Best rock bands over a short period of time...

[weso1]

Lately I've been thinking about which rock bands were the best over a certain time. Like which bands were the biggest commercially along with having legitimate talent. I think I've got a real solid ranking for the 90's and 70's but kind of struggling with the mid 80's. I'm going to start with the Beatles.

Beatles - Mid 60's to 70
Led Zeppelin - early to mid 70's
Pink Floyd - mid 70's to early 80's

I think most would agree with the short list above without much in the way of debate. After this into the mid 80's coming up with any band. So I'll just skip the mid 80's and move onto the late 80's and through 2000. I think I've come up with a pretty solid list here that I can make a strong case for.

Guns N Roses - Late 80's to 1991 - Appetite for Destruction and Use Your Illusion era
Nirvana - Early 90's (1991 - 1993) Nevermind and in Utero era.
Smashing Pumpkins - mid 90's (1993 - 1996) Siamese Dream and MCIS era.
Radiohead - late 90's (97-2000) OK Computer and Kid A

[zitothebrave]

If you want to go your say half decade approach.

I would for the mid-late 80s, Metallica, 84 saw Ride the Lightning, 86 was Master Puppets and 88 was ...and Justice for All. Then things took a turn fo rthe worse.

Some early 80s suggestions, The Boss is my pick, but could have others of course, But just in the early to mid 80s, The River, Nebraska and Born in the USA. Prince would also be in the mix.

And no way does Smashing Pumpkins get in the mix. If you're going from that mid-90s era, I would easily put Beck over them with Mellow Gold and Odelay.

Sticking to the half decade part. Pearl Jam for first half (Ten Vs. Vitology) Second half RATM Evil Empire, The Battle for Los Angeles, Renegades. Early 2000s I go with White Stripes, late 2000s is tougher for me. I'd probably go with Wilco. Last few years, I have no pick really.

[jpx7]

If you're going from that mid-90s era, I would easily put Beck over them with Mellow Gold and Odelay.

I'd agree. And if commercial success weren't a consideration, I'd throw Neutral Milk Hotel out for mid-to-late-90s; certainly In the Aeroplane Over the Sea was one of the very best albums of that decade.

I also think Neil Young could make a strong bid for the 1970s. And while I'm a big Wilco fan, it's hard for me to pick them for "late 2000s" since that would exclude Yankee Hotel Foxtrot; really, for the middle-to-late 2000s, The Decemberists are a solid option, I think.

You're right that it's hard to know exactly what to do with the past five years.

[weso1]

If you want to go your say half decade approach.

I would for the mid-late 80s, Metallica, 84 saw Ride the Lightning, 86 was Master Puppets and 88 was ...and Justice for All. Then things took a turn fo rthe worse.

Some early 80s suggestions, The Boss is my pick, but could have others of course, But just in the early to mid 80s, The River, Nebraska and Born in the USA. Prince would also be in the mix.

And no way does Smashing Pumpkins get in the mix. If you're going from that mid-90s era, I would easily put Beck over them with Mellow Gold and Odelay.

Sticking to the half decade part. Pearl Jam for first half (Ten Vs. Vitology) Second half RATM Evil Empire, The Battle for Los Angeles, Renegades. Early 2000s I go with White Stripes, late 2000s is tougher for me. I'd probably go with Wilco. Last few years, I have no pick really.

No way does Beck hold up to Siamese Dream and MCIS when you take into account commercial success along with actual musical ability. I personally think Beck was only better lyrically. It's ridiculous how many great songs The Pumpkins wrote those years. The duo of Corgan and Chamberlin were pretty elite in that time frame. I know it's subjective, but I'd like to hear the argument.

I always felt that RATM lacked range in their songwriting. They wrote what seemed like one kind of song to me and that was it. A really good band, but certainly not the best of that time period.

[Krgrecw]

I'd agree. And if commercial success weren't a consideration, I'd throw Neutral Milk Hotel out for mid-to-late-90s; certainly In the Aeroplane Over the Sea was one of the very best albums of that decade.

I also think Neil Young could make a strong bid for the 1970s. And while I'm a big Wilco fan, it's hard for me to pick them for "late 2000s" since that would exclude Yankee Hotel Foxtrot; really, for the middle-to-late 2000s, The Decemberists are a solid option, I think.

