THE BORE

General => The Superdeep Borehole => Topic started by: Akala on August 19, 2010, 07:06:43 PM

Title: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Akala on August 19, 2010, 07:06:43 PM
who the hell is the greatest American band (of all time)? we were discussing it at work today and I'm totally drawing blanks. the US has tons of solo artists that are really influential, but we are trying to think of the American Stones/Beatles...I thought maybe Sonic Youth, but no one knows them.  :'(

The "best" someone has come up with is The Eagles, but we have to have better than them. Runner up so far is Journey.
 
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: CajoleJuice on August 19, 2010, 07:10:38 PM
The Beach Boys?
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Robo on August 19, 2010, 07:13:24 PM
I would've said The Beach Boys if you were trying to find an American Beatles/Stones equivalent in terms of quality and influence from that particular era.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Robo on August 19, 2010, 07:14:59 PM
But seriously, THE EAGLES?!!!  JOURNEY!?!
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: CajoleJuice on August 19, 2010, 07:15:48 PM
yeah, really.

you could have just rattled off grunge bands and done 10x better than that. what the fuck.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 19, 2010, 07:23:59 PM
Dunno if you can count The Band as they were 4/5ths Canadian - but they played "Americana" and were probably the best band ever. Truff.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Akala on August 19, 2010, 07:24:51 PM
no one was willing to give 'newer' bands the GOAT.

I am trying to find a middle ground. Beach Boys is a pretty good one.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 19, 2010, 07:33:42 PM
Jesse and the Rippers
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Phoenix Dark on August 19, 2010, 07:38:28 PM
Bob Segar & The Silver Bullit
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 19, 2010, 07:46:08 PM
There's few that can compete with the bigger British bands as far as popularity, quality staying power like The Beatles/Who/RollingStones/Pink Floyd and I guess U2 and now Radiohead (opinions may vary on these bands but Journey, come on).

Even the Beach Boys were basically Brian Wilson + a revolving cast of Ringos - amazing albums like Pet Sounds for sure but too much time without him and making shit like "Kokamow" and being on Full House. I think they're really only considered because they were contemporaries of the British bands at a time when their best albums held up to those bands best albums.

Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 19, 2010, 07:46:15 PM
meh.

I'm not sure if you mean technical craft, the most popular, or the most critically popular, or none of the above.

My favorite American "rock" band is probably The Ramones although they certainly wouldn't qualify in the first two categories.


If you are talking about some mix of the above three categories I would have to say (even though none of them would be a personal choice I generally listen to) The Eagles, or Metallica, or the Beach Boys (maybe. I think most people really consider that one genius among a group of other people), or The Doors.

As far as Radiohead, you honestly need to give it another decade at least to see how people think of them at that point.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Akala on August 19, 2010, 08:02:19 PM
See, I thought of the Doors, but cancelled myself out thinking they are too gimmicky. I also thought of the Ramones, but they really just fed off of the punk influx.

as far as work goes, I am with rednecks and classic rockers. I think I'm screwed.

 :usacry

Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: CajoleJuice on August 19, 2010, 08:06:12 PM
Allman Brothers Band
CCR
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Himu on August 19, 2010, 08:07:16 PM
[youtube=560,345]0cWzxJvgWc8[/youtube]
[youtube=560,345]dh3bleXWaCk[/youtube]
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 19, 2010, 08:09:39 PM
See, I thought of the Doors, but cancelled myself out thinking they are too gimmicky. I also thought of the Ramones, but they really just fed off of the punk influx.

as far as work goes, I am with rednecks and classic rockers. I think I'm screwed.

