Most overrated band/performer

[Pablo's Brother]

Must be the offseason. Here are my top 5 that always get zapped from my playlist:

1) Grateful Dead
2) Heart (they just suck so much)
3) Bruce Springsteen (sweaty NJ dude with 2-3 OK songs max)
4) Jimmy Buffett (sweaty FL dude with 2 songs)
5) Pink Floyd

Let the hatin' begin.

[golfitup]

A good list. Michael Jackson immediately springs to mind for me.

[boozehound]

White Stripes.

[BBC 08]

White Stripes.

Really? Why?

[LadyMuskie]

I agree with Springsteen and the White Stripes. I'll also add Cold Play, John Mayer and Kanye West. But the worst "performer" has to be, without a doubt, Gwenyth Paltrow. The way people go on about what a great singer she is makes me think I'm correct in my belief that most people have no ability to see beyond the performer and actually hear the singing. She just cannot sing, but people keep telling her she can, and then they let her perform in front of audiences. Her stints at the Oscars, the Grammys and on Glee have been painful and, I would think, embarrassing for her. It's just horrific.

[kyxu]

Led Zeppelin

I would add Aerosmith, but they are disliked by too many people to be considered overrated.

[94GRAD]

I agree with Springsteen and the White Stripes. I'll also add Cold Play, John Mayer and Kanye West. But the worst "performer" has to be, without a doubt, Gwenyth Paltrow. The way people go on about what a great singer she is makes me think I'm correct in my belief that most people have no ability to see beyond the performer and actually hear the singing. She just cannot sing, but people keep telling her she can, and then they let her perform in front of audiences. Her stints at the Oscars, the Grammys and on Glee have been painful and, I would think, embarrassing for her. It's just horrific.

The man is keeping me down. Public reps!

[bobbiemcgee]

all rappers, but then it's not really music, so I'll say all "entertainers" who get up on a stage and talk while trying to rhyme sometimes.

[Michigan Muskie]

1. Kid Rock
2. Kid Rock
3. Kid Rock
4. Taylor Swift
5. Kid Rock

[Kahns Krazy]

Music is a personal taste thing, so everyone is right and wrong 100% in this thread.

My list would have to start and end with the Rusty Griswolds. You out of town guys might not get it, but these guys are the worst thing ever. They are a local mediocre cover band, they aren't that good, and yet people around here will show up for front row seats a turd flinging contest if the Rusty Griswolds are playing. I just don't get it.

[Fireball]

1) Prince
2) U2
3) Dave Matthews Band
4) Rod Stewart

I pretty much turn off every one of these artists every time they come on.

[BandAid]

Led Zeppelin

I would add Aerosmith, but they are disliked by too many people to be considered overrated.

Really? Hm. I'm not judging, because like someone else said music is largely based on personal taste. I just didn't expect to see them on this list.

I would definitely say Lady Gaga. I think she draws attention for three reasons. 1. Obviously her um, style. 2. Stroking the egos of social minorities. 3. Very vocally condemning religion by saying it is forced down people's throats (Which interestingly enough, one could maintain that in so vividly making such a statement, she is in fact forcing secularism down people's throats. Kinda funny how that works.)

[PMI]

[QUOTE=Kahns Krazy;272577]Music is a personal taste thing, so everyone is right and wrong 100% in this thread.
QUOTE]

This is true. Musical taste is entirely subjective, but musical talent is much less so, which is why I have a hard time seeing names like Zeppelin and Michael Jackson listed, because they are/were unquestionably some of the most talented musicians of their times. Objectively speaking, those are some awesome musicians, which cannot be said about some other super-popular and successful hacks out there. In no particular order, some popular ones who I find very overhyped, or who I just can't stand:

U2
Aerosmith
Kid Rock
Nickelback
Bruce Springstein
Black Eyed Peas
The Doors (mostly Morrison, the keyboardist was money)
Too many other current rappers/pop stars/country stars

I'm sure I'll think of plenty more.

[smileyy]

Overrated: Anyone who's popular in the mainstream, except maybe Kanye West and The Arcade Fire.

These days, if it has widespread appeal, its not at all interesting.

[Jumpy]

Red Hot chili Peppers. Can't stand those douchers.

[Pablo's Brother]

I agree with Springsteen and the White Stripes. I'll also add Cold Play, John Mayer and Kanye West. But the worst "performer" has to be, without a doubt, Gwenyth Paltrow. The way people go on about what a great singer she is makes me think I'm correct in my belief that most people have no ability to see beyond the performer and actually hear the singing. She just cannot sing, but people keep telling her she can, and then they let her perform in front of audiences. Her stints at the Oscars, the Grammys and on Glee have been painful and, I would think, embarrassing for her. It's just horrific.

Re: Gwenyth. Don't you have to have talent in the first place?

[Masterofreality]

Some of these guys are already passe' but:

A) Kid Rock
B) Limp Biskit
C) Wilco
D) Phish
E) Godsmack
F) Candlebox

As to White Stripes, Meg? Yeah. Jack? No way. That guy, when you consider all of the various amalgamations like The Raconteurs and Dead Weather, is nails.

With some of those previously mentioned, Rod Stewart was definitely NOT overrated back in his Jeff Beck, Faces, and early solo days. Now he's a characiture of his former self. Gwyneth Paltrow is an actress- period.

And no way is Led Zeppelin overrated. They are a blues based band that kept a lot of the old Mississippi Black Blues alive. Before Jimmy Page drugged himself out, the guy was an incredible guitarist. If you don't appreciate the blues, you don't appreciate Led Zep, but take a listen to "Since I've been Loving You" and you might change your mind.

Greatful Dead? I'm not a huge fan, but rather than concentrating on their performances, concentrate on the stuff they wrote- which has been covered thousands of times.

And PB, Pink Floyd? Ahhh, c'mon, man. Animals and Wish You Were Here are two of the most creative albums ever. Dark Side was too, but it has been overplayed so much that it is now a cliche, but post Syd Barrett and before Roger Waters left, that was one great band. Maybe your taste doesn't run to orchestral progressive rock like Floyd or Yes, but you cannot deny that they moved music forward.

[MCXU]

1.) The Beatles
2.) The Beatles
3.) The Beatles
4.) The Beatles
5.) The Beatles

[kyxu]

I agree with Springsteen and the White Stripes. I'll also add Cold Play, John Mayer and Kanye West. But the worst "performer" has to be, without a doubt, Gwenyth Paltrow. The way people go on about what a great singer she is makes me think I'm correct in my belief that most people have no ability to see beyond the performer and actually hear the singing. She just cannot sing, but people keep telling her she can, and then they let her perform in front of audiences. Her stints at the Oscars, the Grammys and on Glee have been painful and, I would think, embarrassing for her. It's just horrific.


The man is keeping me down. Public reps!


Re: Gwenyth. Don't you have to have talent in the first place?

We're all talking about Gwen Stefani, right?

[kyxu]

I knew I would get some resistance on the Led Zeppelin dig. I'm sorry, I just never got what everyone enjoyed about them.

But these are opinions, of course.

[Juice]

Anything they play on KISS 107

FM radio is Cincinnati is not even listenable, except maybe 96.5.

[Jumpy]

Anything they play on KISS 107

FM radio is Cincinnati is not even listenable, except maybe 96.5.

Even 96.5 plays too much of the angst-filled bands trying to cope with Mommy and Daddy issues.

[THRILLHOUSE]

Music is a personal taste thing, so everyone is right and wrong 100% in this thread.

My list would have to start and end with the Rusty Griswolds. You out of town guys might not get it, but these guys are the worst thing ever. They are a local mediocre cover band, they aren't that good, and yet people around here will show up for front row seats a turd flinging contest if the Rusty Griswolds are playing. I just don't get it.

CO-SIGN. Really don't get the love affair this town has with the rusty griswolds.

[xu95]

Anything they play on KISS 107

FM radio is Cincinnati is not even listenable, except maybe 96.5.

Two words......satellite radio

xu95

[boozehound]

Really? Why?

Personal opinion. I just don't like their music.

[BBC 08]

Personal opinion. I just don't like their music.

Fair enough. To each their own.

[Masterofreality]

Two words......satellite radio

xu95

Two Thumbs UP to this.

The entire range Bluegrass to Bluesville, College to Deep Tracks and whatever else strikes.

If any of the younger whippersnappers out there want to get a taste of what the "dangerous underground FM radio" scene was back in the late '60's early '70's when WEBN (Brute Force Cybernetics) and WMMS (The Buzzard) ruled this state, tune into Deep Tracks. It's a throwback for my aging brain. Earle Bailey on there sounds like a survivor of the stony era.

[Porkopolis]

Two Thumbs UP to this.

The entire range Bluegrass to Bluesville, College to Deep Tracks and whatever else strikes.

If any of the younger whippersnappers out there want to get a taste of what the "dangerous underground FM radio" scene was back in the late '60's early '70's when WEBN (Brute Force Cybernetics) and WMMS (The Buzzard) ruled this state, tune into Deep Tracks. It's a throwback for my aging brain. Earle Bailey on there sounds like a survivor of the stony era.

Deep Tracks is awesome. I don't have sat radio anymore but listened to that channel all the time when I did.

I recommend 89.7 WNKU for anybody who wants something better than commercial FM in Cincinnati. They play a very eclectic mix of music you are unlikely to hear on any of the Clear Channel/Cumulus conglomerate stations.

[Mrs. Garrett]

Below are three of the worst concerts I've ever been to. I have to admit that two of the three concerts listed were free to me, but still all of these performers have a lot of hype behind them and I pretty much don't get it.

1) Madonna - my wife got these tickets for free from someone who couldn't use them. This was a couple years ago - All I wanted to do was kill myself the whole time.

2) The Rolling Stones - Once again. Free tickets. The concert was at Soldier Field, it was October and it was pretty cold. But that's no reason for the whole band to huddle up around a heater and act like a bunch a bitches. You're supposed to be performers. Plus they are my parents age, so maybe I'm just too young and they're just too old for me to get it at this point. Circa 1974 maybe I would have seen something cool.