You're right that it's hard to know exactly what to do with the past five years.

If you add commercial into the mix, all the critically acclaimed bands that you mentioned that don't sell (wilco, the decemberists) would be out of the picture.


After GNR's demise in the early to mid 90's, rock music was shot. The UYI tour ended and Cobain killed himself around the same time period. Axl Rose was the last rock n roll star that we'll ever have. kings of Leon were pretty big and had mainstream press a few years back but I never liked them

[zitothebrave]

No way does Beck hold up to Siamese Dream and MCIS when you take into account commercial success along with actual musical ability. I personally think Beck was only better lyrically. It's ridiculous how many great songs The Pumpkins wrote those years. The duo of Corgan and Chamberlin were pretty elite in that time frame. I know it's subjective, but I'd like to hear the argument.

I always felt that RATM lacked range in their songwriting. They wrote what seemed like one kind of song to me and that was it. A really good band, but certainly not the best of that time period.

I don't think Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is an amazing album. I know you're a Pumpkins fan so that's cool and all, but there's several others I'd take. I could take the Foos, or Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, RATM, and many other things I could list.

And I'm going for creative and commercial both.

[zitothebrave]

If you add commercial into the mix, all the critically acclaimed bands that you mentioned that don't sell (wilco, the decemberists) would be out of the picture.


After GNR's demise in the early to mid 90's, rock music was shot. The UYI tour ended and Cobain killed himself around the same time period. Axl Rose was the last rock n roll star that we'll ever have. kings of Leon were pretty big and had mainstream press a few years back but I never liked them

Use your Illusion 1 sold 7.3 M

Post them bigger selling "rock albums", Oasis What's the Story Morning Glory, Cranberry's No need to argue, Stone Temple Pilot's Core, Live Throwing Copper, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, Creed Human Clay, Green Day Dookie, No Doubt Tragic Kingdom, Matchbox 20 Yourself or Someone like you, Santana Supernatural, and that's not including the 1991 releases like Ten, Nevermind, Black Album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik.

As far as "rock star" that depends on what you mean by that. If you mean someone who's bat **** insane and famous and making rock music, you may be right except for Cortney Love. Though Axl never murdered anyone. As far as performers, there have been tons of great ones who've come along, Vedder, Grohl, Yorke, Cornell and plenty of others.

[weso1]

The goal was to try to take personal feelings out of it. But it really can't help but be a subjective discussion. So I'm not really going to argue too much. You could make an argument for Tool, RATM, Alice N Chains, Pearl Jam etc. The early 90's was very difficult to choose between PJ, Alice in Chains and Nirvana. I chose Nirvana because I thought they were the most inventive in their sounds sort of ushering in the alternative era with a modern take on rock. Pearl Jam I think borrowed heavily from Neil Young and the like from earlier era's. The mid 90's was actually very easy for me even though I'm admittedly biased. I actually think Weezer might be SP's toughest competition there. I just don't think the Foo Fighters have a lot of depth in their music. I get bored pretty quick listening to their stuff. Plus I don't think there was anything groundbreaking there or unique about them.

And as far as what time periods I chose. I was really just looking for periods of time in which I personally felt there was a clear best band in the world. And the main reason I added commercialism to the discussion is that it takes away some of the subjectivity. Now here in the 2000's I'm not sure that's the case.

[zitothebrave]

The issue is, that subjectivity always plays a place. I mean unless you go by album sales, but best =/= best sales. I wouldn't put the Foos in the mix, I think they're a better example of a longevity band who consistently put out quality tracks with no obvious peak. For me as a fan I think Pearl Jam had an obvious peak and that was their first 3 albums, I would personally put them over Nirvana because while Nevermind was the icebreaker, Ten sold just as well, Vs. and/or Vitology were in every shape way and form (IMO) superior to In Utero.

