The Alphanumerics Of Modern Music: The Kace Era

Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for Hall & Oates.

Kicking off the letter H is Hall & Oates. Yes, they're a duo. Yes, Daryl Hall is the lead singer while John Oates...not so much. That's the way they preferred it and together, Hall and Oates made a great team. By 1977, they had already garnered some success for themselves both in Mainstream and in Rhythm & Blues. During their peak run, the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart as it's known now was known as the Hot Soul Singles and for most of the 1980's, the more brutally ethnic, Hot Black Singles. Whatever Billboard wished to call it didn't matter to Hall & Oates. They would occasionally make that one of their bases for success along with the Adult Contemporary chart.

In terms of chart success, there were six different Billboard #1's, a #1 on the Hot Black Singles chart, three #1's on the Dance chart and in later years, just because they could, two Adult Contemporary #1's. They've been a favorite of genres/charts mentioned as well as with the Carolina Beach Music crowd, where Daryl Hall would also see some success as a solo artist. Hall & Oates had a way of crossing over with different audiences and maybe this is some embellishing on my part, but I like to think that in a way, these guys helped bridge some gaps between different types of people. Music has a way of doing that.

"I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" is the music video of choice. How much of a big deal was this song? It scored #1 on three different charts, the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard Dance and the Billboard Hot Black Singles. The song inspired part of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and has been sampled numerous times by others. VH1 listed it as one of the Greatest Songs of the 1980's and for anyone who remembers the early days of BET, the music video was a hit there as well, eventually being listed among BET's Greatest Videos Ever list years ago. It's one heck of a groovy song. It's smooth. It's a bit mellow. It's certainly a hit that represents its time in history. It's pure Hall & Oates arguably at their finest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccenFp_3kq8
"I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" by Hall & Oates
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for Hammer.

‎"Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."
-from the Book of Luke

He was MC Hammer and for a time, simply Hammer. Whichever version one wishes to remember, Hammer was a big deal as the 1980's became the 1990's. The Early 1990's was a time of musical revolution and for Rap, eventually an all-out war. Within Rap and Hip Hop itself, the casualties became both figurative and literal. And while the literal deaths of Eazy-E, 2Pac and the Notorious B.I.G. were all tragic in their own right, what happened with MC Hammer during the 1990's was chaotic and humbling. He had the vocal abilities and the dance moves. Hammer also had something that was during his time considered dangerous and that's mainstream appeal. It's arguable that the Fresh Prince, Will Smith was part of the problem. With him, there was already that appealing to parents and a TV show to boot. MC Hammer managed to kick all of that up a notch simply on ability and willpower.

"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."
-from the Book of Isaiah

Hammer went from making ends meet by selling tapes of his music out of the back of his car to becoming an overnight success story. He was a West Coast All-Star. And during a time where the vogue thing to do was to embrace the N.W.A. and the ever-emerging Gangsta Rap, MC Hammer was its antagonist. He made his money and became an instant philanthropist. There are legends of him paying friends of his who had troubles making ends meet themselves to simply stand on stage during his concerts. Yes, Hammer set out to make his own dreams come true, both for him and his wife. But there was also the hope of lifting up his community. However, war was on the horizon and Hammer, with his rap songs about the Addams Family and Hammer Man cartoon was ill prepared for what was to be his downfall.

"Already your horn has been raised, your wrath has been kindled, your star has shone brightly, and your heart has been hardened."
-from the Gospel of Judas

The onslaught was seemingly from everywhere. 3rd Bass, Black Sheep, Redman, Ice Cube and whoever else felt the urge came after him. Ultimately, Hammer would find himself in that more hardcore environment, even working with the likes of Suge Knight in an effort to speak to the disrespectful in a more direct and understandable matter. Matter it would not, however. Eventually, all that would be left was a man with tough times, bankruptcy and less friends.

"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"
-from the Books of Matthew and Mark

While Hammer may have met a demise in the industry he came to Champion, there has to be a certain satisfaction for what has befallen the industry itself. 3rd Bass disappeared and no one cares. Black Sheep had one more good song and similarly disappeared. Redman and Ice Cube would become among the many to discover a different attitude about mainstream acceptance once that acceptance shined upon them. Ice Cube especially went from never smiling while posing with some large firearm to smiling in a canoe during the filming of a family friendly movie. There's something amusing about Hammer becoming crucified for having that appeal that so many others would soon find easier to attain themselves. One of the people they can thank for that is MC Hammer.