3) Snoop Dogg. I have to admit it was a good show. It was at a place called the Metro in Chicago, a tiny venue for someone as big as Snoop. Thing is Snoop was 3 hours late, nobody is three hours late good. Nobody.

[chico]

Hardly ever listen to FM radio anymore. MOR, loved WEBN when I was a kid back in the day - I still have a couple of their Album Projects gathering dust in the basement.

I do have to respectfully disagree with you on Led Zeppelin, though. I am in the camp that they are overrated. I have a lot of their songs and they were a very good band but I think putting them up at the top of the list of great bands is a stretch. Great musicians does not always mean great music.

These other ones have already been said but I agree with Springsteen, Grateful Dead and Black Eyed Peas.

I'll add Madonna and Bon Jovi to the list as well. It's hard to say which current performers are overrated because I frankly don't know music like I used to.

I remember reading an article about a study they did on people's taste in music and it seemed their most people are partial to music they heard up until about age 30. After that age, most people aren't fond of new music. Had something to do with the connection of music to your formative and young adult years. There are some newer bands that I like but the overwhelming majority of music I have is from before 1995 or so.

[GuyFawkes38]

Definitely Nirvana (still a nice band though).

I just don't get the love for Arcade Fire.

[sweet16]

Some of these guys are already passe' but:

A) Kid Rock
B) Limp Biskit
C) Wilco
D) Phish
E) Godsmack
F) Candlebox

As to White Stripes, Meg? Yeah. Jack? No way. That guy, when you consider all of the various amalgamations like The Raconteurs and Dead Weather, is nails.

With some of those previously mentioned, Rod Stewart was definitely NOT overrated back in his Jeff Beck, Faces, and early solo days. Now he's a characiture of his former self. Gwyneth Paltrow is an actress- period.

And no way is Led Zeppelin overrated. They are a blues based band that kept a lot of the old Mississippi Black Blues alive. Before Jimmy Page drugged himself out, the guy was an incredible guitarist. If you don't appreciate the blues, you don't appreciate Led Zep, but take a listen to "Since I've been Loving You" and you might change your mind.

Greatful Dead? I'm not a huge fan, but rather than concentrating on their performances, concentrate on the stuff they wrote- which has been covered thousands of times.

And PB, Pink Floyd? Ahhh, c'mon, man. Animals and Wish You Were Here are two of the most creative albums ever. Dark Side was too, but it has been overplayed so much that it is now a cliche, but post Syd Barrett and before Roger Waters left, that was one great band. Maybe your taste doesn't run to orchestral progressive rock like Floyd or Yes, but you cannot deny that they moved music forward.

Totally agree with your opinion on Rod Stewart........saw him live many, many years ago before Ronnie Wood bolted for the Stones and they were great.

[xuvictory]

1.) The Beatles
2.) The Beatles
3.) The Beatles
4.) The Beatles
5.) The Beatles

You cannot be serious. They produced the greatest music of all-time.

BTW: Who is your favorite? Air Supply? Michael Boltin? Tiny Tim?

[Masterofreality]

1.) The Beatles
2.) The Beatles
3.) The Beatles
4.) The Beatles
5.) The Beatles

How many ways is this wrong?

At least 5.

[boozehound]

1.) The Beatles
2.) The Beatles
3.) The Beatles
4.) The Beatles
5.) The Beatles

I'll back him up on this. I don't really like the Beatles either. I appreciate their contribution to music and the influence that they have had on the industry, but I don't personally like many of their songs.

[Mrs. Garrett]

Definitely Nirvana (still a nice band though).

I just don't get the love for Arcade Fire.

Totally agree with Nirvana. They had some nice songs, but I just don't get why people think they were influential or changed music. I heard David Grohl interviewed on Stern a few weeks ago and he said he loved playing drums in the band because all the songs were so simple. I actually don't think their music really stands the test of time. I liked them well enough back in high school, but I don't hear one of their songs today and say man this was really a great song. Actually, it was all pretty depressing.

[GuyFawkes38]

Totally agree with Nirvana. They had some nice songs, but I just don't get why people think they were influential or changed music. I heard David Grohl interviewed on Stern a few weeks ago and he said he loved playing drums in the band because all the songs were so simple. I actually don't think their music really stands the test of time. I liked them well enough back in high school, but I don't hear one of their songs today and say man this was really a great song. Actually, it was all pretty depressing.

Definitly. I don't think Nirvana's reputation has aged well. Gen Xers worshipped them in the early 90's. But they've grown up now.

[Masterofreality]

Totally agree with Nirvana. They had some nice songs, but I just don't get why people think they were influential or changed music. I heard David Grohl interviewed on Stern a few weeks ago and he said he loved playing drums in the band because all the songs were so simple. I actually don't think their music really stands the test of time. I liked them well enough back in high school, but I don't hear one of their songs today and say man this was really a great song. Actually, it was all pretty depressing.

The songs were simple.....but that was their beauty.

The reason why Nirvana was influential was because with one song Smells like Teen Spirit, they were able to cut through the overproduced and overhyped clutter of all the '80's "hair band" crap that had been put out by poseurs like Poison, Kiss and Motley Crue. That opened the door for better bands like Soundgarden to get their stuff played. I actually think that Guns n Roses should have gotten the credit that Nirvana got because they put their classic first album out in 1987- four years earlier than Nirvana- but G n R was still a bit too close to all the "hair" to be percieved as different back then.

Cobain was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay overrated, (talk about simplistic guitar playing), but Grohl has turned out to be the best guy in that band. Novoselic hasn't done a damn thing since Cobain offed himself.

[MCXU]

You cannot be serious. They produced the greatest music of all-time.

BTW: Who is your favorite? Air Supply? Michael Boltin? Tiny Tim?

As a matter of fact, yes.

Personally, I celebrate the man's entire catalog. To me, it doesn't get any better than when he sings 'When a Man Loves a Woman.'

[Nigel Tufnel]

Definitely Nirvana (still a nice band though).

I just don't get the love for Arcade Fire.

Have you ever seen Arcade Fire live? If not, seeing one of their shows might change your opinion.

[Mrs. Garrett]

The songs were simple.....but that was their beauty.

The reason why Nirvana was influential was because with one song Smells like Teen Spirit, they were able to cut through the overproduced and overhyped clutter of all the '80's "hair band" crap that had been put out by poseurs like Poison, Kiss and Motley Crue. That opened the door for better bands like Soundgarden to get their stuff played. I actually think that Guns n Roses should have gotten the credit that Nirvana got because they put their classic first album out in 1987- four years earlier than Nirvana- but G n R was still a bit too close to all the "hair" to be percieved as different back then.

Cobain was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay overrated, (talk about simplistic guitar playing), but Grohl has turned out to be the best guy in that band. Novoselic hasn't done a damn thing since Cobain offed himself.


Totally agree with you about G n R. There's a reason Appetite is the best selling debut album of all time. I really don't connect them with the hair bands at all. Their music actually had substance. I still await the day those idiots put the drama aside and reunite. You know how much money thet could make?

[LadyMuskie]

We're all talking about Gwen Stefani, right?

Poor Gwen Stefani. Not a big fan of her's or No Doubt's, but at least my ears don't bleed when she sings like they do when Gwenyth Paltrow heads to the microphone.

[smileyy]

They had some nice songs, but I just don't get why people think they were influential or changed music.

Uhh...you don't think they were influential? They were the most prominent band in a genre that ended an entire other genre. Honestly, I'd say their influence is far far greater than their actual quality of music. Nobody else was doing that at as popular of a scale as Nirvana was.

Nirvana kind of strikes me like Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino movies. Their movies may not be great or stand up to the test of time, but they changed the way movies were made. In fact, one of the reason that Kevin Smith movies may not be as good today is the fact that he popularized "rapid witty banter" in movies.

[X-band '01]

What I loved about Kevin Smith is that he knew his movies had a cult following and were never intended to be mainstream. You also had to be knowledgeable on certain things to fully understand his movies (i.e. comic books for Mallrats, the GLBT community for Chasing Amy, Catholicism for Dogma).

[American X]

Easy. Any singer/songwriter from the 60s or 70s. Their prominence results from a perpetual nostalgia by the baby boomer generation when they bucked the system and changed the world, man. You know, back then, . As a young guy [I]Rolling Stone bombards you with how great the music was and you really try to like it. Only later do you realize it was hard to get into because it is just not nearly good as billed.

Take your pick - Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, CS&N, and especially Bob Dylan. Sit down for this one, MOR. Clapton is not a god. Dylan and Clapton may be talented and influential but way overrated. Some of this music may have been alright, man, if you were not lectured it was the culmination of Western civilization.

Oh, and the Eagles. I had a really bad day and I hate the f'in Eagles.

[chico]

Uhh...you don't think they were influential? They were the most prominent band in a genre that ended an entire other genre. Honestly, I'd say their influence is far far greater than their actual quality of music. Nobody else was doing that at as popular of a scale as Nirvana was.

Nirvana kind of strikes me like Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino movies. Their movies may not be great or stand up to the test of time, but they changed the way movies were made. In fact, one of the reason that Kevin Smith movies may not be as good today is the fact that he popularized "rapid witty banter" in movies.

Not to discount Nirvana, but the whole grunge thing kind of struck me as a kind of poor me, whiny, punk movement.

[GuyFawkes38]

AmericanX brings up a good one. Bob Dylan is definitely overrated.

[PMI]

Uhh...you don't think they were influential? They were the most prominent band in a genre that ended an entire other genre. Honestly, I'd say their influence is far far greater than their actual quality of music. Nobody else was doing that at as popular of a scale as Nirvana was.

Nirvana kind of strikes me like Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino movies. Their movies may not be great or stand up to the test of time, but they changed the way movies were made. In fact, one of the reason that Kevin Smith movies may not be as good today is the fact that he popularized "rapid witty banter" in movies.

