Tag Archive | "bands"

Top 10 Bands Everyone Grew Tired Of

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Perhaps the media is to blame for this, but certain musicians are simply over commercialized and the only thing they manage to do is annoy you whenever you hear their songs. Sure, the bands/musicians are amazing, creative and innovative. How else would their songs be able to make such a strong impression on their fans? Nonetheless, music is a field where the saying “too much of a good thing is not a good thing anymore” applies very well. Let’s review the musicians that have become outworn.

 

1. Nirvana

Even though nobody can deny the genius of Kurt Cobain and can easily forgive the repetitiveness of the genre, the constant abuse of the band’s hits is enough to get on the nerves of even the biggest Nirvana fan. In addition to hearing the same Nirvana hits in most pubs and bars, there is another reason why people grew tired of the band. With Cobain’s death, the band became what the lead singer hated most: a corporate enterprise that inspired other punk rock bands to sell out and transform into commodities.

 

2. AC/DC

All critics admit the level of creativity AC/DC brought to the music world with just three chords and the famous bludgeoning riffs. On the other hand, this is also the precise reason why these rock kings made it in the top of the bands everyone grew weary of. Some rock fans will even go so far as to state that AC/DC represents the last pulse of classic rock music, let’s just say that they do not deserve to be on the pedestal media gave them. Especially not after agreeing to have avatars in Guitar Heroes!

 

3. Nickelback

In all honesty, Nickelback is the most disturbing example of a band that is out for the money and not for the music and fans. Even though they started as a grunge, they soon transformed into a pop band with extremely low standards even for this genre. True, their terrible pop album sold around 8 billion copies in just two years. On the other hand, the overwhelming attention from the media and their inexplicable success in the LA clubs is one of the biggest music mysteries.

 

4. Metallica

The simple fact that there is not a person on this planet who hasn’t heard of Metallica nowadays is the living proof that rock fans no longer appreciate them. Despite the common belief, Metallica did not reinvent thrash metal and are not that major creative influence they are advertised to be. While nobody contests the genius of their first albums, the last ones are hollow both lyrically and musically to say the least.

 

5. The Beach Boys

Yes, they practically invented California rock, yes, they made Smile and yes, they managed to create the catchiest songs the music world has witnessed. But all that happened in the 1960s! Listening closer, you will discover that the catchy songs and rhythms are indistinguishable among each other and that their influence in music has long ceased to exist.

 



 

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Top 10 Rock Bands

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Rock Bands have defined music history. They have revolutionized the way fans think and look. Many bands have stuck around for 40+ years, having the same spirit they had when they first started. Here are the top 10 rock bands of all time.

 

1. The Beatles:

Every male in Europe desired to have their hairdo done like the Beatles. The Beatles were an amiable rock band group in the 1960s and 1970s. They were also one of the most critically acclaimed groups to ever exist, receiving 7 Grammys and 15 Ivor Novello Awards. Additionally, they have been awarded with 6 diamond and 24 multi-platinum albums amongst others. Popular culture has changed ever since the Beatles. Many artists such as Brian Adams were influenced by the group and its legacy.

 

2. Rolling Stones:

Who can forget the two best hits: Angie and Paint It Black? Furthermore can anyone guess the origins of Britney Spears’ song “Satisfaction”? The song was a modern rendition of Rolling Stones’ classic tune. The band itself was formed in 1962 by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ian Stewart and Brian Jones. In almost 50 years, Rolling Stones has released over 100 singles and over 2 dozen albums. They are still quite popular and are completing world tours. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards still have their groove, even in their 60s. Britney Spears would not use their songs, otherwise.

 

3. U2:

U2 is an Irish rock band formed in 1976 by Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. By the mid 1980s, U2 was a top international act. They won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band and are ranked 22 by the Rolling Stones in their list of 100 Greatest Artists of all Time. Outside of their musical careers, U2 completes charity and humanitarian work to combat poverty and AIDS.

 

4. Pink Floyd:

Formed in 1967, they sold more than 200 million albums worldwide. They have also won 4 Grammy awards and helped define the progressive rock era. They are most significant for their introduction of fireworks and lights to their stage acts. Their song, “We Don’t Need No Education“ is still popular today, especially among rebellious kids.

