Crossposted at Politicook.net
This is my response to the diary posted by Kossack frankzappatista last night (this morning?). It is completely subjective, and just my preferences.
Anyone is welcome to add their two cents worth, but it is unlikely that you will change my mind. But that is not the point.
This is not a "Top Ten" list, so no band is in in order except for The Who, the one that I consider to be a thinking person's rock band. Townshend wrote most of the material, and most of it was very, very good. Entwistle wrote most of the rest, and it was excellent. I still tear up when Eldest Son plays the few chords that precede "Pinball Wizard".
So, on record I vote for The Who as the bestest ever. Flame me if you want.
The Rolling Stones were also excellent. I was not a big fan until a few years ago, but reviewed their contributions and decided that they have not only a place, but a huge place, in the universe of modern music. Jagger is a good writer, and and OK singer. I find no fault with them, except that Brian died too young.
This pick might surprise folks, but I think that the original (Mark I) Deep Purple were excellent. Not the "Smoke on the Water" band, but the one before, with very interesting music, such as "The Shield" and "Wring that Neck" (retitled later). Richie Blackmore and John Lord were very good at the time, and I really liked Rod Evans' voice. By the way, the couple of Captain Beyond albums that Evans did were very good as well.
Now, the Moody Blues were just wonderful. They still tour. The first iteration was not very good, but the Mark II band had the magic. The Mellotron that Pinder played to sound like the Enterprise's warp engines at the start of "In Search of the Lost Chord" still gives me chills. I wish that I had seen them live. They all five were and are very accomplished musicians, and I appreciate their talents.
The Beatles are not even open for discussion. I defer to others who know about them better, but some of their music will be remembered as long as Bach.
Credence Clearwater Revival were wonderful. The Fogerty brothers did well, and John's voice was one to remember. I still love "Looking out my Backdoor".
Emerson, Lake, and Palmer were also quite good. If you listen to the live recording of Aaron Copelin's "Hoedown" from the double album "Welcome Back my Friends to the Show that Never Ends", I think that you might agree. Emerson was just awesome with four or six keyboards.
Now, for the perverse souls out there, I offer you Arthur Brown. No one will recall him, but the song "Fire" might ring a bell or two. Interestingly, Kit Lambert produced the record, and Pete Townshend was associate producer. Kit was the producer of The Who at the time.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Just some of what I like. Any additions, criticisms, comments, and flames are always welcome.
UPDATE: Thank everyone for the contributions. This was never intended to be a comprehensive list, just a sampling of what I enjoy. Many contributions covered artists with whom I am familiar and simple did not remember, and many others included ones that I will have to find their music. Every warm wish is cherished.
Look for me here Saturday for What's for Dinner, and Sunday for Pique the Geek. I appreciate each person and comment.
Warmest regards,
Doc