1. 1. Chrissie Hynde – The Pretenders – Guitarist – Lead Singer
2. Chrissie can do no wrong in my eyes. Regardless of the Sid Vicious years, she is the quintessential female Rock Star. Not too Joan Jett and not to Joni Mitchell; somewhere in the middle. I saw an interview where she said KOL made her interested in music again. I hope they know how huge that is.
3. 2. Lucinda Williams – Singer – Guitar
4. If I were to explain her in one word it would be ICON…. She has kind of been under the radar but has a steady stream of good work in her music catalog. This I am finding out now and I wish I caught on sooner; it would have been a fun ride to see her evolve. The minute I heard “Honey Bee” I was sold. Seriously, that song makes me want to dance around and pour honey all over myself (but then the reality of it snaps me out of it…STICKY).
5. 3. Beth Gibbons – Portishead – Lead Singer
6. A unique talent with a voice that sounds tortured and beautiful at the same time. One of my all time favorite albums is “Live at Roseland NYC.” I haven’t gotten there new album yet but I definitely will.
7. 4. Elizabeth Fraser – Cocteau Twins – Lead Singer
8. I’m convinced this is the music you hear on your way up to heaven; all cottony clouds and rainbows. The names of the songs are cavity causing. I love the idea of using a string of random words that sound pretty together yet have no meaning behind them. Basically they are using the words as an instrument; what a lovely concept. Fraser has the perfect voice to pull this off.
9. 5. Debbie Harry – Blondie – Lead Singer
10. Please!…cool, sexy, beautiful, what more do you need. I met her at Irving Plaza and she was so unassuming and pleasant; it always makes me happy when they are NOT Diva’s. If you think about it that kind of attitude will only leave you disconnected from your audience and the real world. How can you remain a good artist if you’re not in touch?
11. 6. Siouxsie Sioux – Siouxsie and the Banshees – Lead Singer
12. The ultimate 80’s Punk Rock artist. Along with The Cult, Siouxsie and the Banshees were a big part of my summer soundtrack a few years back. My exploration of everything Punk and everything 80’s and it had to be hard Punk Rock. That same summer I realized The Sex Pistols were a crock of shit and fell in love with The New York Dolls (RIP Arthur), The Ramones, and The Replacements.
13. 7. Kim Gordon – Sonic Youth – Free Kitten – Bass and Guitar
14. I just love girl guitarists. I saw Sonic Youth at a small venue in NYC and met her at an after party Again, very humble and soft spoken which always impresses me. She is just an all around inspiring woman. Musician, Mom, Fashion Designer and, oh yeah…Rock Star!
15. 8. Margo Timmons – Cowboy Junkies – Vocals
16. I love the Cowboy Junkies. Their music is so beautiful. If you’re into covers they have an awesome selection: Blue Moon, Sweet Jane, Rake, and my all time favorite Powderfinger. I also love it when women sing men parts and men sing women parts. I don’t know why, I guess it’s sexy to me. Having said that, check out James by Huffamoose.
17. 9. Kristin Hersh – Throwing Muses – 50 Foot Wave – Guitar – Vocals
18. Throwing Muses had me at many a concert venue in the 90’s. Well more like bars with a stage. She is an excellent guitarist and Mom extraordinaire. I haven’t heard anything from her new band but I am a die-hard Throwing Muses fan.
19. 10. Rachael Yamagata – Guitar – Piano – Vocals
20. I first heard her when she did a duet with Rhett Miller called “Fireflies.” I just love her raspy voice and wanted to hear more from her. “Elephants-Teeth Sinking Into Heart,” is her new album and I wouldn’t hesitate getting it even if you’ve never heard a single song it is that good. I am a sucker for a good metaphor and the song “Elephants” is lyrically phenomenal. She is also now a Philly girl which adds to her fabulousity!
21. Suggested Tracks

1. The Pretenders-Brass In Pocket

2. Lucinda Williams-Honey Bee

3. Portishead-Glory Box

4. Cocteau Twins-Pearly Dewdrops’ Drops

5. Blondie-Call Me

6. Siouxsie and the Banshees-Cities in Dust

7. Sonic Youth-Superstar

8. Cowboy Junkies-Powderfinger

9. Throwing Muses-Snakeface

10. Rachael Yamagata-Elephants

Please feel free to add to the comments with your own lists. I’m always up for being exposed to new artists.

Thanks for indulging my need to rant about everything music. Hopefully something here has either sparked your interest or entertained you on a topic you are well versed in already. Again this is just my humble opinion and if you don’t agree then clearly you must have horrible taste in music. ; )

By popular demand I added video’s to my suggested play list. Some are better then others but you get the gist.