Greatest American band in history

[ChrisLong]

To me a great band is one that has the same people playing the same instruments in the studio and on tour. They have to be a great live act, be musically inventive and spontaneous as well as have the interest and ability to venture outside of their genre - or at least stretch it to its limits.

A friend of mine played drums for the Beach Boys when Dennis Wilson either didn't show up, or was too effed up to play.

 

[Jerry-atric]

A friend of mine played drums for the Beach Boys when Dennis Wilson either didn't show up, or was too effed up to play.

The Beach Boys are my number 4 band!

 

[justgladtobehere]

Modern Lovers Replacements Galaxie 500 Big Star Uncle Tupelo

 

[August West]

I think the Grateful Dead are the greatest.

What do you think?

Obviously, I agree but let's put Little Feat and the Meters right next to them

 

[heyabbott]

Picture it:

It is 2005, approximately. It is Rupp Arena. A young man and his friends take their seats.

The lights go down, and Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band begins to play their hit song, "Rock 'n' Roll Never Forgets."

Imagine it!

This is my number 2 band.

I saw Seger in 1978 or 79 at the Cap Centre. shirtty place for a concert. But it was one of the beat shows I ever saw.

saw the Talking Heads in '83. Also an amazing show and great band.

Is Santana considered American? Also Great

 

[maumann]

Ohio State Marching

Alexander's Ragtime

Benny Goodman Orchestra circa 1939 Concert at Carnegie Hall

Duke Ellington Orchestra ca 1960

Beach Boys

Velvet Underground

Prince alone in a studio

John Phillip Sousa scoffs.

 

[garrow]

I'd go with Talking Heads (yes I know David Byrne is from Scotland). Replacements are incredible. CCR had to be top 5. Steely Dan too.

 

[DanOregon]

A fb friend was talking about Matt Rollings, a wicked good piano player - who was part of this line-up. Nashville has some players man.

 

[Chef2]

I dig jam-session shows like that......get 10 or 15 people on stage and just go.

 

[Scout]

Google Danny Elfman ...

Google is on the internet now.

 

[cyclingwriter2]

I'd go with Talking Heads (yes I know David Byrne is from Scotland). Replacements are incredible. CCR had to be top 5. Steely Dan too.

But he was raised in Baltimore, and based on the artwork I've seen from the interstate quoting his lyrics, they must really consider him a favored son.

Also, going off memory, but I want to say the lyrics to "and she was" were about a friend who used to drop acid and stare at the YooHoo factory in Baltimore.