 Tift Merritt – Tift is my favorite singer – period. When I heard she had an album coming out in 2010 I figured that she would be my No. 1, but it was not to be. So close.

1 Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – Completely blindsided me. Always liked them, but their S/T release blew me away. I’m so happy that they are really starting to blow-up. This is easily my CD of the Year. Paris (oh la la) is my song and video of the year as well. Great live band too (even if they were down to a trio when I saw them this summer due to a widespread band flu).

A.F.I. - He Who Laughs Last

Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Stay safe. Here's some classic A.F.I. to help you celebrate. Enjoy!

Le Tigre - Deceptacon

I'm feeling like a party, so here's some smart party music via Le Tigre. Enjoy!

Shades Apart - Tainted Love

Save It was my introduction to Shades Apart. And what a great introduction it was. Killer melodic hardcore. Here's their cover of the classic Soft Cell song Tainted Love. Enjoy!

No Use For A Name - Why Doesn't Anybody Like Me?

I liked No Use For A Name the first time I heard them, but it wasn't until hearing More Betterness and their following release Hard Rock Bottom that I really became a fan. Hard Rock Bottom is actually one of my favorite Fat releases in the past 10 years (Friends of the Enemy is such a killer tune). Anyway, here's a mighty fine gem from More Betterness. Enjoy!

The Pogues - Fairytale of New York

Merry Christmas!

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Suck My Kiss

I can't believe how great Blood Sugar Sex Magik by the Red Hot Chili Peppers still sounds almost 20 years after it's release. Vital music. I've seen them a few times over the years, but my favorite shows were definitely during this era. Here's one of my favorite tracks. Enjoy!

Smashing Pumpkins - Siva

The Smashing Pumpkins were easily my favorite band of the 90s. I was completely obsessed with them. Saw them live four times on the Siamese Dream tour (only once on the Gish tour). Bought all of the singles (many in all formats CD/12"/7" and even one 10")...yet still bought their b-sides album because I needed to have it all. Then there were all of those expensive bootleg cds...Anyway, here's the video that started my obsession. Enjoy!

Foo Fighters - Everlong

It's hard to think of Everlong by the Foo Fighters as being a "Forgotten Favorite." Not a week goes by where I don't here my favorite Foo song on the radio. Haven't seen this video in years. As is the case with most of their videos, there's plenty of laughs. Enjoy!

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Red Right Hand

There's not much that needs to be said about Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. They are one of the baddest bands in the world and Cave is one of the finest wordsmiths in music. From the first time I heard Let Love In I was hooked. Here's something off that 1994 classic. Enjoy!

Kirsty MacColl - Walking Down Madison, New England, In These Shoes

Tomorrow, December 18th, is the 10-year anniversary of the tragic death of one of my favorite singers -- Kirsty MacColl. Here are a few tracks showcasing her greatness. I'll save her legendary duet with the Pogues for next week. RIP Kirsty, I miss your wonderful voice.







For more information please visit Justice For Kirsty

Massive Attack - Inertia Creeps

A buddy of mine used to always play Massive Attack in his truck on our way to the "secret surf spot" in the Outer Banks. It's snowing today, so of course I think of Massive Attack. Here's one of my favorite tracks by them. Enjoy!

The Presidents of the United States of America - Lump

I initially thought the Presidents of the United States of America were pretty annoying. They probably are, but you can't deny that they have a certain catchiness about them. Enjoy!

Erasure - Am I Right?

I had totally forgotten about this Erasure video from one of my favorite tracks off Chorus. Enjoy!

They Eat Their Own - Like a Drug

Almost 20 years later and I still get this They Eat Their Own song stuck in my head at least once a month. Enjoy!

The Church - Ripple

The Church may be one of my top 20 favorite bands of all time. I've been fortunate enough to see them perform a few times over the last 10 years and they are better than ever. Last time I saw them, I even got to meet both Marty Wilson-Piper and Steve Kilbey. Anyway, here's a track from their Preist=Aura cd. Enjoy!

