Music is something that is really important to me and something I don’t take for granted in life. The following list is of my 11 favorite bands (with unfortunately some glaring omissions). These are bands that matter a lot to me, and you should check them out if you haven’t.
1. Foo Fighters.
This is the first band I can remember, and easily my favorite. The band has been around since I was born and been a steady rock and roll icon for my entire life. They are my go-to band when I need a pick-me-up, and they have been there for me when I have needed music the most. They are a huge part of my life, and worth giving a listen.
Favorite album: "In Your Honor."
2. Kings of Leon.
The famous family band that can be a radio hit and an underground masterpiece. They were the band that was cool and then became famous and pop-like, only to return to their roots and win my heart back. They blew up with the release of "Only by the Night," but they started to lose their thunder with that album as they became a radio hit. Turning against the pop fame to make "Come Around Sundown." They are an amazing band.
Favorite album: "Because of the Times."
3. Minus The Bear.
The dirty little secret I had in middle school. This was an underground band that rocked my socks off, and were a local band from Seattle. Amazing guitar riffs and cool sounds made them addictive to listen to. Not to mention the funny song title names in some of their older albums. They were also my first concert, so they hold a special place in my heart. A must on a car road trip through the Pacific Northwest.
Favorite album: "Planet of Ice."
4. Death Cab For Cutie.
The softer rock band that could do some of the best rock-out solos in the music business. They have been steadily one of my favorite bands when you need a little calming moment. Amazing live shows to see, and an emotional experience. Also a local band that started in Bellingham, Bremerton, and Seattle, Washington.
Favorite album: "Narrow Stairs."
5. Death From Above 1979.
Shout-out to Canada for giving us some amazing rock music. The iconic band that took a 10-year break and claimed fame off of being one bass player and a singing drummer. They triumphantly had a comeback with the release of "The Physical World" and did not lose a step. Plus, they have an awesome logo.
Favorite album: "You’re A Woman, I’m a Machine."
6. Rise Against.
The American political cycle got you down? Look no further to the hard political rock band that openly opposed the hypocrisy of American politics. Also, songs like "Sudden Life" address the struggles of depression. I can honestly say they help me remember to vote and get people to go out and vote every time "The Great Die-Off" comes on.
Favorite album: "The Black Market."
7. Band of Skulls.
The dynamic singing duo and hard rocking albums really make them a can’t-miss. They were an amazing show, too, back when they released their first album. Both singers are immensely talented and mesh well together. Still an up-and-coming band, but worth a look. Especially now that they have released four albums.
Favorite album: "Himalayan."
8. The Black Keys.
I really do love my two-player groups. The Black Keys are one of the coolest bands out there because they are diverse in their rock. With side projects like "Blackroc" and "The Arcs," the band is really good at everything they have done. They have a lot of work to choose from, and have a great repertoire. Take a look if you haven’t.
Favorite album: "Turn Blue."
9. Silversun Pickups.
Another band that features two singers at times. They also could be seen as a political band, as well, with some of their storytelling. They are a band that I feel tells a story from start to finish. I often listen to them when I write and want inspiration. Not often do you feel a whole album tells an entire story while having songs like chapters.
Favorite album: "Better Nature."
10. Macklemore.
There are so many things I can point to about why I love Macklemore, but nothing else trumps his tribute to the late great Dave Niehaus. The song "My Oh My" resonates with me every time baseball comes around. Dave Niehaus was my idol as a kid, and a kind tribute to him made me a Macklemore fan forever. Also, his songs about drug abuse, politics, and so much more really help me understand issues I have seen and/or faced in my upbringing. And I have to give a shout-out to the fact that he shot "Downtown" in my hometown of Spokane, Washington.
Favorite album: "The Heist."
11. cKy.
When was the last time Bam Margera was famous? Well, he isn’t getting credit here for this band. Rather, his brother, Jess Margera, is part of the music group that was featured in the movie of the early 2000s. But the band outlasted the fame of Bam, and still remain a favorite of mine. I grew up with these songs, and have always had a soft spot for them. I listened to a mixture of the Foo Fighters' "In Your Honor" and cKy’s album "An Answer Can Be Found" often during my parents’ divorce. Somehow, I found solace in the songs and they mean a lot more to me than that of just being attached to Bam.
Favorite album: "Infiltrate, Destroy, Rebuild."