 :usacry



Well that's the thing. There are lots of bands if you include just popularity or sales would appear on the list. That's why longevity is somewhat important. Not in the sense of how long they were popular but more in the sense of how long their popularity has extended past the time where they were in the limelight. The Doors work because they are still culturally significant 40 years after they stopped making music. If we include popularity/sales bands like Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, or Grand Funk Railroad could argue they sold a lot of records at one point but they aren't so popular now. And this is of course only taking into account rock music. There have been many great bands in other genres like jazz, blues, etc. But obviously it sounds more like you were looking for rock bands.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Himu on August 19, 2010, 08:10:44 PM
Also, The Doors is the greatest American rock band.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Bacchus7 on August 19, 2010, 08:11:20 PM
Yeah, I'm going CCR.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Himu on August 19, 2010, 08:12:49 PM
CCR is good too.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 19, 2010, 08:13:41 PM
I also thought of the Ramones, but they really just fed off of the punk influx.

The infux actually went in the other direction NYC->UK, and The Ramones are usually credited as being at the genesis of what went down over here. Which reminds me of the Velvet Underground can be added to the list of Greatest American Band, and a personal fave, but again, if I had to argue an objective list (which I wouldn't) I know they wouldn't hold up.

At the same time, when I tried to name off how the titans and GOATs are british, I didn't even mention Led Zeppelin or Queen - there really are no US equivalents and the UK pool is mega deep :usacry
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Himu on August 19, 2010, 08:15:01 PM
:bow Brit rock :bow2
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: EvilBoris on August 19, 2010, 08:19:24 PM
 The IRS vintage of R.E.M if we're going to start listing our favourite American bands. Hate to block up the thread with youtube embeds but just the once...

[youtube=560,345]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfLrBOAUKCo[/youtube]

 
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 19, 2010, 08:21:33 PM
There was a lot of great 80's, 90's college rock. But it seems like the next generation never adopted it like earlier generations did sort of adopting the best of what came before. When people seem to name what they remember from that period they seem to name the really poppy stuff or a lot of the bad metal that dominated that era. 

Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 19, 2010, 08:22:11 PM
I know this might get lolz, but The Grateful Dead are up there too. You just have to know how to filter them.

Also, what about stuff like Sly and the Family Stone? Stuff like that doesn't usually get brought up, but once you start looking sideways it definitely shifts from UK>US to US>UK  :american
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Himu on August 19, 2010, 08:23:57 PM
Toto is the greatest American band.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Himu on August 19, 2010, 08:28:20 PM
[youtube=560,345]lDK9QqIzhwk[/youtube]

Bon Jovi, niggaz

Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Bacchus7 on August 19, 2010, 08:30:37 PM
Why the fuck haven't I even thought about Motown yet. Diana Ross and the Supremes.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Himu on August 19, 2010, 08:32:38 PM
Why the fuck haven't I even thought about Motown yet. Diana Ross and the Supremes.

Motown has you covered.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 19, 2010, 08:33:54 PM
Also, what about stuff like Sly and the Family Stone? Stuff like that doesn't usually get brought up, but once you start looking sideways it definitely shifts from UK>US to US>UK  :american

There are lots of bands that would shift it over potentially but what generally happens in these sort of conversations is that it only focuses on white rock bands. The Meters are one of the greatest bands of all time. James Brown at various times had some of the best bands on the planet with him. Duke Ellington was godly at certain eras.

But generally speaking many of these groups weren't album oriented and they weren't rock which is the most popular/dominant genre.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: max_cool on August 19, 2010, 08:34:26 PM
Tool
Doors
Pearl Jam
Guns and Roses (early years)
Van Halen (see above)
Metallica

Read Hot Chilli Peppers?
Aerosmith???
Does Bruce Springsteen and the E street band count?
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 19, 2010, 08:39:17 PM
Why the fuck haven't I even thought about Motown yet. Diana Ross and the Supremes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Funk_Brothers

There was a good documentary about them a few years back.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_in_the_Shadows_of_Motown_(film)

Also Booker T and the MG's were great as essentially the house band for Stax Records.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Diunx on August 19, 2010, 08:44:08 PM
The Doors.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Phoenix Dark on August 19, 2010, 09:11:37 PM
The Roots are better and more consistent than most American bands named in this thread :teehee

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band might be the best choice though, dunno.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: lennedsay on August 19, 2010, 09:26:12 PM
(http://i36.tinypic.com/34xf3vm.png)
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Beezy on August 19, 2010, 10:16:56 PM
(http://i36.tinypic.com/34xf3vm.png)
Bob Marley is Jamaican. FAIL
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: lennedsay on August 19, 2010, 10:24:00 PM
That's the joke.

