Greatest American Band

Chandos the Red · Fri, 12th Mar '10, 7:16am

We've had these threads in the the past, but it's been a while. England has lots of great bands, as everyone knows, and they are always at the top of any "All-Time Greatest" list: The Stones, The Who, The Beatles, Genesis, Pink Floyd etc. But this is for American bands only.

I was on another forum with this topic and it was amazing how many chose bands that were NOT American, and there was no clear-cut winner for the top slot. My choice, love them or hate them, for the most accomplished American band is the Grateful Dead. They accomplished almost as much as The Stones, The Beatles, Zeppelin, and so on, over three decades, with dozens of recordings, and a strong following to this day, 15 years after their demise with the passing of JG. The strong second choice, clearly, in my opinion, is REM.

Feel free to list individuals if you like: Bruce, Dylan, etc, but the focus is really on bands. Other top bands, maybe: BOC, Nirvana, the Ramones, The Cars, GnRs, Areosmith, the Byrds. I know these are all older bands, but I'm in my 40s, so what do I know?

T2Bruno · Fri, 12th Mar '10, 1:56pm

The Eagles, The Doors, ZZ Top, Cheap Trick ... those come immediately to mind as well. I would put the The Doors at the top spot.

starfox64 · Fri, 12th Mar '10, 2:08pm

I believe that KISS is the greatest American band. I actually saw them again just recently. They're still rocking after all this time!

"You want the best, you got the best!"

ChickenIsGood · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 12:45am

Creden... CCR

The Doors deserve mention, but I'm not a big fan of their stuff. Neil Young (and Crazy Horse!) certainly are on my list.

Lynyrd Skynyrd isn't a great band, but has a couple of my favorite songs.

Basically my list would go something similar to 1)CCR 2)The Eagles 3)Neil Young 4)The Doors 5)Journey (I love Steve Perry's voice)

Honorable mention that would be justified include Springsteen, The Cars, GnR... a little off now but I have to throw something towards the Seattle bands, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. Like the Smashing Pumpkins too.

Splunge · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 2:56am

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChickenIsGood

Neil Young

Neil Young is Canadian.

Anyway, I didn't really realize until now that most of my favorite rock bands are British or Canadian. I like (but am not a die-hard a fan of) Aerosmith, Van Halen, Eagles and Journey. But I admit to being a huge fan of early Chicago.

Since CTR didn't specify the genre, I'll go with the Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" band as the greatest.

Chandos the Red · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 3:02am

Splunge - Jazz is fine. And regarding jazz mostly American bands should be at the top, IMO. And just like you, I was struck by how hard it was to come up with American bands who could top the best of the Brits and Canadians. I like Rush and NY and they would be near or at the top of any general list.

Splunge · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 3:17am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chandos the Red

regarding jazz mostly American bands should be at the top, IMO.

Absolutely. As a complete opposite to my rock preferences, I can't think of too many non-US jazz artists that would be on the top of my list. Oscar and Maynard (both Canadian, and old school) come to mind, but the rest are American - Metheny, Coltrane, Cobham, Return To Forever - I'm just listing who I like at random here, and it's far from being a complete list.

The Great Snook · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 5:29am

Quote:

Originally Posted by starfox64

I believe that KISS is the greatest American band. I actually saw them again just recently. They're still rocking after all this time!

"You want the best, you got the best!"

I would also include Van Halen, Aerosmith, and The Ramones.

Edit: I just realized I forgot Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Rawgrim · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 11:26am

Manowar, deffinatly.

Caradhras · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 12:12pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rawgrim

Manowar, deffinatly.

I have to second that. Other bands play Manowar kills.

The Great Snook · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 1:06pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caradhras

I have to second that. Other bands play Manowar kills.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I recall correctly they are an American band that primarily has a following in Europe. I would hazard a guess that most Americans have never heard of them.

Kullervo · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 1:23pm

For me, it's Metallica. Even if Manowar says it's false metal

.

Caradhras · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 2:21pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Great Snook

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I recall correctly they are an American band that primarily has a following in Europe. I would hazard a guess that most Americans have never heard of them.

