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I knew I needed to take a look at the Grammy nominations list when I saw separate Twitter tweets from Mandisa (@MandisaOfficial), Ashley Cleveland (@AshleyCleveland), and Weird Al Yankovic (@AlYankovic) mentioning that they got nominated! All favorites of mine! As is traditionally the case, I recognize quite a few names but couldn't sing you the songs (I've never been much of a pop-culture junkie), but I did think it was cool to see nominations for Seal, Stevie Wonder, Bon Jovi, Hall & Oates, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, even Bob Dylan and a number of other artists who are clearly still going strong even though they got their starts when I was just a kid. Remember back when you were old if you were 30?

I also dig Kelly Clarkson's music; I try to not hold the whole AI thing against her. :)

I see tobyMac got nominated (yay!) for City On Our Knees (meh), and the inevitable Third Day nominations are in there. Jonny Lang got a nomination in the Gospel categories (his Gospel CD is really good stuff!) I like Mary Mary quite a bit... been listening to Mary Mary Christmas this week (that's not the CD that got nominated, BTW). Looks like an interesting bunch of nominations this year!

Belle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress [2003] What I always liked about the voice of Belle & Sebastian's lead singer, Stuart Murdoch, was that he sounded much like Ray Davies of THE KINKS. And what I like about "Dear Catastophe Waitress" is that it has a subtle precious vibe to it reminicent of the Kinks' "Village Green Preservation Society." -- The songs have a sentimentality and sense of humor that seems very local.
And while songs like "Piazza, New York Catcher" may not be the most timeless of tracks, "If She Wants Me" or "Wrapped Up In Books" certainly are.
It still surprises me that Trevor Horn produced this album. The former lead singer of Yes and the Buggles who produced with bombast throughout the 80s and 90s (Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Seal, Yes), was able to turn it down a notch for the better-than-twee indie hipsters from Glasgow. And while I'm currently kind of tired of their sound - this album did play as soundtrack to much of the last ten years for me.
Listen, watch "I'm A Cuckoo"

Goldfrapp - Supernature [2006]
While Madonna's output of the decade mostly disappointed, and Britney's pop ingenuity was mostly overshadowed by her personal life - Goldfrapp delivered. If you're not familiar with Goldfrapp, think Madonna channelling Edith Piaf in a subterranean East Berlin discotheque in the late 70s.
Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory debuted in 2000 with the equally excellent "Felt Mountain" - which has a smoky caberet feel to it. But 2006 saw them crank it up and simplify to create some great grooves and moments of pop brilliance. There's nothing overly complex or thoughtful on this album, but it's laden with timeless sultry hooks that make you think about things to do when the lights turn off.
Listen, watch:
- "Number 1"
- "Ooh La La"


Laura Veirs - Saltbreakers [2007]
Let me start off this by saying that this really was the decade of Nonesuch records. You could pick any ten records that the label put out this decade and have a compelling list of great music...This is my first Nonesuch on the list, but more is to come.
That said, Seattlite geologist-turned-rocker Laura Veirs blew me away with "Saltbreakers" in 2007.
Laura's guitar playing reminds me of Bill Frisell: A clean sound with long sustains and drones....A lazy rhythm guitar that occasional forget that it's playing the lead. Laura's voice is almost conversational, especially in her enunciations. It has a disarming effect and makes you eager to hear each next confession within the album. There are no sleepers here: from the dreamy "To The Country" to the rollicking sing-along of the title track - each song captures your attention and imagination.
Listen, watch "Pink Light" -

Another song that has been covered quite a number of times would be Walk On By, a Burt Bacharach/Hal David composition which was first recorded in 1964 by Dionne Warwick

Here are some of the more outstanding interpretations of that song:


The Jackson 5 included Walk On By (2:30) in a medley which also included some of their hit singles (at that time) for the Diana! TV special OST - sick break!!!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl7RvV7fYJs&feature=related[/youtube]
...and a live performance!!! Sickness refined!!! See li'l Michael do the robot!!!


Isaac Hayes' rendition is transformed on record into a twelve-minute funkfest made all the more memorable by being sampled by the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Ludacris and even Hooverphonic


The Undisputed Truth's version of this track was also sampled heavily by the likes of J Dilla

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mzHbY_ikoE&feature=related[/youtube]
UK rock band The Stranglers maintain the soulfulness of the original while putting a rockier edge which doesn't come out off-putting though. Love the organ solo on this one...possibly the best one I've heard since Ray Manzarek's work on The Doors' Light My Fire


Cyndi Lauper channels Laura Nyro in her live rendition...


