Friday, August 22, 2008

Your Favorite Band Sucks.

Listen. You're embarrassing yourself. Pop your iPod ear buds out for a second. Dial the volume down.

Your favorite band is...terrible. Pure garbage.

They're worse than the smell that emanates from the Cane's dumpster on a hot day. Their sound can only be described as the melding of TV static on full blast and a constipated walrus's desperate bark.

They're lame.

Convince me that your favorite band (or singer or rapper, etc.) is awesome. Describe them (he/she/it)? Their look, their sound, when/where you listen to them. Then, if you haven't at that point, explain why I'm wrong and your favorite band is great.

P.S. Post your response in the comments section and make sure you write your name at the top of your response.

21 comments:

Richaun Jones said...

Richaun Jones

My favorite singer is Mary J. Blige. In Mary's lyrics she is singing about real life issues such as love, death, the trials and tribulations of relationships and being hurt by different people.

I can relate to her music because some of the things that she sings about I have been through. She also sings about having self esteem and believing in yourself no matter what.

That makes me feel better as I am riding in my car thinking about life or if I am at home feeling sorry for myself or if I just want to kick off my shoes and dance until I get tired. Mary has this look about her that is not to flashy. I feel her look is down to earth but just enough for the cameras, she has been around for a long time she has came a long way.

Her music has changed over the years her music has grown just as I have.

I dont believe that music is just about what it sounds like you have to listen to the words and relate to what that singer/ rapper is saying. What I like most about her music is that it makes me feel empowered. So I urge you to listen to some of Mary's music and listen to the words and I would hope that you would like it or at least be able to relate to it.

Anonymous said...

Kirsten McDowell


My favorite band is Yellowcard. Some people might not find any entertainment with this band. However, I have found Yellowcard to be my favorite band for a few reasons; they are focused on more than just a pop culture image, they're first three albums tell a story from the first song of the first album to the last song of the third album, and lastly I find their music very enjoyable.

Yellowcard is what many people know as to be an indie or unsigned
band. Therefore, they do not wrapped up in the image or "drama" of the business. It is extremely rare to hear about Yellowcard in music news such as MTV or VH1.

Secondly, their music tells a story. When Yellowcard wrote their first album it was all about the music and the people. However, the large amount of sudden fame and success brought about by their second album, "Ocean Avenue." caused the band forget why they originally began singing. When writing their third album, "Lights and Sounds," Yellowcard went back to the music. This is the very album that tells the band's story. In their fourth album, "Paper Planes," Yellowcard continues to show their love for writing and singing music.

Finally, I find Yellowcard's music to be very versatile, therefore appealing. They have a song for every mood I am experiencing. In accordance, I can listen to their music at anytime, in any mood, and enjoy it. For these reasons I find Yellowcard to be my favorite band.

Unknown said...

Claire Dore'

My favorite band is Secondhand Seranade. They are an alternative band. Most of their music is about relationships and emotions that I can relate to. In their music it is apparent that they are singing of things that they believe in.

I usually listen to their music to mellow out or calm down. The lead singer has such a soothing voice to me. It relaxes me after stressful days at school or work. I love just listening to them without any other distractions. I focus on their lyrics and every time i notice something different in the words, and I am able to put different meanings with every song.

They are a new band, and they currently only have two albums out. The second album was just recently released. They aren't very well known at this point, so most of what they sing is for them. After listening to their albums I sometimes feel like I know what they're like because they put so much meaning into their music.

Emily Julian said...

Emily Julian

Jennifer Nettles is the best thing since sliced bread. Let me take some time to explain. Most of Jennifer's lyrics are not only about one's emotions and feelings, but also about success and failure in real life circumstances. Many of her songs are very simple, which makes it easy for almost anyone to relate to.

If one ever takes the time to watch one of Jennifer's music videos, she can see that she draws one into her arena. Jennifer's videos make one feel as if she is actually living the reality of her lyrics. As the emotions come out in Jennifer's songs, it is easy for one to feel the passion she has for music. It is almost as though her passion is dying to be heard and felt outside of her music alone. The emotions that are cried out seem to leave a lasting impression and an urge in one's self to let their emotions go.

