They Might Be Giants
TMBG are impossible to describe if you've not heard them. The two Johns and their Band of Dans put out music that is smart, catchy, silly and even beautiful, sometimes all at once. Favorite songs: "Particle Man" and "Ana Ng". Similar sounds: 2nu
Nine Inch Nails
Whenever I need to get a lot done really quickly, I reach for my headphones and NIN's Pretty Hate Machine CD. Industrial music with singable (or at least shoutable) lyrics and a recognizable storyline. Favorite songs: "The Only Time" and "Closer". Similar sounds: Ministry, Skinny Puppy
Billy Joel
Hands down my favorite all-around musician. I've loved him since An Innocent Man, and it wasn't long before I owned all of his albums on cassette. Favorite songs: "Falling of the Rain", "Revenge is Sweet" (from his early band Attila), "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant". Similar sounds: Huey Lewis and the News, Elton John
The Police
One of the two tapes in heavy rotation in my '72 Buick LeSabre in high school was The Police: Every Breath You Take: The Singles. Say what you want about Sting, the man's got pipes. Favorite songs: "Can't Stand Losing You", "Don't Stand So Close To Me". Similar sounds: Rush
Johnny Cash
The grand old man of country music. Nothing more needs to be said. Favorite songs: "A Boy Named Sue" and "Delia's Gone". Similar sounds: Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams
Rush
One of the most musically proficient bands I know. Whenever I hook up my stereo after moving it, I always play "Tom Sawyer" to test the speakers. Favorite songs: "Tom Sawyer", "Red Barchetta" and "Broon's Bane/The Trees". Similar sounds: The Police
"Weird" Al Yankovic
The man's got range, a dead-on ear for comedy, and stamina from hell. I can't get enough of him. Favorite songs: "Albuquerque" and "One More Minute". Similar sounds: Bryan Bowers, Allan Sherman, Spike Jones
The Kingston Trio
My dad got me hooked on these boys years ago. I'm a sucker for good harmony singing. In fact, I have a secret weakness for barbershop quartets. Used to sing in one myself. Favorite songs: "Scotch and Soda", "The Sloop 'John B'". Similar sounds: The Everly Brothers, Simon and Garfunkel.
Frank Sinatra
Like JC above, this man needs no explanation. Favorite songs: "Mood Indigo" and "Can't We Be Friends?" Similar sounds: Tony Bennett, Louie Prima
Trout Fishing in America
The best band you've never heard of. Trout Fishing in America is a duo who mostly plays stuff you'd call "kids' music". Songs about being trapped in daycare or aliens in your nose. But they have a lot of range, and some of their songs are honestly timeless and beautiful in a way I can't express. Give them a listen. Favorite songs: "All I Want Is A Proper Cup Of Coffee", "18 Wheels On A Big Rig". Similar sounds: VeggieTales, TMBG
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