I love listening to music, mostly rock music. When I am working on my computer – which is my main activity now that school is over – I invariably listen either to streamed music or cds. Since I am always looking for new recommendations, I thought I would return the favor in case any readers are looking for some good rock music themselves.

So here are 4 artists in each of 4 categories, with a few comments on each:

4 classic artists:
• The Kinks are one of the greatest of all rock bands. I recommend seeking out either Muswell Hillbillies, Arthur or The Village Green Preservation Society;
• Pink Floyd is an amazing group which combines catchy melodies with very sophisticated musicianship. Perhaps my favorite album ever is The Dark Side of the Moon, but you can’t go wrong listening to The Wall either;
• The Beatles are every bit as good as their reputation. Nearly every Beatle album is worthwhile, but newcomers might try Revolver or Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. If you’re more pop-oriented, try Help!;
• Tom Petty’s music resembles Pink Floyd in his combination of melody and musicianship, and he never seems to age. Try an early masterpiece Damn the Torpedoes or his most recent one Mojo.

4 underrated artists:
• Chris de Burgh is a much bigger star in Europe than he is in America. Man on the Line was my favorite album of the 1980s and Quiet Revolution is another masterpiece;
• The Waterboys have a big band rock sound that is unique. Fisherman’s Blues or This is the Sea are both outstanding;
• Richard Thompson was originally a member of the folk-rock band Fairport Convention, but his solo material has a considerably harder rock edge. Shoot Out the Lights is an early favorite (recorded with his then-wife Linda), and The Old Kit Bag is a more recent one.
• Frank Zappa is known mostly for his eccentricity, but he is one of the finest musicians ever in rock music. Hot Rats is a masterpiece, while Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar consists entirely of outstanding guitar solos.

4 progressive rock artists:
• Yes is one of the originators of intricate symphonic rock in albums such as The Yes Album and Close to the Edge, both highly-recommended;
• Renaissance combines great orchestration with the fabulous voice of Annie Haslem. Ashes Are Burning and Turn of the Card are two of their best;
• The Strawbs are not as well known as other progressive rock bands, but few are better. Bursting at the Seams and Hero and Heroine are both early masterpieces;
• Jethro Tull combine folk-rock with progressive rock, perhaps better than anybody. Their most famous album is Aqualung, but Thick as a Brick is one long, intricate song that is worth every minute of its length.

4 current artists:
• The Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl’s hard rock band, arose out of the ashes of Nirvana. They are reminiscent of early Tom Petty and nearly as talented. Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace and One by One are both outstanding albums;
• The Decemberists are a great progressive folk-rock band, whose The Crane Wife was my favorite album of the past decade. Their followup Hazards of Love is nearly as good.
• Arcade Fire reminds me of early David Bowie. Their debut album Funeral was an absolutely masterful debut;
• Green Day might be the overall best rock group in the world. American Idiot was so good it spawned a Broadway play, and 21st Century Breakdown is also recommended.