"I have come unto you with wisdom, and to make plain some of that concerning which ye differ."
-from Surat Az-Zukhruf

It's a good thing MC Hammer didn't come to hurt 'em. It's obvious they would hurt themselves and allow Hammer to become Rap's Mainstream Messiah and Prophet. All things considered though, Hammer probably would've been just fine without all that fuss.

"It's All Good" is the music video of choice. During his MC Hammer days, there was "U Can't Touch This," but "It's All Good" is way more personal. And while The Funky Headhunter is still regarded as Hammer somehow attempting to be, "gangsta," those same dissenters appear to miss the most important words in this song, which are aimed squarely toward those who would wish him suffering.

"I don't feel like I'm a gangsta, so you claim that I'm a sellout. When we meet up on the streets, then we'll see who bail out."

Keep in mind, Hammer's from Oakland which isn't exactly known for its softness or passive nature. He also served in the Navy, receiving an honorable discharge. In short, Hammer could have most likely held his own had things came down to it. You'll notice no bruises on Hammer, either. I don't think that's a coincidence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh3PBlFLvQ4
"It's All Good" by Hammer
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for Hank Williams Jr.

Hank Williams Jr. Just the name conjures up a certain image and a sound, along with a rebellious attitude. He is second generation and the product of his namesake. He has experienced the best and worst of times and with a rebel yell, a bottle of whiskey and maybe even a middle finger or two, Hank has fought, scratched, sang and played guitar on his way to fame in Country Music. In terms of his music, there have been the life experiences, the candid nature of his persona and the story of one who realizes his imperfections, but stands proud.

If you're reading this and you're a Hank Jr. fan, chances are one of his classic songs popped immediately into your head. If you're reading this and you're not, you probably thought of the Monday Night Football theme. Either way, it didn't take long to formulate. He is instant. He is stubborn. He is pure country and unapologetic. He's had so many notable songs like "A Country Boy Can Survive," "Family Tradition," "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" "Born To Boogie" and "Coalition To Ban Coalitions" that are more than just songs or even country songs. They're anthems. When the rest of the world looks upon the United States, regardless of our varying political, social, economical, religious or ethnicities, there is no mistaking Hank Jr. being American. From the family friendly entertainment to whatever personal demons, Hank Jr. continues to stay true to himself and his music. And everybody knows he's "Hog Wild."

"Hog Wild" is the music video featured here. The song has a nice, autobiographical vibe and with this being the Mid-1990's, showed that Hank had managed to prove his ability to still bring the goods even after being known as, "that country singer guy who talks about being ready for some football."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nG0YUzyWQU
"Hog Wild" by Hank Williams Jr.
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for Heart.

Ann and Nancy Wilson have pretty much seen it all and have managed to witness a lot of Rock's evolution first hand. From the 1970's classic to the hair and glam of the 1980's to the extremes of the 1990's and on into the 2000's, Heart has had a box seat on the whole thing. There have been the various changeovers in roster over the years and for various reasons, but Ann and Nancy have remained constant.

In 1977, they were just beginning to make a name for themselves and in 1977 itself, "Barracuda" became a favorite for rock stations. By the mid-1980's, Heart appeared to be losing momentum. Turns out, they were just warming up as their self titled album would unleash several big hits. One of those, "These Dreams" would be their first Billboard #1. There would be another #1 in the form of "Alone" and Heart then found themselves working with Mutt Lange for some songs, including "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You," which would hit #2 on Billboard's Hot 100. In the 1990's, Heart would settle in a bit, taking on more of a contemporary vibe. Then came the 21st Century and one of the more underrated albums of this century's first decade, Jupiter's Darling. There was the lovey dovey tune, "No Other Love" which for any L Word fan should be easy to remember (including which episode and what the scene was). On the other hand, there was "Vainglorious" which just doesn't get enough recognition. It was also at this point that Heart wound up with a keyboardist whose name I don't recall, but she kinda resembled Zelda The Brain, but that's neither here or there.

