My Musical Alphabet (From A-Z)

My Musical Alphabet
I read an A.V. Club article the other day about the best bands of the 2000s, and it was organized by assigning one band to one letter. This concept intrigued me, so I thought I'd try it out. I am going to be giving you a letter by letter representation of my musical taste, and if there are any honorable mentions I will list them gladly.
A. Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire have made some of the most emotional indie rock albums of the past 10 years and I simply love this band's passion. You can hear it in Win Butler's vocals and some of the distraught sounding instrumentation. This band may have struck gold with their debut, but I'm still excited for their future.
B. Beck
Beck Hansen changed my life in many ways. When I was young I always thought being a musician was pretty much reserved to guitar, drums, or singing, but hearing Beck's music brought me a whole new dimension on music. This guy fiddles around with so much instruments and he really embodies a professional musician. His songwriting is sharp, quirky, and pretty fun. Even at an old age, Beck seems to be always coming up with something unique.
HONORABLE MENTION(S): BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB, BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE
C. The Cribs
The Cribs are more versatile than most people give them credit for. They can play groovy indie-pop, abrasive punk, or even more soothing acoustic ballads. Either way they switch it up, The Cribs always sound like themselves and I will always love that. This band has character, energy, and just this attitude that cannot be shaken off. Plus their tunes are about as catchy as they come.
HONORABLE MENTION: CYMBALS EAT GUITARS
D. David Bowie
David Bowie would be on my music Mt. Rushmore. The man influenced so many, not just in music, but in pop culture in general. Ziggy Stardust, Low, and Hunky Dory are all incredible albums to me. The man really has never misfired too bad, and it in as long of a career as he's had, that's a huge deal. This man exudes passion, creativity, and boldness and I am happy he is still occasionally making music today.
HONORABLE MENTION: DEERHUNTER, DISMEMBERMENT PLAN
E. Elvis Presley
Don't listen to Elvis really at all, but I thought his name needed to be acknowledged. He obviously revolutionized Rock and Roll and so many artists I listen to have taken cues from him
F. Fleet Foxes
The Fleet Foxes are just one of those groups that just are magnificent. Their music makes me feel so cozy and warm, but it is a lot more than meets on the surface. The instrumentation is always beautiful, and Robin Pecknold's lyrics are haunting and thought provoking.
G. G-Unit
Not the best musical group, but G-Unit taught me that it is ok to boast sometimes. It is also ok to just have fun and not take yourself too seriously.
HONORABLE MENTION: GRIZZLY BEAR
H. Hundred Waters
I have only been following this group for about a year, but they are on fire right now. Their last album was a fantastic follow up to an already great debut. This band combines elements of folk, electronica, and indie for one big glorious unique sound. It is really something! Check it!
I. Interpol
Haven't followed this band for a while, but their debut record is astonishing. They have some amazing songs throughout their entire discography, and they were a fixture in early 2000s indie rock.
Not the biggest fan, but can still really appreciate them.
J. Jay-Z
Don't hate on me! I love me some early Jay! Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and The Black Album are classic rap albums with tight production, and that cocky Jay Z attitude we all know and love. Jay has certainly declined as of late, but his early work is undeniably great.
K. Kanye West
Pretty fitting that these two names are right next to each other. Kanye West is known to some as a cartoon character personality who can be very annoying. While his antics can get pretty outrageous sometimes, I will say there are few rappers who have enthralled me as much as he has. He is always switching or tweaking his sound to keep listeners interested, and he is not afraid of making mistakes. Kanye West's larger than life persona has helped him become a great figure in hip-hop today.
L. Los Campesinos! 
These guys are not afraid to reveal it all! Gareth's lyrics are sometimes embarrassingly personal, but somehow the man can get away with it. He sings through all this gloom with a pretty optimistic attitude actually. This band can trick you! You might think you are listening to a happy song, but it is really probably a really sad song. Regardless, this band can play with your emotions, but still have you singing their hooks all day.
