Bands with the highest musicianship [Archive] - Green Grass Forums

overgrowthegovt

02-24-2009, 11:12 PM

A band doesn't need to be filled with virtuosos to be great, but there's definitely an added kick to a band that blows your mind with just how amazingly they can play. For the purposes of this discussion, singers/vocalists are musicians.

For me:

1. Led Zeppelin
Nobody has ever drummed like John Bonham, Robert Plant had one hell of a vocal range with the ability to shriek or sing gently whenever he pleased, and in addition to playing one mean bass John Paul Jones could play basically any instrument at a very high skill level...their recordings abound with his kick-ass playing of keyboards, mandolin, organ, guitar, recorder, etc. Oh, did I forget to mention a man named Jimmy Page? One of the greatest guitar gods ever, with flair, versatility, creative genius, etc. I love listening to this band baked and becoming overwhelmed by four virtuosos creating magic for my ears.

2. Cream
Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker...enough said.

3. Deep Purple
Ritchie Blackmore could pound out riffs and solos with a demonic frenzy, Ian Gillan could really wail, Jon Lord drove it all with some of the meanest keyboards ever played in rock, Roger Glover was a solid bass man, and just listen to Ian Paice's drum solo on "Made in Japan."

4. The Who
My god, that rhythm section!...and Daltrey's voice

Go.

FourTwenty4Life

03-02-2009, 08:39 AM

RUSH

Pink Floyd

Def Leppard

Van Halen

Nine Inch Nails(Trent Reznor)

killerweed420

03-02-2009, 05:09 PM

Jonas Bros?lol

marijuanaisgr8

03-02-2009, 05:23 PM

should of said rock bands...

WhiskeyTango

03-02-2009, 05:26 PM

As I Lay Dying

Pink Floyd

Dragonforce (dont listen to em though)

Mushroomhead

the image reaper

03-02-2009, 05:39 PM

you obviously never saw Van Halen LIVE ,.... I want my money back, from those drunk bastards :mad:

bobthenuker

03-02-2009, 05:53 PM

And you've obviously never seen Dragonforce live. I want MY money back prompto! :thumbsup:

bobthenuker

03-02-2009, 06:17 PM

And I'd like to add, since Floyd Zepp and Deep Purple were already mentioned:

Kalmah and Amon Amarth--Viking metal!!
They're both melodic death metal bands, so they may not suit the tastes of any non-vikings, though they're very norse-mythical sounding, so I enjoy them.

Mastodon--my favorite band, progressive/sludge and a whole lotta other stuff, write only concept albums, amazing music and concepts like Melville's Moby Dick...new album coming out 24th of march, more stoner classic rock, can't wait!!

Gojira--been described as a French Mastodon, though sounds completely different...very heavy, interesting music.

Neurosis, Procupine Tree -- probably most people know, I really enjoy them though.

Opeth- a league above all other bands, simply amazing.

WhiskeyTango

03-02-2009, 07:19 PM

ah.... an honorable mention for Protest the Hero, or august burns red? VERY mathematical shit

Stemis516

03-02-2009, 09:41 PM

bobthenuker

03-02-2009, 10:01 PM

yes august burns red is very technical and they play their instruments very well

however i am shocked and appalled that no one has mentioned tool.....they are objectively the most talented group of musicians out there

its one thing that their songs all sound amazing when they play together but if you really truly listen deeply to their songs you realize that each individual instrument on its own is brilliant and youd be satisfied just listening to that one instrument by itself....even if maynard sand a capella it would be a mindfuck

they each play their instruments better and more creatively than any bands that have been mentioned or will be mentioned and im sorry thats not my opinion, its just a fact

:S2:

You're a funny guy Sully...that's why I'm going to kill you last.

Yea, Tools alright, I forgot to mention them, they're pretty cool; their material gets a bit repetitive and boring though after a while, even when you're baked...or on...some other stuff :D hehe.

kshchrn831

03-02-2009, 10:24 PM

For the likes of jazz and metal and everything combining the two, check out these bands because all of them are pretty damn amazing..

