You misspelled “The Undertones” 
I personally think U2 peaked with The Unforgettable Fire, and I’ve disliked an awful lot of what they’ve done since then. Did think the last album was quite good, though. And I do have to respect a band that can last as long as they have without absolutely sucking. Not the best band ever by far, but certainly worthy of some admiration.
Bono is a prat, though. Does anyone seriously dispute this?
And it’s really difficult to determine how much of it can elevate a band to the status “best band ever.” Certainly some of what U2’s produced is timeless because they have their own unique style. I don’t think U2 is the best band ever. If you’re talking about great rock music–I’m not sure how U2 markets themselves–then I’d have to say that FOR ME some of the greatest bands are “The Doobie Brothers,” “The Eagles,” “Santana,” and probably some of the stuff Jimi Hendrix put out to name a few. The latest band I’ve got my eye on is Creed. Damn. They’ve put out some VERY interesting stuff, and I’m curious to see what level they will take their art to next. I’ve not really developed a taste for some of the other rock bands listed in this thread so far, although I’ve listened to and appreciated certain songs by them.
I really don’t pay attention to all the bands. There are so many of them out there. :eek: I loved U2 when they were an underground band. They really put out some outstanding stuff with “War,” “Unforgettable Fire,” and “The Joshua Tree.” “Achtung Baby” was okay, but I think they’ve gone downhill since. I haven’t heard their latest album. I will say that while they’ve definitely got their own sound, they are progressing. I look forward to seeing what they will put out in the future, but it’s too early to say definitively that they are the best band ever. YMMV
I agree. Best band ever.
I see them on Saturday. Again.
Its almost impossible to label a band “Best Band Ever.” There is no way to get any objective gage on something like that. Personally, I would make an argument for U2 after maybe the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the E Street Band, but then someone else will say “they suck.” Who’s right? Who knows?
Some people have listed bands (Pink Floyd, Greatful Dead, Phish) that I couldn’t listen to for more than 14 seconds. Led Zeppelin has like 3 good songs and about 4 albums worth of overblown junk. Am I right? Are you? Who knows?
oh… that’s right… the best music ever was made in the sixties/seventies. out of 6000 years of human history, this is when the best music ever was made.
you get the ‘old and past it’ award!
if u2 had been around in the sixties they’d be undisputably one of the best bands ever.
beatles - pop appeal.
check. u2 has that.
beatles - influence and experimentation (eg sargeant peppers)
check. u2 had that (achtung baby)
beatles - changed the face of music.
while debatable, u2, like r.e.m. contributed to the acceptance of the alternative into the mainstream.
sure sound like a ‘great’ band to me.
I’ve been a U2 fan for over the past 6 years. In my opinion, they truly are the best band in the world.
Finally, someone gets it.
Great, maybe, the BEST?, no.
I suppose my love of J.S. Bach only confirms this fact. <insert ironic smilie here>
May I add that your spelling and lack of capitalization are a resounding indicator of your own credibility?
Ever listen to John Petrucci? This relative newcomer blows the doors off any and all of U2’s drek. Go to Lines In The Sand and listen to any of the tunes listed below. At the 2001 G3 concert, Petrucci opened for such legends as Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. Quite simply, he snapped their strings, *all of them *! U2 should be so lucky as to play at such a level.
John Petrucci:
Oh, excellent choice. I even liked Mr Sharkey’s solo efforts.
I love the Grateful Dead too, but we are foolishly debating best bands. None of the boys could sing worth crap (cept Jerry and his range was quite limited) and most of them couldn’t play either with the notable exceptions of Jerry, Phil and Billy (if drumming is playing). They may be the most enjoyable band of the last 50 years, but hardly the best. How many times do you really want to hear Playin in the Band anyway?
And no, I wouldn’t agree that U2 was head and shoulders above the competition in popular music either.
Just for the record, gex gex. Have you ever;
[li] Composed a musical piece?[/li]
[li] Written your own song lyrics?[/li]
[li] Arranged a multi-part composition?[/li]
[li] Organized a musical performance?[/li]
[li] Played in a professional band?[/li]
[li] Run a multi-channel sound system?[/li]
[li] Taught yourself to play a musical instrument?[/li]
[li] Been complimented on how you run a live performance mixing board?[/li]
[li] Set up a complete live-production audio system?[/li]
[li] MC’ed a musical showcase production?[/li]
[li] Edited a multi-track performance?[/li]
[li] Made a multi-track recording?[/li]
[li] Recorded a demo tape?[/li]
[li] Performed live on radio?[/li]
[li] Performed live on television?[/li]
[li] Been paid to perform musically?[/li]
[li] Played in front of more than a hundred people?[/li]
[li] Been repeatedly requested as a side man for other bands?[/li]
[li] Had people ask you when your own music CD is coming out?[/li]
Had seasoned music veterans ask you if you composed the work (of your own) that you just performed?
