THE ULTIMATE CLUE ON!

Winch’s Listening Corner Entry 3:
The Ultimate Clue-On

Being a fan of music as a whole, and being a musician myself, I find there is no greater joy than using my own knowledge of music and genres to clue a friend into a band or musician. Over the past few years, with the aid of memory sticks, connected music libraries and crates full of CD’s, I’ve handed out a good share and done a good amount of cluing on. And I’ve been given my share of albums and have been clued on by my friends. Now, when people tell me about any particular artist, what usually hooks me is a brief explanation, or just comparing them to some other artist. And with that I’ve been given inspiration. In the next few minutes, I will give you a very quick “clue on” to 50 artists. A brief explanation, and a few guys to compare each one too. So, strap on your safety belts and get ready to go on a ca-razy ride!

(WRITERS NOTE: After looking through this completed list, I realize that I may offend some hardcore fans with my comparisons here. Please recognize the fact that I’m not trying to make people read this and say “Good bit on The Beatles!” but say “Hmmm…maybe I’ll give the Beatles the chance I never gave them.” Bottom line is this is not for the hardcore fans at all, but for the…how do you say it…n00bz.)

(I’ll start off with my personal favorites)
1. The Beatles- Every single band today is influenced by these guys, if you don’t at least give them a shot, you need to respect what they’ve done. If you like The Who, The Rolling Stones, or Bob Dylan, I’d listen to them.
2. Incubus- Probably the most musically versatile “pop” rock band. Incredible musicians, Boyd has an incredible voice, and these guys have evolved more than any other modern rock band out there. If you like Red Hot Chili Peppers, 311 or Deftones listen.
3. Devo- Don’t let “Whip It” be the base on your judgement of Devo, cause these guys combine mathematic and precise writing skills, with catchy, interesting riffs, not to mention they were quite controversial when they started off. If you like Gary Numan or They Might Be Giants check out Devo.
4. Red Hot Chili Peppers- One of the most musically talented popular rock acts today. A very well rounded band musically, with enough music to interest you for a while. If you like Primus, Incubus, or any of the 70’s Bass heavy funk listen to RHCP.
5. Primus- Humor and musical genius clash in this trio. Extremely overlooked by the big networks like Fuse and MTV, these guys are extremely influential in their genre and have changed the way the bass is looked at as an instrument. Similar artists are Mr. Bungle, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Buckethead.
6. Beastie Boys- These guys have legitimately held their own in a genre dominated by another race for 20 years. Their original lyrics and rhyme flows make the Beasties stand out in a genre that seems extremely repetitive and has seemed to get more and more dull since it’s origin. If you like Eminem, Run- DMC or Public Enemy you’ll enjoy the Beasties.
7. Mr. Bungle- For those of us that skip songs every 10 seconds, Mr. Bungle is perfect, switching genres like its their job, this group lead by Mike Patton is a staple for any fans of anything abnormal and experimental. Similar artists include Estradasphere, The Mars Volta and Primus.
8. The Roots- One of the few mainstream hip hop “bands”. While other cats in the genre rely on machines to make the beats, the Roots have a full band to back MC Blackthought’s educated rhymes. If you like Jurassic 5, Mos Def, or Talib Kweli, these guys are right on target for you.
9. System of a Down- As these guys have gone on in their careers, they’ve gotten a lot smarter and more musical. Not just screaming anymore, SOAD now uses melodic vocal harmonies and intricate musicality to send their message to listeners. If you like Deftones, Rage Against the Machine or Korn, you’ll like these fellows.
10. Rage Against the Machine- The first huge rap-rock band. The grooves of the rhythm section combined with the politically charged vocals make for an emotional and original musical experience. If you like Primus, System of a Down or Audioslave, check out Rage.
