Tintinnabulant

So the other day I was asked what my favorite bands were, after I fervently claimed that although I am always on the hunt for new music, I do indeed have some old standards. And here they are:

Alexi Murdoch This man has an unbelievable level of inner peace, but his songs are not at all static. Candid lyrics and blissful melodies make me feel closer to enlightenment every time I listen.

Coldplay Although I hate the fact that every sentient being in the universe seems to like them now, I just can’t help but adore Coldplay. They’re just too good. And the release of Viva La Vida proves that they are only getting better.

Counting Crows If Adam Duritz’s hair is not enough reason to like this band, their constantly melancholic lyrics should more than suffice. Once you get past hackneyed tracks such as “Mr. Jones” and “Accidentally in Love,” you cannot help but be drawn in by the unapologetic raw emotion.

Damien Rice Damien Rice wrote the book on inner anguish–and often very vocal outer anguish. I am consistently amazed by the way he can so effectively describe my sentiments. And he’s Irish (bonus!)

The Envy Corps I saw them open for Eisley, and I was completely hooked. Somehow, they have managed to achieve the perfect mixture of pop and misery. Also, they use words like skein. Really, my friends, it does not get any better than this.

Feist Ps. I love her. The end.

Magic System I’ll admit it: I have a huge thing for Africa, especially African beats, and this group makes the best couper-decaler you will ever hear–great for car dancing. And they sing in French (big plus). Yep, I pretty much love them.

Regina Spektor “That Time”: anthem of my life. I pretty much want to become her quirky, redheaded, Chucks-wearing self.

Relient K The epitome of my angsty teen years. Yes, they sold out, and yes, I still think their best album was Two Lefts, but their cheekiness gets me every time.

Simon & Garfunkel Iconic lyrics, iconic harmonies, subtle political statements, and white-boy fros. ‘Nuff said.

Spoon Making me feel smooth one tune at a time. Spoon turns out some of the most quality rock you will ever treat your ears to.

Honorable mentions go to:

• Bela Fleck & the Flecktones – banjo + jam band = a mighty good time
• Dave Matthews Band – one word: live
• Eisley – secretly I would like to join them (I can sing Trolly Wood; does that count?)
• Enya – Celtic relaxation perfection
• Iron & Wine – if you don’t know why they are awesome, you need to take awesome lessons
• Mates of State – cheeky, pop-y wonderfulness topped with a dollup of true love
• Nada Surf – I like what they say, I like what they say
• Newsboys – 1. Australian 2. witty 3. Christian band that actually makes the industry look good
• Pinback – just plain good stuff
• The Raconteurs/The White Stripes – to me, there is very little difference between these two, but I am ok with that
• Rogue Wave – their melodies are out of this world, many a ringtone has been taken from their songs
• Sufjan Stevens – he’s kind of hit or miss with me, but when he hits, he hits so hard I have him on repeat

I will probably think of additions to this list in about 3 minutes, but I think I will leave it at that. Needless, to say, I am always love-love-loving new bands, but I tried to only include the ones I have some history with.

Oh, and my stylist totally loved my bangs. Said they were “darling” (not exactly the reaction I was looking for, but I’ll take it). Ergo, I felt like I had sufficiently stuck it to the man that day.