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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
judyazblues
157 posts
 
Don't wake him up.
He's having a good time in never never land.
wildoats
339 posts
 
Yeah, well tell me which current rock band or former one for that matter, that has put out rock records that compare to Beggars Banquet, Sticky Fingers, Let it Bleed, Exile on Main Street and Some Girls? 5 in a row that most rock bands would give their left nut to have created even one as good. Granted they haven't put out a great record for quite a while but I don't think they have too much to prove anymore. History has already decided this fact, so your opinion doesn't really change it.
shubertmaniac
350 posts
 
Ah,,,,,,,,,,agree with Wildoats......."THE" greatest rock and roll band, the greatest garage band, absolutely, the Rolling Stones....... Only Link Wray and the Yardbirds trail the Rolling Stones for 60s American Rock inspiration. I have over 10,000 45 rpms from the 1960s. Of course, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley influenced them, Which in turn where influenced by Muddy Waters, which in turn were influenced by Robert Johnson.....which was influenced by the work songs of the South....along with Steven Foster.... let us not forget Stephen......and let's not forget the greatest garage band song of all time, the Keggs.....;-))
shubertmaniac
350 posts
 
Ah....let me digress a little......I saw the Rolling Stones in 1965 1966 1968 and 1971. Of the 4 1971 was the best. The 1968 concert was OK, but Mick Taylor was just getting into the groove.....I mean......is there a greater song then Gimme Shelter in 1971 with Mick Taylor on lead......???? An anthem like no other????
martykl
3,578 posts
 
The Stones are a purist's choice, for sure. I admire them more with each passing year.

However, the form has become so broad over the years that "greatest" labels have really become meaningless. What The Beatles were trying to do is only marginally related to what The Stones were trying to do, so - for me - a comparison is pointless. It will come down to semantics (What is really Rock n Roll?) and, as mentioned above, the purists probably come down on The Stones side of the fence while those with a broader definition might choose The Beatles, et al. Reasonable mainstream cases can also be made for guys as diverse as Dylan, Jimi, and Zappa. Reasonable esoteric cases can be made for hundreds of other artists.

Maniac,

I would point out that there's quite a stylistic leap from Muddy Waters to Chuck Berry in your lineage. I might insert Louis Jordan in there and I suspect that Gatemouth Brown was also an influence on Berry. But your point is taken...it's a long and winding road to any of these artists.
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