Taking just pure musical talent into consideration, what's the best band of all time?

[willdabeast21]

Yeah, speaking from a strictly musical standpoint, which bands do you think are the most talented? Be sure to put every member into consideration. My choices would be -

Rush -
Geddy Lee has amazing vocal range and an unmatchable voice, and shreds bass like no one else.
Alex Lifeson is an axe master, the guys' riffs are so catchy and his solo's are insane.
Neil Peart, 'nuff said

The Jimi Hendrix Experience -
Jimi is the best guitar player ever, and his voice is unique and suits the music quite well
Noel Redding is amazing to keep up with Jimi on bass
Mitch Mitchells is an excellent drummer, just listen to an Experience song without concentrating on Jimi, you'll see

Audioslave -
Chris Cornell has crazy vocal range, and like Geddy Lee, an unmatchable style
Tom Morello is overrated, but still a great, unique guitar player none the less
Tom Commerford is an excellent bassist, top 5 of all-time I'd say
Brad Wilk isn't the best drummer ever, but he's pretty good

The Who -
Roger Daltrey is an excellent singer, his voice is really good
Pete Townshend invented guitar-smashing and popularized "the windmill", I think that says enough
John Entwistle is an excellent bassist, possibly the best of the 60's
Keith Moon is the best, that guy is crazy on the drums

[afterstasis]

krallice and orthrelm are up there.

[Alright_Computer]

Just musical talent? Probably some tech death metal band. I'm glad I don't listen to music based on talent though.

[a21schizoidman]

Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention

/thread

[Hungryfreak]

Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention

/thread

This in every way possible.

[Fizzeler]

Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention

/thread

I was gonna say Les Paul, but this works as well

[instantdeath999]

Can't say. Talent doesn't always equate to enjoyment for me.

[Runesmith]

It's a tie between Roxy Music, Bad Brains, The Who, The Jimi Hendrix Experience (with Billy Cox), Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, King Crimson, Focus, Elton John/Bernie Taupin and the various studio musicians he employed, The Smiths, The Cure, David Bowie and friends, The Grateful Dead, Genesis, and The Dead Kennedys for me.

I am factoring technical prowess (to a minimal degree), songwriting ability, passion/emotion, and originality into the talent descriptor, though, so my definition may be slightly different than the OPs.

[seinman]

Just musical talent? Probably some tech death metal band. I'm glad I don't listen to music based on talent though.

I think you may be confusing musical talent with playing fast, loud, and obnoxious talent.

The only reason people think metal bands are talented is because they can play fast. That's not all there is to it. You have to be able to write a song that doesn't want to make the average person want to puncture their eardrums, too. I really feel that to be musically talented, you have to 1) be a good songwriter, 2) a good musician, and 3) a good promoter. You have to be able to write a good song, perform it properly, and get it out there so people can hear it. Metal bands fail at 1 and 3 most of the time.

[willdabeast21]

Can't say. Talent doesn't always equate to enjoyment for me.

me neither, I never said Rush, The Jimi hendrix Experience, Audioslave, and The Who were my favorite bands (though they are all up there)
I just thought it'd be a good topic to discuss, I was thinking about it earlier today

[a21schizoidman]

I think you may be confusing musical talent with playing fast, loud, and obnoxious talent.

The only reason people think metal bands are talented is because they can play fast. That's not all there is to it. You have to be able to write a song that doesn't want to make the average person want to puncture their eardrums, too. I really feel that to be musically talented, you have to 1) be a good songwriter, 2) a good musician, and 3) a good promoter. You have to be able to write a good song, perform it properly, and get it out there so people can hear it. Metal bands fail at 1 and 3 most of the time.

stereotypes are fail

listen to Atheist

[instantdeath999]

I think you may be confusing musical talent with playing fast, loud, and obnoxious talent.

.

Notice he said tech. Your confusing technical death metal with grindcore.

[Runesmith]

stereotypes are fail

listen to Atheist

D'oh. Can't believe I forgot to include Atheist (and The Beatles) in my first post.

[willdabeast21]

I think you may be confusing musical talent with playing fast, loud, and obnoxious talent.

