Who is the best American rock and roll band?

Quickly: Give me your vote for the greatest American rock and roll band.

Content: A few years ago I went to an Aerosmith concert with two of my sons and some of my childhood friends. En-route, we argued about who was the greatest American rock and roll band.

There's rough consensus that the Brits dominate the overall list (The Who, Beatles, Stones, Zep, Cream, et. al.).But who would be at the top of the American list? 

We had two rules: 1) You can't choose an individual, so that eliminates Dylan, Elvis, and arguably Jimi, and Bruce. 2) We tolerated a smattering of Canadians, so that keeps The Band and Crazy Horse in the running.

I am ridiculously consistent, so I gave my impassioned case for The Allman Brothers Band (...if you come to Forrester's U.S. headquarters in Cambridge, MA, you'll find the above picture hanging in our lobby). My case for the jury: The Allmans are: 1) blues-based, a requirement in my book, 2) have an extensive catalog, 3) were/are instrumentally skilled (unlike the incompetent Dead), 4) great song writers, 5) still going/still popular, 6) complex (unlike the simplistic Skynyrd). I could go on (...and if you ever want to spend a few hours and have a few drinks, I will).

But hey, that's my opinion. Give me your comments and votes and we'll attempt to divine the top spot. A little diversion from all of the gloomy economic news...

Comments

[zman]

ok, George, you took one of my faves...i'll go with ZZ Top. Thanks for a fun diversion. :-)

[euonymous]

Best American Band: Aerosmith, of course, but then I'm on the South Shore. Betcha hear from a lot of Grateful Deadheads.

[Carl Doty]

While my personal choice would align with yours George, I've gotta give honorable mention to the Grateful Dead, who probably had a larger, more cult-like following than the Allmans ever did. But, the fact that the Allmans are still going strong-as are their spin-offs like Gov't Mule-makes them a clear winner in my book.

[Stephen Monaco]

Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter, sing for the tear
Sing with me, if it's just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away
Dream On, Dream On, Dream On
Dream until your dreams come true!

No doubt about it, the best band from America is clearly: Aerosmith

[Marc Strohlein]

Definitely Allmans--disclosure--I played in a band in college that played a lot of Allman's tunes si I am biased. Honorable mentions to Los Lobos and NRBQ. Ixnay on the Dead--I'm permanently scarred from watching people dance at their shows back in the sixties and seventies...

[Joe Dalhart]

I can't argue too much with the Allmans, but as a proud native Texan, I have to go with ZZ Top. The li'l old band from Texas might not be as complex musically as the Allmans, but their outsized showmanship more than makes up for that. Also, they are arguably the greatest rock 'n roll trio of all time.

[Tucker Walsh]

Without a doubt George, the greatest American rock and roll and is....The Band. Just a gorgeous and raw blend of Americana - full rock, jazz, blues, elements of good country, etc. One of the most influential rock bands in the history of the U.S. The Dylan connection, "Music from the Big Pink," the glorious swan song that is "The Last Waltz." It is...The Band.

But you threw something out there that bothered me - the "incompetence of the Dead" in terms of musical skill? say what you want about The Grateful Dead, but that is one thing I've *never* heard. Phil Lesh and Jerry Garcia, just to pick out two, were/are extaordinary musicians. I don't think that's even arguable. Garcia is widely lauded as having created tones, and footprints that will never be matched.

As for people that complain about the Dead because of "seeing people dance or spin" - i say, look at the music, look at the output as musicians. Not the baggage that may have resulted. They didn't create that. Keep your eyes on the prize.

Great post!

Tucker Walsh
ATG

[Steven Goldstein]

George - I also don't get the comment about the incompetence of the dead. Anyway, it's a matter of taste. Stones, Beatles, Who, Zep - which is best? For the Americans I would pick the Replacements and REM ahead of the Allmans. If the Canadians are allowed The Band is in that group too.

[Tucker Walsh]

Oh dear. Yep, i've made a mistake. I forgot that most, if not all, of The Band is Canadian.

Doh. R.E.M. fits up there. As do the Allmans, for sure.

When all is said and done, Wilco might rank. They are one of the most important American bands today.

[John Lovett]

Hi George,

While I agree that the rock and roll prowess of the Allman Brothers is legendary, they too stood (and still stand) in admiration of the Grateful Dead. In fact, according to Dead.net, just this past weekend Bobby and Phil of the Dead played with what's left of the Allman brothers band in New York City at the Beacon Theater. They played "Sugaree", "I Know You Rider" and "Franklin's Tower" together.

