Such a tough call. If one were to factor in the impact of the band on the rock n' roll scene (in other words the context in which the band emerged and their impact on the course of rock history) then I would have to put R.E.M. near the top of the list. By the early 80s rock was a decadent, dying, caricature. R.E.M. brought rock back to it's roots with a vitality and energy that was sorely needed. I remember blasting Murmur in my car on the way home from college and thinking "thank god for this band". In 1983 rock needed and revival and I think it can be argued that R.E.M. led the way. Also, being from Jersey, I'd have to put Springsteen up there as well. He took rock storytelling to a whole other level. As I write I think my choices are interesting in that Bruce was as much about the words as the music and you couldn't understand a word Michael Stipe was singing until the release of "Green".
Which band IS really America's Greatest (rock & roll band)?
When I consider my priorities for this category, I cannot come up with any other than CCR.
Their output as a band was short compared to others, yes..
When I say America's greatest rock & roll band, this = the output or even the basis on which a band formed, had in their DNA, America's roots! It doesn't even matter that we now know CCR formed in California, their DNA as a band transformed their birthplace but it more importantly brought forth the (soul) of get down and dirty) Rock & Roll in it's raw form!
HELL YEAH!
Their output as a band was short compared to others, yes..
When I say America's greatest rock & roll band, this = the output or even the basis on which a band formed, had in their DNA, America's roots! It doesn't even matter that we now know CCR formed in California, their DNA as a band transformed their birthplace but it more importantly brought forth the (soul) of get down and dirty) Rock & Roll in it's raw form!
HELL YEAH!