Who rocks better?

[Gawain of Orkeny]

Jamaicans! Hands down!

Bob Marley & the Wailers
Peter Tosh
Linton Kwesi Johnson with the Dennis Bovell Dub Band (UK)
Burning Spear

Augustus Pablo
Lee "Scratch" Perry
Ernest Ranglin
Steel Pulse (UK)
Bunny Wailer
Mighty Diamonds
Inner Circle (original group)
Aswad (original group)
Dennis Brown
Gregory Isaacs
Joe Higgs
Jimmy Cliff
Toots & the Maytals
etc...

The question was who rocks the most not wghos more stoned These gruops are mostly Reggae not rock. Your out of order.

[Quietus]

The question was who rocks the most not wghos more stoned These gruops are mostly Reggae not rock. Your out of order.

Reggae is Rock and it rocks!! A tiny sampling of Bob Marley fans and followers!

Tom Morello (ex-Rage Against the Machine) – “There's certainly a long history of bands who have combined rock power and powerful politics. We have blended some unique musical elements in it - but from the MC5, through Bob Marley, The Clash... while I'm not saying we're as good as those bands, we have some of the same intent. It's down to a number of factors.”

Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) – “"Now, it's 29 years of making music. So if there is a battle, the enemy has changed many times. There had been a lot of enemies. Most important to all people in showbiz is negativity and sadness. Otherwise a show is supposed to relieve you. Because when you go and listen to Elvis Presley or Bob Marley you expect to go through a new experience, to make you feel good.”

Bono (U2) – “And of course, we had Bob Marley as a role model. Our relationship with Ireland, and his with Jamaica, made sense. He was singing of Jah making him "whole", and singing about his lover, and his people. I saw a wholeness to that, a completeness about his music that I would like in our music....”

Carlos Santana – “A spiritual healer. Sure. We do that with our music. You're a healer, too. The way you write, the gift that you have to put words together to have impact on people…that's being a shaman. Anyone who complements life is a shaman. It's not just Bob Marley or some guy in the jungle or an Apache. John Coltrane, Stravinsky, Einstein. All of us have shamanic things in us.

Dave Matthews (DMB) – “I think the person that inspired me most when I was a teenager was Bob Marley.”

Ron Wood (Rolling Stones) – “The guys kept joking about, and we tried to get them in a serious mood by asking what bands they listened to these days. Jagger said his day either began or ended with Mozart. Wood said he chose Bob Marley reggae.”

Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones) – “and Watts admitted he heard a lot of Charlie Parker jazz. ‘I listen to Mozart and Bob Marley and Charlie Parker.’”

Max Cavalera (ex-Sepultura) – “Q: What bands or musicians inspired you to be a musician?
MC: Queen was my first band and after them Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Sex Pistols, Bob Marley, etc.”

Serj Tankian (System Of A Down) – “Bio: when he has spare time, he studies the readings of Noam Chomsky, Che Guevara and Karl Marx; he listens and interprets the music of Bob Marley and John Lennon”.

Sting (ex Police) – “"Reggae was accepted in punk circles and musically more sophisticated, and we could play it, so we veered off into that direction. I mean, let's be honest here, 'So Lonely' was unabashedly culled from 'No Woman, No Cry' by Bob Marley. Same chorus."

Stewart Copeland (ex-Police) – “Question: But didn't you teach Sting the bass pattern on Roxanne?

SC: Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but this is a story that goes way back, and Sting and I have argued over this but the actually historical facts are that I lent him some Bob Marley records for a Christmas party, and that was the point when suddenly he started playing reggae bass lines to go with my reggae drum beats. See, if you play reggae drums without the bass lines or the guitar, it sounds like a bossa nova; it just doesn't work; it isn't a rhythm. That's the great thing about reggae - it's an interactive form; no one instrument by itself can play it

Stevie Wonder – “Master Blaster” (song tribute to Marley).

Jack Bruce (Cream) – “Ernest(Ranglin) is a fine Jamaican guitarist very responsible for starting the Ska movement, and also started some of the early reggae things that happened. Bob Marley and so on. So he’s a very important musician. He’s still playing very fine guitar.”

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica) – “Heroes: Gene Simmons, Al Pacino, B.B. King, my father, Zach Harmen, Bob Marley”.

Adam Clayton (U2) – “Later on I got in to the classic Bob Marley records with Aston Barrett. I always liked the position the bass took on those records, as opposed to the position the bass is usually given.“

Anthony Kiedis (RHCP) – “Musical influences: Defunkt, Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin.”

Trey Anastasio (Phish) – “You go through your whole life and you keep listening and listening and realize that certain musicians at certain times are closer to the truth. Like Bob Marley-he was onto something.”