So, to say that the Dead is incompetent is a travesty! While I could allow you to dismiss the vocals of Phil, sometimes Jerry and their various Keyboardists, their instrumental genius remains unmatched.

That's my take,
John Lovett

[WMF]

I agree 100% with the Allmans, and they are great with either Dickey Betts or Derek Trucks. Although I still enjoy Little Feat, even though when they lost Lowell George, they changed dramatically. Doobie Brothers would rank high too.

[John Lovett]

Did I forget to mention that Warren Haynes is filling in on the lead guitar spot for the Dead's 2009 Spring Tour?

[Steven Noble]

It's a toss-up between The Ramones, Iggy & The Stooges, Kiss, The Doors and MC5. If forced to decide, I'd go for The Stooges.

[Steven Noble]

And if you write a follow-up post about best solo act, I'm voting for Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, RL Burnside, Bob Dylan and, as you're admitting Canadians, Neil Young.

[Gavin Heaton]

I think I am going to agree with Steven Goldstein - I'd also take The Replacements and R.E.M. ahead of the Allmans ... and out on a limb - Velvet Underground.

[colin henderson]

old - Jefferson Airplane for their domination of the era, and introduction of that West Coast guitar

Mid term - CSNY - must have the Y - pretty sappy otherwise.

Recent - Nirvana - groundbreaking and got us out of disco.

Cheers!

[Charly S-P]

Hi George,

Ex-Forresterite from Finland here... I'd have to add Guns'n'Roses. Could argue that the catalogue is not extensive (really, 4 albums), but Appetite, Lies and Illusion vols 1 and 2 are good. The writing is solid, as is the playing.

-Charly

[Pat Mc]

Hi George - sorry but you have to include Springsteen and the E Street Band as an entity. The tuff rocked and was Classic Americana. Gotta also agree with the Band and Allman Bros. though.

[Corey]

The best American band broke up 40 years ago - The Velvet Underground. The apocryphal story is that they only had 1,000 fans, but each of them formed their own. So best and most influential.

[Charles Telephone]

I'm shocked no one had made the correct call... PHISH

[Jimmy Guterman]

George, good to see you finally covering important issues on "Counterintuitive." Better this than opining on whether Jonathan Schwartz will have to give up his ponytail as part of IBM's Sun takeover.

We've discussed this before. In my Springsteen book, I made the case for the E Street Band, but I'm on your blog and so I'll play by your rule: No backup musicians for solo performers. (That's why I'm not arguing for the great Creedence Clearwater Revival, which was basically John Fogerty.)

I'm an Allmans fan, although not at the Colony Level. They keep playing, with an intensity and focus that could embarrass the many jam bands they inspired. But where are the songs? The loss of Duane Allman early in their career deprived them not only of his dynamic improvisations but of someone who could help them flesh out a repertoire to match their chops. And a band that shares a guitar player with the Dead is always a bit suspect. (There's another Forrester-Allmans connection here, by the way: Eric Hellweg, now King of Digital at Harvard Business and previously an executive editor of Forrester magazine, plays in a band that has opened for the ABB a couple of times.)

Could it be The Band? They made two peerless albums, right, Music from Big Pink and the one with the cover photo that looked like it was shot before Lincoln was? Then they fell off a cliff, give or take the occasional strong cut or live record. Booker T. and the MG’s are strong candidates indeed: soulful, precise, surprising, not an ounce of selfishness in their playing. No singer, though.

Three punk-era bands are contenders. The Pretenders had an American sensibility, thanks to the peerless Ohio native Chrissie Hynde, but great songs about Ohio notwithstanding they were 75 percent British so the judges have no choice but to disqualify. The Ramones had as distinctive and original a sound as that of any American rock'n'roll band and their first four albums just got better and better. But did they ever grow in the 20 years that followed. X was a punk band that did grow and expand despite the songwriters thinking they were poets, but they’re docked multiple notches for allying themselves with the creepy Doors veteran Ray Manzarek.

There is no "best" American rock'n'roll band, of course. One of the many great things about rock'n'roll, even at this late date, is how diverse it is. Every night a thousand bands have a crack at being the best thing around, whether they're in basement clubs or antiseptic arenas. The form renews itself constantly. With any luck, the best American rock'n'roll band, if such a thing exists, hasn't been formed yet.

