Music...

....put a racket on I wanna dance with ma babeeee (Madonna)

My music taste!! Very strange…I can already see the fans of one of the groups/artists mentioned here roll their eyes about another band/singer that can be found in here too :D

Air: With Moon Safari, they have made one of the best records that were ever made. This record is chill out music of a special kind, and with Talkie Walkie they have created an album that won´t let you put your attention on anything else than listening to those beautiful songs. Between those 2 records, they did great stuff as well- but with those 2 one just gets the full bandwidth of their style I think. Long live those electronic pioneers!! (Moon Safari, Talkie Walkie).

Appples In Stereo: Were they born in the wrong decade? Did they miss the last 30 years? What´s wrong with them? I say: NOTHING. Their music HAS TO BE on every summer mix CD! Bright, sunny, catchy indie rock. *gets out sunglasses*

The Arcade Fire: It is absolutely amazing how much power is in the songs of this band. They are absolutely stunning live as well- but what would you expect from such fantastic songs!!! (Funeral)

Art Of Noise: With them, I discovered a completely new kind of music; this playing with sounds- and it still takes my breath away when I listen to it. As with Air, it will take your attention and won't let it go as there is always something in their songs to discover, even after many listens! (Ambient Collection)

Die Ärzte: The funniest and most ironical lyrics you can imagine. Every song is a little comedy show, many are critical stings on social circumstances, and of course they can really really rock! Pure fun! (Can´t pick one…buy them all!)

Belle and Sebastian: Probably my favourite band after the FLips. I dont know why I love them so much...I just do! Maybe it is this influence of the 70s brought up almost 20 years later, and it still sounds as if they have created something completely new! Their music is like the warm touch of a summer rain…awesome. (Dear Catastrophe Waitress)

Ben Folds: I actually don’t know very much about him, and then about his Ben Folds Five. Each of his songs has its special charm. The music, the lyrics…I really don’t know what it is that makes his songs so special (Rockin´The Suburbs)

Andrew Bird: Him playing his songs amazes me. There is true talent and ability in this man and he knows his violin inside out. I love that about musicians and when it is then coupled with great songwriting abilities I normally swoon. In this case, if it comes to his live performance, I can't do that because I have to keep my eyes on him while he produces music right in front of your eyes. Loops and instrument changes make it an experience to remember. (Andrew Bird and the Mysterious Production of Eggs)

Brendan Benson: Brendan rocks!!! The first time I saw him live was as support act for the Flaming Lips and I was really impressed with his songwriting! For a long time, I only owned 2 songs, then only 1 album- and this was so good that is was enough to keep me happy :) Although many of his songs are fantastic rock songs he still has this quality of writing moving and beautifully sweet songs- what a great mixture :) (Lapalco)

David Byrne: I judge him not by his contribution to Talking Heads but by his solo work which is exceptionally creative and distinctive, not only because of his prominent voice which I find a perfect fit to his songs. Almost every single song is a jewel in itself. All my respect for that. (Look into the Eyeball)

Isobel Campbell: The sweet voice of older Belle & Sebastian records left the band and went out into the world to make more records with this gentle voice, lulling us in like in a beautifully warm bath tub. Just too sweet to explain :) (Amorino)

Manu Chao: Wooohoooo, let´s dance! This guy has such light heartedness that you just have to laugh when you listen to his music- parttyyyyy!!! (Clandestino)

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: I feel the need to say this: No, this band is not in this list because they are hyped so much right now! When I heard the album for the first time I thought the singer's voice is just GREAT (see the review on David Byrne further up ;)). They are different...and so direct. Fantastic songs mixed with an interestingly different voice and image...they really deserve every little bit of praise they are getting right now! (st.)

Comedian Harmonists: Call me daft, call me nostalgic, I just loooove them! Their songs are so funny and their voices are abfab *love*

The Delgados: Such a great band that made so many wonderful indiepop songs. How sad they split up! (Universal Audio)

Dogs Die In Hot Cars: The newcomer of 2003. They never really made it as high as I expected them to (they actually didn't make it through as they have split up), and I can't really understand why! As their “big brother” Franz Ferdinand they come from Glasgow and their sound is as good-humoured as FF´s, as strange as XTC´s and as special that it can only be themselves that have created it. (Please Describe Yourself)

The Eels: I love the reserved and silent way of Mr E's songwriting. He hits the point so well, in all of his songs! Furthermore, I´m living in a street called “Eel's way” so I don´t think I have a choice concerning liking them or not ;) (Daisies of the galaxy)

The Flaming Lips: Wow! Bright and sad the same time on CD, wonderful as well on CD as live- this group has really taken my heart, by their music and themselves. Definitely my favorite group! They make you smile and forget your sorrows- breathtaking. (The Soft Bulletin)

