Are you a Musical Completist?

The other night I was watching an episode of one of my favorite shows, “Live from Daryl’s House.” If you haven’t seen this and like music you are absolutely missing out. Basically, it consists of artists, both new and old, coming to Daryl Hall’s house and playing music. Daryl Hall is a music legend, especially in the world of R&B and Blue-Eyed Soul. You may know him from the band Hall & Oates. He’s had artists ranging from Gavin DeGraw, Parachute and Guster to Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Smokey Robinson himself. It’s on Palladia, and for me it’s an absolute must-watch.

Anyway, during an episode awhile back a guest mentioned he had the complete works of a certain artist. Then Daryl Hall commented, “Oh, so you’re a Completist like myself.” I’d never heard the term before and it fascinated me, partially because I soon came to realize I’m a Completist myself.

Weird huh? I’ve been a Completist for years and didn’t even know it. Once I love a certain artist I don’t stop until I have everything they’ve ever recorded, and that, my friends, is a Completist.

Just for kicks I thought I’d peruse The Shoe Archives to see the complete collections of bands that I own.

Here ye be:

The Beatles

Well, der. Of course I do. I have every album released in both the U.S. and Britain. I couldn’t live without the greatest rock band in the history of the world.

Paul McCartney

Well, yeah. I’ve stuck with Paul from The Beatles to Wings to his current lineup, which I happen to think is the best band he’s ever had. Well, except the first one.

John Lennon

Same as Paul. Love John’s solo stuff with The Plastic Ono Band and yes, even Yoko.

Note: I don’t have the complete works of George Harrison but I’m damn close.

The Beach Boys

I’ve written about the boys in my blog The Beach Boys: America’s Most Misunderstood Band. In my opinion, they’re the best American band, ever. Sorry Aerosmith. There’s a box set from the recording of Pet Sounds that is simply fascinating.

The Byrds

Big Byrds guy here. Incidentally, they were the favorite band of The Beatles in the 1960’s.

Led Zeppelin

Love listening to the progression of Zep over the years.

The Band

I rank The Band right up there with anybody. The debut album “Music from Big Pink” was groundbreaking.

Electric Light Orchestra

I am an unabashed and unapologetic ELO fan and I’m glad they were finally inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame, albeit years too late.

Queen

Has there ever been a band with a sound as unique as Queen’s? Both Freddie Mercury’s voice and Brian May’s guitar are totally original sounds. I’ve been a Queen fan since I laid ears on the song Killer Queen back in the day.

The Eels

I think everyone knows of my love of Mark Oliver Everett and The Eels. The Eels are one of my Top 5 favorite bands of all-time. Their last album, 2020’s Earth to Dora, was amazing.

Pink Floyd

Big Floyd fan from way back. They’ve never been the same without Roger Waters though.

Steve Forbert

I’ve been a big Forbert fan since the late 70’s. He’s sort of a folk/country/pop/rock singer from Mississippi and is an intelligent, thoughtful lyricist.

Todd Rundgren

The fact that Todd Rundgren isn’t in the Rock Hall is an outrage, a travesty and a damn shame. Pure musical genius.

Carbon Leaf

Carbon Leaf is a relatively unknown band from Virginia that has a loyal cult following, and that following includes me.

The Alan Parsons Project

I’ve always been a big fan of these guys. Alan Parsons was a producer who actually worked on both the “Abbey Road” and “Dark Side of the Moon” albums. I’ve followed him since his album “Tales of Mystery and Imagination” which was Edgar Alan Poe set to music. Just stellar.

The Avett Brothers

If you haven’t caught on to these guys yet you’re missing out. One of my favorite groups of the 00s and 10s. 

They Might Be Giants

I’ve followed this quirky duo from Brooklyn since 1985. Their songs are weird, smart, funny, and often deeper than you think at first listen. Highly recommended.

R.E.M.

Listen, every student I’ve ever had will testify of my love for R.E.M. I used to go watch these guys in high school gyms years before they hit it big. Another Top 5 Band for me.

The Doors

I can actually remember the first time I ever heard “Light My Fire” because Jim Morrison’s voice was that distinctive.

Paul Westerberg

It all started when Paul was the lead singer for the legendary Replacements, and I’ve followed him ever since. Seeing him live was one of my life’s greatest concert memories.

Matthew Sweet

Matthew Sweet is one of the most underrated, talented musicians of the 90’s and 00’s. Pure, melodic pop with an alt edge. Just a great voice and a great songwriter.

Social Distortion

Social D’s music is often called “punkabilly” and I’d have to agree. They are awesome live.

Hoodoo Gurus

This Australian band caught my ear in 1985 and never let go. Pretty much a straight ahead rock band with a fun, powerful sound. Love the Gurus so much I once had a cat named Hoodoo.

Nerf Herder

If you like Weezer you’ll love Nerf Herder. Download “New Jersey Girl” and tell me if I’m wrong.

So there you go. I possess the entire musical catalog of all the above bands.

What about you? Are you a musical Completist? If so, for what bands? This fascinates me and I’d love to know.

Let’s hear it!

PS- To read about my favorite Top 10 bands of all-time, click here.