 

5. Santana:

Santana still has the touch 42 years later with their recent hits such as “Maria”. They are a Latin rock band which has won 8 Grammy Awards and 3 Latin Grammy Awards. They are currently on tour with Michael Franti and Spearhead. Carlos Santana, the leader, was named No. 15 on Rolling Stones` list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of all Time.

 



 

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Top 10 Native Tribes Who Have Faced Extinction

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Illnesses, such as Tuberculosis and Smallpox, wars with Europeans and interactions with whites led to the decimation and extinction of numerous native tribes across the world. Several tribes amalgamated with other tribes, while others became extinct with time. Here are the prime 10 Native Tribes which have faced extinction after European contact.

 

1. Beothuk Tribes:

The Beothuk was a dark and tall Native tribe with black hair and dark eyes. They lived for a huge number of years prior to the Vikings in present day Newfoundland. When Europeans under the leadership of John Cabot started exploiting lumber and fish inside the location, the Beothuk were  forced out of their land. The worry of white individuals, tuberculosis and malnutrition decimated the population by 1700s.
By the beginning of the 19th century, the Beothuk were reduced to a small refugee population living along the Exploits River system and attempting to subsist on the inadequate resources of the interior. Although a succession of Newfoundland governors had, since the middle of the 18th century, attempted to establish friendly contact with the Beothuk, it was probably too late to change a pattern which had existed for perhaps 250 years. Shanawdithit, the last known Beothuk, died in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1829.

 

2. Karankawa:

They were a group of Native Americans, who played an integral part in Texan history. Disease, conflicts with Europeans and loss of territory led to their extinction. The tribe had a significant role in the Texas War of Independence as they sided with the United States over Mexico.

 

3. Mandans:

Smallpox, war and treaties signed with United States of America contributed to Mandans’ extinction. By 1837, their population was decimated to 125 men and women together with the outbreak of smallpox, which they were never immune to. In 1934, the Mandans merged with two other tribes together under the Indian Reorganization Act. The final pure Mandan died in 1971. The Mandans lived in the forests along the Missouri River within the western land now referred to as North Dakota. The Mandans were overall farmers and grew beans, corn, squash, and sunflowers. Many other Mandans were also buffalo hunters. Their way of life was determined by the buffalo hunt.

 

The Mandans lived in a circular type of residence known as a lodge. Each lodge was built over a shallow pit and covered with sod. Sod is earth; reduce into blocks or mats that are certainly held collectively by the grass and its roots. Many households lived in each lodge. At times as lots of as 60 people with their dogs lived in one particular lodge. In the center of the lodge was a fireplace beneath a hole within the roof. The hole let out smoke in the fire. Along the outer walls in the lodge were beds for every loved ones.

 

4. Chisca:

The Chisca were a tribe living in eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia. When waging wars against Europeans especial Hernando deSoto, the tribe was initially successful. They were, however, defeated by Juan Pardo of Spain. In the late 1700s, the tribe combined with the Shawnee under the name Chaskepe. By 18th century, they Chisca were extinct and their towns were burnt down by colonists.

 

5. Hachaath:

Previously living on Vancouver Island and Barcland Island, they were part of the Nootka group of tribes. Contact with Europeans and smallpox is blamed for their extinction.

 



 

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Top 10 Albums of the 1970’s Era

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These albums were released during the 1970s – a decade which saw the coming in of new Rock and Roll artists, phenomenal breakthroughs in the world of art and culture, the whole hippie era, and the improvement of those who changed the music scene during the 60s.

 

 

1. The Beatles – Let It Be (1970)

 

Even when John Lennon and Paul McCartney do not get along, they manage to make beautiful music together. This album was recorded in 1969, prior to “Abbey Road”, but was released a year later. This album includes beautiful, memorable music, that will stay in people’s hearts and minds even today, with hits such as “Two Of Us” and “I’ve Got A Feeling”. “Let it Be” also marks the last album the band released together before disbanding in 1970.

 

 

2. Saturday Night Fever – Various Artists (1978)

 

The movie marked to be one of John Travolta’s most successful movies as a newcomer, along with “Grease” co-starring Olivia Newton John. It would not be fair for the soundtrack of the movie to be successful as well. It did, after all, send the first four singles to the #1 spot. This not only sent the movie and John Travolta to the golden spot, but The Bee Gees as well, who at that point, were hitting any music awards show on the planet.

