Not trying too hard this week. Gotta work in just a few hours; need my rest.

The Nintendo 64 signified Nintendo’s slip on control of the video game industry. Plus, its controller was fucked up. So people treat it like garbage. Well people suck. Sure, the PlayStation may have been huge, but that doesn’t mean the N64 didn’t have more than its fair share of classic games.

Here’s my top 10 best Nintendo 64 games. Same rules apply as the SuperNES list, only one entry per franchise. Now that you’ve had enough time to guess the results; my list:

10. Perfect Dark
Rare’s final great FPS came out late into the N64’s lifetime. It is arguably the best of their Nintendo 64 games, and holds up pretty well today, if you can get used to using that funked up controller again. Perfect Dark had an awesome story, sweet weapons and incredible multiplayer. If you’re for some reason just now getting into the N64, this is a game to play.

9. Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer
I decided to count the Star Wars games as all in the same franchise, so it was a toss-up between Rogue Squadron and this title. I decided the RS series really came into its own on the Gamecube, so I give this one to Racer. Racer was a very unexpected title, who knew racing would be so important to Star Wars? You get a bunch of awesome alien racers, tons of planets to compete on, and all that jazz. It’s probably even better on the Dreamcast.

8. Donkey Kong 64
This game was so badass it came with the expansion pak thinger, because the N64 wasn’t powerful enough on its own. After reinventing Donkey Kong franchise on the SuperNES, Rare did it again on the N64. This time, by infusing a bunch of elements from the new 3D platformer genre. You get coconut guns, a huge cast of playable characters, and the DK Rap. Too bad the game was so damn long.
7. Pokemon Snap
Why? Because it’s awesome. You ride around in a cart, you take pictures of Pokemon in the natural habitat, which is around the cart tracks. You can throw apples and rage-inducing balls. This is what interactive entertainment is all about. This was the peak of the Pokemon phenomenon. See also: Pokemon Stadium and all the other shitty console Pokemon games.

6. Mario Party
Let’s face it, if you owned a N64, it was for the multiplayer. Games like this show us why. The game is never over in Mario Party, sometimes being the best isn’t even enough to take 1st. Mario Party may have been extremely painful if you play the wrong minigames too frequently, and it may have destroyed friendships, and it may have become a yearly cash-in for Nintendo, but its great.
5. Star Fox 64
This is the game that sold me on the system. This game is perhaps most remembered for introducing rumble to gaming. Good old rumble. Awesome on-rails shooting, funny voice acting, and tons of replayabilty make this game neat. Fairly lousy multiplayer doesn’t. Oh well. Fly those arwings, ride in those tanks! Look at those graphics! AUGH!!

4. Super Mario 64
The game that pretty much invented the 3D platformer. You know this is great, they all know this is great. So, what’s your problem. Why are you making such a big deal about this? Just leave me alone, I’m pretty goddamn tired.

3. Super Smash Bros.
After GoldenEye got old, Super Smash Bros. became the multiplayer game of choice for N64 players. It was totally mind blowing at the time; Mario vs. Metroid? No, you idiot, her name is Samus! Yes, her! She’s a lady. Woah-oh-oh.

2. GoldenEye 007
Remember when I last mentioned GoldenEye? That wasn’t that long ago, really. GoldenEye was the absolute shit back then. Like some sort of Call of Duty/Halo/Team Fortress 2 sandwich. It kicked so much as people still play it. I don’t though, I suck at it now…

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Probably the best game ever made. Everything from the music to the boss fights, it’s pretty much perfect. You’d have to be a psychopath to not enjoy this game. I’m so serious. One of the few singleplayer games I’ve beaten more than once. I think I’m at 3 times now, in fact. It’s that good. It still holds up as quality entertainment today. YEAH!

So I’m done, I’m going to bed. Oh wait, I gotta go get images for these. Shit!

No this isn’t about that 80s movie with Carl Weathers, but a tribute to some of the greatest stars of the action genre. The tough as nails heroes that make us flock to theaters every summer to see fists flying, tongue and cheek dialogue, and plenty of explosions. So I’ll list the greats in order of their actiony goodness, along with a few of their notable action roles and of course one of their sweet one liners. The only real qualification I’m going to hold for this top ten is that these men of action had to of had a prominent role in at least one good movie. So sorry Seagal, Van Damme, and Norris, you may be well known in this genre but I’ll let Hell freeze over before I have to see the rest of Timecop. So without further a do let’s jump in!

