The last segment of my favorite musical group list covers my current list. While I still listen to the groups on the previous two lists, the final list is more contemporary. This time there are only three entries on my list and surprisingly this was the easiest of the three lists to make. I think it was easier because nostalgia didn’t get in the way. The first list from my youth was harder to put into order and I found several bands that could have earned honorable mention. And…

3. Goo Goo Dolls – Coming in at number 3, I looked through my iPod and realized I have a lot of their songs downloaded. It’s good driving music and good to have on in the background. I have old favorites like Name and not so old favorites like Better Days.

“Baby’s black balloon makes her fly
I almost fell into that hole in your life
And you’re not thinking ’bout tomorrow
Cuz you were the same as me
But on your knees

A thousand other boys could never reach you
How could I have been the one?
I saw the world spin beneath you
And scatter like ice from the spoon that was your womb”

2. Train – My number 2 choice may leave my friends scratching their heads because I love a well written song and Train has some pretty commercial, somewhat cheesy, lyrics. But I love Meet Virginia and really like their sound. It’s distinctive. When a Train song comes on the radio, you know it’s Train even before the deejay says it.

“Well she wants to be the queen and 
then she thinks about her scene 
Well she wants to live her life
then she thinks about her life
Pulls her hair back as she screams 
I don’t really wanna be the queen”

1. OAR – The top group on this list should be a surprise to few. OAR has been around since 1996 playing but became more well known while playing as students at Ohio State. (As a Hoosier fan, I try not to hold that against them.) Early on, they grew their reputation through word of mouth, shunning traditional advertising and marketing strategies. I have so many favorites: Crazy Game of Poker, Hey Girl, Love and Memories, Gotta Be Wrong Sometimes and Shattered. I have seen them live four times and would go again in a heartbeat. It’s always a great show. There are a few photos from one of their shows here in Louisville located in my older work photo slideshow.

“We got more than a lifetime,
To make it all feel right.
So don’t apologize,
You gotta be wrong sometimes.
We got more than a lifetime,
To live inside these lines,
We were right all along.
You gotta be wrong
Gotta be wrong sometimes.

Every little thing you say,
Got me lifted and I’m on my way.
Baby come with me, you don’t have to stay.
You follow me like a memory.”

After reading my list, I hope my friends will come up with a list of their own and post some of their favorites.