overrated/underrated Performers [Archive] - Audioholics Home Theater Forums

A. Vivaldi

02-17-2004, 06:33 AM

What performers or groups do you think are overrated/underrated? Some of my overrateds are: The Doors, Janice Joplin, U2, Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Elvis, David Bowie, Bob Dylan (after 1969), Eric Clapton (after Cream & Blind Faith), Paul McCartney (after The Beatles), Stevie Ray Vaughn (as a singer/song writer), Dave Matthews Band, Lynard Skynard, Bob Segar, Most early to late seventies American classic rock bands. *My underrateds are: XTC, Rush, Yes, King Crimson, Donovan, Lindsay Buckingham (as a guitarist), Genesis (with Peter Gabriel), Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Their first two albums were great), Pink Floyd (1967 to 1972), Some early to late 80's synth/pop bands. Note: Some of the overrated performers that were mentioned I do appreciate, I just don't feel they deserve the worship, praise and god like status that the masses seem to grant them (or used to).

P.S. I forgot to mention the king of overrated bands, The Grateful Dead. I've never actually heard their very early stuff, but apart from that Touch Of Gray song most of what I've heard from them was unlistenable crap. I've also noticed that the average deadhead dosen't seem to care, or know anything about their music any more than I do! They just follow them around cuz it's the cool thing to do I guess.

jeffsg4mac

02-17-2004, 10:33 AM

Vivaldi, I only disagree with one of your overates, Stevie Ray Vaughn. WTF man he was the greatest blues guitarist to yet live. Have you ever seen him play? Much better than Johnny Winter, or Robert Cray or even Buddy Guy. They man was amazing to see play, and that is coming from a Pat Metheny, Al DeMiola, Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Earl Klugh, Peter Frampton, Russ Freeman Junkie <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

There was also some talent in the 70's rock bands, STYX, Journey were very solid musically and lyrically speaking as well as a handful of others. Most of your list I agree with though.

zipper

02-17-2004, 11:56 AM

I agree with many of your picks(Stones,Dave Matthews),but Pearl Jam? Not.Stevie Ray?Not.King Crimson?Not.
 Personally, I think REO Speedwagon was a little underrated.It appears to me that you like deep complicated music,as do I,but I also like good solid R & R like Pat Travers,Judas Priest,UFO,etc.
  I'm also a big fan of Supertramp.Seen them 3 times.How about ELO?

gene

02-17-2004, 02:55 PM

First I would like to say Genesis was definately an underrated band, even in the Phil Collins era.  OUt of all of the rock concerts I have been to, Genesis always put on the best shows IMO.  The Phil and Chester drum duos were amazing, Phils Tambourine dance, awesome, Hacketts/ Daryls guitar solos breathtaking.  

I also think U2, despite their popularity were underrated from a musical quality standpoint.  

The test of a good band is how well they play live.  Genesis, U2, Rush, Metallica, Yes/ELP (until recently), Pat Metheny, Rippingtons, always sounded better live then in the studio.

Van Halen, although I loved them, IMO sucked live.  

My uderrates:
Genesis
Rush (except for most of the last decade)
U2
Pat Metheny (best jazz guitarist ever IMO)
Patricia Barber
Steely Dan
Peter Gabriel (AMAZING LIVE!!!)
Marillion

My overates:
most of pop music & boy bands (with exception to much of the Latin music (IE. Shakira, Carlos Vives, Alexandra Pires,etc)
all of Rap music (except Will Smith, Sir Mix Alot, LL Cool J)
Nirvana (and most punk/grunge bands)

So thats my take , flame at will <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

zumbo

02-17-2004, 03:29 PM

underrates:
Rush
Primus
Yes
Tool

overrates:
Linkin Park
Pearl Jam
Creed
Beatles

Rob Babcock

02-17-2004, 05:15 PM

The Beatles are underrated? *<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'> * How can the most talked about, preached about, worshipped and hyped band be underrated!? *They've sold like 200 million albums, they top virtually every critics list of the greatest bands in history and they're almost universally praised by people of all ages and walks of life. *I submit it would be impossible for any band to be rated any higher than they already are, no matter how much they may deserve it.

Should we also petition the Pope to get them sainted, too? <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

BTW, though, they are near the top of my most overrated in history, along w/the King of Everrated Musicians, Jimi Hendrix. *Also starring: *Bob Marley, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger & Dave Mathews.

