How is Metallica not on the list, much less an honorable mention? They alone are responsible for making metal/speed metal mainstream. They are just as important as Nirvana.

NOPE - due to corporate radio's overkill, almost all of these bands now qualify for nothing but most boring; the others, similarly falling victim to standard rock critic worship, qualify for the same. What we need is a postmodernist re-evaluation, a cultural archeological dig to finally break fresh strata. Allow then a real contender to kick off the new vision: BLOODROCK as number 1. Let's go (fresh)... from there.

There is no way Metallica is as influential as Nirvana. If you look at the span of their careers and the fact that Nirvana had 3 real albums, 1 b-sides album, and an unplugged album from the 1989 - 1994. They have achieved far more in that painfully short period of time than Metallica has to this point.

"7. Marvin Gaye - "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" (1968)
Motown's greatest singer's greatest singing performance."

I would argue with this completely and totally. There are so many other songs by Marvin Gaye that I like so much more. Specifically, "What's Going On."

Metallica could very easily be on the honorable mention list, but I think Black Sabbath is a more important metal band.

Rock and Roll? Aretha Franklin? Outkast?
Are you for real?
Marvin Gaye? Dude - get a life you 'sell-out' kiss ass! People LIKE categorys for a reason. Bob Marley? Sly and the Family Stone? Rock? I mean - I listen to these entertainers, too - but, ROCK is ROCK! I wish the media would stop trying to 'gender cross' musics all over the f*&^'en map!
It's insulting.

Damn it and another thing. I hate the Rolling Stones. Really, I can't stand them at all. I do understand their contributions to rock and roll, but to say that one of their songs is number 1 is preposterous. Maybe top twenty, but how is this song ahead of Stairway and that song isn't even on the list. Stairway and Zeppelin put the effing Stones to shame.

Dude, you just took yourself out for a nice Italian Dinner... You dated yourself. Radiohead much?! The Bends, OK Computer, Kid A etc. (heck even the sketchy Pablo Honey). That retro era doesn't have a lock on thoughful innovation and raw emotion, you know.

How come Queen wasn't even mentioned?
Thanks to them, stadiums all over the world have not one, but two himns repeatedly being played on every match... "We will rock you" is the thing you hear when everybody is slapping their seats rhytmically... And what song other than "We are the champions" come right in handy when your favorite team wins??

(sorry for this second post)
PD: Of course, Queen is not great only because it's affinity to sports...

Craig, you really need to check into the STones a little more. How much have you listened to them? You have too good taste to dismiss them so completely - give them another shot.

RE those complaining about the "rock" category: there will never be agreement on what should or should not fit. I interpreted "rock" fairly broadly. Perhaps the songs should have been called the "Rock Era." I have no problem thinking of Sly and Bob as rock bands.

Eric,

Why even write such an article? You know you'll only get abuse for it. I hope they paid you well, at least.

"I wish the media would stop trying to 'gender cross' musics"

What is gender-crossed music?

What!!! No Jimi Hendrix Expereience, Come on, PLEASE! Hendrix did more in 4 measly years than Ueffing2, Marley, Velvet Underground could possibly do in 40. The only thing Hendrix didn't do with an ax was invent it. This is crazy.

Mwanji, I have no problem with the controversy - you sort of answered your own question as to why they would ask me to write it (smile). While there has been all kinds of disagreement, I have already had a ton of very complimentary notes even from those who disagree. All I'm really concerned about is whether or not I did a good job of supporting those I did pick.

mighty fine drivel, mr. olsen.

;-)

Nope, nobody is perfect...Still, I can't get over the fact that one of the most innovative, artistic and talented bands ever, the Queen, was never mentioned. Shame on you for this oversight.

Otherwise it was an interesting article.

Thanks Southern Belle, As much as I like some Queen, I don't think they overall rate the very top echelon. Thanks for your kind words otherwise!

Thanks Mark, you are coolest!

hey, ya coulda thrown 'ole Al a bone and at least had them add Elvis Costello to the msnbc "who's missing" pole.

I put him in the "solo+backup" category.

You dated yourself. Radiohead much?! The Bends, OK Computer, Kid A etc.

Radiohead's "OK Computer" = Low Rent King Crimson.

Hey Eric,

Ever hear of a little band called Aerosmith? Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? 30+ years of making music? 60 million + records sold? Pioneers of the rock/rap genre? Any of this ringing a bell?

Bill, If Aerosmith had made more albums like Get Your Wings, Toys In the Attic and Rocks they would have received more consideration. As it is, I see them a second tier. But it's just opinion, okay?

Aerosmith is probably the greatest American rock band, but unfortunately for them, they cam after Zeppelin and the Stones. They should win an award for longevity, but there would be no Aerosmith without a Zeppelin, Stones, etc.

Where do you come up with Velvet and the Dead? I saw these bands live and they sucked..They sold no records and influenced very few others. Ask either of them to open for The Who and you have all the makings of a nice little riot. Your need to be hip and diverse clouds any real conviction and I find your list nothing but a political comprimise of misguided PC dribble. If Sly and Bob Marley are ROCK then so is Maria Carey and the Spice Girls.

What drugs were you on in the seventies!!!!! Most of your list isn't even what any moron would call rock & roll!!!!!!!! Bob Marley is reggae, aretha franklin is soul and nirvana was grunge.............Get A Clue!!!!

I can't stand the dead, but their contribution to the culture of the music industry and their fanbase and everything is too big to be ignored.

Nirvana was Grunge ROCK. I could see arguing the others, but to argue that Nirvana isn't rock and roll because they are considered a sub-genre (grunge) of rock and roll, then you are more than ignorant.

How about Iron Maiden or Black Sabbath? Both bands were far more influential than Nirvana (after all Grunge was very Sabbath-esque). And no Queen is pretty tough to stomach as well.

No Aerosmith? Dude, I know you limited it to ten bands but not even an honorable mention? For me, I have enjoyed Aerosmith's music over the years as much if not more than anyone in your top 10. Again, its all subjective, but that's my opinion.

MH, I - obviously - disagree on several levels. To state that the Velvets and Dead aren't among the most influential bands of all time is just plain wrong. There is no punk or alternative rock without the Velvets and no group EVER has more loyal fans than the Dead, who have spawned the entire jam band way of life.

You are also just wrong about Sly and reggae. The Family Stone was as much a rock band as anything else, as their Woodstock performance amply demonstrates; and reggae is directly derived from New Orleans-style rock 'n' roll.

The songs probably should be titled the "Rock Era" rather than just rock - I'll give you that one.

It is interesting to see this much support for Aerosmith, they have a few great albums but I don't really see much influence: if they were removed from rock history it wouldn't look all that different.

Andrew, Black Sabbath is on the honorable mention list. I would put Metallica ahead of Iron Maiden for metal.

Eric,

Congratulations on showing your true age... I have never seen a top ten rock band list worst than the one you posted. While I will admit I agree with a few of them... it again is only a few. I have to ask what about Aerosmith? A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and all the adversity they had to over come to get to the point they are at make them one of the best bands ever. A band that is so highly thought of they are doing movie sound tracks, Super Bowl half time shows, GAP commercials, NFL commercials, a band that is so highly thought of that Kiss will go out and tour with. Aerosmith is a band that is list by many of today's hot groups as an influence... don't you read any other articles other than your own?
I am only thirty two... I know people older than fifty that think Aerosmith is one of the best bands ever, even my nine year old loves there music. Don't you think that a band that can appeal to so many different age groups would be classified as one of they best bands of all time?