The pic isn't even of Bob Marley. Double fail.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Groogrux on August 19, 2010, 10:29:12 PM
I'm not supporting this statement, but in terms of popularity, wouldn't we have to count the Backstreet Boys or the New Kids on the Block?

They were pretty fucking big in their time and lasted a good long while. (A lot longer than I wanted them to.)
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Groogrux on August 19, 2010, 10:30:24 PM
And how the fuck could I forget Weezer?
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Beezy on August 19, 2010, 10:42:20 PM
That's the joke.

The pic isn't even of Bob Marley. Double fail.
I know. I was joking since it's a pic of Jimi Hendrix. 3 HIT FAIL
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: TakingBackSunday on August 19, 2010, 10:55:35 PM
Oh my god, someone said weezer

gtfo of here

the answer is obviously the e street band or the band
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: lennedsay on August 19, 2010, 11:14:39 PM
That's the joke.

The pic isn't even of Bob Marley. Double fail.
I know. I was joking since it's a pic of Jimi Hendrix. 3 HIT FAIL

Thank god we're on the same page here, and I'm not talking about Jimmy, although he's pretty amazing as well. Yet another amazing musician not from the US.  :'(
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Beezy on August 19, 2010, 11:17:58 PM
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ac/DaBand.jpg)

 :greenshinobi
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 19, 2010, 11:26:42 PM
I'm not supporting this statement, but in terms of popularity, wouldn't we have to count the Backstreet Boys or the New Kids on the Block?

They were pretty fucking big in their time and lasted a good long while. (A lot longer than I wanted them to.)

No which is why longevity is important. No one barely remembers or plays any of their songs and in 10 years it will be even more so and in 20 years they will be regarded the same way we regard any teen-bopper fad of its day.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: lennedsay on August 19, 2010, 11:28:28 PM
I'm not supporting this statement, but in terms of popularity, wouldn't we have to count the Backstreet Boys or the New Kids on the Block?

They were pretty fucking big in their time and lasted a good long while. (A lot longer than I wanted them to.)

No which is why longevity is important. No one barely remembers or plays any of their songs and in 10 years it will be even more so and in 20 years they will be regarded the same way we regard any teen-bopper fad of its day.

Wouldn't also talent be a factor?
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 19, 2010, 11:31:46 PM
Well they also suck too so sure.  :)

On a serious level though it depends on what you mean by talent. The Ramones for example aren't a great technical band, but they are a great and landmark band who rocked. So they had lots of talent but it wasn't necessarily playing great guitar.

There are also some very technical instrumentalists who imo make very boring music.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Cormacaroni on August 19, 2010, 11:34:09 PM
The Doors, The Velvets, REM, Nirvana, in that order I think. It's hard to find a more influential band that the Velvets, but they only had a couple of albums and they only gained recognition after they'd split up, really. The Doors were a legit stadium band and were also massively influential. Nirvana obviously don't have the back catalog to really carry weight here but what they did has echoed loud and long, probably more so than REM, although a Greatest Hits of REM would be far more fun than a Greatest Hits from Nirvana.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Fresh Prince on August 19, 2010, 11:36:50 PM
New Kids on the Block = definitive boy band
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 19, 2010, 11:39:20 PM
New Kids on the Block = definitive boy band

There were plenty of boy bands before them going all the way to the 50's. Hell New Kids on the Block is simply the white version of New Edition who came before them.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 19, 2010, 11:41:22 PM
Looking over the list of best selling artists somebody mentioned Aerosmith earlier and that is as good a pick as any. They've been around forever. Sold a shit load of records. Been up and down like the Stones. Been popular, not popular, and popular again. Etc.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Robo on August 19, 2010, 11:43:28 PM
I was hesitant to mention The Velvets because John Cale is Welsh and arguably contributed more to the band's sound than anyone else save for Reed.  I guess you'd still consider them an NYC band anyway, so I'd say they're definitely top contenders.