Now that we have that solved, may I remind my own boss publicly that I work in Kendall Square again and I'd be very open to you buying me lunch sometime soon.

[Kim Garretson]

Allmans or Aerosmith? Based on the physicality of their performances, I'd have to go with Aerosmith.

Photo of Allman Brothers performance:

http://www.backstagegallery.com/photodetail/Allman-Brothers-Band-JR-0451-027.html

Photo of Aerosmith performance:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/livinghome/3408715179/

[Christine Ferrusi Ross]

I was swayed by the earlier comment about Guns N Roses since I did love them, and I think Axl is the last great rock star.

But for Greatest American Band I'm voting for Credence Clearwater Revival. Maybe my opinion is biased by the fact that I have always thought "Playing In A Travelling Band" was the musical equivalent of the classic Forrester reports -- starts by getting in your face, says what it needs to say and then stops.

[DJ Krueger]

I think the Phish argument if valid, but going to be hard to make to this audience. My heart is telling me to go with the dead (Warf Rat is still my favorite song ever!), but I think I'm missing someone or not thinking hard enough. The dead seems like the easy way out.

I think the intangible live concert experience should be part of the criteria, and as such, Phish must be at the top of the list. Isn’t that what music was originally played for…an audience? The best Rock Band has to have taken the live concert experience to the fullest to be in contention.

Photo's of a Phish performance: http://www.melophobe.com/concert-reviews/phish-hampton-va-friday-march-6/

[Andrew DuBeau]

I, too, have to agree with George's pick, the allman brothers. "At Fillmore East" is testament enough (and it really ties a company meeting together).

[SBacs]

Dude...great topic. The Dead. No question (with Allman Bros. close behind)

[Steve S]

(Caveat - I'm actually not a huge Metallica fan) But, I would say that Metallica deserves strong consideration. They are still relevant and making new music after 28 years. They consistently rank in the top 5 of "greatest" hard rock albums, song, band, etc. They are soon to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, have won 9 grammys sold close to 100 million albums world wide and continue "sell out every seat in the house" on their tours. Their early music Kill Em All through The Black Album had lyrics that were far superior to any other in their genre, for that time period. Despite bad decisions in music (St. Anger and acoustic sets in concert), control issues, alcohol addiction and suing Napster they still had Death Magnetic reach #1 upon it's release. I think their millions of fans worldwide and all the bands that look up to them as gods would argue they deserve a spot at the top. They are musucally sound, and even the harshest critics often agree that there is a complexity to many of their tunes.

[Herb Bowie]

Well, I could easily go with Jefferson Airplane or The Velvet Underground, but since they haven't even been mentioned yet, I will have to say The Beach Boys. During the early sixties, when British bands like The Beatles, The Who, the Stones and the Kinks were laying their claims to rock immortality, The Beach Boys were really the only American group that were running in the same league. Pet Sounds is certainly one of the great albums of all time. Later albums, like Holland, Surf's Up and Sunflower, are gems that went mostly unnoticed by both the record-buying public and the rock critic intelligentsia of the time. The Beach Boys are unfairly overlooked several reasons, I think: they are mostly remembered for their top 40 hits, which have been overplayed and characterized mostly as California Surf nostalgia; rock critics of the time (and since) were consumed with Brian Wilson as the mad artist, and so ignored important albums that were fashioned to a large degree by other members of the group; none of the group's members ever had the instrumental chops to command any sort of respect in the era of the Guitar Gods; and the group's relentless pandering to their audience in pursuit of concert revenues in later years did nothing to enhance the group's reputation. Despite all this, though, they made some monumental records.

[Jess Burn]

Picking an American band is more difficult than I thought it would be! I have to align myself with several fellow posters and go with REM though they're not what they were when I was younger.

Some others that are up there on my list but not -- never -- in front of the Beatles and Radiohead:

- The Beach Boys (You've got to give it up for Pet Sounds)
- Talking Heads (Amazing. enough said.)
- The White Stripes (They've got the dirty blues component down, man.)

This is the first post I've responded to. Thanks for starting Q2 with some fun!

[Neil Raden]

The Doors. Nirvana.