Getting back to the Kiss thing... where are they on that list?

I cannot take your top 10 list seriously without Deep Purple included. They were not even on your honorable mention list. That is quite an oversight.

This is a list seen through the rosy filter of times gone by. The only one of these bands who has done anything of note in the last 15 or 20 years is U2. Sly and the Family Stone bigger than AC/DC, Metallica, or Van Halen? Give me a break. And what about Nirvana, Pearl Jam, STP, or even Queen? The list is all great bands, but where's the objectivity?

Just because a band isn't on the list doesn't mean they aren't excellent or even great. They just aren't in the very top echelon, in my opinion. There are all kinds of bands in the Rock Hall who aren't on the list.

Mr. Olsen,
I cannot believe you did not include Queen. They were extremely influential, extremely talented, and very cutting edge. I have heard many interviews with bands that say how influenced they were by Queen. If you remember, until 1980's "The Game" they never used any synthesizers! All of the sounds you heard were by pure talent! Everything you heard on "A Night at the Opera" including Bohemian Rhapsody were done sans synthesizers. Queen was a hell of a lot more than "We Will Rock You." Also, to inclde Outkast in the top 10 songs of all time, and not even think about Bohemian Rhapsody is ridiculous. I would like to know who decided you are such an authority on rock music, because they obviously need to have their head examined.

The list isn't the "biggest" bands, it's the bands I think are the best and most important. And yes, this is looking at the big picture over 50 years of rock history.

Queen isn't on the list because they put out as much godawful shit as they did great or even good songs. I would exclude them for "Bohemian Rhapsody" alone.

I agree with Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit. There were quite a few excellent bands who contributed to the culture of the 90's ...Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots... but Nirvana DEFINED the era.My opinion.

I thought your list was a pretty good effort. Earth, Wind & Fire by the criteria you used to select your top ten bands should without a doubt be on the list probably in place of Sly & the Family Stone.

Let us no forget Queen easily a better choice over the Greatful dead. The Romones are also questionable as well as Velvet Underground.

How can U2 be selected and not Nirvana? On the whole though not a bad effort.

I read with great disappointment the "10 Best Bands" ever. I simply and cannot believe that the author(s) did not include The Four Seasons. This group was an incredible band that wrote and produced many, many, many of their own songs and introduced new drumbeats, sounds, extraordinary vocals and harmonies, the likes of which were never heard before, or since!!

The amazing falsetto's that Frankie Valli warbled inspired every young boy in the country to emulate the high-pitched sounds of "Sherry", "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Dawn", "Working My Way Back To You", "Marlena", "Candy Girl" and the list goes on and on and on.... and these are just the hit sides!!

Some of their greatest songs, albeit less popular (except amongst true fans), were the "B" sides; these included such songs such as "Beggin",
"Huggin My Pillow", "Pity", "One Clown Cried",
"Too Many Memories", and so many more that it's just impossible to do them justice here.

From their humble beginnings as "The Four Seasons" through their experiment as "The Wonder Who", to their growth/maturity into "Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons" to Frankie Valli's solo career this was, and still is, one of the greatest bands that ever performed.

I guess you would have had to live during the times when this band performed and whose recordings were constantly being played on the radio to really appreciate the sounds and the staying power of this group. After 40 years, I can still recall all of the the lyrics of every one of their songs immediately upon hearing the first chord of any one of their songs or the first wail of Frankie Valli's powerful falsetto's.

I challenge the author(s), researchers of this article to go back and really listen to the power, the driving rhythms, the never-ending-energy that The Four Seasons performances / recordings produced. If you do, I am certain that you will amend your list and include - not just as honorable mention - but as part of the top 10 -the memorable group (which was also a band) which will live forever....THE FOUR SEASONS.

Thanks rlplan, to answer your last question, U2 has been around for over 20 years with great albums sprinkled throughout, and Nirvana really only had one great album (in my opinion!!).

Queen isn't on the list because they put out as much godawful shit as they did great or even good songs.

c'mon eric, you love that "I Want To Ride My Bicycle" song....admit it now!!

But are we talking about the best bands/songs in terms of the quality of the music, or the song/bands role in influencing an entire generation? Guys were dying their hair blonde to look like Kurt Cobain. Picking up guitars for the first time.

I guess you don't include many American bands unless they have something to do with political correctness.

Dude .... you left out the Dan. You left out Steely Dan. Are you nuts ?? This article is all about the 70's.. and you leave out the art and the archetype of Steely Dan ...

HELLO !!

I love Steely Dan but they are too insular and eccentric for something like this - i don't see them as havign much influence beyond themselves. But there is no doubting their greatness.

Sheri, I tried to weigh my favorites with my conception of "best," with influence, with cultural significance. I wish Nirvana had been around a while longer - it is possible that in 20 years they will be viewed much like the Velvet Underground, in which case they will make that list. None of this is written in stone.

OK, Eric, well, let me put it this way ..

Who died and made you potentate of a popular civilization in Britain and America ? Led Zep did wail, but in the end they were about selling records period... You don't include Springsteen, you know, Born in the USA ? Asbury Park, NJ ? Ever heard of it ? No Elvis Costello or Joe Jackson for you either ? You don't acknowledge the Cars ? Or the Allmans or Little Feat ? No Queen ? Talking Heads for that matter ? The better, artistically alive material of Bowie and Billy Joel don't make your list.

I was there, I lived it when FM was a beacon for America. I think you've got a little too much bubble gum fouling up your transistor radio.

Hubie, I only had ten spots for bands and ten for songs. Springsteen, Allmans and Bowie are all in honorable mention.

I would have to very respectfully disagree with this list.

In fact, the whole idea of the "ten top rock bands and songs EVER" kinda just kills anything in the future or things that may have not caught on at all.

Radiohead I find interesting because radiohead has spawned so many knock offs (at least in the UK and Europe) its not even funny. Pulp has some very witty lyrics. Suede as well. I think rock history would look very different if Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, or The Sex Pistols had never come along... Jimi Hendrex played a mean guitar. The Afghan Whigs- once again lyrics and doing a good fusion of R&B soul into rock.

I just can't see there being a "top ten".

There is only a Top Ten if we say there is.

I agree with you Eric.What qualifies a band to be in this category,in my opinion, is/was their ability to facilitate change in culture.

I can point to Nirvana and Pearl Jam, and say that there is where big hair went bye-bye.Welcome grunge, alternative, and Alanis Morisette. We became suddenly sentimental about the 60's and 70's,and there was a renewal of interest in older bands such as Pink Floyd.

Other bands may have been just as good if not better, but they were kind of there and riding the wave, maybe brought to our attention from obscurity because of the sudden shift in music trend.

I agree with Ms. Tek : there is little point to some sort of Letterman Top Ten.

The art band from Ohio, DEVO, said a lot in their signature song when they relate that .... "Critics and teachers - they all dance the poot.." "Are we not men ?"

=(

I see. The "We". Is that the "royal" we or the "I have many voices in my head " we?

Thanks Sheri, and I agree Nirvana and Pearl Jam were hugely influential. Too bad PJ sort of petered out pretty quickly - they looked like world beaters after the first album.

the funny thing is that first the hair bands petered out (because of grunge) and we became sentimental about the 60s/70s...then at some point the aggro rap-metal took over and we became nostalgic for the hair bands.