I agree. Curt was not a terribly talented musican, but their music was unquestionably influencial. They definitely turned the tide. I also agree with MOR per their simplicity was brilliant. Sure, the lyrics were the work of a dark, distrubed man, but I couldn't diagree more with Guy per they have faded over time. Their music is timeless to many, at least in my generation. And Dave Grohl is a top 10 living drummer. Foo Fighters are also one of my favorite bands.


AmericanX brings up a good one. Bob Dylan is definitely overrated.

As a musician, he was absolutely overrated. He didn't play anything particularly great and he couldn't sing for shit. But as a writer/lyricist, he is one of the best.

[LadyMuskie]

I don't know. Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, for example, as modern-day poets are pretty amazing. If you just read their lyrics as poems, they're very moving and very good.

Bob Dylan as a performer - not good. I can't understand a word the man says, and a lot of his songs are performed much better by other artists (like Jimi Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower). Simon and Garfunkel don't bother me as much, but then they're one of my parents' favorite bands, so I guess I've been brainwashed since birth.

[chico]

I agree. Curt was not a terribly talented musican, but their music was unquestionably influencial. They definitely turned the tide. I also agree with MOR per their simplicity was brilliant. Sure, the lyrics were the work of a dark, distrubed man, but I couldn't diagree more with Guy per they have faded over time. Their music is timeless to many, at least in my generation. And Dave Grohl is a top 10 living drummer. Foo Fighters are also one of my favorite bands.



As a musician, he was absolutely overrated. He didn't play anything particularly great and he couldn't sing for shit. But as a writer/lyricist, he is one of the best.

You do know what Phil Collins is to my generation Dave Grohl is to yours. And as for Dylan, I think he was kind of like Nrivana in that he brought forth an entirely new kind of music. I'm not a big fan, but he was very influential.

And how could I forget the Eagles? Good call, Amex.

[Masterofreality]

Easy. Any singer/songwriter from the 60s or 70s. Their prominence results from a perpetual nostalgia by the baby boomer generation when they bucked the system and changed the world, man. You know, back then, . As a young guy [I]Rolling Stone bombards you with how great the music was and you really try to like it. Only later do you realize it was hard to get into because it is just not nearly good as billed.

Take your pick - Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, CS&N, and especially Bob Dylan. Sit down for this one, MOR. Clapton is not a god. Dylan and Clapton may be talented and influential but way overrated. Some of this music may have been alright, man, if you were not lectured it was the culmination of Western civilization.

Oh, and the Eagles. I had a really bad day and I hate the f'in Eagles.

My answer to you on this, my friend is the picture that is now your Avatar.

There was no more creative, nor voluminous time period of music progression than the 1960's and 1970's. There was more experimentation during that time frame- some drug induced and some induced by techological advances that freed the artist from the shackles of a 3 minute song sound bite. You can also add to that the progressive FM radio movement that allowed 12 minute epics to be played to the masses.

I agree that Clapton is not a god. There were better guitarists that were not as celebrated-Rory Gallagher for one. Bob Dylan was a talented folk singer, no better than Woody Guthrie but more productive. He was also able to cross and make a nice folk/country fusion with his Nashville Skyline LP, but his legacy rests on songs of protest. Unless you lived through the Viet Nam era with the accompanying pressure of possibly being sent off to war, it may be hard to appreciate the works.

In the end, however, it's cool. Music appreciation is in the ear of the beholder.

[Mrs. Garrett]

Uhh...you don't think they were influential? They were the most prominent band in a genre that ended an entire other genre. Honestly, I'd say their influence is far far greater than their actual quality of music. Nobody else was doing that at as popular of a scale as Nirvana was.

Nirvana kind of strikes me like Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino movies. Their movies may not be great or stand up to the test of time, but they changed the way movies were made. In fact, one of the reason that Kevin Smith movies may not be as good today is the fact that he popularized "rapid witty banter" in movies.

I think Nirvana was overrated. Like I said, I liked them enough as a high school kid when they first came out, but to me their their music doesn't stand the test of time. I didn't put any Nirvana on my iPod.

Now another band that came out at the same time, and given the grunge label that I absolutely still love is Pearl Jam. Ten was an album that I still listen to to this day. IMO PJ was more prominent than Nirvana. They just made music. Cobain made a spectacle of himself with Courtney Love and the whole fight with G n R at the VMA's.

Maybe if you were depressed or felt like an outcast you really felt something when Kurt sang. Kurt didn't speak to me. I get it he was sad, so he did a little drop D tuning on his guitar so we all knew he was sad.

[Masterofreality]

Now another band that came out at the same time, and given the grunge label that I absolutely still love is Pearl Jam.

Pearl Jam or Soundgarden > Nirvana

[Ledgewood]

In order to put some peparameters to this, I'd avoid acts that are more pop acts like Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, stuff Golfitup listens to (lighten up, Cody, it's a joke...sorta... you do own multiple Enrique Iglesias albums...), etc., and stick to straight up guitar-driven type band type acts that music snobs like me tend to think of as the legit music scene... which is what I think was the idea of this thread to begin with.

This is the stuff most dudes would call sacrilege. I'd say Bruce Springsteen DEFINITELY. He wrote a few GREAT songs, but a LOT of his catalog is just not good and super redundant. Bob Dylan's sorta the same... Got like 5 millions songs, lots are kinda not good. Neither of these guys are good singers and rely heavily on a certain style and it just doesn't last for the combined billions of songs for me.

I don't get the White Stripes and the importance people seem to place on them. I think they're just too cool for me. Some of there stuff is just grating to me. Lots of obnoxious sortof abrasive guitar riffs. I think there's a lot of bands like this, if not entire genres. If this is you're thing, it's youre thing. I mean people like death metal, more power to 'em.

I agree with the Kid Rock thing, and I only say this cuz he seems to be on a "I'm a real country musician now!" thing... which is ridiculous. Dude would be making techno music if he found out it sold more records.


Also agree with comments about Guns n Roses and Nirvana. Talented, right place right time. Time hasn't been well to them, if you think so, you're just being nostalgic.

Bon Jovi is for cougars. Just cougars.

[GuyFawkes38]

I'll nominate Weezer.

I loved them when I was younger. But now I look back it as kind of stupid.

[Atlas]

Let's see

1) Lady Gaga
2) Metallica
3) Pink Floyd
4) Grateful Dead

[Ledgewood]

I'll nominate Weezer.

I loved them when I was younger. But now I look back it as kind of stupid.

OOO OOO Yeah also Weezer. Never a fan. I hate to use this mega cliche, but eeeeveryone of their jams sounds the same to me.

[waggy]

Eagles overated? Don't see it. Most groups have a time they can work together, just like the Beatles, and then it's over. But if you look at what the individual Beatles (and Eagles) did after they split, then you can see how deep the talent was. Generally reunions (Eagles) don't produce anything special, but at the time both were fantastic. I think Beatles stuff holds up okay. It's pop music though, not beethoven or bach. I can still enjoy Eagles stuff however. It's a smooth sound.

[Smooth]

I have tried to like Springsteen and DMB. Just can't do it. I like Clapton a little more than those 2, but he is still overrated. Hendrix is probably overrated, but I still like him enough to keep him off this list. Hate Arrowsmith, and I feel guilty when I don't turn off some of their older stuff. There are a lot of 70's bands that I thought were great, but now I realize were just the pop bands of the day (my opinion of Foreigner has declined for 20 years in a row.)

[Smooth]

Oh yeah, Offspring. Some funny lyrics, but dude's voice is so f'in annoying.

[BBC 08]

Has anyone said Green Day? No? Then yeah, put them on the list.

[BBC 08]

Also, if you want to go from a pure hype standpoint then you could say everyone from Odd Future is overrated.

Now I'm an OF fan but I don't think they deserve half the hype they are getting.

Anyone still with me after that?

Free Earl!

[Smooth]

Dammit!! Now I got 'What Love Is' stuck in my head.

[Ledgewood]

Dave Matthews is not overrated. Im not even a big fan, but holy balls seeing that group live is something else. Also, John Meyer is fucking great. I don't like lots of his early songs (i.e. 'daughters' and most of that record), but check his John Meyer Trio live stuff and listen to the music he's always wanted to play. Nasssty.

[GuyFawkes38]

Alicia Keys is a hack. Cant stand "Empire State of Mind".

[Juice]

Also, if you want to go from a pure hype standpoint then you could say everyone from Odd Future is overrated.

Now I'm an OF fan but I don't think they deserve half the hype they are getting.

Anyone still with me after that?

Free Earl!

Couldn't agree more. Tyler the Creator sucks. His flows are simplistic and boring. And I am not a fan of the whole shocking lyrics shtick he is going for. Listen to Ace Hood's or Jada's freestyles on the Yonkers beat, much better than Tyler.

But I love Frank Ocean.

[Juice]

Alicia Keys is a hack. Cant stand "Empire State of Mind".

As a Jay-Z fan prior to the BP3 (that album may have ruined him for me), I cannot listen to that song all the way through. I try to listen to Nas - New York State of Mind to bring balance to my ears.

[smileyy]

Like I said, I liked them enough as a high school kid when they first came out, but to me their their music doesn't stand the test of time.

That was kind of my thesis -- you can be incredibly influential without standing the test of time, because lots of people start doing what you popularized first, and a lot of times they do it better or as well.

[DWXU23]

Couldn't agree more. Tyler the Creator sucks. His flows are simplistic and boring. And I am not a fan of the whole shocking lyrics shtick he is going for. Listen to Ace Hood's or Jada's freestyles on the Yonkers beat, much better than Tyler.

But I love Frank Ocean.

