The List

I've been mentally compiling a list of bands that I think are overrated. Now, there are a tonne of terrible bands out there, but even if they're popular, I'm not going to consider them. This is a list of bands that seemingly everyone out there can't get enough of; bands that every other band cite as being an "influence" on their music; bands that make me shake my head, no matter how many times I try to listen to them. Also, just because the band has made this list doesn't preclude the possibility that they have a couple of songs I enjoy - even a blind squirrel gets a nut once in awhile. It also doesn't mean the artists are not musically talented, only that they can't seem to apply that talent into anything worthwhile.

So, below you'll find my partial list, along with something of an explanation of why they made the list. It's not in any particular order.

1) The White Stripes
Every album I try to listen to from these two makes me cringe. It's almost as if Jack White sets out to just make random noises to accompany his whiny voice singing basically incomprehensible lyrics. I like three or four of their songs, but I can't sit through more than three songs in a row on any given album.

2) The Tragically Hip
If I ever become as whiny as Gord Downey... And there comes a point at which a songwriter moves from being a poet to being nonsensical. Every Canadian seems to love these guys, and they are on the radio far more often than they deserve. Aside from "So Hard Done By," and, "Scared," this band hasn't produced a single song that can keep me from changing the station to anything - even country.

3) The Beatles
This might get me lynched, but I simply cannot listen to this band. I know, I know; there will never be another band who has as wide an influence as the Beatles. Women passed out at the sight of them, men wished they could be them, and there was no other band that caused the level of hysteria that the Fab Four from Liverpool managed. That said, they drive me nuts. I don't even really know why except that I find myself bored by their music. Yes, bored.

4) The Rolling Stones
Has an uglier group of people ever been assembled into one musical group? Okay, that's not why they're overrated, but it's something I noticed. Take away the two biggest hits ("Sympathy for the Devil", and "Paint it Black"), and nix my favourite Stones song ("Play With Fire"), and I do not see the attraction.

5) Pink Floyd
Only one band can make my finger hit the next station button on my radio faster than Pink Floyd, and they're next (not the band Next, next in the list). If someone offered to pay for my ticket, and give me $100, I would decline the opportunity to see them live. If I won their discography, I would sell it to whoever would pay for it. If Pink Floyd offered to buy me supper, I would gladly eat with them, thank them for the meal, and make my way to the exit as quickly as possible. One DJ on the classic rock station loves Pink Floyd and won't shut up about them. Their guitar work is boring, drumming is average, lyrics are preachy without being catchy, and aside from the neato synchronisation of Dark Side of the Moon with Wizard of Oz, there is nothing noteworthy about this band.

6) Rush
Canadian content makes this troupe ubiquitous on the radio. All I need to do is hear Geddy Lee's womanly voice piercing my skull and I'm tempting to throw my radio out of the window. Alex Lifeson is a decent enough guitarist (and a good sport, a la Trailer Park Boys), but I'm not worried about talent. Someone provide me one example of a song that makes sense musically; even the Guitar Hero 2 song "YYZ" can't string together a solo that pleases my ears. And thank you, Rush, I get it: you're atheists. I appreciate the constant reminder of your faith. Now shut up and retire... please!

So, there we have it. I feel better for this list, and so I leave it to you: other bands that should be on here? Perhaps you'd like to argue with me and change my mind. Feel free to leave comments below!

Silence

I've been absent. Well, not absent from real life exactly, but busy with things that have kept me from writing here.

The following things have happened since last I wrote:
1) My apartment has been packed up, ready to move tomorrow;
2) Laurel's apartment has been packed up, ready to move tomorrow;
3) I have been looking for a new job;
4) Summer is nice and I like being outside;
5) I had the flu for 24 hours. I did not like that;

That isn't a chronological list. I'm just saying... I'll be back when I get internet in my new apartment. Basically, don't expect me until Monday or so, assuming everyone can get on board with the program (MTS, I'm looking in your direction).

I have many thoughts, too! I have lots of thoughts about popular culture, specifically. We'll see how it all goes.

If you would, pray that I'll have patience as I look for work, and that I'll be successful in finding something I enjoy. I know God has a job out there for me, I just need to trust Him as I wait and look for it. That will lead me to more fun stuff about why I'm a Calvinist again (although as a Calvinist, I can say I never was anything but; I just didn't realise it...).