...and Ms. Nyro's version. Listen close....

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUdux2eQ6Kw&feature=fvw[/youtube]
Meanwhile, as Dionne's version was blowing up big time back then, Aretha Franklin came out with a version that solidifies her reputation even during that time as the Queen of Soul (btw, Dionne's own sister Dee Dee sang back-up on Her Highness' version)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEA5cbh-brc&feature=related[/youtube]
UK soul singer Gabrielle captures the retro goodness of the Dionne Warwick original while incorporating a good deal of Aretha's soulful take on that one.

This song has also been covered by the likes of The Beach Boys, Helen Shapiro, Michael McDonald and Seal

Because I've basically saved every song I've ever collected in my long life of music listening, I figured it would be fun to compile CD length playlists containing songs that best represent my music taste at various stages in my life. What's interesting is that there are very few bands that I used to listen to that I now say are terrible. It seems like my tastes haven't exactly changed; I've merely added new genres and bands to my collection, and I still listen to artists that I rocked out to as a wee youngin. See what you think of my former selves, and sound off on which one's taste sucks the most if you want. It's all kosher here.

Age 13 (When I was an awkward, fat teenager)
Beastie Boys - Intergalactic
The Beatles - Maxwell's Silver Hammer
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear the Reaper
Collective Soul - The World I Know
Dave Matthews Band - What Would You Say
Kent - Things She Said
Meja - All About the Money
Mikael Wiehe - Flickan och Krakan
Oasis - Wonderwall
Robbie Williams - Millenium
Seal - Kiss From A Rose
Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun
Sugar Ray - Falls Apart
Sweet - Ballroom Blitz
The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
Verve pipe - Freshman
The Wallflowers - One Headlight
The Who - My Generation

This playlist shows the beginnings of my exploration of music. At this point in my life, I got music from two sources: my parents and my radio. My mom would buy me popular bands such as Dave Matthews Band, Sugar Ray, The Wallflowers, etc. My dad would play me records and CDs by artists such as The Beatles, The Who, Sweet, and Black Sabbath. The radio introduced me to the grunge movement, alternative rock, and The Beastie Boys. I even distinctly remember a short fascination I had with the Aqua song Barbie Girl... anyways, you might notice a few outliers there, namely Meja, Kent, and Mikael Wiehe. I spent one semester of 8th grade in Sweden, where my friends and neighbors had a considerable impact on what I listened to. So that's that, then.

Age 17 (senior year of high school)
Alizee - Moi Lolita
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - For Tha Love Of Money
Bright Eyes - The Calendar Hung Itself
Death Cab for Cutie - Photobooth
Finch - What It Is To Burn
The Get Up Kids - Long Goodnight
GLAY - Two Bell Silence
Jay-Z - It's Like That (w/Kid Capri)
Jimmy Eat World - Sweetness
L'Arc~en~Ciel - Spirit Dreams Inside
Led Zeppelin - Immigrant Song
Noir Desir - Le Vent Nous Portera
Poison the Well - Torn
The Rasmus - In the Shadows
Red House Painters - I Feel The Rain Fall
Sigur Ros - Hjartao Hamast
Something Corporate – Hurricane (Changing Weather Patterns)
The Used - Buried Myself Alive

Ah, I remember this time in my life so clearly. This was probably the biggest change in my listening habits. I had tapped out radio-friendly music and, becoming more internet savvy, I decided to expand my music horizons through talking to people online and, probably the most effective way, searching for random words in file-sharing programs. By searching for “spirit,” I got “Spirit Dreams Inside” by L’Arc~En~Ciel. By searching for “hjarta” (Swedish for “heart”) I got “Hjartao Hamast” by Sigur Ros. By searching for “vent” (French for “wind”), I got Noir Desir etc etc. I also discovered an online game called “The Emo Game” that introduced me to bands like Bright Eyes and The Get Up Kids (although they’re admittedly not emo). I also got some rap music for blasting in my car like pretty much every other idiot jock.

