27. Queensr˙che
Despite the debacle they have turned into lately, QR still makes it this high, merely on the strength of their material from '84-'94. Rage for Order through Promised Land, in particular, is a helluva four-album run, and Warning is a good record, as well. But, for me, it is all about Promised Land; that is hands down one of my 20 favorite records ever. That is the album that made me go from "this band is pretty good" to "this band is damn good."
Favorite albums: Promised Land, Operation: Mindcrime and Empire
Favorite songs: "Anybody Listening?," "Suite Sister Mary," "Promised Land," "Lady Jane," "Out of Mind," "The Mission," "Screaming in Digital," "Empire," "Speak," "Damaged," "Someone Else?," "Eyes of a Stranger" and "I Dream in Infrared."
26. The Moody Blues
Another sort-of retired favorite, this is probably the "retired favorite" I listen to the most. A great band to just chill out or relax to, the Moodies always seem to get unfairly overlooked when talking about the pioneers of progressive rock, but they were one of the first prog rock bands, and a terrific one at that. Their first seven albums, all done in the span of six years (!!), collectively were a remarkable achievement. Their more pop rock material from the late 70s and 80s produced some terrific songs, too, even if the overall consistency wasn't there as much.
Favorite albums: In Search of the Lost Chord, To Our Children's Children's Children and Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
Favorite songs: "Legend of a Mind," "Ride My See Saw," "Gypsy," "Your Wildest Dreams," "Voices in the Sky," "Visions of Paradise," "Beyond," "I'm Just a Singer (in a Rock N' Roll Band)," "Question," "Have You Heard/The Voyage," "The Story in Your Eyes" and "Gemini Dream."
25. Frank Zappa
I wouldn't even know where to begin in describing Zappa's music. Those who are familiar with at least a decent amount of his music will know what I am talking about. I have only heard around 11 or 12 of his records, which is barely scratching the surface. Odds are that I will never hear it all, but most of what I have heard, I like a lot. A true musical genius in every sense of the word, Zappa was.
Favorite albums: Hot Rats, Apostrophe (') and The Grand Wazoo
Favorite songs: "Peaches en Regalia," ""Willie the Pimp," "Zoot Allures," "Penguin in Bondage," "Watermelon in Easter Hay," "Son of Mr. Green Genes," "Apostrophe'," "The Grand Wazoo," "St. Alfonzo's Pancake Breakfast," "Father O'Blivion" and "Crew Slut."