I think Bastard is much better than Goblin. Bastard is very personal whereas on Goblin he was too worried about fitting into his created character. Tyler definitely isn't the most skilled rapper, but the emotion on Bastard is pretty impressive.
However, aside from Tyler, I don't think the rest of OF is overrated. Mellowhype is very good and Frank Ocean has the potential to be huge. Also,Earl is only 16 and many believe a more skilled rapper than Tyler.
Lastly, ace hood will never be better than any member of OFWGKTA.:D

[BBC 08]

Couldn't agree more. Tyler the Creator sucks. His flows are simplistic and boring. And I am not a fan of the whole shocking lyrics shtick he is going for. Listen to Ace Hood's or Jada's freestyles on the Yonkers beat, much better than Tyler.

But I love Frank Ocean.

I think for the most part Tyler can be creative when he wants but he does revert back to shock lyrics too much.

It'll be interesting to see what OF does in the coming months. I feel like the goodwill wave is cresting for them so yeah, who knows what will happen.

As for Frank Ocean, he's the man. Nostalgia Ultra is the shit and needs to be listened to by all.

[Mrs. Garrett]

That was kind of my thesis -- you can be incredibly influential without standing the test of time, because lots of people start doing what you popularized first, and a lot of times they do it better or as well.

Obviously we're not going to change each other's minds, this is totally subjective. Nothing Nirvana did ever blew my mind. Overall, I didn't like the grunge genre.

I would kinda compare the grunge genre of rock to the rap music coming out of the south. Just because the Three-Six Mafia won an Oscar doesn't mean every motherf*cker with a casio sk-1 should drop a rap album. It all sucks. And that's basically how I felt about grunge. Every sad guy who could play three cords didn't need to whine and tell us all about it.

[Roach]

U2 is the only band that needs mentioning. There are so many friggin' U2 homers out there who know nothing about music. It's insane. They haven't put out a decent song in 20 years, yet douchebags continue to sell their concerts out. And Bono? He's an attention-whore. Get over yourself, buddy ...

[Juice]

Obviously we're not going to change each other's minds, this is totally subjective. Nothing Nirvana did ever blew my mind. Overall, I didn't like the grunge genre.

I would kinda compare the grunge genre of rock to the rap music coming out of the south. Just because the Three-Six Mafia won an Oscar doesn't mean every motherf*cker with a casio sk-1 should drop a rap album. It all sucks. And that's basically how I felt about grunge. Every sad guy who could play three cords didn't need to whine and tell us all about it.

I like Three 6 (When the Smoke Clears) and I won't defend them as anything special but the South has some good rappers. Scarface and UGK, more specifically Bun B, always have good shit. Andre 3000 might be one of the better rappers ever and Big Boi is definitely good too.

But speaking of Southern rap that is overrated, I cannot believe no one has said Lil Wayne. When he wants to be he can be pretty good but other times his songs are just a bunch of punch lines with no cohesion (6'7'' and A Milli). But he definitely doesn't warrant the attention that he gets.

[GuyFawkes38]

IMHO, U2 is underrated. Hipsters feel like they have to hate them because they are so popular.

Achtung, Zooropa, and Pop are wonderful and adventurous albums.

[Ledgewood]

GET ON YER BOOTS!

Yeah not into U2.

[GuyFawkes38]

GET ON YER BOOTS!

Yeah not into U2.

Last 2-3 albums have been a bit subpar.

[pizza delivery]

Also, if you want to go from a pure hype standpoint then you could say everyone from Odd Future is overrated.

Now I'm an OF fan but I don't think they deserve half the hype they are getting.

Anyone still with me after that?

Free Earl!


Couldn't agree more. Tyler the Creator sucks. His flows are simplistic and boring. And I am not a fan of the whole shocking lyrics shtick he is going for. Listen to Ace Hood's or Jada's freestyles on the Yonkers beat, much better than Tyler.

But I love Frank Ocean.


I think for the most part Tyler can be creative when he wants but he does revert back to shock lyrics too much.

It'll be interesting to see what OF does in the coming months. I feel like the goodwill wave is cresting for them so yeah, who knows what will happen.

As for Frank Ocean, he's the man. Nostalgia Ultra is the shit and needs to be listened to by all.


And this exchange shows how an artist can be both overrated AND anonymous to 99.9% of the world!

[pizza delivery]

I remember for a while there in the 90's The Doors were quite overblown (movies, posters, reissues, etc.) although I was not of that opinion at the time. Having read a piece slamming the Doors at one point when I was still young it caused me to consider what someone wouldn't like about them. Up till then, they seemed a unanimous pick as an "all time great" - whatever that can mean.

I guess, at a certain point some time later I completely lost any and all interest in The Doors. But recently after a 5-6 year break, going back on some of their stuff I really, really, really still enjoy it. For me, that's standing the test of time.

To my point above about the Frank Ocean, Tyler, Odd future stuff I have no idea about, it only takes one person to overrate something, that is if you believe there are standards by which music can be judged universally. Beyond that it's all like/dislike. It's easy to say a popular band that you don't like is overrated, but how are you rating them?

If you look at it, Rock and Roll itself was something that was popularized by teenagers, who are known for blowing everything out of proportion. As a result, on one hand you've seen the creation of "the rock star" by 13 year old girls (yes they've always been ahead of the curve) and hence a generation of people from the 60's who decided that by 1980 that all their generation's music should be taught and memorialized and worshiped forever. On the other hand, I think the dynamics in play during your youth provide a fresh outlook, a fresh set of eyes, and when that's expressed, especially via popular music (not just rock and roll nowadays since we know it's dead and will never die) it really can be the best thing to listen to.

So, the production and consumption of modern popular music is beholden to the variances of youth. In short, the music we're talking about is made by and sold to young people. Most of the opinions on this thread confirm that. Everyone's referencing their high school days to find overrated artists. If you're going strictly on current popularity, it's easy to say, for example, Nirvana was overrated. "Just look at them now, they're rarely played anywhere you go." "Listen to them now, it's not as good as I thought back then." 1) You probably cared more about music back in high school. 2) You probably knew less about music in high school. So what's more important, the way music reaches you throughout each phase of your life or in one particular phase of life? Do you need to find Nirvana worthy of playing during a tennis match in your retirement community in 50 years or was it good enough for what it was and not really overrated?

Kind of off the path on this subject is my rant on the age of artists. One of my favorite litmus tests is for the age of a particular achievement. When did this or that artist begin writing their touchstone stuff. Lot's of times for artists (that last) it's 18-22 years old or even younger. That goes for other arts and sciences as well. To that extent, I think you see a lot of artists struggling with expression in the popular music genre as adults, even if it's not so called 'main stream' at all. Rock and roll or Hip hop do not usually mean the same thing to a 40 year old, so is it even worth while to write in those genres that are better suited for younger people? Very often that transition out of modern popular music happens for an artist before their ready to see it or stop making money. It could be at 22 years old. Nevertheless, that's when a lot of bad music gets produced. Yes, great music is possible throughout one's career into older ages, but if I'm scouting for talented, great, lasting musicians I want to know what they were doing when they were very young - when they basically had carte blanche and they spent it making special music. I think talent is often evident early on (although the thousands of talented musicians that never "make it" would maybe point to this perception as just another part of the contrived mythology of modern music and our youth worshiping culture). In the end, the best cases in genre's like rock and roll are a timely marriage between youthful ignorance and youthful energy/ambition. Those usually last the longest and withstand an "overrated" label. That's just my 2 cents.

[Porkopolis]

Has anyone said Green Day? No? Then yeah, put them on the list.

Definitely overrated, but I'll say this: you owe yourself one of their live shows. Seeing them in Pittsburgh a few years back was one of the best shows I've attended.

[Masterofreality]

.....Gwen Stefani......stuff Golfitup listens to (lighten up, Cody, it's a joke...sorta... you do own multiple Enrique Iglesias albums...)

Yeah, well, you should see his father, "The Hanging Judge's" collection. I was with him when he bought a lot of his stuff. I'm sure that Senior Golfitup has multiple closet-fuls of vinyl LP's. I would say that the full Judge compliation numbers in the thousands.

He could start his own "Deep Tracks".

[Masterofreality]

If you look at it, Rock and Roll itself was something that was popularized by teenagers, who are known for blowing everything out of proportion. As a result, on one hand you've seen the creation of "the rock star" by 13 year old girls (yes they've always been ahead of the curve) and hence a generation of people from the 60's who decided that by 1980 that all their generation's music should be taught and memorialized and worshiped forever. On the other hand, I think the dynamics in play during your youth provide a fresh outlook, a fresh set of eyes, and when that's expressed, especially via popular music (not just rock and roll nowadays since we know it's dead and will never die) it really can be the best thing to listen to.


It depends if you want to try to stay in touch with new stuff and not just live in the past.

Hey, I'm becoming more of a blue hair every day, but I enjoy new stuff like The Strokes, Fleet Foxes, Dead Weather, Jack White and Interpol. I still play the old stuff from Yes, Uriah Heep, Traffic and Humble Pie, and I still buy new stuff from veteran performers like Foo Fighters, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt and AC DC.

I can't say that I keep up with stuff as much as the old days, but it's all about staying in tune (pun intended) with what's out there. I know what I like and what I don't.

Satellite Radio has been a godsend. If you wanna stay current, you can- more than in the past when only a limited amount of stuff was crammed down our throats.

[danaandvictory]

Bob Dylan was a talented folk singer, no better than Woody Guthrie but more productive. He was also able to cross and make a nice folk/country fusion with his Nashville Skyline LP, but his legacy rests on songs of protest. Unless you lived through the Viet Nam era with the accompanying pressure of possibly being sent off to war, it may be hard to appreciate the works.

My two favorite Dylan albums are Blood on the Tracks and Desire. The former is just a gorgeously arranged series of deeply personal and meaningful songs, and the second is this bizarre cinematic romp. The one tour I would have loved to see was the 74-75 Rolling Thunder Revue with Dylan, Joni Mitchell, McGuinn, Ramblin' Jack, etc. Those shows were supposed to be hot. I also like Street-Legal, it's got that whole uneasy pre-conversion coked-up fury to it.

[Ledgewood]

There's a lot of the Rolling Stones that I do not like.