Sonic Youth wasn't a bad choice.  They had enormous influence on the sound of alternative rock in the 90's and have several masterpiece albums in their discog, but you still don't hear them on the radio... ever!  Likewise with bands like Pavement and Dinosaur Jr.

Also, The Replacements.  The motherfuckin' Replacements.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Cormacaroni on August 19, 2010, 11:48:03 PM
Yeah, mention the Replacements to anyone over the age of 40 and see how much of a response you get. :lol

In fact, mention the Replacements to the first 20 people you see on the street and if you get a single person who can tell you the name of one of their songs, I'll be very surprised.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Robo on August 19, 2010, 11:50:42 PM
"Ale.. oh, what's the song in Rock Band?  Alex Hilton?"
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 19, 2010, 11:51:20 PM
Yeah, mention the Replacements to anyone over the age of 40 and see how much of a response you get. :lol

In fact, mention the Replacements to the first 20 people you see on the street and if you get a single person who can tell you the name of one of their songs, I'll be very surprised.

There are a lot of "hip" bands that I like and that were really influential for a specific time and period in a specific scene but aren't really well known outside of hardcore music circles. Nirvana is the prototype for one of those bands that was able to actually crossover in a big way to the mainstream like you mentioned.

What I always regret about Cobain taking his life is curiosity out of where he would have gone musically as he matured. People often wonder the same thing about Hendrix of course.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 19, 2010, 11:53:24 PM
I only knew The Replacements for years and years as the former band of that guy on the Singles soundtrack that seemed really out of place. :blush
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Akala on August 19, 2010, 11:56:19 PM
I actually thought of REM when out to dinner.  think what is making this more difficult than it should be is that the 'goal' conversation is with people who don't know shit about music. that, with the generational disparity, is a recipe for failure. I just keep thinking there is this band on the tip of my brain that I'm forgetting. I kinda doubt we all would have forgotten though.

Aerosmith is actually a decent parallel...although I kind of hate them. Bringing up the Velvets would be lol. :usacry

Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 20, 2010, 12:03:34 AM
There is also KISS of course. Whom I don't like and view as mostly gimmick but they sold a lot of records and are universally recognized world wide although more for their gimmick than their music.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Akala on August 20, 2010, 12:06:32 AM
oh god that may be a winner
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Fresh Prince on August 20, 2010, 12:09:45 AM
What about jazz bands?
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Phoenix Dark on August 20, 2010, 12:39:04 AM
The stuff Hendrix was working on before he died (Cry of Love, basically half of First Rays of the New Rising Sun) was pretty good.

I'd imagine Nirvana would have gotten shitty eventually, like the rest of the bands of their era.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Joe Molotov on August 20, 2010, 12:46:48 AM
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: TakingBackSunday on August 20, 2010, 12:46:54 AM
what do you mean, eventually?  they were already shitty.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 20, 2010, 12:47:55 AM
what do you mean, eventually?  they were already shitty.

You're the last person who should be speaking on them but I digress....
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 20, 2010, 12:48:13 AM
I'd imagine Nirvana would have gotten shitty eventually, like the rest of the bands of their era.

I saw a later interview with Cobain where he wanted to get away from their sound and bring in New Wave influences - who knows if it would have panned out.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 20, 2010, 12:48:42 AM
I'd imagine Nirvana would have gotten shitty eventually, like the rest of the bands of their era.

I always thought they were much better than all those other bands so I'm not so sure.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: tehjaybo on August 20, 2010, 12:49:53 AM
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 20, 2010, 12:51:46 AM
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

!
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Phoenix Dark on August 20, 2010, 12:52:59 AM
I'd imagine Nirvana would have gotten shitty eventually, like the rest of the bands of their era.

I always thought they were much better than all those other bands so I'm not so sure.

imo Soundgarden shat on them, and while Nirvana>Pearl Jam, Ten>Nirvana's catalogue.

