Pop List: Divisive Bands & Artists

This weeks pop list asks and answers the question : Who are some of the greatest bands and artists and why do you hate them so much?

	10. Ani Difranco pros- uncompromising and empowering lyrics, prolific output, aggressive yet highly listenable music. cons- Angst-ridden and overwrought, Albums that sound the same, lyrics that seem to be inspired by a hormonally challenged teenager’s journal entries. see also: any artist with an acoustic guitar and a “‘Poetry for Dummies” book on their tour bus
	9. Ween pros- a chameleon-like ability to mimic countless genres and eras, Gene and Dean’s dynamic, hilarity. cons- silliness, novelty music isn’t music, a lack of earnestness. see also: They Might Be Giants, Dead Milkmen
	8. The Doors pros- Jim Morrison cons- Jim Morrison
	7. Morrissey pros- witty and intelligent lyrics, that indelible Morrissey croon, he was in The god-damn Smiths cons- overwrought lyrics, repeated focus on morbid or bleak themes, that excruciating Morrissey croon see also: The Cure, Joy Division etc
	6. Kimya Dawson pros- adorably sweet persona, personal and honest songwriting devoid of hubris, classic melodies and chord structures under-produced in contrast with modern overcooked production cons- a grating childlike affectation, half-baked songwriting, an apparent lack of any real talent
	5. John Cage pros- advanced conceptual and avant-garde music greatly, epitomized the “think outside the box” mentality cons- behind his concepts there’s little of substance, more interested in his legacy than his music see also: anything that sounds like a three year old playing a piano that your friend tells you is genius
	4. Yes pros- sophisticated compositions as influenced by classical music as rock, virtuosic musicianship cons- esoteric songwriting, overindulgence, pretentiousness, silly lyrics see also: any given prog rock band
	3. Kanye West pros- he’s produced dozens of great tracks for other artists, charismatic delivery, a gift for composing infectious songs that transcend the genre cons- a repulsively massive ego, vacuous lyrical content, 808′s & Heartbreaks see also: any MC with delusions of grandeur
	2. Metallica pros- Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, …and Justice for All cons- The Black Album, Load, Reload, St. Anger, Death Magnetic see also: any metal band that’s ever gone mainstream
	1. Phish pros- virtuosic musicianship, first-rate improvisation, an ability to bring something new to a song each time it is performed, a playfulness bands often lack cons- over-indulgent performances, tediousness, mediocre songwriting, annoying fans, interminably long songs, they’ve never put out a good studio album see also: Grateful Dead, every Jam band ever