October 8, 2008
A while back as I was listening to talk radio, the host was making a point and stated that some things are great, and some things are deemed great by the experts. His point was that people will accept some things as great based solely on the fact that whatever it is, is supposed “to be great.” Many, he went on, simply support what they are told is greatness because others say it is, not based on the actual merit. His example, The Greatest Albums of All Time.
This of course peaked my interest and I decided to check it out for myself. I found the list (top 100 from Rolling Stone) loaded with The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, and Led Zepplin. The number of albums in the top 100 respectively are eight, five, four, and four. That’s four bands making up 1/5 of the list! Jimi Hendrix had three, The Who two, Miles Davis two, Prince, Van Morrison, and U2 all with two. Other bands had more than one as well, and some artist had a couple of albums on the list (one in a band and one solo). Elvis Presley, Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, AC/DC, Springsteen, Sly and the Family Stone, Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, and Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly among many others are represented at least once.
Okay. I never really liked the Beatles, but after giving them an unbiased chance… Wow! The White Album and Sgt. Pepper. They are not only very good, but revolutionary in music and much imitated. I tried some Dylan too. Blonde On Blonde and Blood On The Tracks. For me, Dylan is just aight. (imagine American Idol’s Randy Jackson saying that) I get that his lyrics are pretty awesome, but way to much harmonica! Not to mention that Jimi took one of his songs and blew away Dylan’s version. I also, without purchase, listened to many snippets of songs off many albums and find the talk show host’s comments to be true. Some is greatness, some has to be just jumping on the bandwagon!
Here’s the homework assignment. Peruse the list and let me know your thoughts, shocks, surprises, and “I knew its”. Do this via comments please. I will have several blogs spin off of this one, so stay tuned!!!
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October 9, 2008 at 1:47 am
I have seen a lot of criticism of the list by other people, many of whom think that the Beatles are much more overrated than you are suggesting.
There is also the criticism that many albums of undoubted influence are ignored and that the most modern underground groups who have moved well beyond the sounds of the 1960s, forming genres like thrash metal and industrial, are completely ignored.
October 9, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Hello i think the assumption you and the radio host make is based on your opinions and views on music, like say you may not like the Bob Dylan music because its not your kind of music? but i mean maybe they base it on the success, popularity, “at the time” and the effect it had on its genre in the future?? I get where your coming from i think because I mean if i was to choose a top 100 albums it would be totally different starting with Thriller being my number 1 album!! lol but yeah everyone has there own views on greatness and maybe the Rolling Stone are just ploying to increase profits and putting songs there that are the top 100 for the target audience of there magazine. If that was a hiphop magazine im sure a few hiphop artists would have featured in the top 100 list, 2Pac, Jay Z lol but yeaaaaaaa… anyway thats just what i think tehe sorry to take up space and time , love your blog buddy!
October 9, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I certianly think Dylan is overrated, though I can’t deny his songwriting ability. The Beatles are much better than I ever gave them credit for, although I would not show them as much love as Rolling Stone does. The Time list has only five Beatles albums and lists them by year, not 1-100. Your point is well taken though, and I would have to agree. In fact, your comment lends to my point. Thank you for reading and for your comment.
October 9, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Msuic_soul_Child, I don’t really dislike Dylan…I just think he is overrated. I actually think his music is good to have on in the background, but if i were to pick something to listen to, he’s far down the list. “maybe they base it on the success, popularity, “at the time” and the effect it had on its genre in the future?? ” That statement, I totally agree with. The point though is not so much about music as it is this… When something is said often enough, or by the right people, there are many that will check truth and reality at the door, and follow the lie. Please check back as follow up blogs will emerge. Don’t worry, I won’t get political. (though it applies there too) Thank you for the read and your comment.