 

 

3. Michael Jackson – Off the Wall (1979)

 

This album marks the first for Michael Jackson as a solo artist, away from The Jackson 5, the group he had been a part of with his brothers at time. This also marked the first collaboration between Jackson and Quincy Jones. They also collaborated together on Jackson’s most successful album, 1984’s “Thriller”. “Off The Wall” includes different tracks with different melodies, such as “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough”, which makes you want to dance at a night club, and “She’s Out Of My Life”, which makes you want to get some tissues to dry off some tears. All tracks in the album were written by Jackson himself.

 

 

4. John Lennon – Plastic Ono Band (1970)

 

By the time this album came out, John Lennon was already a star in the making for a very long time. He was, after all, one fourth of the most powerful band in the 60s, The Beatles. This was the debut album of John Lennon away from The Beatles, with such hits as “Mother” and “Well, Well, Well”. Beforehand, Lennon released three experimental albums, along with his wife, Yoko Ono, and a live performance in 1969.

 

 

5. Abba – Ring Ring (1973)

 

This was the beginning of an era for this Swedish pop group. Its four members consisted of two real life close friends, who wrote all music and lyrics together, with their wives as leading vocals. “Ring Ring” was released in a limited release in several territories such as Australia, South Africa, and Mexico, on March 26, 1973. It was not released in the UK until 1992, and in the US three years later. The band started out in 1972 with the track “People Need Love”, but it was not until the title track of the album was released that they agreed to be a permanent group.

 

 



 

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Top Ten Pink Floyd Songs

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Pink Floyd is said to be among the most successful bands in history. They gained popularity for their spacey/psychedelic rock music coupled with philosophical lyrics initially and have sold 200 million albums worldwide. The following the top 10 songs of the band.

 

1. Comfortably Numb

This is perhaps amongst the most popular tracks of Pink Floyd. It came out on in 1979 on their double album ‘The Wall’. The song is especially known for its guitar solos. This was the last song which was performed by Waters, Gilmour, Wright and Mason together.

 

2. Us and Them

This song belongs to the album, “Dark Side of the Moon”. The keyboard played by Richard Wright and the lyrics formulated by Roger Waters together made this song a hit.

 

3. Interstellar Overdrive
This song is part of the album titled “Piper at the Gates of Dawn” which was the band’s first album. It has enthralling opening bass riff is one of the most famous tunes in classic rock. The song received widespread critical acclaim when it was first released.

 

4. Atom Heart Mother

This song belongs to the album of the same name and is said to be the second-longest compilation ever recorded by the band. It is almost 24 minutes long. The entire album is eclectic in nature and the lyrics are truly remarkable.

 

5. Coming back to life

‘Coming back to life’ was written by David Gilmour and his efforts are definitely notable in the beautifully composed guitar solos that seem to bring a strange sort of calmness to one’s mind.

 



 

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Top 10 Bands – A Must Listen

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Every so often we try to compile some sort of list for people to check out new bands. This article focuses on the long list) of about 10 “must hear” bands for everyone to check out. The list below is opinion based, so don’t get butthurt if your favorite band is not included. You can try wreiting an article yourself and we’ll think about posting it.

 

1. Aerosmith

With Steven Tyler as lead singer and Joe Perry as lead guitarist, no wonder this band is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. Formed in early 1970s, Aerosmith is sometimes referred to as “The Bad Boys from Boston”, as well as “America’s Greatest Rock N Roll Band”. Aerosmith found a great success in the 70s with several Top 100 singles, but the 80s looked to be a little deeming when drugs came into the picture. This forced Perry to leave the band in 1979, as well as band mate, Brad Whitford, in 1981. Though their album, “Rock in a Hard Place” went gold, it failed to match the band’s previous success. Perry and Whitford returned in 1984. But Aerosmith did not gain the success the once had until 1987, when they released “Permanent Vacation”.