I'd say Rush is definately underrated, as are XTC, Allan Holdsworth, Joe Satriani & Drivin' N Cryin'.

zipper

02-17-2004, 06:08 PM

WHOA!! Jimi overrated? I gotta call BS on that 1. Let's remember what era he played in. He was an innovator, not a copycat. Drivin'N Cryin'? Are you just talking about a show you saw? They weren't around long enough to be considered either IMO.
 Anyone remember Honeymoon Suite?

zipper

02-17-2004, 06:12 PM

Also, if we're talking concerts, most overrated(or worst) I saw was Nazereth. Most underrated(for pure showmanship) was Alice Cooper. Cooper did have a poor sound system though.

zumbo

02-17-2004, 06:13 PM

Rob, who said the Beatles were underrated?

I said they $u(&! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':O'> , along with Drivin"NCryin! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

Rob Babcock

02-17-2004, 11:01 PM

Sorry, Zumbo- I didn't read carefully enough.  I though you had 'em in the under, not over.  My bad.

As far as Drivin' N' Cryin', they got a lot of critical acclaim and were great.  And giving the total ignorance of them here (they have half a dozen albums and were around for years) that shows that they were really under the radar and underrated.  I'm not implying anyone has to like them.

Yeah, I do remember Honeymoone Suite.  They're a great band, and in case you weren't aware of it, they're still around.  Their newest album has only been out about a year and it's one of the better albums I've heard in the last couple years.  They're Canadian, and you won't find their discs in American stores very often but you can get them if you look.

As far as "Garbage Fingers" Hendrix, IMO he was pathetic- the only reason he's famous is because he flamed out.  Of course, one guys Lame-O is the public-at-large's Idol.  YMMV.

There's two really humorous things about a thread like this: the first is that inevitably someone will throw a hissy fit when someone dares to not buy into the hype & bullshit (eg. parrotting the praises of Hendrix ad nauseum).  C'mon guys, the world will keep turning! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'> I'm not trying to threaten anyones manhood or anything!   The second thing that cracks me up is that if you ask for a list of the greatest bands ever and a list of the most overrated, both lists will be virtually identical.  Try it for yourself.

Just my $.02.

jeffsg4mac

02-18-2004, 01:49 PM

Oh come now, the beatles were the most overrated band of them all, They sucked in every way possible, talent wise, music wise, lyric wise, fidelity wise, they sucked man. Their music was crap! There is/was not a talent among them. I would rather listen to the back street boys then the beatles that is how bad I think they sucked. The only time a beatles song is even becomes listen-able is when someone else is doing it. Frampton and the Bee Gees made them sound good, so did Aerosmith and Earth Wind and Fire. Hell even George Burns sounded better singing fixing a hole then the beatles did. Did I mention they sucked. <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

OK end of rant <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

zumbo

02-18-2004, 03:57 PM

I think we all agree that the Beatles $u(k. Read the thread again!

jeffsg4mac

02-18-2004, 04:38 PM

Woops, I did not read carefully enough <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/down.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':down:'> I am glad I am not the only one who thought they sucked. I have been on some other forums were they were worshiped like some sort of god.

zumbo

02-18-2004, 05:15 PM

Did they think Bose was the bomb too? <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

zipper

02-18-2004, 05:30 PM

I'm not offended that the Beatles(or Hendrix) are nobodys favorite here. I just feel if you had been around in the "60's/early "70's you might have a different feeling about them. Neither are particularly my favorite. I just remember the effect they had on music in their day.
 Who is Allan Holdsworth?

Overrated? How about The Cars? Adam Ant?

zumbo

02-18-2004, 05:41 PM

David Bowie? Bob Dylan? Tom Petty? Aw, thats going to p!$$ someone off! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

zumbo

02-18-2004, 05:45 PM

Was not around in the 60's, but was around in the 70's when Zeppelin came along and took control. No band has done such since! I believe that no band will!

hopjohn

02-18-2004, 05:48 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>A. Vivaldi :
Other's worth mention

Underateds
Dire Straits
E.L.O.
Stray Cats
Blues Traveler
Much of Classical music, Brahms, R. Strauss, Liszt and more

Overrateds
Madonna
Michael Jackson; guilty or not
Van Halen; post Roth

zipper

02-18-2004, 05:57 PM

I agree. Especially about Zeppelin. Dylan was a better song writer than musician. You'd be surprised at the number of songs he wrote that others turned into hits. For that reason I can't call him overrated.

Rob Babcock

02-18-2004, 06:17 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>zipper : *Who is Allan Holdsworth?
An obviously underappreciated guitar genius.  He's been around forever, playing jazz, fusion & rock.  Eddie Van Halen called his album, "I.O.U." the greatest guitart album of all time.

zipper

02-18-2004, 08:07 PM

It's hard to judge an obscure artist. Would like to hear some of his stuff. What are your opinions of Pat Thrall & Al Dimeola?