First off, check out my good friend's music.

dan k on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads (http://myspace.com/landofdiggity)

Also:
-Cynic
-Scale The Summit
-Exivious
-Textures
-Chon
-Meshuggah

overgrowthegovt

03-03-2009, 12:10 AM

yes august burns red is very technical and they play their instruments very well

however i am shocked and appalled that no one has mentioned tool.....they are objectively the most talented group of musicians out there

its one thing that their songs all sound amazing when they play together but if you really truly listen deeply to their songs you realize that each individual instrument on its own is brilliant and youd be satisfied just listening to that one instrument by itself....even if maynard sand a capella it would be a mindfuck

they each play their instruments better and more creatively than any bands that have been mentioned or will be mentioned and im sorry thats not my opinion, its just a fact

Tool has some damn good musicians, but you can't say it's a fact that they're the greatest group of virtuosos in rock history. I would say Led Zeppelin were a band of infitinitely more power and versatility, and I'm sure others would agree. Come on, you're really saying Tool's guitarist is better than Hendrix, Page or Clapton?

FlyGuyOU

03-03-2009, 01:23 AM

me, on rock band 2

Its a Plant

03-04-2009, 07:17 PM

Yeah to say TOOL is basically the most technical, bestest band ever is just insanely ignorant. There IS more than is played on your local hard rock radio stations, as some of you know.

Obviously more of the harder stuff is what comes to mind first, and I definitely have to agree that Dragonforce is a freak of nature as a unit.

I'd say that a couple of the *current touring bands* that I'd rank up there are Widespread Panic & Umphrey's McGee. Both bands possess stellar members that know their way around a guitar/keyboard/kit/whatever.

I will say that I don't necessarily think Pink Floyd and its members were all that impressive musically. Innovative, yes. But they really don't compare to the likes of Zeppelin, Frank Zappa & the Mothers, or even Cream or King Crimson when it comes to technical skill.

killerweed420

03-04-2009, 11:10 PM

And is this live rock or album rock? Led Zep was probably the best album rock but they are not really very good live unless Jimmy hires more backup guitarists, because he dubs his albums soooo much to get that marvelous guitar sound he has. Probbaly the best live rock band I've seen is AC/DC but there's is not a real technical arrangements. Pretty easy stuff but sounds amazing. Never cared for live Rush, Moody Blues or Pink Floyd. Again they are just too technical to sound good live but sound great on the album.
I really prefer live artists. Thats where you seperate the men from the boys.
Heart was a great live band.

Stemis516

03-05-2009, 02:24 PM

lol didnt know there were so many tool haters

aight ill leave you clowns alone

led zepplin is oner of the most overrated bands in history if you ask me

FourTwenty4Life

03-05-2009, 03:20 PM

I like Tool but not everything. I don't think you judge musicianship with how fast someone plays, live performance, or how long they've been around. What is the best to 1 person might be complete crap to another person. If you youtube LZ you will see they "borrowed" quite a few lyrics and song bits that could be considered unoriginal. I love LZ and they're in my top 10 but I think musical taste/opinion of musicianship is variant upon the individual judging. I mean I could say Tom Petty should be considered. Big fancy fast solos? No but I've never seen a stoned guy write so many consecutively great tunes, to this day. That takes talent. Any NIN album you hear is all Trent Reznor himself except for maybe drums. Musical genius. You have never heard NIN until you listen to The Fragile start to end or the instrumental Ghosts album or the emotional Still album. Def Leppard did harmonies so good and how many people didn't own Hysteria in the 80s? Awesome album. They're often overlooked as just another 80s hair band but I thought the production value of their work was awesome . Rock Brigade, Switch 625, etc etc. Van Halen I actually don't care for but the fact that Eddie taught himself guitar and is as good as he is ("Eruption" anyone?) impresses me.

surprised no 1 said the Beatles, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Zakk Wylde, Metallica, etc All bands in the first post I agree with too, Cream and The Who, legends.

Farmer Rich

03-05-2009, 05:22 PM

Derek Trucks Band!!!

Together for 15 years.. (he must of started at 10 years old..).

Check him out with the Allman Brothers Band too..