AIC is criminally overlooked too.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: CajoleJuice on August 20, 2010, 12:54:33 AM
:bow Soundgarden :bow2

And Nirvana's best two albums are their two live ones -- Muddy Banks and Unplugged.

On this past 4th of July, I drove out to Montauk with a few friends, and on the way back we just had Muddy Banks fucking BLASTED the entire time. Shit is still so fucking awesome.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: BobFromPikeCreek on August 20, 2010, 12:54:38 AM
Why are some of you claiming The Band? The Band is ours, goddammit.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: TakingBackSunday on August 20, 2010, 12:54:49 AM
what do you mean, eventually?  they were already shitty.

You're the last person who should be speaking on them but I digress....

I guess this makes complete sense

oh wait, it really doesn't.


Quote
Why are some of you claiming The Band? The Band is ours, goddammit.

Because while so many others tried at that time, The Band made the best American rock album in the 60s:
:bow (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1a/TheBand.jpg) :bow2
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Phoenix Dark on August 20, 2010, 12:57:37 AM
[youtube=560,345]aQ6jEuBC4iE[/youtube]
:rock
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: BobFromPikeCreek on August 20, 2010, 12:58:58 AM
:bow Canada :bow2
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 20, 2010, 12:59:03 AM
I'd imagine Nirvana would have gotten shitty eventually, like the rest of the bands of their era.

I always thought they were much better than all those other bands so I'm not so sure.

imo Soundgarden shat on them, and while Nirvana>Pearl Jam, Ten>Nirvana's catalogue.

AIC is criminally overlooked too.

Soundgarden is a fine band who I also like. Just not as much as I liked Nirvana. As far as the rest of the those bands it was never even close for me. I enjoyed Pearl Jam's intensity while simultaneously never liking very much of their music.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 20, 2010, 01:00:28 AM
4/5ths of them including the songwriter were Canadian - but it was Americana through and through, and Levon Helms authentic drawl was a pretty key ingredient. It's really a case of both being right.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: tiesto on August 20, 2010, 01:01:09 AM
Jesse and the Rippers
:bow :bow :bow
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: TakingBackSunday on August 20, 2010, 01:02:52 AM
[youtube=560,345]EisXJSsULGM[/youtube]

fucking perfect
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Phoenix Dark on August 20, 2010, 01:07:25 AM
I'd imagine Nirvana would have gotten shitty eventually, like the rest of the bands of their era.

I always thought they were much better than all those other bands so I'm not so sure.

imo Soundgarden shat on them, and while Nirvana>Pearl Jam, Ten>Nirvana's catalogue.

AIC is criminally overlooked too.

Soundgarden is a fine band who I also like. Just not as much as I liked Nirvana. As far as the rest of the those bands it was never even close for me. I enjoyed Pearl Jam's intensity while simultaneously never liking very much of their music.

Kurt was probably the best pure songwriter out of that batch of bands, although Chris Cornell was close.

Ten is amazing, but I can't get into much else from Pearl Jam. They have many great songs from the rest of their albums, but the actual full albums are eh.

I kind of want to put AIC above Nirvana too...but I haven't listened to their stuff in awhile
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Stoney Mason on August 20, 2010, 01:14:58 AM
I'd imagine Nirvana would have gotten shitty eventually, like the rest of the bands of their era.

I always thought they were much better than all those other bands so I'm not so sure.

imo Soundgarden shat on them, and while Nirvana>Pearl Jam, Ten>Nirvana's catalogue.

AIC is criminally overlooked too.

Soundgarden is a fine band who I also like. Just not as much as I liked Nirvana. As far as the rest of the those bands it was never even close for me. I enjoyed Pearl Jam's intensity while simultaneously never liking very much of their music.

Kurt was probably the best pure songwriter out of that batch of bands, although Chris Cornell was close.

Ten is amazing, but I can't get into much else from Pearl Jam. They have many great songs from the rest of their albums, but the actual full albums are eh.