Rob Babcock

02-19-2004, 02:49 AM

I'd hardly call him (cough!) obscure!  Not as well known nowadays as he deserves to be, but got his fans.  I've not heard Thrall a lot, but I like DeMeola.  You could say he's a bit reminiscent of DeMeola.

jeffsg4mac

02-19-2004, 08:33 AM

Al Dimeola, is one those artist that must be seen live, his recorded stuff just does not capture how awesome he is. Pat Metheny on the other hand, is good both live and recorded.

Wabbit_Swayer

02-20-2004, 12:03 AM

Underrate:

Victor Wooten. He is the bassist for Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. He more or less made that band huge. *If Jaco Pastorius is the Godfather of bass guitar, then Victor perfected it.

Overrate:

Every single new punk pop band is all $hit IMO. No skill in any aspect. Its amazing what a shred of talent, with millions of dollars of promoting, along with a great recording studio can do. like good charlette and american rejects, talk about suicide of sound.

A. Vivaldi

02-20-2004, 06:20 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>jeffsg4mac : Vivaldi, I only disagree with one of your overates, Stevie Ray Vaughn. WTF man he was the greatest blues guitarist to yet live. Have you ever seen him play? Much better than Johnny Winter, or Robert Cray or even Buddy Guy. They man was amazing to see play, and that is coming from a Pat Metheny, Al DeMiola, Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Earl Klugh, Peter Frampton, Russ Freeman Junkie <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

There was also some talent in the 70's rock bands, STYX, Journey were very solid musically and lyrically speaking as well as a handful of others. Most of your list I agree with though.
I agree that Stevie Ray was one of the best blues guitarists around, but I don't feel his songwriting and vocal style equaled his guitar playing. I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of the blues (love the music/hate the singing), so it was probably unfair for me to include him on my list. I just think that the blues as a genre is overrated all together.

A. Vivaldi

02-20-2004, 06:36 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>zipper : I agree with many of your picks(Stones,Dave Matthews),but Pearl Jam? Not.Stevie Ray?Not.King Crimson?Not.
*Personally, I think REO Speedwagon was a little underrated.It appears to me that you like deep complicated music,as do I,but I also like good solid R & R like Pat Travers,Judas Priest,UFO,etc.
* I'm also a big fan of Supertramp.Seen them 3 times.How about ELO?
I do like REO, ELO and Supertramp. I have their greatest hits albums. Their ratio of mediocre to good output is high though, but I'd rather listen to them then some on my overrated list.

A. Vivaldi

02-20-2004, 06:48 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>Rob Babcock : BTW, though, they are near the top of my most overrated in history, along w/the King of Everrated Musicians, Jimi Hendrix. *Also starring: *Bob Marley, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger & Dave Mathews.

I'd say Rush is definately underrated, as are XTC, Allan Holdsworth, Joe Satriani & Drivin' N Cryin'.
I almost was going to include Jimi Hendrix on my overrated list but when I thought about how great his first three albums really are I just couldn't. I will say however that those three albums are the only ones a person really needs to have. Forget about all the live stuff and the post-humous crap.

EdR

02-20-2004, 06:52 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>jeffsg4mac : Oh come now, the beatles were the most overrated band of them all, They sucked in every way possible, talent wise, music wise, lyric wise, fidelity wise, they sucked man. Their music was crap! There is/was not a talent among them. OK end of rant <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>
OK.. I must preface this by saying, that even in the 60's, I never really cared for the Beatles. *However, I used to listen to a radio show called 'Adventures in Good Music' hosted by Carl Haas. *It was really excellent, he's both a musician and serious musicologist. * Normally he'd be introducing us to obscure 19th century composers, or some such. *I do remember him devoting an entire show to the Beatles (he almost never did 'pop' type music), and saying that serious musicologist's will be studying their music for years to come. *Considering the source, I have to take that opinion seriously.

I also remember him making a sly dig at audiophiles when he played an old Caruso recording (from about 1911) and apologizing for the quality, but saying that those of us who really love music listen through the defects to the genius beneath.

I must also comment on the Doors. *There are some performers who have such charisma and stage presence that their performances are transformed, and one is transported into some sort of musical other world. *I have had this experience only three times in my life. *I had the opportunity to hear Artur Rubenstein in recital (in his 80's no less), *Carl Richter conduct the SF symphony in Bach's Mass in B minor, and the Doors perform live. *

And yes, I'd rank the Doors with the other two. *Whatever their magic was, it didn't quite make it onto the records. *Actually, neither did Rubenstein, though his recording are quite good. *When he played, he made very audible mistakes, and you simply didn't care. *They were genius mistakes.