Hm. An L Word and a GLOW reference in the same entry. Not too shabby, Kace. Not too shabby at all.

Ann and Nancy still very much rock and even now, if Ann were to sing directly to me in person there's a good chance I'd melt into the ground. I'm not ashamed.

"Never" is the music video of choice. The song is significant in terms of Heart's chart history as it was their first Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It shows Ann and Nancy adapting to the atmosphere of 1980's glam rock. Maybe they had some reluctance. Maybe not. Either way, they were great and they and that particular era for them represents a good bit of my childhood. I realize most people probably like to champion their 1970's stuff and that's understandable. But at the risk of being a minority on this issue though, I tend to prefer their 1985-1991 run. Might not make me as popular with other Heart fans, but whatever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWzy5q_M5Ho&ob=av2e
"Never" by Heart
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for Heather Nova.

The mid-to-late 1990's was a good time for mellow modern rock. One of the foremost practitioners of this over the years has been Heather Nova. From 1993 and on into the present, Heather has somewhat quietly built up a fanbase and quite a library of good stuff. "Walk This World" and "Virus Of The Mind" immediately come to mind as well as "London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do)" which was her more notable radio hit. Whether radio is playing her songs or not so much, Heather has kept a consistency that's to be admired. In the wake of her slight modesty about success, it's possible she's been overlooked a bit by others. What's funny is that she's probably fine with that as either way, she's comfortable with her accomplishments and more importantly, her life and music.

"Walk This World" is the music video of choice and I can still remember Autumn 1995 as this song was getting airplay during what was a really good time for music. The Foo Fighters were new, Meat Loaf had just released Welcome To The Neighborhood. There was still great rap music being released (anybody remember Grand Puba?). There was some good country music as well. Seriously, it seemed like everything was clicking at that point. Everyone was beginning to wake up from the Nirvana-induced haze and we still had the Spice Girls on the horizon. In between Kurt Cobain and Geri Halliwell however was some good stuff. And one of the fresh faces at the time for me during that period was Heather Nova and "Walk This World." And for any Heather Nova fans reading this, yes it's the censored version. You'll know where the modified lyrics are if you know the song well enough, but don't spoil it for the others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji73VzXyGKE&ob=av2e
"Walk This World" by Heather Nova
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for Hole.

Through the 1990's, Hole represented itself in evolutionary form. Through the 1990's and into the 21st Century, its most recognizable member, Courtney Love has been Rock's resident honey badger. Yes, there are all the personal details one can discuss, from her marriage to Kurt Cobain to whatever's going on with her now. For younger people, Courtney's legacy may be that of a punchline delivered in her direction by Jeffrey Ross at the Comedy Central Roast of Pamela Anderson.

To get into all of that would be a bit unfair to the rest of the group and its various members. There was the angry girl punk of the early 1990's to the more focused rage of the middle decade and finally, the more polished late 1990's. What more was there to do beyond that? Hole even managed to throw in a nice cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Gold Dust Woman." There was the Hole reunion of 2010, but let's face it, Hole is forever locked into the 1990's.

"Celebrity Skin" is the music video of choice. It was their lone #1 on any major chart, this one being the Billboard Alternative. There's a spitefully cheerful attitude with a touch of dread that appears to accompany this song as Courtney was in the midst of balancing her band and her acting career, taking time off from one to focus on the other.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3dWBLoU--E&ob=av2e
"Celebrity Skin" by Hole
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for Hootie & The Blowfish.

Between the dissolution of Nirvana in the wake of Kurt Cobain's death in 1994 and the emergence of the Spice Girls in 1996, an argument can be made that Hootie & The Blowfish best represented that time of Interregnum. It was a time between a Music Revolution and a revolution in terms of pure Pop music. That time in between was really mellow, featuring the kind of music one might listen to in a coffee shop filled with college kids with all the answers to life. Helping lead the charge was this group, who spent years as a college band favorite named after a couple of friends outside the band itself.