10. Keanu Reeves
Action Roles: The Matrix, Speed, Point Break
Sweet One Liner: “Whoa” – The Matrix
: Keanu Reeves has come a long way, from playing a spaced out air head in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure to playing a spaced out martial arts master in The Matrix. Though he may not have the strongest acting abilities, his low key personality seems to fit into the action genre quite well. With roles in high adrenaline blockbusters like Speed and Point Break Keanu made his mark and with the success of The Matrix Trilogy, has managed to shoot into superstar status. Whether he’ll be able to remain successful as an action star is unclear these days, as probably his best years are behind him, but who knows… Perhaps he could do another Speed, but on a train cause there just ain’t enough movies about trains.

9. Jason Statham
Notable Action Roles: Crank, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch
Sweet One-Liners: “Don’t pop a blood vessel, you little penis.” – Crank
: A recent update to this list after I saw the Crank films. Yeah they’re over-the-top dumb fun but isn’t that what action movies are all about? Excessive violence, harsh language and smart ass one liners are just oozing out of these films and Statham is perfect in this role. The rough around the edges Statham has also made his mark in British crime films, notably Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch for director Guy Ritchie. He’s charismatic and often does his own stunts, that’s bad ass

8. Mel Gibson
Notable Action Roles: Braveheart, Lethal Weapon, Road Warrior
Sweet One-Liner: “This is a real badge, I’m a real cop, and this is a real fucking gun! ” – Lethal Weapon
: Before he was the controversial celebrity he’s become today, Mel ruled the silver screen as suicidal cop Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon movies and as Aussie loner Mad Max in the cult favorite Mad Max trilogy. Bringing a substantial amount of energy and intensity into his roles, Mel quickly rose to the top of the Hollywood A-list by the time the 90s rolled around. Soon forging a career as a strong dramatic performer, Mel brought his dramatic skills together (with his action sensibilities) to direct and star in the Oscar winning classic Braveheart. Continuing on to such exciting roles in films like The Patriot and Payback Mel soon enough turned to directing a few more films before virtually disappearing from the media due to controversies, but even if he maybe insane, I still look forward to the next time I get to see him raising his fists to uphold justice.

7. Jackie Chan
Notable Action Roles: Rush Hour, Drunken Master, Rumble in the Bronx
Sweet One-Liner: “I will bitch-slap you back to Africa.” – Rush Hour 2
: Next is everyone’s favorite Chinese import, the innovative and skilled martial artist that is Jackie Chan. With his long and successful career in both Hong Kong and U.S. cinema, Jackie Chan has over the years won our hearts with his comedic timing, humble attitude and brilliant stunt work. Easily the most physically skilled performer on this list, Jackie Chan should probably be dead a hundred times by now, but he still gets out there and risks his life with mind boggling stunts all the time. Probably known to American audiences for the Rush Hour films, Jackie Chan has also established a notable career in China with such films as The Police Story series and the two Drunken Master pictures. Now in his 50s, Jackie Chan has hardly slowed up at all and still entertains the masses.

6. Steve McQueen
Notable Action Roles: Bullitt, The Great Escape, The Getaway
Sweet One Liner: “We deal in lead friend” – The Magnificent Seven
: The legendary “King of Cool” Steve McQueen practically set the standard for what an action star should be with a cool dry wit and die hard attitude. Steve McQueen (Which is his real name) was one of the biggest action movie icons of the 60s and 70s. Rising to popularity in a similar fashion as Charles Bronson, Steve quickly established himself as the ultimate macho man, enjoying plenty of fast cars (He did many of his own driving stunts) hard living and quick women. Probably known best as the street smart cop known simply as Bullitt, Steve established a notable career in hip crime dramas and epic adventure films. Something interesting about Steve is how similar Steve was to the characters he played on screen, as his hard living soon caught up with him leading to his death in 1980. I suppose he was just too cool for this earth.