11. Cake- A funky, original and enjoyable band, Cake draws in listeners with original vocal stylings and catchy bass licks. An interesting band that stands out among bland rock bands. Similar artists include Beck and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
12. Weezer- Pop and emotion in one band! Credited for making ‘emo’ popular, Weezer uses catchy guitar riffs and sing-along lyrics to woo listeners. Similar artists include Jimmy Eat World, Beck and Green Day.
(Now for some more obscure bands and artists)

13. Public Enemy- The first politically charged hip-hop group, the pressing lyrics of Chuck D combined with the humor and over-the-top antics of Flavor Flav make for an original listening experience. Similar artists include Run-DMC, N.W.A. and the Beastie Boys.
14. Andrew W.K.- Extremely high-energy music, A.W.K. has extremely simple lyrics and music that gets listeners pumped up and ready to rock. A very fun musical experience if you’re not thinking “This is simple and stupid!” Take it for what it is! If you like Deftones and Green Day, Andrew will make you smile.
15. RX Bandits- Once a ska band, these guys have taken a more progressive and original sound. With a good message and an incredibly emotional singer, RX Bandits are sure to get you thinking and tapping your foot. Similar artists are Less Than Jake and The Mars Volta.
16. Smashing Pumpkins- This well documented rock band has roller coaster like albums, with straight up rock tracks, to soothing songs with large string sections adding textures and emotion. One of the best bands to come out of the 90’s. Similar artists include Stone Temple Pilots and Soundgarden.
17. Chronic Future- This is what happens when you successfully combine pop punk and hip-hop. A very well made hybrid band, Chronic Future rocks out with an unparalleled sound. If you like Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit or Rage Against the Machine, check out these guys.
18. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones- Fusion, jazz and funk all in one package. The Flecktones have all mastered their instruments and perform original tracks that highlight each member, and show off their ability to click as a group. Similar artists include Victor Wooten’s Soul Circus, Jaco Pastoreus and Herbie Hancock.
19. Buckethead- One of the best shredders who is not afraid to leave the realm of guitar tapping and screeching. With his latest album “Enter the Chicken,” Buckethead has done anything and everything to show off his diversity while still holding the title of the most original shredder in the business. If you like Primus, System of a Down or Parliament, Buckethead will tickle your fancy.
20. K-Os- This fellow successfully hops from rock to hip hop and everything in between without causing any sort of stir. Original sound, beats and production help make K-Os stand out in a genre where everything sounds more and more the same. Similar artists include The Roots, Jurassic 5 and even a bit of John Mayer.
21. Deadsy- This synth-heavy numetal band uses heavy distortion and blaring keys to take a different look at the metal genre. They also tap into their roots, covering the likes of Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” and The Rolling Stones’ “Paint it Black”. If you listen to Korn, Deftones, or Limp Bizkit check out Deadsy.
22. Del Tha Funkee Homosapien- Cousin of hip-hop legend Ice Cube, Del writes rhymes that play off like no other hip-hopper. These rhymes are backed with original beats that keep listeners interested. Check out Del if you like MF Doom, Heiroglyphics, or Mos Def.
23. John Mayer Trio- This “side project” was the first the world saw of Mayer’s evolution from an acoustic pop singer to an educated musician. Mayer’s heavily trained guitar skills are put on display alongside bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan. Similar artists include Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and John Butler Trio.
24. Men, Women, and Children- MW&C add a dash of techno/dance to rock in order to produce a completely original sound. Combining electronic drumbeats and keyboards with a live band proves to work with these guys. Similar artists include Peeping Tom, Maroon 5 and RX Bandits.
25. Oysterhead- This super-group made up of Primus bassist Les Claypool, Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio, and Police drummer Stuart Copeland funk things up with their original psychadelic-funk hybrid. Each musician adds equally to the equation, making for a well-rounded musical experience. If you’re into The Grateful Dead, Phish, or Primus, check out Oysterhead.