The only reason people think metal bands are talented is because they can play fast. That's not all there is to it. You have to be able to write a song that doesn't want to make the average person want to puncture their eardrums, too. I really feel that to be musically talented, you have to 1) be a good songwriter, 2) a good musician, and 3) a good promoter. You have to be able to write a good song, perform it properly, and get it out there so people can hear it. Metal bands fail at 1 and 3 most of the time.

while yeah, I agree with some of what you said, there are metal bands that are extremely talented, with great songwriters
Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, and Megadeth are all good examples

[seinman]

stereotypes are fail

listen to Atheist

I will if you have a Youtube link or something. That's beside the point though. I'm not saying 100% of metal fits my description. That would be silly. I am, though, saying that 95% does. Naming one band isn't going to change my opinion when there's thousands that do fit. Name 100 metal bands that have all three of the qualities I consider talent, and maybe I'll change my mind. Good luck with that.

[back_blows]

Just about any jazzy tech death metal fits the bill.

[willdabeast21]

I will if you have a Youtube link or something. That's beside the point though. I'm not saying 100% of metal fits my description. That would be silly. I am, though, saying that 95% does. Naming one band isn't going to change my opinion when there's thousands that do fit. Name 100 metal bands that have all three of the qualities I consider talent, and maybe I'll change my mind. Good luck with that.

I cant name 100, but I could name at least 15 If I felt like it

[a21schizoidman]

I will if you have a Youtube link or something. That's beside the point though. I'm not saying 100% of metal fits my description. That would be silly. I am, though, saying that 95% does. Naming one band isn't going to change my opinion when there's thousands that do fit. Name 100 metal bands that have all three of the qualities I consider talent, and maybe I'll change my mind. Good luck with that.

here's a few:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utqWrkVEQvI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enIj6sal4ws

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ6b4DrMz2g

[Hungryfreak]

I will if you have a Youtube link or something. That's beside the point though. I'm not saying 100% of metal fits my description. That would be silly. I am, though, saying that 95% does. Naming one band isn't going to change my opinion when there's thousands that do fit. Name 100 metal bands that have all three of the qualities I consider talent, and maybe I'll change my mind. Good luck with that.

The metal bands that only concern themselves with being the most technically proficient musicians are in a minority.

[Lolicat]

What does 'just musical talent' mean even? 'Just technical proficiency' is what I think the OP is driving at, but technical proficiency =/= musical talent to my eyes.

[Alright_Computer]

What does 'just musical talent' mean even? 'Just technical proficiency' is what I think the OP is driving at, but technical proficiency =/= musical talent to my eyes.

Songwriting talent > technical proficiency.

[willdabeast21]

Songwriting talent > technical proficiency.

Yeah, songwriting should take effect

[Lolicat]

Only band I can think of that I adore and are both technically proficient and write brilliant songs are Sleater-Kinney.

Cat Power and the Memphis Rhythm Band were pretty good, as was Bob Dylan and the Band. Not that hot on technical proficiency though, and I think most of my picks here are mostly based on how much they make me wanna get up and dance, sing or scream.

[gmarsh]

just looking at overall talent....interesting question.
Probly rush and the who go up there, and yes LED ZEPPELIN, just look at every member in their band and try not to say...WOW...

[a21schizoidman]

just looking at overall talent....interesting question.
Probly rush and the who go up there, and yes LED ZEPPELIN, just look at every member in their band and try not to say...WOW...

i can, Bonham = sloppy, Page = yawn

[Lolicat]

just looking at overall talent....interesting question.
Probly rush and the who go up there, and yes LED ZEPPELIN, just look at every member in their band and try not to say...WOW...

I was never that impressed by Page's style. Not my bag. I always prefered Plant's contribution to the band, and I found Bonham to be very overrated.

[instantdeath999]

I really like Bonhams drumming, especially his bass pedal work.

[schmeankman]

Little Feat is extremely talented in my opinion. Bill Payne's keyboards of "Trip Faces Boogie", "Fat Man in the Bathtub", and "Willin'" are magic. Lowell George's funky guitar and vocals are the best in my book. Richie Hayward's drum style on their whole debut album is fantastic. Paul Barrare is a madman. And Sam Clayton in the best conga player I know.. I guess. Plus-I have no problem with Kenny Gradney.

[ClassicRockFanatic23]

Well, if songwriting is a big thing.. The Beatles and The Who. Lennon/McCartney are just amazing. The best songwriting team ever. And Pete is just....wow.. Not to mention both had very skilled members.(except for Ringo)

[Rockbandfan23467]

Entwhistle can sometimes write a good song, and don't forget George Harrison and his cult following.

[ArmsAreLoud]

Soundgarden.

Chris Cornell has/had one of the best voices in the industry, rivaled only by the revered Freddie Mercury.