(ok...maybe it was just me)

Ah, sheri... if I were to go with that, then why are the Sex Pistols not listed? Malcom McLaren and his "boy band" of the 70's certainly is the reason why "goths", "new wave", and even "grunge" ever came about. And it WAS the Sex Pistols and not any other "Punk" band at the time that really got the kids into wearing safety pins and the whole DIY thing. Sure, there were other "punk" bands at the time- but no other punk band had as far reaching influence, not even "The Clash".

I guess that is why the top ten never makes sense to me. Q magin teh UK likes to to a top 100 it seems every year. I agree with it far more than the top 100 that Rolling Stone or any other Yankee mag puts out because they tend to put more bands on it that may not be popular with the masses, but are popular with musicians, and therefore are IMHO more influential. Still, they always seem to be missing someone who I think is important to the evolution of music.

I do miss Select Magazine, however. *cry*

Eric, if you know of a way for me to somehow get a press pass for this event. I would love to cover it and get some heads up for things over the Pond. I have a most excellent photographer that I know in Scotland as well. ;)

MsTek, here's the difference.And this is just from my perspective. I had never listened to the Sex Pistols until I heard Nirvana. Maybe I can find a better way of articualting it, but until then, that's the best I can do. :0)

*articulating, spell check, if anyone cares

I can understand what you are trying to say. =)

If you are interested in Punk and some of the pre-history of "alternative music" please check out these books. I cannot recommend them enough!

England's Dreaming Focuses on the Punk Movement in the UK

Please Kill Me Focuses on the Punk Movement in the US.

Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs Johnny Rotten (John Lydon)'s biography. I love this guy... hes a hoot!

hey, not bad....59 comments and not one mention of Slash.

it's still early tho...

Uh.. you just mentioned Slash.

TEk, just get in touch with the promoters and tell them you want to cover it for Blogcritics - I will verify and confirm. This applies to all Blogcritics who want to review concerts. You have to make the contact but I will be happy to verify, give support info or whatever. More reviews of live shows!!

Re the Sex Pistols: they aren't on here for the same reason they aren't in the Rock Hall (at least yet) - they only made one freaking album.

(**shhh***...but i didn't say "Where's Slash?!")

Thanks, I'll defo give it a looksie :0)

Slash...hasn't he been around since God was born? ;0)

he is prominently featured in Jews Who Rock

WHERE'S QUEEN?!?!?!

Thaks Eric. I'll see what I can do. I have a few contacts in Scotland who do events... Maybe one of them will know who exactly I need to speak with.

Not a bad job for such a daunting task. Most modern bands DON'T belong here -they are just carrying on what many others started way before them - sorry youngsters.... (including BORING RadioHEAD) 1 telling point - what would have happened if one of these bands never existed? Based on that criteria the list is good except for U2. They don't belong - PERIOD. Aerosmith should NOT be here - because with no Zep (or Yardbirds for that matter) there wouldn't have been an Aerosmith (and I luv these guys, don't get me wrong). And by that same criteria Buddy Holly and the Crickets SHOULD - the FIRST real Rock 'n Roll band. Metallica (fathers of modern metal) and Nirvana (fathers of grunge) SHOULD for that same reason (but you'd need more than 10 slots). And replace Velvet Underground with the Doors. Same essential legacy (and VU was very good) but the Doors were WAY more popular and WAY better musicians. And throw out Pink Floyd and replace them w/ Sabbath -the major influence on all Metal bands. Bob Marley had major influence but..... I think reggae would have happened regardless. Throw him out too. One last point HENDRIX!! The FATHER of modern rock guitar! I know that had to be a tuff one to leave him out but I understand why you did. Perhaps Van Halen should have been here - that's a group w/ an astonishing influence on rock guitar as we know it - but not as much as Hendrix. The Dead? Other than Garcia they could barely play..... I'd take the Allman Bros for a jam band before them (but they do have a big legacy, God knows why - too many drugs maybe?). But you can't make everyone happy! Now your song list - OH GOD!! OUTKAST?????

Thanks Blayne, good points all, although "musicianship" is only one criterion and not necessarily among the most important. I didn't only use influence and the "It's a Wonderful Life" factor to select either, though. The Doors and Crickets could have eaily made it, and did make honorable mention. Hendrix I am lumping in with the solo+band guys.

If only OutKast were to be cast out with all the other THUG hoodlum crack prison rape and robbery acts that actually sell records now. And ..... that make the 8 song playlist for Clear Channel in a thousand "markets" across North America and beyond.

OutKast needs to stay off the Native American platform. The least they could have done, was a little homework.Feathers are a sacred symbol.

The Who are clearly in top 5 before Sly and Stone, Ramones and Velvet Underground. Think of what the who did: Monterrey Pop, Woodstock, Who's Next, 40 years of touring. Tommy (inventing the whole concept album genre). I can imagine a world without the Velvet Underground -- not the Who.

I think that people are confusing longevity or numbers w/ influence.

Sly and the Family Stone was DEFINATELY a rock and roll band. Anyone who disagrees probably never listened to them, just saw that they had black people in the band and passed them off as funk. But Sly changed the way albums were produced. That heavy bass and drum drive on so many rock albums origionated w/ them.

The Velvet Underground-like someone else said, alternative, punk, ect. would NOT exist w/out these guys.

As far as Nirvana...no band from my generation inspired kids to pick up a guitar more. They were important because they did what the Ramones did almost 20 years before....made rock adn roll rock and roll again. Brought it down to it's essentials. Put the "passion" back into it. God knows what would have happened if they didn't break through to the main stream(cause Fugazi certainly wouldn't swallow their pride and do it)

Oh Eric, I love how your blog subject matter is sure open to attack. Yet another list that is impossible to narrow down to 1000. It is all so subjective. Like a beauty contest, who is prettiest depends on the judge's preference. I would love to see an ugly pageant.

Anyway, off the top of my head, let me name a few songs that rock me.

'Can't You Hear Me Knockin'' by the Rolling Stones. A great song at 2am while on a LSD-cocaine-chronic high. Then you discover it is a great song when clean. It reactivates the drugs.

'Franklin Towers' by the Grateful Dead. Song craftiness is defined in many ways.

'Rainy Day-1984' by Jimi Hendrix. The lead off tracks on the 3rd side of Electric Ladyland. I don't know if the title is correct, the coffee is still tryin' to kick in. I just got up. A great piece orchestrated in the studio.

'Memphis' by Faces. A Chuck Berry classic interpreted so well by Faces.

'Kentucky Woman' by Deep Purple. A great interpretation of a Niel Diamond song.

'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' by the Beatles. Don't you just get a rush when the album kicks into that track? Ringo's drum beats and simulated live audience...

'Mad Again' by X-15. If only the recording industry discovered Seattle a few years earlier. Kurt, Chris, Eddy and others can tip their hats to these guys.

'What Goes On' by Velvet Underground. Well, they were in the top band picks, so I happen to like that song of theirs.

Oh man, I can't narrow this list down to 1000 picks. Alot of songs are a case of the right song at the right time in life, etc. Unless we are all robots with the exact same life and programming, the top 10 will never be agreed upon.

