Top Five Bands By Decade

I went to a Cracker show last October, and while pissing, a kid in a cowboy hat came in and exclaimed to me that Cracker was the best band still around. That got me thinking about whether or not he was accurate, or even if he was remotely accurate. And so this list was born so I could determine if Cracker was even in the running, and just how good they were. Not too mention I could also figure out just who is the best band still around...or the best band ever...

I am not talking my personal favorite bands, but rather who I think was the best...Of course I am not an expert of all type's of music, so if something great gets left out, I apologize...I am only working with what I know and what I have heard.

So read it and let me know what you think...(Side Note: I limited my honorable mentions to 3 bands for each decade, because I didnt want to just throw in everyone I thought was great- and all honorable mentions are in order of importance)

The 1960's - This Decade was much much harder then I ever imagined. So many great, influential bands and musicians...

1 - The Beatles - These guys went from 'Please Please Me' (1963) to 'Abbey Road' (1969) in just one decade. And only one (12 Total) album ('Let it Be' (1970)) is left out of consideration for this decade. This is some tremendous growth as a band, and some groundbreaking shit. They had no fewer then 27 #1 hits and at the same time became the first pop/rock bands to do things like use orchestrations on recordings, re-invent production techniques, and fuse genres the way they did, especially in the eyes of pop culture. They are also sometimes given credit for inventing the concept album with the release of 'Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' (1967). All the while they never lost focus on their brilliant use of melody and their distinct vocal harmonies. They paved the way for rock music and popular music for generations to come. Most bands on these lists were most likely inspired by the Beatles, because they were brilliant.

2 - Bob Dylan - Bob Dylan is right up there with the Beatles and together they are responsible for the most important albums to this day, all which stemmed from this decade. Dylan not only wrote some of the greatest folk songs ever written, but also some of the greatest rock songs as well. He had a knack for being one step ahead of the game and John Lennon has even been known for being influenced by Dylan because he changed the way he looked at songwriting and the way he approached the music. Dylan was releasing 'Highway 61 Revisited' (August 1965) - his follow up to 'Bringin' it All Back Home' (March 1965) - while the Beatles were still making 'Help!' (August 1965). His growth as a musician and artist in the 60's was so rapid, he often left critics and fans behind. His songs have become staples for rock and roll, folk, and the way we look at the world in general.

3 - Miles Davis - Miles Davis is another one of those great artists that made music what it is today...Davis was pretty much responsible for every major development in Jazz music in the post WWII world. He is well known for popularizing jazz as well as being one of the most innovative jazz musicians in history. He released 12 albums in this decade, including the infamous 'Bitches Brew' (1969).

4 - The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground was never a commercially successful band, but they are still considered to be one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Brian Eno has been noted for saying that while only a few thousand people bought a Velvet Underground album upon initial release, almost every single one of them was inspired to start a band. They were one of the first bands to use feedback during recording and are often given credit for bridging the gap between the 60's style pop rock and the 70's punk rock movement. While my personal favorite album 'Loaded' was released in 1970, there most important and influential works were all released in the 60's including 'The Velvet Underground and Nico' (1967).

5 - The Beach Boys - While most of you know them as the surk rock annoying group who often appeared with Uncle Jessie on episodes of 'Full House', the Beach Boys were and are still one of the most influential studio bands in history. Brian Wilsons obsession with detail and skill in arrangement brought about 'Pet Sounds' in 1966. Not too mention his own brilliant album 'SMiLE' which would take form as a Beach Boys album known as 'Smiley Smile' (1967). 'SMiLE' itself would never be released until 2004, but the groundwork was laid in the sixties. Some will even argue that it was still the best album of the year when released two years ago...

