Most underappreciated rock & roll band ever?

[Redstone]

My vote is The Hooters. See for yourself:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF1VXxY4DtI&search=satellite%20Hooters

No, "Hooter" isn't a referral to breastage. It's a musical instrument that you'll see in the video.

Redstone

[wildhorses]

1. Quicksilver Messenger Service

for starters...

[Redstone]

8. And Seatrain as well?

Quick, who was QMS's guitar player?

Randy California. I beat you to it.

Redstone

[Squeech]

92. Sorry

but you're wrong. Quicksilver's guitar player was John Cippolina.

Randy California played guitar with the group Spirit, who also deserve mention in this thread, and wrote their hit "I Got a Line on You."

The one thing I want to see at the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame is Cippolina's Gibson SG guitar, which he customized himself, and his homemade bi-amped speaker stack.

And the first two Quicksilver albums are two of my favorite albums ever. "O God, pride of man, broken in the dust again!"

[EstimatedProphet]

95. HELL YES!!!!

I love QMS! And in reference to your other post, Pride of Man is a fantastic song! As is Gold and Silver and pretty much all of the Happy Trails album. Their full-length Who Do you Love is fantastic!

And here I was going to be a smartass an mention Norman Greenbaum...

[XNASA]

2. XTC

Everyone knows that.

Well, OK. Not "everyone".

[taterguy]

30. How can they be under appreciated if everyone knows that? :)

[XNASA]

33. Yes!

Featuring Rick Wakeman.

[txwhitedove]

3. Do you even know this one?

http://www.electricprunes.net/

[Redstone]

9. "I had too much to dream last night." Yup, I know them.

"And when I raised my lips for her to kiss...ohhh -
Then came the dawn; and she was gone,
She was gone, gone, gone.

I had too much to dream last night,
Too much to dream.

I'm not ready to face the light,
I had too much to dream,
Last night, yadayada
Last night, yadayada
Last night, yadayada.

Oh, too much to dream!

(All this with NO use of Google, mind you)

Redstone

[spindrifter]

4. Red Elvises

[mvd]

5. Possibly Cheap Trick

Major inventors of the power pop sound I like. Yet I don't hear them mentioned with the greats very often.

[Common Sense Party]

13. I've seen 'em in concert probably a dozen times. Never fail to

put on a kick-ass show, with the whole crowd singing along. Nowadays, it's fun to see the old geezers like me with their kids at the show, everyone singing along to "Surrender" and "Dream Police" and "I Want You to Want Me."

[6000eliot]

16. Try Big Star then

That's where Cheap Trick got their sound.

[mvd]

48. I'll have to check them out more

From what I have heard, the bands are a bit different (with Cheap Trick having a bit more punk/metal influence) - but Big Star was a power pop originator. Great bands.

The Replacements are also very overlooked - they influenced the Goo Goo Dolls.

I think the great 3 of Blondie, The Bangles, and Go Gos get the praise they deserve.

[enigmatic]

6. 15-60-75 (The Numbers Band)

Bob Kidney is a genius...

http://www.numbersband.com/

[Maestro]

7. The Hooters were good.

I also wished The Alarm had received more respect stateside. Mike Peters, the lead singer, still holds, "Gatherings" in Ireland.

http://www.thealarm.com/

[atomic-fly]

61. The Hooters were well know with the college crowd.

[tuvor]

10. 20/20 is my first thought.

Their first LP (self-titled) was a power pop delight from beginning to end.

I guess "Yellow Pills" was a staple on KROQ back in the day.

[Beausoir]

11. Tubes? n/t

[Common Sense Party]

12. Cheap Trick. Jayhawks. Posies. Connells.

Any of the above.

[johnnie]

18. The Posies Dear 23 is a fantastic album

It blew my mind that it really didn't go anywhere.

[Common Sense Party]

38. One of my all-time favorite albums that most people have never

heard of. Suddenly Mary, Miserable Mrs. Green, Flood of Sunshine...awesome lyrics, harmonies and melodies (some things that today's "artists" might want to look into)

[RedStateShame]

58. Did you get to see 2 members of the Posies (I can't remember which)

Play with Jody Stevens and Alex Chilton for their Big Star reunion?

[johnnie]

76. Yeah, I read that not long ago

I check to see what they are doing here and there, but haven't really kept a close eye on them.

[mvd]

52. The Jayhawks are a top-notch band!

I haven't thought about the modern bands here, since without a list, I'd likely forget some biggies. Seeing how I love lists, I might make one eventually. The Jayhawks would certainly be on.