Re-thinking it I would probably slightly amend my 2000s and late 90s. Throw in Chili Peppers for like 99-03 then White Stripes for 03-07. I mean the White Stripes still rocked and you're removing White Blood Cells by putting them in that range, but replacing it with Icky Thump which isn't a terrible move. Elephant is still in the mix. Still would have RATM in that late 90s range. You lose Renegades, but I will still count Battle for LA and you still have Evil Empire. While it's easy to say their songs soudn the same (which some do, but they're probably also the people who think AC/DC songs sound the same but Bob Dylan songs sound different, aka people who don't dig heavy distortion) Rage effectively created a popular genre for better or worse, and did it while putting out exceptional tracks. Without Rage you dont' see the Rap/Rock crazy of the late 90s early 2000s. Which I' msure some people would jump for joy and I admit, I have a debate about it, but I wouldn't trade Battle for Los Angeles to wipe out Limp Bizkit. They'll be collectively erased from the populaces subconscious in no time.

And yes I know there's some blurred lines, but you started it, as you have Pink Floyd as "late 70s" which I believe you're including the Wall in that and that came out at the end of November 1979. So it's blurring lines with the 80s. Same thing with Zeppelin since their first 3 albums were released between 69-70 in the same time frame the Beatles released Yellow Submarine, Abbey Road, and Let it Be.

Personally I like to look at bands and what I consider their peaks.

Start with the Beatles. I'm not a huge Beatles fan, but for me their peak was like 68-70 as I like their later year stuff way more than their early stuff. Some bands don't have real peaks, like JHE was just constant excellence then the band dies. Back to the discussion though.

Pink FLoyd was about 73-80 which takes you from Darkside to the Wall. Zeppelin was about 69-76 which is first album through Presence. I don't think In Through the Out Door is worth it personally. Nirvana was the 91-93. I agree with you on the peak for Smashing Pumpkins as they did nothing worthwhile (IMO) after Mellon Collie. Alice in Chains I go 90-95 though I did like Black Gives way to Blue a whole lot. just too long of a break for me. Pearl Jam I'd say is one of those bands who's both peak and longevity, kind of like the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen or Neil Young. While there's a time early in their career you can point at as the pinnacle they keep releasing quality stuff later on. For me I'd say their peak was 91-95 that was Ten, Vs. Vitalogy and Merkinball. but with the exception of Binaural, I own all their albums so I'm still liking them 20 years past my listed peak. Rush's peak I'd say is about 76-82. While I really like Fly by Night and Rush, Caress of Steel is very meh. But 2112, A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures and Signals all rock. Iron Maiden was 81-84 maybe 86. I flip on my opinion of Somewhere in Time. Metallica is 83-88. While I like some songs off of the Black Album, as a whole, kinda dumps. U2 I have a tough time considering a start, as songs Sunday Bloody Sunday and Pride are my 2 favorite U2 songs, but I don't really care for too much else on War or The Unforgettable Fire. It certainly at the latest starts in 87 with the Joshua Tree and ends in 91 with Achtung Baby. I know they had commercial success after that, but Zooropa and everything after sucks aside from a few songs. Bon Jovi has a clear peak then a weird bounce back into popularity. Say you start with Slippery When Wet, things clearly take a turn for the worse after Keep the Faith. Then in the 2000s you have Crush where things kidn of pick up, then Bounce which sucked, and then some random massive hits. The Boss I'd say his peak was his first album through probably Tunnel of Love which was the classic period, then you have the post-The Rising period which has also featured many commercial and critical successes. I'd consider probably Neil Young's peak 70-79 which is After the Gold Rush to Rust Never Sleeps. That being said, still amazing albums to come out after, Freedom, Harvest Moon, Ragged Glory, and Mirror Ball.

I'm trying to think of who else I'd consider having a strong enough peak to discuss. GNR has the worlds most obvious peak it's not even worth discussing. Some bands are the same way like Skynyrd, Doors, Hendrix, and Cream who weren't even around long enough to develop a peak worth talking about.

[weso1]

Good post Zito. Makes it sad to see how far rock has fallen in lately. I agree with you and jpx that it's very difficult to even come up with an argument as to who should be in the conversation the past ten years or so. Maybe Radiohead just gets it by default? But they've become more pop/electronica.

[zitothebrave]

Muse is a band who'd certainly be in the conversation.

Coldplay is in there on sales, I just megaloathe them.

THe difference isn't falling, but evolving, rock fans get their music in a totally different way and I think you're seeing a death to the big national and international tours and instead seeing more local/indie music being out there.