Age 18 (after my first year of college)
Abandoned Pools - Start Over
Avenged Sevenfold - Remenissions
The Beautiful Mistake - Circular Parade
boysetsfire - Full Color Guilt
Dave Matthews Band - Grey Street
Erase the Grey - Rain
From Autumn to Ashes - I'm The Best At Ruining My Life
Guided by Voices - Liquid Indian
Her Space Holiday - My Girlfriend's Boyfriend
Jimmy Eat World - Claire
Keepsake - Cartoon Life
Murder by Death - I'm Afraid of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Radiohead - My Iron Lung
Rise Against - Like The Angel
Sparta - Light Burns Clear
Sunny Day Real Estate - Pillars
Thrice - The Artist in the Ambulance
Thursday - Standing on the Edge of Summer

In college, I connected with people on my hall that had similar music tastes. Two of my closest friends got me into Avenged Sevenfold, Thrice, Thursday, Sparta, From Autumn to Ashes, Rise Against, all that jazz. I randomly heard Abandoned Pools while I was walking past a kid’s room once, and I ran in there and asked him what it was because it was so incredibly beautiful. I continued finding stuff on my own, introducing myself to Radiohead, Guided By Voices, and Murder By Death. I also had my second Dave Matthews Band resurgence; after hating Everyday, Busted Stuff and the Lilywhite Sessions came out and blew my mind with yet another sound, this one more folk/bluesy. It seemed like every other album they’ve put out are the ones that everyone cracks on for being lame (Crash (though it’s only because of Crash Into Me, the rest is awesome) Everyday, Stand Up), and the good ones they do so well on (Under The Table and Dreaming (aside from Ants Marching and What Would You Say), Before These Crowded Streets, Busted Stuff, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King) go unnoticed… but enough legitimizing my on-again-off-again romance with a band that’s trendy to hate. I listed Jimmy Eat World again because while the band moved in their mediocre pop direction (Futures, Chase This Light), I started going back in their history, checking out Static Prevails and Clarity and the various underground comps they lent singles to. They used to be so good, so raw…

Age 20 (senior year of college / becoming a music snob)
The Album Leaf - On Your Way
Arcade Fire - Wake Up
Ariel Kill Him - Ca-cao
Atkins Lane - Everything Was You
Bishop Allen - Ghosts Are Good Company
Dinosaur Jr. - Even You
Fugazi - Give Me The Cure
Iron & Wine - He Lays In The Reins
JR Ewing - Fucking & Champagne
Life at These Speeds - Land Filled
Love Lost but Not Forgotten - Perfectly Fucked
M83 - A Guitar And A Heart
Marc Broussard - Home
Matt Pond PA - The Trees And The Wild
Minus the Bear - This Ain't A Surfin Movie
Rites of Spring - For Want Of
Saetia - Venus And Bacchus
Tujiko Noriko - Aru Choten
Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start - Come Away
Wilco - At Least That's What You Said

This was when I truly got into underground music. The girl I dated at the time started hating the music I listened to (and we actually broke up not long after I refused to go to a Brand New concert with her). I had a torrid love affair with Dischord and Level Planes (my man crush on Guy Picciotto supercedes all other musical emotions even today) caused by a single listen by Saetia’s Venus and Bacchus that lead to me buying over a dozen CDs in a week, including Love Lost But Not Forgotten, Fugazi, JR Ewing, Life At These Speeds, Saetia, Rites of Spring and so many more. I also started moving in the exact opposite direction, away from drum- and guitar-driven rock and hardcore and towards minimalist indie and vocal work. I bought The Album Leaf album without even hearing it, which started me on the road towards Ariel Kill Him, Tujiko Noriko, Iron & Wine, and M83. I also started seeking out rising indie bands like Arcade Fire, Up Up Down Down, and Minus The Bear, catching on right before the huge upswell in popularity. I had my first Wilco moment, and fell in love with Marc Broussard’s voice and writing at first listen even though I only listened to him to be able to mock him (I saw him on Yahoo! Music and thought he was another boy band reject from his looks). I also began getting into unknown bands through random concerts around town (Atkins Lane, matt pond PA).

Age 22 (Wasting time / looking for a job / The Guitar Hero era)
All That Remains - This Calling
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead - A Classic Arts Showcase
The Appleseed Cast - Here We Are (Family In The Hallways)
Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You
Carissa's Wierd - Ignorant Piece of Shit
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Details of the War
Greenleaf - Agents of Ahriman
I Would Set Myself on Fire for You - Seven
Lightheaded - Poetry in Motion
Mac Lethal - Turn Off The Radio
The National - Fake Empire
Othello - Seasons Greetings (feat. Sirens Echos)
Scar Symmetry - Artificial Sun Projection
A Silver Mt. Zion - Take These Hands and Throw Them In The River
Strange Fruit Project - Get Live (feat. Erykah Badu)
Strata - Night Falls (The Weight of It)
Suis La Lune - Quiet, Pull The Strings
Trophy Scars - Alchemist. Alchemists.
65daysofstatic - This Cat Is A Landmine

