I was surprised about the number of songs I recognised. And I'm not a fan of ABBA. So I had to remember this from when they were on the radio. I listened to the radio a lot, true and I admit it but heck, at some point there must have been a thousand ABBA songs permanently on the radio. Anyhow, ABBA is the first non English band that has managed to have an extremely successful career by being very regularly in the charts in English speaking countries. And yes, at the moment of this writing, ABBA is still selling more than a million albums per year.

Starting out as a folk duo and turning into one of the most sold artists in the world. Simon and Garfunkel have created some excellent songs. Groovy but also well able to put some political ideas forward. Their music is timeless and should be heard more often. Well crafted gems that stand out of the ordinary. It makes you wonder if one day it will be possible to have a hit with only a guitar and two vocals. Enjoy this.

Another close harmony band, the Beach Boys, now there's something to read about and listen to. The Beach Boys have seen and done it all and quite a few didn't even survive or got scarred for life. That is something you have to take in your stride if you want to be successful. And let's face it, I don't have to tell you a long story about them and their music. You will recognise their music anywhere and at anytime. And if you don't recognise it yet,you better start learning.

Phil and Don Everly, they have made musical history and influenced a group or two. (The Beatles among others). Typical rock aaaah billy/ country / ballad / pop / and rock 'n roll music. Great voices, great guitar playing. The songs are a bit simple for today's standards, of course but they're great to listen to, at any time. They will take you immediately to a happier mood and that is an appreciated power. 

A doo-wop band, vocal harmonies galore. The Four Seasons started performing in the fifties and one member of the band is still doing shows today so that makes  this one of the longest existing bands in modern music. Their songs are happy go lucky tunes. Most of the songs are about the ever returning, she loves me - she loves me not situation. To me that doesn't matter, I like their music and the structure of the songs. (Short and poppy). And that Frankie Valli, yeah he's got that voice that you will recognise everywhere...

Now that is a band with a great technical feel for their work. Their songs are from time to time, fast, melodic and always well executed. A Christian Metal Band for those who were unaware of this fact (as was I). An old fashioned snarling band, could be the term as well. Definitely something to treasure or discover.

This is a very strange, love and not like, kinda music-love. There are some songs of Mr. Neil Diamond that are great. On the other hand he has succeeded very well to make me crinch. However this man has recorded the most beautiful version of Mr. Bojangles and a few other tracks of his are of extraordinary quality. Holly holy, among others and he does a great version of Both Sides Now. Walk on Water, is also one of those wonderful crafted artworks. On the other hand, Song Song Blue.... Pfff I can't stand the track. Another song I can't stand: Beautiful Noise, I'm sorry but to me it's very much Just Noise and "to not speak with Neil Diamond": I don't love it at all. Perhaps I'm just having trouble with my split personality. Anyway listen to his work because you never know if you won't stumble on the track you've always wanted to hear and couldn't get your hands on. Besides, he did some seriously good stuff. Enjoy yourselves.

An electronic dance group is how the Prodigy is categorised. Somehow electronic punk seems more appropriate. This is a great new style of music. Very aggressive, great rhythms and a fantastic bass sound.  This is something like the Sex Pistols but electronically and more from this century. It is like energy pressed together in a musical form. Just give it a go... Plain brilliance!!!

Another icon of musical history. The Rolling Stones, what would the world of today have been without them? A lot less rock 'n roll, that's for sure. An incredible amount of songs that they have created. Starting in the beginning of the sixties and today (27 - 03 - 2012) still active. That actually means that they are celebrating fifty years of action this year. The music they make is touching all styles but with a favour to blues and rhythm and blues. The Stones have influenced a lot of artists but also they have become an institution that represents freedom of expression and acceptance for all things different, as the Stones have been loved, hated, despised and loved again. There is simply no other group able to say: We've been there, done that and we've got the T-shirt. Don't forget it's all about the music in the end. I've put up twelve Rolling Stones albums. It starts with  Their Satanic Majesties Request and the last complete album is Undercover and I have put up a compilation of their work underneath. For the rest of it, go and see some movies about the Stones and see that you can get your hands on The Rolling Stones Rock 'N Roll Circus. Have a good time.

The Band is one of the corner stones of American music today. Without the Band, Bob Dylan would have done different things. The Band was a group that had friends all over the world and when they decided to call it quits it was all recorded and filmed. In order to know more about this and see how things were done in the previous century, get yourself a copy of The Last Waltz. You will be surprised by the amount of stars that have come to help to say goodbye to a band that has almost become legendary.