A to Z Music Challenge - O is for Ozzy Osbourne, Offspring, Roy Orbison, Sinead O'Connor, Of Monsters and Men, OMD, Oasis and Joan Osborne

I'm falling further and further behind on this challenge, which was intended to be a daily series...but we'll get to the end of the alphabet eventually.

Oh yes, we will.

Up today, O. Off we go.


Ozzy Osbourne
The prince of darkness, the evil one, the vilified one. The causer of teen angst and depression, the reason for anarchy and disruption, maybe the most hated musician ever, he is. Does he care? Nope.
Not at all.  The lead singer of Black Sabbath, his solo career ended up being a lot longer. He's known to the younger generations as a grumpy dad on MTV, but he's been around for a very long time. Sober and less controversial these days, I've always thought it was so interesting that it's easier to understand him when he sings than it is when he talks.

Offspring
They're getting up there in age these days to still be irreverent punks, but they're determined to stretch that out as long as possible. Seems to work just fine. I love that they incorporate so many different styles of music, and love even more the fact that their lyrics clearly show that they don't give a damn what anyone thinks about them. Then there is the matter of this song....and the million reasons why it is one of my all time favorites.


Roy Orbison
His songs are some of the most easily recognized in pop culture and have worked their way into film and television for decades without sacrificing their relevance at all. He was truly a gift to the world of music, and I'm glad that his music has lived on long after his passing.


Sinead O'Connor
She was angry. She was beautiful. She was unpredictable. She was unexpected and no one knew what the hell to do with her.  Though she's never stopped making music, she will forever be known for this song.


Of Monsters and Men
They are brand spanking new, only together for a few years. From Iceland, the land of some of the most mysterious and intriguing figures in music, they have such an original sound that you can't help but love them. The music pulls you in, but the lyrics make you stay. I hope they stay around a good long time. Though the truth may vary, this ship will carry our bodies safe to shore.



OMD
This one made the list for one reason...my college roommate was completely obsessed with them, and drilled this stuff into my head. I can't tell you much about them other than they will always remind me of living in the dorms with her.


Oasis
I didn't want to include them. Really. But they just have this way of clinging to relevance even when it doesn't seem like they should. I liked them well enough, just like everyone did, until their constant infighting turned everyone away. They're back together, last I heard. The thing about them...they were good. Really good. But being good isn't enough when you act the way they did.


Joan Osborne
She's been singing for decades, staying true to her musical style. Best known for this one, which is one of my favorite songs and a good thought provoking dialogue that I think most people in this country need to really listen to every so often.