3. Talking Heads
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7pVjl4Rrtc Talking Heads stand in stark contrast to the ridiculous dream-pop of the 1980s. Their music is a unique concoction of punk, jazz and world music, distilled into a distinct and incredibly catchy catalogue. They contributed an unorthodox songwriting style and a use of unusual sounds that has opened the door for hundreds of alternative bands to follow. There is, unfortunately, no love lost between frontman David Byrne and the rest of the band members. As the 1980s wore on, the band increasingly came under the creative control of Byrne, who has since been accused by other band members of being an unloving egomaniac. Their quality does slip a bit after 1983's awesome Speaking in Tongues. Byrne and long-time producer Brian Eno have had prolific careers since Talking Heads' acrimonious 1991 breakup, but their work with the full band was catchier and more accessible. Unfortunately, it seems that some musicians just aren't meant to play with others.