Stereolab - Wow and Flutter

Hey! How about some Stereolab for your Thursday evening? Consider it done. Here's one of my favorite tunes by them. Enjoy!

Weezer - Undone - The Sweater Song

I absolutely HATED Weezer when they first came out. To this day I have no idea why, because they were and still are pretty awesome. Here's their first classic. Enjoy!

Aimee Mann - That's Just What You Are

My musical tastes often shift as the seasons change. Once the weather starts getting colder I always reach for my Aimee Mann cds. There's something about her smokey cool voice that just warms me up, even as her lyrics rip my heart out. Here's the song that hooked my wife and then me back when we were in college (The sound quality here is a little rough...I do suggest checking out the acoustic version with no video on YouTube). Enjoy!

Godflesh - Slavestate

I remembered being terrified the first time I heard Godflesh. OK, terrified may be going too far, but this was not music for the weak of heart. In recent years I've really become a fan of Godflesh and Justin Broadrick's other bands including his most recent -- Jesu. Enjoy!

Blink-182 - Dammit

I got to see Blink-182 at the 2009 Virgin Free Fest for the first time in about 10 years. As always, it was a blast. Here's the song that hooked me in the late 90s. Enjoy!

Silverchair - Israel's Son

While I wasn't a big Silverchair fan back in the day, I was always impressed at what they accomplished at such a young age. Here is one of their bigger tunes. Enjoy!

Fig Dish - Seeds

I can't remember where I first discovered Fig Dish. It was either my college radio station or the cut-out bin of my local record store. Despite my chicken/egg mental block, I bought it from a cut-out bin and played it often on my radio show. Enjoy!

Elliott Smith - Miss Misery

I miss the songwriting genius of Elliott Smith. Here's one of my favorite tracks (but when it comes to Elliott Smith, aren't they all?). Enjoy!

Jimmie's Chicken Shack - Do Right

TGIF. Here's a tune from Naptown's Jimmie's Chicken Shack to kick off your weekend. Enjoy!

Ween - Push Th' Little Daisies

Raise your hand if you first saw this Ween video on Beavis and Butt-head. OK, now put your hands down, I can't see you. Sheesh. Enjoy!



Oh, hell I can't resist.

Third Eye Blind - Never Let You Go

I'm sure there's a lot of people out there that don't like Third Eye Blind based on the overplaying of Semi-Charmed Life. It's understandable, but unfortunate, because they can write some seriously catchy tunes. Here's one of my faves off their second album. Enjoy!

Urge Overkill - Sister Havana

Sister Havana by Urge Overkill. Hell yeah. Not sure what I like most about this tune, the awesome guitar riffage or the fact that I kind of think it sounds like a classic Kiss tune. Enjoy!

Spacehog - In The Meantime

Happy Monday friends. Here's Spacehog and their uber hit. Enjoy!

Len - Steal My Sunshine

I'll probably catch some heat for this one, but I actually loved this song by Len back in the day. To be honest, I have never heard anything else by them. I wonder if their other songs sound as wonderfully dated this? Enjoy!

Nitzer Ebb - Family Man

I used to listen to Nitzer Ebb's Ebbhead all the time. I actually still have it on tape. I don't listen to the tape anymore though (I upgraded to CD a couple years ago). While I don't listen to it as often as I did in the 90s, I put it on every so often and it still sounds good. Enjoy!

The Toadies - Possum Kingdom

I have no idea why, but this Toadies song reminds me of fall. Maybe it's the thought of listening to it wearing flannel shirts back in the day. Enjoy!

Fiona Apple - Criminal

While I like all three of Fiona Apple's records, I have to say the debut, Tidal, is my favorite (way to go out on a limb huh?). Oh well, here's the big hit. Enjoy!

Revolting Cocks - Do Ya Think I'm Sexy

It's Friday, so let's close out the week with the party that is the Revolting Cocks and their wonderfully trashy Rod Stewart cover. I should probably warn ya, that it's kind of NSFW, but then again, ya ain't getting paid to watch awesome 90s videos. Enjoy!