-Neil Raden

[Cris Shaikh]

White Stripes, hands down

[Herb Bowie]

Well, I could easily go with Jefferson Airplane or The Velvet Underground, but since they haven't even been mentioned yet, I will have to say The Beach Boys. During the early sixties, when British bands like The Beatles, The Who, the Stones and the Kinks were laying their claims to rock immortality, The Beach Boys were really the only American group that were running in the same league. Pet Sounds is certainly one of the great albums of all time. Later albums, like Holland, Surf's Up and Sunflower, are gems that went mostly unnoticed by both the record-buying public and the rock critic intelligentsia of the time. The Beach Boys are unfairly overlooked several reasons, I think: they are mostly remembered for their top 40 hits, which have been overplayed and characterized mostly as California Surf nostalgia; rock critics of the time (and since) were consumed with Brian Wilson as the mad artist, and so ignored important albums that were fashioned to a large degree by other members of the group; none of the group's members ever had the instrumental chops to command any sort of respect in the era of the Guitar Gods; and the group's relentless pandering to their audience in pursuit of concert revenues in later years did nothing to enhance the group's reputation.

For more background on my views, see:

http://www.reasontorock.com/artists/beach_boys.html

[Doug Mayo-Wells]

The very first name to cross my mind: Fugazi.

[Evan Quinn]

Wow that is tough. Longevity and blues-oriented? Yes, the Allmans have to be there. But Springsteen/E Street, the Dead, even the Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam have been at it honestly and successfully for decades too. In terms of musical impact, Hendrix (the Experience was a band - they happened to be from England, so hard to classify), CSN&Y (almost all from North Am), the Byrds, even Jefferson Airplane, the Beach Boys and Nirvana could be considered. They aren't for me but Metallica has been huge in their genre for a long time. I suppose some would even make an argument for Van Halen. Just can't put Aerosmith or the Eagles on the consideration list though, too trite. Okay, decisions, decisions...

I personally prefer Hendrix, Allmans (particularly with Duane), CSN&Y, heck even Soundgarden in that order, but I think Springsteen/E Street Band will go down in history as the greatest American band over about a 40 year span.

[Oliver Young]

Hey George, your dismissal of the Dead is pretty shocking. While I will be the first to admit there are stretches of the dead catalog that are wholly unlistenable('65-'69 for example), their influence alone puts them in the top spot.

Alt-country? Wilco? Ryan Adams? Never happens without the Dead.

Sure, there are other contenders, namely The Band, Guns N Roses, The Ramones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Talking Heads, and The White Stripes, but none have such a fantastic catalog of songs or have had such a big influence.

Also, Aerosmith sucks. I'd take the Allman Brothers any day of the week; twice on Sunday. Even the crappy jam songs like Mountain Jam.

[David Deal]

All the bands cited here are worthy of admiration. I vote for the Doors as the best American rock band. Talent, innovation, versatility, and influence: the Doors had it all. Although the band is well remembered for rock as theater ("The End"), the band's sound encompassed blues (most of the album "L.A. Woman"), pop ("Touch Me"), straightforward rock (most of "Morrison Hotel"),jazz (a good deal of "The Soft Parade") and protest rock ("The Unknown Soldier") -- and with talent to burn. Jim Morrison is arguably the most charismatic front man in all of rock, and Robbie Krieger is highly underrated in particular. The band also pushed the boundaries of the rock concert experience, extending rock into the realm of performance art (admittedly not always successfully). Finally, the band influenced many musicians such as Patti Smith.

[Christopher Mines]

Hey,

Totally agree w. Jimmy that finally this blog is getting down to some important stuff.

I first saw the Allmans (w Duane) in Chapel Hill in 1970. Yow. After the second encore ("You Don't Love Me") the audience couldn't even clap or cheer; it was impossible to ask for more. And "Done Somebody Wrong" is just about the all-time best.

BUT they lack breadth. Crush the Willie Dixon numbers, but what else you got?

For my money, I would take the variety, musicianship, and general ass-kicking of (in no particular order), T Heads, Los Lobos, The Jimi Hendrix Experience (that was a BAND no question),and the Dead.

My all-time A #1, no-doubt-the-best-rockers of ALL time? Sorry, it's Brits: the Clash.

[RickO]

I think the Ramones are one of the greatest bands of all time and I would pick them but the Almmans are a close #2. My #3 would be Creedence Clearwater Revival, #4 goes to Santana.

[Mike Healy]

George
Hope all is well

I have to say Little Feat....best playing LIVE of any american band in my opinion
"fat man in a bathtub"

[Brad Kennedy]

Always under the radar. The official house band of the Simpsons. NRBQ (New Rhythm and Blues Quartet) has my vote. They never sold out their principles to make a buck. As Jillette Penn from Penn and Teller said, "If you don't like NRBQ, then I don't like you"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJlec3F0fN8&feature=related

[Dave Wright]

Certainly Aerosmith has stayed the most active, even if everything after 1990 sucked until Bobo.