I kind of want to put AIC above Nirvana too...but I haven't listened to their stuff in awhile

I simply like Nirvana more than those other groups because they were the best for me at combining appealing pop music with their grunge. Because of that their music appeals to me on a level beyond just grunge or rock. Their music is catchy in a way that the rest of grunge music wasn't without becoming what pop-grunge became after they left the scene.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Diunx on August 20, 2010, 01:27:49 AM
I thought Soundgarden was a canadian band for some reason.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Phoenix Dark on August 20, 2010, 01:34:55 AM
I'd imagine Nirvana would have gotten shitty eventually, like the rest of the bands of their era.

I always thought they were much better than all those other bands so I'm not so sure.

imo Soundgarden shat on them, and while Nirvana>Pearl Jam, Ten>Nirvana's catalogue.

AIC is criminally overlooked too.

Soundgarden is a fine band who I also like. Just not as much as I liked Nirvana. As far as the rest of the those bands it was never even close for me. I enjoyed Pearl Jam's intensity while simultaneously never liking very much of their music.

Kurt was probably the best pure songwriter out of that batch of bands, although Chris Cornell was close.

Ten is amazing, but I can't get into much else from Pearl Jam. They have many great songs from the rest of their albums, but the actual full albums are eh.

I kind of want to put AIC above Nirvana too...but I haven't listened to their stuff in awhile

I simply like Nirvana more than those other groups because they were the best for me at combining appealing pop music with their grunge. Because of that their music appeals to me on a level beyond just grunge or rock. Their music is catchy in a way that the rest of grunge music wasn't without becoming what pop-grunge became after they left the scene.

Yea, I definitely like that sound as well. They weren't a "soft" band by any means, but even their louder stuff is quite melodic.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: etiolate on August 20, 2010, 01:40:52 AM
The Beach Boys
The Doors
The Byrds/Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
CCR
Lynrd
REM
Pearl Jam
Velvet Underground
The Ramones

I think America has more individual artists. I listed CSN&Y, but really it's Neil Young's own work that stands out. Actually, I should list the preceding The Byrds.

Also, fuck the eagles.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Mandark on August 20, 2010, 04:44:48 AM
Supergrass
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: etiolate on August 20, 2010, 04:48:24 AM
PJ belongs because Backspacer was good. PJ grew, lasted and managed to still put out a good album in their older years. They also kick ass live.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Olivia Wilde Homo on August 20, 2010, 06:51:39 AM
Aerosmith and Van Halen

Most people talking about the greatest bans tend to include bands that lasted a while, produced a fair number of hits that resonated with a good portion of the population that hold up well to those fans, and not just limited to some obscure corner on the internet.

I think Pearl Jam and Soundgarden should be included as well but I think they should be around for a while longer to ensure that they stand the test of time.  Nirvana didn't last long enough.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: EvilBoris on August 20, 2010, 10:07:31 AM
level of recording output? Fuuuuuuck that. highbrow and lowbrow, nirvana has sustained the most colourful appreciation from circles as the key american rock band of the 1990's. i'm just a casual fan of that whole scene but I wouldn't block them over some sadsack barrier and elevate their less intriguing peers.

 Nick Drake (1969-1972) certainly isn't coming down from my own and many other's pedestal y'know.
 
light reading! found this old chestnut where some asshole (quite rightly) rips into the Doors to great applause.
http://www.evilbore.com/forum/index.php?topic=3891.0
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: CajoleJuice on August 20, 2010, 10:20:59 AM
That thread is so awesome.

I miss White Man :'(
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Robo on August 20, 2010, 11:07:10 AM
I love that thread, but White Man is a trollin' fiend.  He picks out most of their better songs to rip into, leaving the stuff that actually isn't very good unmentioned.  Morrison's deity status in popular culture makes them an easy target.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Boogie on August 20, 2010, 11:27:56 AM


I think America has more individual artists. I listed CSN&Y, but really it's Neil Young's own work that stands out.