Jahred (HedPe) – “Bob Marley is a huge thing in my life. It's more than just music for me. It's a spiritual thing.”

Nick (The Strokes) - “"From his first album to his last album there was just no decline in the quality of Bob's music."

Not to mention: Thom Yorke (Radiohead) to James Brown, Jeff Beck to Eric Clapton, Lenny Kravitz to SEAL, Sinead O’connor to Annie Lennox to more obvious ones like Sublime, No Doubt, Ben Harper or Jack Johnson etc etc.

And one on Linton Kwesi Johnson (of course LKJ the Bovell Dub band is 10x better than Bowie ).

David Bowie – “A Carib-Brit contribution to the history of rap. This man writes some of the most moving poetry to be found in popular music. The quite achingly sad SONNY'S LETTAH (ANTI-SUS POEM) is alone worth the price of admission. Although not sung but spoken word set against a superb band, this must be one of the most important reggae records of all time. I gave my original copy just recently to Mos Def, in whom I see connections to Johnson, thinking I had already got it on CD. Dammit, I haven't. So now I'm searching high and low for a copy.”

[Al Khalifah]

David Bowie - a great musician, but anyone who's seen his performance in Labyrinth knows where his real talent lies.

I'll make you a prince... A prince in the land of eternal stench!

[Franconicus]

It is not UK against US. It is past against present. All great musicians from Chuck Berry to the Beatles are past. Even if you count Soul, Funk and Rap. James Brown, Grandmaster Flash ... all gone. Present bands are very professional, but not very creative? Rock and Rap/Soul hasn't changed since the 80ies.

[Gawain of Orkeny]

Your correct the past rules as far as rock goes.

[Al Khalifah]

Looks like its a win for Britannia.

[Steppe Merc]

So hard, so hard. America has awesome shit, but even more shitier bands. Great Britian has the greats though. I'd have to go with Great Britian, though it's very hard.
And the past does rule when it comes to music. And the past will rise again, and be the present when it comes to music. My vision will come true... muhahaah!

[Quietus]

It is not UK against US. It is past against present. All great musicians from Chuck Berry to the Beatles are past. Even if you count Soul, Funk and Rap. James Brown, Grandmaster Flash ... all gone. Present bands are very professional, but not very creative? Rock and Rap/Soul hasn't changed since the 80ies.

Media and consumer Attention is currently spread all over. Video Games are now bigger than Recorded music.

I pick US over Britain BTW. US had R&B and Funk in addition to Pop/Classic Rock. And of course, currently Hip-Hop/Nu-Metal. The Brits copied/borrowed lots of American Blues music. Just look at the credits of those music they were playing.

[GoreBag]

Hip-Hop/Nu-Metal.

That's really nothing to brag about...

[Gawain of Orkeny]

But Jazz , Blues and rock and roll are all American inventions and they all are great.

[Quietus]

That's really nothing to brag about...

1) But compared to UK output it is. Grunge, Hip-hop and Nu-metal vs. Trip-Hop from UK? Electronica isn't entirely UK too, it's shared.

2) You're probably thinking Hip-hop is nothing but samples. True, it is. But it's got rhythm. The reason I'm put off by it is it's synthetic and not made by real instruments and the lyrics aren't lyrical.

Secondly, if you look at those british bands as an examples, they copied too, literally. Example: "You Need Love" = "Whole Lotta Love".

Here: Samples

The Blues Roots of Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin's Sources of Inspiration

[_Martyr_]

Definitely Britain, no doubt about it.

Just almost for the Betales alone!
Add to that Bowie, LZ, Floyd, Clapton, The Who, The Stones or any of the other greats and its no contest!

Even today, the best band around imo Radiohead are British.

However, one cannot for one second deny the massive contribution America has made in music. The roots of modern music lie in America, especially in early black-blues music. Lets not forget to mention imo the best American group of all time, Simon & Garfunkel, in particular Paul Simon.

[Quietus]

Here's some uncredit Led Zeppelin.

Now by popular demand! A list of some of the songs Zep stole from other artists:

* "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" - A folk song by Anne Bredon, this was originally credited as "traditional, arranged by Jimmy Page," then "words and music by Jimmy Page," and then, following legal action, "Bredon/Page/Plant."
* "Black Mountain Side" - uncredited version of a traditional folk tune previously recorded by Bert Jansch.
* "Bring It On Home" - the first section is an uncredited cover of the Willie Dixon tune (as performed by the imposter Sonny Boy Williamson).
* "Communication Breakdown" - apparently derived from Eddie Cochran's "Nervous Breakdown."
* "Custard Pie" - uncredited cover of Bukka White's "Shake 'Em On Down," with lyrics from Sleepy John Estes's "Drop Down Daddy."
* "Dazed And Confused" - uncredited cover of the Jake Holmes song (see The Above Ground Sound Of Jake Holmes).
* "Hats Off To (Roy) Harper" - uncredited version of Bukka White's "Shake 'Em On Down."
* "How Many More Times" - Part one is an uncredited cover of the Howlin' Wolf song (available on numerous compilations). Part two is an uncredited cover of Albert King's "The Hunter."
* "In My Time Of Dying" - uncredited cover of the traditional song (as heard on Bob Dylan's debut).
* "The Lemon Song" - uncredited cover of Howlin' Wolf's "Killing Floor" - Wolf's publisher sued Zeppelin in the early 70's and settled out of court.
* "Moby Dick" - written and first recorded by Sleepy John Estes under the title "The Girl I Love," and later covered by Bobby Parker.
* "Nobody's Fault But Mine" - uncredited cover of the Blind Willie Johnson blues.
* "Since I've Been Lovin' You" - lyrics are the same as Moby Grape's "Never," though the music isn't similar.
* "Stairway To Heaven" - the main guitar line is apparently from "Taurus" by Spirit.
* "White Summer" - uncredited cover of Davey Graham's "She Moved Through The Fair."
* "Whole Lotta Love" - lyrics are from the Willie Dixon blues "You Need Love."

I'm not listing covers that the band credited to the actual authors ("You Shook Me") or the less blatant ripoffs (the "Superstition" riff in "Trampled Underfoot"). If you have anything to add to this list, please tell me. (DBW)

[Steppe Merc]

Yeah, all the blues rockers nicked stuff. So did all the blues men.

But Jazz , Blues and rock and roll are all American inventions and they all are great.

Agreed. That's why it is so hard for me to say Great Britian.
But one thing I believe is that all the great music come from former British Empire holdings. Anyone care to disagree?
I mean Britian, America, Jamica, Canada, Australia...

[Cygnus X-1]

In quantity: American

In quality: British.

What i mean by this is that i could list far more american bands/musicians that i like than i could British, but i'd prefer the british artists. For example, for every Eric clapton, i could say Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Neil Young, etc, but none would compare to the aforementioned 'God'.

I'm going through a bit of an Eric Clapton and Pink Floyd obsessive streak at the moment, though. It may be biasing my decision. :P

Maybe i'll get round to listen American & British musicians if i don't sleep tonight. ;-)

[Gawain of Orkeny]

For example, for every Eric clapton, i could say Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Neil Young, etc, but none would compare to the aforementioned 'God'.

More like you say Clapton I say Hendrix. Dont tell me he doesnt compare to the aforementioned 'God'.

[Cygnus X-1]

Yeah, he certainly compares. But i don't find myself liking hendrix as much as i used to. I just think there's something more refined about Clapton. Different strokes for different folks, i guess.

[Gawain of Orkeny]

Yeah, he certainly compares. But i don't find myself liking hendrix as much as i used to. I just think there's something more refined about Clapton. Different strokes for different folks, i guess.

Personaly Clapton is my favorite guitarist to listen to. His work with Cream is incredible. Im just pointing out that there are many great american musicians who can hold their own with anyone not matter what instrument or type of music you speak of. The Beatles , Stones, Floyd and Zepplin tip the scales in Britains favor as far as rock goes. Those four alone are supreme legends that are hard for any band from any where to beat.

[Cygnus X-1]

Yeah, i see where you're coming from. But i think because The Beatles, the floyd, the stones and zeppelin are the legends that they are, their domanince over the 'quality' aspect of rock music is kind of set in stone.

I mean, if we were talking about electro or something, then i wouldn't be as quick to hail britain as gods of the genre. Look at Bowie's 'scary monsters' album for evidence of that...

Actually, the guitar in that album was what made me dislike it, and not the electro...

But i digress. I was just saying that the quality of British rock music is,to me, superior to american music.

That's not to say american rock music is all rubbish, though! Hell, BBKing is one of my favourite guitarists, probably neck and neck with Gilmour and Clapton...

[Steppe Merc]

For example, for every Eric clapton, i could say Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, Neil Young, etc, but none would compare to aforementioned 'God'.

Neil's Canadian, not American.

[Cygnus X-1]

Neil's Canadian, not American.

Aw. Er... sorry about that...

[Steppe Merc]

That's fine. He lives in America, and did so for all of his professional career, so it's understandable.

[ichi]

Here's some uncredit Led Zeppelin.