Placebo - Pure Morning

I blew off Placebo when I first heard them years ago. In fact, I sold the CD that the newspaper I worked for at the time gave me (DUMB). I have rediscovered them lately though. Here's their original hit. Enjoy!

Unwritten Law - Superman

Feeling like some SoCal pop punk today. So, Unwritten Law it is. Enjoy!

Wendy James - London's Brilliant

I've been a Wendy James fan since the first time I heard her old band Transvision Vamp. Here's a track off her solo album (which was written by Elvis Costello). Here's London's Brilliant. Enjoy!

Butthole Surfers - Who Was In My Room Last Night?

When I first saw this Butthole Surfer's video, I knew I had a new greatest fear -- lying in a hospital bed and seeing Gibby Haynes coming at me with a scalpel. Enjoy!

Nudeswirl - F Sharp

Happy last Friday in October. Here's a classic by Nudeswirl. Enjoy!

Hagfish - Happiness

I haven't thought about Hagfish in some time. That's a shame because their "Rocks Your Lame Ass" album was a mid 90s punk rawk gem. Here's the lead track off that album. Enjoy!

Social Distortion - Ball and Chain

Social Distortion's albums in the early 90s were the soundtracks to my summers. In a lot of ways they still are. Easily one of my favorite bands ever. Here's one of their finest. Enjoy!

Hum - Stars

A good friend of mine discovered Hum in college on a comp and wouldn't stop until we were all believers. This song still gets me going to this day. Enjoy!

Guided By Voices - I Am A Scientist

Happy Monday! Here's some Guided By Voices to jump start your week. Enjoy!

Wax - California

Happy Friday friends. Let's close out the week with Wax and their Spike Jonze directed video for California. Enjoy!

RIP Ari Up

Sublime - Wrong Way

I miss Sublime. Here's one of my favorite tunes by them. Enjoy!

Sneaker Pimps - 6 Underground

Sometimes inspiration comes in odd ways. Guess what song was in the opening of today's Beverly Hills 90210 rerun. Here's a hint: It's by the Sneaker Pimps and it's today's song. Enjoy!

Portastatic - San Andreas

I finally got Portistatic's first album in the mail today. Thus the inspiration hit to play one of my favorite songs (and watch one of the funniest videos I've ever seen). Enjoy!

Primitive Radio Gods - Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth With Money In My Hand

Happy Friday friends. Here's the big hit by the Primitive Radio Gods to close out the week. Enjoy!

Lit - My Own Worst Enemy

If I had to name 5 songs that remind me of "modern rock" rock radio, I guarantee My Own Worst Enemy by Lit would make that list. Here it is. Enjoy!

Dishwalla - Counting Blue Cars

I really don't know too much about Dishwalla. But I have to say I always enjoyed this song. Enjoy!

Stabbing Westward - What Do I Have to Do?

In the late 90s I used to DJ in a DC bar one night a week (no pay, but all the food and drink I could stomach...yeah, they should have just paid me...LOL). I played mostly punk/goth/industrial/alternative type stuff. Anyway, Stabbing Westward (and this song in particular) really brings me back to those couple of years as this one regular used to request this song EVERY week. Enjoy!

Morrissey - The More You Ignore Me The Close I Get

Do I really need to write about the awesomeness of Morrissey? Like a sentence or two would do him justice. Here's one of my favorite tunes by him from the 90s. Enjoy!

Goo Goo Dolls - Name

Your Forgotten Favorite is celebrating the start of the Buffalo Sabres hockey season. What better way than with hometown favorites the Goo Goo Dolls? Here's their breakthrough hit off A Boy Named Goo. Enjoy!

Tori Amos - Crucify

Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos is one of the finest records I've ever heard. Hard to believe that when it came out, I was less than impressed. Good thing, I gave it another shot (as a rule I always give records a second chance...usually a few weeks later). I've been a Tori fan ever since. Here's her fantastic first single. Enjoy!

The Beloved - Hello

Talk about a Forgotten Favorite. I haven't heard this tune by The Beloved in a LONG time. Enjoy!

