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Best band never to release a truly great album?

Yeah, I know, another poll, but these are kind of fun and this one may be a little different. Let's limit it to no earlier than the late 60's (when the album began to be more important than the single). What musician/band do you really like, but has never quite put it all together to make that brilliant album you know is in them.

I'll start by nominating Jethro Tull. Lot's of great songs, but I cannot think of a single Tull record I would call an unqualified success.
curbach
ozfly
887 posts
 
Vegasears, with the exception of Dixie Chicken (which I think is one of the best made by anyone) you're right about Little Feat -- they came reasonably close with Time Loves a Hero. Absolutely agree with Roy Buchanan. Government Mule never had a great one (that I heard) but had/have lots of talent. John Mayall too -- great talent, compiled great talent, but never had a killer album. I'd love to hear everyone's opinion on whether Clapton really had a killer album post-Layla. He had a bunch of great songs and gives a great concert, but I can't recall a great album on his own. If you want to get really, really picky, Sound Garden had a couple of great albums but they each had some pretty weak tracks (IMO). Excellent question.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
This would be indicative of why Roy Buchanan, whatever anyone may think about him as a guitar player, was not actually one of the "greats" as an artist....
treyhoss
287 posts
 
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.
curbach OP
84 posts
 
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.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
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!
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