Kim Thayil was the riff master of the 90's, and the dude can shred beyond belief as well. He also took feedback to levels never examined before.

Ben Shepherd is probably the weakest member of the band, but he's still a great bassist and wrote plenty of the music.

Matt Cameron is beast. He rivals some of the best drummers out there and does it with originality as well as the ability to bang on drums really really fast.

[Zeleii]

I'm gonna go with X Japan

Great talented band turn Prog from Power Metal

Toshi's voice definitely got better over X Japan's career and he has a nice wide range.

Pata and Hide's guitar work compliment each other very well and was quite intricate in a good bit of songs.

Heath on Bass had the talent to keep up with the rest of the band and is arguably the weakest member of the band.

Yoshiki on drums and piano in their songs... you think "Wow that's pretty easy".... not, he was a great drummer, he could play technical and it sounded good. His piano work, granted wasn't the greatest but he was a very good Pianist just listen to some X Japan's ballads... did I mention Yoshiki writes most of their material?

[Cubecubed]

Yardbirds.

[My name is Fez]

What does 'just musical talent' mean even? 'Just technical proficiency' is what I think the OP is driving at, but technical proficiency =/= musical talent to my eyes.

QFT.

While it's an interesting question to raise, it's also a ridiculous one. Who is the most talented guitarist ever? How do you even rate that with an actual finite measure? Who can play the most notes per second? Who has the most record sales? What would you use? Especially when you consider that nothing like that can actually measure "talent."

Plus, Jimi Hendrix is nowhere NEAR the most technically proficient guitarist of all time. I like Jimi and all, but he's hailed more for his creativity and unique sound than he is for his technical ability. Not saying he was simple guitarist or anything, but even he said that Terry Kath was better.

Hell, Dream Theater could be considered for this thread and I still find them to sound like a pile of ass. So this question is forever doomed to toil in opinion-land. Hell, saying Chris Cornell has one of THE greatest voices of all time? Says ****ing who? o wate, thats opinion lololol.

[Lolicat]

Hell, Dream Theater could be considered for this thread and I still find them to sound like a pile of ass. So this question is forever doomed to toil in opinion-land. Hell, saying Chris Cornell has one of THE greatest voices of all time? Says ****ing who? o wate, thats opinion lololol.

I agree with everyone that Cornell has a good voice, not my personal opinion, but I can see why one might like it. I don't particularly understand why they all claim he has this massive range, which seems rather unexercised...

[Soror_YZBL]

the london symphony orchestra

[My name is Fez]

I agree with everyone that Cornell has a good voice, not my personal opinion, but I can see why one might like it. I don't particularly understand why they all claim he has this massive range, which seems rather unexercised...

I love Cornell, m'self. But I agree. I don't see where this massive range or sense of "talent" comes from. Apart from the highly exaggerated range, he destroyed his voice with POOR FORM. I don't see the technique there.

This kinda' goes hand-in-hand with what I was saying, too: How does one rate a singer's "talent"? Freddie Mercury had the massive range that everyone's acting like Cornell had, but he had the exact same problem. If a singer has a four octave range complete with poor technique and blows their voice out, does that really make them "the greatest"?

This whole thing ultimately is taking a list of good and even some great musicians, dashing in some (a lot of) opinion for everyone to exaggerate their ability and make them TEH BEST EVARRR.

[Lolicat]

I love Cornell, m'self. But I agree. I don't see where this massive range or sense of "talent" comes from. Apart from the highly exaggerated range, he destroyed his voice with POOR FORM. I don't see the technique there.

This kinda' goes hand-in-hand with what I was saying, too: How does one rate a singer's "talent"? Freddie Mercury had the massive range that everyone's acting like Cornell had, but he had the exact same problem. If a singer has a four octave range complete with poor technique and blows their voice out, does that really make them "the greatest"?

Exactly, and anyway, who says range is all that good to hear? I find it sorta irritating, I prefer my breathy vocals or shouted vocals, and I'd argue it takes at least a little talent to make shouting sound good musically, eh?

[My name is Fez]

Exactly, and anyway, who says range is all that good to hear? I find it sorta irritating, I prefer my breathy vocals or shouted vocals, and I'd argue it takes at least a little talent to make shouting sound good musically, eh?

Very much so. Peolpe who pass off anything not sung melodically and pretty as noise irritate me. It takes about as much talent to make shouting/screaming good as it does singing.

Not to mention, Elliott Smith is one of my favorite vocalists of all time. Subtle vocals ftw, super awesome mega range ftl.