Honorable Mentions (60's)-

Jimi Hendrix for his work with the Experience (e.g. 'Electric Ladyland' 1968) - Frank Zappa for his solo works as well as with the Mothers of Invention (e.g. 'Freak Out' 1966, 'Hot Rats' 1969) - The Rolling Stones For the release of some of the most important pop/rock albums in this decade (e.g. 'Out of Our Heads' 1965)

The 1970's -

1 - Pink Floyd - Pink Floyd was around for multiple decades as we all know, but the 70's was the highlight of their genius. The 70's brought the release of one of the greatest albums I have ever heard, 'Animals' (1977) as well as two of the most talked about rock albums of all time, 'Dark Side of the Moon' (1973) and 'The Wall' (1979). Not too mention the song 'Wish You Were Here' was released on the album of the same name in 1975. And I don't think I have ever met someone who couldn't recognize this song. Pink Floyd dominated this decade with their experimentation in the studio and with their amazing live shows (so I have heard- I've obviously never been - but one can dream).

2 - David Bowie - David Bowie is commonly known as the Chameleon of pop. He is known for predicting trends and adjusting his style's while still maintaining his own individuality and creativity. He has re-invented genres as well as made certain genres popular...He was put on the map in 1969 with his single Space Oddity, but his continued work in the 70's is what really brought out his genius. Including the albums 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust...'(1972) and 'Young Americans' (1975) which contained the single 'Fame'. Not only that but he also produced Lou Reed's Breakthrough solo album as well as Iggy Pop's album 'Raw Power' (1973).

3 - Bob Marley - Bob Marley is the most widely known reggae artist and is responsible for popularizing the genre outside of jamaica. He used his music as a symbol of peace and unity and blah blah blah. He wrote some of the most famous songs, a few of which were covered by great artists and turned into rock hits. His music was very powerful and he did nothing but good things with it.

4 - The Grateful Dead - This was a hard band for me to place, as they could technically be in any list from the 60's to the 90's, but they definitely did their best work in the 70's. The 1970's brought out 'American Beauty', 'Workingman's Dead', 'Steal Your Face', 'Terrapin Station', 'Shakedown Street' and many many others. Not too mention their infamous live shows in which they are well known for being pioneers in the jamband community. They brought a new meaning to having a cult following and were constantly touring. And of course Jerry Garcia can be considered one of the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time.

5 - Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath originated Heavy Metal and took hard rock to the next level. They combined melody with their innovative metal sound, and were denounced at first by critics but would go on to be recognized as one of the most important bands of the time, and are responsible for most of the way all genres of metal were shaped. And of course they released 'Paranoid' in 1970, which is one of the best metal albums ever, as well as nine other albums during this decade.

Honorable Mentions (70's) -

The Talking Heads - For their work in the 70's (e.g. 'Talking Heads: 77' 1977, 'Fear of Music' 1979) - The Clash - For the release of one of the greatest punk rock albums of all time ('London Calling' 1979) - The Who - For their work in the 70's (e.g. 'Quadrophenia' 1973, 'Who's Next' 1971)

The 1980's -

1 - The Talking Heads - Yes thats right, the Talking Heads are being mentioned in two decades. They just missed the top five in the 70's, but easily top the list in the 80's with the release of 'Remain in Light' (1980) and 'Speaking in Tongues' (1983) as well as three other studio albums, a couple live albums (including 'The Name of This Band is the Talking Heads' (1982)) and the one of the greatest rock movies of all time, 'Stop Making Sense' (1984). They were one of the most influential bands of this decade and helped lead the way for new wave bands after disco died, even Radiohead took its name from a Talking Heads song. Not too mention the Talking Heads had the best frontman ever.

2 - Prince - Prince is highly regarded as a music genius and besides writing and composing all of his own songs, he plays most instruments on all of his studio albums, and has even been known to write some chart-toppers for other artists. 1982 saw the release of the breakthrough album '1999' and with hits like 'Little Red Corvette', Prince joined Micheal Jackson and Lionel Richie as being part of the first wave of black artists to become part of the MTV generation. Then the Album 'Purple Rain' came in 1984 and spent 24 weeks in a row at the top of the charts. Not too mention he won an academy award for the movie of the same name, for best original song score.

