Articles

• Name your next 15 artists.
• Come up with a set list for them to make your perfect gig
• The first 8 artists get a 5 song set list
• The next 4 artists get a 8 song set list
• The 3rd and 2nd artist get a 10 song set list
• The top artist gets a 12 song set list with a 3 song encore.

The National
Arctic Monkeys
Material Issue
Simon & Garfunkel
System of a Down
The Doors
Arcade Fire
The Replacements
Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
Regina Spektor
Morrissey
The Frogs
The Killers
Heatmiser
Switchfoot

The National

Squalor Victoria
Start A War
Karen
Daughters of the Soho Riots
Mr. November

Arctic Monkeys

My Propeller
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Brianstorm
Crying Lightening
A Certain Romance

Material Issue

Valarie Loves Me
Goin' Through Your Purse
Lil' Christine
Eko Beach
Kim The Waitress

Simon & Garfunkel

The Sound Of Silence
Mrs. Robinson
Hazy Shade Of Winter
The Boxer
Bridge Over Troubled Water

System of a Down

B.Y.O.B
Kill Rock 'n' Roll
Hypnotize
U-Fig
Aerials

The Doors

Gloria
Stoned Immaculate
Peace Frog/Blue Sunday
The Soft Parade
The End

Arcade Fire

Keep The Car Running
Antichrist Television Blues
Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)
Black Wave / Bad Vibrations
Rebellion (Lies)

The Replacements

Alex Chilton
Bastards Of Young
The Ledge
Androgynous
Here Comes A Regular

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes

Don't Cry For Me Argentina
Science Fiction Double Feature
Superstar
San Fransisco (Wear Flowers In Your Hair)
Over The Rainbow
Nothing Compares 2 U
Rocket Man
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Regina Spektor

On The Radio
The Calculation
Chemo Limo
The Flowers
Blue Lips
Dance Anthems Of The 80s
Somedays
Us

Morrissey

Something Is Squeezing My Skull
The Last Of The Famous International Playboys
That's How People Grow Up
Irish Blood, English Heart
Let Me Kiss You
First Of The Gang To Die
Everyday Is Like Sunday
It's Not Your Birthday Anymore

The Frogs

Lord Grunge
Raped
Weird On The Avenue
Starboy
I Only Play 4 Money
Stargirl
I've Got Drugs (Out Of The Mist)
Rearviewmirror

The Killers

Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine
Somebody Told Me
Human
Smile Like You Mean It
Spaceman
Bling (Confessions Of A King)
All These Things That I've Done
Mr. Brighside
Sam's Town
When You Were Young

Heatmiser

Disappearing Ink
Flame!
Pop In G
Collect to NYC
Blue Highway
Low Flying Jets
Bastard John
Hitting On The Waiter
Plainclothes Man
Antonio Carlos Jobim

Switchfoot

Lonely Nation
Stars
Needle And Haystack Life
Oh! Gravity.
Company Car
Dirty Second Hands
4:12
Mess Of Me
The Sound (John M. Perkins Blues)
American Dream
Gone
On Fire
Meant To Live
----------
Politicians
Hello Hurricane
Dare You To Move

Andrew Bird
Apostle of Hustle
Arcade Fire
Arctic Monkeys
Atmosphere
Battles
Beck
Ben Folds
Black Joe Lewis
Bloc Party
The Black & White Years
City and Colour
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah x 2
The Cribs
Damien Rice
Death Cab for Cutie
The Decemberists
Deerhoof
DeVotchKa
Eagles of Death Metal
Explosions in the Sky
Final Fantasy x 2
Fleet Foxes
Franz Ferdinand
Frightened Rabbit
Ghostland Observatory
Gogol Bordello x 3
Grizzly Bear
Heartless Bastards
Here We Go Magic
Hollywood Gossip
Icy Demons
Islands
Jaguar Love x2
Jamie Lidell
Jenny Lewis
Kaiser Chiefs
The Killers
The Kills
Larkin Grimm
Living Things
Minus the Bear
The Mountain Goats
Muse
The National
The New Pornographers
of Montreal x 2
Okkervil River x 2
Patrick Wolf x 2
Plasticines x 2
The Raconteurs
Regina Spektor
Ringo Deathstarr
sharon jones & the dap kings
Sondre Lerche
Spoon
St. Vincent
Stars
The Strokes
The Swell Season
Thomas Dybdahl
Vampire Weekend
Voxtrot
We Are Scientists
Willy Mason
Yeasayer
Yellow Fever