Ben Folds Five - Song for the Dumped

Can't say I've heard this version of this Ben Folds Five classic, but hey, it's the only version of the video I could find online (BTW, song not safe for young kiddies). Enjoy!

Superdrag - Sucked Out

Heard this Superdrag song on the radio today. Enjoy!

Frank Black - Headache

Happy Friday Your Forgotten Favorite friends! Let's close out this week with the greatness that is Frank Black. Enjoy!

Juliana Hatfield - I See You

I can't believe it's taken me this long to post a Juliana Hatfield video. Here's a great track off her debut solo album. Enjoy!

Sinead O'Connor - Fire On Babylon

I always thought Sinead O'Connor's Universal Mother disc was very underrated. Check out the lead single and one of my favorite songs by her. Enjoy!

Small Factory - The Last Time That We Talked

I miss Small Factory's brand of jangly indie pop. Here's one of their better known tunes. Enjoy!

Suzanne Vega - 99.9 F

I've been a Suzanne Vega fan since the first time I heard Luka. About 10 years ago I had the chance to finally see her live and it was incredible. Even better, I got to meet her for the first time after the show. Since then, I've seen her perform a handful of times and I am excited to say that I'm seeing her again tonight.

Anyway, here's one of my favorite videos by her. Enjoy!

fIREHOSE - Down With The Bass

Happy Friday everyone! Here's some fIREHOSE to kick off your weekend. Enjoy!

The Farm - Groovy Train

Haven't thought about The Farm in a while. There's probably a reason, but whatever. This was always a fun tune. By the way, this is the UK version of the video. Enjoy!

The Pursuit of Happiness - Cigarette Dangles

I always thought Toronto's The Pursuit of Happiness were a fairly underrated band. Got to see them when they toured for Downward Road. Great live band. Here's a track off that album. Enjoy!

Rage Against the Machine

Making my way through some requests this week...Here's Rage Against the Machine. Enjoy!

Nine Inch Nails - March of the Pigs

Let's kick off another week at Your Forgotten Favorite with one of my favorite bands to see live: Nine Inch Nails. Enjoy!

Nirvana - Heart Shaped Box

Grunge week concludes with the granddaddy of all Grunge bands and one of my favorite bands of all time: NIRVANA. I still feel so fortunate that I saw them live on the In Utero tour. One of the best concerts I have ever been to. Anyway, here's the lead track off In Utero. Enjoy!

Alice in Chains - Man in the Box

Grunge week continues with one of my favorites: Alice in Chains. Enjoy!

Temple of the Dog - Hunger Strike

Grunge week continues with Temple of the Dog. Enjoy!

Mudhoney - Suck You Dry

OK, let's keep the Grunge theme going this week. Here's one of my faves: Mudhoney. Enjoy!

Tad - Wood Goblins

I once saw Tad open for Soundgarden. In between songs, Tad Doyle threatened to stage dive. I've never seen so many kids run away from a stage so fast. Anyway, here's one of their early singles. Enjoy!

Iggy Pop - Candy

Iggy Pop is the man. Here is his great duet with Kate from the B-52s. Enjoy!

Elastica - Stutter

Check out the spunky punky goodness of Elastica. Enjoy!

Chris Connelly - Stowaway

I am a HUGE Chris Connelly fan. Just look at all of the bands he's worked with or been a member of: Ministry, Pigface, Damage Manuel, Revolting Cocks, Murder Inc., PTP, and Fini Tribe (these are just off the top of my head). He's also had a prolific solo career (which now finds him doing more singer-songwriter stuff). Anyway, here's an industrial gem off his first solo album. Enjoy!

Voice of the Beehive - Monsters and Angels

Here's some good ol' twangy guitar pop via Voice of the Beehive. Enjoy!

Cracker - Teen Angst

Closing out our love for the American Music Festival is Cracker (yes, that's right, Camper Van Beethoven is opening for Cracker tonight!!!!). Here are some true words of wisdom. Enjoy!