[weso1]

Where's the evolving though? I'm struggling to find it. I mean I got it with the 90's and Radiohead. The late 90's with OK Computer was an amazing album, but I just don't see any true evolving since then outside of that same band. Even the White Stripes is just an homage to the 70's. Not really anything new. Coldplay is a radio friendly pop band and even they haven't truly been relevant for years.

[Krgrecw]

Where's the evolving though? I'm struggling to find it. I mean I got it with the 90's and Radiohead. The late 90's with OK Computer was an amazing album, but I just don't see any true evolving since then outside of that same band. Even the White Stripes is just an homage to the 70's. Not really anything new. Coldplay is a radio friendly pop band and even they haven't truly been relevant for years.

It's not evolution as much as it is a lack of originality. For the last 20 years there's hasn't been one big rock band that was on top of everyone else except for Kings of Leon and Coldplay at times.

[zitothebrave]

Where's the evolving though? I'm struggling to find it. I mean I got it with the 90's and Radiohead. The late 90's with OK Computer was an amazing album, but I just don't see any true evolving since then outside of that same band. Even the White Stripes is just an homage to the 70's. Not really anything new. Coldplay is a radio friendly pop band and even they haven't truly been relevant for years.

White stripes are not an homage to the 70s. That was Wolfmother. And there are plenty out there. Just cause the scene isn't the same doesn't mean creativity isn't out there.

[zitothebrave]

It's not evolution as much as it is a lack of originality. For the last 20 years there's hasn't been one big rock band that was on top of everyone else except for Kings of Leon and Coldplay at times.

What a ****ty statement. Everything is derivative of something else. And there's been no one since the 70s who's truly been on top of the game. You'll say GNR I bet, But appetite was basically equaled by Joshua tree and Use your Illusion was crushed by Metallica and Nevermind and others.

[CyYoung31]

From 1970-79, Neil Young didn't release an album that wasn't perfect.

And Dylan doesn't get enough credit for his 70's output, if you cut him off at '76.

Speaking of Dylan, in just a 3-year span from 1963-1966 he claimed the greatest artist of all-time title.

[Krgrecw]

What a ****ty statement. Everything is derivative of something else. And there's been no one since the 70s who's truly been on top of the game. You'll say GNR I bet, But appetite was basically equaled by Joshua tree and Use your Illusion was crushed by Metallica and Nevermind and others.

I know that you were to young to experience them in their heyday but GnR was the biggest band in the world for the UYI tours. I mean during Metallicas heyday they still opened for Guns in that time period. Unless you can argue the band that sold the most albums, played to the most people, had more radio AirPlay than any other rock band during that five year period wasn't the biggest I'd like to hear it.



I think you're arguing album sales when I'm arguing the era. At the time of the UYI tour from 90-93 GnR was the biggest band in the world.

[zitothebrave]

I know that you were to young to experience them in their heyday but GnR was the biggest band in the world for the UYI tours. I mean during Metallicas heyday they still opened for Guns in that time period. Unless you can argue the band that sold the most albums, played to the most people, had more radio AirPlay than any other rock band during that five year period wasn't the biggest I'd like to hear it.



I think you're arguing album sales when I'm arguing the era. At the time of the UYI tour from 90-93 GnR was the biggest band in the world.

No you have your facts wrong. GNR toured with Metallica in a huge concert tour. THey were co-headliners, not Metallica being an opening act.

By you concert theory, U2's 360 tour from a few years ago was the biggest grossing concert tour of all time, in terms of their time, they weren't one of the 11 highest grossing tours of the 90s. Before you say rock acts, that list includes the Stones twice, Pink FLoyd, the Eagles, and U2 twice. Which furthers my point, from a sales perspective U2>Guns N' Roses.

And to your album point, from 87-92 U2's studio albums grossed 58M GNR beat them pretty handedly but that primarily has to do with Use Your Illusion being a double feature, if U2 did Achtung Baby as a double feature they would have been right behind GNR. GNR was a mega huge band, but they weren't clearly the biggest band in the world.

[BlackwaterPark]

For me it would be

95-early 2000's Korn
Early 2000's-2008 Opeth
2010-now-Stone Sour

Slipknot is in there somewhere too

[bravesnumberone]

Nothing will ever beat what the Beatles did over about an eight-year period.