26. The Raconteurs- Jack White’s newest project replaces the weakness of Meg White’s drumming skills and the lack of a full band, and does so in a way that makes Stripes-haters go “Wow, he is good.” Their blues/rock sound gives both the feel of an older blues band with the originality of a newer rock band. Similar artists include (newer) Bob Dylan, John Butler Trio, and The Hives.
27. Reverend Horton Heat- Known by many for their song “Psychobilly Freakout” on Guitar Hero II, Reverend Horton Heat has been a rockabilly mainstay for many years. Combining the pluck-along guitars of country and bluegrass with the attitude and edge of 90’s post-punk, the Rev. gets the job done in a cool way. If you like Oysterhead, X and Y, check out these fellows.
28. White Zombie- Although Rob Zombie is now a metal icon, he was once a newcomer looking for his niche, and White Zombie is where he found it. They take the grit of metal and give it a pyschadelic twist that some with Rob had stuck with into his solo career. Similar artists include Rob Zombie, Korn and Black Sabbath.
29. That One Guy- That One Guy created his own instrument dubbed “The Magic Pipe,” which in actuality is two metal pipes connected, each with one upright bass string, the pipe is also covered with drum pads, and TOG carries a cowbell pedal and snare drum along. This solo experience mixes looped effects and the originality of the pipe itself. Similar artists include Mr. Bungle, Primus and Buckethead.
30. Rahzel- The king of beat-boxing, Rahzel’s music is mostly a way for him to show off how well he can mimic sounds without the aid of any machines. Although his album features produced beats, the Rahzel experience is present throughout. If you enjoy The Roots, Peeping Tom, and Fatboy Slim, listen to Rahzel.
31. The Good, The Bad and The Queen- This UK supergroup made up of ex-Clash bassists Paul Simonon, Blur/Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn, Verve guitar player Simon Tong and afrobeat drummer Tony Allen is successful due to its laid back music. Combined with the extremely high quality production of Danger Mouse, TGTB&TQ are a band that are most definitely worth the listen if you like Blur, The Doors or K-Os.
32. The Darkness- Another band that shouldn’t be judged by their big hit. These guys all rock on their instruments and the vocals of Justin Hawkins just tear through any stereo system. Similar artists are Jet, Queen and Led Zeppelin.
33. Lady Sovereign- The Queen of the UK’s ‘grime’ movement, the SOV combines original, up-tempo beats with humorous lyrics. Still young, she has a lot of room to evolve and grow as the years go. Similar artists include The Streets, Eminem and Dizee Rascal.
34. Big D and the Kids Table- This aggressive Boston based ska band is known throughout the ska scene as one of the prominent bands in the genre. Take Less Thank Jake or Reel Big Fish and make them mean jerks, and that’s what you get from Big D. Similar artists include the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Less Than Jake and Spring Heeled Jack.
35. Mike Falzone- Slated from my hometown of Stratford CT, Mike Falzone takes acoustic pop/rock and adds in a hint of hip hop in the production stage. A unique sound, and a promising future make Falzone stand out over the rest of the open mic crowd. Similar artists include (early) John Mayer, Jack Johnson and Jonnie Proud.
36. Danger Doom- This duo of M.F. Doom and DJ Dangermouse made their LP “The Mouse and The Mask” for the cats at Adult Swim, and it really is awesome. The quality of the lyrics and production, combined with the humor of Adult Swim interludes makes Danger Doom a worthwhile listen. Check out Danger Doom if you dig Del, Jurassic 5 and Talib Kweli.
37. Patent Pending- Hailing from Long Island, these guys have made a name for themselves opening for the likes of Gym Class Heroes and Matisyahu. They combine pop punk with ska and a little bit of screamo. It’s tough to compare these guys to anybody, so just give them a listen.
38. Black Star- The combined hip-hop power of Mos Def and Talib Kweli shine in this record that made them the stars they are now. While both men have gained quite the followings at solo artists, this debut is what opened that door for them. Check out Black Star if you dig The Roots, Jurassic 5 or either Mos or Talib’s solo stuff.
