Anglophile in Exile: My Top 10 Favorite British Bands

As mentioned in my introduction a few days ago, I love British music. To kick off my weekly column, I’d like to share with you my top 10 favorites.  

1. The Beatles

Hands down my favorite group of all time, regardless of country. The Lads from Liverpool rocked my early musical world and continue to do so today. Their records are fresh, fun, optimistic and innovative. Need more reasons?

Abbey Road.

The White Album.

Revolver.

2. The Who

Rebellion at its Mod finest. Like The Beatles, I just love how their sound matured and developed. “My Generation” is so raw with that insane drum bashing ending and “Won’t Be Fooled Again” gave us the best scream in the middle of a political song. But most of all, they gave us the Rock Opera. I cannot imagine life without Tommy.

3. Oasis

No one else could sing “tonight I’m a rock’n roll star” on their debut album but Oasis. The attitude, sibling rivalry and flat out plagiarism make them the leaders of Brit Pop. Even their new material finds a home in my mp3 player.

4. Coldplay

Chris Martin might be the most neurotic rock star ever, but the man can write a melody. Their music was the background to my university years. While they do have a reputation for being “soft”, they are anything but chill in concert – musically tight, loud, complete with Chris going from the piano to the guitar and running around like a mad man.

5. The Kinks

Pete Townshend once suggested that Ray Davies is the poet laureate of music. They are the most British of British bands and Davies’ words paint British life and culture better than anyone. “Waterloo Sunset” is The Kinks at their height.

6. Kaiser Chiefs

The boys from Leeds are on a roll this past year. Their new album produced by Mark Ronson is the best album they’ve put out and it is great walking music. I would argue that they are our “modern Kinks” for their sense of Britishness.

7. Dusty Springfield

My favorite female singer. Her range and emotion are second to none. While it isn’t a very British album, Dusty in Memphis belongs in everyone’s collection. It is pure class.

8. Pink Floyd

Dark Side of the Moon is no question the best concept album, but there is so much more to their catalogue than “Money.” Greatly overlooked are their Syd Barrett years with Pipers At the Gate of Dawn. It is great whimsy British psychedelica.    

9. Radiohead

Our most experimental modern band – I have loved watching them change and grow. Some of it I loved (OK Computer), others I’ve loathed (Kid A). They are sonically one of the most interesting bands making music today.

10. The Rolling Stones

How can you not love the Stones? A group with timeless songs and Keith Richards – what more do you want?

So there they are – my top 10 British Bands. Do you have a top 10?