My “Best Of” Band

While listening to some new music, I was musing on who were the best (based on the music that I listen to) at their various instrument.  While this is a wholly subjective assessment, I will offer some examples of why I think the people I picked for the top slot deserve that title:

Vocals –

In rock music, the band’s front man is usually the lead singer.  A quote from the great movie, Almost Famous, says it all; ‘I work just as hard or harder than anybody on that stage. You know what I do? I connect. I get people off. I look for the guy who isn't getting off, and I make him get off.’  Therefore, for lead vocals, you need a larger than life figure.  For me, there are many.  Roger Daltrey, Robert Plant, Mick Jagger and Anthony Kiedis are all contenders, but the seminal front man is Jim Morrison:

Guitar –

This is a tough one and I’m going outside the normal box for my selection.  Rock is synonymous with a strong searing guitar and there are MANY that percolate to the top; Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, David Gilmore, Jimmy Page, Jimmy Hendrix, and Alex Lifeson (a favorite).  My pick for this spot goes to Phil Manzanera, best known as lead guitarist for Roxy Music, although his solo works shine.  (this pick will probably be the most controversial)  This clip shows Phil with David Gilmore:

Bass –

The bass player is the heart of any band.  The beat of modern rock and roll is dictated by the harmony between the bass and drums.  Good bass players go unnoticed but make mediocre bands great.  Great bass players blow people’s minds.  Some of the best are Geddy Lee, Tony Levin, Greg Lake, Paul McCartney (he’s actually a really good bass player) and John Entwistle.  However, my favorite bass player is Flea (nuff said):

Keyboards –

You don’t need keyboards in a rock band, but when you do have them the sound is elevated beyond that of a simple beat.  Great keyboardists are usually featured in some of the more complex bands, like Yes (Rick Wakeman) and Genesis (Tony Banks), but even Elton John must be recognized as a stellar keyboardist. My favorite is, and always has been Keith Emmerson:

  

Drums –

Along with the bass player, the drummer is the heart of the band.  With a good drummer, the band can venture into the realm of greatness.  Many fit the bill; Carl Palmer, Keith Moon, Ringo Starr, and Bill Bruford are among my favorites.  However, the best drummer, by a wide margin really, is Neil Pert.  His musicianship (not to mention his songwriting ability) put him above and beyond the rest:

At any rate, that’s my little rant for today.  Please let me know how you feel and realize that this is my opinion today.  I have the prerogative to change my mind tomorrow.