Franz Ferdinand: “So find me and follow me, through corridors, refectories, and files you must follow, leave this academic factory you will find me in the matine, the dark of the matinee, it´s better in the matinee, the dark of the matinee is miiiiine!” If you don’t freak out when you hear them, I don’t know whats up with you ;-) Catchy indie rock that will make you love everything that is connected with guitars, rock and ear-ruining loud sounds! (Franz Ferdinand)

The Hidden Cameras: Incredible. Their sound is...so beautiful. I had their "Smell of our own" lying round for one year, and one night I put it on and it suddenly hit me like a flash. And all of a sudden...the world turns round the other direction, the sun shines brighter although it is dark night..I am not on drugs. It is this music that is doing this to me...WOW. (Smell Of Our Own)

Interpol: Dark rock with bright moments. I really loved their first album, but was kind of disappointed in the second- which is great in the same way the first was, but I missed the development. If you consider them as one album though, they are great. (Turn ON The Bright Lights)

Daniel Johnston: Wow...his music blew my head off, honestly. You know that when you sit in front of the stereo and you can't move....your fingers tickle, your head hums, your heart beats faster and you feel the urge to do something...creative. That's it...with him you can FEEL how the creativity came from his head to his music. I wish I had more of his music to listen to right now...but I'll get some more as soon as my bank account starts smiling at me again! (Hi, How Are You)

Aimee Mann: One of the most beautiful voices ever. When she sings I feel like I am home.. And this lady can also rock!! ***** stars for an extraordinary woman! (Lost in space)

Mercury Rev: Often dark, but nevertheless very beautiful- great music to close yourself away for a wee bit time from the problems of the present. (All Is Dream)

Heather Nova: I like her voice although there are probably people out there who find it nerving. It is moving I think- her music is really beautiful…(Storm)

The Pet Shop Boys: The band I have liked for the longest time in my life. They have been accompanying me since now 16 years which is more than half my life time! Although there is so much different music outside there in the world which I truely love too, the "Boys" never left my list of favourite music (Behaviour).

Bic Runga: All I know of this woman is one and a half CDs. And nevertheless, she is my absolute favourite female singer. Such a beautiful voice, cosy wee songs with partly fantastic lyrics- I can't get enough of her music....

Ron Sexsmith: The most beautiful and especially moving male voice. This man has won my heart within the 1st 30 seconds of the 1st song I ever heard of him....the same way, he is fantastic live in concert. When hearing him live, the sound of his voice fills the complete room...not only because a microphone helps there! (Cobblestone Runway)

Elliott Smith: What a coincidence he appears in my list directly after Ron! For me, he kinda is a sad version of Ron (which of course doesn't mean he doesn't have his very own sound!). I truely ADMIRED his guitar skills and he has written some of the greatest deeply touching songs ever. R.I.P.

The Strokes: This is pure rooooockkk!!!! I listened to the whole work of them recently and it was only then I realised how many CLASSICS they have produced. That's why I recommend buying the whole lot of albums (nae worries, they are "just" 3) and listening to them in one go. There won't be a single boring second for you!

They Might Be Giants: Funny music, good humoured...you just need to grin when you hear them! I really admire the skills and the phantasy they have to be able to write such songs!! (No!)

Yann Tiersen: I need to thank this guy for the soundtrack of the movie Amélie (Le fabuleux destin d`Amélie Poulain)…that’s actually everything that has to be said- those songs fit so perfectly into this sweet movie- thank you, thank you…

Brian Wilson: I always connected the Beach Boys with the sound of Surfin´ USA and such until I got Pet Sounds into my hands (Thxthxthx…). This album is incredible, and every song is a masterpiece. Breathtaking and heart-warming… (of course the Pet Sounds)

Wir sind Helden: As one can see above I tend to love musicians not everyone listens to. Same with WSH- I loved them when they were wee. But now…I still like them, but I am too egoistic to love them and then have to share them with all those other people. But nevertheless- their music is clever, especially the lyrics.**big bow* They do deserve their success. (Die Reklamation)

Mainly, that´s it...but there are so many great musicians I only know few of and that I cannot put in here as I only have one CD of them and don´t dare judging them by that…

The Avalanches, Badly Drawn Boy, Bright Eyes, The Coral, Dresden Dolls, Elf Power, Maximilian Hecker, Elvis Costello, The Go!Team, Grandaddy, Jewel, Kraftwerk, Lemon Jelly, Tom Lehrer, Jens Lekman, Malcolm McLaren, Mogwai, Muse, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Notwist, Nova International, Of Montreal, PJ Harvey, Polyphonic Spree, The Sea and Cake, Stefan Stoppok, Stephen Duffy, Steve McCormick, Whistling To The Bird, White Stripes, Wilco, XTC, Yello…