I call this the Guitar Hero era because being introduced to that game hearkened back to high school when I actually used to try to play instruments… I returned my focus to instrument-driven work, paying more attention to technique and individual performances instead of the whole song. This lead to a lot of progressive rock and metal. Mike Martin and Olin Buchanan of All That Remains single-handedly slated my guitar-shredding thirst for almost a year. Trail of Dead, Appleseed Cast, The National, Strata, and Trophy Scars kept me happy with unusual drum-work and time-signatures and variations on the 4/4 that would blow most musicians’ minds. Suis La Lune, I Would Set Myself On Fire For You, 65Daysofstatic, and A Silver Mt. Zion created beautiful and off-kilter music. Bands like Greenleaf and Scar Symmetry gave me the guitars to fill the void that All That Remains couldn’t. I also began my foray into undergroup hip-hop, using Mac Lethal as a springboard into balding white rappers and Lightheaded and Strange Fruit Project introducing me to rap music that can uplift and energize. Finally, I continued to get into indie music, playing Black Kids, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Carissa’s Wierd till my roommates wanted to kill me (insert music asshole joke about how one play is all it took here).

Age 24 (Gainfully employeed / the man I am today)
The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You
Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You
Bottomless Pit - Leave The Light On
Dave Matthews Band - Why I Am
Fleet Foxes - Blue Ridge Mountains
Jacobi Wichita - I Only Draw Chairs
Justice - D.A.N.C.E.
The Knife - We Share Our Mother's Health
The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understatement
The Mae Shi - Run To Your Grave
Mars ILL - Fade to Black (feat. Sintax)
MGMT - Time To Pretend
Nizlopi - Last Night In Dakar
Pierce the Veil - The Cheap Bouquet
Restiform Bodies - Foul
Silversun Pickups - It's Nice to Know You Work Alone
United Nations - The Shape of Punk That Never Came
WHY? - Good Friday
Zolar X - I Pulled My Helmet Off (I'm Going to Love Her)

Once I got my life on track and got into the real world, my music tastes matured with me. The “My Grass Is Blue” movement in Blacksburg got me into The Avett Brothers and Fleet Foxes (not exactly related, I know, but bear with me), Carissa’s Wierd led me to Band of Horses, peeks at Pitchfork and last.fm led me to Justice, The Knife, and MGMT, and random music review sites turned me onto Jacobi Wichita (still only 250 listeners on last.fm is a crime!) and Zolar X (extremely awesome David Bowie’s mind meets Styx’s sound meets Rush’s instrumental insanity space-age love progressive rock). I also continued to find underground hip-hop, experiencing a love for half of Anticon (Restiform Bodies, Why, Odd Nosdam, etc) and a mixture of disgust and pity for the other half (all the straight-edge assholes like Non-Prophets). I had my third DMB sighting after Stand Up made me hate the band, but Big Whiskey made me their bitch again, and I continued to find bands in genres I thought I already nailed down (Bottomless Pit, Pierce The Veil, Niz, Silversun Pickups, United Nations).

Recommended Songs (sorted by most recommended songs)

