Best band never to release a truly great album?

Since this is a VERY SUBJECTIVE topic, it all boils down to taste. I happen to think that the Rolling Stones have some good songs but I have never thought they had a great album, where ALL of the songs were good. Off the top of my head, I think the Stones have made somewhere around 20 Lp's or more. IMO, they have about 25 good songs. True, a few Lp's sported a few good songs but MOST of their others had maybe one or two. A prolific band with longevity to be sure, but they are one of those groups (for me) where I'd rather own their "Greatest Hits". Just one man's opinion! But hey, my wife hates the Beatles and I still can't figure that one out.

Well, Clingman, Crest of a Knave certainly has its moments, but the double whammy of "Said She Was A Dancer" and "Budapest" just ruin it for me. Songs From The Wood is a good album, as are Heavy Horses, Aqualung, Stormwatch, and Stand Up, but all fall short of greatness IMHO.

Yes, subjective to be sure. But someone who only thinks The Stones were responsible for 25 good tunes in their career is isn't much of a Stones fan to begin with. Maybe it's time to go and check out something beyond "Hot Rocks"! :-)

P.S. - My girlfriend is the same way about The Beatles. I sometimes can't understand how we could possibly have become a couple!

Zaikesman, your point is taken! FWIW, I have seen the Stones live and ultimately I'd be hard pressed to think of any other group that DOES have 25 good songs over their careers - a record to be proud of. I have owned many Stones albums and CD's over the years but now I only have Goats Head Soup and (you guessed it) Hot Rocks.

For some reason, The Doors come to mind. I really DO like the band but i just don't think that any of their albums are real cohesive or flow quite as well as they should. To me, they are one of those bands that work better in small doses rather than album length. Know what i mean ?

Zaikesman, how can you NOT consider "Young, Loud & Snotty" by The Dead Boys a "messterpiece" ??? The production was as raw and energetic as the performance. I don't think that Stiv would have had it any other way. Their second album ( We Have Come For Your Children ) was WAY over-produced, losing the rough edge that we all know they had.

For the "record" though, i think that you've got great taste in what i like to call "gutter rock" : ) From one "gutter dweller" to another, be on the look-out for a disc entitled "I Only Wrote This Song For You" / A Tribute To Johnny Thunders. It's on a label out of England called ESS and the catalogue number is ESS CD 223. Believe me, you'll like it. The line-up includes, but is not limited to, David Johansen, Arthur "Killer" Kane, Sylvain Sylvain, Wayne Kramer, Michael Monroe, Walter Lure, The Ramones, Willy Deville and even Los Lobos !!! Wayne / Jayne County even makes a guest appearance on one tune. Well worth a listen if you like "dirt bag rock & roll" : ) Sean
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