Your Favorite Band Sucks

 

There. I said it. All you classic rock types can fight me. The following bands are overrated and are hereby banned from their never-ending song rotations on the radio:

Rush. Canada’s greatest export? Sure. But still not good.

The Eagles. Prolific, yes. Good? Maybe in the beginning. Still good after all this time? Nope. They’re old and Hotel California is probably still the most overplayed song ever.

Nirvana. Did they become the poster boys for Grunge? Yes. Was it a new sound that they were advancing? Yes. But after two albums, it was enough. If Cobain hadn’t self-destructed, there’s still no guarantee that he would’ve done anything of value. He was already tired of playing and his lyrics and music were getting too predictable.

Bob Dylan. Inventive. Useful. Interesting. Nonsensical. The man hasn’t done anything good in years. This includes having a son that also became famous on his dad’s coattails (see, “The Wallflowers”). While his initial poetry turned folk-jam was good in its time, that time has been passed for a very long time. People continue to see him for nostalgia purposes. Not because he’s good anymore or has produced anything of value.

There are others, but I think four will do. Who is on your list? Why are they awful? Vent your spleen here!

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  1. Hoyacon Member
    Hoyacon
    @Hoyacon

    Judge Mental (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    D.A. Venters (View Comment):

    Michael Brehm (View Comment):

    When I was a young man and foolish, I hated John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Seeger. Now that I am older, and wiser in the ways of the world, I transferred my hatred previously reserved for Bob Seeger onto Bruce Springsteen, where it rightfully belongs.

    Springsteen – another one for whom it is getting fashionable to express disdain. But that’s absurd. Springsteen’s songs are genius, among the best of his era. That’s a hill I’ll die on. He’s also underplayed on the classic stations, in my opinion.

    We’ve discussed this before, I think, but the disdain for Springsteen doesn’t seem to me to be music related.

    It is for me. You’d think that after 50+ years of playing guitar he’d be better at it. But every time I’ve seen video of him live it looks like he’s wrestling the guitar, and losing.

    Possibly why Nils Lofgren has made a fortune in the E St. Band over time.

    • #61
  2. Judge Mental Member
    Judge Mental
    @JudgeMental

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    Judge Mental (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    D.A. Venters (View Comment):

    Michael Brehm (View Comment):

    When I was a young man and foolish, I hated John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Seeger. Now that I am older, and wiser in the ways of the world, I transferred my hatred previously reserved for Bob Seeger onto Bruce Springsteen, where it rightfully belongs.

    Springsteen – another one for whom it is getting fashionable to express disdain. But that’s absurd. Springsteen’s songs are genius, among the best of his era. That’s a hill I’ll die on. He’s also underplayed on the classic stations, in my opinion.

    We’ve discussed this before, I think, but the disdain for Springsteen doesn’t seem to me to be music related.

    It is for me. You’d think that after 50+ years of playing guitar he’d be better at it. But every time I’ve seen video of him live it looks like he’s wrestling the guitar, and losing.

    Possibly why Nils Lofgren has made a fortune in the E St. Band over time.

    Yeah.  I think part of it is that he’s trying to look like a guitar hero, while playing rhythm.

    • #62
  3. Mountie Coolidge
    Mountie
    @Mountie

    I was going to post a YouTube clip from The Big Lewbowski about the Eagles. But…… There are way too many F bombs. Take it from me Jeff Lebowski does not like the Eagles. Enough said.

    • #63
  4. Franco Member
    Franco
    @Franco

    I find myself disagreeing with too many here I don’t know where to start.

    None of these band’s “suck”.  Sure, some songs are overplayed. I haven’t listened to music that I didn’t actively seek out in about 20 years.

    The Beatles were a phenomenon with great songwriters and great production. They were innovators, and Sgt Pepper was a great album, including Within You Without You.  Like any artist they are capable of releasing total crap. All of the songs on Sgt. Pepper were very different from what preceded. Full orchestration, songs about random things and fantasies not just romance … you forgot to mention Day in the Life…

    Same with Dylan.  At some point the level can’t be sustained. In the music business that doesn’t mean you stop touring for fans. 