[ClassicRockFanatic23]

Entwhistle can sometimes write a good song, and don't forget George Harrison and his cult following.
Yeah, I love Entwistle's writing. Just didn't feel like mentioning it.

[My name is Fez]

I really like Bonhams drumming, especially his bass pedal work.

QFT.


I was never that impressed by Page's style. Not my bag. I always prefered Plant's contribution to the band, and I found Bonham to be very overrated.

Also QFT.

Don't know how I missed that discussion before. As a Zeppelin fan, I like all four members of the band, but think that Page and Bonham are way overrated. Plant is probably just fine, and JPJ is pretty underrated, IMO.

[classicrockdude]

Led Zeppelin

[willdabeast21]

the london symphony orchestra

good call

[MovieFreak921]

The Who. It's practically an all star band. You have the greatest bassist of all time (don't even try to argue against that), the greatest, wildest drummer of all time, one of the greatest vocalists of all time, and one of the most revolutionary guitarists of all time.

[Onslaught_fei]

Technical talent?
Composing talent?
Songwriting talent?
Natural Born talent?
Ripping off others talent?
Keeping the same band lineup talent?
Never writing a bad album talent?
Getting mainstream attention talent?

My favorite band is Opeth but it is purely songwriting and composition. There's nothing fast, technical, or anything that hard to play on guitar in their library.

[franticfish]

Technical talent?
Composing talent?
Songwriting talent?
Natural Born talent?
Ripping off others talent?
Keeping the same band lineup talent?
Never writing a bad album talent?
Getting mainstream attention talent?

My favorite band is Opeth but it is purely songwriting and composition. There's nothing fast, technical, or anything that hard to play on guitar in their library.This. Nice call of Opeth but I think Atheist are equally if not more talented.

[Gowienczyk]

This is a silly thread.

[Hungryfreak]

This. Nice call of Opeth but I think Atheist are equally if not more talented.

Atheist are much more talented with no question on my mind, but I do enjoy Opeth as well.

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

This is a silly thread.

I agree. Even when you try to use pure technical talent to determine quality, how does one define "talent?" Pure subjection.

[Gowienczyk]

The only real talent is those that are prodigy's.

/fact

[Rockbandfan23467]

Don't listen to him, he thinks his opinion is fact.

[Gowienczyk]

Don't listen to him, he thinks he's important. :p

[Lolicat]

The only real talent is those that are prodigy's.

/fact

Firestarter is ok, I guess but...


/lamejoke/

[a21schizoidman]

Don't listen to him, he thinks his opinion is fact.
look who's calling the kettle black

Don't listen to him, he thinks he's important. :p

ZING!

[My name is Fez]

look who's calling the kettle black

Has RBF EVER had a post without you commenting on him? XD

[JukeBoxHero]

Has RBF EVER had a post without you commenting on him? XD

I'm sure they're quite a few.

[a21schizoidman]

Has RBF EVER had a post without you commenting on him? XD

sure, but when he says something blatantly stupid i counter

[zeldazeppelin]

X-Japan
/end thread

[Gowienczyk]

X-Japan
/end thread

Not at all, stop being a obsessive fanboy.

[zeldazeppelin]

Not at all, stop being a obsessive fanboy.

I know but its basically what all the other fanboys are doing and I am in a bad mood. lol

[Insane3]

I'm sure they're quite a few.

Yes, there are three. 11, 63 and 69 days ago.

[chumsicles]

I'd say Mr. Bungle.


Why did it take 7 pages to mention Mike Patton for vocalists?

[limelight_rush]

Yeah, speaking from a strictly musical standpoint, which bands do you think are the most talented? Be sure to put every member into consideration. My choices would be -



The Jimi Hendrix Experience -
Jimi is the best guitar player ever, and his voice is unique and suits the music quite well





I disagree.

[zeldazeppelin]

I'm gonna go with X Japan

Great talented band turn Prog from Power Metal

Toshi's voice definitely got better over X Japan's career and he has a nice wide range.

Pata and Hide's guitar work compliment each other very well and was quite intricate in a good bit of songs.

Heath on Bass had the talent to keep up with the rest of the band and is arguably the weakest member of the band.