From 1994 to 1996, there were four singles that just didn't seem to go away. It started with "Hold My Hand," then "Let Her Cry" followed by "Only Wanna Be With You" and finally, "Time." All nice songs. All getting played half to death on MTV and various radio stations. Cracked Rear View is the album those songs came from and really, it's a good album. "Hannah Jane" is on there and I love that song. While "Time" was still getting good rotation, H&B was releasing Fairweather Johnson, the follow up album and its first single, "Old Man & Me (When I Get To Heaven)." Meanwhile, there was the Soundtrack to that show I never cared to watch whose theme was a hit single. On that Soundtrack, "I Go Blind" by Hootie & The Blowfish became a radio sensation, over a year after the soundtrack itself was released and also while H&B was in the middle of promoting "Sad Caper" as its music video and single. And there was "Tucker's Town." President Clinton was getting a second term, the NWO was running roughshod in WCW and the most menacing of all forces in 1996 was Hootie & The Blowfish.

Then came the Spice Girls. Maybe they took some of that mojo away from Hootie & The Blowfish, but once "Wannabe" became a hit in the United States, that was about it for H&B. Sure, there was "I Will Wait" in 1998 and other songs after that I can, at best only vaguely recall. Since then, Hootie & The Blowfish has been relegated to past tense while performing some charity gigs here and there while the lead singer, Darius Rucker has went the solo route in Country Music. But for a little while, Hootie & The Blowfish was a juggernaut.

"Hold My Hand" is the music video of choice and the lightning rod that got everything going. It's an instant reminder of Senior Year in high school and being asked if I'd rather spend that last school year in Texas where my Dad was working at the time or if I'd rather spend it at home. I wound up going with the latter and oh, the effects that had. Some effects were better than others and one or two took a while to eventually regret or appreciate. Most everything else is still in play, though. Kinda like Hootie & The Blowfish's inevitable comeback attempt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW3bqnr7tw&ob=av2e
"Hold My Hand" by Hootie & The Blowfish
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for House Of Pain.

When Vanilla Ice's career appeared to fall just as quickly as it had risen, the notion of popular caucasian rappers didn't seem to be too likely in 1992. But 1992 was a different kind of year in music as anything appeared to be possible. The whole landscape was changing and it was everywhere. In Rap, part of that landscape involved the arrival of a group called the House Of Pain. What's better is that they were not embraced as, "hey, those white guys can rap!" as much as they were embraced as, "Hey, those guys can rap!"

"Jump Around" was a moment of greatness in Hip Hop. It was a moment of Rap's continuing evolution. Going beyond that, there were songs like "Shamrocks And Shenanigans" and "Fed Up" that would also have their popularity. Eventually, one of its members, Everlast would go on to enjoy some solo time in the spotlight with his own style. That was just the way of the House Of Pain and why the early to middle 1990's was my favorite time when it comes to Rap.

"Jump Around" is the music video of choice and for good reason. It's House Of Pain's signature song. It's what put them on the map and it's the reason they'll still be remembered years from now. Using the same intro as Bob & Earl's "Harlem Shuffle," "Jump Around" has become an anthem of sorts. It's been in movies and it's become a staple at sporting events, most notably at the University of Wisconsin, where before the start of the 4th Quarter of every home football game, over ninety-thousand screaming Wisconsin Badgers fans proceed to jump around on cue as this song plays on the Public Address. It's one of those things that makes watching college football so fun, along with Virginia Tech Hokies fans losing their mind whenever Metallica's "Enter Sandman" plays.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9Q0jPyrja0
"Jump Around" by House Of Pain
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for Howard Jones.

Howard Jones was a product for the times. Those times being the 1980's. Between 1984 and 1989, he was a constant presence on the radio and MTV. On the United Kingdom side of things, his popularity showed in the chart success. Ten UK Top 40 singles, six of which were in the Top 10. He also saw success in other countries, one of which was the United States where his music and his hairstyles got attention. He was able to make some entertaining music videos, like "Things Can Only Get Better" and "Everlasting Love." In 1992, he would have one of those songs that would remind me of Freshman year in High School and a great radio station that no longer exists. The song was "Lift Me Up," which would be his latest Top 40 hit. He's still around, more or less but not as focused on releasing his next big hit. He's had that run and now it's just for him.

"No One Is To Blame (1986)" is the music video of choice and I should mention that the 1986 as a subtitle is due to this being his second version of the song. There was an original recording in 1985 that's about a minute shorter. The 1986 version however would be the one best remembered and would become a big hit for Howard. This song best describes frustration and it's eloquent and self-damning all at once. It also offers one of my favorite lines ever put into a song.