    It has to be extremely hard to continue to put out popular and innovative material after you are world famous. Most bands write their best material before they get famous. Any band that can stay relevant for ten years is a super phenomenon.

     The Eagles were overplayed mainly because they were among the few interesting bands during the disco era, and MTV used them relentlessly, but some of their songs are classics – and yes -totally overplayed. Don Henley wrote some great songs. 

    Rush is one of the most musically sophisticated bands ever to become famous. You don’t have to like them, but saying they “suck” damages you more than them. 

    I’m reminded of football fans who claim that their quarterback – perhaps the 15th -20th best quarterback in the world… sucks.

    But I can’t believe the band that ‘most annoys me’ hasn’t been mentioned yet:

    The Steve Miller Band

    Abracadabra (I want to reach out and grab ya)

    The Joker

    And Many More… 

     

    • #64
  5. Chris Oler Coolidge
    Chris Oler
    @ChrisO

    Franco (View Comment):
    The Beatles were a phenomenon with great songwriters and great production. They were innovators, and Sgt Pepper was a great album, including Within You Without You.  Like any artist they are capable of releasing total crap. All of the songs on Sgt. Pepper were very different from what preceded. Full orchestration, songs about random things and fantasies not just romance … you forgot to mention Day in the Life…

    Heh, well, the tone of the OP seemed a little over the top so I tried to match it. Here’s a tight band covering Little Richard that went on to big things.

     

    • #65
  6. Michael Brehm Lincoln
    Michael Brehm
    @MichaelBrehm

    Franco (View Comment):

    I find myself disagreeing with too many here I don’t know where to start.

    None of these band’s “suck”. Sure, some songs are overplayed. I haven’t listened to music that I didn’t actively seek out in about 20 years.

    The Beatles were a phenomenon with great songwriters and great production. They were innovators, and Sgt Pepper was a great album, including Within You Without You. Like any artist they are capable of releasing total crap. All of the songs on Sgt. Pepper were very different from what preceded. Full orchestration, songs about random things and fantasies not just romance … you forgot to mention Day in the Life…

    Same with Dylan. At some point the level can’t be sustained. In the music business that doesn’t mean you stop touring for fans.

    It has to be extremely hard to continue to put out popular and innovative material after you are world famous. Most bands write their best material before they get famous. Any band that can stay relevant for ten years is a super phenomenon.

    The Eagles were overplayed mainly because they were among the few interesting bands during the disco era, and MTV used them relentlessly, but some of their songs are classics – and yes -totally overplayed. Don Henley wrote some great songs.

    Rush is one of the most musically sophisticated bands ever to become famous. You don’t have to like them, but saying they “suck” damages you more than them.

    I’m reminded of football fans who claim that their quarterback – perhaps the 15th -20th best quarterback in the world… sucks.

    But I can’t believe the band that ‘most annoys me’ hasn’t been mentioned yet:

    The Steve Miller Band

    Abracadabra (I want to reach out and grab ya)

    The Joker

    And Many More…

     

    If I recall correctly, Franco, you made a post about a year ago that plumbed the bottomless depths of destain you had for the Steve Miller Band.

    • #66
  7. Brian Wyneken Member
    Brian Wyneken
    @BrianWyneken

    I’m just glad everyone commenting here seems to like ABBA.

    • #67
  8. GlennAmurgis Coolidge
    GlennAmurgis
    @GlennAmurgis

    my music is really classic, Bach and Beethoven

    • #68
  9. Judge Mental Member
    Judge Mental
    @JudgeMental

    Brian Wyneken (View Comment):

    I’m just glad everyone commenting here seems to like ABBA.

    Oh, Mama mia.

    • #69
  10. C. U. Douglas Coolidge
    C. U. Douglas
    @CUDouglas

    I’d defend Primus, but even they say they suck.