For instance, I like the song 'Greasy Heart' by the Jefferson Airplane. And Grand Funk Railroad or Ten Years After had some crafty works that can't be discounted. Elvis did some great stuff (Hound Dog or In the Ghetto). Well, Big Mama Thorton's version of Hound Dog remains the killer. Or how about?......

The list goes on and on and on... no one is wrong except to slam someone else about their choice.

Douglas, great songs all, although I don't know X15 - who are they?

Thanks Andy, glad to hear from a real working musician!

Donald, I love the Who truly and don't deny anything you say - just thought the others are even more important.

Oh yeah, I can think of a bunch of Who songs while I'm at it. Can't Explain, My Wife, Behind Blue Eyes, Underture (instrumental off of Tommy, highlights the fact that Keith Moon WAS a great drummer) and more and more....

Eric,

Ah, X-15. I'm showing a bit of my age. But what I am refering to is the music from Seattle that created the whole grunge explosion. The actual punk era ('75-'85) output from that town is really outstanding. Here in Seattle we know it sure beats anything Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, etc. ever did. But it takes stuff like that to get the industry to look your way.

Go to www.cdbaby.com/x-15. It will give you a taste of what primed the grunge youngster's pumps. There is alot more history available from the EMP museum, City of Seattle music archives, etc..

Anyway, like any scene, who was the REAL first beat poet? Ginsberg, Kesey? Of course not. The jewels are buried somewhere.

As to Queen, they really wouldn't qualify as one of the top 10 greatest BANDS. They certainly had some skills, but they really had absolutely NO roll to go with their rock. For example, contrast their original "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" to the superior Dwight Yoakam cover.

On the other hand, they have at least several individual songs which would be good candidates for a top 10 or top 100 list, most obviously "We Are the Champions" and "Bohemian Rhapsody." I have some less renowned personal faves that would make outstanding less popular and thus less obvious picks, especially "I Want It All" and "Spread Your Wings."

The B-52's were in left field - but they hit the groove and for 10 million suburban boomer college students across the land they proved that the southern Atlanta scene definitely had a rock of it's own. If you accept the cheesey label of "rock" to start with. Forget the stupid ditty "Love Shack" - how about "Private Idaho" or "Planet Strange" instead ?

Harrumph, no New York Dolls. (Bill stalks off, muttering to himself. . .)

Oh Eric,

Here is a good reference of what I am talking about (above). Go to Amazon.com and look up the book 'LOSER: the Real Seattle Music Story' by Clark Humphrey.

A good research into the actual validity of the music from here.

Thanx man

no jimi hendrix experience?
the entire list automaticaly invalidates itself with that one simple exclusion.

To Al B,
Hi, I'd just like to say this:
Dwight Yokam wouldn't have had anything to "improve" if it hadn't been for the original song by Queen, right?

Some other great songs by Queen, IMO:
'39, Made In Heaven, Somebody to Love, Brighton Rock.
Diversity, along with obvious musical talent, is the biggest strength in Queen's music (this again IMO), and to quote myself: nobody is perfect. Some of their stuff is less than great.

I think this needs to be further distilled.

Is everyone agreed you can't remove the Beatles or the Stones?

I agree with the poster on the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Actually belongs in the top five.

I can only get to a top Five:

The Beatles
The Rolling Stones
Led Zeppelin
The Who
The Jimi Hendrix Experience

After this, it gets fuzzy.

I don't believe it's possible to replace any of the five above.

U2? Forget it. Maybe top 25.

The Grateful Dead were a great jam band but don't qualify as a major contributor to the rock song catalog.

The Ramones? Not even top 25.

Pink Floyd is a strong number six on my list, but what about Cream?

Bob Marley and Sly Stone are both derivative offshoots.

I can understand the inclusion of some of these bands in your list, but the exclusion of bands like The Who, The Allman Brothers Band (the original), and The Jimi Hendrix Experience is simply inexcusable. As for stating that the Rolling Stones are a better live band now than in the 70s, I must disagree. I base this on comparing their shows from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and later. I have a number of Stones imports of shows from the 70s and have heard shows from the other decades. There is really no comparison, the shows they put on from 1969 to around 1974 are among the finest live performances by any band, ever. Not to say their recent performances are bad, currently they can still blow away most of the active bands in the world. But back then, they had something to prove. The live performances & studio albums by bands like The Who, ABB, and Hendrix should put them far above groups like The Ramones. How do The Ramones rank over The Who? We could discuss this ad nauseam, most likely we would agree to disagree.

No-one's willing to admit that the Four Seasons comment is at the top of the Top 10 comments to Eric's original post.

I saw part of the Rolling Stones when they opened their last tour at Soilder Field here in Chicago.

OMG... It was awful!! I was waiting for the nurse to come on stage and help these guys out.

Which is funny, because Bowie is just as old, and I think he's still a "ROCK STAR". I am hoping to see him this summer in Scotland.

Also, U2... I LOVE early U2, however they are a rock band. I don't think they are all that. Not innovative or anything like that.

(but you better not take my U2 cds away from me!!)

HENDRIX IS NOT A BAND - HENDRIX IS A SOLO ARTIST WHO HAD MORE THAN ONE BACKUP BAND. HENDRIX DOES NOT QUALIFY.

Re the Stones live, I was talking about post Mick Taylor '70s. I saw them (I think) four times in the '70s and they were better both in '89 and last year. I do not dispute the greatness of the Taylor-era Stones live.

And Bob Marley and Sly Stone are derivative offshoots of what exactly? Each is as original as anyone else on the list.

What many commenters seem to not grasp is that this list is based on many criteria, regarding which, I believe I defined reasonably well in the story. This isn't the list of the bands with the best body of songs, nor the best live, nor the greatest influence, but ALL OF THE ABOVE and more.

Everyone is more than welcome to give their opinions and discuss this, that and my asshairs, but if you are going to directly criticize the list, please do so on its own terms, not terms you make up.

U2's Edge was a pretty innovative guitar player. his whole 'chimey' sound was a new thing.

Yes, the Four Seasons comment surely had the benefits of passion and eccentricity.

Eric,

You will need to post a picture of your asshair if we are to discuss it. ;)

How can ANY top-10 Rock Band list be complete without Molly Hatchet?!

Maybe at least the Moody Blues should get honorable mention. Their Days of Future Past LP set the stage for a slew of concept bands such as Jethro Tull, and of course Pink Floyd. Their use of full orchestration also was innovative and because of it's success influenced the Who to record Tommy with full orchestra. Does it make them the greatest band.. don't know about that, but I do believe they were an influence in the changing of rock in the late 60's and early 70's.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience consisted of Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding. When Hendrix replaced them with Buddy Miles and Billy Cox, he renamed the band Band of Gypsies.

The interplay between Hendrix, Mitchell and Redding absolutely qualifies as a band as much as John, Paul, George and Ringo.

Eric : How about Crosby Stills Nash and Young ? Were they a "band", or some other kind of "derivative" or something. ... Wouldn't you put "Wooden Ships" or "Almost Cut My Hair" right up there with anything that you might deem to be epochal ?

I know CSNY is way too ancient for the Seattle re-emergence, etc., but if you are trying to write history here, and let's face it that's what you're doing, then it should be accurate.