[smileyy]

Hey, I'm becoming more of a blue hair every day, but I enjoy new stuff like The Strokes, Fleet Foxes, Dead Weather, Jack White and Interpol. I still play the old stuff from Yes, Uriah Heep, Traffic and Humble Pie, and I still buy new stuff from veteran performers like Foo Fighters, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt and AC DC.


I found this article really relevant to my tastes:

http://www.avclub.com/articles/why-do-popculture-fans-stop-caring-about-new-music,55805/

On topic with your post, I found that as much as I liked Interpol ("There's No I in Threesome" is fabulous), I found them derivative of people like Joy Division and the like. I think part of that sticks in my head and makes me appreciate it just a little less.

[Masterofreality]

I found this article really relevant to my tastes:

http://www.avclub.com/articles/why-do-popculture-fans-stop-caring-about-new-music,55805/

On topic with your post, I found that as much as I liked Interpol ("There's No I in Threesome" is fabulous), I found them derivative of people like Joy Division and the like. I think part of that sticks in my head and makes me appreciate it just a little less.

Good article. I find that I have gone back and discovered stuff from "back in the day" that I had missed and is old but "new to me" for bands like Status Quo and The Strawbs who never got much play over here. There are treasure troves of stuff. I just find it interesting that my 30 year old son would rather seek out my old stuff from the 60's and '70's than buy a lot of the new stuff. He's a huge "Deep Tracks" fan.

However, there is good stuff that I try to stay up with like Arcade Fire and the others. Again, some stuff works for me and other stuff like Wilco doesn't. As we all know, opinions are like.......everybody has one.

My overall fear, however, is that the quintesential American music- the blues based from the great Black musicians in Mississippi, Chicago, Texas and other places- is fading away from the consciousness. That music from Robert Johnson through, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and the like will just be a forgotten musical footnote. It is the basis for all rock and roll, however, and must be preserved. Seems as if, other than Robert Cray, the only thing that Black musicians want to create now is rap and hip hop, which I do not believe will stand the test of time.\

Oh, and Cheese. Agree 100% on Blood on the Tracks. Idiot Wind my be my favorite Dylan song ever.

How can you not like the Lines:

"They say I shot a man named Gray
And took his wife to Italy
She inherited a million bucks
And when she died it came to me
I can't help it- if I'm lucky"

[PMI]

I'd like to add Rage Against the Machine to my list.

[Masterofreality]

I'd like to add Rage Against the Machine to my list.

What...System of a Down can't make your list?

What have you got against muddled, screaming Armenian/American headbangers who spew indecipherable pap?

[PMI]

What...System of a Down can't make your list?

What have you got against muddled, screaming Armenian/American headbangers who spew indecipherable pap?

There's actually a select bit of really heavy music that I like/respect, but I just literally have never not wanted to turn off any Rage song I've ever heard. At the Caps games they would play Avenge Sevenfold songs to pump up the crowd and I thought it was awesome, but if it were Rage, I'd think it was stupid.

[danaandvictory]

I found this article really relevant to my tastes:

http://www.avclub.com/articles/why-do-popculture-fans-stop-caring-about-new-music,55805/

That was a good article.

I think the changing patterns in the way people absorb and listen to music has a lot to do with it. As awesome as it is that I have weeks and weeks of music at my disposal, it also means that I'm less likely to hole up with a single album until it's imprinted on my brain, the way I used to with every R.E.M. release.

[boozehound]

There's actually a select bit of really heavy music that I like/respect, but I just literally have never not wanted to turn off any Rage song I've ever heard. At the Caps games they would play Avenge Sevenfold songs to pump up the crowd and I thought it was awesome, but if it were Rage, I'd think it was stupid.

Those guys are really good. I feel like I am way too old to like them as much as I do, but they just flat out rock.

[PMI]

Those guys are really good. I feel like I am way too old to like them as much as I do, but they just flat out rock.

I agree booze. Typically I'm not into that style but they are really talented and very good. They have an insane following from what I hear. I would definitely be interested in checking out that scene one time.

[GuyFawkes38]

There's a lot of the Rolling Stones that I do not like.

It's funny you brought that up. Because I've always felt that the Rolling Stones are one of the most absurdly underrated bands of all time.

Their output is mind blowing. And it's not just a lot of hits. They produced a ridiculous run of 6 five star albums in a row.

For some reason, most people hesitate to rank the Stones with the Beatles. And the Stones are often viewed as equals to The Who, Led Zepplin, Hendrix, etc...

IMHO, the Rolling Stones should be viewed as equals to the Beatles and easily ahead of The Who, Zepplin, Hendrix, etc...

Of course, there is a lot of bad Rolling Stones music. But that's just because they've continued making music together. Paul McCartney has released some bad music lately. I'm sure if John Lennon was alive, he'd also produce some bad music. That just happens when you produce music for so long.

[mohr5150]

I find music as an amazingly polarizing topic. A band that someone can absolutely love and think they bring so much passion to their craft can be seen as horrible by another. Personally, I have my favorites and dislikes, but in no way does it mean that others can't think differently.

1. Smashing Pumpkins. The music is good, but Billy Corgan's (sp?) voice could not annoy me more. When they were in their prime, I wanted to stick pencils into my ears, point in.

2. Nirvana. I agree with the posts that this band helped break the hair band era, but I don't think enough credit is given to Alice in Chains and Soundgarden, who came out around the same time. I was a freshman at X when Nervermind blew up, and I was not impressed at all. I loved Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, but never was a fan of Nirvana.

3. Sugarland. My wife told me to put that down. I have no idea who this band is.

4. Lady Ga Ga. She is absolutely terrible. But I do have to agree with the former statement that once you get into your 30's, your ability to appreciate modern music seems to change.

5. The White Stripes. This band is okay, at best, for me. Jack White may be talented, I just don't think he's as great as everyone thinks.

6. Aerosmith. It's hard to say this because they created some great music in the past, but they have absolutely sucked once Love in an Elevator hit. The song from Armageddon makes me want to vomit every time I hear it. My opinion may be based on how awesome they were early on, and how pussified they have become.

7. Bob Dylan. Great writer, not-so-good singer. Enough said.

[muskienick]

I find music as an amazingly polarizing topic. A band that someone can absolutely love and think they bring so much passion to their craft can be seen as horrible by another. Personally, I have my favorites and dislikes, but in no way does it mean that others can't think differently.

1. Smashing Pumpkins. The music is good, but Billy Corgan's (sp?) voice could not annoy me more. When they were in their prime, I wanted to stick pencils into my ears, point in.

2. Nirvana. I agree with the posts that this band helped break the hair band era, but I don't think enough credit is given to Alice in Chains and Soundgarden, who came out around the same time. I was a freshman at X when Nervermind blew up, and I was not impressed at all. I loved Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, but never was a fan of Nirvana.

3. Sugarland. My wife told me to put that down. I have no idea who this band is.

4. Lady Ga Ga. She is absolutely terrible. But I do have to agree with the former statement that once you get into your 30's, your ability to appreciate modern music seems to change.

5. The White Stripes. This band is okay, at best, for me. Jack White may be talented, I just don't think he's as great as everyone thinks.

6. Aerosmith. It's hard to say this because they created some great music in the past, but they have absolutely sucked once Love in an Elevator hit. The song from Armageddon makes me want to vomit every time I hear it. My opinion may be based on how awesome they were early on, and how pussified they have become.

7. Bob Dylan. Great writer, not-so-good singer. Enough said.

You had me on your side until your mention of Aerosmith in this list. They belong in the top 6 instead of the worst 6!

[nuts4xu]

IMHO, the Rolling Stones should be viewed as equals to the Beatles and easily ahead of The Who, Zepplin, Hendrix, etc...


It has been surprising to me to find so many of the bands that helped shape what rock n roll is today on people's lists.

I think many people are "hearing" Zepplin, The Beatles, The Stones, etc and not "listening" to their music. If you think any of these bands are over rated, you should have hear the crap they had before some of these bands came on to the scene.

Generations often differ on what qualifies as good music, and I think it is only natural. As you get older, and exposed to more music, the more you appreciate where some of it came from. In my opinion, The Beatles and Zepplin couldn't be over rated if people tried. Without these bands, you miss out on some of the foundation of what rock music is today. They were the forefathers of the genre, and while some may not like it, you have to respect these bands and their place in the history of music.

I am not a fan of Elvis, don't own any Elvis, and can't listen to his music, but again...they guy was the KING of rock and roll. He changed what people thought music was or could be. He and The Beatles were about as impactful on Americans during the time, it is difficult to imagine what we would be listening to right now without them. I can respect that, and wouldn't consider Elvis over rated based on my perspective in spite of my dislike for his sound. The Beatles, Stones, The Dead, Zepplin, Hendrix all had sounds of their own and were incredibly influential on any rock band playing today.

[Cheesehead]

Can't stand Lady Ga Ga & I don't have Bieber Fever either.

[XUFAN 51795]

Lil Wayne and Justin Bieber seriously piss me off. I have no idea why people like them.

[Kahns Krazy]

4. Lady Ga Ga. She is absolutely terrible. But I do have to agree with the former statement that once you get into your 30's, your ability to appreciate modern music seems to change.
.

Lady Ga Ga: 2010 :: Backstreet Boys : 1998

She's a marketing machine. A pretty good one, from a business perspective, but she shouldn't even be allowed to be mentioned in the same thread with some of the other legitimate acts that have been brought up here.

[Masterofreality]

Have you ever seen Arcade Fire live? If not, seeing one of their shows might change your opinion.

Heard one of Arcade Fire's new tunes yesterday Culture War

I swear that it sounded like a Neil Young song from 1970. Damn good stuff. Like those guys.

Maybe I'm the only one, but I like The Strokes too.

[Porkopolis]

Heard one of Arcade Fire's new tunes yesterday Culture War

I swear that it sounded like a Neil Young song from 1970. Damn good stuff. Like those guys.

Maybe I'm the only one, but I like The Strokes too.