Peace.

the image reaper

03-05-2009, 06:21 PM

Moody Blues, David Gilmour's bands, Peter Gabriel, Jeff Beck (all his bands) ... pure musicianship with all :thumbsup:

FourTwenty4Life

03-05-2009, 06:31 PM

weird...right as I was reading this post Moody Blues-Tuesday Afternoon came on my ipod, it's on random. Great choices.:D:stoned:

Metaphor

03-07-2009, 09:06 PM

FourTwenty4Life

03-08-2009, 05:44 AM

You guys need to listen to more music. Fuckin' Potheads and their classic rock, get over it. stuck in the past, Listening to classic rock is like flying a confederate flag. You guys make me look bad in public.., cant believe im associated with such ignoranus'. i left this forum for more than a year and nothings changed.

Who do you listen to? You hate the forum and yet take time to read and post...lol You give intelligence a bad name. I hope you learn that music is more than the year it came out.:thumbsup::hippy:

zeitgeist

03-09-2009, 05:53 AM

The Fall of Troy
Thomas Erak is rediculous with the guitar

Parkway Drive
Hardcore Metal band with a sick rythyms. My fav drummer ive heard so far

Led Zeppelin
I think they are one of the best, but mainly because of their ability to play diversely

SeNsEmIlLa

03-11-2009, 10:48 PM

Stemis516

03-12-2009, 07:13 PM

TOOL hands down

Maynard has had enormous success with both TOOL and A Perfect Circle, both incredible and original bands

Adam Jones is truly one of the best guitar players of all time, hes so underrated... i love music, and theirs is the music i love the most

also, check out their videos, also hands down, simply the best

JMO

adam jones is more of a creative guitarist than a technical one but both are qualities of musicianship in my opinion

and cmon, danny and justin are easily one of the top 2 or 3 drum/bass combinations that has ever existed both creatively and techincally...some of the timings that they use i cant even tap out on my desk with my hands

the image reaper

03-12-2009, 09:21 PM

You guys need to listen to more music. Fuckin' Potheads and their classic rock, get over it. stuck in the past, Listening to classic rock is like flying a confederate flag. You guys make me look bad in public.., cant believe im associated with such ignoranus'. i left this forum for more than a year and nothings changed.

and the funniest part is, you weren't missed, or invited back, anyway :S2:

Breukelen advocaat

03-12-2009, 09:51 PM

The Pat Metheny Trio with Pat Metheny, guitar, Christian McBride, bass and Antonio Sanchez, drums. They are virtuosos who play incredibly tight jazz, prog rock, and other types of music. I saw them a year ago in concert at Town Hall, NYC., and one number was very psychedelic - it included special colored lights, and sound effects by Pat Metheny.

suhl

03-20-2009, 08:56 PM

Def Leppard

This is unforgiveable

overgrowthegovt

03-23-2009, 12:32 AM

and the funniest part is, you weren't missed, or invited back, anyway :S2:

Well said. I remember well the pretentious anti-classic rock man who would periodically tell everybody what to listen to. Enjoy your math rock and leave the rest of us in peace.

To whoever said Led Zeppelin wasn't much of a live band...you, sir, have not heard "How the West Was Won." "The Song Remains the Same" was a recording of a couple of off-nights that should never have been released (let alone re-released), but How the West is pure magic. It's not polished and layered like studio Zeppelin, just the four guys doing their thing on a stage.

Metaphor

03-24-2009, 04:36 AM

FourTwenty4Life

03-24-2009, 04:54 AM

This is unforgiveable

lol Phil Colleen of DL is phenomenal on guitar and I own his Jackson PC1 guitar. I admit the band doesnt fit but they were better than anything else that spawned in the early/mid 80s. RUSH was the first one to pop in my head though. No one can deny the outstanding high quality musicianship of Alex, Geddy, and Neil. Their song XYZ, especially when live, is one example of their expertise.:hippy:

overgrowthegovt

03-24-2009, 06:48 AM

Alright fellas. you can hate on me for hating on you but two wrong dont make a right. i hope your advanced musical tastes and integrity lead you to an inner peace far greater than i could ever achive.

I don't consider my tastes to be more advanced than yours, just different. You seem to dislike most of my favourite music, but I'm not going to give you shit and say you give all our kind a bad name and an ignoramus image. I can respect the taste of anyone who listens to music outside the populist trash, which you clearly do, so well done there.

