The Black Keys

The Black Keys are a blues-rock duo composed of Dan Auerbach (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums). Though the band have been around since 2001, they have only recently come into the public eye in large part due to 2010's Brothers. The Black Key's sound has evolved and left some of their more bluesy roots behind, but this doesn't take away from the music. Though some have criticized the Black Keys for selling out by changing their sound, this isn't true; in fact,

2012's El Camino was one of their winning them the Grammy for best rock album. The Black Keys fan base has grown exponentially in recent years due to hits like "Tighten Up" or "Little Black Submarines." All of the seven full-length albums they have released are very good and definitely worth a listen. One of the best things about The Black Keys, is that the members seem like very likable guys with a good sense of humor, which is showcased in their music videos. From their humble beginnings in Akron, Ohio, to their mainstream success today; The Black Keys are an excellent band that are a lot of fun to listen to. So if you're ever in the mood for a good artist to listen to, try The Black Keys.

Suggested Works:

The Rubber Factory, Attack and Release, Brothers, El Camino

Links:

Tighten Up Music Video

Little Black Submarines Music Video

Psychotic Girl Lyric Video

Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are easily one of the most underrated bands of all time. This may sound surprising considering the fact that they are one of the biggest selling artists in the world, but for whatever reason critics just can't seem to stand these four guys. The Red Hot Chili  Peppers classic line up is Anthony Kiedis (Vocals), Flea (bass), Chad Smith (Drums) and John Frusciante (Guitar), although Frusciante has left a few times to be replaced briefly by numerous guitarists, among them Dave Navarro, and their current guitar player is Josh Klinghoffer.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers quite literally invented their own genre fusing funk and rock together. The boys have grown up a lot since they formed in 1983, and have really become an excellent band. They are all wildly gifted musicians and have released some excellent albums. 1991 was a major turning point for the band when they released Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik with the huge hit "Under the Bridge" since then they have produced another five albums, almost all of which are excellent. The Peppers were inducted in the Rock n' Roll Hall of fame recently, and rightfully so. If you aren't already one of the 80 million people who own one of their records, then I'd recommend that you join in on the fun.

Suggested Works:

Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californiacation, By the Way, Stadium Arcadium

Links:

Dani California Music Video

Can't Stop Music Video

Scar Tissue Music Video

Radiohead

One of the most revered artists of the past twenty years, and my personal favorite artist, Radiohead is an act that many people struggle to understand. Radiohead is a five-piece comprised of members Thom Yorke (lead vocals, guitar,and piano), Johnny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards), Colin Greenwood (bass), Ed O'Brien (guitar, backing vocals), and Phil Selway (drums, percussion). In 1993 when Radiohead hit big with their song "Creep" probably nobody could have guessed what this band would soon evolve into. Well, twenty years on and eight albums later, Radiohead doesn't sound

like the band that recorded "Creep" at all, perhaps in large part to the fact that they grew to hate their song that granted them fame. Radiohead doesn't sound much like any band out there to be honest, with Thom Yorke's choirboy-like voice, and unique style of songwriting, Radiohead has almost created heir own sub-genre inside of experimental rock. Radiohead is certainly not the kind of artist you hear at a party, nor is it music to put you in a good mood; what it is, is absolutely fascinating. Radiohead's music is a dense, multi-layered mix of sound with Yorke's signature falsetto voice soaring over it; and if you're in the mood for it, there's nothing more emotionally moving. Just about every album Radiohead produces will take multiple listens to get a good feel for it, but they always produce high quality albums, and will never let you down. Radiohead's sound has grown and evolved with the years, each album bringing something new to the table. So, give them a couple listens, if you're patient enough with them I promise they won't let you down.

Suggested Works:

OK Computer, Kid A, In Rainbows

Links:

High and Dry Music Video

Karma Police Music Video

Reckoner Live From The Basement

Nirvana

What can I say about this band that hasn't already been said? Nirvana was the band that kick-started the grunge movement in the early 1990's with their smash hit album Nevermind. Nirvana's three members were Kurt Cobain (lead vocals, guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), and Dave Grohl (drums); although they had gone through a few other drummers before Grohl joined (Chad Channing, and Dale Crover being two). From their first album Bleach to their last, In Utero, Nirvana put out only top-notch material. Though their career tragically

came to an end in 1994 following Cobain's suicide, Nirvana left a legacy that few other bands could ever come close to. The angst, anger, and sadness that Nirvana conveyed through their music struck a chord with an entire generation, and these emotions still keep them relevant today. They only released three studio albums (Bleach, Nevermind, and In Utero), and one collection of B-Sides and outtakes (Incesticide) during their time; but numerous live albums, reissues, and collections have been released since their departure. Nirvana has earned their spot in music history as one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time, and it would be a crime for anyone to miss out on them.

                                                                                                   Suggested works:

Nevermind, In Utero, MTV Unplugged.
Links:
Heart Shaped Box Music Video
Smells Like Teen Spirit Music Video