Some irrefutable truths about rock and roll


1) Robert Johnson invented rock and roll, and is the rightful King of it. Elvis Presley's title should be amended to "Poster Boy of Early Rock and Roll."

2) Jeff Buckley's version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" is infinitely better than the Rufus Wainwright version and is the definitive version of the song.

3) The Rolling Stones were and are the most overrated band in the history of rock and roll.

4) If it's too loud you are, indeed, too old.

5) The Stone Roses' self-titled debut is the best debut album ever in the history of ever.

6) John Mayer needs to stop that right now.

7) A good song is a good song, whether it's played on an Audiovox tape deck and a single factory speaker in a 1976 Buick Skylark or a complete Linn Klimax system.

8) A couple of Les Pauls, a Fender Precision bass, and a decent set of drums sound every bit as good as the most disciplined orchestra.

9) There is absolutely nothing wrong with having the occasional urge to crank "Hungry Like the Wolf" from time to time, so long as it doesn't become a habit.

Did I forget anything?

*yes, I realize everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, and this is meant to be tongue-in-cheek.
theraiguy
Marty,

Not sure about who had greater influence but otherwise you state some additional sure irrefutable truths regarding the roots of R&R.
How about this one:

In order to continue to thrive, R&R must continue to evolve but unfortunately it has not thrived very much since probably about the time of Nirvana.

Or have I just become too old to notice since then ( I'm of the late stage of the boomer generation)?
Thanks, everyone, for playing along! Obviously, I know the difference between fact and opinion, but it was more fun to state my opinions as though they were fact, and see what discussion came of it. After all, who better to discuss music than audiophiles, right?
A response to comment number 2 by mofimadness is leaving me scratching my head. He obviously doesn't realize that Jeff Buckley died tragically and his version of Hallelujah was his crowning achievement. It is widely understood that his is the definitive version of that song. Maybe he's just never heard it. That is a hard one to argue with...it's simply true. I find it odd that no one seems to care. Who cares???!!!
Synthfreek, I agree completely. There can be arguments made either way on all but the Jeff Buckley statement. It is the only truly irrefutable statement in the entire thread.