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Greatest Guitar Band

I thought just before Christmas I'd get a good thread going. IMHO,the greatest guitar band was the Yardbirds, not because E Clapton,or J Beck, or J Page was in it but because Chris Deja, and Paul Samwell-Smith were great rhythm and bass guitarists that could rock and keep up with the above. Plus Jim McCarty the drummer could keep the group in line and fine harmonica work from Keith Relf(ok not the greatest vocalist, more of a finesse singer).They had it all, I cannot think of another band that had three great guitarists in the band at one time(J Beck, C Deja, P Samwell-Smith). In 1967, when J Beck and J Page were in the band togther as co-lead guitars, they were the lead in band for the rolling stones, they just blow them away,ok, that is not a fair comparison considering the rolling stones still cannot play their instruments very well. But in comparison to say Led Zepplin, LZ did not have a rhthym guitarist(except J Page would overdub that part on recordings). That made them sound not as well rounded live as far as guitar work is concerned. I am not saying LZ was a bad band on the contrary,they put on probably the best show ever, but I do not consider them a guitar band per se. Besides, J Page stole vitually from his former band anyway. Remember "How Many More Times" is a repackaged version of the YBs "Smokestack Lightning", a Howlin Wolf tune. YBs version is in my mind the best rock song ever. So what do you think????
shubertmaniac

Showing 3 responses by bencampbella3c8

bencampbella3c8
36 posts
 
Shubertmaniac I have no idea what this thread is about..you start off talking about a guitar band then mention the drummer and harmonica.(also I think you'll find Page played bass for the short time he played with Beck..as far as I'm aware most bands use a guitarist of some sort)..and you're dismissal of the Stones is really a laugh...but in theory here you are Led Zeppelin,Radiohead around the Bends era are arguably the best modern guitar band(3 guitarists),Van Halen,Beatles,Pink Floyd,Dylan and the Hawks (The Band)..these guys used guitars I think...I mean the thread isn't that well defined are we talking live,studio,songwriting? I have no idea but I think a lot of you guys should try buying some records released after 1978......:-) Regards, Ben
bencampbella3c8
36 posts
 
Shubertmaniac yup well cleared up-I agree about early Zeppelin(highly derivative) however in my opinion they developed into arguably the greatest rock band ever,in a way that their contempories never did--the later albums are a brilliant blend of styles-I can't agree on the stadium thing it's too narrow... they've left behind a series of albums that are a benchmark of consistency within the rock world and so-called stadium bands.......certainly the generations of rock bands that followed in their wake never hit their heights..oh and if your talking guitars and drums give Metallica a nod for dynamic musicianship and good songwriting/arrangements within their field Regards, Ben
bencampbella3c8
36 posts
 
Don't mean to be rude but it would actually be a really good thread if it threw up a few names we've never heard of ..otherwise it's just back-slapping.. as much as a lot of the music mentioned is good....respect to S for this thread and his respect for Beck...a true original but as I said further back it is hard to define... I enjoy 70's Genesis with Rutherford/Hackett and also late 70's Talking Heads (a great guitar band) and Television...Johnny Marr with The Smiths..John Squire The Stone Roses..Westerberg..The Replacements..the Young brothers AC/DC..the list is endless...no "best" only constant enjoyment,re-discovery... and personal opinions..keep them coming.... Regards, Ben H
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