The Top 10 (Plus 1): #7 - Wilco

Let me say something first before I introduce the #7 band on my all-time favorite list. I missed out on the first half of Wilco's career, then struggled to get acquainted in the next quarter of it, and finally in the last few years have now realized how important they are. What can I say? Sometimes great things take awhile to hit you.

Wilco and I have a lot of great things in common (well, kinda. It's really a stretch, but go with me on this anyway.). We both are rooted in alternative-roots type music. Of course, Wilco's lead singer, Jeff Tweedy, started his career in the alt-country band Uncle Tupelo before starting one of the most influential bands of the '00s. Both of us had our underrated moment in the sun. Wilco's being the 2002 album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, mine being, let's be honest no one really cares. Finally, Wilco hails from the almighty city of Chicago (and I live in the suburbs). Oh well, the comparisons are close enough.

As previously stated, Wilco's first album, AM, came in the wake of the Uncle Tupelo breakup in 1995. Tweedy and the boys launched in the same direction as Uncle Tupelo, but over time they would move on into a more diverse musical nature. Wilco followed up AM with Being There, another critically acclaimed, but not much heard album. However, it did produce the song "Outtasite (Outta Mind)," which made a serious impact on my life. In 1999, Summerteeth was released with songs like "Via Chicago," "Can't Stand It," and "I'm Always in Love." The album peaked at #78 on the Billboard 200, which put it a step below their previous album. Still, Wilco was moving forward into more listeners ears.

Wilco's biggest leap was with their 2002 release, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, in which they released the album without any backing. Eventually, they were signed on by Nonesuch Records, and they would not look back. Named one of the top albums of the decade by nearly every source available, YHF sold over 500,000 albums and hit #13 on the Billboard 200 - a tremendous success by any accounts. Songs like "Heavy Metal Drummer," "War on War," "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," "Ashes of American Flags," and "Jesus, Etc." (among many, many others...the whole album is great) make YHF my favorite Wilco album, narrowly edging out their 2007 release Sky Blue Sky.



In between those two albums was A Ghost is Born, which won 2 Grammys and included "Handshake Drugs" and "Theologians." The follow-up, Sky Blue Sky, nailed songs like "What Light," "Walken," "Impossible Germany," and the title track. It hit #4 on the Billboard 200.



Wilco's last release was aptly called, Wilco (The Album). Success was great, blah, blah, blah. Wilco had made it, and man was it great.

Favorite album - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. It's pure bliss.

Favorite song - "Heavy Metal Drummer." It's such a tough call, but I'll take this upbeat track. Any song listed is well worth listening to.



Come back next week for #6. You won't regret it, as we step into a bluesy feel.

Save on Your Indianapolis Auto Insurance Policy

Everyone knows Bekan Insurance Group has the lowest rates and best coverage on Indianapolis Auto Insurance policies, so why haven't you jumped on board yet?

Through our fantastic marketing plans and excellent service, Bekan Insurance Group jumped from over 1000th in Google's rankings to the first page. Seriously, check it out. We are #1!!!

What does this mean for you? Well, it means you should shop Bekan Insurance Group first when looking for low rates on Indianapolis auto insurance. We guarantee the lowest prices, best coverage and friendliest service for you. Visit our website here to speak with one of our Certified Internet Agents or call us toll-free at 800.894.8225 to speak with one of our great agents.

Social Media Tips

Looking to stay up to the curve? Well, that's easy! Keep in touch with us through social media. We offer inside tips, savings opportunities, up and coming contests and more all through our Facebook and Twitter accounts. Become a fan at our Facebook page or start following us on Twitter today!

As an additional perk, our next 5 fans on Facebook and next 8 followers on Twitter will be automatically entered into our drawing for a free iPod Touch. Simply email me at blangen@bekan.com with proof that you've joined, and you are in! It's as simple as that. We'll see you there.

Affordable Business Insurance

You can save on your Indiana business insurance today in less than five minutes. Simply visit us here and get a free live quote instantly. We will run your information through 20 of the top carriers in the country and give you the best results we find. Our Certified Internet Agents will contact you and help you start saving money instantly.

Check it out, or call us toll-free at 800.894.8225 today to speak with one of our dedicated agents.

Thursday Link Drop

Well, one more day until all of our weekend plans can take action, but until then we'll have to wait for the rest of the work week to play out. Lucky for you, I'm here to deliver you some links and information around the corporate and political world.

• Here's the only update I'll post on politics. Regarding what proposals in the state budget mean for you.

• This is my favorite link of the batch - what to expect at Apple's upcoming event.

• Finally, we have news of the H1N1 virus strand decreasing throughout the country. Check it out here.

That's all for today. Check out the mother site for more blog updates and such. Have a great Thursday!

The Best Rates on Auto Insurance

Bekan Insurance Group offers the best rates on Indiana auto insurance. It's true. Look it up.

We do this by taking 20 of the top insurance carriers in the country and running your information through them to find you the best price and coverage available. Our dedicated service force goes above and beyond for everything you need, making each policy specially fit for you. It's just a way Bekan Insurance Group goes above the call of other insurance agencies.

So either visit our website and get a free live quote today (honestly, it takes 5 minutes and then you will have yourself an idea of how much your new insurance policy will cost you) or call us toll-free at 800.894.8225 to speak with a member of our great insurance team today!

Tell Us How You Saved!

Let's face the facts, Bekan Insurance Group saves nearly 100% of people that walk through their door (or surf across their website) loads of cash. The thing is, people can not hear this enough. So, with this being said, we are looking for you to help tell the world how much you saved. We want to know your exact experience, right down to any details you feel necessary for sharing.