CCR is a good candidate already mentioned, prolific but short-lived.

Is the E Street Band a candidate? or an obvious rule breaker as band for Bruce?

CSN/CSNY/Crazy Horse?

Definitely... Pearl Jam. later arrivals but consistent ever since.

[David Deal]

Talented, influential, versatile, and inventive: the Doors were all those things and more. Many associate the Doors with rock as theater, but its sound also encompassed blues (“L.A. Woman”), protest rock (“The Unknown Soldier”), pop (“Touch Me”), jazz (most of the album “The Soft Parade”), ambience (“Riders on the Storm”), and straightforward rock (most of “Morrison Hotel”). The band also pushed the boundaries of live performance, redefining the rock concert as performance art (admittedly, not always successfully). Jim Morrison was arguably the most charismatic front man of any rock band and certainly the best combination of singer and song writer, and Robby Krieger was highly underrated as a guitarist. The Doors also influenced a litany of musicians such as Patti Smith and Iggy Pop. The self-described “erotic politicians” also left us a distinctly American societal critique, challenging sexual mores (“The End”) and exploring themes that still resonate today, such as decadence (“L.A. Woman”) and violence (“Peace Frog”). The Doors paid a price for the band’s willingness to experiment constantly, such as criticism for adding horns and strings to its sound in “The Soft Parade,” but the music has withstood the test of time and sounds even better today.

[Blake Stowell]

Since you're including the Canucks, I HAVE to go with Rush for the very reasons you outlined.

1) OK, they aren't blues-based, but have you heard their rendition of "Ain't No Cure for the Summer Time Blues"? Better than the original!

2)Been around since the mid-70s with about 30+ albums to their credit.

3)Arguably some of the best musicians around. Neil Peart on the drums? He sounds like he's playing with five hands. Geddy Lee on the bass? No one in the same league. Alex Lifeson has his own great unique sound and style.

4)Certainly great song writers. The drummer, Neil Peart, even writes all of the lyrics--how many drummers do that? He's brilliant.

5)Still going/still popular--absolutely. They did their 30th anniversary tour five years ago and have put out 2 more albums and done two more tours since.

6)Rush has a monopoly on complexity. How many cover bands even attempt to do any of their songs? No one can copy them and there are only three band members! How many trio rock bands can sound like a five member band, even live?

With no disrepect to the Allman Bros, Rush is certainly up there. Do I sound passionate about this topic? :-) http://www.rush.com/

[Simon Yates]

I can't stand Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band but you kind of have to give it to them. It hurts me to say that because there are dozens of quality bands to choose from that I like a lot more. Now, if you asked what the best concert you attended by an American band, for me it would be the triple combo of Marshall Tucker, The Outlaws and Charlie Daniels band all on stage together.

[peter whitehead]

It's odd that there really aren't any iconic American rock bands. Beatles, Stones, Who, Led Zep, Pink Floyd all changed the game but, ironically perhaps, took their cues from American music. Maybe that's it - America has a musical continuum, whereas Brits can look across and spot trends and magnify them to make a huge leap. The greatest US rock bands are more akin to the great (as opposed to elite and iconic) British bands, such as Deep Purple, Genesis, U2, Radiohead etc. But include individuals who in reality fronted bands, at least for a time in your definition and Hendrix, Dylan and Springsteen definitely come into the iconic category. Elvis is probably in a league of his own. The biggest thing to note is that just because we define a band/artist as great or iconic doesn't mean you have to LIKE them! I love Yes, Alice Cooper, David Bowie and - these days - Lori McKenna and others like her....

[David Deal]

What if we counted funk, soul, and R&B? I think the conversation would change considerably. We'd need to consider America's greatest exports to the world: the Isley Brothers, Supremes, Temptations, O'Jays, and Earth, Wind & Fire just for starters.

[paul]

The RAMONES

[paul]

The Temptations

[paul]

The Four Tops

[paul]

The Supremes

[paul]

The E Street Band

[Jlo0312]

My fave would be Dave Grohl and The Foo Fighters... extremely talented, unassuming, awesome.

In the 90's: Metallica
In the 80's: REO Speedwagon
In the 70's: Kansas
In the 60's: The Doors

[jchernov]

George,

You just asked my single favorite question! I saw Jeremiah's Tweet and rushed over to weigh in. I believe there are three operative words in your muse: American. Rock. Band.