5. Clint Eastwood
Notable Action Roles: Dirty Harry, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, Unforgiven
Sweet One Liner: “Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?” – Dirty Harry
: I always thought it was neat that an anagram for Clint Eastwood is “Old West Action” and if you ask me it’s quite appropriate, as Clint here is probably one of the most memorable personas in the Western genre. Though let us not forget his infamous role as the most recognizable tough guy cop in all of cinema in the Dirty Harry series. Clint today is an American icon, establishing himself as a talented leading man in the 60s and 70s, Clint always knew how to entertain and send shivers down our spines. The ultimate loner, Clint could go from calm to “mad as hell” in a second if anything crossed his path. Though he’s pretty much retired from action these days,settling into a successful directorial career, I’ll always know him as “The Man With No Name.”

4. Harrison Ford
Notable Action Roles: Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Fugitive, Air Force One
Sweet One Liner: “Get off my plane!” – Air Force One
: At first thought you may not immediately associate Harry as an action star, but looking at his body of work, he’s certainly thrown enough punches to land himself a high spot on this list. With his legendary performances as Indiana Jones, Han Solo, Rick Deckard or President James Marshall, Harrison Ford has more memorable performances than you can shake a stick at. Though you could possibly argue that a handful of his films belong in another genre, they at heart still have their ties to the action genre. Plus you got to respect the fact that at in his 60s, he’s still out there roughing it in films like Firewall looking for his family or Kingdom of the Crystal Skull looking for that Kingdom.

3. Bruce Willis
Notable Action Roles: Die Hard, Armageddon, Sin City
Sweet One Liner: “Yippie-ki-yay Mother fucker.” – Die Hard
: Why old Brucie could of earned this spot simply just for Die Hard, as that is just about the greatest action flick of all time. Yeah I said it, Die Hard practically wrote the book on what action movies should be from then on, and you certainly can’t deny Bruce’s contribution to the genre. With the iconic character of John McClane, Bruce set a perfect example of what an action movie hero should be; relentlessly tough, cool and collected while spouting out hilarious one liners all along the way. Though the Die Hard films may be Bruce’s crowning achievement he’s aided plenty of other flicks in the past just in need of that little extra ounce of Badass!.. And I’ve always appreciated his contributions to cinema.

2. Sylvester Stallone
Notable Action Roles: First Blood, Rocky, Cliffhanger
Sweet One Liner: “It ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit” – Rocky Balboa
: Coming in at number two is everyones favorite Boxing Champ/Military Vet Sly Stallone. With his slurred drawl and laid back attitude, this “King of the Comeback” has made his mark as the star of two of the most successful action franchises of the 80s. (Yes the three R’s of action movies; Rocky, Rambo and uh… Rhinestone.) From his rise to the top with the Oscar winning story of an underdog boxer to his one man gore-fests in the Rambo quadrilogy, Sly has proven to be one tough hombre. The results of his long film career haven’t always been top-of-the-line “Cough, cough Judge Dredd” but every once in awhile this macho Hollywood icon can still crank out the entertainment. Just be careful about renting Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Notable Action Roles: Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Predator, True Lies
Sweet One Liner: “I’ll Be Back” – The Terminator (and about a million more)
: You don’t have to like his politics, but you can’t deny his status as an action superstar. With his thick Austrian accent, bulging biceps and charismatic one liners, Arnold ruled the 80s and 90s when it came to action. Arnold could always manage to entertain regardless of the subject matter or quality of the film. Building up a strong resume of memorable action flicks I’m not sure there will ever be another Arnold again, as the 90s kind of ended an era of action stars. So whether he’s throwing punches with Predator, shooting up a liquid Robert Patrick, or duking it out with Sinbad, “Ahnuld” has forever burned his persona into the minds of moviegoers and action movie fanatics and thus will be remembered for years to come. Hmm the top three on this list all own a “Planet Hollywood” together interesting…

Honorable Mentions
This can kind of be a tough category to wind down for there are so many different kinds of action films. So mainly I’d like to include Bruce Lee as an honorable mention for his brief yet influential career. Though martial arts is more of it’s own genre I still think he deserves mention as a man of action. Jet Li is also worth some note, as he fits more into this list of his mainstream action, but frankly I don’t find him quite good enough to make it on here. Well now I’ve said to much, have a good time at the movies this summer and let’s all hope for some quality action.. Uhh like Hancock I guess.

Since I’ve been in such a Star Warsish mood lately I got to thinking about my favorite lightsaber battles. Every time that phrase comes to mind I automatically think of Phantom Menace, but this most recent run through of the series changed my perspective.

Disclaimer:
The following list does not represent Cat Fancy’s opinion as a whole. This is only Nancy’s opinion and personal lists are encouraged in the comments.

