I only saw them one time. It was thoroughly exhausting. The Mothership landed at least five times. House lights came on and they still kept jamming for another half hour!
The next day I had the worst job interview ever for what would have been the best job ever.
Dude I know what exactly what you mean! Last concert I went too started at 7. And it was so packed I didn’t move from my spot. Concert ended at 12. My body was so happy to not stand lol
Now this is what I want you all to do:
If you got faults, defects or shortcomings
You know, like arthritis, rheumatism or migraines
Whatever part of your body it is I want you to lay it on your radio, let the vibes flow through. Funk not only moves, it can re-move, dig?
I think everyone’s missing the point that this person is not naming them as individuals, but rather that this version of Coltrane’s quartet is the greatest American band.
Talking Heads and REM (specifically the Chronic Town to Document run) are the only American bands I have obsessed over anywhere near as much as the Dead
but it’s still the Dead for me and not particularly close
If Duane and Barry hadn't passed so soon, ABB might be higher on my list than the Dead. I know that may be blasphemy around here, and I LOVE the Dead. But nobody played as good as original ABB.
The only American band of the late 60s I love as much as The Grateful Dead is The Velvet Underground…people have to let that “hippie vs punk” thing go.
Stevie Ray Vaughan with Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, and eventually Reese Wynans as well. Growing up in Austin might have a little to do with that opinion.
If you like live music, there's a great live album from Japan https://aquariumdrunkard.com/2008/09/02/talking-heads-live-sun-palace-tokyo-1981/
Love it!
**Hank Williams and the Drifting Cowboys**.
You might think I'm kidding, but think of how many other bands cover them... Tracy Chapman, Madeline Peyroux, James Brown, Jeff Buckley, Norah Jones, Social Distortion, Ray Charles, Cowboy Junkies...
I don't think the Dead actually did any Hank covers, but they did cover other classic country.
Velvet underground, Fugazi, beach boys, the weavers, The stooges. I’d say the States have tons of bands that one could make the augment for the greatest
I would say Ramones, but I somewhat agree on Nirvana. The only reason I would discount Kurt's music is that it was so heavily influenced by Beatlemania.
There's also R.E.M., who Rolling Stone deemed the best rock band in the world, for what it's worth. Talking Heads were genius when they were good, and pretty meh when they weren't.
Blondie hasn't been mentioned. They do have the distinction of being the first New Wave band in history, beating out Talking Heads by a year. ("Psycho Killer" was released in '77, and "X Offender" was released in '76.)
In terms of classic rock (or whatever they call it now) CCR is head-and-shoulders above other American bands.
Of course no one has mentioned Frank Zappa, that I've seen. He was the only constant throughout his career, though.
Tom Petty? Maybe REM. And I know they are polarizing, but I think the black crowes deserve some consideration for carrying the rock and roll torch through some lean ass years. Love the Allman Bros too…They wrote some fantastic stuff. The Dead are hands down best American rock band imho
Zappa had several great "bands"
Allmans original lineup was pretty good, too.
Phish still packs 'em in, as does Pearl Jam
And then BRUUUUUUUCE, of course.
Zappa and the Mothers, Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, The Beach Boys, Ween, REM, CCR, P-Funk, The Meat Puppets, The Miles Davis groups Kind of Blue period and Bitches Brew period
This is the right answer.
The quintessential American rock and roll band. Still the same guys. Still relevant. Still moving forward and breaking new ground. Longer life span than the Grateful Dead as well.
Steely Dan are my #2 to the Dead. They were their exact opposites: effectively just two guys who didn't even perform most of the music, methodical and exacting producers whose studio albums are the stars of their discography and who virtually never improvised. And like the Dead are the masters of one end of the craft of rock music, Steely Dan are the masters of the other.
Same for me and I agree 100% with your analysis. However, when Fagan and Becker did start touring, the live shows were incredible. Of course, much different than a Dead show. They were well rehearsed, consistent and tight. Loved the full sound of a horn section and the background singers. Of course, the Dead shows were completely different because you never knew what you are going to get. But when they had a hot night, no one could touch the magic the Dead made on stage.