Yoshiki on drums and piano in their songs... you think "Wow that's pretty easy".... not, he was a great drummer, he could play technical and it sounded good. His piano work, granted wasn't the greatest but he was a very good Pianist just listen to some X Japan's ballads... did I mention Yoshiki writes most of their material?
I completely agree since X-japan is my favorite band. I would have to say you took the words right from my mouth

just looking at overall talent....interesting question.
Probly rush and the who go up there, and yes LED ZEPPELIN, just look at every member in their band and try not to say...WOW...
Joking right ? Page is Boring and I know a all most blind guy better at drumming then Bonham

[Soror_YZBL]

good call

Thank you. You knuckledraggers still think you can find some coked up rock star who can outplay the third chair violinist? You'd be wrong.

[willdabeast21]

Thank you. You knuckledraggers still think you can find some coked up rock star who can outplay the third chair violinist? You'd be wrong.

Yeah, as much as I prefer Rush/Hendrix/ect., the London Symphony Orchestra is probably more talented.
Haha, I just got a mental image of Jimi playing a violin, wow

[franticfish]

Joking right ? Page is Boring and I know a all most blind guy better at drumming then Bonham
Coming from someone who listens to X-Japan I find it funny that you accuse Page of being boring.

[zeldazeppelin]

Coming from someone who listens to X-Japan I find it funny that you accuse Page of being boring.

X-Jpan is not boring if you like the music and the felling of how it is being played and Page is still boring considering I listen to other bands besidees X-Japan.

[instantdeath999]

Joking right ? Page is Boring and I know a all most blind guy better at drumming then Bonham

There rarely is ever a "better". John Bonham had a very fast bass foot, something that's usually overlooked, and had very good stamina. Every drummer has qualities... there rarely is a cut and dry "better".

Also, Page was a good folk player IMO, and had some decent solo's throughout the years.

[Zidane]

Robert Plant has one of the most annoying voices in music. His orgasm vocals are ok, but it isn't anything that should be worshiped. And Geddy Lee's voice isn't that good either. Sure, it works for the songs, but they could have gone out of their way to get a better singer.

[Insane3]

something that's usually overlooked,

The reason why it's overlooked is that it's not important enough to declare Bonham the best drummer.
(and yes I know you didn't claim he was the best)

[zeldazeppelin]

There rarely is ever a "better". John Bonham had a very fast bass foot, something that's usually overlooked, and had very good stamina. Every drummer has qualities... there rarely is a cut and dry "better".

Also, Page was a good folk player IMO, and had some decent solo's throughout the years.

exactly Page was good but his guitar was just to boring for me anyway

[KoalaDummy]

Audioslave

[willdabeast21]

Robert Plant has one of the most annoying voices in music. His orgasm vocals are ok, but it isn't anything that should be worshiped. And Geddy Lee's voice isn't that good either. Sure, it works for the songs, but they could have gone out of their way to get a better singer.
If they got a new singer, they'd have sacrificed one of (if not the) top bassists in rock history. And Geddy's vocals really do fit Rush, and its the uniqueness that makes me appreciate it more.

[Gowienczyk]

lol Rush superfans.

[a21schizoidman]

Klaus Dinger can drum circles around Peart

[My name is Fez]

lol rush superfans.

moar rush pl0x.

[Insane3]

If they got a new singer, they'd have sacrificed one of (if not the) top bassists in rock history. And Geddy's vocals really do fit Rush, and its the uniqueness that makes me appreciate it more.

They could also have been 4.

I don't agree about Geddy's vocal to fit Rush. People only say that because they are used to him. I think that a better vocalist would have done a better job. But I don't actually care because his voice still does the job.

[Lolicat]

I think Geddy Lee's voice is bloody awful.

[zeldazeppelin]

I think Geddy Lee's voice is bloody awful.

this

[Soror_YZBL]

I think Geddy Lee's voice is bloody awful.

I thought you liked female *****ists?

[Lolicat]

I thought you liked female *****ists?

Yea, but usually shouty or breathy ones, not ones who scream.

[My name is Fez]

I thought you liked female *****ists?

o snap!

You make me laugh a lot, considering this is like, the 4th time in two days.

[JukeBoxHero]

They could also have been 4.

I don't agree about Geddy's ***** to fit Rush. People only say that because they are used to him. I think that a better *****ist would have done a better job. But I don't actually care because his voice still does *** job.

I love *** his voice since I began with 2112 two years ago, it wasn't something I got use to.

To be honest willdabeast21, I couldn't see them dumping Geddy as a member all together. Maybe switch off *****/keyboard duties to another person or two, but I couldn't see Alex and Neil getting rid of Geddy on ****.

[VictorSxL]

Wow. thread fail.

You can't determine talent the way you're doing it.