Save You : Kelly Clarkson (Score = 82.95)
All I Ever Wanted : Kelly Clarkson (Score = 81.68)
I'd Like To : Corinne Bailey Rae (Score = 67.87)
Radian : Air (Score = 64.71)
People In The City : Air (Score = 63.21)
Do Something : Macy Gray (Score = 62.04)
I'm You : Leona Lewis (Score = 49.73)
Bust Your Windows : Jazmine Sullivan (Score = 48.83)
Heartbeat : Nneka (Score = 48.78)
Impossible : Christina Aguilera (Score = 46.86)
Go Ahead : Alicia Keys (Score = 46.42)
Butterfly : Corinne Bailey Rae (Score = 43.82)
Video : India.Arie (Score = 43.24)
Each Day Gets Better : John Legend (Score = 41.58)
Superwoman : Alicia Keys (Score = 41.19)
Best for Last : Adele (Score = 40.36)
Out of Reach : Gabrielle (Score = 39.91)
One Night Stand : Jazmine Sullivan (Score = 38.8)
Wish I Didn't Miss You : Angie Stone (Score = 37.06)
Cherish the Day : Sade (Score = 36.66)
All Dressed In Love : Jennifer Hudson (Score = 34.97)
If : Beyoncé (Score = 34.74)
No Love : Erykah Badu (Score = 33.72)
Sanctuary : Gabriella Cilmi (Score = 33.72)
Staying in Love : Raphael Saadiq (Score = 32.9)
Work It Out : Chrisette Michele (Score = 32.62)
Jezebel : Sade (Score = 32.27)
T.O.N.Y. : Solange (Score = 32.17)
Golden : Jill Scott (Score = 31.3)
Spotlight : Jennifer Hudson (Score = 30.64)
Violet Hill : Coldplay (Score = 30.2)
More Than Friends : Estelle (Score = 30.15)
The Greatest : Michelle Williams (Score = 30.14)
A Change Is Gonna Come : Leela James (Score = 30.09)
Baby I Love You : Aretha Franklin (Score = 29.94)
My Love Is Your Love : Whitney Houston (Score = 29.76)
Be Without You : Mary J. Blige (Score = 29.42)
If It's Over : Mariah Carey (Score = 29.18)
Life Story : Angie Stone (Score = 29.08)
To Zion : Lauryn Hill (Score = 28.65)
Therapy (feat. Gramps Morgan) : India.Arie (Score = 28.27)
Einstein : Gabriella Cilmi (Score = 28.06)
Yesterday : Leona Lewis (Score = 27.99)
Sometimes : Raphael Saadiq (Score = 27.6)
Still : Macy Gray (Score = 27.18)
Nature : India.Arie (Score = 27.14)
Seasons Change : Corinne Bailey Rae (Score = 27.03)
Drama : Erykah Badu (Score = 26.33)
Slave Song : Sade (Score = 24.38)
Like A Star : Corinne Bailey Rae (Score = 24.37)
Come Over : Estelle (Score = 23.38)
Strawberry Swing : Coldplay (Score = 23.31)
Like a Tattoo : Sade (Score = 22.75)
Giving Myself : Jennifer Hudson (Score = 22.56)
Doo Wop (That Thing) : Lauryn Hill (Score = 22)
Cigarettes And Lies : Gabriella Cilmi (Score = 21.84)
You're My Baby : Robin Thicke (Score = 21.84)
Forgive Me : Leona Lewis (Score = 21.75)
Son of a Preacher Man : Aretha Franklin (Score = 21.45)
I Am Changing : Jennifer Hudson (Score = 21.12)
The Real Thing : Jill Scott (Score = 21.08)
Rimshot (Intro) : Erykah Badu (Score = 21.02)
The House That Jack Built : Aretha Franklin (Score = 20.94)
Fallin' : Alicia Keys (Score = 20.81)
How It Make You Feel : Jill Scott (Score = 20.6)
Safer : Gabriella Cilmi (Score = 20.35)
Maxine : John Legend (Score = 20.02)
B Boy Baby : Mutya Buena (Score = 19.9)
If I Have My Way : Chrisette Michele (Score = 19.4)
Nothing Ever Hurt Like You : James Morrison (Score = 19.24)
Orange Moon : Erykah Badu (Score = 18.92)
You Gotta Be : Des'ree (Score = 18.91)
Just Fine : Mary J. Blige (Score = 18.45)
Help Is Coming : Ayo (Score = 18.37)
Broken Strings (feat. Nelly Furtado) : James Morrison (Score = 18.33)
It's a Man's Man's Man's World : Seal (Score = 18.11)
I Decided : Solange (Score = 17.95)
Switch! : Jazmine Sullivan (Score = 17.67)
Bedda At Home : Jill Scott (Score = 17.42)
Another Again : John Legend (Score = 17.09)
Come Back Baby : Aretha Franklin (Score = 16.95)
Breathe Again : Toni Braxton (Score = 16.9)
Each Other : Katharine McPhee (Score = 16.9)
Just A Little Bit : Mutya Buena (Score = 16.71)
I've Got a Woman : Ray Charles (Score = 16.27)
Neva Been : Ayo (Score = 15.77)
Angel : Aretha Franklin (Score = 15.7)
In The Rain (Prod. By Johnny Douglas) : Estelle (Score = 15.63)
I'd Rather Go Blind : Etta James (Score = 15.62)
Stole : Kelly Rowland (Score = 15.52)
Magic : Robin Thicke (Score = 15.33)
Brown Skin : India.Arie (Score = 15.31)
Strung Out : Mutya Buena (Score = 14.97)
Me and Mr Jones : Amy Winehouse (Score = 14.9)
Don't Play That Song : Aretha Franklin (Score = 14.88)
Don't Mess With My Man : Lucy Pearl (Score = 14.49)
Down On My Knees : Ayo (Score = 14.43)
I've Committed Murder : Macy Gray (Score = 14.41)
A Woman's Worth : Alicia Keys (Score = 14.3)
A Fool For You : Ray Charles (Score = 13.88)