Its a Plant

03-24-2009, 09:19 PM

lol Phil Colleen of DL is phenomenal on guitar and I own his Jackson PC1 guitar. I admit the band doesnt fit but they were better than anything else that spawned in the early/mid 80s.

Not true. I'd take Van Halen over D.L. any day of the year. Personally Collen is nothing more than a footnote at best as far as great guitarists go. So many other names seem to overshadow his, at least in my mind.

I will agree with you though that Rush is downright sick. YYZ (;)) is a true masterpiece.

FourTwenty4Life

03-24-2009, 10:11 PM

Not true. I'd take Van Halen over D.L. any day of the year. Personally Collen is nothing more than a footnote at best as far as great guitarists go. So many other names seem to overshadow his, at least in my mind.

I will agree with you though that Rush is downright sick. YYZ (;)) is a true masterpiece.

I respect Eddie Van Halen because he taught himself guitar however DL had better melodies/more raw rock sound in their pre Hysteria days. "On Through the Night" and "Pyromania" are amazing DL albums if you listen to the songs besides their hits. Live performances lend a different perspective to how well a guitar player is and I've seen DL about 7 times now. You're right though, his name isn't too well known as being in the top 10 guitar players or anything. I love the sustainer/overdrive on the PC1 though.

Blah thanks the for the Rush fix, I type high sometimes :stoned: Rush are one of my favorite bands ever. I've seen them three times and everytime was just one big musical mind fu**. lol

boaz

03-25-2009, 12:42 AM

... RUSH was the first one to pop in my head though. No one can deny the outstanding high quality musicianship of Alex, Geddy, and Neil. Their song XYZ, especially when live, is one example of their expertise.:hippy:

Yeah, RUSH was the first to pop in my mind, too. I've seen them several time and I'm always blown away. Just how can three dudes put out so much music live. Especially Geddy, playing the bass, singing and playing keyboards with his feet. :smokin:

I saw Eddie and crew last year and thought they still rocked! I was impressed. I've yet to hear anything that tops Eruption and Eddie can still nail it live. :pimp:

Also Robin Trower, one of my fav guitarist and, as mentioned, Jeff Beck are both incredible. And Mark Knophler, too, is one of my all time favorite guitarist and singer and Chris Cornell one of my favorite singers.

Stemis516

03-25-2009, 01:26 AM

yeah, neal peart is fucking god

subdivisions for the win

aceanihilator

03-25-2009, 02:29 AM

suhl

04-01-2009, 07:26 PM

lol Phil Colleen of DL is phenomenal on guitar and I own his Jackson PC1 guitar. I admit the band doesnt fit but they were better than anything else that spawned in the early/mid 80s. RUSH was the first one to pop in my head though. No one can deny the outstanding high quality musicianship of Alex, Geddy, and Neil. Their song XYZ, especially when live, is one example of their expertise.:hippy:

I have no complaints with the mention of rush. they are about as tight as a group of musicians can possibly get though i am not a big fan of their music i will never say they aren't insanely talented. i do with def leppard. There was nothing unique about his guitar playing, let alone the band as a whole. they were the same as a lot of the other bullshit that came through the 80s. better than ratt, not even as good as motley crue. there were many functioning bands and guitar players that were better than def leppard.

FourTwenty4Life

04-01-2009, 07:46 PM

I have no complaints with the mention of rush. they are about as tight as a group of musicians can possibly get though i am not a big fan of their music i will never say they aren't insanely talented. i do with def leppard. There was nothing unique about his guitar playing, let alone the band as a whole. they were the same as a lot of the other bullshit that came through the 80s. better than ratt, not even as good as motley crue. there were many functioning bands and guitar players that were better than def leppard.