Because Jennifer has such a big passion for what she does, I can relate to her very easily. I believe if someone is going to pursue a career or a goal in life, she should have a great deal of love for what she does. In Jennifer's songs, she talks about always trying and never giving up on anything. One is going to fail many times in life; however, one should not let it stop her from being successful. It is all about passion of success and doing what feels "right". When things that mean a great deal to someone are given up, one does this "act of sacrifice" in attempt to realize how much can be gained after and later down the road of life.

TaylorBearden08 said...

Taylor Bearden

I have many favorite singers, but only one really sticks out when you hear them. The band does not have the "typical" sound you here today. There is real music involved including the following: Electric Violins, Flutes, Bassoon.

This band goes by the name of Skillet. It is a Christian based band. They stay out of the media because they are humble. They stay true to what they believe in. That is what allows them to sing about the troubles of not just themselves, yet be selfless and show the troubles of others.

I really relate to this band because they don't care what the rest of the world thinks about them, yet cares about what is really going on with the world and with their own spiritual life. They do not sing about the ex-boyfriends/ex-girlfriends, heartbreak, or any of that nonsense. They sing about the truth, about God.

I enjoy this band because when you are just listening to them the music doesn't just catch your attention, it shows you a new way of life. Just because you don't want to listen to the "church" music, doesn't mean that you can't listen to something that is uplifting in a different way. They sing about the same things as you would read about in church, yet do it in a rock style, which totally rocks.

Anonymous said...

Jack Johnson is my favorite singer. He is the lead vocalist of an alternative band. Their look is very laid back and nonchalant; therefore it is easy for me to see they love what they do.

Jack's songs are about love and relationships.The mood and lyrics of his music make it easy for any one person to relate to. It makes you calm and feel like there are no problems in life, at the moment.

I listen to Jack Johnson when I am in my car for most of the day. It relaxes and makes me think that even though I could be having a bad day, it's no big deal because everyone has bad days. He honestly helps me take on my day with some ease.

I think it would not hurt for you to just give Jack Johnson a try!

Anonymous said...

Maddie Windstein


You obviously have horrible taste in music if you do not like Ingram Hill. They are my favorite band for a few reasons. The most obvious reason Ingram Hill is my favorite band is because I enjoy listening to the type of music they produce. Ingram Hill is an alternative/pop/rock type of band.

Another reason Ingram Hill is my favorite band is because of the lyrics and meanings in their songs. I like that I can relate to the music in a literal way in that they often write about real life situations in which many people experience. The lyrics can also be connected to many emotions I have become familiar with, which helps associate one’s life with their music.

Due to the band member’s great passion for music and excellent connections with each other, they produce amazing music which can be enjoyed by almost anyone. Hopefully by now I have convinced you that my favorite band does not suck if you did not already believe so before.

ngocceeerrs said...

Ngoc Huynh

My favorite artist is Avril Lavigne. Although her style is completley different from mine, I can relate to her lyrics and feelings in almost every song she has written. I don't listen to much punk rock, however Avril is one of my favorite singers. In her lyrics, ahe usually sings about her boyfriend or someone she is interested in. Also, her lyrics usually tell a story that has a deeper meaning.

For example, in one of her first songs, "Skaterboy", her lyrics describe a poor punk rock boy who is outcasted by the rich society. A rich girl becomes interested in him however, she denies that she even knows him because she is scared that her rich family and friends will not accept him. I think that "Skaterboy" has a second meaning about discrimination. One should not judge someone because of their race, sex, age or appearance. This song reminds me of how Dr. Seuss writes simple stories with deeper meanings.

Secondly, she also writes songs that I can relate to. For instance, my favorite song is "When you're gone" because it came out around the same time that my great grand mother died. I loved it so much I would put it on repeat on my ipod for hours! Her lyrics basically explain the pain someone feels when you lose a loved one and she gives advice on how to overcome that pain.