[scoey1953]

14. URIAH HEEP

They were great in their day, its just no one paid attention.

[RebelOne]

17. That's my choice, too.

[scoey1953]

86. Mick Box and Uriah Heep

Check this out ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7t5ljFKZNo&search=Uriah%20Heep


great music..

[Heidi]

15. Mojo Nixon and the Toad Liquors.

:thumbsup:

[Crazy Dave]

21. Guten Morgen Frau Heidi

I'll take your word for it. I'll bet you've listened to some Head East being from the mid-west yourself. See post #20 :hi:

[Heidi]

25. I saw Head East in concert when I was 17!

Rated X was the opening band.

:hi: Dave! How've ya been? :hug:

[Crazy Dave]

31. Head East always played in Omaha twice a year

I'm doing good Heidi and I hope you and "CMW" are both doing great yourselves. Got my new business started and it's really picking up. Unfortunately I haven't incorporated yet and put my vehicle in the company's name. Had a dead battery this morning and would have loved to write the new one off.

[Heidi]

35. Hey, congrats on your new venture!

We'll send good vibes your way. Gotta love a progressive entrepreneur. :thumbsup:

[tigereye]

40. I loved Mojo

oddly, not as fun live as I expected. But his songs are still hysterical.

[Heidi]

82. One of the best dates of my life

was seeing Mojo Nixon and the Toad Liquors live at the Ranch Bowl in Omaha, followed by seeing them again the next night at Duffy's Tavern in Lincoln. It was the tour to promote their "Horny Holidays" albums and Mojo was in fine form. :thumbsup:

:hi: tigereyes! :pals:

[RoyGBiv]

93. If you ain't got Mojo Nixon ...

...then your store could use some fixin'.

Name *that* obscure reference. :-)

[pokerfan]

19. Little Feat?

Or were they too popular?

[Richardo]

23. Their debut album sold only 7,000 copies and it's GREAT.

I'd say underappreciated, at least in the Lowell George days.

Now, they're a little too poppish for my taste.

[Crazy Dave]

20. Head East

Their only big hit "Never Been Any Reason" is probably the only song most people have heard but they had a lot of great music from most of their albums when the original band with John Schlitt as the lead vocalist.
If you are a classic rock fan and you can find a copy of "Head East Live" you won't be disappointed.

[taterguy]

22. the dB's

the band with the worst luck ever

[Common Sense Party]

39. I saw the dB's open for R.E.M. They were fantastic. n/t

[Magrittes Pipe]

24. Solar Radio.

No doubt about it.

"Item" was the best record of 1983 by a long shot.

[Zorro]

26. Mountain

Leslie West was seriously underappreciated as a powerful lead guitarist, Felix Pappalardi was exceptionally talented with catchy bass riffs, and Corky Laing was a real driving force with his drumming.

Spirit would probably be my second choice. "The Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus" was a groundbreaking album in its time.

[Redstone]

78. Nantucket Sleighride! A true classic.

Redstone

[MissMillie]

27. Yes

that band, in almost all of its incarnations, has had some of the most talented people in music ever.

Steve Howe was Guitar Magazine's Player of the year for something like 5 years in a row (and this was during Clapton's Hey-Day)

Chris Squire is an amazing bassist

Rick Wakeman

Jon Anderson is famous for his spiritual lyrics and strong voice

Both Bill Bruford and Alan White have played drums (not too shabby)


without a doubt, these guys don't get the credit they deserve.

[Ron Mexico]

28. The Good Rats

I grew up with 'em, and nobody is more underappreciated.

[mitchum]

29. Gun Club

[tigereye]

41. mmm

I keep seeing Gun Club t-shirts on the 20 somethings... they were a great band.

[regularguy]

32. Pavement?

I guess they got some amount of appreciation, but not enough IMHO.

[NoSheep]

34. I agree there. Some people don't get it.

Once I was talking to the guy that turned me on to Pavement. I told him I thought their music was really beautiful. He didn't have a clue what I was talking about! He couldn't hear what I heard I guess.

I don't know a lot about the band but I have 2 of their records. Both are amazing. I can hear it in my head right now. The singers voice....you have to really understand a voice like that. It's not easy to go out there like he does. He's gifted with a looseness that allows him to do things with his voice that I don't think I've ever heard anyone else accomplish.