Recommended Songs (sorted by most recommended songs)

Do Something : Macy Gray (Score = 237.06)
Impossible : Christina Aguilera (Score = 210.82)
Bust Your Windows : Jazmine Sullivan (Score = 194.67)
Heartbeat : Nneka (Score = 186.03)
I'm You : Leona Lewis (Score = 182.48)
Don't Stay : Laura Izibor (Score = 172.85)
Video : India.Arie (Score = 170.3)
Spotlight : Jennifer Hudson (Score = 167.04)
Golden : Jill Scott (Score = 166.64)
Wish I Didn't Miss You : Angie Stone (Score = 164.32)
Sanctuary : Gabriella Cilmi (Score = 163.85)
All Dressed In Love : Jennifer Hudson (Score = 155.76)
Out of Reach : Gabrielle (Score = 149.81)
Like A Star : Corinne Bailey Rae (Score = 148.77)
Doo Wop (That Thing) : Lauryn Hill (Score = 142.36)
Be Without You : Mary J. Blige (Score = 138.23)
My Love Is Your Love : Whitney Houston (Score = 137.42)
I Decided : Solange (Score = 129.64)
Each Day Gets Better : John Legend (Score = 128.35)
Let's Stay Together : Al Green (Score = 127.59)
Go Ahead : Alicia Keys (Score = 125.7)
Nature : India.Arie (Score = 124.25)
Broken Strings (feat. Nelly Furtado) : James Morrison (Score = 122.79)
Stole : Kelly Rowland (Score = 120.66)
If It's Over : Mariah Carey (Score = 119.88)
Best for Last : Adele (Score = 117.31)
Butterfly : Corinne Bailey Rae (Score = 116.64)
Give It To Me Right : Melanie Fiona (Score = 115.97)
The Thing About Love : Alicia Keys (Score = 114.94)
Work It : Missy Elliott (Score = 112.64)
Fallin' : Alicia Keys (Score = 112.12)
Magic : Robin Thicke (Score = 109.23)
At Last : Etta James (Score = 108.9)
Each Other : Katharine McPhee (Score = 104.9)
Strawberry Swing : Coldplay (Score = 102.97)
B Boy Baby : Mutya Buena (Score = 101.79)
If I Have My Way : Chrisette Michele (Score = 101.16)
Should I Believe You? : Ben's Brother (Score = 100)
Violet Hill : Coldplay (Score = 100)
Pass That Dutch : Missy Elliott (Score = 100)
Save Room : John Legend (Score = 98.55)
Therapy : Ben's Brother (Score = 98.1)
Imma Be : Black Eyed Peas (Score = 97.81)
Breathe Slow : Alesha Dixon (Score = 97.6)
Soulmate : Natasha Bedingfield (Score = 97.49)
You're My Baby : Robin Thicke (Score = 96.99)
Breathe Again : Toni Braxton (Score = 95.4)
I've Got a Woman : Ray Charles (Score = 94.77)
On & On : Erykah Badu (Score = 94.33)
No Love : Erykah Badu (Score = 93.17)
I'd Rather Go Blind : Etta James (Score = 93.07)
You Give Me Something : James Morrison (Score = 91.72)
The Sweetest Taboo : Sade (Score = 91.43)
To Zion : Lauryn Hill (Score = 89.97)
Multiply : Jamie Lidell (Score = 89.44)
Shine : Laura Izibor (Score = 87.65)
Trick Me : Kelis (Score = 87.39)
If : Beyoncé (Score = 85.97)
I Have Nothing : Whitney Houston (Score = 84.36)
Cherish the Day : Sade (Score = 84.21)
One Night Stand : Jazmine Sullivan (Score = 84.09)
My Heart : Lizz Wright (Score = 83.22)
Emotion : Destiny's Child (Score = 83.11)
Everything Is Everything : Lauryn Hill (Score = 82.69)
Slave Song : Sade (Score = 82.48)
Drama : Erykah Badu (Score = 82.39)
Superwoman : Alicia Keys (Score = 81.34)
Let's Get It On : Marvin Gaye (Score = 79.19)
The Greatest : Michelle Williams (Score = 79.07)
Right Round : Flo Rida (Score = 78.18)
Miss You : Aaliyah (Score = 78.09)
In The Morning : Ledisi (Score = 77.55)
By Your Side : Sade (Score = 77.13)
Just Fine : Mary J. Blige (Score = 76.82)
Let It Flow : Toni Braxton (Score = 76.68)
You Gotta Be : Des'ree (Score = 76.52)
Just The Way You Are : Barry White (Score = 76.01)
100 Yard Dash : Raphael Saadiq (Score = 73.98)
The Way That I Love You : Ashanti (Score = 73.86)
What's Going On : Marvin Gaye (Score = 73.33)
Rock The Boat : Aaliyah (Score = 72.87)
American Boy : Estelle (Score = 72.57)
Unpretty : TLC (Score = 71.4)
Your Joy : Chrisette Michele (Score = 71.32)
The High Road : JoJo (Score = 71.28)
Yesterday : Leona Lewis (Score = 71.01)
We Belong Together : Mariah Carey (Score = 69.03)
Don't Mess With My Man : Lucy Pearl (Score = 68.8)
Right Here (Departed) : Brandy (Score = 68.19)
Hallelujah : Alexandra Burke (Score = 68.11)
Blow Me Away : Alain Clark (Score = 67.52)
A Change Is Gonna Come : Leela James (Score = 67.43)
Nothing Ever Hurt Like You : James Morrison (Score = 66.72)
Sometimes : Raphael Saadiq (Score = 66.58)
Baby, baby, baby : Joss Stone (Score = 66.13)
London Bridge : Fergie (Score = 65.8)
P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care) : John Legend (Score = 65.71)
Fire Burning : Sean Kingston (Score = 65.63)
I'd Like To : Corinne Bailey Rae (Score = 65.49)
Baby Can I Hold You : Tracy Chapman (Score = 64.54)

