Beethoven proves that Classical music can rock just as hard as any modern musical equivalent. The 3rd movement of his piano sonata, "Appassionata" inspires the listener with rythm and fury. When I hear it, the music seems to play through me.

Indian Sitar music can be just as captivating. Anoushka Shankar (daughter of renowned sari player and spiritual leader) plays with disciplined, yet emotive, intensity. The traditional Indian songs that she plays begin slowly, each note hanging in the air and resonating on top of one another eerily. The songs slowly build up to a complex string of notes that seem humanly impossible to play. I have to add that Anoushka is also stunning, and was the first female to have received the British Commons shield award in recognition of her talent (at the tender age of 18). PROPS to you, Anoushka!

Beethoven and Anoushka receive my "hardest rocking artist" award for the day.

Honorable mentions: Sly and the Family Stone (for racial and gender diversity, and the ability to drop extremely phat beats), Jeff Buckley (for being a fucking god), The The (for attempting to expand the listener's consciousness), and all bands of the Chilean punk rock genre (for shits and giggles).