My Favorite Bands

Truth be told, over the past 30+ years I've probably spend way too much time obsessing over my favorite bands. I lost track years ago of how many albums and concert tickets I've accumulated. I'm a junkie. I'm a completist. I read album liner notes. I care who produces an album.

If you're still reading this then you likely understand my obsession. For what it's worth, here are the bands that comprise my all time favorites. The list could go on and on and on but I stopped at 12 for no reason.

Stop by my classroom at lunch sometime and we'll talk music.

	Big Country They were a one hit wonder in the USA but they thrived in the UK and Germany for years. Sadly, frontman/genius Stuart Adamson died in 2001. I can't speak highly enough of this band. Favorite album: The Buffalo Skinners sample video
	Ian Cussick You've never heard of him...period. He's a Scot who's called Hamburg his home for most of his life. I've actually developed a friendship with Ian over the last 20 years. I've been to Germany 7 times to visit Ian and attend his concerts. A musical genius whom the industry has ignored. Favorite album: Live sample video
	Vertical Horizon They are much more than their signature song "Everything You Want." I've called them my "new favorite band" for a decade now. I've had to resort to flying to see several gigs because they just don't play Oregon. Favorite album: Burning The Days sample video
	Stevie Ray Vaughan The world lost a legend when Stevie died far too young. The man's guitar work defies the laws of physics. I never got to see him live. Favorite album: Couldn't Stand The Weather sample video
	Rush It's Rush. What more can I say? They can't be compared because they are the measure to which all other bands strive to reach. Favorite album: Power Windows sample video
	Gin Blossoms An American band who had a string of "alternative" hits in the 90's. Straight forward pop rock. Catchy melodies that I dare you not to sing along with. Favorite album: Major Lodge Victory sample video
	Toad The Wet Sprocket They rode the 90's alt-rock wave along with Gin Blossoms. Smart & quirky. Favorite album: Coil sample video
	Paul Rodgers No doubt that he's an absolute rock legend. Whatever this guy touches is golden. Free, Bad Company, The Firm, Queen. He's had a strong, pure voice for over 40 years and he's still going strong. Wow! Favorite album: Bad Company sample video
	Runrig A band who's very proud of their Scottish roots. A significant percentage of their material is sung in Gaelic. They've been around for 40 years. I flew to NYC to see their one and only US live show. Favorite album: The Big Wheel sample video
	Resurrection Band These guys walk the talk. Driving hard rock with a message. Husband and wife trade lead vocals. Ignore her songs and you're left with blistering and intense songs delivered with conviction. Favorite album: Mommy Don't Love Daddy Anymore sample video
	The Call Look up "underrated" in the dictionary and these guys' photo will appear. They were contemporaries with U2 in the early days but they were overlooked. They had some respectable success in the 80's but it didn't last. Too bad. Favorite album: Let The Day Begin sample video
	Jethro Tull I've been a fan for over 30 years. Enough said. You'll hate them! :) Favorite album: The Broadsword And The Beast sample video
	Toto If you're not familiar with Steve Lukather & company then simply skip this and go back to listening to whatever drivel happens to be on the radio currently. They are THE best at what they do. Period. End of discussion. Favorite album: The Seventh One sample video
	...And Then There's These Guys Finally, I'll leave you with a video that I stumbled upon several years ago. Consider it my gift to you. Enjoy! sample video
	Other bands that I'm obsessed with: Boston, Kerry Livgren, Fleetwood Mac, Mark Heard, The Hooters, Jackopierce, Kansas, Steve Lukather, Tonic, Queen, Joe Satriani, Styx, Rick Springfield, Randy Stonehill, Scorpions, 3 Doors Down, Van Halen, Switchfoot, The Alarm, The Rumjacks, Skerryvore, Coast, Honey Ryder, Fireflight, Walking On Cars, Within Temptation, and on and on and on.