... :-\
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Mupepe on August 20, 2010, 11:32:31 AM
Matchbox Twenty.

feggits.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Mandark on August 20, 2010, 04:20:51 PM
Aw, Boogie, don't be sad.  We're letting you keep Rush!
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: archie4208 on August 20, 2010, 04:45:37 PM
And Nickelback.  :teehee
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: TakingBackSunday on August 20, 2010, 04:50:37 PM
And Bryan Adams.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Bloodwake on August 20, 2010, 06:12:39 PM
Jesus, Nirvana was so much better than Pearl Jam. Fuck, I think Pearl Jam's Ten was MUCH more poppy than Nirvana's library.

Seriously, Nevermind was like their only really "mainstream" sounding album, and that's because it basically was produced to perfection. They couldn't replicate those performances live.

If you want to see where Nirvana was heading before Cobain, listen to In Utero and listen to Unplugged in New York. That may be the easiest conclusions to make, but it seemed like Nirvana was really going towards plugging in a few songs that sounded like Bleach on steroids (Scentless Apprentice, tourette's) with songs that sounded like they were made for the acoustic set (Pennyroyal Tea, Dumb)

One of these two sounds would have won out, and I would think the latter would have (MTV Unplugged in New York), although You Know You're Right would be a good argument against that. I could see new wave coming from Cobain, but crazy, off the wall shit was just as likely.

Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: TEEEPO on August 20, 2010, 06:46:11 PM
velvet underground.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: TEEEPO on August 20, 2010, 06:49:51 PM
or fugazi.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Bloodwake on August 20, 2010, 06:50:13 PM
Pearl Jam is a hard band to judge because their musical legacy is so tainted by the string of bands that followed their sound.

Oh, I like Pearl Jam, but they aren't Nirvana. Hell, I love Ten. Still, not fucking Nirvana.

Best way to put it: when I get drunk, I sing Pearl Jam's Ten in order to make fun of it even though I enjoy it. Eddie Vedder's voice is an easy target. I put in my Nirvana: Unplugged in New York DVD when I'm drunk and I want to listen to some awesome music. I also sing along to it because it's awesome and I know all the words. AND IT'S AWESOME.

Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Eric P on August 20, 2010, 06:52:42 PM
black flag.

edit: or the ramones.  whom i personally loathe, but i cannot deny their influence.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 20, 2010, 06:53:52 PM
well, in Vedder's defense even on Vs. he doesn't sing like he does on Ten - he's distanced himself from that "constipated-Cher" sound as much as he can without disowning the (good) songs.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Bloodwake on August 20, 2010, 07:06:22 PM
well, in Vedder's defense even on Vs. he doesn't sing like he does on Ten - he's distanced himself from that "constipated-Cher" sound as much as he can without disowning the (good) songs.

Still, Eddie Vedder still sounds like Eddie Vedder to me.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Phoenix Dark on August 20, 2010, 07:45:51 PM
Most people talking about the greatest bans tend to include bands that lasted a while, produced a fair number of hits that resonated with a good portion of the population that hold up well to those fans, and not just limited to some obscure corner on the internet.


So you're basically saying The Eagles are the greatest American band
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Robo on August 20, 2010, 08:09:36 PM
.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: TakingBackSunday on August 20, 2010, 09:16:43 PM
oh holy fuck, how has no one said Wilco yet

[youtube=560,345]C-8Ot62Ns8M[/youtube]
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: MyNameIsMethodis on August 20, 2010, 09:21:11 PM
Talking Heads.

Anyone who says otherwise is a fucking idiot.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: MyNameIsMethodis on August 20, 2010, 09:21:28 PM
Grateful Dead also.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: TakingBackSunday on August 20, 2010, 09:45:43 PM
Grateful Dead :rofl

might as well just say Phish
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: MyNameIsMethodis on August 20, 2010, 11:07:42 PM
Shut the fuck up Wilco.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: BlackMage on August 20, 2010, 11:42:12 PM
Linkin' Park bitches!
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Boogie on August 21, 2010, 01:22:43 AM
Linkin' Park bitches!