1. What's your favorite song by 15?
Nine Inch Nails - Hurt

2. How did you get into 20?
Green Day - Heard them when I was much younger and liked them since.

3. Who is your favorite member in 1?
Bruce Springsteen - Kind of obvious lol

4. What’s your favorite lyric bit by 29?
Lifter Puller - "Love is like a battle of the bands, crank up your amps man." - Lifter Puller vs. The End Of The Evening

5. Have you ever seen 22 live?
Neutral Milk Hotel - No.

6. What's your favorite album from 10?
Bright Eyes - Lifted Or The Story Is In The Soil, Keep Your Ear To The Ground

7. Do you own any merchandise from 3?
The Hold Steady - No, but I should.

8. What is a good memory you have of 7?
Elliott Smith - The first time I saw the scene in The Royal Tenenbaums that uses Needle In The Hay.

9. Is there a member of the same age as you in 2?
Pearl Jam - No.

10. When did you first get into 8?
Pink Floyd - 6th grade, heard The Wall and never looked back

11. Who likes 4 along with you?
Bad Religion - My brother

12. Which song did you first hear from 16?
TV on the Radio - Dreams

13. What song made you fall in love with 5?
Allison Iraheta - Her cover of Alone by Heart.

14. Which song do you not like by 18?
X - I was never that into Devil Doll.

15. Why do you like 14's songs?
The Decemberists - They're deliciously indie.

16. Where did you first hear 6?
The Beatles - Probably when I was very young.

17. How long was 19 a singer before you liked them?
Frank Zappa - I started liking him way after he had died, so I guess since the 60s.

18. Does 13 have a song that gives you a bad memory?
Hair - No.

19. When did you get into 17?
Marilyn Manson - Sometime during middle school.

20. How long have you been into 9?
Stars - A little over a year.

21. If 11 had a concert 300 miles away, would you drive there to see them?
The Flaming Lips - Oh hell yeah.

22. How many CDs do you own of 12?
Weezer - Two or three I think.

23. Does 21 have a song that makes you cry?
Neil Young - The Needle And The Damage Done is pretty damn emotional.

24. Does 27 have a song that makes you happy?
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Phenomena

25. Does 23 have a song that makes you smile?
R.E.M - It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

26. What's the last song you've listened to from 28?
Stone Temple Pilots - I think it was their cover of David Bowie's "Andy Warhol."

27. Is there a song by 32 that you've listened to more than 30 times?
Switchfoot - No, but Awakening's got 23, which is close.

28. What is a song from 50 that you've only listened to once?
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead - Mark David Chapman

29. Is there a song you are sick of hearing by 24?
The Smiths - Nope, they have amazing replay value.

30. What song got you into 40?
Arcade Fire - Probably Antichrist Television Blues.

31. What is your favorite single by 25?
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit

32. If 49 hated you, what would you do?
Karen O and the Kids - It's funny, because I actually know her, and she doesn't.

33. What would you say if 42 or one of the members from 42 asked you out?
System of a Down - That's an odd question.

34. Would you care if 41 had a boyfriend/girlfriend?
The Doors - Well one of them is dead, and I'm sure the rest are married.

35. Who has the best voice in 46?
The Who - Roger Daltrey

36. Do you think 26 is/are good looking?
The Gaslight Anthem - They're pretty cool looking.

37. How many times have you listened to your favorite song by 36?
Morrissey - Irish Blood, English Heart, 28 plays.

38. How many CDs do you own of 30?
The Velvet Underground - One.

39. Is there a song from 38 that makes you mad?
The Replacements - Nope.

40. Which member from 31 do you want to see go solo? If 31 is only one artist, what would you do if they joined a group?
The Pixies - Frank went solo, and Kim joined the Breeders so...yeah.

41. What does your favorite song from 48 remind you of?
Billy Joel - Miami 2017 (I've Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway), New York.

42. Did you hate 43 at first?
Simon and Garfunkel - Actually I did.

43. Does your best friend also listen to 33?
Heatmiser - lol I think I'm the only one who listens to 33.

44. Do you think your parents would like 37?
Regina Spektor - They do.

45. Does 47 have a song that makes you want to dance?
The National - Most of their songs are pretty dark and down, so not really.