I love Arcade Fire. I've listened to The Suburbs more times than I ever thought I would. I also liked The Strokes when they first surfaced but will admit I don't really follow them anymore.

[GuyFawkes38]

Maybe I need to give Arcade Fire more of a chance. They just strike me as super pretentious. They seem like the type of band that loves to smell their own farts (I can't get that south park episode out of my mind).

A critique of suburban America. Not exactly a unique endeavor that always comes across as condescending and full of sh*t.

Do you know who you won't find making an ironic, bullsh*t critique of suburbia.... Jack White. He just rocks and doesn't try to outsmart his audience and other bands. And the Black Keys and The Strokes don't either. I like bands like that.

I'm in the minority on this. So maybe I just don't get it.

[chico]

Had to dig this up because I had an epiphany. The River comes on, and it struck me, Bruce Springsteen is really nothing more than country music for guido's. I mean, really, listen to his stuff. I lost my job, my girl got pregnant, going down to the bar to drink away my sorrows, my gal left me, blah, blah, blah. It's Hank Williams and George Jones with a Jersey accent.

[PMI]

Had to dig this up because I had an epiphany. The River comes on, and it struck me, Bruce Springsteen is really nothing more than country music for guido's. I mean, really, listen to his stuff. I lost my job, my girl got pregnant, going down to the bar to drink away my sorrows, my gal left me, blah, blah, blah. It's Hank Williams and George Jones with a Jersey accent.

Welcome to the club. Springsteen is VASTLY overrated.

[LadyMuskie]

Mariah Carey. That "performance" during the Macy's 4th of July show on NBC was a hot mess for so many reasons. I think she belongs in the looney bin instead of subjecting all of us to her music.

[Masterofreality]

Maybe I need to give Arcade Fire more of a chance. They just strike me as super pretentious. They seem like the type of band that loves to smell their own farts (I can't get that south park episode out of my mind).

A critique of suburban America. Not exactly a unique endeavor that always comes across as condescending and full of sh*t.

Do you know who you won't find making an ironic, bullsh*t critique of suburbia.... Jack White. He just rocks and doesn't try to outsmart his audience and other bands. And the Black Keys and The Strokes don't either. I like bands like that.

I'm in the minority on this. So maybe I just don't get it.

No, you are 100% on point.

The band/performer who had no business making a splash were Candlebox, Lenny Kravitz, Iggy Pop, Moby Grape and, yeah, Grateful Dead. I'll think of others.

[Porkopolis]

No, you are 100% on point.

To be fair, he's only partially on point. Arcade Fire is giving a critique of suburban Canada. ;)

[Masterofreality]

To be fair, he's only partially on point. Arcade Fire is giving a critique of suburban Canada. ;)

Or, just suburban Montreal. I hate the lead singer's haircut.

[waggy]

We need a music thread.

[Michigan Muskie]

1. Kid Rock
2. Kid Rock
3. Kid Rock
4. Taylor Swift
5. Kid Rock

I still don't like his music, but I do appreciate his stand against Ticketmaster and the like. The $20 ticket is a fine gesture for those who wish to pay to see him perform live. I also got a kick out of him calling out the lip syncing artists during the Billboard music awards.

My new list looks like this:

1. Macklemore
2. Macklemore
3. Macklemore
4. Macklemore
5. Macklemore

[LadyMuskie]

I still don't like his music, but I do appreciate his stand against Ticketmaster and the like. The $20 ticket is a fine gesture for those who wish to pay to see him perform live. I also got a kick out of him calling out the lip syncing artists during the Billboard music awards.

My new list looks like this:

1. Macklemore
2. Macklemore
3. Macklemore
4. Macklemore
5. Macklemore

Yeah, I don't get the love affair with Macklemore either. I've tried, but I'm not impressed.

[Juice]

Yeah, I don't get the love affair with Macklemore either. I've tried, but I'm not impressed.

Because it's rap music and the subject matter doesn't shock or scare white people. He's like a white Will Smith.

[Masterofreality]

Uh,

Pitbull?

[chico]

To be fair, he's only partially on point. Arcade Fire is giving a critique of suburban Canada. ;)

Rush did this much better in the 80's. Still pretentious, though.

[Milhouse]

Arcade Fire was easily the best Band I've seen Live. Granted I'm younger than 98% of the other people on here but I've also probably seen more bands than at least 50%...

Lollapalooza 2010 being sent out to Arcade Fire probably the closest thing to a "religious" experience I've felt in my young life. Just purely incredible.

I'm a huge White Stripes fan but found Jack White pretty underhwelming the few times I've seen him (solo, dead weather, and Raconteurs.) Maybe I just need to see him with Meg...if that ever happens again I suppose.

[Juice]

Uh,

Pitbull?

I have never been a Pitbull fan but the dude used to make some decent to good songs. He simply decided he liked money way more than making good rap songs. He is another example of white people ruining rap music.

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

I don't know if they are overrated or underrated, cult heroes, or Precious Thing of the Critics:

I've started and stopped on Big Star too many times.

Done trying.

[Kahns Krazy]

I still don't like his music, but I do appreciate his stand against Ticketmaster and the like. The $20 ticket is a fine gesture for those who wish to pay to see him perform live. I also got a kick out of him calling out the lip syncing artists during the Billboard music awards.

My new list looks like this:

1. Macklemore
2. Macklemore
3. Macklemore
4. Macklemore
5. Macklemore

Kid Rock is fun to watch. Is he a musical genius? Hell no. Is he a talented performer? I think so. He plays every instrument and blends a lot of music together in a way that isn't 100% original, but is nonetheless his. He's also willing to admit that he's overpaid for what he does, and is willing to take a pay cut for his fans to enjoy it. I can't help but dig that.

I like "Thrift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us", but I don't know any other Macklemore. Are people really considering him a "high rated" act? I thought more one-hit wonder.

[Michigan Muskie]

I like "Thrift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us", but I don't know any other Macklemore. Are people really considering him a "high rated" act? I thought more one-hit wonder.

Mackelmore and Justin Timberlake are currently 1 and 2 (I'm not sure which order) in sales during 2013 so far. Also, Thrift Shop set a record for digital sales of one single. The first time I witnessed Thrift Shop was on SNL and I had to change the channel within 60 seconds. I couldn't tolerate it.

Now my wife and kids make fun of me, call me old....whatever. I just don't see why it's that surprising that a 42-year-old white dude from Michigan doesn't like rap and hip hop. Some I just detest more than others (see: Haggerty, Ben.)

I knew I was forgetting another figure that makes my skin crawl until MOR pointed it out: Pit Bull. First time I witnessed his act was on a Dr. Pepper TV ad. I didn't know who he was, just some random idiot wearing dark glasses singing a song about feeling good. I believe the only lyrics were "feeling good tonight." In fact, I think the only lyrics I've ever heard him sing, ever, are "feeling good tonight." He's a veritable poetic genius.

[Cheesehead]

let's throw Taylor Swift into the conversation. She always sounds flat to me when I hear her sing live.

[RealDeal]

Boston. Worst ever.

[RoseyMuskie]

Mackelmore and Justin Timberlake are currently 1 and 2 (I'm not sure which order) in sales during 2013 so far. Also, Thrift Shop set a record for digital sales of one single. The first time I witnessed Thrift Shop was on SNL and I had to change the channel within 60 seconds. I couldn't tolerate it.

Now my wife and kids make fun of me, call me old....whatever. I just don't see why it's that surprising that a 42-year-old white dude from Michigan doesn't like rap and hip hop. Some I just detest more than others (see: Haggerty, Ben.)

I knew I was forgetting another figure that makes my skin crawl until MOR pointed it out: Pit Bull. First time I witnessed his act was on a Dr. Pepper TV ad. I didn't know who he was, just some random idiot wearing dark glasses singing a song about feeling good. I believe the only lyrics were "feeling good tonight." In fact, I think the only lyrics I've ever heard him sing, ever, are "feeling good tonight." He's a veritable poetic genius.

Couldn't stand that commercial - it was replayed over and over during college football season a few years back. The commercial portrays a bunch of party goers drinking Dr. Pepper - the only time that ever makes sense is during a Tee Ball Pizza Party.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afFT0r6SlOM

[Cincypunk.org]

Arcade Fire was easily the best Band I've seen Live. Granted I'm younger than 98% of the other people on here but I've also probably seen more bands than at least 50%...

Lollapalooza 2010 being sent out to Arcade Fire probably the closest thing to a "religious" experience I've felt in my young life. Just purely incredible.

I'm a huge White Stripes fan but found Jack White pretty underhwelming the few times I've seen him (solo, dead weather, and Raconteurs.) Maybe I just need to see him with Meg...if that ever happens again I suppose.

I've seen Arcade Fire live too. It IS a religious experience!

[GuyFawkes38]

Bruce Springsteen. It probably would've been better for his legacy if he would have retired at 35.

[bleedXblue]

Bruce Springsteen. It probably would've been better for his legacy if he would have retired at 35.

Yeah, was watching him last night for a tribute to all veterans and active armed forces.

His days have passed him by.

Still produced 2-3 great all time rock and roll songs.

[GuyFawkes38]

Agreed. He just needs to tone it down a little. You're not 20 years old anymore and thats ok.

[Masterofreality]

Kiss. Period.

[94GRAD]

Kiss. Period.

I've heard of Kiss but not Period

[xeus]

Idiot Wind my be my favorite Dylan song ever.

How can you not like the Lines:

"They say I shot a man named Gray
And took his wife to Italy
She inherited a million bucks
And when she died it came to me
I can't help it- if I'm lucky"

Yep. And now it's in my head for the rest of the day.

[Masterofreality]

U2 is the only band that needs mentioning. There are so many friggin' U2 homers out there who know nothing about music. It's insane. They haven't put out a decent song in 20 years, yet douchebags continue to sell their concerts out. And Bono? He's an attention-whore. Get over yourself, buddy ...

Talk about a prescient post from 3 years ago.