3 - The Pixies - The Pixies were said to be ahead of their time musically. Kurt Cobain has even claimed in an interview that 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' (the song that arguably broke alternative rock into the mainstream) was his failed attempt to write a Pixie's song. They were one of the first alternative rock bands, and influenced many alternative rock artists that came shortly thereafter. They released four albums from 1987 - 1989, including 'Doolittle' in 1989. They had a very short lived career and would go seperate ways in 1993. But they are back now.

4 - The Smiths - The Smiths were one of the most successful alternative rock bands to emerge from the British Indie scene in the 80's. They have had a major influence on the whole Indie music scene, including the britpop movement and bands such as Radiohead and Oasis. They helped return guitar based music to popularity in the UK and released four studio albums as well as numerous compilations in a five year span (1984 - 1989).

5 - Husker Du - Husker Du is another one of those bands that was never extremely successful as a band, but when looking back is found to be highly influential and extremely important in the scope of things. They paved the way for alternative music to reach the mainstream by becoming one of the first underground American rock bands to contract a major label deal. They were a hardcore band with a strong melodic sense and are known for their high energy live shows and brilliant improvisation (so Ive heard - again I've never seen). They are one of the original Hardcore Punk bands...so Pete would like them.

Honorable Mentions (80's) -

Elvis Costello - For establishing himself as a Unique and Original voice in the 1980's - U2 - For their work in the 80's (e.g. 'War' 1983, 'The Joshua Tree' 1987) - R.E.M. - For their work in the 80's (e.g. 'Green' 1988, 'Document' 1987)

The 1990's - Another hard decade to decide. So much change in the music industry and innovating bands.

1 - Nirvana - Nirvana broke alternative rock into the mainstream with the release of their album 'Nevermind' in 1991. This sparked an offshoot of numerous alternative rock bands gaining popularity and taking over radio play and becoming a dominant genre of music. Frontman Kurt Cobain was considered the spokesman of a generation. 'Nevermind' went triple platinum in 6 months time in the U.S. and replaced Micheal Jackson's 'Dangerous' at the top of the charts. This was the defining moment of the rise of alternative rock over pop music during this time. They went on to release 2 more albums before Cobain committed suicide in 1994. After Cobain's death numerous live albums and other Nirvana compilations have been released with extreme success.

2 - Radiohead - Radiohead started out the nineties as an Alternative band spawned from the grunge and britpop movements, but by the end of the decade were making some of the most important music of the time. They released one of my favorite albums 'The Bends' (1995) and then changed alternative rock forever with 'Ok Computer' in 1997. They experimented with ambience and noise to create this Grammy Winning Alternative rock album. Many people consider 'Ok Computer' to be one of the most definitive music moments in the 20th Century, let alone the decade of the nineties.

3 - The Beastie Boys - The Beastie Boys were the first successful white rap group and combined hip-hop with rock and punk which would subsequently have a huge influence on artists in all three of those genres. There third album 'Check Your Head' (1992) went double platinum and paved the way for 2 EPs and four more full length albums that decade, including the album 'Hello Nasty' (1998) which one a grammy for best alternative music album as well as best rap performance by a duo for the song 'Intergalactic'.

4 - Phish - Phish is another one of those bands that have touched the last three decades and have been somewhat sucessful in all three, but their success, as well as musical talent and importance peaked in the nineties. They took the community world the Grateful Dead created and took it to the next level and really recreated the whole live experience. They were not known for their studio work, although the nineties saw their best studio work such as 'Rift' (1993) and 'Billy Breathes' (1996). They never recieved radio-play and grew successful simply on word of mouth and the power and energy of their live shows. They touched more genres with their music then most bands ever do.

5 - Beck - Beck re-invented the alternative rock genre as well as the folk genre by combining the two and adding his own creative style. He released three chart topping (top 20) albums in this decade, including 'Mellow Gold' (1994), 'Odelay' (1996), and 'Mutations' (1998).

