I am counting down my top fifty favorite rock bands. This week I will count down from #40 to #31.
The criteria I used for creating this list
In case you have not seen part 1 of this list. Here are the three criteria I used to create it:
- I must own at least one of their albums on vinyl.
- The band released more than one album.
- I still have to enjoy listening to their music.
For example, Toad the Wet Sprocket is not on the list. I enjoy their music a lot but do not own any of their vinyl.
Favorite rock band #40 – B-52s
Let’s start the list with a fun band – the B-52s. Yes, some of their music is super weird – just like they are. I simply enjoy many of their strange songs like “Rock Lobster” and “Love Shack”. Both are party classics.
Favorite Rock Band #39 – Cars
At #39 – another well-known band, The Cars. Their debut album is a classic. They released many hit songs and excellent albums. My one complaint is that I saw them live, and they are boring in concert.
Coming in at #38 – Connells
The Connells are a lesser-known band from the 80s and 90s. They released several really good albums, and even their latest album is solid. Worth a listen for sure.
Favorite Rock Band #37 – Eagles
At #37 is a rock band everyone knows – the Eagles. They have two of the highest-selling albums of all time. Their greatest hits album is end-to-end great music.
Favorite Rock Band #36 – Struts
The Struts are a modern-era band from the UK. They have released three strong albums to date. I saw them live in concert, and they are excellent. If you enjoy Queen, then you should check out this band.
At #35 – Husker Du
Husker Du is a legendary punk rock band from Minneapolis Minnesota. They influenced many post-punk bands and released a lot of music in the 1980s. A funny story about when I saw them in concert during the Warehouse album tour. They came out, set up their instruments, and played the entire album end to end. No opening acts or roadies. The concert hall I saw them at was tiny. Excellent concert.
Favorite Rock Band #34 – Fixx
At #34 is another new wave band from the UK, The Fixx. Their album “Reach the Beach” made them stars with several hit songs. I like several of their other albums and think they are worth exploring more.
Favorite Rock Band #33 – CCR
Creedence Clearwater Revival is a classic rock band that produced a ton of great music in a short period of time. My wife is a huge fan and I enjoy listening to their greatest hits album on a regular basis.
Coming in at #32 – RHCP
The Red Hot Chilli Peppers are a wacky west coast band that has been around for decades. I am not a fan of their early experimental music, but I do like many of their songs. The last few albums have been really, really good.
Favorite Rock band #31 – Depeche Mode
Let’s finish part 2 of the list with the master of synth music Depeche Mode. I have been a fan for many years. Started listening to them when “People are People” was a hit song in Europe. I saw them in concert decades ago – they were excellent. Since then Depeche Mode has released a lot of great music.
There you have it – part 2 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.