Camper Van Beethoven - Take the Skinheads Bowling

Continuing on with the celebration of this year's American Music Festival. Today's band, Camper Van Beethoven, is the band I'm most looking forward to seeing (next to tomorrow's band which is shockingly similar). Anyway, I couldn't embed an actual music video by them due to record label BS. So here's a nice live performance of one of their finest tunes. Enjoy!

The Verve Pipe - Photograph

OK, continuing our tribute to this weekend's American Music Festival we have The Verve Pipe. Enjoy!

The Connells - Stone Cold Yesterday

Continuing on with bands playing this year's American Music Festival we have The Connells and their brand of jangle-pop. Enjoy!

Fastball - The Way

In celebration of this weekend's American Music Festival in Virginia Beach, Your Forgotten Favorite will feature some of the artists performing this year. Today we'll start with Fastball and their mega-hit The Way. Enjoy!

Sleeper - Inbetweener

Let's close out the week with some Brit Pop goodness via Sleeper. Enjoy!

Primal Scream - Rocks

Always dug the swagger of Primal Scream. Sure it borders on Rolling Stones worship, but is there anything really wrong with that? Enjoy!

Milla - Gentleman Who Fell

Years before all of those Resident Evil movies, Milla Jovovich put out a pretty fantastic record called The Divine Comedy. This tune got a lot of airplay on MTV and alternative radio. Enjoy!

They Might Be Giants - Birdhouse in Your Soul

Fun, Clever, Geeky...all words to describe They Might Be Giants. I've always liked them (particularly live). Anyway, here's the classic track off of their Flood album. Enjoy!

Dance Hall Crashers - Go

Ska-Punk, how I love thee. Dance Hall Crashers were one of my favorites. It's hard to resist the double vocal attack of Elyse Rogers and Karina Denike. Enjoy!

The Darling Buds - Crystal Clear

Happy Friday people. Here's some super sweet indie pop from The Darling Buds to help y'all ease into the weekend. Enjoy!

Consolidated - Unity of Oppression

I guess the best way to describe Consolidated is industrial hip hop. Make that radical activist industrial hip hop. I think in most circles they may be more known for their collaboration with the Yeastie Girls on You Suck. But, let's not go there and instead check out the video that got some decent airtime back in the day on 120 Minutes. Enjoy!

Beth Orton - Stolen Car & She Cries Your Name & Central Reservation

I have been enamored with Beth Orton's voice from the moment I heard her first album Trailer Park. In the late 90s I was fortunate enough to see her open for Beck on his Midnight Vultures tour and she was amazing. Flash to present time, I saw her two week's ago at Lilith Fair and TONIGHT I have a front row table to see her again (very excited). Here's a couple of my favorite songs by her. Enjoy!

Love Spit Love - Change in the Weather and Am I Wrong

Love Spit Love was formed by Richard Butler after the initial breakup of his previous band (now reunited) The Psychedelic Furs. Love Spit Love had a similar, if not more rock sound than Butler's previous band, but sadly without the accolades. I dug it though. Here's a couple of their bigger hits. Enjoy!

Jughead's Revenge - 49/61

I got into Jughead's Revenge in college when their 13 Kiddie Favorites came out. Here's a track from that album. If you dig it, go to their webpage where you can download their entire catalog for FREE!!!! Enjoy!

Luna - Slide

I didn't really get into dream poppers Luna until they broke-up. I really dug this song though when it came out. Enjoy!

Local H - Bound For The Floor

I always thought Local H had something good going on. Good mix of jangle pop and grunge. Here's one of their hits. Enjoy!

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Kiss Them For Me

Superstition by Siouxsie and the Banshees is my favorite album by this legendary band. The album featured less of the murky/goth tendencies that made them famous and brought a poppier side of the band. Here's the lead single off that album and one of my favorites. Enjoy!

Rancid - Salvation & Nihilism

I was hooked on Rancid the first time I heard the the song Salvation. Not only are they one of my favorite punk bands, but they would probably be listed in my top 25 favorite bands of all time. Here are two tracks of greatness. Enjoy!

The Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored

That first Stone Roses album was awesome. I give it a spin every so often and it still sounds so fresh. Here's one of my favorite tracks off that great debut record. Enjoy!