39. Beck- Although Beck is relatively well known and respected throughout the alternative community, he is overlooked by many casual music fans. I feel that Beck is just a fountain of musical genius, he has made punk, pop, and hip hop albums over the past decade and a half and has done it well. And that’s a tough thing to do. Check out Beck, no matter who you like, there’s some Beck for you.
40. Flogging Molly- Another relatively well known group, Flogging Molly takes punk music and tosses in traditional Irish instrumentation for what is a very cool and fun music experience. Similar artists include Dropkick Murphy’s, Green Day, and The Tossers.
41. Gym Class Heroes- I know you’ve all heard “Cupid’s Chokehold” by now, and maybe some of you have gone and picked up As Cruel As School Children, but how many of you have gone back and listened to their first major album? If you want to hear some solid tracks, and only one “emo/rap” hybrid, check out their other stuff, a good band nonetheless though. If you like any Fall Out Boy, The Roots or K-Os you will enjoy G.C.H.
42. Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band- This bluesy rock group had a hit in the mid nineties with “Blue on Black” which you may have heard on your local classic rock station. Shame the radio doesn’t play more of Kenny’s rockin’ stuff, because it really is cool and good. If you like Jimi Hendrix, newer John Mayer, and Stevie Ray Vaughn listen to Kenny.
43. Phantom Planet- Known for performing the song “California” which was used as the theme to The O.C, Phantom Planet is a very diverse sounding indie band. The mixing on their self titled album adds to their very crunchy ad straightforward sound. Similar artist would be The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse.
44. Pitchshifter- This U.K. group didn’t really hit it off too well in the states, however a handful of their tracks made it on the Twisted Metal 3 soundtrack. They take electronic beats and layer them over aggressive guitars and thought provoking lyrics. If you like Marilyn Manson, Deadsy, or Nine Inch Nails definitely check out Pitchshifter.
45. The Presidents of the United States of America- They had two minor hits in the 90’s with “Lump” and “Peaches” but the Presidents have a really cool sound that no one else seems to be able to touch. The guitarist and bassist don’t actually play a guitar and a bass, but their own hybrid instruments, the guitbass and basstar. Check out The Presidents if you like Primus or Phish (I’m on a roll with these P’s).
46. Return to Forever- This 70’s prog group formed by keyboard legend Chick Correa took fusion and progressive music and combined it with medieval themes to create the album The Romantic Warrior. A staple in progressive music’s history, RTF puts their brain into their kickin’ tunes. Check out these cats if you dig Weather Report or Herbie Hancock.
47. RJD2- This funky DJ serves up some really cool beats and turns them into legitimately good 3-5 minute tracks. Although they may sound better with lyrics behind them, they are still cool background tracks for any intense car ride or crazy chase you may find yourself involved in. If you like The Streets, Fatboy Slim or The X-Ecutioners, you should give RJD2 a try.
48. The Streets- a.k.a Mike Skinner, The Streets are a one man barrage that brought the grime movement to the UK’s mainstream music rotation. With spoken word lyrics that are funny, emotional and to be simple good, and self made beats, The Streets stand out in a genre defined by sampling other peoples music. Similar artist include Lady Sovereign, Dizzee Rascal and Eminem.
49. They Might Be Giants- This nerdy rock band is simply awesome. I wish I knew more about their pasts, but all I can say is that they are a very fun musical experience, that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s tough to compare TMBG to anyone, but if I had to, I’d say some of Primus’ more toned down stuff, Devo and Gary Numan.
50. William Shatner- Captain Kirk made an album back in his heyday with fellow Trek cast member Leonard Nimoy, and after a long lapse from the music biz, he returned with the Ben Folds produced Has Been. It is a goofy album that pokes fun at Shatners, and at the same time actually has some damned good tracks. If you like Ben Folds, Star Trek, and stupid pop culture things then Shatner’s music career is something you’ll dig.

And I've got more in my head!