Honorable Mentions (90's)

Pearl Jam - For their work in the 90's (e.g. 'Ten' - 'Yield' (1991 - 1998)), - Tool - For their work in the 90's (e.g. 'Undertow' 1993, 'AEnima' 1996), Weezer - For their work in the 90's (e.g. 'Pinkerton' 1996)

The 00's -

1 - Wilco - These guys started out as alt-country rockers in the nineties and slowly evolved into the electric rock band by 1999 with their release of 'Summerteeth'. But it wasnt until 2002 with the release of 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' that they were really put on the map. The album reached #12 on the charts and is considered to be one of the best albums of that year, as well as one of the most innovative of all time. Their follow up album 'A Ghost is Born' (2004) shows no sign of them slowing down and peaked at #8 on the charts as well as won the band a grammy for best recording packaging and best alternative album. Since then they have released a Double Live album 'Kicking Television' (2005) and it was one of the best pieces of music I heard that year. Wilco continues to grow as musicians, entertainers, as well as in the studio. They are one of the most artistic and innovative bands of all time.

2 - Guided By Voices - This is one of the all time greatest Indie rock bands of all time. They started out recording short low-fi indie songs in their basement and have since then gathered a collection of music easily comparable to that of Frank Zappa's prolific collection. They are best known for their short catchy indie rock tunes. The new decade has seen some of their best work and most professional with the release of 'Half Smiles of the Decomposed' (2004), 'Earthquake Glue' (2003) and 'Isolation Drills' (2001) which can be considered one of the best albums of the decade. They are not known for their commercial success, but I highly recommend checking them out.

3 - Outkast - These guys are currently one of the most successful hip hop artists of all time. Their album 'SpeakerBoxx/The Love Below' (2004) won them a grammy for best rap album of the year and is one of only three hip hop albums to go diamond. They are considered to be one of the most innovative hip-hop albums and have even been compared to the Beatles because of the effect they have had on popular music by re-inventing themselves. And I dont even like Hip Hop.

4 - The Flaming Lips - Even though the nineties brought 'Zaireeka' (1997) and 'The Soft Bulletin' (1999), it was only the beginning of what would come next from this band. They released 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' in 2002, and it is considered much more accessible as well as critically successful. It is one of the greatest concept albums as well as albums ever made. Their ability for arrangement and experimentation continue to make them a great studio band, as well as a great live band, and as entertainers as a whole. The recently followed up Yoshimi with 'At War With the Mystics' (2006) and also have no signs of slowing down, with this equally brilliant album that shows growth in subject matter as well as artistic value.

5 - The Eels - This is another one of those bands that have been around for a while, and have never put out any bad work, but have recently been doing amazing things. Much like the rest of this 00's list. Most of you probably will remember the Eels from their one-hit 'Novacaine for the Soul' in 1996. But since then a man named E - the mastermind behind the Eels - has released 5 studio albums, 4 of which are from this decade, including the album 'Blinking Lights and Revelations' (2005) which is widely considered one of the best albums of the year. They have also released a couple live albums and some B-sides and rarities. Another great artist that shows no sign of slowing down.

Honorable Mentions (00's) -
Radiohead - Despite their truly groundbreaking work in the 90's they continue to re-invent themselves and create brilliant work (e.g. 'Kid A' 2000, 'Hail to the Thief' 2003) - Sonic Youth - For there work so far in this decade (e.g. 'Murray Street' 2002, 'Sonic Nurse' 2004) - The White Stripes - For there work in this decade from 'De Stijl' to 'Get Behind Me Satan' (2000-2005)

Up and Coming - Here are a few bands to keep your eyes peeled out for, because they have been doing nothing but brilliant work and still have four years to get on this top five list.

The Arcade Fire
Bright Eyes
Spoon

So it turns out that stupid Texan was wrong, and Cracker isnt one of the best bands in the last 40 years. I mean sure they are up there, but there are atleast 16 bands listed above from the 90's and the 00's...I suppose David Lowery himself could be considered great because of his work with Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker combined...especially considering Camper Van Beethoven recently released one of their best albums 'New Roman Times' in 2004. Well if he keeps trying maybe he can put himself on this list someday...

And the thing I have learned from this list is that Wilco is the best band since the 60's with the exception of maybe Radiohead.

Anyways I would love to hear what you think of my list, and get some feedback...