These conditions help reduce the sea of possibilities to the approximate size of a Great Lake. And it just so happens that America's greatest rock band hails from a city just a couple hours' drive from the crown jewel of our Great Lakes: Lake Superior. I think it's fairly certain that America's greatest rock band is Minnesota's The Replacements. Why the 'Mats? Listen to "Unsatisfied" for your answer. Westerberg can say it much better than I (or anyone else, for that matter).

JoeC

[Michael]

Past: The Doors
Now: The Black Crowes

[Jeff Nordstedt]

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS!!!

I can't believe I didn't see them anywhere in this thread. Seriously. They are hands down the quintessential American rock band. Check out last year's "Running Down a Dream" documentary and you'll see what I mean. Simply in a class all their own.

[ToCa]

There are som many. One for every taste. But we'd be remiss if we didn't mention America, Chicago. But I have to side with Allmans. Eat a Push and Live at the Philmore are untouchable. Some how bands like REM, Nirvana all seem too current and commercial to be considered classic Americana Rock & Roll. Just one man's opinion.

[Sue]

You can certainly date the posters by their choices. I'd also make the case for Bruce & E Street Band.
Other contenders Beach Boys, Doobies, Eagles, Doors.

Of course, country aside, the Stones reign supreme.

[Steve Howe]

Tough choice, but I'd choose ZZ Top....followed by Credence Clearwater and Chicago.

[Alan Peters]

The Ramones. Very few bands have put out 3 or more end-to-end solid rock and roll albums. The Ramones make this short list along with British heavyweights: Stones, Beatles, The Clash, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix. Love the Who but they don't have a single completely solid album.
Allman Bros - give me a headache. Sorry.

[Nick Thomas]

If being influential counts, then Velvet Underground - as Brian Eno said, not many people bought their first album, but everyone who did formed a band. Including me.

Honourable mentions to The Beach Boys, The Doors, REM, Little Feat, Talking Heads, The Stooges, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Steely Dan. That'd be some line-up, esp if you add Springsteen and the E Street Band.

If we were allowed Brits, then Led Zep would get my vote amid a very strong field.

[Steven de Blois]

Blues/Folk is rich in sound, thoughtful in words & relevant across times.

The Band takes the cake.....if we opt for best "North" American Band!

Steve

[Robert Cole]

My criteria require that the band must be:

a) iconic and enduring in its impact
b) revolutionary relative to other artists of their time
c) influential in changing the underlying nature of the music for future generations

I'll break it down by decade (cheating on the 1960's by breaking the decade in half):

1950's: Bill Haley & the Comets (Birth of rock n' roll)
Early 1960's: The Beach Boys (Expanded instrumentation & launched the first concept album.)
Late 1960's: The Doors (Fused rock n' roll with Jazz and introduced improvisation.)
1970's: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (dramatically changed song construction & lyrical phrasing & yes, it is a band - very different dynamic than Bruce as a solo artist.)
1980's: Talking Heads (Started in the late '70's but hit stride in the 1980's by combining new wave & world genres to set the stage for alternative rock)
1990's: Nirvana (One word says it all - grunge)
2000's: The White Stripes (minimalist approach to writing & recording is fueling today's independent music scene.)

Pick one? We would not be where we are today without the combined influence of each group. Put a gun to my head, I will have to go with...

The Doors.

They were leaders in the psychedelic movement, introduced cryptic imagery and lyrics, established the foundation for progressive rock and served as a core influence for grunge. Jim Morrison's persona and lyrics, combined with the musical foundation of Ray Manzarek's keyboards and Robby Krieger's guitar changed the world then and continue to influence the world today.

[Craig le Clair]

In my evaluation the top weighted criteris is the nember of "lasting songs" created by the band. Lasting can be measured in fact by the number the of other musicians that "cover" a song and license the rights to do so. For example, by this measure Richard Rodgers - with over 80 songs still in play was the all time best american song writer. Lennon and Mcartney by comparison are in the 40 range. Elvis is not on the radar. So even thugh not my favorite american band, The Eagles have to be part of the conversation with “Life In The Fast Lane”, “Take It Easy”, “Witchy Woman”, “Desperado”, “Hotel California”, “Tequila Sunrise”, “Take It To The Limit”, “Lyin’ Eyes” … I could go on.

[Alan Peters]

Would like to follow up with my earlier nomination of Ramones to second nominations from couple other people: Beach Boys and Velvet Underground.