Here we go:

Pigs, they tend to wiggle when they walk
the infrastructure rots
and the owners hate the jocks
with their agents and their dates

if the signatures are checked
you'll just have to wait

and we're counting up the instants that we save
tired nation so depraved
from the cheap seats see us
wave to the camera
it took a giant ramrod
to raze the demon settlement

but high-ho silver, ride
high-ho silver, ride

take another ride to see me home
listen to me! i'm on the stereo stereo
oh my baby baby baby baby babe
gave me malaria hysteria

what about the voice of geddy lee
how did it get so high?
i wonder if he speaks like an ordinary guy?
(i know him and he does!)

and you're my fact-checkin' cuz
(Aww...)

well focus on the quasar in the mist
the kaiser has a cyst
and i'm a blank want list
the qualms you have and if they stick
they will drown you in a crick
in the neck of a woods
that was populated by
tired nation on the fly
everybody knows advice
that was give out for free
lots of details to discern
lots of details

but high-ho silver ride
high-ho silver ride
takes another ride to make me
oh, get off the air
i'm on the stereo stereo
oh my baby baby baby baby baby babe
gave me malaria hysteria

[regularguy]

36. Cool. I heartily, militaristicly even, recommend

Stephen Malkmus' solo albums as well!

[NoSheep]

44. Great! I didn't even know there were any. I need to do some research!

:hi:

[Tyrone Slothrop]

37. Hear, hear!

I loves me some Pavement.

[atomic-fly]

60. I like them..not widely know of.

Should at least be more popular with the indie crowd.

[leftofthedial]

42. Bottle Rockets

(I mean other than three or four bands of mine LOL)

[taterguy]

74. Good choice

[catbert836]

43. Velvet Underground

[kwolf68]

55. 2nd for Velvet Underground

...

[watrwefitinfor]

63. May I 3rd for Velvet Underground?

[speedoo]

94. 4th for VU and may I add, along the same lines...

The Band and The Allmans.

All three produced, I would argue about 10 (give or take), tunes that are as good as anything ever done by anybody.

What seperates them from more recognized bands, IMO, is the volume of "great hits".

[Ron Green]

45. The Sons of Champlin. n/t

[Dees]

53. I love Bill Champlin. What a talent........eom

[bedazzled]

46. golden earring! they're still making music 45 years in...

with the same lineup for 35!

good rats would come in second for me -- don't hate the ones who bring you rock and roll! i don't know
if they were ever popular outside of new jersey...

[Redstone]

79. Radar Love!... that track fueled many a trip for me in the 1970s.

Redstone

[RedStateShame]

47. Sloan

Nothing but solid, rocking albums since the mid-90s (I'll ignore the "Pretty Together" album for the sake of my argument) from the Great White North, but the Canadian bands the US hears are Our Lady Peace and Nickelback?!! That's reason enough for stronger borders up north.

[giant_robot]

50. I agree with you on Sloan,

and while we're on the topic of under appreciated Canadian bands I'd like to add 54-40.

[Spaceman Spiff]

49. Loved The Hooters

but I'm gonna say The Replacements. I'd also say The Smiths but every time I finish listening to their music I wanna kill myself.

[Touchdown]

65. Listen closer, the instructions are there.

You're supposed to just lie in the middle of the street and die, but only after you drop your trousers to the Queen.:hi:

[atomic-fly]

51. In the US, I'd say these guys.

Formed into the Stranglers in 1974.
Richard Thompson taught this guy (hugh Cornwell) how to
play guitar.

1974 Demo
http://tinyurl.com/ehmdf


videos

an early cover of Walk on By
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9cE5Gt_rnU

surly punk song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jGqx3sqq-4

straighten out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyAGWyX7yYg

no more heroes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4pkNcE8nsM

Alien mythology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKWMzw3gJCo

nuclear device
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOc5eCHt1GY

good english pop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI7Wa637YQo

baroque jazzy pop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoZwzqXzkjQ

Felinesque video GMBH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CldS6LHsCu0

Pop meets Phillip Glass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNUwzN_1yMY

unplugged version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eST6uaRnyVU

excellent cover of Kinks All the day...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3EbpolzfFo

spanish guitar meets shakespear
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOSTEz9Aah4

Always the Sun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKW00FxA2oc


2004 with new Singer...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td2nMH2cIDY

all....
http://www.youtube.com/results?search=Stranglers

[Redstone]

54. Well, this accomplished what I wanted it to.

I'm getting ready to go on a CD shopping spree at Amazon, and now I know what to buy: CDs from the bands you guys mentioned, and that I never heard of until now.