As of 2012, after 42 years together, Aerosmith are still together, despite the ups and downs they once had. They have sold over 150 million albums worldwide, including 66.5 million albums in the United States alone. They also hold the record for the most gold and multi-platinum albums by an American group. The band has scored 21 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, nine number-one Mainstream Rock hits, four Grammy Awards, and ten MTV Video Music Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and were included among both Rolling Stone’s and VH1′s lists of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

 

2. Queen

queen_bandQueen was formed in 1971, with the legendary Freddie Mercury as lead singer, Brian May as guitarist, John Deacon as guitarist, who was also considered to be the quiet one in the group, and Roger Taylor, as the drummer. Before Queen was formed, Brian May and Roger Taylor were in a group called Smile. Freddie Mercury was a fan of the band, and encouraged the two to collaborate together, when band member, Tim Staffell departed. The two agreed, and changed the name from “Smile” to “Queen”. Before recording their debut album, the trio recruited John Deacon to be a foursome.

 

Queen found great success in the 1970s and 1980s, with hits such as “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “We Will Rock You”, and “We Are The Champions”. But as the 80s came to a close, rumors began swirling that Freddie Mercury had AIDS. Mercury kept denying that fact, until November 23, 1991. He died the next day. On April 20, 1992, the remaining members of Queen prepared a tribute concert for Mercury, whih included performances by artists like Elton John, Def Leppard, and George Michael. Everyone performed hits by Queen. In 1997, the band released a tribute to Mercury, releasing the single, “Only The Good Die Young”. That was the last time John Deacon was part of the band.

 

Since then, Brian May and Roger Taylor collaborated with Paul Rodgers. The trio was named Queen + Paul Rodgers. Their collaboration lasted 5 years, from 2004 to 2009. But Brian May and Roger Taylor still continue to perform together. The band has released a total of 18 number one albums, 18 number one singles, and 10 number one DVDs, and have sold over 150 million albums, with some estimates in excess of 300 million albums, making them one of the world’s best-selling music artists. They have been honored with seven Ivor Novello awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

 

 

 

3. The Beatles

 

beatles1Formed in England in 1960, the Beatles included talents by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison. The band was both a commercial success and critically acclaimed in the history of popular music. The band started out as a five piece, with Stuart Sutcliff, though he left in 1961. Before Ringo Starr was a band member, Pete Best was part of the five piece, until Starr replaced him. Before gaining their initial success, it took The Beatles 3 years to initiate popularity by playing in clubs in Liverpool. Their enormous popularity first emerged as “Beatlemania”.

 

After the band broke up in 1970, each of the four members found success as solo artists, though McCartney and Lennon became to be the more successful ones. Sadly, John Lennon died in 1980 after being murdered by a fan, as well as George Harrison in 2001, due to cancer. McCartney and Starr still continue to contribute their musical talents to this day.

 

 

4. INXS

An Australian rock band first formed as “The Farriss Brothers” in 1977. Band members included Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, and Tim Farriss, as well as the lead singer, who made the band what it has been for many years, Michael Hutchence. Their singles include “Need You Tonight”, “Never Tear Us Apart”, and “Suicidal Blonde”. INXS found their biggest success in the 1980s and 1990s, but 1997, Hutchence committed suicide after a long battle with depression.

After Hutchence’s death, INXS did not perform for a year. They then performed with guest lead singers such as Jimmy Barnes, Terence Trent D’Arby, and Jon Stevens. Stevens formally joined the band in 2002 for a tour and recording session. In 2005, INXS decided to participate in a reality show to search for their new permanent lead singer. They chose J.D Fortune as the winner, and together, they recorded hits like “Pretty Vegas” and “After Glow”. They ended up recording a whole album together called “Switch”. INCS decided to let go of Fortune in 2010.

In 2010, INXS recorded an album, “Original Sin” as a tribute to Michael Hutchence. The tracks included guest lead vocals by well known Australian singers, and the tracks included previous INXS hits such as “Beautiful Girl”. In 2011, INXS found a new permanent lead singer, Ciaran Gribbin, and announced plans to go on tour in November and December 2011.

INXS has won six Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awards including three for ‘Best Group’ in 1987, 1989 and 1992, and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001. To date INXS have sold more than 30 million records.


5. Nirvana

nirvanaNirvana is an American rock band founded by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic, lead singer and bassist respectively, in 1987. Drummer, Dave Grohl, joined the band in 1990. The band was known for their grunge sound, and found great, surprising success with their biggest hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. It all ended in a tragedy when Kurt Cobain died in April 1994. The band never released new material since Cobain’s death, though they released some posthumous materials were released. Since Nirvana’s debut, the band has sold over 27 million albums in the United States alone, and over 50 million worldwide.

 



 

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