Both hit my own 3 or more solid end-to-end albums criterion.

Both very influential. Brian Wilson was a huge source of inspiration for some of the Beatles best stuff.

Also like mentions of Nirvana and White Stripes from other folks. But, I don't think they can capture the number one seat.

Disagree with nominations of the Doors. Important, definitely. Lasting? Nope.

[JP]

sonic youth

and i won't try to quantify the ineffable, 'cause yr not paying me.

[Ryan]

Definitely the Beach Boys: pioneering, artistically innovative, skillful musicians, explored a wide range of rock-n-roll styles, and finally collapsed in flames like all good artists should :-)

[Beth Torrie]

I love the allmans, but you've made me crazy with your insane comments about the dead - you did not get to see them live - obviously.
I vote for the Grateful Dead! I'd also give Steely Dan an honorable mention, but I have a hard time fitting them in the same category. I guess thanks for the diversion....

[Leslie]

Pearl Jam...hands down.

[James]

Allman Brothers are handily the best American band. No question. It's fact.

[Laura]

1) GFC has disqualified Springsteen. In my book, the E Street Band are hardly "just backing musicians," but his blog, his rules.

2) No British, or majority-British, bands. Because if we allow British bands, this honor goes to The Clash, The Beatles, or The Rolling Stones. I'm guessing the split works like this:
If you were born prior to 1955, you pick the Beatles.
If you were born between 1955 and 1969, you split evenly between the Beatles and the Stones
If, like me, you were born between 1969 and 1985, you vote for The Clash.
If you were born after 1985, I have no idea -- I'm too old :)

3) If we're taking Canadians, the honors go to Rush. They certainly fit all the other criteria.

4) But if we're looking for bands formed south of the 49th parallel, and we have to pick just one, the nod goes to Metallica (despite the fact that I'm not personally a huge fan). They've influenced an entire generation and genre of music.

[Tom Grant]

George, using your criteria, minus the blues requirement, I'd pick either (1) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and (2) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

If we're not talking strictly about rock and roll--which I know we are, but I'll say it anyway--I'd add a strong vote for Tom Waits.

Adding blues back into the mix, B.B. King would be my nominee.

[GFE]

Another nod to the Allman Brothers (and a big "Hell yeah!" to your choice of a lobby poster). With runner-up votes for the Dead (George, listen to the Winterland '73 run for something to counter your "incompetent" claim), The Velvet Underground, and Little Feat (with Lowell George).

[Jennifer]

REM but I would also include Collective Soul and the Dave Mathews Band in the conversation(assuming DMB isn't excluded for the same reason as The Boss).

[Tracy]

As a Canadian, I've gotta vote for Neil Young, whose contributions are legend on both sides of the border. Still touring, still contributing - long may you run, Neil!

Honorable Canadian mention: the Tragically Hip.

[Laura]

If Springsteen and The E Street Band are disqualified (on the grounds that they're a "solo artist plus his/her backing musicians"), then I think we have to assume that Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are similarly out of the running. If both are allowed in, then I think Bruce takes the whole competition.

[Scott Hillis]

The Allman Brothers, hands down. I made very similar arguments about a year ago:

http://commandk.wordpress.com/2008/03/08/best-american-rock-band-ever/

As for those who claim the Allmans never returned to greatness after the death of Duane, I'd just point out that two of the greatest rock songs of all time -- Ramblin' Man and Jessica -- were recorded in the post-Duane era.

As for other contenders:

Aerosmith pumped out too much crap. For every great song they made 10 horrible ones.

The Eagles are a definitely possibility. I am not an Eagles fan by any means, but you have to recognize the quality songwriting, and they became more interesting once they picked up Joe Walsh.

The Dead were wonderful live but their studio albums are all but unlistenable.

[Scott Leaver]

Let The Dead rest. Forget redneck rockers and motown one-hit-wonders, here's the top five american bands of all time:

1. The Brothers: Their reputation precedes them -- true Allmans devotees refer to them simply as "The Brothers."
2. Rush: Pound for pound, this Canadian power trio still dominates after 35 years in rock n roll.
3. KISS: Unbelievable discography, unbelievable musicians.
4. MC5 (Motor City 5): Another Detroit powerhouse that launched/influenced 1,000 knock-offs. One need only hear "Kick Out The Jams" to understand.
5. Skynard: Southern rock at its finest. Opening chords of Sweet Home Alabama are still universally recognized today. Mamma still cries when I play it.