:rock


spoiler (click to show/hide)
:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

I'm probably the biggest mainstream whore on here, but even I couldn't say that with a straight face..
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Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Fresh Prince on August 21, 2010, 02:00:09 AM
Parliament

Yeah I am right.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: chronovore on August 21, 2010, 12:29:40 PM
(http://i36.tinypic.com/34xf3vm.png)
Holy LOLy. That's epic fail.

But a good suggestion for best band.

How about Stevie Ray and Double Trouble?

Does the Muppet Band count?
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: lennedsay on August 21, 2010, 12:46:38 PM
Thought of a great band this morning while I was half asleep. Moody Blues. They're from England too though. :(

Wow we really suck. We should have never broke off England.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Mupepe on August 21, 2010, 12:58:53 PM
Nirvana sucks. Seriously. A few good songs but fuck they are whiny angsty crap. 
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Phoenix Dark on August 21, 2010, 04:56:08 PM
Normally I'd say "FUCK YOU" but then
[youtube=560,345]969RAKkYESU
[/youtube]

gimme dap Mr Thomas :bow
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Mupepe on August 21, 2010, 05:07:23 PM
*fist bump* bro!
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Bloodwake on August 23, 2010, 04:02:34 PM
I am glad someone else brought up Darth Vedders shitty voice - it's my main gripe with PJ

"Wuuuhuuna uh huuuhaaaheeeeeeyaaaa thu thinnnn ya humuuuaaahuuuuhaaaa"

it's like he's only able to sing through a 40ft sponge.



It's part of the reason I like Pearl Jam but part of the reason I can't list them as like THE BEST BAND EVERRRRR and definitely why I can't list them above Nirvana or even Alice in Chains for the time period.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Eric P on August 23, 2010, 04:04:22 PM
The Ventures
The Cramps
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Eel O'Brian on August 23, 2010, 04:05:42 PM
hell yeah
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Robo on August 23, 2010, 04:33:58 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hellyeah  ???
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Dickie Dee on August 23, 2010, 05:56:10 PM
I am glad someone else brought up Darth Vedders shitty voice - it's my main gripe with PJ

"Wuuuhuuna uh huuuhaaaheeeeeeyaaaa thu thinnnn ya humuuuaaahuuuuhaaaa"

it's like he's only able to sing through a 40ft sponge.



It's part of the reason I like Pearl Jam but part of the reason I can't list them as like THE BEST BAND EVERRRRR and definitely why I can't list them above Nirvana or even Alice in Chains for the time period.

I fucking love AiC, but if you are rating them on the "Mmmpha ya yeaurrrr yearrrr yearrrr" scale Layne Stanley's voice is even more ridiculous.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Eel O'Brian on August 23, 2010, 06:19:13 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hellyeah  ???

hahaha, i was agreeing with eric

the cramps don't get nearly enough love
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Cormacaroni on August 23, 2010, 09:05:46 PM
yeah, now we're well into ridiculous 'list a bunch of bands that *I* like' territory
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Eric P on August 23, 2010, 10:09:12 PM
No Cramps no tons of other garage tinged punk rock which means large swaths of indie rock would not exist.  I stick by The Cramps.

The Ventures just make me feel good in my pants.  Mmmm tremolo
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Cormacaroni on August 23, 2010, 11:03:11 PM
The world would be largely the same if the Cramps had never existed, please.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: etiolate on August 23, 2010, 11:07:23 PM
if we're listed the cramps, might as well list the violent femmes
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Eric P on August 24, 2010, 07:28:40 AM
The world would be largely the same if the Cramps had never existed, please.

the world would largely be the same if you removed any band.

Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Cormacaroni on August 24, 2010, 08:06:26 AM
The world would be largely the same if the Cramps had never existed, please.

the world would largely be the same if you removed any band.


Unless they were a British band like the Beatles or the Rolling Stones or the Who or the Sex Pistols :tophat
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: Bloodwake on August 24, 2010, 10:19:19 AM
not a band, but the correct answer would probably be Elvis.
Title: Re: The Greatest American Band
Post by: chronovore on August 25, 2010, 09:08:00 PM
Dread Zeppelin. Elvis was great in that band.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
:teehee
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