First, make a list of your overall top-20 artists. Then, for each of these artists, add the 8 most similar artists to your list. Delete any duplicates, add up the number of entries on your list and this will give you some idea of how eclectic your listening habits are. A score of 9 represents an extremely unvaried musical taste while a 160 represents an extremely varied one.

1. Autumn
2. Flowing Tears
3. Lacuna Coil
4. Within Temptation
5. Kamelot
6. U2
7. Stream of Passion
8. After Forever
9. Coldplay
10. Darren Hayes
11. Xandria
12. Seal
13. Daughtry
14. Epica
15. Kells
16. WitchBreed
17. Ayreon
18. Conception
19. Sarah McLachlan
20. KT Tunstall

Now, for the similar artists...

1. Flowing Tears
2. Asrai
3. Mortal Love
4. Elis
5. Imperia
6. Penumbra
7. Atargatis
8. Delain

9. Autumn
10. Flowing Tears & Withered Flowers
11. Beseech
12. Darkwell

13. Within Temptation
14. Epica
15. Sirenia
16. Leaves Eyes
17. Tristania
18. After Forever
19. Xandria

20. Nightwish
21. Lacuna Coil
22. Tarja Turunen

23. Sonata Arctica
24. Avantasia
25. Edguy
26. Firewind
27. Symphony X
28. Conception
29. Stratovarius

30. Passengers
31. Bono
32. INXS
33. REM
34. Coldplay
35. Simple Minds
36. U2 & Green Day
37. Bruce Springsteen

38. Elfonia
39. Ayreon
40. Star One
41. Ambeon
42. The Gathering

43. Edenbridge

44. Keane
45. Snow Patrol
46. Travis
47. The Killers
48. The Fray
49. Oasis
50. Radiohead
51. U2 (U2 & Green Day from earlier was listed as different - does that count? *lol*)

52. Savage Garden
53. We Are Smug
54. Delta Goodrem
55. Danii Minogue
56. Daniel Bedingfield
57. JC Chasez
58. Kylie Minogue
59. Will Young

60. Nemesea
61. Visions of Atlantis
62. Lunatica

63. Simply Red
64. George Michael
65. Lighthouse Family
66. Lionel Richie
67. Annie Lennox
68. Des'ree
69. Lisa Stansfield
70. Terence Trent D'Arby

71. David Cook
72. Theory of a Deadman
73. Hinder
74. Rob Thomas
75. Kris Allen
76. 3 Doors Down
77. Chris Daughtry
78. Saving Abel

