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
Shubertmaniac, old folks who were interviewed in the 60's or so said that Robert Johnson borrowed much of his material from predecessors (some, such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, were recording in the "teens"). As great as he was, I think too much is made of what he actually contributed.

You should consider hearing the Stones once with Ron Wood, then you'll have the complete set. I haven't seen them live in over 30 years, but judging from the Scorsese film they're still alive and well.
You do know about Ron Wood, no Mick Taylor. Basically they wanted someone who would more or less conform to the basic tenets of the Rolling Stones. No more guitar riffing like Mick. In fact from what I understand, Ron's contract states how much face time he has in a video or movie. How much time he gets to show off his guitar licks in a show, etc etc. They no longer wanted a free form guitarist like Mick Taylor. Though Keith as much said, " he was the best". I have a bootleg copy of Gimme Shelter from 1971-72, unbelieve-able, Mick free wheeling with Keith trying to match him......sort of did.....
Again, from my other posts.....Rock and Roll is purely a mode of self identification, at least for me. Case in point loved the Beach Boys, saw them 1964 at U of Del campus. Could not wait to hear Shut Down 409 Little Deuce Coupe I Get A Around, loved it. It was all about me identifying with what I wanted in life at 14. Fast Cars and Surfing. After 1965, I could not identify with them anymore. I do not care for Sloop John B or Wendy, or Brian's latest, Smile, could not relate at all.....but Under My Thumb, Last Time.....well..... being 16.....
I still love the Beach Boys, through Pet Sounds and beyond ( but not all of the stuff w/o Brian).

Mick Taylor's alright, but if you listen to the John Mayall stuff (I'm thinking of Primal Solos, off hand)--he's no Peter Green. He was a good fit for the Stones for that era. It's all good, no?