All this quibbling. God, I hate to sound like a kissass, but I think Eric's band list is pretty much unassailable. If you're all happy with Led Zeppelin being in the Top 10, then any other band that will share the podium had better be HUGE in more than one way. That means Deep Purple, Queen, The Four Seasons, New York Dolls, the B52s, etc., just don't qualify.

Edge was definitely innovative, with the jangly guitar sound. Not enough. Jack Bruce was an innovative bassist, but no Cream on the list. U2 gets points across the board, however. I might mention The Eagles, Bowie (as above), CSN, REM, The Who (as above), The Moody Blues, and others, but I wouldn't argue that they're Top 10 material.

And where's Sla .... oh, nevermind.

I will refrain from commenting on Eric's asshairs for the time being, however.

Hubie, CSNY was a band once in a while, they qualify, but they really only made a couple of important albums. If you wre to take the collected works of all the band members (in particular Neil Young) you would have something very impressive, but as a unit they were fleeting.

Peter, yes, the Experience were a band, but Hendrix was the whole show as opposed to, say, the Wailers which had Bunny and Tosh contributing for several years and then was still a cohesive recording and performing unit after they left.

I am not for one second downplaying Hendrix's importance or greatness, etc., but the Experience and Band of Gypsies were there to back up Hendrix - they wre backup bands. It's ludicrous to compare them to the Beatles.

Ms. Tek, it's asshairS, sister.

That Molly Hatchet Flirtin' With Disaster album ranks right up there with The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.....!

Dude : You are a kissass.

man, i love Flirtin' With Disaster.

i was going somewhere one night with my stepson and brought that cd with me.

he comment was that he liked the music but couldn't deal with a singer who sounded like Kermit the Frog.

crap.

Better Kermit the Frog than Tom Petty I always say......

Just want to add another defense of Eric. Sly Stone was the father of funk. Ask any well known funk artist and they'll tell you - Sly was their major influence (ask Herbie Hancock!) so I can see why they are there. Now we need to argue, is funk a part of this RR list? If we agree, then Sly & The Family Stone has to be there. And as someone else rightly pointed out - they ROCK too! You saw Woodstock right? Maybe Parliament/Funkadelic should be there too! If not, then they go but how can anyone deny the influence of Motown on ALL RR? So if we need at least one "soul/funk/R&B" artist (and I would say we MUST - RR IS black music!!), then Sly is as good or better as any band to be there.

Okay Eric... then just bend over and get your wife to shoot a photo... I'll maginify it and we all can disucuss each and every single hair on it's own merit.

Sound fair? =)

Eric, pretty damn good list. Hard to argue with most.

The Doors and The Who might qualify, but I think maybe ya hadda be there(?)

Best Line: Marky Mark's

Radiohead's "OK Computer" = Low Rent King Crimson

I laughed out loud!

Anyway, E, congrats on posted an entry that's sure to set a new INDOOR RECORD before the sun sets.

I feel that this information is inaccurate, as there are many other foreign bands (in far East, for example) that got no credit in this, and they are some of the greatest. The Japanese rock band X Japan (formerly X) changed Japanese music forever and their CDs are still top selling, despite their break-up in 1997.

Blayne:

Good deal, you actually bring up the question: what is rock n roll?

In my book it is two things. First of all its attitude. Mozart rocked. I wanted to add Lionel Hampton's 'Flying Home' from the Live at the Apollo album to my list. If that ain't rock, there is no rock.

Second of all, maybe this story can explain. Back in 1985 I had to be tour manager (USA tour) for the South African band called the Malopoets. The first gig of the USA tour was in Austin, TX (at the Liberty Lunch). We all meet for the first time. I was wondering what the band sounded like. We set up a rehersal.

I look at the stage. There is a drum kit, 2 guitar amps, bass amp, electronic keyboards. So I figured, heck, they are a rock band. The point is that if there is a bunch of electricity on stage then they must be a rock band. Blues, Country, Jazz, Reggae, etc. It all rocks.

Then again, I've heard some buskers at the Market on acoustic guitar that can rock like maniacs. Attitude and presentation.

Anyway, thats how I see it.

I'll ask where are the Beach Boys here and get closer to the issue - which is the stranglehold control exercised by Clear Channel and Rolling Stone magazine.

All Eric is doing here, pumping up the predictable, is telling people what they ALREADY think - which, in my iconoclastic eyes, negates any need for a 'rock critic.' I think critics should be taking people to NEW places, otherwise they're pointless. 'Lists' are a bad habit, too - the true hobgoblin of creative thinking.

And we see that on this thread with so many people moaning about Queen, Metallica and all those other bands already squeezed dead by 1984 radio and the dead decrees of Stalinists like Dave Marsh. At least Eric showed a hint of spunk when he threw in Sly & the Family Stone - his one honest moment outside the box. He should have thrown in Traffic, too.

Back to the Beach Boys, then. We all know Clear Channel zapped them off the rock radio back in the early 80s. 'Too wimpy' - just like Chuck Berry (according to those lowest-common denominator polls). Rolling Stone followed suit. So nowadays folks think Sgt Pepper invented orchestrated 'concept' studio musicianship instead of Pet Sounds. (And, for the influence on punk and grunge, Half Japanese got zapped because Jann Wenner preferred Lou Reed as his token oversight.)

Rolling Stone, what a menace. While Wenner was giving literary blow jobs to Creem - continuing to this day for that beer salesman Clapton - the kids were all out buying Iron Butterfly. And they still sound better; who but they fused metal and pop?

If you were stranded on a desert island, would you REALLY want Beatles and Stones, i.e. all that CRAP you've already heard to death? Or would you want something fresh to keep your mind ALIVE? Again, consider Bloodrock; if you don't know their stuff, you're missing the full picture.

It's just like Trotsky was removed from all the Soviet photos. Don't let the corporate powers make your lists for you. Don't let anyone.

Thanks Blayne and Shark, Parliament/Funkadelic, the Who and the Doors are all on the honorable mention list and were VERY hard to leave out of the Top Ten, each could easily be there (and maybe should!), but I appreciate the support.

It is impossible to pick the best 10 banbs of all time...it is impossible to rank bands period, for there will always be controversy...that being said, The Who, if going for influence, they are at least 5 on that list...

well i can already tell your a baby boomer from your picks as the top ten bands (if that's what you want to call this list) there is not a band on here that happened later than the 70's if you don't count u2 which you shouldn't because as any self respecting music fan knows the clash were way more important than u2 in fact the clash is what u2 wish they could have been and as for nirvana not making the top ten how can you leave them off they nearly single handly reshaped the face of popular culture nirvana made the punk/grunge/alternitive musicians able to get radio play which was in its day unheard of and if thats not changing the world then i don't know what is and some other bands that desevre to be on the list are the pixies and pavement

Bravo joe.......I would have dumped U2 and Bob Marley, and included The Clash and The Doors......

Sly slection is brave, but worthy...as are the rest. I don't get the whole The Who thing and am thrilled they didn't make the list. I have no problem with the songs either with the exception of Outkast.....Jury is still out on them, and seems to have been included simply to have a current member on there.....