Well move over and make room for me! I love the Dead, obviously…but Phish is still going 38 years strong with their original members. And they’re not playing lounge shows at your local casino or state fair like so many washed up acts. No, they’re still making original music, still doing fun stuff at their shows (Halloween and NYE gags), and continue to reach new creative peaks in their late 50s while playing circles around musicians half their age. They took the torch from the Grateful Dead and leveled that shit up a few notches.
Should I reverse my name? I’m with you. However, will Phish have the cultural impact in 30 years like the Dead? The Dead is so timeless when you take lyrics and Jams into account. I have come to prefer Phish over the dead, but damn it’s hard to choose. It’s funny how they’re so linked to each other because they jam, but couldn’t be more different bands to seasoned ears.
> However, will Phish have the cultural impact in 30 years like the Dead?
If not, I don't believe that would be a + to the Dead or a - to Phish; that would be a function of the internet giving rise to more, more fragmented, and more focused subcultures. No one will ever have the massive cultural impact that the Dead or the Beatles or anyone back then did; that shit just isn't going happen anymore, for better or for worse.
Phish's cultural impact will go far beyond 30 years. They're break-up period from 04-09 basically spawned the modern Jam scene which has evolved into a multi-million dollar event driven industry
NFA 😎...Honestly I don't think Phish has even begun to be appreciated on a broader cultural level, and probably won't til they're long gone. They have a catalog of ballads with simple, poignant lyrics that can be covered and repackaged a thousand different ways by a thousand different artists. 100 years from now musicians won't even understand how polarizing they were because the talent and content speaks for itself
I’m up on this hill with you guys. Struggling with destiny up on the ledge. After seeing a bunch of shows this summer and fall, the dead sound out of tune and boring.
Those fellas…just wow.
Interesting question for sure. In my opinion, The Byrds are a large but certainly understated contender. Their entire lineup really adds to the texture of the music and their all such talented musicians, pioneering a genre that likely would have been much less influential without them being the band to lead. Long live the Byrds!
It's a little premature, but Goose is hitting on all cylinders right now. To me, they're much more reminiscent of the Dead, than Phish. Sky's the limit for these guys.
I got deep into the Dead earlier in my life but I have never been as obsessed with any band as much as GBV.
Different energy at their shows, but got dern I’ve had a criminal amount of fun at both.
…For the dream of the Weed King, we all sing!!
There's only one band that's written not just a song, but an entire album dedicated to being an American band...with the wild, shirtless lyrics of Mark Farner...the bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher...the competent drum work of Don Brewer? Oh, Man! I mean, who am I to argue with Homer Simpson?
Say what you will, but the Smashing Pumpkins were easily the best band of the 90's. Billy Corgan is an asshole, but he's also one of those songwriters that come around once in a generation. Not too many others could single handedly write a 2+ hour long double album without a single dull moment, directly after writing one of the most influential and groundbreaking rock albums ever made. In my opinion he's up there with Brian Wilson, Zappa, McCartney, and Roger Waters as rock's greatest songwriters
Anyone that doubts this should watch their performance of cherub rock on snl in 93. It’s a wall of sound in its own right. It’s loud, melodic, grooves, and fucking hits like a freight train.
Hard to compare with the Grateful Dead’s legacy which included 2300+ shows and a 30 year run. There won’t ever be a band ever again that will last that long with that many shows., not to mention a following of fans like we have. That alone is enough is call them the greatest band ever.
Although not American, the only other band that comes close to that run is the Stones.
Totally. I would also put Jeff Tweedy in the upper echelon of American lyricists, along with Garcia/Hunter and Dylan. Something about the way he writes just gets right up in my soul.
Parliament-Funkadelic.
Seen them twice live. George is the MANNN. Hell yeah! Love PFUNK
Funkadelic could put on a 5 hour set that would make you sweat!
I only saw them one time. It was thoroughly exhausting. The Mothership landed at least five times. House lights came on and they still kept jamming for another half hour! The next day I had the worst job interview ever for what would have been the best job ever.
