I've wanted to, I've tried, heck, I've even pretended, but I just can't get into these next 10 bands.

Before we begin, this isn't a slight on any of the following bands. Their legions of fans aren't all wrong. However, this is a list of the bands I just can't get into. Some have been highly recommended to me. Some are bands that everybody loves. And the rest are bands with concepts, ideas, or even names that I like, but music that I don't. Believe me, I want to join in on the fun, but something's stopping me. If you're a fan of any of these, please by all means, change my mind!

10. Bob Marley and the Wailers
This one's a little unfair, just because of my general dislike for reggae. But there are entire radio shows dedicated to them, and Bob Marley is such a legend. It must mean something. But for me, it's in one ear and out the other.

9. Velvet Underground
Lou Reed is a legend. And so many indie bands claim them as an influence. But I wasn't really into the sunny-ish, simple songs. To be fair, they started in the 60s, and were definitely pioneers of their time. And “Sunday Morning” lifts my mood a bit.

8. Wilco
Wilco is a tricky one. I almost didn't put them on the list, because I did enjoy Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, but not to the extent I think I should have. I thought “Heavy Metal Drummer” was decent and catchy, and I definitely liked “Kamera” but hey, it got a 10.0 on Pitchfork (Yeah, I know...it's Pitchfork). So here's a situation where I want to like them more than I do. I mean, it sounds cool to say “Yeah, I'm listening to Wilco.” Doesn't it? ...Do I not understand what cool means?

7. The Knife
This is another hard choice, because I really, really liked one song. Almost to the point I thought I was really a fan of the band. But slowly, I realized I didn't like anything but “Pass It On”, which is amazing (love the steel drums). The rest were either way too busy and confusing, or repetitive and boring (to me.) But man, Silent Shout was so revered. And it doesn't hurt that it's named after a utensil like my favorite band, Spoon. Maybe I'll try again next album.

6. Yo La Tengo
Man, I really wanted to like Yo La Tengo. Not only have they been around for 25 years, they truly are indie stalwarts. And I consider myself an indie fan. AND I think Spanish phrases as band names is pretty cool. But nope.

5. The Flaming Lips
They're college radio staples, but I think they're just too out there for me. Not even in the experimental sense. That's all I can really say here.

4. Iron and Wine
I'm a fan of soft acoustic songs (like the Kings of Convenience), but man, Iron and Wine's songs just totally don't do it for me. I mean, I can appreciate the talent involved, but the songs just don't appeal to me. This sucks, because I really like their name and Samuel Bean's amazing beard.

3. The Hold Steady
There's something about the sing-speak that this band uses that turns me off. The rave reviews of their albums just make me feel like I'm missing something. (This is where you say: “Taste! You moron!”)

2. Radiohead
I know I'm going to get hate over this. I know I'm in the wrong here. Radiohead fan rioters could gather around my house with torches and I'd open the door. And I know I'm only adding fuel to the fire when I say I've really only liked “Creep”. I've heard the singles from OK Computer and In Rainbows, but they've never really done anything for me. I know singles aren't enough to judge a band, but hey, they're chosen for a reason.

1. Animal Collective
I can't be the only one with this opinion concerning Animal Collective. But their albums consistently place amazingly high on Pitchfork (yeah, I should find another site, huh?) But even my friend tells me they're pretty good, but I just can't hear it. I'm all for experimental music, but I need me some hooks too. Otherwise, I get so bored. I've gone down Youtube and have tried to listen to tune after tune, but the only song I kind of liked was “The Purple Bottle.” That's because it's got this folksy sound I like. Just so I don't completely hate on them, I'll say I do enjoy some songs from Panda Bear. And the image of a “Flesh Canoe” is gross.

Again, feel free to convince me otherwise with song recommendations, I'd love to expand my horizons. Also, what are some of the bands that YOU want to like, but just cannot?