Band lists are so tough.....does one not include singers (Elvis, Dylan, Hendrix)? Should another list be made of the top-10 singers? As far as these lists go, about as good as one can get....U2 inclusion is a bit out there.....

i read what you wrote about your reason for not putting the sex pistols on the list is because they only made one album well if that's the way you think then fine, but i belive in quality not quanity take the stones for example they had some good early stuff ,but they are so burned out now nobody wants to listen to any of the new stones albums and the sex pistol's one album is clearly more important than anything the greatful dead made or u2 for that matter u2 is the poor mans version of the clash

YOU FORGOT QUEEN! I'm sooory to yell, but honsetly, how can you forget QUEEN! Not only a legendary band, but one, which without music would be forever shy of unforgetable and fun falsetto vocies. Queen has and always have the heart and soul of rock and Roll. Music that's fun, and timeless, yet in their case underrated

Beatles, Stones, Who, Pink Floyd, Hendrix, U2, Nirvana, Clash, Ramones, Metallica. Guns 'N Roses were pretty great, too, for a moment in time. So were Stone Temple Pilots.

Beatles, Stones, Who, Pink Floyd, Hendrix, U2, Nirvana, Guns 'N Roses, Clash, Ramones.

Where is Stairway on ur list? I think u might know what rock is, but this list is a joke. Quit trying to be "Politically Correct" and what where u thinking putting OutKast on a ROCK!!!!! list. The Who needs to be on the list, Aerosmith needs at least honorable mention, and where is KISS???!!!!??? This is almost as bad as Rolling Stone's top 100 guitarists of all time.

LISTEN UP dont let this stupid "best rock bands" article get you down or pi$$ed. He ment to name the article "The 10 best rock bands ever; but dont listen to me, I dont know what Rock is"

Duane, I missed your defense earlier, thanks very much for that - you seem to have grasped the essence of the thing very well. I appreciate it. As I have said, I am not concerned particularly with agreement, just that people understand the rationale and, for myself, that I justified those I did pick in a reasonable manner.

Besides these comments I have received close to 100 emails and what comforts me greatly is that a large number of them may disagree with this or that pick but have said they enjoyed reading it and that it made sense within the guidelines laid out. Beyond that it really is just my opinion and everyone has those.

Barry, I haven't read Rolling Stone much in 25 years, the Beach Boys are on the honorable mention list and would have made a top ten list that was based upon making records only.

You can't be serious about Iron Butterfly, Bloodrock and Half Japanese?? It's great to be a champion for the underappreciated, but best is best and they most certainly are not.

And as far as making lists goes: lists are a great way to clarify issues, to make people think and react, and to give credit where credit is due. I was asked to make these lists, it wasn't my idea, but I was honored to be asked and loved working on it. I am also very proud of the way it turned out and appreciate all the positive input among the complaints.

Regarding the songs: as I have already said more than once, I broadened the list to include the "rock era," not strictly "rock" songs. Live with it. And I picked OutKast because I genuinely think it's a great song, it will have lasting impact, and I also thought it would piss a lot of people off. So blow me.

Regarding the role of the critic: it is total steaming-horseshit-sitting-on-the-prairie that the critic's job is to point people in new directions on a Best Bands in Rock History story. The critic's job in a Best Bands in Rock History story is to honestly honor the title, make the choices and then support them to the best of his/her ability.

Tossing out the names of bands that should have been on the list is swell but if you want to actually critique the story then tell me that I didn't support my claims for why a band deserves to be on the list - don't tell me you don't "like" them, or sputter in righteous indignation that I didn't include fucking KISS or Queen.

If you truly think KISS and Queen belong on a list of the best bands in rock history I will laugh at you until blood comes out my nose.

Last thought on this: if you are going to debate me on this, you'd better be ready to back up your claims because random insults, baseless assertions and other assorted stupid shit does not cut it.

I guess I'm just having a hard time trying to reconcile why this is a list of the greatest rock bands of all time. I'd argue that many of these bands would be tops in their own category (Bob Marley and the Wailers
-> Best Reggae band of all time) but hardly could be considered rock.

-Jeff

P.S. Not even an honorable mention for AC/DC? That's pretty sad...Back in Black is one of the best albums of all time.

Some of your responses to my comment:

"So blow me.

"...it is total steaming-horseshit-sitting-on-the-prairie that the critic's job is to point people in new directions...

"You can't be serious about Iron Butterfly, Bloodrock and Half Japanese?? It's great to be a champion for the underappreciated, but best is best and they most certainly are not.

"I will laugh at you until blood comes out my nose.

"... random insults, baseless assertions and other assorted stupid shit does not cut it."

Your right, you egomaniac, they don't cut it. I'm outta here.

lol.....Your multiple scatalogical comments are very uncharacteristic of you Eric......Nice to see you rattled.....I am well aware as to why you included Outkast on that list....doesn't mean it was the right or best selection. They are the fad of the moment. Let's wait to see their next album, though you have pleased a large segment by including them. U2 is an honorable mention at best, and were influenced by several bands superior to them whom you have chosen not to include - The Clash mainly. U2 at No. 10 would have been more realistic, and even then would have received intense disagreement. But to say they are the third greatest band of all time is simply and absolutely incorrect. But I like your list. To say Queen, Kiss or Aerosmith should be on there is about like saying The Monkees or Grand Funk Railroad should be on there....in other words, no way in hell. To stick one obscure or odd choice in there always makes the list fun - you've done that. My choice would have been Creedence Clearwater Revival.....but they would not have been No. 3. As I said earlier in an earlier post (excluding my Molly Hatchet joke, which amused me to no end), I like the list....

So we should lay off random insults and stupid shit - heaven knows you didn't expect to blog into anything that is beyond the pale. So I guess you wouldn't like it if somebody said that being a "popular music critic" is a laughably ridiculous way to make a living. Or if somebody said that today's "rock critic" was yesterday's skinny loner kid with glasses in grammar school who used to save his snot under his desk so he could eat it later...

Rock music (that term again) is at least 1/2 about playing electric instruments really well, and another 1/4 about having a message that might have something to do with human honesty. AC/DC rocks to the core on both counts ... and .... they're from a foreign country - you ought to like that Eric.

Speaking of ego: if you didn't mention OutKast, "so blow me" wasn't directed at you. Why would you think it was?

Moving on: if you didn't suggest Queen or KISS then, "I will laugh at you until blood comes out my nose" wasn't directed at you either - why would you think it was?

Beyond that: "... random insults, baseless assertions and other assorted stupid shit does not cut it," is a very general statement addressing the world at large. Why would you think otherwise?

Beyond that: this obsession with Bloodrock is peculiar to say the least.

Chris, just because I ususally put up with virtually endless stupid shit doesn't mean I like it. My tolerance has limits and they have been reached this morning. And I'm not talking about disagreement.

Really guys, I think, no, I'm quite sure, your nuts are not on the line here.
Anyway, I have enjoyed this post. For the first time in 10 years, since his untimely death,yesterday I felt the loss of Kurt Cobain. In my heart. It was probably also looking back on a much more innocent time in my life.

It's not a bad list, actually. Nonetheless, I second the opinion that Queen deserved a mention.

Also, my top ten list would have included Kansas, but maybe that's just me.

Thanks Sheri, I'm glad you got something out of all this.

J'hammer, no, that wasn't more "stupid shit" to insult anyone and everyone who would be moved to write about music - brilliant statement, that.

And I don't know what you were doing in school, but I will be happy to give you a list of my athletic, social, academic, artistic, and political accomplishments - want to compare them?

Sorry, but your list is strictly commercial. It is right on beam if you equate mega production with "good" music. U2! Come on...
Where is Cream, Hendrix, Santana, or The Moody Blues, to name a few...