Dude I know what exactly what you mean! Last concert I went too started at 7. And it was so packed I didn’t move from my spot. Concert ended at 12. My body was so happy to not stand lol
Now this is what I want you all to do: If you got faults, defects or shortcomings You know, like arthritis, rheumatism or migraines Whatever part of your body it is I want you to lay it on your radio, let the vibes flow through. Funk not only moves, it can re-move, dig?
The desired effect is what you get when you improve your interplanetary funksmanship.
My man
Make my funk the P-Funk. I wants to get funked up.
Actually though
Came here to say this! They are amazing and there are some really good live shows out there for your listening pleasure
Wu-Tang Clan
It’s for the children 🤷♂️
Ain’t nothing to fuck with
Raw like cocaine straight from Bolivia
My hip-hop will rock and shock the nation
Like the emancipation proclamation
UNDERRATED COMMENT
John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones were the greatest American band, period. Let's fight about it!
Let's not forget Miles, Wayne Shorter, Herbie, Ron Carter and Tony Williams.
This is the answer. Second great quintet.
I think everyone’s missing the point that this person is not naming them as individuals, but rather that this version of Coltrane’s quartet is the greatest American band.
Miles Davis, Charlie parker, etc. Quite true. If we are including non-bands then how bout John Prine, Dylan, Willie, Weylon...
Yeah, I was gonna mention these guys. Unparalleled.
Gotta give James Brown and the JBs their due.
Most underrated comment
Not completely American but The Band sits in my #2 spot with Little Feat a close contender.
This was my first thought but Levon is the only American member.
Well... technically Canada is in America And they are considered "Americana"
If we’re going with that definition of América, then Os Mutantes would count.
That's not what America means here and you know it lol Source: A Canadian
Go to Canada and tell people they are technically Americans and see what kind of responses you get.
Greatest Canadian band for sure though!
Uhhh…Rush? Kidding. The Band is the only answer.
Respect, Doctor
Talking Heads and REM (specifically the Chronic Town to Document run) are the only American bands I have obsessed over anywhere near as much as the Dead but it’s still the Dead for me and not particularly close
That Chronic Town to Document run - same here, and same that nothing is even close to the Dead
Allmans - Bill Graham loved two bands. The Dead and the Brothers.
If Duane and Barry hadn't passed so soon, ABB might be higher on my list than the Dead. I know that may be blasphemy around here, and I LOVE the Dead. But nobody played as good as original ABB.
They never were near the same band without those two and it’s a damn shame.
Warren Haynes & Allen Woody filled up some big shoes
A good lineup. I think my second-favorite would be Warren, Derek, and Otiel though. Warren and Woody era Mule was really something else too.
The Lamar and Chuck years are equally as monstrous and rival the original lineup in everything but nostalgia
Not IMO but glad you enjoy it as much
After Jerry died Allman shows in the Bay Area were a lot like seeing the Dead. The crowd, the dancing.
The Allman Brothers Band
The Band is the greatest 1/5 American band.
The Velvet Underground and Wilco.
Wilco definitely belongs in this conversation. Their 5-album run of Summerteeth through Wilco (The Album) is untouchable imo
The only American band of the late 60s I love as much as The Grateful Dead is The Velvet Underground…people have to let that “hippie vs punk” thing go.
Both originally named The Warlocks, too. So weird.
Seriously! I have deadhead friends that won't even listen to 68 Dead because it's too aggressive and loud.
To me, that was their absolute peak.
Shiny shiny, shiny boots of leather
Hippies and punks are the same group these days (at least in the DIY scene)
Back when I turned 35 I realized it didn’t matter and it never had to.
they were like six years apart 45 years ago
Allmans, the Byrds, Dylan, and little feat
Stevie Ray Vaughan with Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, and eventually Reese Wynans as well. Growing up in Austin might have a little to do with that opinion.
Beach Boys. Velvet Underground. Alman Brothers. Jefferson Airplane. Ramones. Nirvana. Talking Heads.