U2 just gave away their latest "album" on ITunes, just to get it out there. No one would have purchased that recycled garbage.

[Xville]

I understand why there are some here that have mentioned Kid Rock, I completely disagree but I get it. It isn't like the guy is a musical genius or anything. However, I would say go to one of his shows the next time he is in town. The guy can play every single instrument, and he is a heck of an entertainer. Plus, I appreciate the fact that he doesn't see himself as way more important than he actually is like so many musical acts do. Also, when I did see him live, he thanked the crowd over and over and over for spending their hard earned money to see a concert.

A couple on my list:

1. Kiss---I don't get why guys wearing makeup and costumes make them awesome.
2. Black Eyed Peas----i think they are gone now, but their music was awful...that stupid "I've got a feeling" Song was played at every stupid wedding entrance for a couple of years and it made me dislike them even more.

Underrated:

1. Ryan Adams
2. The Killers
3. Zac Brown Band---didn't really like them all that much until i saw them live...blew me away.

[bleedXblue]

I understand why there are some here that have mentioned Kid Rock, I completely disagree but I get it. It isn't like the guy is a musical genius or anything. However, I would say go to one of his shows the next time he is in town. The guy can play every single instrument, and he is a heck of an entertainer. Plus, I appreciate the fact that he doesn't see himself as way more important than he actually is like so many musical acts do. Also, when I did see him live, he thanked the crowd over and over and over for spending their hard earned money to see a concert.

A couple on my list:

1. Kiss---I don't get why guys wearing makeup and costumes make them awesome.
2. Black Eyed Peas----i think they are gone now, but their music was awful...that stupid "I've got a feeling" Song was played at every stupid wedding entrance for a couple of years and it made me dislike them even more.

Underrated:

1. Ryan Adams
2. The Killers
3. Zac Brown Band---didn't really like them all that much until i saw them live...blew me away.

Love me some Killers and Zac Brown has a great voice.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Echo U2, saw them twice at massive ticket prices and they weren't nearly worth it. I will add in Pearl Jam.

Underrated...

Used to be Passion Pit but everyone knows them now.

If you like some alternative rock-n-roll....try We Were Promised Jetpacks. Crazy good Scottish band I just caught for $15. Amazing show.

[Kahns Krazy]

U2 is the only band that needs mentioning. There are so many friggin' U2 homers out there who know nothing about music. It's insane. They haven't put out a decent song in 20 years, yet douchebags continue to sell their concerts out. And Bono? He's an attention-whore. Get over yourself, buddy ...


Talk about a prescient post from 3 years ago.

U2 just gave away their latest "album" on ITunes, just to get it out there. No one would have purchased that recycled garbage.

While I'm not as into U2's current music as I am the older albums, I'm not sure what a "U2 homer", or how it is that the top grossing grossing tour band of all time does so on the backs of "douchebags" only, who know nothing about music, but apparently have a strong preference for a certain band's music.

I'm not into country music at all. Just not my thing. I don't feel the need to insult the performers and the fans of the music though.

[xubrew]

Kiss. Period.

Kiss in makeup is definitely one of the most overrated and overhyped bands ever. Kiss without makeup is grossly overrated as well, but not quite as overrated as the years they wore the makeup. I actually think Bruce Kulick is a halfway decent guitarist, and the stuff they put out with him wasn't quite as nauseating. Like most good guitarists who play in several bands and work on several projects, he's not a big star, but he's done some pretty good stuff. I believe he's currently with Grand Funk Railroad, who is better than Kiss. Eric Singer is also a pretty good drummer. Like Kulick, he worked on a lot of different projects. I was sad to learn that he was actually back in Kiss and dressing up like Peter Criss.

Sorry for the rant, but that's what makes me nuts about Kiss. They're not good, and the few pieces about them that are good no one knows about or talks about.

[mohr5150]

Echo U2, saw them twice at massive ticket prices and they weren't nearly worth it. I will add in Pearl Jam.

Underrated...

Used to be Passion Pit but everyone knows them now.

If you like some alternative rock-n-roll....try We Were Promised Jetpacks. Crazy good Scottish band I just caught for $15. Amazing show.


Shame on you, sir. Shame on you.

[Masterofreality]

While I'm not as into U2's current music as I am the older albums, I'm not sure what a "U2 homer", or how it is that the top grossing grossing tour band of all time does so on the backs of "douchebags" only, who know nothing about music, but apparently have a strong preference for a certain band's music.

I'm not into country music at all. Just not my thing. I don't feel the need to insult the performers and the fans of the music though.

In think the point about U2 Kahns is that they are basically just living off past glory, but have now become a caricature of themselves.

Allegedly Robert Plant won't reform Led Zep, because he doesn't want to be still living off stuff from 40 years ago. U2 should take his cue.

[Xville]

One thing that is amazing to me is just how bad some country has gotten....it is almost worse than pop music right now at this point.

Luke Bryan
Jason Aldean
Blake Shelton
Little Big Town

Just a complete list of generic awful music with horrid writing.

[OH.X.MI]

Imagine Dragons. Hearing their terrible music everywhere I went last summer nearly pushed me over the edge.

Also, Lorde. She sucks in everyway imaginable

[Juice]

imagine dragons. Hearing their terrible music everywhere i went last summer nearly pushed me over the edge.

Also, lorde. She sucks in everyway imaginable

what ?!

1531

[Kahns Krazy]

In think the point about U2 Kahns is that they are basically just living off past glory, but have now become a caricature of themselves.

Allegedly Robert Plant won't reform Led Zep, because he doesn't want to be still living off stuff from 40 years ago. U2 should take his cue.

Still not sure I get the argument, but whatever. They put out free music, and they tour for fans that want to see them. Not sure what the damage is. They aren't getting overplayed on radio, so it's not like you can't get away from them like some other acts mentioned in this thread. They aren't whoring themselves out on any of the 473 different reality singing tv shows that seem to be on every channel every night. Other than the iTunes thing, I haven't heard much of U2 in the last couple years. Hard to call them overrated IMO.

[LadyMuskie]

I'm not sure U2 is really the problem (outside of the total knucklehead iTunes move - which was very irritating).

Bono, on the other hand, is a different story. I actually agree with his point of view on many things, but he's pretentious, overbearing and irritating. And since he's the face of U2, where Bono's reputation goes, so too does U2. Is U2 a band or is it heading up a charity? I don't mind that people with money are charitable (they should be!). I do think that most people get irritated when they just want to listen to music and get preached to instead.

And Lorde is the worst. I don't get her at all. I don't get her music. I don't get the way she dances. It's just weird. Kids these days. Honestly.

[PMI]

I'm not sure U2 is really the problem (outside of the total knucklehead iTunes move - which was very irritating).

Bono, on the other hand, is a different story. I actually agree with his point of view on many things, but he's pretentious, overbearing and irritating. And since he's the face of U2, where Bono's reputation goes, so too does U2. Is U2 a band or is it heading up a charity? I don't mind that people with money are charitable (they should be!). I do think that most people get irritated when they just want to listen to music and get preached to instead.

And Lorde is the worst. I don't get her at all. I don't get her music. I don't get the way she dances. It's just weird. Kids these days. Honestly.

I am very much a fan of music, purely. I listen to music and play music every single day. I really try to not care about the image or the scene or the genre or much of any of the other stuff. Just the music. So while I truly agree that Bono is a pretentious douche, and that the guitarist is a delusional ass, and that they are more of a "movement" or whatever it is they're trying to be, etc., it really comes down to one thing to me. They are shitty musicians. Plain and simple. Any of us could make the crap music they make from a skill standpoint, and with a few exceptions, from a creative standpoint. They aren't talented and they aren't good. Well in my opinion they aren't good. But in fact, they aren't very talented. The talent to earnings ratio has got to be a world record, and I can't hate them for that (that's the fault of a lot of people who are on the other end of the spectrum from me as far as caring about the music), but I will always hate their shitty music.

[sirthought]

Ha! U2 is awesome. Plain and simple. The Edge definitely has his bag of tricks, but he's an excellent player and has been one of the most innovative and original players thus far in rock music. To come from where they came from, pretty much conquer the world from a touring aspect...well that only comes from talent. If you have the skills to do what they do, then you wouldn't even be spending time on this message board.

I don't like everything they do, but their songwriting is solid throughout. I think they have been working to not repeat themselves so much, so a lot of the sound that made them popular originally has gone by the wayside. That happens with a long career.

Save your overrated tags for the teen sensations and one-hit wonders. It's usually those who ride in on some manufactured hype or more style over substance that can't connect with fans again and again. But even writing one great song is nothing easy. I admire those artists who win fans the old fashion way by touring small clubs and having word-of-mouth develop their following.

[PMI]

Ha! U2 is awesome. Plain and simple. The Edge definitely has his bag of tricks, but he's an excellent player and has been one of the most innovative and original players thus far in rock music. To come from where they came from, pretty much conquer the world from a touring aspect...well that only comes from talent. If you have the skills to do what they do, then you wouldn't even be spending time on this message board.

I don't like everything they do, but their songwriting is solid throughout. I think they have been working to not repeat themselves so much, so a lot of the sound that made them popular originally has gone by the wayside. That happens with a long career.

Save your overrated tags for the teen sensations and one-hit wonders. It's usually those who ride in on some manufactured hype or more style over substance that can't connect with fans again and again. But even writing one great song is nothing easy. I admire those artists who win fans the old fashion way by touring small clubs and having word-of-mouth develop their following.

I do not ask this sarcastically or to be an asshole, but rather just as a serious question. Do you play guitar or any instruments? I can honestly see where someone might mistake "The Edge" for an innovator or original player, but he's actually quite far from it. What is original (or was at the time he found it) are his effects and equipment, not his chords or licks. His style is easy and repetitive. Actually, it's easy and repetitive to the point where he's playing the same note on two of the 3-4 strings he trances through, which often gives that ringing sound. It works for him, but it doesn't require the kind of talent that any decent guitarist doesn't have.

