# The best band/artist of the 1970s... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 9, 2012, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394 "2012-05-09T15:17:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dread_pirate_jimbo/32/3897_2.png) [@Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dread_Pirate_Jimbo)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/21 "2012-05-09T19:12:00Z")
I’ll go with: **Led Zeppelin The Eagles Bee Gees Earth, Wind and Fire Heart Billy Joel The Guess Who April Wine** (had to include a little CanCon with the last two nominees) ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/22 "2012-05-09T19:19:37Z")
Definitely ELO, as earlier nominated. I’ll add: **Alan Parsons Project** ---
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/23 "2012-05-09T19:28:55Z")
The 1970s were the decade for fusion. So: \*\*Return To Forever Mahavishnu Orchestra Weather Report Spyro Gyra \*\* And more on the rock end: **Steely Dan** ---
**Author:** ![Stelios](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Stelios](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stelios)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/24 "2012-05-09T19:56:40Z")
Can’t believe no-one has mentioned [Sparks](http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=GB#/watch?v=yLoZ0pxLWGE). Fucking _quality_ band! ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/25 "2012-05-09T20:21:40Z")
**Paul McCartney and Wings** ---
**Author:** ![lisiate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f05b48/32.png) [@lisiate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisiate)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2012, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/26 "2012-05-09T22:21:32Z")
I know he’s already been nominated several times but here he is again: **David Bowie** Here’s a list of his albums from 1970-1979: The Man Who Sold the World (1970) Hunky Dory (1971) The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) Aladdin Sane (1973) Pin Ups (1973) Diamond Dogs (1974) Young Americans (1975) Station to Station (1976) Low (1977) “Heroes” (1977) Lodger (1979) That’s a pretty epic discography for one decade. ---
**Author:** ![Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/le_ministre_de_l_au-dela/32/12181_2.png) [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/27 "2012-05-10T00:24:35Z")
I’d like to throw out two nominations from Québec. [Harmonium](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonium_%28band%29) represents the complete history of progressive rock in three albums, from folk-based trio to jazz-influenced sextet to full orchestral prog majesty, all done within three years. Some delightful samples - [Harmonium](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ-wR-8oQyc&feature=related) - the opening track from the eponymous first album. [Vert](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8DM0CNyU8w) - the opening track from the second album ‘Si on avait besoin d’une cinquieme saison’. [Comme un fou](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTC7WgR-gcw) - the second cut from the third album ‘L’Heptade’ And [Beau Dommage](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beau_Dommage) - ‘Harmonie du soir à Châteauguay’ is still one of the most recognizable songs in Québec (along with Harmonium’s ‘Pour un instant’). [Harmonie du soir](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOBB3QgNKDY). [Un incident à Bois-des-Filion](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuhbhkeg_x0). [Tout simplement jaloux](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG2H8jy10_Y). ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/28 "2012-05-10T00:33:35Z")
I’ll toss Renaissance into the mix; always been a sucker for a female voice singing about ethereal concerns. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/29 "2012-05-10T00:56:22Z")
I’m amazed at the people who come into threads like this and post obscure bands that no one has ever heard of before. I believe the title is “The best band/artist of the 1970s” not “Obscure 1970s fucking bands with no airplay that you happen to like 'cause you’re special.” Jesus. ---
**Author:** ![MadTheSwine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MadTheSwine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MadTheSwine)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/30 "2012-05-10T01:00:04Z")
Queen ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/31 "2012-05-10T01:03:35Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > I believe the title is “The best band/artist of the 1970s” not “Obscure 1970s fucking bands with no airplay that you happen to like 'cause you’re special.” > > Jesus. It’s also not “The best selling band/artist of the 1970s”. If we wanted to know the best seller of the 1970s, we could simply look that up on Wikipedia and then it wouldn’t be much of a thread would it. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/32 "2012-05-10T01:18:51Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > It’s also not “The best selling band/artist of the 1970s”. If we wanted to know the best seller of the 1970s, we could simply look that up on Wikipedia and then it wouldn’t be much of a thread would it. No, but if “best” doesn’t correlate with sales then what does it correlate with? Abba no doubt old-sold Neil Young in the 70s, but at least both were major recording artists. I’d choose Neil, but wouldn’t disagree at all if Abba won out. Some of these other picks are baffling. ---
**Author:** ![lisiate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f05b48/32.png) [@lisiate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisiate)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/33 "2012-05-10T01:21:20Z")
To be fair though the OP nominated Gentle Giant, a pretty obscure band to start with. It’s not really a surprise that others followed that lead. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/34 "2012-05-10T01:22:28Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > Back then I was listening to a lot of **Jeff Beck** and **Jean-Luc Ponty**. > [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](#): > > The 1970s were the decade for fusion. So: > > \*\*Return To Forever > Mahavishnu Orchestra > Weather Report > Spyro Gyra > \*\* > And more on the rock end: > **Steely Dan** Gino Vannelli Allman Brothers Band Chicago Deodato Kenny Rankin Roy Buchanan ---
**Author:** ![tomcar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tomcar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomcar)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/35 "2012-05-10T01:22:50Z")
Like two people have already mentioned, David Bowie and Neil Young are the kings of the 70’s. Both Have quantity and quality. ---
**Author:** ![Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/le_ministre_de_l_au-dela/32/12181_2.png) [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/36 "2012-05-10T01:26:36Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > No, but if “best” doesn’t correlate with sales then what does it correlate with? Best selling. Just because X outsold Y doesn’t mean I think X is better than Y. The marketplace may dictate your tastes, but it has nothing to do with mine. What if The Mantovani Strings outsold both Abba and Neil Young; would that make Abba or Neil worse? ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/37 "2012-05-10T01:27:16Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > No, but if “best” doesn’t correlate with sales then what does it correlate with? If you can’t wrap your head around the concept of de gustibus then what use is chit chatting with people about their opinions? No one here is under the impression that everyone has to objectively agree with them on their choices. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Made\_French\_Toast\_For\_You](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/858c86/32.png) [@I\_Made\_French\_Toast\_For\_You](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Made_French_Toast_For_You)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/38 "2012-05-10T01:28:20Z")
**PATTI SMITH** [Horses](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horses_%28album%29) is absolutely stunning. And she’s just so [cool](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3coSfks4rQ). ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/39 "2012-05-10T01:36:29Z")
> [@lisiate](#): > > To be fair though the OP nominated Gentle Giant, a pretty obscure band to start with. It’s not really a surprise that others followed that lead. Indeed. The OP also didn’t specify exactly what sense of “best” he had in mind (probably deliberately), except to say > [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](#): > > Any band or musical artist nominated by more than one Doper in this thread will be entered in the poll. Wiki or YouTube links are encouraged. Discussion is encouraged. All opinions, however wrongheaded (eg. contrary to mine), will be welcomed. Presumably, Wiki or YouTube links wouldn’t be necessary if we could only nominate artists with whom everyone was already familiar. Personally, I’m open to the possibility that the truly best band/artist of the decade could be a relatively obscure one with whom I’m not personally familiar, although I might argue that they’d have to be someone who _would have_ been more widely popular if more people had gotten the chance to hear them. ---
**Author:** ![Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunzio_Tavulari)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2012, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394/40 "2012-05-10T01:37:57Z")
**Ramones Neil Young Van Morrison Joe Venuti Randy Newman David Bowie Bob Marley & The Wailers Fela Keith Jarrett** [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-band-artist-of-the-1970s/621394.md?page=3)