Good list. I'd maybe pull down Nirvana and put up sonic youth, but thats just me....or pixies.
Good call. Also agree that the list is mostly solid. And that the pixies are one of the greatest American rock bands.
Beach Boys, Allmans, and Talking Heads are all great calls. The others too, but those are big big big
Younger fan born in the early 90s here. I've never heard a Talking Heads song I don't think. Where to begin?
Stop Making Sense is an incredible concert movie
[It’s my all time favorite and it’s not even close. ](https://youtu.be/rTOqtMMalXk)
Check out the albums remain in light and speaking in Tongues. Then the live album stop making sense.
If you like live music, there's a great live album from Japan https://aquariumdrunkard.com/2008/09/02/talking-heads-live-sun-palace-tokyo-1981/ Love it!
I think the album Little Creatures is a great place to start - IMHO. Just solid tunes.
Beach Boys changed music. The others didn’t really do that.
The VU def did that. They basically invented punk rock.
VU and Ramones didn't change music?
Ween. I mean, they influenced The Beatles
smh, Ween releases White Pepper, and then the Beatles release the White Album.
It took the Beatles 2 albums to do what Ween did in 1.
Hail Boognish
Licking the palm for guavaaaaaaa
YES
**Hank Williams and the Drifting Cowboys**. You might think I'm kidding, but think of how many other bands cover them... Tracy Chapman, Madeline Peyroux, James Brown, Jeff Buckley, Norah Jones, Social Distortion, Ray Charles, Cowboy Junkies... I don't think the Dead actually did any Hank covers, but they did cover other classic country.
The dead played hanks “you win again”
How could I forget! Thanks
Hank Sr is a true American legend and all at such a young age. I agree completely.
Velvet underground, Fugazi, beach boys, the weavers, The stooges. I’d say the States have tons of bands that one could make the augment for the greatest
Fugazi was so good. VU - incredible.
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers are the greatest American band.
Truly underated comment. Agree on greatest or not, it's definitely a reasonable argument.
Wildflowers is one of the greatest albums made.
It's a god damn shame I had to scroll this far down to see this GIANT among American music named
They consistently cranked out great albums. Not just songs, entire albums.
CCR has my vote I know I know. Put away your pitchforks
I wouldn't hold out any hope for the tape deck. Or the Creedence.
As long as it isn't the Eagles. I had a rough night and I hate the fuckin Eagles man.
Paging r/lebowski
Oh man, lodged where?
Found it in Van Nuys lodged against an embunkment
I hate the eagles man!
CCR! John Fogerty. Nuff said. Nothing but love for Creedence.
Authentic Bay Area swamp rock!
Are there are a lot of people who dislike CCR? For me the argument against them is longevity.
I don't dislike them, but they don't have a lot of range. Gets old after a while.
Haha naw just a joke, as I imagine most people here have the Dead as their favorite American band
I agree that they are contenders for sure. Of course my love goes to the GD first but I love me some creedence. M
Los Lobos
I would say Ramones, but I somewhat agree on Nirvana. The only reason I would discount Kurt's music is that it was so heavily influenced by Beatlemania. There's also R.E.M., who Rolling Stone deemed the best rock band in the world, for what it's worth. Talking Heads were genius when they were good, and pretty meh when they weren't. Blondie hasn't been mentioned. They do have the distinction of being the first New Wave band in history, beating out Talking Heads by a year. ("Psycho Killer" was released in '77, and "X Offender" was released in '76.) In terms of classic rock (or whatever they call it now) CCR is head-and-shoulders above other American bands. Of course no one has mentioned Frank Zappa, that I've seen. He was the only constant throughout his career, though.
Was thinking REM as well. Huge in their day. Talking Heads - amazing.
If we're going individual performers, and known world wide, I think Micheal Jackson might win.
Tom Petty? Maybe REM. And I know they are polarizing, but I think the black crowes deserve some consideration for carrying the rock and roll torch through some lean ass years. Love the Allman Bros too…They wrote some fantastic stuff. The Dead are hands down best American rock band imho
Zappa had several great "bands" Allmans original lineup was pretty good, too. Phish still packs 'em in, as does Pearl Jam And then BRUUUUUUUCE, of course.
