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!