10. Participants: Qui-Gon Jinn Vs. Darth Maul
Location: Outskirts of Tatooine
Episode I

This fight introduced Darth Maul to the series and made whiny kids all like, “WTF? I thought he had a twin bladed light saber, ah man this is lame.” I enjoyed this particular fight despite it being one of the shortest. Qui-Gon also appears to be a little out of shape.

9. Participants: Mace Windu & the Little Bitches Vs. Darth Sidious & Anakin Skywalker
Location: Supreme Chancellor’s Office
Episode III

I found the other Jedi in this fight to be extremely weak and laughable, but Mace Windu proves to be pretty bad ass. This fight has everything from Force Lightening to hideous bone deformities. It is also an intrical part of the plot, as we see Anakin become Darth Vader.

8. Participants: Obi-Wan Vs. Darth Vader
Location: Death Star Hallway
Episode IV

As I write this I keep hearing AJ yelling at me, “Ahh wtf, you dumb-ass. That should be mass-high on the list.” Well besides the fact that it is the first lightsaber battle we have the liberty of witnessing, it is rather dull and even the dialogue makes me drowsy. At this point in the movie I am more interested in how Luke and the gang are going to escape than watching these two geezer’s duke it out.

7. Participants: Yoda Vs. Darth Sidious
Location: Grand Convocation Chamber
Episode III

This fight was hyped up a little too much by Tim and I was a more emotionally preoccupied with the other fight that was going on during it. None the less, it is a pretty visual one with the representative’s booth’s being tossed around like lawn furniture and Yoda just telling that Force Lightening who’s boss. Though I would be pissed if I was a Senator who came in for a vote the next morning to find that my booth and all its important contents was missing.

6. Participants: Obi-Wan, Anakin, & Yoda Vs. Darth Tyrannus
Location: Hanger on Geonosis
Episode II

This of course is the worlds first look at Yoda’s saber wielding abilities. The crowd at the theater roared as he used the force to unleash his weapon and go postal on his former apprentice. But preceding Yoda is Anakin’s impatience, which leads him to having his arm cut off and Obi-Wan injured.

5. Participants: Obi-Wan & Anakin Vs. Darth Tyrannus
Location: Trade Federation Battleship
Episode III

Starting off the movie with a visually stunning space battle leading to one of my favorite lightsaber duels was a great way to kick off Revenge of the Sith. This definitely set the tone for this to be one of the darker installments of the franchise.

4. Participants: Luke Vs. Darth Vader
Location: Cloud City
Episode V

Three rounds of intense fighting and dialogue, this particular fight will always be ranked atop of any fans list. Starts off with Vader trying to encase Luke in carbonite. Then down to a lower level where Vader uses the force to knock Luke out the window, and finally onto the perch where Darth Vader’s true relationship with his foe is revealed.

3. Participants: Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan Vs. Darth Maul
Location: Naboo
Episode I

Basically my only argument that this is a film not worth skipping, this is finally where we see what life was like in for Jedi in the Old Republic. Before they were extinct, the Jedi were very agile and had to know their opponents next move if they were going to last any longer. A very visually stimulating performance by whoever was actually fighting, and one of the better endings to a lightsaber battle.

2. Luke Vs. Darth Vader
Location: Second Death Star
Episode VI

Basically the reason I rank Return of the Jedi as my favorite of the series. So much happens during the span of this fight. In perspective of the original trilogy, we finally find out who this emperor guy is and how he fits into all of this. In perspective of the whole series we finally see Anakin fulfill the prophecy of the one that brings balance to the force. So much hate, suffering, and pain is poured into one scene. A great conclusion to an epic tale.

1. Obi-Wan Vs. Darth Vader
Location: Mustafar
Episode III

As for my generation, this is the scene where it all come together. The whole series is tied up to this one battle. We all knew what was going to happen and who was going to fight. But we didn’t know how it would finally fold out. After Obi-Wan discovers that Anakin has turned to the dark side, he is forced to confront his old apprentice on the volcanic system of Mustafar. The setting makes for an intense fight and John Williams score just reminds us what is going through Obi-Wan’s mind at this point. He has to overcome the fact that his best friend and apprentice Anakin Skywalker is no longer alive, and that this Dark Lord of the Sith must be destroyed before he harms too many more former cast members of Cheers. This scene was so emotional it made Steven Spielberg cry. I still get shivers every time I watch it.

