Yesterday I had the privilege of reviewing Jill S. Alexander’s latest novel, Paradise. I absolutely adored everything about the book, including the stunning ending. It’s a must read in my opinion and I’m excited to share it with more readers who have yet to read Jill’s books. Today though, I have the wonderful opportunity of sharing with you a post Jill has put together specifically for There’s A Book readers! Because Paradise centers around the story of a young girl with dreams of being a professional drummer, potentially in a great band, I’ve asked Jill to share her top ten favorite American bands. This is a post I know many of my readers will love just as much as I have. So, without further hesitation on my part, take it away Jill!

One of the great treasures in grass roots Americana is that collection of uniquely talented individuals who somehow find each other and form a band.  Rock.  Blues.  Country.  Rockabilly.  American bands transcend genre.  They are “Born in the U.S.A” artists running down a dream.

As a kid, I bussed tables at an interstate truck stop.  Musicians and bands often came in during the afternoon as they traveled between gigs in Little Rock and Dallas.   I heard their stories, heard their music, and heard their unspoken belief that in pursuing their passions their dreams would become reality.  PARADISE is inspired by those bands and dedicated to all the rural-route kids who dream beyond the county line.

Ten of my favorite American Bands:

10.   Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – I remember a group of guys, one in particular with long blonde hair and a strong nose, coming into the truck stop.  They were from Florida and headed to California.  I’ve always believed those guys to be Mudcrutch, the original name for the Heartbreakers.

9.  Phish – These Vermont boys are wicked – gifted musicians and crazy lyricists.

8.  Alabama – The boys from Alabama grabbed the steering wheel of country music and turned it toward contemporary rock.  They defined the eighties and most of my Saturday nights.

7.  .38 Special – Southern Outlaw Rock. No list of mine is complete without this band.  I had a friend in high school with a white Trans Am.  We’d ride around our small town wasting gas, jamming to Wild Eyed Southern Boys.  Great tunes.  Great times.

6.  Kings of Leon – In my house, the Followill brothers from Nashville have been awarded the title of “Most Likely to get Jill a speeding ticket.”  I can’t help it.  They have a hammer-down, soulful Southern gospel/rock vibe that just takes over, makes you want to clear off a space and clog like a girl possessed.

5.  The Randy Rogers Band – Texas Country.  Honest lyrics, great grooves, and a grassroots following that launched them nationwide.  Think Dave Matthews Band in cowboy boots.  This group in particular inspired The Waylon Slider Band in PARADISE.

4.  The Dave Matthews Band – This iconic American jam band born in Virginia created a fan-base relying on the premise “Know who you are and stick to it.”  Known for their epic summer concerts and fan loyalty, DMB relentlessly plays their style of soft pop and perseveres on their own terms.

3.  Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and Bon Jovi – I’m putting these two together for a reason.  I’ve been to the Stone Pony in New Jersey where Springsteen and Bon Jovi both started their careers.  What strikes me about both bands is the deep connection to their Jersey home conveyed in their lyrics – something I had never really realized until I had been there.  But the Texas girl in me related and loved their songs long before I ever set foot in Jersey.  This speaks to the universal power in Americana.  You don’t have to be from Jersey to connect to Rosalita or Tommy or Gina.  We’re all livin’ on a prayer.  I’d like to think that when folks read PARADISE, they acknowledge the Texas setting and roots but relate to the universal themes of dreams and home and first love.

2.  The Dixie Chicks – Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!  The chicks from Texas threw down their banjo pickin’, fiddle sawin’, kick ass country rock and staked their claim.  Their unique sound – one part bluegrass, two parts honky tonk and harmony – and fiercely independent style brought new life into country radio.  The album and title cut Wide Open Spaces says it all.

1.  The Eagles – The iconic smooth sound.  The lyrics.  The roots from all parts of the country – Texas, Michigan, California, Kansas and Jersey.  My favorite American band.

Thank you so much Jill! At some point in my life I can honestly say that I’ve listened to nearly every band on this list and loved them. This was such a great trip down memory lane!
In honor of the upcoming release of Paradise and in conjunction with this fantastic list take a look at this great video:

Giveaway!

Thanks to Jill I have one Signed copy of her other fantastic book, The Sweetheart of Prosper County to giveaway to one There’s A Book reader! Thank you!

Open to US/Canadian residents, the giveaway will be open until July 9th 2011. Make sure to fill out the form below to enter and view all the details!

This guest post and giveaway are part of the Teen {Book} Scene blog tour! Make sure to stop by the other stops along the way to take in more reviews of Jill’s wonderful work and perhaps snag a chance to win a copy of one of her fantastic books!

Find Paradise by Jill S. Alexander at the following spots:
Amazon
Powell’s Books
Indiebound
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads

Thank you so much to the publisher, Feiwel and Friends and author, Jill S. Alexander for providing a copy of this book for review and the Signed copy of The Sweetheart of Prosper County for giveaway! Connect with Feiwel and Friends on Twitter and on their blog Get to the Point! Connect with Jill on Twitter and on her blog Wonky Tonk as well, for the latest news on all of her fantastic books!
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