Mmm my top 4 would have to include:
Regina Spektor: Fell in love with the song Samsom and that was that. I'm a piano player and I think the songs are just beautiful and ecclectic.
Prince: I've been listening to so much Prince lately, it's insane. haha Purple Rain is probably my favorite album ever made. He's just so fun and I consider him a musical genious- he has such an extensive catalog of work. Don't write him off as that 'weird dressing symbol guy'.
Death Cab for Cutie: <3333 The songs are so soft and beautiful and quirky. I wish I could write like that.
Toots and the Maytals: If you like Bob Marley, you'll love them. They are what inspired him. Such fun, upbeat reggae.
and rounding it out- The Fratellis, The White Stripes, Michael Jackson, Queen, The Shins, Anberlin and Jimi Hendrix.
littlemermaid and lavieboheme-
I love RENT so much. Saw the movie and immediately had to see the play (and I did). Are you guys planning to catch Anthony and Adam on the RENT tour 2009?