46. Have you ever seen 34 in person?
The Killers - Yeah, Coachella 2009.

47. Do you like 44's name?
Material Issue - Yeah, it's a cool name.

48. Is there someone in 45 that you want to go out with?
Arctic Monkeys - lmfao, no.

49. Do you know anyone that hates 39?
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - Nope.

50. Have you ever danced to a song from 35?
The Frogs - Nope.

As a music fan that has developed strong and lasting affinity for my favorite songwriters over the years, I have given a lot of thought to what qualities an artist/band has that promotes deep and meaningful fan connection. And it isn’t just the qualities that the songwriter has - a devoted fan also possesses attributes that enable them to be profoundly moved by music at an elevated level than the more casual listener. Personally speaking, I believe that my fandom is fueled by an analytic and obsessive mind that - once inspired by the music or words - must dig deeper to question the meaning behind the art by revisiting lyrics, reading interviews, and mining for clues. I dream in lyrics, and they often follow me throughout my waking hours. My music obsession is at once a great love and a debilitating foe (particularly when Beyonce released that fucking “Single Ladies” song). But I digress.

Far more interesting are the qualities that some musicians possess that set them apart from other musicians in fan admiration. Every band has fans, but what separates the bands that produce great music that is fun to listen to from the bands that produce life-changing music that has a profound and inspiring effect on their listeners? In evaluating my own fan experience - and also observing the fan culture for artists that I don’t personally connect to strongly, but that seem to evoke very strong emotion in fans - I have drawn the following conclusion. A songwriter’s willingness to reveal vulnerability - lyrically, vocally, and through performance – is a quality that cannot be faked, and I believe it is the single most important component in creating music that resonates deeply with fans.

The ability to authentically reveal vulnerability is the key to greatness for any artist, no matter what artistic form they use. For a singer-songwriter, it is an especially critical quality because, not only are they producing the material (as the writer), they are also channeling the emotion (as the performer). Whether it reveals itself in lyric, in the tremor of a vocal, or in the form of nervous ticks during performance, the ability of a songwriter to uncover his or her own vulnerability offers the audience the human element that is critical to forming a deeper connection to the music.

Whatever you may think of Morrissey (vocally, he’s not one of my favorites), he is a prime example of an artist who bares all his self-doubt, narcissism, and regret within the lines of his songs. He typically writes in the first person narrative, not passing off emotion to other characters, but instead leaving himself completely exposed. His songs are dripping with a self-absorption that I can’t really appreciate, but his fans eat it up and he has one of the most cult-like followings in rock music.

Other songwriters are subtle in their openness by using characters to channel their own personal experiences and emotions. A writer like Springsteen can be perceived as writing more with empathy than vulnerability because the joy and heartbreak of his characters may not translate as his own personal experience. However, that does not make him any less endearing to fans. People connect deeply with the characters in Springsteen’s world because they portray basic human emotions that we all know– restlessness, loneliness, yearning, desire, and disaffection. It doesn’t matter if the vulnerability belongs to Mary, Wendy, Candy, Sam, or any of the other dozens characters Springsteen has created. HE KNOWS how they feel, and he knows how you feel, too. Springsteen is unquestionably worthy of all of the accolades and adoration he has received over the years. He writes about human fragility with the same Old Soul clarity that I attributed to Van Morrison.

One of the newer bands that has developed a fiercely loyal fan base, in addition to landing themselves on most music publications’ top ten lists for the decade, is Arcade Fire. Arcade Fire produced two of the most beautiful, honest, and musically stunning albums in recent years. String instruments, heartfelt lyrics, Win Butler’s ability to vocally convey emotion, layer together to create a humility and rawness that is so attractively genuine to the listener. Arcade Fire is a relatively new band but already fans have formed a deep connection to their music that will sustain the life of their career as a band.

Lastly, I want to mention a couple of my favorite songwriters that perform with such openness and vulnerability, that I didn’t truly fall in love with their music until I saw it physically come out of them. Is it strange writing about Stevie Nicks and Brandon Flowers in the same paragraph? Probably, but they happen to be - as performers - my sentimental favorites. Seeing Stevie perform ‘Rhiannon’ with such fury, or the heartbreaking ‘Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You,’ was pivotal for me as a fan. She has an amazing ability to connect with live audience and you feel as you are watching her that she is graciously handing over her heart for those few hours. Her fans sense her undying devotion and they are as loyal as any fan community out there.