It's a strong bet I won't be disappointed.

Redstone

[speedoo]

96. As an alternative to Amazon, you might want to check out this site:

http://www.yourmusic.com/enroll/enroll_200507.html

My only beef with them is their limited selection, but I'm sure you'll find a lot of CD's you want there, for $6 each, including shipping.

You can save even more by downloading stuff, if you can do without the actual CD's.

[ghostsofgiants]

56. Mission Of Burma comes to mind...

But I don't really know how appreciated they were back in the day.

[Blue Velvet]

68. Great choice! TOTALLY underappreciated back in the day...

They're actually getting much more respect these days. Check it out:

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/36550/Mission_of_Burma_The_Obliterati

[ghostsofgiants]

72. Oh shit, I forgot "The Obliterati" was out. Thanks for the reminder!

[GalleryGod]

57. Oh,Man..thanks for the flashback....the 80's in Philly...

What a great group and their fans were a fun group to hang-with, dance with and of course,:toast: :beer: drink with !

[_testify_]

59. Faith No More.

[HughBeaumont]

62. Helmet, Killing Joke and The Melvins.

How many thousands upon thousands of modern heavy bands owe their sound and existence to these three groups?

[aquaman]

90. I saw Helmet live many moons ago,

They were amazing, one of the tightest bands that I have ever seen. Sounding like a damn machine. Love Killing Joke too.

[Touchdown]

64. Simple Minds

At least 12 albums (I lost count), and great songs.

They've been cursed with the Blue Oyster Syndrome. You know, hundreds of songs, and the only one the radio plays is "Don't you forget about me"... which isn't even their best!

[devilgrrl]

66. The Chills

New Zealand's finest

http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/card/0,,414476,00.html

[Blue Velvet]

67. Husker Du!

Granted (ha ha, I made a Grant pun), they've gotten their fair share of praise in indie/underground music tomes, but considering they are almost directly responsible for how most alternative/post-punk music that followed sounds (Pixies, Nirvana, etc), I feel that they're still criminally underrated.

[atomic-fly]

70. Good choice.

[ghostsofgiants]

73. Good call!

Zen Arcade is one of my alltime favourite albums.

[aquaman]

87. Husker Du was one of the best bands of all time.....

No question about it.

[Patiod]

69. Many evenings with the Hooters live as background music

They used to play the Ambler Cabaret, and I remember being annoyed because you couldn't hear the conversation over their playing. Also heard them down at the shore occasionally.

I used to think Robert Hazard had it in him to be great, but he never really broker through.

Do you remember Nanette Mancini and Johnny's Dance Band? They were from the same era, and we used to see them at the same places that the Hooters and Robert Hazard played.

[Redstone]

81. That band sounds familiar...I left PA in 1980, and only caught on to the

Hooters because a brother of my sister-in-law worked for them.

'Course, in the 1980s, I went back to visit PA much more frequently than I do now.

Redstone

[blue neen]

71. Humble Pie

"Thirty Days in the Hole..."

:toast:

[WoodyTobiasJr]

75. Here's Mine

The Smiths - the greatest band of all time yet they were little more than underground favourites. At least in North America.

The Jazz Butcher - Witty, sometimes hilarious lyrics. They were also very, very good musicians. David J. from Bauhaus/Love & Rockets played with them on a few albums. i think the Jazz Butcher needs it's own thread.

54-40 - Great band! Never really got much attention outside of Canada. It took Hootie & The Blowfish to cover one of their songs in order for them to get played in the U.S.

[Ariana Celeste]

77. Blind Melon

Half of my friends have never heard of them. But they know about the Bee Girl. Go figure.

[jpgray]

80. Pretty Things, Sparks

[Major Hogwash]

83. Probably ABBA.

But, Tom Hanks is making a movie of them next year, so they will get their just desserts.

[Strawman]

84. Throwing Muses

Probably a stretch for most underappreciated band ever, but definitely underappreciated, so I'll add them to this list.

[aquaman]

89. Love them....

I am a huge fan of Kristin Hersh's solo stuff as well.

[Floogeldy]

85. MC5

[aquaman]

88. Brilliant band

I love me some MC5

[Blue Velvet]

91. OMG, how could I forget this one until now? GUIDED BY VOICES

Bob Pollard, IMO, is the best songwriter of all time. I listen to some GBV songs and think, "How was this NOT a #1 song?" Too much of this world doesn't even know what it missed.