79. Markize
80. La-Ventura
81. Domina Noctis
82. Luna Obscura
83. Eths
84. Coronatus

85. Ava Inferi
86. Thee Orakle
87. Kells
88. Trail of Tears
89. Madder Mortem
90. Hyubris

91. Stream of Passion
92. Shadow Gallery
93. Pain of Salvation
94. Arjen Anthony Lucassen
95. Dream Theater

96. Ark
97. Redemption
98. Beyond Twilight
99. Kamelot
100. Fates Warning
101. Vanden Plas
102. Pagan's Mind
103. Mind's Eye

104. Natalie Merchant
105. Jewel
106. Jann Arden
107. Paula Cole
108. Chantal Kreviazuk
109. Tara MacLean
110. Shawn Colvin
111. Sheryl Crow

112. Sara Bareilles
113. Anna Nalick
114. Nerina Pallot
115. Amy Macdonald
116. Jem
117. A Fine Frenzy
118. Rachael Yamagata
119. Sandi Thom

Final Number: 119

That's pretty varied, wouldn't you think? :)

Feel free to steal this and make your own. It's quite fun.

Starting off with albums.
Rules: one record per band, so no writing your favourite band's entire discography.

A: Another Sunday Bright - Marble Arch
B: Bat Out of Hell II - Meat Loaf
C: Common Dreads - Enter Shikari
D: Dishwalla - Dishwalla
E: Extreme Behavior - Hinder
F: Flight of the Conchords - Flight Of The Conchords
G: Glasvegas - Glasvegas
H: Hot Fuss - The Killers
I: Invisible Touch - Genesis
J:
K: Konk - The Kooks
L: Living in America - The Sounds
M: Music For An Accelerated Culture - Hadouken!
N: Neon Ballroom - Silverchair
O: One Way Ticket To Hell And Back - The Darkness
P: The Poison - Bullet For My Valentine
Q:
R: Recovering The Satellites - Counting Crows
S: (Spot reserved for Screaming Our Sins - Plan Three)
T: There Is Nothing Left to Lose - Foo Fighters
U: The Used - The Used
V: Van Halen II - Van Halen
W: Warning - Green Day
X: X&Y - Coldplay
Y: You Could Have It So Much Better - Franz Ferdinand
Z: Zooropa - U2

...and then the artists.
Rules: no bands that were used in the previous list.

A: AC/DC, The Academy Is..., Alkaline Trio
B: Beecake, Bloc Party
C: Canterbury
D: De Lyckliga Kompisarna, Depeche Mode
E: The Exies
F: Fair to Midland, Flogging Molly
G: Gemini Five, The Grand Opening
H: Hardcore Superstar, Hurt (US Hurt)
I: In Flames
J: Jakob Hellman
K: Kill Hannah, Killswitch Engage, Kings of Leon
L: Lights Go Blue, Live
M: Maroon 5, Metallica, Mikael Wiehe
N: Nickelback
O: Oasis
P: Pet Shop Boys, Phil Collins, The Police
Q: Queens of the Stone Age
R: R.E.M., Rammstein
S: Saosin, Seal, Seether, Shinedown, Slipknot, stereolith, Sum 41
T: Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders, Tenacious D, Therapy?
U: Union Square
V: Volbeat
W: Weezer, The Who
X:
Y: Yellowcard

United States - 14
Kamelot, Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Karmina, Dendura, Tori Amos, Josh Groban, Amanda Somerville, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Anna Nalick, The O'Neill Brothers, Vertical Horizon, Ensemble Al-Asdeka




Netherlands - 10
Autumn, Within Temptation, Stream of Passion, After Forever, Epica, Ayreon, Kingfisher Sky, La-Ventura, Delain, Dejafuse




United Kingdom - 6
Coldplay, Seal, KT Tunstall, Season's End, Phil Collins, Shadowplay




Germany - 5
Flowing Tears, Xandria, Regicide, Krypteria, Eyes of Eden




Australia - 2
Darren Hayes, Delta Goodrem




Finland - 2
Nightwish, Amberian Dawn




France - 2
Kells, Markize




Norway - 2
Conception, Tristania




Austria - 1
Serenity




Canada - 1
Sarah McLachlan




Greece - 1
Luna Obscura




Ireland - 1
U2




Italy - 1
Lacuna Coil




Portugal - 1
WitchBreed




Switzerland - 1
Gotthard