I am counting down my top fifty favorite rock bands. This week I will count down from #30 to #21.
The criteria I used for creating this list
In case you have not seen part 1 or part 2 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, Never Mind the Bullocks is a great album. But the Sex Pistols are a one-album wonder, so they are not on the list. Don’t tell Johnny Rotten.
Fifty favorite rock band #30 – Twenty-One Pilots
Let’s start the list with a modern band – Twenty-One Pilots. They consist of two dudes making really interesting music. Their last three albums have all been excellent. Blurryface may be one of the best albums of the last decade.
Favorite Rock Band #29 – Psychedlic Furs
At #29 – The Psychedelic Furs. They are a classic new wave band from the UK. Many fans will recognize their most famous song from the 80’s hit movie Pretty in Pink. I started listening to them before they became popular. They have several strong albums and many great songs.
Coming in at #28 – Doors
The Doors are a well-known band from LA. Their debut album is a classic. They released a lot more excellent music while they existed. Unfortunately, their lead singer and lyricist, Jim Morrison, died at a young age, so they came to a sudden end.
Favorite Rock Band #27 – Foster the People
At #27 is another modern band – Foster the People. They are best known for their hit song “Pumped Up Kicks” which has over a billion listens on Spotify. Their last few albums have been really good.
Favorite Rock Band #26 – Spoon
Spoon is another modern-era band. If you have never heard of this band, you should give them a listen. Their last two albums have been killer. They are eclectic and have some weird music, but I really enjoy listening to them.
At #25 – Pearl Jam
I cannot neglect the 1990s. When I think of that decade Pearl Jam comes to mind. Their debut album, Ten, is unbelievably good and they have released a pile of great music since then.
Favorite Rock Band #24 – Black Crowes
At #24 from Atlanta Georgia is the Black Crowes. Their debut album, Shake your Money Maker, is so good. They have released many excellent albums since then. Simply put – they rock hard.
Favorite Rock Band #23 – Church
The Church is a lesser-known new wave band from Australia. You probably know one of their hit songs, “Under the Milky Way”. If you like that song, then I recommend digging through their catalog. Several great albums and songs. They are like the REM of Australia.
Coming in at #22 – BoDeans
The BoDeans are a band that I wish more people knew about. They have written and released so much great music over the years. I saw them live at Trax in Charlottesville when I went to college there. It was one of the best concerts I saw while living in “the Ville”. How good was the concert? My girlfriend cried during all the slow songs – that is how good they were.
Favorite Rock band #21 – AC/DC
Let’s finish part 3 of the list with an ass-kicking Australian rock band – AC/DC. If you do not know this band, then are certainly not a rock-n-roll fan. They have so many hit songs, great albums, and guitar riffs that everybody knows. After the tragic loss of their lead singer, Bon Scott, the band released “Back in Black”, which some consider one of the best rock-n-roll albums of all time.
There you have it – part 3 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.