hit or miss?

music is always a very contentious issue to write about.. because just like beauty lies in the eye of the beholder (or beerholder), musical judgement resides in the mind of the listener. i remember having read a few weeks ago about some bloke who took the 'genetic code' of hundreds of hit songs in various genres, and actually could decipher what constituted a popular song from the ordinary fare.

i feel a good song has two essential components: a rhythm that attracts you, and words that speak to you. it's almost a subliminal feeling, at a more primeval level. true musical skill involves blending the two into a seamless amalgam that seems to flow through your veins and beat with your pulse. i listen to lots of rock, in its many avtars: grunge, alternative, heavy metal, classic, industrial, progressive, etc etc.. for most bands i either like the music/instrumentals, or the lyrics/songwriting.. but very very few can actually transport me to a universe far far away.

apart from a few of the the renowned bands that everyone knows and talks about, there are some more which i have come across.. this blog has always been a forum for me to introduce them to you.. older readers might have heard some of these names before.. newer readers, get ready to broaden your musical perspectives..

Tool are the greatest gift to the world since sliced bread and lingerie. they redefine the boundaries of musical conception, and are definitely worth a try. if you are scared to take the plunge into the deep end, try A Perfect Circle, an offshoot of Tool's. remember, think for yourself, question authority.

Alice In Chains are to grunge what Tom Hanks is to acting: multitalented, does the job awesomely yet passes under the radar when fame and fortune come knocking. when angst and soul-searching are preying on your mind, this is the music you soul seeks.

System Of A Down can be described by just one word: eclectic. combining various musical flavors such as folk, opera, and classical music with catchy tunes, staccato vocals and an underlying message that meld together to form a series of cocktails, like having a dry martini, a shot of tequila and a strawberry margarita in quick succession.

Shinedown represents a younger generation, with a newish feel to their music while paying ample tribute to the older generations by staying true to what really matters.. the music. what new band right now dares to play 7 minute songs with long melodic guitar solos and are best enjoyed with a whiskey and coke in hand?

10 Years are the newest kids on the block, counting among their influences both contemporary and classic bands. the jury is still out on this group, as they only have one album out, and its the second album that decides whether a band shall rise to epic proportions, or fade away to playing in dimly-lit smoky nightclubs half-filled with yuppies and frat-boys.