It Ain't Hemingway

I am not gonna lie looks have a lot to do with some of the choices here. Superficial? Yes but i figure sex appeal makes up about 25% of a good rocker. The other 75% are the chops that make them musicians. My theory is the combination of the two creates a true Rock Star.

1. Nathan Followill – Kings of Leon – Drummer

My favorite band at the moment is Kings of Leon and although I am not a percussion afficionado I know what I like and he sounds damn good to me. Of course there’s the guns, the eyes, the hair…I mean damn look at the dude. We don’t get a true sense of what he can do vocally through his back up and harmony contributions, but rumor has it he has some major pipes. I hope we hear more of that in the future. Maybe a little duet with his gal Jessie?

2.Caleb Followill – Kings of Leon – Rhythm Guitar, Lead Singer
All the boxes are filled on the Rock Star check list when it comes to Caleb (she said in her best Casey Kasem impression). For me its all about the voice. It’s so unique and I just love the way he uses it. Caleb’s voice is definitely his best instrument. His lyrics are really great. I love the metaphors and the slang…Guitar Go Get Her…OMG! And of course he’s a sweet piece of eye candy. I’m a sucker for tall skinny dudes (I miss the long hair though).

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3. Mick Jagger – Rolling Stones – Lead Singer

Oh Mick, I don’t know what it is? The energy? The hair? The ability to impregnate a woman while passing them by on the street? I don’t know but he’s like David Koresh or Charles Manson to me – I follow willingly.

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4. Jonny Greenwood – Radiohead – multi-instrumentalist

Radiohead is my all time favorite band. Jonny, in my opinion is the most talented and just a master at all things instrumental. He is so creative and original and clearly a well educated musician who is not afraid to push the boundaries.

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5. Robert Plant – Led Zepplin – Lead Singer

What a great voice this man has and incredibly sexy! I love watching the old videos of Led Zepplin in concert. “Kashmir” is my favorite song of theirs. The ultimate sex song, just put it on repeat and go at it.

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6. Keith Richards – Rolling Stones – Guitarist

The bad boy. I love the story of when he got pissing drunk and passed out, and when he woke up the next day he realized he recorded what would later become Sympathy for the Devil. About 3 bars were recorded and the rest of the tape was of him snoring. My other favorite story is how a magazine had voted him the most likely musician to die in the next year, and that was in the 1960’s. It really does amaze me he is still alive. Clearly he’s held together by spit and whiskey.

7. Jim James – My Morning Jacket – Lead Singer – Guitarist

Otherwise known as my boyfriend…in my head…I just love him. He goes against all my usual attractions but there’s something about him I find appealing. Maybe he just hits on that little part of me that’s intrigued by the warm and cuddly safe place guy. He looks like he’d be a good spooner. Oh yes, the music…that’s why we are here right? He rocks ’nuff said.

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8. Ian Astbury – The Cult – Lead Singer
Rain and She Sells Sanctuary; those are some awesome songs. Ian is holding up pretty well in his later years. I am kind of afraid to hear any of their new stuff though. I’d be heartbroken if it sucked.

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9. Jimmy Page – The Yardbirds – Led Zepplin – Guitarists

Just much respect for a talented musician. And of course, bad boy, sexy, drug addled, skinny…do I need to go any further with this?

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10. Justin Vernon – Bon Iver – Lead Singer – Multi-instrumentalist

I am going through a major Bon Iver obsession right now. They/he takes me to a very zen place. When I am feeling anxious he calms me. He’s like Xanax for the ears. I don’t advise taking Xanax and listening to Bon Iver at the same time; you run the risk of becoming a zombie.

Suggested Tracks

1. Kings of Leon – Fans

2. Kings of Leon – Black Thumbnail

3. Rolling Stones – Monkey Man

4. Led Zepplin – Kashmir

5. Radiohead –Talk Show Host

6. Rolling Stones – Sympathy for the Devil

7. My Morning Jacket – I’m Amazed

8. The Cult – She Sells Sanctuary

9. The Yardbirds – Shapes of Things

10. Bon Iver – Re: Stacks

Driving to Work Play List

1. Bon Iver-Stacks

2. Lucinda Williams-Honey Bee

3. Marshall Tucker Band-Can’t You See

4. Gary Jules and Michael Andrew-Mad World

5. Throwing Muses-Snakeface

6. Elbow-Grounds for Divorce

7. Lo-Fidelity All Stars-Battle Flag

8. Rachael Yamagata-Elephants

9. Cowboy Junkies-Powderfinger

10. MGMT-Electric Feel

Philadelphia Musicians to check out.

1. Dr. Dog

2. Rachael Yamagata

3. Andrew Lipke

4. Matt Duke

This ain’t rocket science but I just love all things music and always look for a reason to write about the subject.  Please feel free to add to this list in the comments. I love to hear your opinions and welcome fresh music suggestions at all times. If you are on a groups street team, again feel free to share!

The Video’s have been added to my list of suggested songs. Caleb’s little ass wiggle at the end of Black Thumbnail has me rethinking my love for Nathan…..nah!!!!