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The Debate's Not Over

Over the last 75 years there have been any number "Who's Better" debates. Johnny Mathis vs. Nat King Cole, the Beatles vs. the Stones, etc. As time has passed, to many some of these debates have been answered, but I just want to re-open a few choice debates and add my $.50.

Dave Clark 5 vs. the Beatles - for those of you old enough to remember, at one time, these two groups were considered equals. I'll grant the Fab Four the musical crown, but "Having A Wild Weekend" (directed by John Boorman )was a better movie than anything the Beatles did. And yes, Dave was a better drummer than Ringo.

Prince vs. Michael Jackson - despite Chris Rock's pronouncement of the Purple Wonder's triumph, I say as of 2005 the title goes to Michael. Sure Prince is still putting out quality music, but it ain't great quality, and his earlier work sounds fairly dated, whereas, Michael's 80s masterpieces still sound quite good. 10 years from now I may change my mind.

Clapton vs. Green vs. Taylor - These are the original guitar gods from John Mayall's 60s Bluesbreakers. Eric Clapton has by far had the most illustrious career, but I rate him behind both Peter Green and Mick Taylor. Green wasn't as flashy, but he had the tone. Green also founded Fleetwood Mac and wrote "Black Magic Woman". Mick Taylor prevented the Stones from becoming an oldies act back in the 70s. He is also one of the best slide player currently working in rock. He deserves to be in the rock Hall of Fame.

Disco vs. Hair Band vs. Boy Bands - everybody lost a little bit of their self respect in this one.

Donovan vs. Dylan - Donovan was right, he was more musically adventurous than Dylan, but only Smokey Robinson wrote better lyrics than Dylan. Despite St. Etienne's lyrics, I guess Dylan really did win this one.

Hwy 61 vs. Route 66 - it depends, are you into the blues, or are you just out to get some kicks?

Chuck Berry vs. Keith Richards - Richards got the money, but Chuck Berry is the king of rock n' roll. Chuck may have only really written two songs, but they were killers. Punch him out again Chuck!

Blondie vs. Bjork - I just made this one up. Bjork would karate chop Ms. Harry and sample her brains.

Fender vs. Marshall - Marshall's may have the mystique, but more great songs were recorded with Fender amps than any other brand.

Earth, Wind & Fire vs. Parliment/Funkadelics - see "Get Up, Get Down" conflict.

Miles vs. Miles - the band with Coltrane & Cannonball? No. The First Quintet or even the second Quintet (Shorter/Williams/Carter/Hancock)? Nope, not them either. The best Miles Davis band was Shorter/DeJohnette/Holland/Corea. "Filles de Kilimanjaro" just does it for me.

and finally,

Elvis vs. Elvis - Mr. Costello is slowly gaining on swivel hips. Within the next 20 years I predict he will catch him and possibly move ahead of Presely on the rock pantheon. I could actually be wrong on this one, but maybe not.

Feel free to agree/disagree or even add you own debate(s). And to all you young dudes out there, best wishes for the new year!
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Marco, you can count me in.

Might I suggest you bring the deluxe version of The Perch™ as sub for the dance pole (your extra long version), and I think we need to establish early on, we prefer dancing over "flapping."

Now if we could just get Debbie Harry to throw in her talented monkey we would be set.

I'll take Debbie Harry over Bjork in her hey day. She used to gyrate around stage with no panties on, and yes she does shave her monkey.

Wait a minute Qdrone................the last album cover of Blondie I drooled over was "Plastic Letters," wasn't that back in 1977?

Her Monkey may have achieved Gorilla status by now (apologies to Mr. James Taylor). If Debbie accepts our offer, this Perch™-dance is going to require Gunbei's retouch skills to tame the Gorilla back to Monkey status.

Now on the other hand, Bjork's album "Debut" certainly needs no retouch, such a baby girl falls into "chipmunk" status rather than monkey.

A little known fact. The following Beatles hit had a coauthor, (a very young Debbie Harry had a finger in it).

ome on, come on, come on, come on, come on is such a joy, come on is such a
joy
Come on it take it easy, come on is take it easy, take it easy, take it easy
Everybody's got something to hide, except for me and my monkey
Hah, the deeper you go, the higher you fly, the higher you fly, the deeper you
go
So come on, come on, come on is such a joy, come on is such a joy
Come on it make it easy, come on is make it easy, take it easy, take it easy
Everybody's got something to hide, except for me and my monkey
Your inside is out, and your outside is in
Your outside is in, and you inside is out
So come on, ha, come on, ha, come on is such a joy
Come on is such a joy, come on it make it easy, come on is make it easy
Take it easy, take it easy
Everybody's got something to hide except for me and my monkey
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
>>Did Dylan ever write as good a love song as "My Girl"<<

Who cares? For every good Smokey wrote, Dylan wrote a dozen or more that buried it. This is an apples and oranges comparison of a good songwriter (Smokey) and the single most important songwriter of the last 50 years. This is irrefutable.
newmanoc
295 posts
 
"For every good Smokey wrote, Dylan wrote a dozen or more that buried it... This is irrefutable."

Although I don't disagree with your preference, nothing in issues of taste is "irrefutable." You and I are experts on our own opinions, nothing more. And while I can agree on the superiority of Dylan's writing, much of the time I would rather listen to Smokey.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
>>much of the time I would rather listen to Smokey<<

I do not disagree with that. However, I stand by the statement the Dylan is the single most important songwriter of the past 50 years. Whether or not you like his voice, subject matter, or personal life, all other songwriters pale in comparison with regards to volume, quality, and impact of the songs. That is not a matter of taste, simply the fact of the matter.
qdrone
1,039 posts
 
Now Albertporter I said in her hey day but come on Debbie was still looking good on Eat to the Beat. With her Monkey and your credit card you would be feeling Rapture. I liked Bork when she was with The Sugarcubes,but her solo stuff has done nothing for me.
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