I don't know about the majority of the American public but I've met many people from all over the world (including Americans) who have heard of Manowar. I'm not American so I can't really say and I'll take your word for it. There is no denying that there are many European fans of Manowar and that probably proves your point.

I guess most people in America know the Village People. Does that make them one of the greatest American bands? I think we'd agree it doesn't.

Anyway Manowar gets my vote. If I were to pick a more popular/mainstream group I'd definitely pick The Doors and If I had to choose one American artist (and not a band) it would be Jimi Hendrix.

Saber · Sat, 13th Mar '10, 6:38pm

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Chandos the Red · Mon, 15th Mar '10, 5:56pm

Quote:

I don't know about the majority of the American public but I've met many people from all over the world (including Americans) who have heard of Manowar. I'm not American so I can't really say and I'll take your word for it. There is no denying that there are many European fans of Manowar and that probably proves your point.

I guess most people in America know the Village People. Does that make them one of the greatest American bands? I think we'd agree it doesn't.

Anyway Manowar gets my vote. If I were to pick a more popular/mainstream group I'd definitely pick The Doors and If I had to choose one American artist (and not a band) it would be Jimi Hendrix.

I've never heard of Manowar, but I really don't stay current on the popular/mainstream bands.

Blades of Vanatar · Mon, 15th Mar '10, 7:15pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChickenIsGood

a little off now but I have to throw something towards the Seattle bands, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. Like the Smashing Pumpkins too.

But not Nirvana???

Van Halen would top my list. Followed by Aerosmith, Metallica, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, GnR and the Doors. Honorable Mentions of CCR, Rush, The Eagles, Van Morrison and Journey.

Rawgrim · Mon, 15th Mar '10, 7:26pm

Huey Lewis and the news. Those guys started out singing at subway sations I belive. Could qualify as one of the greatest american bands, I guess.

Splunge · Mon, 15th Mar '10, 7:46pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rawgrim

Huey Lewis and the news.

Yeah, right after The Monkees and The Partridge Family.

@ Blades - Rush is a Canadian band, and Van Morrison is Irish.

Chandos the Red · Mon, 15th Mar '10, 7:47pm

Quote:

a little off now but I have to throw something towards the Seattle bands, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.

And not Heart? I forgot about them, but they should be on the list as well.

Quote:

Huey Lewis and the news.

They probably sold more records during the 80s than anyone else.

Blades of Vanatar · Mon, 15th Mar '10, 9:38pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splunge

Yeah, right after The Monkees and The Partridge Family.

@ Blades - Rush is a Canadian band, and Van Morrison is Irish.

But Splunge, Van morrison sings "Brown-eyed Girl". I thought the Irish have blood-shot eyes....

---------- Added 1 hours, 44 minutes and 4 seconds later... ----------

http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/03...-snubs/?hpt=C2

Interestingly, some of the favorites mentioned are not in the Hall, though they are eligible....

No Kiss, No Chicago, No Moody Blues.

LKD · Mon, 15th Mar '10, 9:51pm

Luke Skywalker: I'm looking for a great band. A band with high sales.

Yoda: Ohhh. Sales not make one great!

OK, that little bit of silliness aside, I wanna take on this thing a bit, starting with Huey Lewis and the News. I am a HUGE fan of this band. Their songs can cheer me up in a way that nothing U2 has ever done could ever possibly do. Yet . . . .

The English teacher in me can't help but note that the poetic quality of much of U2s work is . . . significantly superior to that of my friend Huey.

In terms of sales, U2 has the advantage. In terms of staying power, still U2. In terms of poetic/social value of their work, STILL U2! Yet if someone offered me tickets to see one or the other, I'd go see Huey and the boys. I have a feeling the concert would be more fun.

So on what criteria are we basing great here? Tough to nail it down.

I have to say in terms of bands that I (A)think are American and (B) just plain enjoy:

The Cars, BOC, Skynyrd, CCR, Grateful Dead, Springsteen, Van Halen, Journey, Foreigner, Aerosmith, and of course, because of my Mormon background, Donny and Marie!***

***I'm JOKING people!!

starfox64 · Fri, 26th Mar '10, 5:10pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blades of Vanatar

Interestingly, some of the favorites mentioned are not in the Hall, though they are eligible....

The Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame is a sham! Also, it's in CLEVELAND!

Chandos the Red · Fri, 26th Mar '10, 7:40pm

Quote:

The English teacher in me can't help but note that the poetic quality of much of U2s work is

The same is true for the English major in me, and while U2 may not be American, we have the Grateful Dead. Here's good link on their song lyrics and some of the imagery, metaphors and major themes behind them [like the imagery and mystery of the "rose cycle" that appears on many of their album covers and artwork], and also some of the literary sources that infuse the Grateful Dead's work.

http://artsites.ucsc.edu/GDead/agdl/

From Amazon Review:

Quote:

Do you know the way to Fennario? Or wonder where the Nuthatch winters? What is the "Buck Dancer's Choice?" And where do the four winds dwell? If these are questions that leave you wondering then David Dodd's The Complete Annotated Grateful Dead Lyrics may just be the skeleton key you've been looking for. Every Deadhead knows there is something profound hidden within their lyrics, even if most of the nuances go by unnoticed. Why are the obscure tales of their characters' (Jack Straw, Black Peter, August West, et al) trials and tribulations on the psychedelic Americana landscape so intriguing? What is the deal with the reoccurring imagery that popped in and out of their songs for decades (the crows, light and darkness, rolling rivers, gambling, playing cards, space, and, of course, roses)? It is clear the Grateful Dead's lyricists Robert Hunter and John Barlow tapped into the well of the collective subconscious for material, but rarely were any explanations provided. Fans were basically on their own to put the pieces together themselves, until now.

Maybe you can use them in your class, LKD (along with the music). I would.

ChickenIsGood · Sat, 27th Mar '10, 3:19am

Quote:

But not Nirvana???

I do not enjoy their music at all

gorgon82 · Tue, 6th Apr '10, 5:47am

Quote:

Originally Posted by starfox64

I believe that KISS is the greatest American band. I actually saw them again just recently. They're still rocking after all this time!

"You want the best, you got the best!"

+1

But my vote goes to SLAYER!!

Fri, 12th Mar '10, 7:16am	#1
Chandos the Red This Wheel's on Fire Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 8,209 Like: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post vBActivity - Stats XP: 21,118 Level: 40 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 69.57% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	Greatest American Band We've had these threads in the the past, but it's been a while. England has lots of great bands, as everyone knows, and they are always at the top of any "All-Time Greatest" list: The Stones, The Who, The Beatles, Genesis, Pink Floyd etc. But this is for American bands only. I was on another forum with this topic and it was amazing how many chose bands that were NOT American, and there was no clear-cut winner for the top slot. My choice, love them or hate them, for the most accomplished American band is the Grateful Dead. They accomplished almost as much as The Stones, The Beatles, Zeppelin, and so on, over three decades, with dozens of recordings, and a strong following to this day, 15 years after their demise with the passing of JG. The strong second choice, clearly, in my opinion, is REM. Feel free to list individuals if you like: Bruce, Dylan, etc, but the focus is really on bands. Other top bands, maybe: BOC, Nirvana, the Ramones, The Cars, GnRs, Areosmith, the Byrds. I know these are all older bands, but I'm in my 40s, so what do I know?
	__________________ "It's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it." - George Carlin

Fri, 12th Mar '10, 1:56pm	#2
T2Bruno SPS Account Holder The only source of knowledge is experience Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Chicago -- far west suburbs. Posts: 9,314 Like: 19 Liked 77 Times in 59 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 22,263 Level: 41 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 57.72% Daily Activity 53.57% Weekly Activity 29.86% Monthly Activity 34% Achievements Awards	The Eagles, The Doors, ZZ Top, Cheap Trick ... those come immediately to mind as well. I would put the The Doors at the top spot.
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Sat, 13th Mar '10, 3:02am	#6
Chandos the Red This Wheel's on Fire Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 8,209 Like: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post vBActivity - Stats XP: 21,118 Level: 40 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 69.57% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	Splunge - Jazz is fine. And regarding jazz mostly American bands should be at the top, IMO. And just like you, I was struck by how hard it was to come up with American bands who could top the best of the Brits and Canadians. I like Rush and NY and they would be near or at the top of any general list.
	__________________ "It's called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it." - George Carlin