Finally, I feel that music should have a good rhythm or tone, but should make sense as well. Most artists write songs hoping that their fans will relate to them and Avril Lavigne does just that. Her music is not pure garbage and she's pretty awesome.

Anonymous said...

Peter Frost

Explosions in the Sky may just be one of the most creative bands of this time. A four piece instrumental band from Texas, they have proven to show more emotion and creativity in their music than most artists today.

Explosions have been around since 1999 and have already made a big impact on the instrumental underground scene. They create music of emotion by bringing in different types of genres such as experimental, post-rock, and just plain rock. They have already come out with four critically acclaimed cds and one of my favorite soundtracks, Friday Night Lights.

I think that Explosions in the Sky is one of my favorite bands because they prove to push the limits of what people consider to be rock. To me, anyone these days can write a song, but these guys prove to have substantial talent. I love listening to this band when im driving or if I'm just looking for good chill music. They also make me feel better whenever I'm stressed out or not having a good day.

It's true music and true creativity that comes from this band, and that is the reason why I like them, and I think if you haven't already or just haven't truly listened to them, I'd try to do so.

khamed01 said...

Khalil Hamed

My favorite rapper is Lil Wayne. The tattoos that cover his body show his struggles and his acomplishments throughout his life. He raps about subjects that he had to overcome while growing up, and what made him the person he is today.

When I am driving in my car and one of his songs comes on the radio, you can automatically tell that it is Lil Wayne. He has a sound like no other rapper. When his latest album was released he sold over one million albums in the first week. He puts out more songs than any other rapper and even remixes other artists’s songs.

Even though I have stated my reasons to convince you that Lil Wayne is not garbage, I don’t expect them to work. I have tried to convince my mother for the past five years that it is not trash, but she still does not consider it to be music. If I can't convince her, then how am I to convince you? On the other side of that, I think some of the things that the older generation listens to is also trash. Just a matter of opinion.

Unknown said...

Honestly I don't have a favorite band. I am the type of person who listens to anything that is on the radio.

Anonymous said...

Kayla Mason

So I had I really hard time trying to decide who I would pick as my favorite singer, but after I thought about it all day I decided to go with Rihanna!!!!! I then realized that Rihanna is by far my favorite singer, every song she produces becomes my favorite at one point or another and then I listen to that song constantly for about a month straight!

In Rihanna's lyrics she expresses a lot of different subjects! Most of them are addressing guys that she has feelings for, teenage love, or guys that she wants to seek revenge on!

I think I can relate to her music considering I'm a teenage girl looking for the right guy! Most of Rihanna's songs make me want to get up and bust a move but then again she also has songs that are more relaxed and kind of sad!

I listen to Rihanna everywhere, but especially when I'm driving in my car and working out!!

Rihanna is my girl!!!!

benjee said...

Ben Pham

My favorite singer, believe it or not, is Eminem. Unlike most of his peers, his lyrics can be influential and talks about life in general. He does not pollute his songs with garbage, but instead deep life messages. Most people see him as a thug by the way he presents himself in public. Contrary to this belief, I see him as an ordinary guy that speaks about his troubles through his own words.

My favorite song is "til i collapse," I used to listen to this constantly when I was down. In the song it describes a desire to keep going, and to have a persistent attitude to suceed. His flows are sick, and well respected in the music industry. Hey even Michael Phelps stated this was his favorite song during the Athens olympics games. He used this as motivation to swim till he collapsed, that should mean something right?
In conclusion, music to me is my escape from my troubles. Listening to Eminem gives me exactly that, a feeling of escape. And I am sure I am not the only one with such an opinion.

Unknown said...

Hannah Cavalier

My favorite band is Sugarland, and I fully disagree with you about how they suck. They are a country group who sings about real life issues in which anyone can relate to. I enjoy listening to their music when I am riding in my car or when I am at home getting dressed because their lyrics help put me in a better mood if I am having a bad day.

Many of their songs deal with the issues of self independence and determination which are two main qualities that I try to work on each day. When I am listening to the lyrics in their songs, they inspire me to become a stronger person in every aspect of my life.