Honorable Mention: Obi-Wan Vs. General Greevus, Luke Vs. Vader Dagobah Acid-Trip, Luke Vs. Sphere thing, Star Wars Kid.

As has become Cat Fancy tradition, we celebrate the birth of our own John Otteni today with a T3. I had intended for this to be somewhat of a surprise but fear he probably saw it coming. John is 19 now, the boring age between the liberating 18th and terrifying 20th years of our lives. Let’s hear what some of John’s closest friends had to say:

• “KANG OF THE DAY!” – Josh Setten/Mr. Dawson
• “He looks like he’d bring a gun to school.” – Peter Olund
• “I’ve never seen anyone so good at Virtual Bart.” – Paul Otteni
• “The Lorax was great! It’s my favorite childhood tale.” – The Dunc (on MySpace)
• “He enjoys cold drinks.” – Peter Williams
• “When we first met, I thought he was gay.” – Jake Waluconis
• “He’s really versatile when it comes to Rock Band, like a Rock Band Swiss Army knife.” – Sean Lemme
• “The thing I like about John is that he’s somewhat of a cynic and yet he always seems to be in a good mood, and you can’t help but be in a good mood when you’re around him. I don’t know how he pulls it off.” – Colin Wessman
• “He feels a mutual understanding for the film Thunderpants.” – Matt Carstens
• “John is a very special person because he is a natural born rebel. Whenever I would suggest a brilliant idea like going to Dick’s, he would always say something like “that’s not a very good idea Kevin” or “I don’t think that’s going to happen.” It is good to always have someone that will hold you down, just like the man. Also, John has built a part of himself into me by teaching me the nudge. It is annoying to some but he and I know how great it is. Thanks John!” – Kevin Lemme

Enjoy your birthday, JDOg.

It’s been a long road to the release of another Indiana Jones movie. Countless scripts and complications (a little place some call “Development Hell”) but now after 19 years we’re finally here! Some may have mixed feelings about Harrison Ford picking up that bullwhip for one last adventure. WHile others might be discouraged from the “mixed reviews,” but the way I see it, we should feel lucky that this film was even made. I really appreciate that this was something Spielberg wanted to make “Just for the fans” and so I have put together 10 reasons why the new Indy flick is worth seeing. Though I warn you this was surprisingly hard to write but anyways, let’s get cracking!

10. You’re about the music
This entry is about none other than the man behind the music of Indiana Jones, John Williams. Now, although Mr. Williams hasn’t been as productive this decade and he’s certainly been getting up there in his years (he turned 76 last February) he can still manage to whip up a fantastic score when a film calls for it. So seeing a movie with a John Williams score today is quite a treat. An Indiana Jones movie wouldn’t be the same without hearing that heroic and triumphant theme. He’s practically the greatest film composer of all time, so I’m sure he wont let us down in this latest adventure.

9. Because you’re “Made of Honor”
Since your still waiting for the crowds to die down for Made of Honor, you decided you’d kill some time seeing some other movie. Plus this one’s got that guy from Hollywood Homicide not Josh Harnett but the other one.

8. It’s back to basics
Though it’s pretty much impossible to get a blockbuster off the ground without the use of digital effects these days, it’s still nice to see that Indy’s latest outing will try and make use of more traditional “hands on” special effects. Sure there are still digital effects, but in keeping with the series they’ll try to cut back just a little. I even hear the original films were studied to try and get the same look down. Sounds to me like some good old-fashioned fun.

7. Word up
It’s hard to believe how many screenwriters have attempted to pen a new Indy flick. From Frank Darabont (Shawshank Redemption), to Chris Columbus (Goonies, Home Alone) to Jeb Stuart (Die Hard, The Fugitive) to Lucas himself. It’s a tough story to pin down, so now that someone has finally done the unthinkable he must of had some pretty good ideas. Looking at David Koepp’s resume’ (which includes films like Jurassic Park and Spider-Man) I think it’s safe to say he knows what he’s doing. For the most part he’s written some pretty solid screenplays and he certainly knows action. Even if this new Indiana Jones movie isn’t great or anything, I at least believe it will be entertaining.