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Zenster *
**Just for the record, gex gex. Have you ever;
[li] Composed a musical piece?[/li]
[li] Written your own song lyrics?[/li]
[li] Arranged a multi-part composition?[/li]
[li] Organized a musical performance?[/li]
[li] Played in a professional band?[/li]
[li] Run a multi-channel sound system?[/li]
[li] Taught yourself to play a musical instrument?[/li]
[li] Been complimented on how you run a live performance mixing board?[/li]
[li] Set up a complete live-production audio system?[/li]
[li] MC’ed a musical showcase production?[/li]
[li] Edited a multi-track performance?[/li]
[li] Made a multi-track recording?[/li]
[li] Recorded a demo tape?[/li]
[li] Performed live on radio?[/li]
[li] Performed live on television?[/li]
[li] Been paid to perform musically?[/li]
[li] Played in front of more than a hundred people?[/li]
[li] Been repeatedly requested as a side man for other bands?[/li]
[li] Had people ask you when your own music CD is coming out?[/li]
[li] Had seasoned music veterans ask you if you composed the work (of your own) that you just performed? **[/li][/QUOTE]
That’s great that you can do all those things. I’m always impressed with people who have musical talent (something I’ve never had). It doesn’t mean your opinion of the “best band” is any more accurate or relevant than anyone elses. If that criteria were the key then Nelson Riddle, Liberace, Neil Diamond, etc., etc. ad naseum would be able to name the best band. Heck, Barbara Streisand’s opinion would be more valid than anyone on this board.
Goodness no. I’ve been able to stand exactly two of their songs in the past 10 years. Every time one of their songs comes on I quickly change the station. They used to be edgy, but lately…blech- happiness and light. Why couldn’t they keep making songs as powerful as their last decent one, “Until the end of the world”?
Well they might be. However, I beg to differ.
If you have never actively engaged in the production of music, it is far more difficult to produce an accurate opinion of what constitutes good music.
Once one has gone through the rigors of musical production and performance, one has a better and more applicable perspective as to what is entailed in the creation and execution of the art. Those who need only flip a switch to obtain their musical entertainment are far less able to ascertain what is in order when it comes to creating the performance of said art.
I will ask you, EandCDad;
Have you done any of the above?
If so, please specify which of the above you have done. Otherwise, I will attribute your observations to that of the armchair spectator.
I am fully cognizant of the role that personal taste plays in the judgements being made in this particular thread. Yet, I am unable to completely dismiss the part played by sincere involvement in the art. Too often, I find that perceptions about musical excellence are swayed by marketing or popular opinion instead of any exercise of the particular art in question. If you have performed, please contribute your own perspective. If not, your observations are to be taken with more than a grain of salt.
Actually, I stated right in my post that I had not done any of the above. You musta missed it. And I expressed how I’m impressed with those who have.
But I will also claim that a very subjective term like “best band” requires that you define your term “best.” It doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. Does it mean the band sold the most records, has the best guitar player, writes the best lyrics, has the best singer. How do you define “best.” You say that all the bands you listed kicked U2’s butt or something to that effect. What does that mean. Rock music is not a football game. One band does not win and another lose. One band being “better” than another is a matter of personal taste.
Also, I have opinions about what is the best movie of all time, although I’ve never made a film (have you?). I have an opinion about the best book of all time, although I’ve never written one (have you?). I have an opinion of the best soda pop/soft drink, although I’ve never worked in a bottling plant (have you?). I have an opinion about a lot of things I don’t have any experience in creating and I’m sure you do too.
If it makes you feel better inside that you hold the knowledge of what is truly the best in terms of music then good for you. Take my opinions with a grain of salt. After reading a couple of your self-important posts I can see that your opinion will hold no validity for me from now on.
At the risk of starting a pissing match, I disagree with Zenster. By your standards nobody should post in IMHO at all. You see opinions are like …you know the rest.
I’ve managed a few things on your “list”. I’ve been involved in music, in one form or another, for a good portion of my life. This does not make my opinion any more important than anyone else’s.
i had two (i think) spelling mistakes. i was tired. my misspelling of sergeant, in particular, was unforgiveable. i apologise.
i don’t capitalize for aesthetic purposes. i believe a sentence looks ‘neater’ without capitals, and unless writing for a purpose that requires it (essay, article, etc.)
regardless, did you know that f scott fitzgerald was a poor speller? spelling is not required for intelligence.
and…
yes. yes i have. my opinion is as valid as yours.
and thanks for the tip with john petrucci. i’ll give it a listen.
Whether you consider U2 the best, one of the best or one of the worst is insignificant to me. However, for you to write the above sentence indicates that you have never listened to a U2 album in your life. Some bands have praised U2 for their diversity. Other bands have even stated in amazement that U2 can alter their sound considerably yet still have their fans follow. Even U2’s critics complain about U2’s overly political messages. Therefore for you to write the above indicates you are writing without clue.
Hey, thanks for playing though.
I have done most of the things on Zenster’s list, and I still think of U2 as one of the best bands ever.
A lot of the reasons are not even musical, although I do feel that their songs are incredible and that The Edge is underrated as a guitarist. A lot of it is presence. When Bono is anywhere within 100 yards of a stage, he owns it. It makes them one of the most exhilirating bands out there right now to see live.
You may believe that a band should not be evaluated based on something like stage presence. I thought that way at one time, but I’ve come to realize that being a great band is a lot more than raw musical talent. (If we’re basing it on total raw musical talent, the best band out there right now is probably Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, who are also in my top ten.)
Dr. J
Moving this to Cafe Society.