Quirky British performer. Silly(in a good way)lyrics and song titles. Don't let any of that get in the way because he is also a terrific songwriter. I would guess his influences to be Syd Barett Pink Floyd, Dylan, The Byrds

Although his recording career was incredibly short, Holly's status is definitely deserved. An incredible influence on so mnay artists there is no telling what he might have accomplished (22 when he died)

1st generation Brit punk band who became super successful in Great Britain but never made it in the States. Didn't bother them one bit. Defiantly British to the core. Paul Weller loved American R&B and they could also be considered a mod band just about 12 years too late. Weller was just a babe when the band stated and would become a great songwriter

Chicago Blues. Very influential slide guitarist

Very important band that (for better or worse) helped bring alternative music in to the mainstream. Very interesting hybrid of musical styles and Perry was a great frontman. Too bad they weren't around that long.

Hmmnn...alternative country rock. I don't know. This all gets confusing. Whatever the case these guys pretty much had it all. Great songwriting, beautiful harmonies and talented musicians. Unfortunately, when Olson left they lost something so try this or "Tommorrow The Green Grass."

It's easy to pick on Joel. What's harder is to admit that he just has too many darn songs that you find yourself humming along to on the radio. Singer/songwriter

Although it's been awhile since I've enjoyed a Johnston album, he had a great streak there in the 90's for me. Singer/songwriter

Fun dance hits from the disco era

Modern electric blues and another blues player that had a significant influence on rock guitar playing

Greasy southern rock

Probably their most popular album. Many of their songs do come across better live even if the rumors of massive overdubs on this "live" set are true. Although never a member of the Kiss army they do take me back to some good times

Awwww, c'mon I don't know of any white boy who didn't go through a Zeppelin stage. Awesome band.

Well, they didn't last too long, did they? Regardless, I couldn't resist hasving a listen to a Mick Jones produced album and I'm glad I did. Pretty great punk/garage type revival stuff.

Important alternative metal band for reasons other then just the color of their skin

An artist I "discovered" later in life. Lowe was not a punk, however, much of his music was a back to basics style which certainly helped pave the way to punk. He also recorded such artists as the Damned.

THE definitive southern rock band. These boys were proud of their southern heritage but they WERE NOT (at least in the racist sense) rednecks. A fine mix of blues, rock and country these guys lived as hard as they played. Shouting out Freebird at a gig has become a tired joke that doesn't acknowledge that these guys were pretty darn great for the time they were together.

Another "band" (really just Stephin Merrit) that is kind of hard to classify. Indie electronic? I guess you could consider Magnetic Fields a pop Joy Division. Merrit's deep baritone might take some getting used to but his best work is definitely worth a listen

Yes he is indeed a legend of reggae and popular music in general. Marley has many spectacular albums but this is the best place to start. One listen and I guarantee that you'll be humming these tunes for days.