* "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" - A folk song by Anne Bredon, this was originally credited as "traditional, arranged by Jimmy Page," then "words and music by Jimmy Page," and then, following legal action, "Bredon/Page/Plant."
* "Black Mountain Side" - uncredited version of a traditional folk tune previously recorded by Bert Jansch.
* "Bring It On Home" - the first section is an uncredited cover of the Willie Dixon tune (as performed by the imposter Sonny Boy Williamson).
* "Communication Breakdown" - apparently derived from Eddie Cochran's "Nervous Breakdown."
* "Custard Pie" - uncredited cover of Bukka White's "Shake 'Em On Down," with lyrics from Sleepy John Estes's "Drop Down Daddy."
* "Dazed And Confused" - uncredited cover of the Jake Holmes song (see The Above Ground Sound Of Jake Holmes).
* "Hats Off To (Roy) Harper" - uncredited version of Bukka White's "Shake 'Em On Down."
* "How Many More Times" - Part one is an uncredited cover of the Howlin' Wolf song (available on numerous compilations). Part two is an uncredited cover of Albert King's "The Hunter."
* "In My Time Of Dying" - uncredited cover of the traditional song (as heard on Bob Dylan's debut).
* "The Lemon Song" - uncredited cover of Howlin' Wolf's "Killing Floor" - Wolf's publisher sued Zeppelin in the early 70's and settled out of court.
* "Moby Dick" - written and first recorded by Sleepy John Estes under the title "The Girl I Love," and later covered by Bobby Parker.
* "Nobody's Fault But Mine" - uncredited cover of the Blind Willie Johnson blues.
* "Since I've Been Lovin' You" - lyrics are the same as Moby Grape's "Never," though the music isn't similar.
* "Stairway To Heaven" - the main guitar line is apparently from "Taurus" by Spirit.
* "White Summer" - uncredited cover of Davey Graham's "She Moved Through The Fair."
* "Whole Lotta Love" - lyrics are from the Willie Dixon blues "You Need Love."

Most art, and most music, and most rock, is derivative, and lifting or sampling or covering is a widely accepted fact of life. There's nothing inherently good or bad about it IMHO.

The only way to judge covers is to listen to them - did they repreduce note-for-note, did they add anything, did they do it better or different or in a new way?

Listen to Mississippi Queen by Mountain, written by Leslie West, then hear it again by Ozzy.

or pick up a CD labelled Led Zepellin's Sources of Inspiration and listen to these works and then compare to Zep's work. I could make the point that while Zep did 'steal' the work of a lot of black music, damn they did a great job of it.

ichi

[Drisos]

I voted now, listened to some U2 and am now convinced.

[Al Khalifah]

U2 are Irish.

[Drisos]

Yep.

Ohhh, I know what you mean. You mean Ireland is not a part of 'GB'

I already wasn't quite sure about what countries are in 'GB'.
I just thought GB meant *the islands to the west of the Netherlands in the northern sea.*

sorry for this if I interpretated it wrong

It's kind of an V.S. vs. Europe poll already. I made it only worse.

[KukriKhan]

Rock is dead. Has been for awhile. Nobody told the Brits, who think it's still on life-support.

[Gregoshi]

Who rocks better? The kids at the Paul Green School of Rock Music in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, that's who! About 25 kids from 10 to 18 years old just put on a Beatles Tribute show Friday and Saturday night that was absolutely mind blowing. By the time Let It Be closed the show, I had a bad case of goosebumps from the beauty of the music and the performances. The Beatles lived for two and a half hours each night. The kids ROCKED and they enjoyed every minute of it! This school (main branch in Philadelphia) is rapidly expanding across the US and is teaching today's kids how to play and perform good old nuts 'n' bolts rock - from Pink Floyd to Queen to Frank Zappa. One of the personal goals of founder Paul Green is to cultivate a new generation of Rock musicians via these schools. The kids are loving it and flocking to the school here in Downingtown as word gets around. Rock isn't dead Kukri, it's just resting its eyes.

[English assassin]

I already wasn't quite sure about what countries are in 'GB'.
I just thought GB meant *the islands to the west of the Netherlands in the northern sea.*

Great Britain is the name of the largest island off the north west coast of Europe, ie the mainland parts of England Scotland and Wales. I'm not completely sure if it includes the off shore islands, legally yes and geographically no I think. It does not include the Isle of Man, the channel islands and, most importantly, Ireland (including Northern ireland) (the term for all those islands together is the British Isles, though come to think of it the channel islands might not strictly be part of the british isles either).

I don't THINK anyone would be offended if you referred to the UK as "Britain" though you might be on thin ice talking to (either sort of) Irishman.

Needless to say we have made this all deliberately complicated so as to take offence at foreigners.

Rock is dead. Has been for awhile. Nobody told the Brits, who think it's still on life-support.

Nothing is dead in Britain until its been dead at least 150 years.

[Duke Malcolm]

Except in special cases, when it is reduced to a mere 50.
Rock was dead, but has been revived using an old castle, plenty of lightning, and a deformed midget called Igor, all to the disturbance of the locals. And has odd bits added on...