the only band to make both lists. I agree that “Gimme Shelter” should be in everyone’s top 10 songs list, but they should have packed it in after the Altamont show.
Devo
These guys made a mockery of pop music and pop culture. Mothersbaugh and Casale were, and remain, artistic geniuses.
A post-punk power trio from Woking, England who split up in 1982 and never reunited. They covered so many musical styles without ever becoming contrived or pretentious. Lead singer and songwriter Paul Weller said his two greatest influences were “punk and Motown” – an accurate assessment, especially in the later days as they were blue-eyed soul with an edge.
The Replacements
A garage band from Minneapolis that went on an incredible roll. After two raw, trashy albums, they released the No. 1 independent record of the 1980s – “Let it Be” (1984). From there they released four major label albums, peaking in 1989 with the top 40 single “I’ll Be You.” But throughout the 80s, this was the band you wanted your band to be.
UPDATE: Sad note, Steve Foley, who was the Replacements’ drummer for their final tour (1990-91) passed away on August 23 in Minneapolis. He was 49 and had most recently been working as a car salesman.
This was the Replacements past their prime, but this gem, “Achin To Be,” is an example of how good they could have been.
Joy Division
They started the impressive trend of Manchester (UK) bands in the mid 70s as the first band signed to Factory Records. Driving rhythms, amazing frontman. There’s just something extremely pure, although dark, about this sound.
Had D. Boon not been killed in a 1985 car wreck, we may have never heard of the Red Hot Chili Peppers or Black Flag. The Minutemen were pushing the envelope of hardcore punk to its absolute limits back then. Surviving members Mike Watt and George Hurley went on to form fIREHOSE, but it wasn’t the same without Boon fronting the band.
The Minutemen were immortalized in a way when their song “Corona” became the theme for Jackass.
One great album gets these guys on the list. That, plus the attitude,. They shunned the press and pissed off the entire record industry. After their eponymous debut sold in the millions for a small UK label, industry powerhouse Geffen Records signed them to a multimillion contract. The band all but retired, waiting four years to release a mediocre sophomore album. They split in the mid 90s and never spoke of it again,.
The Ramones
Probably the most influential band on this list. They made it OK for every sucky band in America and the UK to continue. Although self-deprecating, they had some real talent. Joey’s voice may not have been much, but he was always in tune.
In addition to being the most successful pop act ever and transcending the art form throughout the 60s, they were a really good band. Unfortunately the two most interesting and innovative members, Lennon and Harrison, died young. It would have been interesting to have seen them mature as elder statesmen of rock.
From the famous rooftop session in 1969, the Beatles were a great as a band who played extremely well off each other.
The Clash
They only lasted about 8 years but had an enormous impact on music. Roughly 20 percent of their songs could have been classified as “punk” while most of their music was a mixture of reggae, avant garde and rocknroll.
This one doesn’t quite fit with the punk/no wave theme going on in this guide, but there has never been a band like these guys. Usually virtuoso types will make unlistenable music, but these two perfectionists combined R&B and pseudojazz for some of the grooviest tunes ever.
It might be all too common, but my love of music started with U2 when I was 17… And I still get chills listening to most of their tunes…One day, I swear I will be that girl that Bono brings on stage at a live show. Ok, now WALK ON!
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