Kate Bush - Rubberband Girl

I kind of lost touch with Kate Bush after her tremendous Sensual World album. A few years ago, I caught up (wasn't hard really, what was it two albums?). Anyway here's the video for Rubberband Girl off The Red Shoes. Enjoy!

King Missile - Martin Scorsese & Detachable Penis

OK, let's lighten things up today (because yesterday's MTX video was SO serious). Anyway, here's King Missile. Sadly I couldn't find an unedited version of the Martin Scorsese video. I think y'all can figure out where John S. Hall was dropping the f-bombs. To make it up, to ya, I'll include their epic video of a night gone wrong and quest to become complete again. Enjoy!

Mr. T Experience - And I Will Be With You

I love a good pop punk band. Especially ones with a sense of humor and snotty vocals (and lyrics). Needless to say, I'm a big Mr. T Experience fan. Here's a video from one of my favorite albums by MTX. Enjoy!



By the way, I should mention that the band's singer Dr. Frank Portman has released two novels: King Dork (which I've read and recommend) and Andromeda Klein which I look forward to reading next week.

Cat Power - Cross Bones Style

In honor of me attending Lilith Fair today, I thought I'd present a video of one of the artists that I'm really looking forward to seeing: Cat Power. Here's the song that hooked me years ago. Enjoy!

Liz Phair - Never Said

Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville is one of the finest albums released in the 90s. I remember seeing the video for Never Said on 120 Minutes and promptly buying it the next day. This is another I still listen to often. Enjoy!

Nada Surf - Popular

Have to make it quick today (ok, quicker than usual). Anyway here's a real Popular video by Nada Surf. Enjoy!

Matthew Sweet - Sick of Myself

Not quite sure why Matthew Sweet didn't take over the music world. Such a great songwriter and guitarist. He has carved out quite a nice career and his recent collaborations with Susanna Hoffs are tremendous (got to see them perform last year). Anyway, here's some pop perfection. Enjoy!

Angelfish - Suffocate Me

Before Garbage, Shirley Manson sang for the band Angelfish. Believe it or not, I was a fan of Angelfish first (thanks to a college friend who got into them). Anyway, here's the video for their song Suffocate Me. Enjoy!

Soundgarden - Outshined & Jesus Christ Pose

When people ask me who was the best band I've ever seen live it doesn't take me long to come up with an answer -- Soundgarden. Hands down. I always thought their albums were good, but live...hot damn! Anyway, here's a couple off of their Badmotorfinger album. Enjoy!

Soul Coughing - Down to This

Soul Coughing was the epitome of groovy (OK, in my eyes). Always loved the stand-up bass and Mike Doughty's stream of conscious spoke/sung lyrics. I recently saw Mike do a solo show and it was tremendous. Anyway, here's one of Soul Coughing's first big hits -- now shake it. Enjoy!

Medicine - Aruca & The Pink

If you haven't guessed already, I'm a big fan of old shoegaze music. Layered and fuzzed out guitars and dreamy vocals just sound good to me. I always thought Medicine was a great mix of the harshness of My Bloody Valentine and the beauty of Lush (oddly, both Medicine songs I chose have really harsh sounding intros, get past that part and you'll be pleasantly surprised). Enjoy!

Face to Face - Disconnected

Off to Warped today and will see the reformed Face to Face. They were always one of my favorites. So psyched to finally see them. Here's THEIR song (if you know Face to Face, you'll know this song appeared on their first ep, their Victory LP, major label debut and on their live disc). It is a great song. Enjoy!

Reel Big Fish - Sell Out

In honor of my return to the Warped Tour (after a 12-year absence), here's Reel Big Fish (one of the many bands I will be seeing tomorrow in Columbia, MD). By the way, follow me on twitter for assorted observations and insights from Warped (and YES, I will follow you back). Anyway let's Sell Out. Enjoy!

Ministry - Just One Fix & NWO (live)

Ministry left a trail of destruction in its path wherever they played (see the live video for NWO...can you say ominous?). Enjoy!

