Manic Street Preachers - great image, great lyrics, great sound. Metaphor of survival. Maybe Nicky Wire indeed has a big mouth, but we'll never forget that "Libraries gave us power" bit.

Oasis - maybe not the new Beatles, but if nothing for the energy and "you need to find your way for what you want to say" lyric.

Radiohead - one of the most interesting bands today. Beautiful voice, not to mention that Jonny's guitar always hits the right spot. Cannot fail.

The Verve - just have a look at THE video. There's nothing more to add.

Nirvana - possess so much energy on records but with an emotional string. Also able to carry out a wonderful acoustic show. To be praised.

Beck - for being able to make money from his own madness. For mixing all sorts of music and still making it sound absolutely fantastic.

Garbage - great tunes, easy to remember and very good to sing along to!

Portishead - experimental, interesting, relaxing. Made a totally different sound they are now recognized for.

Supergrass - young, fresh, exciting. Deserve all the attention they've got.

REM - long existence, with almost every album in the must-have category.

Joy Division - made a huge influence on today's music. Specific sound, with Ian Curtis' dark voice and Peter Hook's bass playing as if it was a guitar.

The Beatles - any words of explanation are not needed. Not just pretty-faced-one-look-wonders. For every generation in every occasion. Special recommendation to their 'Revolver' and 'Sgt. Pepper' period.

Kate Bush - had the voice of an angel. Smartly written lyrics, reminding us of the magnificance of classic British writers such as Emily Bronte and James Joyce.

David Bowie - the king of Glam rock (or should I say the chameleon?). One of the first people to pull down the boundaries between sexes, not acting like he was expected to.

The Smiths - no one has ever dealt with boredom, death, loneliness and despair the way they did - with so many references to English culture and people and so many beautiful guitar riffs.

James - great tunes. Used to be very underrated. After 15 years of existence, they sound now better than ever.

Primal Scream - amazing mixture of rock, funk, and other styles with all those interesting sounds.

Tori Amos - the woman of the '90s. Her beautiful, strong voice and her perfect piano playing are just beyond words.

Travis - nice tunes, pleasant to listen to in the background while working or studying.