Performing is not second nature for Brandon Flowers, and I think that he seems outwardly nervous and jittery, endears him to fans. There is a lot of realness to him. He uses bravado on stage, but equally there are moments of sincerity and vulnerability, gesturing and singing with such emotion that you feel he is begging, pleading with you to feel his words the way he feels them. I had bought and regularly listened to the Killers first two albums before I was aware of how they perform. The Killers, like Arcade Fire, are a young band with a hugely devoted fan community. And to witness them live is spectacular, just ask a Victim.

Of course, there are many qualities that attract fans to different musical artists. I like all kinds of music that I may not be sentimentally attached to, but that makes for great listening. Some of the best musicians and bands convey a detached coldness that, although is a quintessential rock and roll attitude, does not cultivate the kind of fan adoration of artists who open themselves up a little more. So many great artists that I didn’t get to! Help me write the next chapter! Who are your sentimental favorites, and why? I would love to hear from you!

-AZ

http://audiozealot.com

Morrissey, Bruce Springsteen, Arcade Fire, Stevie Nicks, Brandon Flowers, The Killers

1 Mika
2 Florence + The Machine
3 Yelle
4 The Kooks
5 Britney Spears
6 The Killers
7 Lady GaGa
8 t.A.T.u.
9 Bat for Lashes
10 Cansei de Ser Sexy
11 Kate Nash
12 Kylie Minogue
13 Aloha From Hell
14 Lily Allen
15 Uffie
16 Katy Perry
17 Nancy Ajram
18 Marjorie Estiano
19 3OH!3
20 Arctic Monkeys
21 ABBA
22 MGMT
23 Pixie Lott
24 50 Cent
25 Franz Ferdinand
26 Ke$ha
27 Corinne Bailey Rae
28 Panic at the Disco
29 Sonohra
30 Emilie Simon

What was the first song you ever heard by 22?
Kids

How many albums by 17 do you own?
On my computer, just one.

What is your favourite song by 15?
Actually I don't like her song very much, i don't even know what she's doing in my library, but if i had to choose, Hot Chick would be the chosen one.

What is your favourite song by 5?
Oh my God, that's really difficult! But I guess it's her new single, 3.

Is there a song by 6 that makes you happy?
Somebody Told Me.

What is your favourite song by 10?
Superafim, by the way, this is the only music in Portuguese of them that I really like.

What is a good memory you have involving 30?
She has a cover of French song with my favourite singer ever, Mika, called Comment Te Dire Adieu. So I started listening to her because of it.

Is there a song by 19 that makes you happy?
Don't Trust Me.

How many times have you seen 24 live?
I have never seen 50 Cent live and I don't know if one day I'll want to.

What is the first song you ever heard by 23?
Mama Do, but i didn't like it at first listen, now I love it.

What is your favorite album by 11?
The only one released so far: Made of Bricks.

Who is a favorite member of 1?
Mika, of course.

Have you ever seen 14 live?
No, but i'd love to.

What is a good memory involving 27?
Two or three years ago, I can't remember exactly when, there was a great soap opera on TV which I loved and one of her songs, Put Your Records On, was on the soundtrack.

What is your favorite song by 16?
I Kissed A Girl, but I'm not lesbian xD

What is your favorite album by 18?
Marjorie Estiano, the album is called just like the singer.

What is your favorite song by 25?
Take Me Out.

What is the first song you ever heard by 26?
TiK ToK.

What is your favorite album by 2?
She has released just one album, it's called Lungs and it's great.

What is you favorite song by 3?
Je Veux Te Voir<3

Put your music player on shuffle
Post the first 40 songs that come up. You can repeat artists if you want. If you have any repeats, skip to the next track.