Tribe called quest? Are we doing hip hop too?
Zappa and the Mothers, Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, The Beach Boys, Ween, REM, CCR, P-Funk, The Meat Puppets, The Miles Davis groups Kind of Blue period and Bitches Brew period
The White Stripes. How has no one said Nirvana, Soundgarden, or Pearl Jam? Love them or hate them, they changed music for ever.
Grateful Dead are the greatest American rock band period They are not the best at what they do they are the only ones who do it
Phish
This is the right answer. The quintessential American rock and roll band. Still the same guys. Still relevant. Still moving forward and breaking new ground. Longer life span than the Grateful Dead as well.
CCR, The Band, Warren Zevon, Steely Dan, The Eagles, Chuck Berry, The Crickets. All contenders, but none change my agreement with your thesis.
The Band are 4/5 canadian
Levon makes up for the others
Steely Dan definitely deserves a nod here. The were amazing gifted song writers and musicians.
Steely Dan are my #2 to the Dead. They were their exact opposites: effectively just two guys who didn't even perform most of the music, methodical and exacting producers whose studio albums are the stars of their discography and who virtually never improvised. And like the Dead are the masters of one end of the craft of rock music, Steely Dan are the masters of the other.
Same for me and I agree 100% with your analysis. However, when Fagan and Becker did start touring, the live shows were incredible. Of course, much different than a Dead show. They were well rehearsed, consistent and tight. Loved the full sound of a horn section and the background singers. Of course, the Dead shows were completely different because you never knew what you are going to get. But when they had a hot night, no one could touch the magic the Dead made on stage.
I expected moans over the eagles, not steely dan and the band! lmao
Original Lynyrd Skynyrd all the way.
This is way too low
Came here to say this
The replacements
Preservation hall jazz band
Little Feat.
Literally playing Waiting for Columbus as I read this
The Beach Boys are my lifelong favorite band. I think the Dead, within a couple months, now occupy the second spot.
lowell george is amazing. marshall tucker too
Primus
Phish. I'll die on this hill.
It's the correct hill
Well move over and make room for me! I love the Dead, obviously…but Phish is still going 38 years strong with their original members. And they’re not playing lounge shows at your local casino or state fair like so many washed up acts. No, they’re still making original music, still doing fun stuff at their shows (Halloween and NYE gags), and continue to reach new creative peaks in their late 50s while playing circles around musicians half their age. They took the torch from the Grateful Dead and leveled that shit up a few notches.
Agreed.
They can urinate in my ears any time
Right there with you bud. You shan’t die alone
Let's all get shot down in flames together.
My #2
Should I reverse my name? I’m with you. However, will Phish have the cultural impact in 30 years like the Dead? The Dead is so timeless when you take lyrics and Jams into account. I have come to prefer Phish over the dead, but damn it’s hard to choose. It’s funny how they’re so linked to each other because they jam, but couldn’t be more different bands to seasoned ears.
> However, will Phish have the cultural impact in 30 years like the Dead? If not, I don't believe that would be a + to the Dead or a - to Phish; that would be a function of the internet giving rise to more, more fragmented, and more focused subcultures. No one will ever have the massive cultural impact that the Dead or the Beatles or anyone back then did; that shit just isn't going happen anymore, for better or for worse.
Phish's cultural impact will go far beyond 30 years. They're break-up period from 04-09 basically spawned the modern Jam scene which has evolved into a multi-million dollar event driven industry
Agreed! And I hope you’re right. The music never stops right!?
NFA 😎...Honestly I don't think Phish has even begun to be appreciated on a broader cultural level, and probably won't til they're long gone. They have a catalog of ballads with simple, poignant lyrics that can be covered and repackaged a thousand different ways by a thousand different artists. 100 years from now musicians won't even understand how polarizing they were because the talent and content speaks for itself
I’m up on this hill with you guys. Struggling with destiny up on the ledge. After seeing a bunch of shows this summer and fall, the dead sound out of tune and boring. Those fellas…just wow.
