Well upon thinking I’ve decided to post some of my favorite musical groups. These groups are the ones who have influenced me greatly, had some signifigance to a specific time or emotion, or have just rocked so hard that I couldn’t help but love the

Top 5 after the break.

#1 Depeche Mode- Depression before Depression was cool. This synthpop band lands the top of my list due to the unique sound of Dave Gahan’s voice, the amazing writing of Martin Gore, and the deep meaning in each song. It’s a band very Open to Interpretation. With subjects varying from love, to sex, to religion, to addiction, break ups, and society the band covers all of the basis and has something for every Mood. Been going for well over 20 years and have had major influence on later artists such as Nine Inch Nails, and producer Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park.

Albums To Check Out: Violator, Songs of Faith and Devotion , Some Great Reward

#2 Nine Inch Nails – Not really a group, or a band. But a Concept. Nine Inch Nails is the name of Trent Reznor’s concept band with an ever changing sound and line up. The sound is noisy and the vocals are creepy. Usually dealing with Trent’s hatred for organized religion and major corporations, occasionally taking a moment for addiction, love and sex . Been rocking headphones and pissing off parents since 1989, Trent has gone to produce artists such as Marilyn Manson and Saul Williams. He’s been a continual thorn in the recording industry’s side. His tracks are sexy and deep, using soundscapes and technology to their fullest. NIN has recently Launched Remix.Nin.Com, an official remix site with resources for fans to create and submit their own remixes.

Albums: Pretty Hate Machine, The Downward Spiral, Year Zero

3 RUSH – The 3 man power trio. Need no introduction. With Geddy’s basslines and vocals, Alex’s fretwork, and Neil’s unparalleled ability with percussion make RUSH one of the most skilled bands in existence. Couple that with the deep metaphoric writing and you’ve got instant awesome.

Albums to Check Out: 2112, Power Windows, Vapor Trails, A Farewell to Kings, Caress of Steel

#4 Daft Punk – What happens when you have two Robot DJs, with a taste for the weird and obscure? Magic. Daft Punk is a 2 man group. Their tracks are fun and interesting, qualities reflected in their use of obscure symbolism and rare music samples. If you wanna dance this group is for you. Daft Punk’s live shows are a visual experience as well, usually utilizing the latest in lighting and stage effects while they mash their biggest hits together for nothing more than an amazing new fan favorite.

Albums to Check Out: Homework, Discovery, Human After All, Vengoose 2007

#5 Oasis – The Brit Rock group that single handedly started my personal obsession with music with their multi-grammy-winning album “What’s the Story (Morning Glory)”. A great rock sound with some amazing imagery that’s delivered through very metaphoric lyricism. Lyrics with staying power (I still know the entire ‘What’s the Story?’ album beginning to end 11 years after I first heard it.)

Albums To Check Out: What’s the Story? (Morning Glory), Cigarettes and Alcohol, Definitely Maybe

Honorable Mentions: The Gorillaz, Beck, Moby, Wu-Tang Clan, The Beatles, Reel Big Fish, The NYC Toasters, Madness