    • #70
  11. Django Member
    Django
    @Django

    for the musicians here there is a video by Mike Pachelli where he discusses the “genius” of John Lennon’s guitar work. Interesting to me anyway: 

    • #71
  12. Franco Member
    Franco
    @Franco

    Re-reading the comments, there’s some I agree with.

    First, there are songs that are overplayed and that’s not the band’s fault. Stop listening to other people choosing your playlists, and don’t say a band sucks because their hits are overplayed!

    Led Zeppelin is absolutely amazing, but all their songs aren’t the same – at all- and maybe you just heard Stairway to heaven – a great song – too many times. It’s ruined for me too, but that doesn’t mean the band is no good. 

    Then there’s the ‘fashion’ element. Certain songs and musical styles become unfashionable. Then there are artists we dislike personally. Bruce Springsteen John Mellencamp, are in that category for me, but Springsteens first album was epic.

    There are literally thousands of songs that I don’t necessarily want to listen to ever again. That’s the fault of the DJ’s up until we could have cassette players in our cars. I can’t listen to any radio because of that.

    I sympathize with those who didn’t grow up with the Beatles. At the time their music was cutting edge, innovative and difficult to classify. They were a force and a phenomenon and could do anything they wanted, and instead of just coasting they could take huge chances and it was very refreshing. Hearing them out of that context probably isn’t as impressive. That would be after they opened the doors. 

    • #72
  13. D.A. Venters Inactive
    D.A. Venters
    @DAVenters

    Judge Mental (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    D.A. Venters (View Comment):

    Michael Brehm (View Comment):

    When I was a young man and foolish, I hated John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Seeger. Now that I am older, and wiser in the ways of the world, I transferred my hatred previously reserved for Bob Seeger onto Bruce Springsteen, where it rightfully belongs.

    Springsteen – another one for whom it is getting fashionable to express disdain. But that’s absurd. Springsteen’s songs are genius, among the best of his era. That’s a hill I’ll die on. He’s also underplayed on the classic stations, in my opinion.

    We’ve discussed this before, I think, but the disdain for Springsteen doesn’t seem to me to be music related.

    It is for me. You’d think that after 50+ years of playing guitar he’d be better at it. But every time I’ve seen video of him live it looks like he’s wrestling the guitar, and losing.

    He’s not one of the best, but let’s be fair, he’s had some fine moments.  This one, for example (recorded during those sad E-Streetless days) :

     

     

    • #73
  14. Franco Member
    Franco
    @Franco

    Michael Brehm (View Comment):

    If I recall correctly, Franco, you made a post about a year ago that plumbed the bottomless depths of destain you had for the Steve Miller Band.

    Yes! There was a lot of agreement, but some valid push-back. I forgot (or never really knew) how Steve Miller had been around for years before those horrible hits and was a well-respected blues guitarist.

    Then there’s The Pometus of Love probably the worst song ever…

    • #74
  15. Vance Richards Inactive
    Vance Richards
    @VanceRichards

    Judge Mental (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    D.A. Venters (View Comment):

    Michael Brehm (View Comment):

    When I was a young man and foolish, I hated John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Seeger. Now that I am older, and wiser in the ways of the world, I transferred my hatred previously reserved for Bob Seeger onto Bruce Springsteen, where it rightfully belongs.

    Springsteen – another one for whom it is getting fashionable to express disdain. But that’s absurd. Springsteen’s songs are genius, among the best of his era. That’s a hill I’ll die on. He’s also underplayed on the classic stations, in my opinion.

    We’ve discussed this before, I think, but the disdain for Springsteen doesn’t seem to me to be music related.

    It is for me. You’d think that after 50+ years of playing guitar he’d be better at it. But every time I’ve seen video of him live it looks like he’s wrestling the guitar, and losing.

    Yeah, and when I was growing up the local DJ (I believe it was Scottso) would insist that we start each day with “Our morning Bruce Juice.”