"You can feel the punishment, but you can't commit the sin."

How can I not love this song? Seriously.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pekhxxngQ3s&feature=related
"No One Is To Blame (1986)" by Howard Jones
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for Huey Lewis & The News.

At first, Huey Lewis & The American Express were a band that wasn't garnering much attention. They changed to Huey Lewis & The News, but still weren't immediately noticeable. Enter Mutt Lange and with "Do You Believe In Love" and Huey and his band of Newsfits were off and running. Contrary to revisionist historians, Huey lasted more than just a few short years in terms of relevance. It's almost understandable though as for a couple of years, it seemed as if Huey and the News were becoming unstoppable with big hit after bit hit. It was once said in 1984 that, "Big Brother," had arrived. That big brother however was Huey Lewis.

They became a prominent fixture in 1980's Pop Rock. Something friendlier for the mainstream fans who weren't quite ready to embrace the New Wave nuance of Duran Duran or the Hair/Glam of Motley Crue or the harder metal sounds of Metallica. They were a rock band with a soul influence that would be accentuated in the 1990's with various Classic Rhythm & Blues covers. For me, one of the main reasons this band will be near and dear is their association with my favorite film trilogy, Back To The Future.

The music video of choice is "The Power Of Love" and this is the extended version with the Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown intro. I've always been a big fan of the Back To The Future trilogy. For years, I would think of how cool it would be to eventually sit back and enjoy all three films in succession. September 10th, 2008, I finally did that. And that's part of a week-long stretch I'll never forget. That particular day especially as it involved watching those films and packing up for a flight the next morning. I had never flown commercial across the country on my own before, so the trilogy served as a welcome distraction. I remember later that evening I also wound up watching In The Line Of Fire before DJ'ing a gig in Second Life (interesting times, those SL days as a DJ).

Midnight strikes and I wrap up my online gig. I take about an hour's nap, then head to RDU Airport to fly to San Jose and meet up with some friends for the weekend. And there were some great memories there as well. Getting back to the BTTF Trilogy, it's one of those weird things that people are either into or they're not. I happen to be in the former. "The Power Of Love" represents that trilogy well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFaXTcR4dtE
"The Power Of Love" by Huey Lewis & The News
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

H is for the Human League.

Without the Human League, the New Wave electronic pop genre just wouldn't have been anywhere near as fun to listen to. Throughout the 1980's, they were a constant for anyone wanting to listen to that style of music and they did not disappoint. The Human League had been known in the United Kingdom for a few years and when "Don't You Want Me" hit the radio, they became known everywhere. The funny thing is that the song that launched them into the pop stratosphere wasn't exactly a favorite of theirs. "Don't You Want Me" became to the Human League what "Don't You Forget About Me" would be to Simple Minds or most any Starship tune Grace Slick participated in.

Either way, the Human League were known now and would continue rolling out hit after hit. In 1986, they would dominate once again, this time with a nice slower pop tune "Human." By 2011, the Human League's popularity would die down a bit internationally, but in the UK, they're still going strong.

"(Keep Feeling) Fascination" is the music video of choice. It's a song that was played on radio a lot in 1983 and while not their biggest hit, it was at least one of their biggest in terms of their core sound. The visual has fun with the red "You Are Here" dot and with 1983 being such a good year for MTV, this is one of the videos that helped bring that channel to prominence. You know, back when MTV actually played music videos a lot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqqBs6kkzHE&ob=av2e
"(Keep Feeling) Fascination" by the Human League
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

I is for Ice Cube.

Into the letter I and while there's no, "I," in, "Team," there was in N.W.A. and that I was Ice Cube. Some people are meant to be a star, no matter the cost and Ice Cube is such an individual. He's remembered by Rap fans as being part of N.W.A. along with other notable rappers like Dr. Dre and Eazy-E before leaving the fold to go solo. While going solo, he also went Hollywood, lending his acting talents to Boyz N The Hood. From there, things started to take off.