1. The Killers - Romeo And Juliet
2. Owl City - The Saltwater Room
3. HIM - Heartache Every Moment
4. Queen - Friends Will Be Friends
5. The Killers - This River Is Wild
6. Kingdom Come - Do You Like It?
7. Pet Shop Boys - Young Offender
8. Pet Shop Boys - Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
9. U2 - All I Want Is You
10. Dashboard Confessional - Stolen
11. Van Halen - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love [Live]
12. Nine Inch Nails - Demon Seed
13. Pet Shop Boys - Beautiful People
14. Marilyn Manson - Tainted Love
15. INXS - Calling All Nations
16. The Killers - Shadowplay
17. Idiot Pilot - Retina and the Sky
18. The Killers - Bling (Confessions of a King) [Live]
19. Prince & The Revolution - Purple Rain
20. Def Leppard - Armageddon It
21. Rainbow - Since You've Been Gone
22. Van Halen - Jump [Live]
23. U2 - Pride (In The Name Of Love)
24. Lostprophets - 4:AM Forever
25. The Killers - Jenny Was a Friend of Mine [live]
26. HIM - Poison Girl
27. Mr. Big - To Be With You
28. Panic at the Disco - London Beckoned Songs About Money Written by Machines
29. My Chemical Romance - Skylines and Turnstiles
30. Nickelback - Side Of A Bullet
31. Bright Eyes - Hot Knives
32. Def Leppard - Animal
33. Enigma - Sadeness (Part I)
34. Nine Inch Nails - Corona Radiata
35. The Killers - Losing Touch
36. The Killers - Spaceman
37. Enrique Iglesias - Be With You
38. Blue Oyster Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper [Long Version]
39. The Killers - Mr. Brightside
40. Depeche Mode - Breathe

#. QUESTION
ANSWER

1. Which song do you prefer, #1 or #40?
#1 - It's The Killers!
2. Have you ever listened to #12 continuously on repeat?
Nope
3. What album is #26 from?
And Love Said No
4. What do you think about the artist who did #15?
Great! I love INXS
5. Is #19 one of your favorite songs?
Not really
6. Who does #38 remind you of?
Going for long walks when it's about to rain
7. Does #20 have better lyrics or music?
Hmm... tough one. I'd say lyrics...
8. Do any of your friends like #3?
A couple...
9. Is #33 from a movie soundtrack?
Not that I know of
10. Is #18 overplayed on the radio?
Unfortunately, no
11. What does #21 remind you of?
My Dad
12. Which song do you prefer, #5 or #22?
#5 - The Killers :D
13. What album is #17 from?
Transformers Soundtrack
14. When did you first hear #39?
My favourite song! On the radio a very, very long time ago
15. When did you first hear #7?
July
16. What genre is #8?
Dance
17. Do any of your friends like #14?
A few
18. What color does #4 remind you of?
again - Dad!!
19. Have you ever blasted #11 on your stereo?
Yup
20. What genre is #37?
Err... Pop?
21. Can you play #13 on any instrument?
I could try
22. What is your favorite lyric from #30?
something like: finger on the trigger loaded bullet
23. What is your favorite lyric from #23?
one man betrayed with a kiss
24. Would you recommend #24 to your friends?
Yeah
25. Is #2 a good song to dance to?
Not really
26. Do you ever hear #16 on the radio?
I might do if I listened to the radio
27. Is #32 more of a “nighttime” or “daytime” song?
Day
28. Does #36 have any special meaning to you?
Definitely...
29. Do any of your friends like #31?
I doubt they've ever heard of Bright Eyes
30. Is #25 a fast or slow song?
Both
31. Is #35 a happy or sad song?
Both
32. What is one of your favorite lyrics from #9?
I like the October bit at the end... "what do i care" or something
33. Is #34 better to listen to alone or with friends?
Alone in a dark room.
34. When did you first hear #27?
Last year
35. Name 3 other songs by the artist who did #29:
The Sharpest Lives, The End, Dead!
36. Do you know all the words to #6?
No
37. Does #28 have better lyrics or music?
Music probably
38. What album is #10 from?
No idea

When you have read through this journal, you're supposed to write at least one (but max. 4) band after every letter. You can put bands that you don't listen to anymore but you once listened to a lot, or bands that you've just started diggin' and of course; your all time favorites.

A: The All-American Rejects, All Time Low
B: Beyonce, Boys Like Girls
C: The Cab, Cobra Starship, Cash Cash
D: Demi Lovato, Destinys Child
E: Estelle, Every Avenue
F: Fall Out Boy, The Friday Night Boys
G: Gym Class Heroes
H: Hey Monday, The Hush Sound
I: -
J: Justin Timberlake, James Morrison, Jonas Brothers
K: The Kooks, The Killers, Kids In Glass Houses, Katy Perry
L: Lady GaGa, Leona Lewis
M: Maroon 5, Metro Station, Miley Cyrus
N: Ne-Yo, NSYNC
O: O-Zone?
P: P!nk, Panic at the Disco, Paramore, The Pussycat Dolls
Q: Queen
R: Rihanna, Robbie Williams
S: Scouting for Girls, The Script
T: Take That, This Providence, Timbaland
U: Usher
V: The Virgins
W: We The Kings
X: -
Y: You Me At Six
Z: -