29. De La Soul “The Magic Number” (1989)
De La Soul is one of the bigger household names on this list. Your mom Linda has even heard of them. She used to play them on her way to pick up bagels on Sunday morning. Mom’s the best.
28. Dream Theater “Octavarium” (2005)
Long Island prog metal legends Dream Theater straight up wrote an entire EP in this one 24-minute song. It may or may not sync perfectly with Homer’s “Iliad.” It opens with keyboardist Jordan Rudess using something called a Haken Continuum, which is the most Dream Theater-sounding instrument I’ve ever heard.
27. Eric B. and Rakim “Don’t Sweat the Technique” (1992)
A hip hop group without an official name, Eric B. and Rakim were deservedly inducted into the Long Island Hall of Fame in 2010 thanks to sick tracks like “Don’t Sweat the Technique.” The LIHoF is like the regular Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but one of them isn’t in Cleveland. Does Ohio even have poppyseed bagels?
26. Stray From the Path “Guillotine” (2022)
Listening to Stray From the Path makes me feel like I’ve swam out a little too far in the Great South Bay and am gasping for breath, but it’s already too late because the rip tides are slowly guiding me to my wet death. It’s refreshing.
25. Family Dinner “Morning Haze” (2023)
Ever just really want to listen to a catchy tune from a local band on your way to see a show at the Amityville Music Hall? Look no further than Family Dinner. And while you’re in the area, might as well also check out the Amityville Horror house to see if any families have been murdered. Happens every so often. Tonight could be the night.
24. Twisted Sister “I Wanna Rock” (1984)
Singer Dee Snider once stood up to a Reagan-era Congress and the PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center) who wanted to censor lyrics. The PMRC even had Twisted Sister on a list called “The Filthy Fifteen,” which were 15 songs they wanted banned because of “objectionable” lyrics. Prince and Madonna were also on that list. These nerds really would’ve lost their shit if they ever heard Cannibal Corpse.
23. Suffocation “Pierced from Within” (1995)
Suffocation wrote the blueprint for modern death metal, mainly due to drummer Mike Smith inventing a particular style of blast beat. This style of blast beat is almost as famous as the segway, which was also invented here. The only other thing Long Island invented is the Long Island Iced Tea. But there are conflicting reports on whether that was actually created here. Suffocation is definitely from here though.
22. Bomb the Music Industry! “Syke! Life Is Awesome” (2005)
There’s nothing more Long Island than starting a band with Jeff Rosenstock. It’s just what we do to pass the time.
21. Latterman “Fear and Loathing on Long Island” (2005)
Melodic punk band Latterman is one of the most “on again, off again” groups you’ll find. They’re currently “off again.” Long Island is just a better place to live when Latterman is “on again.”