To be clear, I'm not bashing simple. Far from it. Some of the greatest music of all time in my opinion is simple. And debating what sounds good is like debating what tastes good. To each their own. But the guy is simply not that talented. There are plenty of virtuosos out there who absolutely blow my mind with what they can do with their instruments. I could play U2's stuff before I was in high school when I was still learning the guitar as my first (well, second to trumpet technically) instrument, and I am no virtuoso by any means. When I first started playing with effects and different pedals and layers and things, I was really not that good at music at all yet, and I was amazed at how "good" some of the stuff I recorded could end up sounding. It was an awesome learning experience in constructing ideas and eventually songs, and is a huge creative boost, but it didn't mean I all of a sudden became some amazing pure player. That's kind of how I see U2. They familiarized themselves with new (at the time) technology and found their own sound and have figured out how to make hit songs within the boundaries of what their talents allow. I could never hate on anyone for that. I just personally hate their music. Getting filthy rich off making that kind of music is impressive, but the music itself... not so much.

FWIW, I also dislike some music/musicians who I can acknowledge are incredibly talented. It works both ways. But again, lack of talent to riches ratio, U2 is on a level of its own.

[Kahns Krazy]

Haha. After saying I hadn't heard anything about U2 or Bono lately, he's all over the news this morning for a near disaster in his private jet. Poor Bono.

[sirthought]

I do not ask this sarcastically or to be an asshole, but rather just as a serious question. Do you play guitar or any instruments? I can honestly see where someone might mistake "The Edge" for an innovator or original player, but he's actually quite far from it. What is original (or was at the time he found it) are his effects and equipment, not his chords or licks. His style is easy and repetitive. Actually, it's easy and repetitive to the point where he's playing the same note on two of the 3-4 strings he trances through, which often gives that ringing sound. It works for him, but it doesn't require the kind of talent that any decent guitarist doesn't have.

To be clear, I'm not bashing simple. Far from it. Some of the greatest music of all time in my opinion is simple. And debating what sounds good is like debating what tastes good. To each their own. But the guy is simply not that talented. There are plenty of virtuosos out there who absolutely blow my mind with what they can do with their instruments. I could play U2's stuff before I was in high school when I was still learning the guitar as my first (well, second to trumpet technically) instrument, and I am no virtuoso by any means. When I first started playing with effects and different pedals and layers and things, I was really not that good at music at all yet, and I was amazed at how "good" some of the stuff I recorded could end up sounding. It was an awesome learning experience in constructing ideas and eventually songs, and is a huge creative boost, but it didn't mean I all of a sudden became some amazing pure player. That's kind of how I see U2. They familiarized themselves with new (at the time) technology and found their own sound and have figured out how to make hit songs within the boundaries of what their talents allow. I could never hate on anyone for that. I just personally hate their music. Getting filthy rich off making that kind of music is impressive, but the music itself... not so much.

FWIW, I also dislike some music/musicians who I can acknowledge are incredibly talented. It works both ways. But again, lack of talent to riches ratio, U2 is on a level of its own.

Sorry, I think you sound like someone who can't recognize greatness. Only because you asked...I play guitar and bass. I have toured in both the US and Europe. I work as a publicist for bands and music festivals. I am not a great player, but I have been around.

What The Edge did was by no means simple. He innovated a whole sound and approach to playing. He's a great songwriter. In a world of players endlessly trying to be another blues-rock Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, or Stevie Ray Vaughn, he stood out from the pack. Yeah, it's based on effects, but no one else came out sounding like he did. Inventing something original isn't easy. And there are players doing things much more difficult that don't sound nearly as good.

It's not like he can't play like other guys. There are plenty of performances showing he can. Why repeat that? Bottom line for me is when you have a guy who's an innovator, writing hit songs that sound like no one else, filling stadiums, that's hardly overrated.

[Xville]

As an opinion, you certainly can say U2 is overrated...not going to say someone's opinion about a band is wrong. However, I certainly don't think so. Are they living off of stuff that they did maybe 20 years ago? sure. However, the stuff they did 20 or however many years ago was pretty incredible. War, Joshua Tree, Unforgettable Fire, Achtung Baby are some of the best albums to ever come out of that time frame. The crazy thing is that each of those albums sounds different, which in itself is pretty difficult to do. Achtung Baby is probably one of my favorite albums of all time.

Have they gotten stale in the past ten or so years? Yes
Is Bono a pretentious ass? Probably

However, they made some incredible music back in the day. Just my opinion of course.

[Masterofreality]

GET ON YER BOOTS!

Yeah not into U2.

Ledgewood is a great guitar player and fronts his own band. I'd like to hear his thoughts on The Edge.

I don't play guitar, but I admire those who do. Some are better at technique than others and some are great at effects- like Tom Scholz of Boston. Not a technique innovator, but definitely one who innovated different sonic results.

[PMI]

Sorry, I think you sound like someone who can't recognize greatness. Only because you asked...I play guitar and bass. I have toured in both the US and Europe. I work as a publicist for bands and music festivals. I am not a great player, but I have been around.

What The Edge did was by no means simple. He innovated a whole sound and approach to playing. He's a great songwriter. In a world of players endlessly trying to be another blues-rock Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, or Stevie Ray Vaughn, he stood out from the pack. Yeah, it's based on effects, but no one else came out sounding like he did. Inventing something original isn't easy. And there are players doing things much more difficult that don't sound nearly as good.

It's not like he can't play like other guys. There are plenty of performances showing he can. Why repeat that? Bottom line for me is when you have a guy who's an innovator, writing hit songs that sound like no one else, filling stadiums, that's hardly overrated.

Can't recognize greatness? Haha, OK. That would be like saying I can't recognize great food because I don't like the new Frito Pizza. Just because somebody tries something new that doesn't take any special type of SKILL doesn't mean that it's objectively great. It's a matter of taste. There are plenty of musicians who are also, by your definition, "innovators." Most of them fade away before ever doing anything. If you work in music, I'm sure you've come across plenty of excellent players, so you should know that there are a LOT of other things that go into success other than actual musical skill. The Edge and U2 are certainly a beneficiary of those things. Again, U2 songs were some of the first things I learned on guitar, not because I was an immediate prodigy, but because they were easy songs to play. I'm not taking away any credit from the band as it pertains to creating, writing, and succeeding. I'm just saying that I have not liked 95% of what its created. I'm not a fan. In my experience, most of the big U2 fans I've come across are not well-rounded music fans and appreciators, for what that's worth. The same can also be said for some of the more popular bands I like though. I also like a lot of weird and different stuff that I would never expect the majority of others to appreciate.

I do find your line, "inventing something original isn't easy," to be interesting. I would argue that the vast majority of original sounds (many of which I prefer to U2) don't lead to much success. There are countless reasons for that, but the point is, originality does not necessarily translate to greatness. They came around at a perfect time. It's not like he invented the Vox AC30 or the basic E-E-B-G riff. If you want to measure greatness on filling stadiums, marketing well, and selling (or forcing onto everyone) albums, then sure, U2 is great. I really am not into anything other than the music itself, and I think they are crap in that regard, particularly over the past 20+ years. For what it's worth, music is probably the one area of life I'm least picky in. I really tend to like seemingly most of it. I just think U2 is as overvalued and phony as it gets, from a musical standpoint, which, given their success, makes them the very poster band for "overrated," to me.

[JTG]

One thing that is amazing to me is just how bad some country has gotten....it is almost worse than pop music right now at this point.

Luke Bryan
Jason Aldean
Blake Shelton
Little Big Town

Just a complete list of generic awful music with horrid writing.

Country music is now "Country Pop"

[Mel Cooley XU'81]

Previously known as Hat Acts.

[More Cowbell]

Not sure if they have already been mentioned, but the Splash Girls at XU were incredibly overrated.

[LadyMuskie]

Bottom line for me is when you have a guy who's an innovator, writing hit songs that sound like no one else, filling stadiums, that's hardly overrated.

I don't think filling stadiums should be a measure of greatness or a reason why someone or some group isn't overrated. NSync and Britney Spears filled stadiums too. Are they musically great? No. Were they overrated? Yes.

Take Beyonce and Jay-Z. They filled GABP this summer, and they're both overrated. The concert was good. It wasn't great. It definitely wasn't as good as the hype surrounding it was. Sure, they're good at what they do, but Beyonce in particular, is no better musically or lyrically than half a dozen other artists. She just has a better PR team. At least with Jay-Z you can make arguments about his ability to rap and write. Beyonce's voice is okay. It's not as great as Whitney's. And Beyonce can do a lot of what she does on stage because of women like Cher and Madonna (neither of whom are strong singers, but who make up for that with the "production" they put on) who came before her and blazed the trail.

[Xville]

Quick story on Beyonce who i think is grossly overrated. My previous job I worked with a bunch of concert promoters. One of the promoters I worked with handled the Beyonce concert when she was in town about a year or so ago. Diva is the only way to describe beyonce. She rented out all the dressing rooms herself so that the rest of her team including her dancers had to get ready in one of the suites. She also did zero press and only showed up ten minutes before she was supposed to go on and then left right after. Sorry but when you are a performer there are things you are expected to do, but she just believes she is above all of that. Two days later justin timberlake performed and he was the exact opposite. Nicest most down to earth guy who stayed before and after to sign autographs, do meet and greets, talk to press, and worked with a concert goer to set up a proposal in the middle of his set. Justin arrived early to work with the concert goer to go thru exactly how the proposal would go. Pretty cool.

[bleedXblue]

Every band and performer with the exception of very, very few have their "hey day" It's not a slap in the face to U2. They were great for 10-15 years. Now not so much.

[Kahns Krazy]

I don't think filling stadiums should be a measure of greatness or a reason why someone or some group isn't overrated. NSync and Britney Spears filled stadiums too. Are they musically great? No. Were they overrated? Yes.


If they do it for a summer, that's one thing. When you have 1 or 2 top 10 tours in each decade spanning the 80's to the 10's, it's a little different, at least to me.