Worst band in the world

As I was sitting in my chair at work today, I heard on the radio something that brought a smile to my face. It seems that a well respected British magazine did a poll among the general public, asking who people thought was the worst band in the world. To my delight, number 1 on the list was none other than Chad Kroeger and his painful attempt at at mimicing Eddie Vedder, and, dare I say it, Scott Stapp, as the frontman for Nickelback. Now, I wouldn't necessarily say that in general they are actually the worst band in the world, I have heard many horrible attempts at music that make nickelback sound quite tolerable, but I will say that based on personal preference, There isn't another band that I can think of that annoys me quite as much as them.

As I sit here writing this, I realize that music is a very touchy subject, as every individual has their own likes and dislikes. For example, When Joe reads this blog, It will no doubt make him laugh, because I know that he is as repulsed by Nickelback as I. However, If Candace reads this blog (which im pretty sure she doesn't, so im safe), she would probably be angry, because Nickelback is one of her favourite bands. I can appreciate a band that puts in time, and makes a living, even if they arent the best musicians. Heck, My favourite band for years was MxPx, and although it progressed throughout their career, their musical talent is moderate at best. Any band that writes multiple songs that can be successfully covered by MuG is far from the peak of God given musical talent.

This has lead me to appreciate 2 types of musicians or groups:

1. Artists with undeniable, amazing talent. people in this category include: Keith Urban, U2, Jeff Beck, Billy Joel, Carrie Underwood, Switchfoot (Jon Foreman in particular), Justin Timberlake, Jars of Clay, Michael Buble (dont know how to get the accent over the e), Kurt Cobain, sting.

2. Artists who have the drive to make up for what they lack in Natural born talent. Not that these artists arent Good musicians, but their passion and/or honesty puts them close to, if not more than even with any other act. people in this category include: Johnny Cash, Reese Roper, MxPx, Eric Church, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, John Fogarty (could be in either category, couldnt decide), Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, showbread, Pearl Jam.

Both lists could be a whole lot longer, but i think i made my point. Not all of the artists or bands i listed are my favourites, some I hardly listen to at all, But I have great respect for what they've done for music...whether in general, or within their specific genre.

One more list before I go...artists who I have little respect for, because they have either sold out, been a disappointment, are enormously famous before they've proven themselves, or have risen to fame because of a marketing gimic or through having the right connections, despite mediocre talent. people in this category include: Backstreet boys, Miley Cyrus, POD, Nickelback, Lady GaGa, Britney Spears, And many other pop artists that i hear daily on the radio or around town. POP music is doing horrible things for the industry, and i would even go so far as to say that a lot of what I hear today will go down in history as the dark ages of modern music.

And Now, I leave you with some lyrics...how fitting

"Get-ups, gimmicks
One hit wonders that don't stick
Pretty boys acting tough
Boy bands give it up

And if it looks good on TV
It'll look good on a CD
Shape it up, trim it down
Who gives a damn 'bout how it sounds

I don't think Waylon done it that way
And if he was here he'd say Hoss, neither did Hank
I ain't dogging what you're doing
But boys come on let's get real
You still got a lotta boot left to fill

You say you're the real deal
But you play what nobody feels
You sing about Johnny Cash
The man in black would've whipped your ass

So so long 'til I see you again
When you're laying in the bargain bin

Well I don't think Waylon done it that way
And if he was here he'd say Hoss, neither did Hank
I ain't dogging what you're doing
But then again, hell yes I am
I just don't give a damn
'Cause you still got a lotta boot left to fill"

-Eric Church