As compensation for your storytelling, we will enter you into our drawing for a FREE iPod Touch. All you have to do is be open and willing to tell us how much you saved on your insurance policy. Quite the easy task.

Seems fair right? We thought so. Leave your stories in the comments or email me at blangen@bekan.com. Thanks for your support. Hopefully you can help others save cash like yourself.

MLK Day

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an American hero, plain and simple. His pride and courage are virtues that we can all learn from. He proudly stood up for what he believed in and even died for his cause.

Without Martin Luther King, our country would be miles behind in regards to civil rights. His contributions shall never be forgotten. Thank you Dr. King, you are truly a hero. Rest in peace.

The Top 10 (Plus 1): #8 - Pearl Jam

Honestly, I don't have to come up with a huge write-up for this band. Everyone knows them. They owned the '90s. Whether it was the media-based battle for the top grunge band out of Seattle or just their tremendous longevity, people know and love Pearl Jam. Say what you will. I often hear they are too political, or too contrived, or that they just wanted to cash in on alt-rock's success. To borrow a line from my British brothers, that is bloody ridiculous. They have succeeded for nearly 20 years now on an unbelievable drive. Enjoy them. Not many bands come around that have their impact.

Led by Eddie Vedder, who I am unabashedly in love with as a musician, Pearl Jam has been cranking out great album after great album from their debut, Ten, in 1991 all the way to their most recent release, Backspacer, which came out last year. They have been phenomenal all the way through. Additionally, Vedder is a Cubs fan who wrote and sang this song (which will be of tremendous use someday).



Because of this, I'll keep it brief with two things.

Favorite song - "Corduroy" off of Vitalogy. I could have picked about 15-20 songs, honestly, but for some reason this one always was my favorite.



Favorite album - Ten...just like nearly everyone else. It's such a remarkable album.

Come back next week for #7.

Hump Day Notes

Hey folks! It's Wednesday, right in the middle of the week and I'm in great spirits. Our email programs are really falling into place and results are starting to tumble in. Very exciting times for the Bekan family. If you are interested in getting discounts, tips and monthly newsletters send me your email at blangen@bekan.com to get started today.

Tomorrow will be another addition to the Top 10 (Plus 1) list being compiled by yours truly. Be ready for #8 on the list. It's a '90s band with a frontman that I adore. If you can guess who it is, I'll put an entry into our free iPod Touch drawing. Leave your guesses in the comments, or if you are confident you know, email me at blangen@bekan.com.

'Til then, call us at 800.894.8225 for all of your Indiana business insurance needs.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

We're not yet a month into the bitter winter and I am publicly pining for spring. Spring brings life, and as cheesy as that may sound, it's true.

So, as I plead for winter to end early, here is an important link on some new laws on the roadways, courtesy of the great bloggers at InsWeb.

Check it out here.

And remember, keep your eyes on the road. As much as we see your smiling faces, we don't want to see you in the office filing a claim. You can always come visit, though!

And, since it's the opening line from one of my favorite Doors songs, here is "Roadhouse Blues."

Make Buying Insurance Fun

I know. I know. Purchasing insurance can be a drag. As I get older and start to realize how many dollars I have spent in my days, I think, what did I even need that for anyways?

Then of course, as soon as that thinking takes hold, something awful happens and you realize one thing. You need insurance.

Since it is imperative that you do have insurance (even by the law for your automobiles), and that we often look at buying insurance as a pain, there is only one thing left to do: make buying insurance into something you can enjoy (or at least something that does not ruin your mood).

This is our goal at Bekan Insurance Group. We look to make buying insurance different from every past experience you have had. We do not want this to be a hassle; we want it to be something that makes you happy to be saving money and getting the right coverage.

If this sounds like something that interests you, call us immediately at 800.894.8225 or email me at blangen@bekan.com. Bekan Insurance Group offers the best rates on Indiana business insurance, Indiana auto insurance and Indiana home insurance. Find the right price for yourself today.

Worst Weather

Just a simple question for you on a frigid Sunday night:

What is the worst weather you have ever been in? It can be anything. Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, arctic cold? What is it? Leave it in the comments...

100th Post!

We've done it, folks! Thanks to all of our readers who have been here with us, following along with the ins and outs of the insurance world (and other fun stuff, too!).

So, for you today, I'll give you just one thing: a song of the day. It's Rilo Kiley with "Pictures of Success."



Enjoy your day and thanks again. We'll be back tomorrow with more new stuff!

Email Me!

Looking for premium savings on auto and home insurance? What about saving on your business and life insurance?

At Bekan Insurance Group, you can do all of these things just by joining our email list. By joining you will instantly receive monthly newsletters, tips on saving for all of your insurance needs and even special offers for savings.

If you are a current customer, email me at blangen@bekan.com to start today.

For those of you who are not yet in a partnership with Bekan, check out our website or call us at 800.894.8225 to speak with one of our helpful representatives.

We look forward to doing business with you and helping you save today!

Ring in the New Year

Some news, notes and questions for you as we near our 100th post...

We've stepped into a new decade. 2010 is here. Yet, I continue to write and type 2009.

If we were to analyze musicians or bands of the decade, who would represent the 2000's? Just off the top of my head, The Beatles represent the '60s, Led Zeppelin takes the '70s, U2 for the '80s (man, did that decade disappoint), Pearl Jam takes the '90s and I'd give Radiohead the '00s, even though they did a ton of great work in the '90s, too. Leave yours in the comments and top my choices.

Not quite last, our New Year's resolutions were posted last week on the mother site. Check it out.

And finally, today is my parents' 24th wedding anniversary. Congrats to them on a loving relationship.