Too many on the British list that I would class as pop music. I agree with DD about Bowie. Early Black Sabbath, Maiden, AC/DC, Motorhead is what floats my boat
Looking at the evolution of modern "western" music, Blues, Jazz, Soul, Rock etc. It seems to me that the Americans invented it, but the British twisted it in a way that made it perfect. Even country music was heavily influenced by the "English accent" lead guitar players as they called it. Every band from over there points to American performers as a leading influence. For me the British win.
Rolling Stones and The Who and several others in the starting list. UK clinches it. But my all time favourite songwriter and performer bar none, and so far not mentioned that I can see is... ...Tom Waits (good ol' US of A) Clever, clever lyrics, beautiful melodies, brilliant poetic observations on life. The voice, I know, spoils it for many. But, he's the man! Trumps (if you'll pardon the expression) them all.
I did say ‘there is no accounting for taste’. The Smiths, however, fall outwith the bounds of taste. They are the most contrived pursuers of teenage angst in the history of shameless manipulation - on a par with the morons who think dragging a finger on the frets demonstrates real musicianship. I also remember the court case..... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/209224.stm Morrissey and Marr did not emerge as credible witnesses........
Britain is running away with this maybe you can clarify something,i'ts about about Toms voice when i first heard him sing in the early 70s his voice sounded pretty normal then the next time i heard him it was like he was gargling with broken glass,i thought he was just putting it on and it just put me off him, but his voice hasn't changed since then so obviously something happened? i've googled it and can't find any explanation? i 've got "Rain Dogs" and "Bad as me" as you say great lyrics and i'm quite liking his voice nowadays!
I think TW has always been able to turn on the gravelly (gargling with broken glass) voice to some extent. I first heard him on The Old Grey Whistle Test, and Whispering Bob said you'll either love or hate the voice but you can't be neutral. I think booze and cigs may have contributed towards it, though. It's my understanding that his wife, Kathleen Brennan cleaned him up and saved the great man from drinking himself to extinction (but I don't know if he was that bad). Even on the relatively recent, Bad as Me, there is great genius - Hell Broke Luce - even the dual meaning in the title is brilliant. But what a heavy, rocking, stomping, angry anti-war song. Is it the story of Jeff Lucey?
yeah it seems a mystery..no one seems to know ,but on his first 2 albums his voice is pretty normal, but every other album since his voice is totally differant..only he knows i guess!
I’m American but have always favored British rock. BTW you missed a one from each list, Mott the Hoople on the British side, Cheap Trick on the American!
Having studied the lists at the start again, there are great talents from both sides of the pond. But unless I've missed it somewhere in the thread, why has no one mentioned... The Boss... Bruce Springsteen... ...and the E Street Band, of course.
Grew up with British bands, but with Jimi Nirvana, Chillies and Pumpkins being my favourites, I changed my vote. The Cure was a big influence in my teens.
Nazareth, Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Coloseum, Badfinger Loads of quality still to go?? Brit Rock wins again.
I'm not naming any names but some folk have Sh*te taste in music just goes to show how musical tastes differ!