Mon, 15th Mar '10, 9:51pm	#21
LKD Gems: 31/31 Latest gem: Rogue Stone Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Winterfell Posts: 6,203 Like: 20 Liked 31 Times in 22 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 16,657 Level: 36 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 92.44% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 17.35% Achievements	Luke Skywalker: I'm looking for a great band. A band with high sales. Yoda: Ohhh. Sales not make one great! OK, that little bit of silliness aside, I wanna take on this thing a bit, starting with Huey Lewis and the News. I am a HUGE fan of this band. Their songs can cheer me up in a way that nothing U2 has ever done could ever possibly do. Yet . . . . The English teacher in me can't help but note that the poetic quality of much of U2s work is . . . significantly superior to that of my friend Huey. In terms of sales, U2 has the advantage. In terms of staying power, still U2. In terms of poetic/social value of their work, STILL U2! Yet if someone offered me tickets to see one or the other, I'd go see Huey and the boys. I have a feeling the concert would be more fun. So on what criteria are we basing great here? Tough to nail it down. I have to say in terms of bands that I (A)think are American and (B) just plain enjoy: The Cars, BOC, Skynyrd, CCR, Grateful Dead, Springsteen, Van Halen, Journey, Foreigner, Aerosmith, and of course, because of my Mormon background, Donny and Marie!* *I'm JOKING people!!
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Fri, 12th Mar '10, 2:08pm	#3
starfox64 Gems: 12/31 Latest gem: Moonstone Contra Champion! LOTR: The Hidden Ring Champion! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 466 Like: 2 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 1,467 Level: 12 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 96.67% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	I believe that KISS is the greatest American band. I actually saw them again just recently. They're still rocking after all this time! "You want the best, you got the best!"

Sat, 13th Mar '10, 12:45am	#4
ChickenIsGood Gems: 23/31 Latest gem: Black Opal Cannon Commander Champion! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington (state) Posts: 1,596 Blog Entries: 1 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 3,757 Level: 19 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 56.75% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	Creden... CCR The Doors deserve mention, but I'm not a big fan of their stuff. Neil Young (and Crazy Horse!) certainly are on my list. Lynyrd Skynyrd isn't a great band, but has a couple of my favorite songs. Basically my list would go something similar to 1)CCR 2)The Eagles 3)Neil Young 4)The Doors 5)Journey (I love Steve Perry's voice) Honorable mention that would be justified include Springsteen, The Cars, GnR... a little off now but I have to throw something towards the Seattle bands, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. Like the Smashing Pumpkins too.

Sat, 13th Mar '10, 11:26am	#9
Rawgrim Gems: 21/31 Latest gem: Pearl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Norway Posts: 1,363 Like: 0 Liked 8 Times in 8 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 3,337 Level: 18 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 58.13% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	Manowar, deffinatly.

Sat, 13th Mar '10, 1:23pm	#12
Kullervo Gems: 9/31 Latest gem: Iol Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Finland Posts: 308 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 878 Level: 10 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 32.81% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	For me, it's Metallica. Even if Manowar says it's false metal .

Sat, 13th Mar '10, 6:38pm	#14
Saber A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 4,897 Like: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 11,218 Level: 31 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 30.61% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Mon, 15th Mar '10, 7:26pm	#17
Rawgrim Gems: 21/31 Latest gem: Pearl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Norway Posts: 1,363 Like: 0 Liked 8 Times in 8 Posts vBActivity - Stats XP: 3,337 Level: 18 vBActivity - Bars Level Completion: 58.13% Daily Activity 2.55% Weekly Activity 0.73% Monthly Activity 1.73% Achievements	Huey Lewis and the news. Those guys started out singing at subway sations I belive. Could qualify as one of the greatest american bands, I guess.