HONORABLE MENTION: LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
M. Modest Mouse
I've said a lot about this band on this page already, so not much more to explain. Pretty much my favorite band of all time. Brock's lyrics and intensity, Green's ability to maneuver a drumset, Judy's funky bass grooves. So much good things about this band, but not nearly enough time to right them.
N. Nas
Nas is arguably the best rap lyricist of all time. The man can paint a picture like no other. Although he lost the battle with Jay-Z, he certainly is better than Jay. Illmatic is arguably the greatest rap album ever, and his influence on rap as a whole is immeasurable.
HONORABLE MENTION: THE NATIONAL
O. Outkast
Outkast are funny, smart, and sophisticated. They always struck the perfect balance between humor and seriousness, and I really loved that. Their sound is completely unique and has had a lot of impact on rap's shift away from gangster personas. Andre 3000 and Big Boi brought this new and funky swagger to the hip-hop game that was much needed at the time, and their songs will certainly stand the test of time.
P. Pavement
This band sounds so random and weird when you first hear them, but once you peel back the layers Malkmus' lyrical nonsense and the band's loose knit grooves feel just right. Pavement are like no other band I've ever heard. There music can be so lazy or simply just unappealing, but for some reason they sound great! This band has so much chemistry that they could sound good playing anything.
HONORABLE MENTION: THE PIXIES
Q. Queen
I don't even really like this band that much, but their influence is pretty huge on any dramatic band I listen to. Mercury's overdrawn vocals and operatic approach to music changed the course of rock music forever.
R. The Replacements
This band's Let It Be is way better than the Beatles'! Regardless, The band kicks ass! Westerberg is a remarkable songwriter, and the emotion put into these songs are evident. This band can be punk, somber, or plain accoustic, but in any interpretation they sound great to me. In this band's prime, there were nobody better, and their work has changed my views on life.
HONORABLE MENTION: RADIOHEAD, REAL ESTATE
S. The Strokes
This band really was the first band that I loved. The guitar work, Julian's vocals, and Nicolai's golden bass riffs always drew me in. As time has gone on my love for the band has only grown, and I can't wait for that new album! Whenever it's coming that is!
HONORABLE MENTION: SPOON
T. TV On The Radio
This band is passionate and daring. You can hear every ounce of emotion in all their songs. Wolf Like Me made me cry as a 12 year old, and Dancing Choose was my favorite *rap* song back in 8th grade. This band harbors so many great memories, and I hope they can get back on the horse after a lackluster last album.
U. Unknown Mortal Orchestra
pretty good upcoming band from Australia. This band dabbles with Indie and Psychedelic rock and they can write a very good pop song as well. UMO have only been improving and I can't wait for their next release.
V. Vampire Weekend
another quirky and fun indie pop group. This band has always stayed near the top of the charts, which is surprising considering how many different elements of music they add into their songs. Their first two records incorporate a lot of world music vibes on them, but their latest effort is more orchestral. Either way, I'm loving this band so far!
W. Weezer
Despite some rough albums, Weezer is an amazing band. Their first two records are utter masterpieces. Pinkerton is still one of my favorite albums, and their charm has always won my over. Weezer may not seem like the most intimidating of folks, but watch out because these nerds can rock your socks off.
HONORABLE MENTION: WILCO, WILD NOTHING
X. The xx
The xx have always been a pretty relaxing and somber group, which shows how compelling their lyrics are. They can keep most people very awakened just by singing over very minimal instrumentation. To me, that has always been extremely cool.
Y. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Karen O is a great personality. That's not to say she cannot write a great song as well. This band dabbles with indie rock/punk, electro rock, and accoustic compositions and it all seems to work very well. Karen O draws one in very easily with her trademark vocals, and the backing band is no joke either. It is sad that this band is most likely seeing its downfall.
Z. Zammuto
Only Z artist in my library. He isn't too bad actually. Tightly knit together electro rock album released last year called Anchor.



* Wrote This Late At Night and Made Some Mistakes! Radiohead really should be R. They changed my life completley. Grizzly Bear should also be G, other than that nothing.