    • #75
  16. GlennAmurgis Coolidge
    GlennAmurgis
    @GlennAmurgis

    Django (View Comment):

    for the musicians here there is a video by Mike Pachelli where he discusses the “genius” of John Lennon’s guitar work. Interesting to me anyway:

    Imagine is the worst song ever 

     

    • #76
  17. Django Member
    Django
    @Django

    D.A. Venters (View Comment):

    Judge Mental (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    D.A. Venters (View Comment):

    Michael Brehm (View Comment):

    When I was a young man and foolish, I hated John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Seeger. Now that I am older, and wiser in the ways of the world, I transferred my hatred previously reserved for Bob Seeger onto Bruce Springsteen, where it rightfully belongs.

    Springsteen – another one for whom it is getting fashionable to express disdain. But that’s absurd. Springsteen’s songs are genius, among the best of his era. That’s a hill I’ll die on. He’s also underplayed on the classic stations, in my opinion.

    We’ve discussed this before, I think, but the disdain for Springsteen doesn’t seem to me to be music related.

    It is for me. You’d think that after 50+ years of playing guitar he’d be better at it. But every time I’ve seen video of him live it looks like he’s wrestling the guitar, and losing.

    He’s not one of the best, but let’s be fair, he’s had some fine moments. This one, for example (recorded during those sad E-Streetless days) :

     

     

    Here’s Bruce trading guitar solos with James Burton. That takes some nerve. Starting at 1:15. I don’t remember where I was when this concert took place, but I know where I wish I had been.

    • #77
  18. Django Member
    Django
    @Django

    GlennAmurgis (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):

    for the musicians here there is a video by Mike Pachelli where he discusses the “genius” of John Lennon’s guitar work. Interesting to me anyway:

    Imagine is the worst song ever

     

    However good he was as a writer, guitarist, and singer, he was not much of a philosopher. 

    • #78
  19. Hoyacon Member
    Hoyacon
    @Hoyacon

    Chris Oler (View Comment):

    Franco (View Comment):
    The Beatles were a phenomenon with great songwriters and great production. They were innovators, and Sgt Pepper was a great album, including Within You Without You. Like any artist they are capable of releasing total crap. All of the songs on Sgt. Pepper were very different from what preceded. Full orchestration, songs about random things and fantasies not just romance … you forgot to mention Day in the Life…

    Heh, well, the tone of the OP seemed a little over the top so I tried to match it. Here’s a tight band covering Little Richard that went on to big things.

    That looks like the DC Coliseum (RIP).  When I saw them, back when dinosaurs ruled the earth, Long Tall Sally was far and away their best number.  I’m thinking playing it 500 times or more in Hamburg will do that.

     

    • #79
  20. GlennAmurgis Coolidge
    GlennAmurgis
    @GlennAmurgis

    Django (View Comment):

    GlennAmurgis (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):

    for the musicians here there is a video by Mike Pachelli where he discusses the “genius” of John Lennon’s guitar work. Interesting to me anyway:

    Imagine is the worst song ever

     

    However good he was as a writer, guitarist, and singer, he was not much of a philosopher.

    Like his stuff with the Beatles, not so much his solo career 

    • #80
  21. Franco Member
    Franco
    @Franco

    GlennAmurgis (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):

    GlennAmurgis (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):

    for the musicians here there is a video by Mike Pachelli where he discusses the “genius” of John Lennon’s guitar work. Interesting to me anyway:

    Imagine is the worst song ever

     

    However good he was as a writer, guitarist, and singer, he was not much of a philosopher.

    Like his stuff with the Beatles, not so much his solo career

    Yoko was his nemesis. I’ll never understand…

    • #81
  22. Hoyacon Member
    Hoyacon
    @Hoyacon

    I think I’m just an old softie.  I’m having trouble coming up with any reasonably popular band that I think sucks.

    Weezer–like them

    Fountains of Wayne–like them

    Oasis–like them

    Stone Roses — like them

    Green Day — like them

    The Cranberries — like them

    Oh wait . . . R.E.M !