I've seen Sugarland in concert, and they are the amazing performers. The lead singer, Jennifer Nettles, brings a lot of energy to the stage while still singing perfectly which is a talent that some artist never achieve. She also has a bubbly personality and passion for singing which draws the fans in during her performance. When she sings the lyrics to their songs the fans connect with the band because they can personally relate to the songs.

My favorite song by Sugarland is "Settlin". I feel this song is about putting yourself out there and going for the things you want in life, and not always settling for the lesser things. I think everyone should listen to this song because it motivates you to be the best person you can be.

Alexandria Cavaretta said...

Personally I do not have a "favorite" singer/rapper/band. I have a very diverse range of musicians that I enjoy listening to.

At the the given moment I really enjoy country music. I have not quiet figured out why, but I have a feeling that it's because country music reminds me of summer and I'm whishing it was summer time still wicked badly!

I guess my favorit artist definitly depends on the mood I am in at that given moment. Whenever I'm stressed out or anything I like to listien to Coldplay, Imogen Heap, Sigur Ros, and other calming musicians. When I'm sad or upset I like to listen to more aggressive music like Yellocard, Spill Canvas, Papa Rouch and other bands like that. Whenever I'm just in a relaxing, chillen mood I like Jack ,Johnson, John Mayer, 3 Doors Down, Matchbox 20, Jason Mraz, and Gavin DeGraw. On nights I'm with my girls goin out I like to listent to girly music like Rascal flats, Justin Timberlake, Danity Kane, Chris Brown, Rhianna, and so on. When I am out at a bar I like music I can dance to like old school music or rap. And I can basically always listen to Lil Wayne for some reason.

Basically you can see I do not have one particular "favorite" singer/band/rapper because it is continually changing by the day, hour, minute, and even second at times.

Chris said...

My favorite band is The Soggy Bottom Boys, not only does their music sound decent, but each of the band members has a very unique story. Three of the members, Pete, Delmar, and Everett, break loose from a chain gang together. Afterwards they are all seduced by sirens who turn Pete into a toad, Everett and Delmar narrowly escape only to be beaten and robbed by a cyclops. Eventually they all meet up again and decide to give a ride to a young african american, Tommy, who had just sold his soul to the devil in return for learning how to play the guitar. As you can see, all of the members are very interesting and this is why The Soggy Bottom Boys do not smell anything like Canes chicken.

Ty said...

When I saw Solomon Burke perform at the Chicago Gospel Festival in 2005, his band formed a physical wall so he could walk from off-stage to his golden throne to obscure the crowd seeing his son and grandson help him to his seat. He's getting old, he's overweight and arthritic. But let's not forget his golden throne. I swear to god, it was a massive golden chair with red velvet cushions. The man himself was dressed impeccably in a three-piece suit. One of his numerous sons and one of his almost uncountable grandchildren flanked his throne on each side for the majority of the concert.

The grandson's only visible task was to wipe the sweat from Solomon's brow with a silk handkerchief.

I'm dead serious.

The man is soul music royalty. Two of his nicknames are "The King of Rock n' Soul" and "The King in Exile". The second one is a telling nickname because you probably haven't heard of him. He never achieved the stratospheric status of James Brown, but he outlasted him. He hasn't gotten quite the late-career acclaim that Ray Charles got, but he also hasn't phoned in a weak duets album yet. (He also started doing the country thing way back in the day like Ray.) He's still constantly recording, but doing it without the over-produced flopsweat that marred Stevie Wonder's last album.

He's got an actor's phrasing, an obvious sense of humor and spirit that comes out in his singing, and an ability to absolutely burn a song down. I read a review that called these songs "torchy". Think Luther Vandross, but less slick and with a more conversational style. Think more bluesy. Live recording sessions. Horns. Organs. Top-notch session musicians.

The guy had something like 7 kids by the time he was 21. He owns a chain of mortuaries. He's got soul. Khalil, this is for you: the new R n' B guys have nothing on an old soul guy? How many other singers could've done Bobby Valentino's part on "Mrs. Officer" and had it sound pretty much the same? A dozen? Two dozen? A lot of newer singers seem to be singing to reproduce a certain style, not to let their soul hang out.