I guess it depends how you define musicianship. Playing fast doesn't make someone an outstanding musician IMO. Motley Crue's Vince Neil sounds like someone squeezing his balls when he sings. You have to know the songs besides what's played on the radio and also see a band live in concert to get a true taste for their abilities. I was at Cruefest last year and they goofed on a few songs and even had to restart one of them lol, not what I would call musicianship. I already stated DL probably shouldn't be in this list but musicianship taste is individual . I might say Tom Petty belongs here...doesn't have crazy solos but has written catchy song after catchy song and has tons of fans, still sells out when he tours and is a master of hit songs. A lot of great bands listed here so far, keep it up :stoned::hippy:

TheHappyCamper

04-01-2009, 09:59 PM

best musicianship for me would be:

1- PRIMUS-les claypool is a true musical/lyrical genius

2- PANTERA-vinnie & darrel(RIP) were innovative and tight

3- THE POLICE-Stewart Copeland on drums, enough said

i could go on and on.... just my opininon:D

filo6942

04-05-2009, 11:36 PM

//\\//\\etallica!!!!! Just inducted into the hall of fame, need i say more?

greenmajik

04-15-2009, 04:55 AM

Those already mentioned: Led Zepplin, Cream, The Who, Pink Floyd, NIN, Primus, The Police...

A few more: Genesis, Todd Rundgren, The Black Crowes, Tom Petty, Steve Miller Band, Eagles, Queen, U2, Journey, Depeche Mode, Pearl Jam, David Bowie, ELO ...

I could keep going and going. I'm like the energizer bunny when it comes to music! ;)

suhl

04-17-2009, 02:20 PM

I guess it depends how you define musicianship. Playing fast doesn't make someone an outstanding musician IMO. Motley Crue's Vince Neil sounds like someone squeezing his balls when he sings. You have to know the songs besides what's played on the radio and also see a band live in concert to get a true taste for their abilities. I was at Cruefest last year and they goofed on a few songs and even had to restart one of them lol, not what I would call musicianship. I already stated DL probably shouldn't be in this list but musicianship taste is individual . I might say Tom Petty belongs here...doesn't have crazy solos but has written catchy song after catchy song and has tons of fans, still sells out when he tours and is a master of hit songs. A lot of great bands listed here so far, keep it up :stoned::hippy:

if you say tom petty belongs on here, you are wrong. and believe me, i am a bigger fan of him than you. selling out doesnt mean shit. bands that pol.ute the very soul of music sell out. hell, haven't you heard the term sell out. tom petty isn't a sellout, but that isn't my point. if the thread were, master of writing tons of really simple but good songs, fine, put petty on here.

believe me, i wouldn't put motley crue on this list, but since people started putting shit bands like def fucking leppard on here i was trying to illustrate a point. to me it is insulting to the effort of real bands when you name bands like def leppard amongst the best ever.

as for the line about the radio, i dont listen to it, but has anyone mentioned a band in this thread that doesn't get regular radio airplay?

FourTwenty4Life

04-17-2009, 03:28 PM

if you say tom petty belongs on here, you are wrong. and believe me, i am a bigger fan of him than you. selling out doesnt mean shit. bands that pol.ute the very soul of music sell out. hell, haven't you heard the term sell out. tom petty isn't a sellout, but that isn't my point. if the thread were, master of writing tons of really simple but good songs, fine, put petty on here.

believe me, i wouldn't put motley crue on this list, but since people started putting shit bands like def fucking leppard on here i was trying to illustrate a point. to me it is insulting to the effort of real bands when you name bands like def leppard amongst the best ever.

as for the line about the radio, i dont listen to it, but has anyone mentioned a band in this thread that doesn't get regular radio airplay?

You seem to have a love for music as I do. There is no way of you knowing how much of a fan I am to Tom Petty or anyone. I think TP & the Heartbreakers have "high musicianship" because it takes talent to write those "really simple but good songs". I was just making a point with Petty to show that music taste is different for everyone. I'll put DL over Crue any day but that's just my taste. I'm sure you will tell me once again that DL sucks but I have 2 more things I'd like to mention...

What makes your opinion any better than mine? You don't see me or anyone else putting down each others choices. There are plenty of bands listed that don't get regular radio play but who cares?