6. Some new blood
I know some may be displeased with the casting of “That guy from Even Stevens and Transformers” Shia Labeouf. It’s still exciting to see who’ll tag along with Indy this time around. and what the chemistry will be like? Will we fall head over heels for Ray Winstone? Strangely enough one thing Indiana Jones has never really had is a notable cast. Not to say that someone like Paul Freeman wasn’t memorable in his role as the villainous Belloq, but did you ever really here about that guy again? I appreciate that the series has often went for smaller character actors, but you have to admit it’s easier to be excited for a movie when it has some cast members you already know or like featured in it. Crystal Skull for one has a pretty strong cast. Academy Award-winner Cate Blanchett as the villain and appearances from other talented actors such as Ray Winstone, Jim Broadbent and John Hurt. Why this is the most star-stutted Indiana Jones yet!

5. Familiar Faces
Steven Spielberg returning as director is probably the most assuring thing you could get for another Indy movie. Could you imagine if he hadn’t? It would still be exciting but with such a talented professional behind the scenes, it really gives you that extra sense of security. It’s Spielberg and Lucas’ baby so it’s a relief to see that this film is in their hands. Another exciting return is Karen Allen reprising the role of Marion Ravenwood. Easily being Indy’s best female companion (with little competition from that Nazi lady and Spielberg’s wife) the choice of her over perhaps say a young 20-something actress is a refreshing change of pace for an action movie. What will be the fate of her and Indy’s relationship?

4. The Mystery of the Crystal Skull?
Crystal Skulls? Huh? Must be pretty interesting if this is what’s gonna drive the new movie, but in what way? I haven’t bothered looking into Crystal Skulls before the movie (mostly because I want to be surprised) but through the all the various artifacts and legends considered over the years (Excalibur, Saucer Men, The Sons of Darkness, Immortal Peaches) you figure that this must be a pretty interesting subject matter. I can’t wait to see how the film revolves these skull things. According to some guy on a sci-fi channel documentary promo (about Crystal Skulls) “They can save humanity” and that sounds good to me.

3. The Memories
Now I know there’s a handful of fans (who weren’t around during the original run) who can’t exactly get the same nostalgic feel, but I think it’s safe to say that any fan of the series has their memories of when they saw it, at least I do. Hey, maybe even really old people can be like “Oh I remember 1957” (The setting for the film) so perhaps that has it’s perks. I guess this concerns older fans but it’s still an important factor for the “more mature” if you will. Relive the memories for one last hurrah and perhaps make some new memories?

2. Indy’s last ride
Seeing that it took 19 years to make a fourth Indiana Jones combined with the fact that Harrison Ford is 65 years old, I think it’s safe to say that this will probably be your last chance to see Indiana Jones on the big screen. So in a way, this a very important installment seeing Indy’s last adventure and how it will all go down in the end. This should as well, be special for people around my age (and younger) because for us, this is our first Indiana Jones theater-going experience… Awesome?

1. If you don’t, you’re basically saying you hate America
We’re talking about one of the most famous characters in American Cinema. Indy’s been parodied by thousands: from television shows, to cartoons, to movies, commercials and beyond. If you don’ t like Indiana Jones than you’re basically saying you hate freedom, like a swift kick to Uncle Sam’s balls. Indy’s an American icon, he’s timeless. I hear a lot of people criticizing the fact that Harrison Ford is too old but does that really matter? It makes sense for his character, he’s an archaeologist. Sure he gets into a lot more fights than probably a majority of people in his field, but it’s not like it’s a movie about 70-something Superhero flying around in purple spandex. Indy was never really that young anyways, being 38 in the first one so you got to support him. I mean, he’s basically our answer to James Bond (without all the class and charm) who doesn’t care if he has to get his hands dirty. He really has that “Average Joe” quality that’s made him so persevering in the first place. Simply put: the Indiana Jones character is a staple of American film, and the truest of American heroes.

I’d like to thank Sean for his additional input with this list. I guess all there is to do now is head to the theaters, off into the sunset, and never look back.

Well, I’m bad at thinking of really specific T3’s that won’t piss anyone off, so that’s not what you’re getting. I think me and John have had the discussion that there just aren’t that as many prolific rock bands to come out of the U.S.A. as England, so here is a list of what I think are the best American rock bands that have ever existed.

10. Aerosmith
Aerosmith have never strayed too far from their signature sound, raunchy blues-infused rock with a hint of blues. However, they do it better than anyone one else, as proved by lasting appeal over the decades. Their earlier stuff on classic albums like “Rocks” and “Toys and The Attic” is certainly what they’ve built their reputation on, but it’s also admirable to see a group that were able to reach the height of their success almost 20 years after they were formed.

9. The Allman Brothers Band
With Greg Allman’s bluesman howl and Dickey Betts’ and Duane Allman’s dueling guitars, the original Allman’s lineup was a true force to be reckoned with. They are usually labeled as “Southern Rock”, but there’s no easy way of categorizing the way the Allman’s so effortlessly combined blues, country, rock, and jazz. Though they were never the same after Duane’s death, they stilled turned out great songs such as “Ramblin’ Man” and “Jessica”.

8. The Grateful Dead
Much like the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead were known for their unique blending of American music and for their impressive live shows. Though Jerry Garcia is the member most identified with the band, they wouldn’t be the same without each member. Each person brings their own style and influences to the melting pot of sound that were The Grateful Dead’s live shows. The Dead were also a band that showed a suprising amount a versatility on the fantastic country-influenced albums “American Beauty” and “Workingman’s Dead”.

7. The Ramones
By combining pop melodies with loud, fast, and distorted guitars, The Ramones created one of the most distinguishable sounds in rock and roll. I can’t imagine what it would be like to hear the first Ramones album in 1976 when the “dinosaur bands” were at the height of their fame; this was a band that showed that you didn’t have to be a wizard on guitar to be in a band. The Ramones have probably influenced punk rock more than any other American band, and kids will still be getting turned on to their music 30 years from now.

6. Sly and The Family Stone
Hearing early Sly and The Family Stone songs like “Hot Fun in The Summer Time”, and “Everyday People” is basically music that you can’t help but have a smile on your face when listening to. There’s a vibrant energy that this band was able to convey, and with a radio friendly pop sheen to boot. Sly and the Family Stone weren’t only known for their terrific songs, but also their integrated band, which further expressed Sly’s undeniable message of unity.

5. The Velvet Underground
Though they don’t really have the same name recognition as the other bands on this list, they’re just as important. You can’t even begin to talk about the Velvets without mentioning their incredible influence. With their first album, they basically planted the seed to what would become punk and alternative rock not to mention dozens of other subgenres and being a big influence to 3 of the bands on this list. But that’s not to mention their discography, with each one of their 4 classic albums, Lou Reed and co. were able to go in a completely different direction.

4. The Doors
It’s really hard for me to believe The Doors were one of the most popular bands of their era, and I mean that in a good way. With Morrison’s dark lyrics and memerizing delivery, combined with Ray Manzerick’s brilliant keyboard work and Robbie Kreiger’s unique style of guitar playing The Doors were one of a kind. They were also one of the darkest bands to come out of the late-sixties psychedelic movement.

3. The Byrds
Though you wouldn’t think of it at first, the Byrds were probably one of the most important bands to come out of ‘60s. Roger McGuinn created an entirely new sound by adding guitars to the booming folk scene of the early ‘60s. You could also argue that “Eight Miles High” was America’s first introduction to the psychedelic music that would control the airwaves from then on. And if that wasn’t enough, they were the band that was the first of many bands to adopt a more down-home, countryish sound following the “Summer of Love” with the landmark album, “Sweetheart of The Rodeo”.

2. Nirvana
What can I say about Nirvana that hasn’t already been said? Kurt Cobain was the “voice of a generation” and a hell of a songwriter, but Dave Grohl and Krist Noveselic really helped bring the songs to life, and great rock songs certainly aren’t much if they don’t have a good band behind them. They’re simply the most important and influential band of our time, and they were the one band to make music that would have been thought of as “underground” to the pop charts.

1. The Beach Boys
The last three entries on the list were neck and neck for me, but this an obvious choice for me. The Beatles and The Stones are probably the only other bands that can match the amount of wildly popular singles the Beach Boys turned out from the early to mid-sixties. Also they had some of the best harmonies probably in any rock band ever. Of course, you can’t mention the Beach Boys without mentioning Brian Wilson, who basically rewrote the rules for what a rock and roll album can sound like with “Pet Sounds”. You can still hear the songs of The Beach Boys any time you turn on the radio or in any store, and I’m sure people will be soaking up those good vibrations for years to come.

Honorable Mentions: “The Eagles”, “Creedence Clearwater Revival”, “Parliament/Funkadelic”, “Lynyrd Synyrd”, “Van Halen”