    • #82
  23. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    GlennAmurgis (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):

    GlennAmurgis (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):

    for the musicians here there is a video by Mike Pachelli where he discusses the “genius” of John Lennon’s guitar work. Interesting to me anyway:

    Imagine is the worst song ever

     

    However good he was as a writer, guitarist, and singer, he was not much of a philosopher.

    Like his stuff with the Beatles, not so much his solo career

    Making that “I like” would be clarifying.

    • #83
  24. The Cynthonian Inactive
    The Cynthonian
    @TheCynthonian

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    I think I’m just an old softie. I’m having trouble coming up with any reasonably popular band that I think sucks.

    Weezer–like them

    Fountains of Wayne–like them

    Oasis–like them

    Stone Roses — like them

    Green Day — like them

    The Cranberries — like them

    Oh wait . . . R.E.M !

    All too recent to qualify as Classic Rock.   

    • #84
  25. Hoyacon Member
    Hoyacon
    @Hoyacon

    The Cynthonian (View Comment):

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    I think I’m just an old softie. I’m having trouble coming up with any reasonably popular band that I think sucks.

    Weezer–like them

    Fountains of Wayne–like them

    Oasis–like them

    Stone Roses — like them

    Green Day — like them

    The Cranberries — like them

    Oh wait . . . R.E.M !

    All too recent to qualify as Classic Rock.

    Everybody’s a critic. :)  I guess I’m too au courant for my own good in liking bands that have been around for 25 years.

    It seems like I’ve heard “Losing My Religion” on Classic Rock.  Unfortunately.

    • #85
  26. Matt Balzer, Imperialist Claw Member
    Matt Balzer, Imperialist Claw
    @MattBalzer

    Vance Richards (View Comment):
    Yeah, and when I was growing up the local DJ (I believe it was Scottso) would insist that we start each day with “Our morning Bruce Juice.”

    I think you mean Juice Springsteen. 

    Possible content warning:

     

    • #86
  27. Caleb Rhody Inactive
    Caleb Rhody
    @MnemonicDevice

    Bob Dylan. Inventive. Useful. Interesting. Nonsensical. The man hasn’t done anything good in years. This includes having a son that also became famous on his dad’s coattails (see, “The Wallflowers”). While his initial poetry turned folk-jam was good in its time, that time has been passed for a very long time. People continue to see him for nostalgia purposes. Not because he’s good anymore or has produced anything of value.

     

    The thing about Dylan is, he used to care, but things have changed. 

     

     

    (I do actually like this new* song of his)

     

    *relatively

    • #87
  28. Ed G. Member
    Ed G.
    @EdG

    Who are you people? 

    I’m just as contrarian as the next guy (moreso, usually), but you all are another level. 

    For the record, the Eagles are good but overplayed even still, and Take It To The Limit is just excruciating – one more time my ass!

    • #88
  29. OccupantCDN Coolidge
    OccupantCDN
    @OccupantCDN

    GlennAmurgis (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):

    for the musicians here there is a video by Mike Pachelli where he discusses the “genius” of John Lennon’s guitar work. Interesting to me anyway:

    Imagine is the worst song ever

     

    I agree, its simple lyrics became the agenda for the modern leftist organizations.

    • #89
  30. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    Hoyacon (View Comment):

    D.A. Venters (View Comment):

    Michael Brehm (View Comment):

    When I was a young man and foolish, I hated John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Seeger. Now that I am older, and wiser in the ways of the world, I transferred my hatred previously reserved for Bob Seeger onto Bruce Springsteen, where it rightfully belongs.

    Springsteen – another one for whom it is getting fashionable to express disdain. But that’s absurd. Springsteen’s songs are genius, among the best of his era. That’s a hill I’ll die on. He’s also underplayed on the classic stations, in my opinion.

    We’ve discussed this before, I think, but the disdain for Springsteen doesn’t seem to me to be music related, or, if so, only as an adjunct to his rather annoying personna. Dylan has successfully navigated these waters.

    Yeah. “Born in the U.S.A.” has a chord.

    One, stinkin’ chord, again and again and again …

    • #90
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