But hey, if Ben can use Michael Phelps to endorse Eminem, ponder this: when Solomon was putting together his 'comeback' album in 2002, musicians like Van Morrison and Bob Dylan wrote songs specifically for Solomon to use and sent them to him. He used them, and a classic album was born, "Don't Give Up on Me".

Anonymous said...

Lisa Abel

You have got to be kidding me! Aerosmith is the best band on the face of the planet. They are America’s greatest rock band! With Joey Kramer on the drums, Brad Whitford on guitar, Tom Hamilton on Bass, Joe Perry playing lead guitar, and the Demon of Screamin’, Steven Tyler singing, there is no other band like Aerosmith out there!

While most bands today don’t sound the same live as they do on their albums, an Aerosmith album gives you exactly what you would hear when they perform live. Well exactly the same, minus the screaming fans, extra guitar solos, and lyric changes of course.

I can listen to Aerosmith every day, all day! No matter what mood I’m in, I’m always in the mood for a little Aerosmith. There is something about their music that just makes me happy. Between the bluesy guitar riffs and raunchy lyrics, no one could say Aerosmith is anything but incredible!

Unknown said...

Mike Hayden

"As I was walkin round grosvenor square
Not a chill to the winter but a nip to the air,
From the other direction, she was calling my eye,
It could be an illusion, but I might as well try, might as well try.

She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes.
And I knew without askin she was into the blues.
She wore scarlet begonias tucked into her curls,
I knew right away she was not like other girls, other girls."(Grateful Dead performed by sublime")

A band that plays so many types of music and incorporates them into their songs is a band with an amazing talent. I believe that sublime is the greatest band of all time because well they're just bad ass.


Saying that Sublime is garbage is like sayin dog doo doo ain't gonna smell. Sublime is a band that probably not only has better instrumentalists in it then any of the random mindless hip hop that kids are listenin today; it also has soul, backed with bowel shaking bass and rythmatastic drums, and a meaning to it that many bands try to immitate but have no luck. Don't get me wrong i do love more music of all types then most around me, and not to lie i myself have been known to bob my head to many popular songs however i do believe music has an appropriate time. i know when i hear a sublime song im gonna be happy and i think thats the way most people would feel if they listened to them. Look man im not pressure you into lovin this band all i am saying is try it before you knock it.

MikeJoe34 said...

Michael Joseph


I don't really have a favorite artist, more like artists, because it's hard to compare all of my favorites, due to their different styles. My favorite artists to listen to are Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Common, and of course, Lil' Wayne. All of these hip hop artists are very good at using key literary elements that can be understood by most people who listen that make them some of the greatest rappers of all time.

Lil wayne is one of the greatest rappers of all time, Kanye not too far behind, due to the fact that they have crazy metaphors and similies, in their rhymes. They come up with lines that it seems no one else would ever even think of. They both have very good beats, some club music, others just nice to listen to. They both go outside just straight hardcore hip hop and try to get in touch with other types of music for example, Kanye West doing a song with Cold play(sp?).

As far as just straight up lyrics go, I would say that Nas, Lupe, and Common dominate that area. They're not even really just rappers, they're more like poets as far as their rhymes go. All 3 talk about real life issue, and try to boost the black image by portraying it in a positive way. They're not all about drugs, hoes, and money. But about culture, what struggles people go through, and real life issues. They tend to use just about every literary element in most of their rhymes, and they do it very fluent and smooth. You acually have to think about what their saying, because there is a deerper meaning to the lines that they say. Just about anyone can relate to their lyrics, and you acually have to have an education and good ears to pick up on what they are saying.


I feel that all of these artists have the best lyrics out there just about, and just about anyone can relate to their music. If you listen to some of these artists lyrics you will see why they're some of the best at what they do.

Chris said...

Chris Nelson

I'm sorry, but I forgot to put my name at the top of my post about The Soggy Bottom Boys.