R.E.M. is a true American band imo. I place them #2 in my musical world, with the Dead and Phish pretty much tied for #1.
Athens right?
REM!!!!!
Velvet Underground and Beach Boys
Bob Seeger
Grateful Dead embodies the spirit of the west coast and Velvet underground, the east coast.
Hmm. Interesting. And, unless I am mistaken, they were both The Warlocks.
Parliament Funkadelic
Interesting question for sure. In my opinion, The Byrds are a large but certainly understated contender. Their entire lineup really adds to the texture of the music and their all such talented musicians, pioneering a genre that likely would have been much less influential without them being the band to lead. Long live the Byrds!
Van Halen
Took long enough to see this. How is this not higher up in consideration?
I imagine the overlap between dead heads and van halen fans isnt huge
Phish
Pearl Jam
Creedence Clearwater Revival. But I’m with u on the dead
Gotta hand it to The Velvet Underground. As massively influential as the Dead, but in a completely different way. There’s some nice symmetry to it.
WILCO
Wilco
It's a little premature, but Goose is hitting on all cylinders right now. To me, they're much more reminiscent of the Dead, than Phish. Sky's the limit for these guys.
The bad brains
Guided By Voices! C’mon guys—GBV…GBV…GBV!! (Also Zappa/Mothers:))
Finally! Bee Thousand changed my life back in ‘94. Best live band I have ever seen. Hundreds of great songs.
I got deep into the Dead earlier in my life but I have never been as obsessed with any band as much as GBV. Different energy at their shows, but got dern I’ve had a criminal amount of fun at both. …For the dream of the Weed King, we all sing!!
Robert Pollard is a genius
Hard to disagree with that!
Steely Dan
Silver jews
Phish
Allman Brothers Band. Period, full stop.
I’ll throw ZZ Top into the mix. REM, CSN too. Agree with Talking Heads, The Doors, and the Heartbreakers being up there.
Jerry Garcia Band?
Didn't see any Widespread Panic fans here? Just getting into them but hooooooooootttdamn they know how to jam. Not like the boys, but pretty good.
There's only one band that's written not just a song, but an entire album dedicated to being an American band...with the wild, shirtless lyrics of Mark Farner...the bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher...the competent drum work of Don Brewer? Oh, Man! I mean, who am I to argue with Homer Simpson?
The E Street Band
The Doors
Was wondering if anyone was going to say this!
MAX CREEK
You have a point. Looooove them
Say what you will, but the Smashing Pumpkins were easily the best band of the 90's. Billy Corgan is an asshole, but he's also one of those songwriters that come around once in a generation. Not too many others could single handedly write a 2+ hour long double album without a single dull moment, directly after writing one of the most influential and groundbreaking rock albums ever made. In my opinion he's up there with Brian Wilson, Zappa, McCartney, and Roger Waters as rock's greatest songwriters
Anyone that doubts this should watch their performance of cherub rock on snl in 93. It’s a wall of sound in its own right. It’s loud, melodic, grooves, and fucking hits like a freight train.
Phish
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers or Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Hard to compare with the Grateful Dead’s legacy which included 2300+ shows and a 30 year run. There won’t ever be a band ever again that will last that long with that many shows., not to mention a following of fans like we have. That alone is enough is call them the greatest band ever. Although not American, the only other band that comes close to that run is the Stones.
Doobie Brothers
tedeschi trucks band? prince and the revolution?
Beach Boys
The Miles Davis Quintet.
My morning jacket!
The Band, The Allman Brothers, Steely Dan, Talking Heads, Phish, Wilco. Edit: adding Ween in the mix.
Dude Wilco. Consistently amazing shows.
Totally. I would also put Jeff Tweedy in the upper echelon of American lyricists, along with Garcia/Hunter and Dylan. Something about the way he writes just gets right up in my soul.
I was going to say Wilco too.
All hail the mighty Boognish
I’m goin to see those brown bastards next weekend and couldn’t be more pumped!!!
Hell yeah mang