Jen Trynin - Happier and Better Than Nothing

I totally dug Jen Trynin in the 90s...and to be perfectly honest...I still do. She was definitely known for her big song Better Than Nothing, but both of her albums were overall great listens that still sound fresh today. By the way check out her autobiography Everything I'm Cracked Up To Be: A Rock and Roll Fairytale - it's a tremendous read on the ups and downs of being a touring musician. Enjoy!

Quicksand - Fazer & Omission & Delusional

I'm kind of shaking my head in disbelief that I haven't posted a Quicksand video yet. Easily one of my top 10 bands of the 90s and probably of all time. To make it up to ya, here are three videos (there's a bunch more on youtube as well, check 'em out and then get yourself both albums and then everything else Walter Schreifels is a part of...you'll thank me for it later). Enjoy!

Pale Saints - Throwing Back the Apple

Here is some shoegazing goodness by the Pale Saints. I finally scored this gem on CD this week via Swapacd. Another tape replaced. Enjoy!

Moby - That's When I Reach for My Revolver

I first heard Moby in college when his Everything is Wrong album came out. It was a refreshing take on electronic music. Then his Animal Rights disc came out and featured this killer Mission of Burma cover. I was hooked. Enjoy!

Hoodoo Gurus - Miss Freelove '69

Alright, why don't we close out the week some Hoodoo Gurus and their 1991 Kinky classic. Enjoy!

Veruca Salt - Seether & Volcano Girls

I wish I would have had the chance to see Veruca Salt back in the day. I bet they put on a fun show. Here's their two big hits. Enjoy!

XTC - The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead

I really think XTC's Nonsuch is a very overlooked record. This song got some pretty decent airplay though on MTV (hard to believe...I know) and I still hear this song on the radio every so often. Nonsuch follows the XTC pop blueprint with smart lyrics and great harmonies. If you were a fan of the band and didn't get into this album, give it another shot. Enjoy!

The Supersuckers - Born With a Tail

I never intended on getting into The Supersuckers. In fact, the only reason why I ever heard them (I had previously heard of them, big difference) was due to them opening up for Motorhead years ago. I became a fan that night. Their blend of country and punk simply kicks ass (plus how can you not love a band whose lead singer is named Eddie Spaghetti?). Crack open a cold one and partake in some Supersucker awesomeness. Enjoy!

Shelter - Here We Go Again

First hardcore show I ever went to was Shelter (with 108). Here's a track off Mantra (which came out a couple years after that first show for me). Enjoy!

Abra Moore - Four Leaf Clover

Haven't thought of Abra Moore or her song Four Leaf Clover in some time. I'm glad I did. Ain't rediscovery fun? Enjoy!

Sponge - Molly & Plowed

File this one as another band that SHOULD have been frekin' huge. Rotting Pinata by Sponge is one of the finest albums of the era. I could still listen to this album every day and not get sick of it. Not quite sure why their other albums didn't "stick" and I'm thinking I may have to delve into my collection and rediscover them as well. For now though, here's the "two songs everybody knows, but probably has no idea who sings 'em." Enjoy!

KMFDM - A Drug Against War and Juke Joint Jezebel

Another true confession: I still rock my KMFDM "Money" shirt that I had in college. In fact I'm wearing it right now, which I suppose is my inspiration for posting KMFDM videos. Enjoy!

Paul Westerberg - Dyslexic Heart

American rock music would be really boring without Paul Westerberg (and of course The Replacements). Here's his hit from the legendary Singles Soundtrack. Enjoy!

Pure - Blast

Wow, even I forgot how much fun this tune is by Pure. Glad I stumbled upon the radio promo of this tune recently. Power pop goodness. Enjoy!

Live - Operation Spirit and Pain Lies on the Riverside

OK, Live is hardly a forgotten band especially when modern rock radio still plays their uberhits I Alone and Lightning Crashes all the time. BUT, I rarely hear the two tracks that hooked me (and still sound exciting all of these years later) off of their first album Mental Jewelry. Enjoy!