Queen have been hugely influential on a hell of a lot of bands. Esp. lots of European bands ranging from pop rock to death metal and everything in between. Ditto Kiss. Queen were by far a more talented band than Kiss ever were but they were almost as influential as the mighty Queen.

Mr. Eric,
I hate to have to make your nose bleed, but you may start laughing any time now, because I really think that Queen should be on a best-of -list. But of course, it's just MY opinion. You took on a task that I wouldn't have wanted to tackle, for obvious reasons!

Hope you have a box of Kleenex handy. =)

Okay, I got pissed and overstated my opposition to Queen. Sorry. I am resentful toward Queen because I really loved their first three albums, and hated the fact that they seemed - TO ME - to become a grim self-parody. That deeply disappointed me - I felt betrayed at the time.

KISS - I don't know what to say: they were/are an average hard rock band with a few good songs that somehow hung around for about 100 years, I guess on the strength of audacity and costumes. I can't explain them any other way. I think Ratt, Poison, Motley Crue, even freaking Bon Jovi, are better at similar things than KISS.

Southern Belle, please read #135 and accept my apologies. I do not want to put myself in the position of insulting anyone's taste, I lost my temper over the same thing being done to me.

Does this guy even listen to music??? How can you proclaim that Bob Marley and the Wailers are in the Top 10 ROCK, let me repeat ROCK, when that's a reggae band??? Far as his TOP 10 Rock Songs, but hello?? I don't go into the Rock section to look for "Respect" and "Heard it through the Grapevine". That's in the "soul and R&B" section. Most importantly, there are a lot of good bands out there, Yardbirds, Cream. Personally I would have Bon Jovi and Van Halen on there. But the real list missed one of the most important bands......AEROSMITH! They are EVERYTHING that is rock n'roll. Everything you described to be one of the greatest rock and roll bands, lasting through time, staying together. And they're still playing. It's insane that one couldn't include Aerosmith on the list. They influenced the music industry. Imagine where would rap be without Walk This Way???

Re: They would be no Aerosmith without Stones and Zepp. And where would Guns N'Roses and Van Halen be without Aerosmith? Where would Stones and Zepp be without THEIR influences? It's not about who influenced who, it's about being a great rock band. That's who Aerosmith is.

I think it's time I turn my attention elsewhere for a while.

And I have to agree, Outkast as a Top 10 rock song of all time? It hasn't even been out a year yet. You can't even claim it under that category. For it to be a top 10, it has to stand through the test of times. Sorry, but I don't think people will be playing Heya first thing 10 years from now. And it's not even rock!

Mr. Eric,
after a couple of whimpers and tears following the nose bleed-comment, I have regained my composure and am fine now ;)....especially after your kind words and gracious apology, which has been accepted.

Thanks for explaining the reasons behind your decisions concerning Q.

No hard feelings!

SB, thanks for your graciousness.

ditto to what Sonny said; I'm 51 and pretty versed on ROCK N' ROLL since my generation INVENTED IT...AEROSMITH is by far my favorite and has contributed SO much to the rock industry through 2 generations. I was really disappointed in some of the selections you made; how old ARE you, anyway???

Ginny, I'm 45. I think Aerosmith had three great albums in the early-mid '70s. That does not qualify them as one of the enduring greats in my opinion. I am not a fan of the comeback period, which started off pretty good with Pump, but has dwindled from there. In addition, I hate "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" more than almost any song ever recorded and find their use of hack songwriters - like the disgusting Diane Warren - over the last 15 years to be distasteful at best for a "rock 'n' roll" band.

Sly and the Family Stone? What are you smoking? How about The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen? How could these groups not be mentioned?
You have to rethink some of your picks.

JC

Well as you can see, there are plenty of people here who DO think that Aerosmith is a top 10 band. As far as them "dwindling" you must not have seen them in concert. They seem to sell them all out! So I think the vast majority of "real" music listeners, would agree that Aerosmith is a Top 10 band. You can see that by just the amount of people willing to spend the big bucks just to go see them. That must mean something. I've never seen 5 guys work so hard, doing tour after tour after tour and albums after albums, and yet still selling! Just because of you do not appreciate their current music, doesn't mean you should exclude them. I don't like the Rolling Stones, but I do agree they are in the Top 10. I'm a musician, and when people ask what kind of band I'm in, I say I'm in a rock band. Now, if I had started playing reggae music, wouldn't those people ask "I thought you were in a rock band?"

hmmmmm; sounds like a personal thing. Sokay; you're entitled. Sorry; I happen to LOVE that particular song!
PEACE!

That is true, Eric is entitled to his own opinion. We must remember, this is HIS list, not THE list (which would be compiled from the people of this country). Besides, he's a critic, he gets paid to do this kind of stuff. Kind of like the movie critics saying a good movie is bad.

Metallica.

I'm not going to put down the choices that you DID make, I'm just going to say that Metallica MUST be included.

With little-to-no radio (or MTV) support from 83-88, they completely changed the landscape of hard rock music. They brought the heavy into the mainstream and sold about a bazillion albums in the process. They sold out stadiums, opened up Eastern Europe for live music, thrashed hard (until the release of Load, which turned them into a grim self-depreciating alternative band).

The first five CD's set the standard for metal in the '80's and early 90's. For the release of the "Black Album", record stores had to open at midnight and lines were around the block... name one other band influential enough to do that?

As you say about the Beatles, "Almost miraculously, they embodied the apex of the form artistically, commercially, culturally and spiritually at just the right time, the tumultuous '60s, when music had the power to literally change the world." All you really have to do is change "the tumultuous '60s" to "the over-the-top '80's and you've got the Metallica appeal.

I firmly believe that there are dozens, if not hundreds of bands BETTER than Metallica, but there aren't dozens, or even more than a handful that were/are more sucessful at transforming a landscape and setting the tone. One cannot argue the impact Metallica has had on the the music industry. Love them or hate them for whatever reason (St. Anger may be enough, but throw in there the Napster debacle and the hypocricy coming out of that camp and they're ripe for hate lately...), but Metallica MUST be on a list subjective enough to include Sly and the Family Stone and Bob Marley.

Absolutely pathetic. Apparently, skillful musicianship is irrelevant.

Eric : I think you signed off and who could blame you ? This is a tough room, man. You are on the money with Aerosmith - they had a real lucky streak back in the 70's and since then .... how do you spell S-E-L-L-O-U-T with that "Miss a Thing" movie crap. Geez ! But, as bizarre as S. Tyler is, I think we can all agree that his daughter is sizzle hot.

Got to give you the props, dawg .... you're a good writer and you put a lot of energy into it tho you're off base, and then WAY off base on some ....

OK .. that should be enough kiss butt; I certainly feel better about having been uncivilized and expressing myself openly. Good article, good blog, an immersion in the popular culture is always a good romp.

#150: basically, your statement is correct.

Jim-lad, very well argued and I can't really argue with any of it, other than to say I picked Black Sabbath to represent my "pure" metal band, and obviously, Led Zeppelin is a hybrid in the Top Ten. I would say metallica could easily replace Black Sabbath in the honorable mention, I still wouldn't put them in a Top Ten.

Ginny, j'hammer, EVEN Sonny: peace.