In 1992, Ice Cube unleashed The Predator album and scored three straight #1's on the Hip Hop/R&B chart along with three more hits that scored in the Top 10 of that list. He was able to team up once again with Dr. Dre, recording the song, "Natural Born Killaz" which for any old ECW fans will probably be familiar. The acting bug would return in the form of Friday and its sequels. The Soundtrack to that first Friday film also would provide Ice Cube with another single in 1995. From then on, it's been rapping and acting, back and forth for Ice Cube who's become a film/TV director and producer. He even made a documentary for ESPN about the Los Angeles Raiders (or as I call it, the Oakland Raiders' Long Vacation From Home). Ice Cube has played the game and played it well. Play on, playa. Play on.

"Really Doe" is the music video of choice and while not exactly his biggest or most iconic song, it's easily my favorite. I prefer the uncensored version, but don't worry. This is the radio friendly version, which even then is still a bit rough around the edges. It features a cameo by B. Real of Cypress Hill, another Hip Hop act that just missed making this list (for what it's worth, I love "Insane In The Brain"). Maybe it's me turning into the jaded old man, but the early to mid 1990's was just a great time to be a Rap Music fan. There was something for everyone back then and Ice Cube was among those who could bring the goods.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=922rCjJNyCk
"Really Doe" by Ice Cube
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

I is for Imperial Teen.

Imperial Teen marks a second entry on this list for Roddy Bottum. If the name only vaguely rings a bell, Roddy's other entry is with Faith No More where he serves as keyboardist. For Imperial Teen, he's a guitarist and shares in the vocals. This also shows how versatile Roddy is when it comes alternative rock and the various versions of it. I've always felt that this was a group that somehow slipped through the cracks when it came to recognition and also strike me as just quirky enough in their Indie status to stand out. There's an aggression of sorts in the sexual taboo nature in some of the songs and it's done so matter-of-factly. All while in a nice groove.

"Ivanka" is the music video of choice and while "You're One" is what initially got them some attention in 1996 and "Yoo Hoo" also garnered some attention, "Ivanka" is way catchy to me and always has been. I like the music video and its tip of the cap to dance shows that came on TV back in the day. I can still remember the days of American Bandstand and Soul Train and I know that there were local dance shows in various places across the States. "Ivanka" really captures that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH7WPE3f1p0
"Ivanka" by Imperial Teen
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

I is for Incubus.

Incubus. They're a rock band. Mainstream, Alternative, whatever label fits. They sound good and became one of the faces of the 2000's in terms of rock bands. They've steadied along since the mid-1990's and have a nice collection of songs. And they've enjoyed success, scoring in Billboard's Hot 100, Mainstream Rock and Alternative Rock charts, including four #1's in the Alternative. Incubus has also scored four straight studio albums in the Billboard 200 at no lower than #2. Into the 2010's, they don't appear to be letting up anytime soon.

"Stellar" is the music video of choice and one of the songs that helped bring attention to Incubus. It has a Science Fiction theme of sorts and it just rocks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nqRkAsZumc&ob=av2e
"Stellar" by Incubus
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Kace-1 · 1,000 or More Posts Joined: 24 Dec 2011 Posts: 1092

I is for the Indigo Girls.

It started off as a couple of friends with a common interest in folk music. That friendship and common interest would blossom into a musical partnership that has lasted ever since. From the mid-1980's to the current, the Indigo Girls have been an unstoppable folk force. They brought the world an anthem in the form of "Closer To Fine." They've worn their socio-political hearts on their sleeves with songs like "Shame On You." And on top of that, they're also Bootleg Friendly when it comes to their shows. They also inspired one of the greatest scenes in L Word history. That alone is an achievement for me.

"Closer To Fine" is the music video of choice and the only one I was interested in considering for this. I love the song and always sing along. I think it's a natural reflex to do so. As mentioned the previous paragraph, it inspired one of my favorite scenes from The L Word (the episode was called Looking Back for anyone interested). And yes, I whistle during that one part in the song. I can't help it. "Closer To Fine" is an anthem and even when considering all the things one could about me, I still don't necessarily feel qualified to be the one to explain why to the unfamiliar. If I knew the Indigo Girls for nothing else at all, "Closer To Fine" would still be reason enough for me to show them some love here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUgwM1Ky228&ob=av2e
"Closer To Fine" by the Indigo Girls
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