Finally, you haven't even made 1 effort to respond to the thread and list YOUR own choices. You have just been going against whatever I type...so please just respect my OPINIONS and share your favorite bands with us. Thanks.:hippy:

thedeadone

04-17-2009, 05:56 PM

went to The Derek Trucks Band show last nite--- with Jackie Green opening
What a great concert!!!!!!!! I saw Jackie play with Phil and Friends and Bob Weirs Rat dog on new years--- jackie is good -- in a bob dylin sort of way.
best band is a reletive ? one persons best is anothers worst- you get the picture I like YES- RUSH- PINKfloyde- GratefulDead- Alman Brothers.(If you have not seen Dickie Betts Thrash a guitar neck, I would say you have not seen rock and roll!!!!!!!:stoned::stoned::stoned::stoned:

suhl

04-19-2009, 09:00 PM

YouTube - tompetty832002's Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/tompetty832002) <---there is music i like

YouTube - Boomerang Song- Wes Jeans (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecpAfbgVXA8) <-----there is high level musicianship
def leppard sucks:thumbsup:

derek trucks is grand:thumbsup:

FourTwenty4Life

04-19-2009, 09:20 PM

FourTwenty4Life

04-19-2009, 09:34 PM

I listened to the Wes Boomerang song and didn't care for it. It lacked substance and the backround music was bland. I think Phil Collen from Def Leppard does better just by himself here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RG6wgcMIaU :thumbsup::hippy:

Jesse0189

07-02-2009, 03:50 AM

Umphrey's Mcgee is the best band to ever exist, they can play anything you want them to play. seriously, if you dont believe me listen for yourself..
try mulche's odessy, white man's moccasins , bridgeless, nothing too fancy, jake cinninger is god and will melt your face with his guitar. and chris meyers on drums is on par with neal peart. seriously.

sergentjunk

07-02-2009, 04:43 AM

I'm going with:
tool
jeff buckley
mars volta/at the drive in
radiohead
dead can dance
mushroomhead
clutch
and of course I have to include my own....SuiJuris(I don't know about musicianship,,,,but I like the music we write).

*junk

FLORIDA MON

07-23-2009, 03:34 AM

Allman Brothers, ELP, Peter Gabriel, Traffic, NIN, Frank Zappa, Fleetwood Mac, Traveling Wilburys, Dixie Dreggs, The Raconteurs, Interpol, Genesis, Return To Forever and so on...:thumbsup:

MadSativa

07-23-2009, 05:48 AM

SLAYER

:pimp::pimp::pimp:

MPLSweedman

07-23-2009, 08:40 AM

slipknot - top vocalist & drummer in the genre

irydyum

07-23-2009, 09:38 AM

I know he's not hard rock, but I have to throw the Boss out here. I saw Bruce Springsteen live solo, without the E Street Band (which I truly enjoy as well) in like 04. The man played 8 or so different instruments throughout the show and was great with all of em. I'm not a musician, so I can't speak of his tech ability, but it all sounded amazing to me.

Some food for thought. IMHO bands of yesteryear seem to be viewed as more "real". Like they never sold out. Like they will never be matched by any talentless wit of today. I think it bears stating that with mass instant communication and marketing, it's much easier to be considered a sell out than it would have been in the 70's.

Today if Trent Reznor takes a dump in New Jersey, Bob the Baker can smell it in Orange County before he flushes.

Holy shit i'm stoned. L8r all

FLORIDA MON

07-24-2009, 04:08 AM

OK, yeah. The Boss and the E-Street Band for sure. The Faces, Velvet Undergound, Red Hot Chili Peppers (YOW!), the original Lynyrd Skynyrd, Yes, Dave Matthews Band and Gomez for now...

Brett1038

07-26-2009, 08:03 PM

thank you Florida Mon above me....

i cant BELIVE no one mentioed Red Hot Chili Peppers yet....

Frusciante and Flea are the best guitar/bass combo alive! and chad is the man on the drums.....kiedis could go on the vocals though, his voice sucks from all the drugs

RedLocks

07-29-2009, 01:22 AM

not the same genre most are posting bout, seems to be a "rock" only thread, but just thought I throw this into the mix.. Sizzla, this Artiste constantly putting out tracks, albums, remixs, colabs, etcetc. Just go do a google for Sizzla discography and then a <insert artist name> discrography search and tell me what you notice differnt bout the two, prolly 30 albums or so difference :rastasmoke: