Um...Bard4/Warblade16 or Bard4/Crusader16 are both very potent melee builds. They end up getting the best of both worlds with Song of the White Raven. The warblade does more damage with Xing Mongoose and Time Stands Still while TWF with short swords or kukiris, while the crusader is the ultimate friend of the party, inspiring all kinds of courage while utilizing Devoted Spirit shanananananananagans. Someone over on CharOp did a very extensive review on the main builds and differences, but I can't for the life of me find it. I think it was by JanusJones, but my brain is fuzzy from working with AutoCAD all day.
EDIT:
FOUND IT!
http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread...ghlight=bardic