[David Deal]

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to finally have the guts to nominate the Eagles. Although the Doors got my vote, the Eagles would make my Top 5 list. The only sin the Eagles committed was creating memorable pop hooks -- which is the kiss of death with "serious" critics. And yeah, the band's self-righteous attitude has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, but there's no denying the group's musical legacy. The band's first two albums especially defined the country rock genre as well as anyone before the Eagles transitioned to a harder rock sound. Songs like "Tequila Sunrise" paint a mood and take you to a lonely and beautiful world inside 3 minutes. The entire album "Hotel California" is a powerful cultural touch stone of the 1970s. Fast forward 30 years, and I thought "Long Road out of Eden" to be an effective comeback -- the title track alone is worth the price of admission with its searing indictment of Bush-era American consumerism. By the way, the Eagles were great in concert last year -- Don Henley hit the high notes in "Witchy Woman" perfectly, and Joe Walsh brought down the house with his scorching guitar.

[Rock and Roll Mama]

I'm going to throw in a dark horse: Clutch. They've been playing together for 17 years, nine records, play over 200 shows every year around the world. The New York Times dubbed them "The best band You've Never Heard of".

They've collaborated with such old school greats as Leslie West of Mountain, and consistently evolved musically while delving ever further into the heritage of Blues. Seriously one of the hardest working bands on the planet...and the most gifted.

Disclaimer: I am totally biased, as my husband plays bass for them. But they do own.:)

[sugarsays]

The Doors were so much about Jim, that they are not quite a quintessential band, but more about an Icon. With that I have to say that the Ramones are the most American of all bands and the best. How can you beat The Ramones?
Sure the Chili Peppers are great, REM is great, there are so many great bands....this is hard. What else...Metallica? Kiss? Oh Kiss...the Kiss Army. That might be it after all.
My vote is null and void due to indecision.

[Guillermo Zambrano]

Metallica, of course. 3 reasons: a) Still, super relevant 26 years after they debuted with "Kill'em All". b) They have been the most influential band coming from America in terms of trends and c) They are the guys who uprooted the Blues from Rock 'N' Roll and made it work as a valid artistic detour. Have you heard any important R n' R band from the UK in the last 25 years ? It's because Metallica made them smell like your mother wedding dress... Old and awfull

[Daniel Gane]

Since when has musicianship been integral to being a great band?

[Deb Swanson]

No question - U2. Is there any question?

[Glenn O'Donnell]

I have to admit that the Allmans are my favorite, but as far as "the best" you have to look beyond my personal taste, and even beyond pure musicianship, to the impact and overall popularity. Given that expansion, I have to vote for Aerosmith.

If musical ability was the primary factor, Zappa's Mothers would be way up there! The Dead should not be diminished, because their impact beyond just the stoners is pretty profound.

Love to revisit this to include all bands. Clearly my vote would be for Zep, who would probably run away with it, although Pink Floyd will always be my favorite music ever! RIP Richard Wright!

Did I see Kiss in the responses? I idolized them as a teenager in the late 70s, but surely this has to be a belated April Fool's joke!

Thanks George!
-- Glenn --

[Brenda Walker]

Now: Tool
Then: Parliament/Funkadelic
With a 50 year career and one of the most-underrated lead guitarists ever: The Isley Brothers

[Steve Furman]

George,

First choice: Talking Heads. David Byrne is a master songwriter and clean cut eccentric. His talent extends beyond the music and into the realms of performance, sculpture, PowerPoints (yes PowerPoint as art), filmmaking and photography. He's also won an Academy Award for his work on The Last Emperor, which showcases his versatility. Also, an acquaintance of mine, Adrian Belew, who I knew while living in East Central Illinois, toured with the Heads in the '80's. Byrne will outlast most other rockers, with maybe the exception of David Bowie, and be producing interesting work up until the last moment.

Second choice: REM. Intelligent, lyrical, political and melodic all at once on every album.

Thanks for providing this diversion!

Steve

[Mike McClintock]

Toto

[Jennifer Ledet]

The Rolling Stones. All the way.
If we are opening up to Non-American bands, I gotta go with U2.

[Lida]

I agree 100% with the Allmans, and they are great with either Dickey Betts or Derek Trucks. Although I still enjoy Little Feat, even though when they lost Lowell George, they changed dramatically. Doobie Brothers would rank high too.

[cola and elliot]

wilco is the best american band. wilco.