I have explained why Hendrix wasn't included and why Marley and Sly fit in with rock in earlier comments - please check them out if you are interested. And many of the bands people think are missing are on the honorable mention list near the bottom of the page at MSNBC. "Honorable mention" means they could have easily made the list, but didn't because I thought the ones I did pick better fit the criteria I selected for myself.

Lastly, I think if you read the opening and closing paragraphs of the piece, you will see that I don't take myself all that seriously on this, that I did my best but I don't pretend it means anything more than a (hopefully) reasonably interesting story.

It would be nice if it were read and responded to in that spirit.

great list. some misses though: saw notes above about jimi hendrix. perhaps most singlular and influential sound of '60s. also, what about blind faith? realize both of these had varied personnel, but so did all the bands listed.

Thanks Paul, there is no GOOD reason for me to exclude Hendrix other than to say I think of him as a singular artist. If the list was Best Artists, he would certainly be in the top ten.

Blind Faith had only one album, which just isn't enough. I really love that album, though.

J'Hammer, what band has NOT been a sell out? Rolling Stones and Best Buy promo for their DVD? Led Zeppelin and their Cadillac commercials? So what? Doesn't stop from making them one of the best bands. Gotta wonder why Aerosmith is still performing today to sell out shows if they're not as good as they were back in the 70s. Not to mention they do perform overseas too.

Band not a sell out ? .... well, a few names come to mind ... let's see, Lennon and McCartney (the Quarrymen of 1960), Crosby Stills, Talking Heads, Allman Brothers, Waylon Jennings, Dwight Yokum, DEVO, Willie Nelson, Steely Dan, once again, Steely Dan, Blind Blake and Muddy Waters of the Mississippi Delta and Chicago, John Prine, and oh, yes, a gentleman from southern New Jersey by the name of Bruce Springsteen.

What were you smoking? Give me a break...The Ramones? Bob Marley a ROCK BAND? Grateful Dead? Maybe these are the top CULT bands, but NOT Rock Bands!

I didn't say Aerosmith suck or that they should be shot or that they don't deserve to be popular. I am happy that they are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - they belong there. Nor do I begrudge their popularity - that's all fine with me. I think it's cool that they are still doing their thing and working as hard as they do and that so many people dig it.

I just don't think they are one of the absolute, very best bands in history - that is not an insult, swear.

How come no one tals about one of the best bands ever and my personnal favorite... THE POLICE ...
Thank you

I believe i have one GOOD point for KISS to be included on the list. It's not mainly for their music but for the Marketing Prowless they had back in the 70's and 80's.. It led and may even still exceed what most bands do or offer for their fans. KISS might not have had the music most people want to hear but they have the "audacity" of thinking they are there for the fans not the fans are there for them. I believe that's a precidence that not many bands follow but should.

KISS seems to have an excellent relationship with its fans and for that they should be commended, I totally agree.

I love the Police and am glad they are in the Rock Hall - I just don't think they are quite Top Ten or honorable mention level.

What about the Band? The Brown Album has to be considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time.

Not a single band that was there in the early 50's beginning. While many qualify, Hank Ballard and the Midnighters contributed mightily and belong before many on your list.

How can anyone take a list like this seriously when the creator finds space for Credence Clearwater Revival & Velvet Underground, but manages to exclude The Who?

Any top 10 ROCK list which does not include "bands in which Eric Clapton played" (not to take away from his compatriots) has missed the proverbial boat. "Layla" has got to be right behind "Satisfaction" as greatest song.

However, if you are going to stretch the category (Bob Marley? Sly and the Family Stone?) then include Santana.

Huh?

Without reading everyone's comment I have to set my 2 cents in...

Where is Aerosmith, KISS, AC/DC, Guns & Roses, Queen, Nirvana, & RUSH?

Why is Bob Marley on this list? What does he have to do with rock?

This is the worst top 10 list I have ever seen! What were you thinking????

Let me amend my previous post. I'm not sure where I got CCR from. I have John Fogerty on the brain, apparently.

But after The Beatles & The Rolling Stones, The Who might very well be the 3rd greatest rock band of all time. They most certainly don't deserve to be left off ANY list entirely.

You simply can't leave The Who off the list. Aside from being one of the greatest rock acts ever, they invented the Rock Opera. In terms of influence, this was very important.

Take U2 off the list, and replace it with Radiohead. Find a way to shoehorn The Who onto the list (maybe in place of the Ramones).

And add Lynyrd Skynyrd to your honorable mentions . The Allman brothers started the southern rock movement, but Skynyrd defined it, and most southern rock since has been more in the Skynyrd tradition than in the ABB tradition.

There is no way that Skynyrd or the Allmans get on a Top 10 of all time list.

"...and most southern rock since has been more in the Skynyrd tradition than in the ABB tradition."

That's because the Allman Brothers displayed musical virtuosity that Skynyrd couldn't touch. It's much easier to emulate Skynyrd, so that's what happens.

Hey, I hate to call a stupid person stupid, but to those who are freaked out about the list itself, please re-read the following:

The bands had to be within the greater circle of "rock" music and generate most or all of their own material. I took into account musical and cultural influence, popularity over time (staying power), and the "It's a Wonderful Life" factor: What damage would be done if the band were to be removed from rock history? -- the greater the damage, the greater the band. Removal of any of the above 10 would render rock history unrecognizable.

This article was about bands, The Jimi Hendrix Experience was a band and therefore qualifies, one of the best ever, live or studio.

Larry Finley

Larry, using that logic, ANYONE who has ever performed with a band - as opposed to what? solo - would qualify. Jimi Hendrix is known for his guitar playing, his singing, his songwriting, his innovation in the studio. He is not known for his "band."

Good choice, the stones are still out there, that is another reason they are #2, but hello. Aerosmith. Talked about a come back and they aren't even done. I cannot believe that you left them out. The Ramones, they beat out Aerosmith, how about they helped merge the new rock style. Wake up, bro

Most of these people writing in are not musicians and have no understanding music history. The hav no clue of how most all types of muscic, gospel, bules, rock, soul, country, pop and others are all linked. I think you did a good job. I just wish Earth, Wind and Fire were mentioned. Maybe the list title should have been "The Best Bands" ever. That might help change people's thinking, because once someone has been told - this is rock & roll, this is pop or this is soul and it comes from these kind of people - it is almost impossible to change their thinking. It's like saying to them, I met a black man with blue eyes and blonde hair. While it could very well be true, they wouldn't believe you because of thier limited thinking capacity, which we are all limited by.

Too bad you do not know near as much about music as you think you do. This is a terrible list, and is obviously just a list of your favorites. The Ramones? Come on. I bet 90% of the people reading this list can not even name more than one song total between them, Velvet Underground, Bob Marley, and Sly and the Family Stone. And the one they will all get is "I Shot The Sheriff."

And your list of all time 10 best songs is just completely off as well. No mention of Stairway To Heaven or Freebird, but you include "Hey Ya?" Get a clue and a new job. You suck at this one.

wow, i am amazed (shouldn't be tho..) at how some people will proudly display their ignorance for all the world to see.

very entertaining.

Aerosmith is not even on your honerable mention list? Come on, you must have just forgotten or overlooked them.

Your definition of Rock is pretty friggin broad. Just playing 4/4 time with a back-beat is not rock, it has to 'Rock'. These bands we ok on the list: Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin. As for the others, they are not even in the same category, this includes the Beatles. How you could fit Rasta-boy