A. Vivaldi

02-20-2004, 07:12 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>hopjohn : 
Other's worth mention

Underateds
Dire Straits
E.L.O.
Stray Cats
Blues Traveler
Much of Classical music, Brahms, R. Strauss, Liszt and more

Overrateds
Madonna
Michael Jackson; guilty or not
Van Halen; post Roth
I totally agree with you on J. Brahms And R. Strauss. I love Lizst's Hungarian Rhapsodies and Totentanz, but most of his other works are boring. Another overrated guy is Hayden. The works I've heard by him have so far have failed to move me in any way. I love Beethoven and Tchaikovsky but some of their stuff can drag on a bit too long.

A. Vivaldi

02-20-2004, 07:22 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>zumbo : David Bowie? Bob Dylan? Tom Petty? Aw, thats going to p!$$ someone off! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>
My brother hates Bob Dylan, whom I like, (overrated after 1969) but loves Tom Petty. I don't understand. Nobody sounds more like Dylan vocal wise then Tom Petty! Go figure. <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

A. Vivaldi

02-20-2004, 07:58 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>EdR : I must also comment on the Doors. *There are some performers who have such charisma and stage presence that their performances are transformed, and one is transported into some sort of musical other world. *I have had this experience only three times in my life. *I had the opportunity to hear Artur Rubenstein in recital (in his 80's no less), *Carl Richter conduct the SF symphony in Bach's Mass in B minor, and the Doors perform live. *

And yes, I'd rank the Doors with the other two. *Whatever their magic was, it didn't quite make it onto the records. *Actually, neither did Rubenstein, though his recording are quite good. *When he played, he made very audible mistakes, and you simply didn't care. *They were genius mistakes.
Sir, let me just say that I'm honored to share this board with someone who has seen the mighty Rubinstein, the B minor Mass (the greatest piece of music written?) and The Doors live. Isn't it funny how when some musicians are extremely respected, like Hendrix or The Beatles, there's always a few who passionatly hate them? As far as The Doors charisma and presence go, from what I seen I'd say that was all because of the antics of one man... Jim Morrison. He seemed more interested in causing a stir then caring about music, as do the cult like fans who worship him. He reminds me of a 60's version of Madonna. After Jim Morrison died, the remaining Doors actually came out with another album in 1972, which failed miserably at the time and is almost completely forgotten today. It kinda showed that there really were no "The Doors", only Jim Morrison. Some bands survive the loss of their members. As an example, the band Genesis not only survived the loss of their charismatic lead singer (Peter Gabriel) but actually became more famous and prosperous (monetarily wise). This was due to their sheer musical ability, which The Doors somewhat lacked, but none of the members were more lacking then ole Jimmy himself, who was often too stoned to remember his lines or stand up straight to sing, and I much prefer the keyboard work of Ray Manzarek and the contributions of the other members over the overrated Mr. Morrison, but I've only heard their studio output. I wasn't there at the time, but considering that most rock bands suck live, I don't think The Doors would've been a revelation.

EdR

02-20-2004, 09:30 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>A. Vivaldi : As far as The Doors charisma and presence go, from what I seen I'd say that was all because of the antics of one man... Jim Morrison. He seemed more interested in causing a stir then caring about music, as do the cult like fans who worship him. He reminds me of a 60's version of Madonna. After Jim Morrison died, the remaining Doors actually came out with another album in 1972, which failed miserably at the time and is almost completely forgotten today.
All I can say, is that while I liked the Door's music, I was hardly a 'passionate fan', even then- they happened to be playing in my town, and I was looking for something to do on a date.  While I was expecting 'good', and, if memory serves, it was after the famous pants dropping episode, perhaps something amusing to talk about, but I was hardly expecting musical satori.

 While it was 'Jimmy', there were no antics that night.  It was simply one of the greatest performances I've ever seen, and I still remember the feeling over 30 years later, and no... I don't even own a Doors CD at the moment.  

I mean...like... I was there,  Dude.  I have no idea if this was the norm for the Doors performances, or if they'd gotten into some exceptionally good 'stuff' that night- (and no.. I hadn't, never touched the stuff, so the only 'high' for me was the music).

EdR

02-20-2004, 09:37 AM

I have to add one more underated band to the mix.

The Clash.  

While I agree with Gene about Niverna, I don't tar the entire genre.  To me, the 80's alternative scene was musically very exciting.  And while I hardly noticed the departure of Mr. Colbain (sp?), I've heard some excellent cuts from Ms. Love and Hole.

While not exactly garage grunge, tracks to check out if you get a chance:

Add it up - Violent Femmes
Punk Rock Girl - Dead Milkmen
and darn near anything by the Smiths

Some excellent music.

Shinerman

02-20-2004, 11:56 AM

Wow, just found this thread.  

A. Vivaldi,

I am glad you cleared that up about SRV.  I was getting ready to track you down and do bad things.  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

Seriously though,  yes his songs were little cheesy at times but that's not why you listened to SRV.  You listened to here him play.  His singing and song writing were secondary.  You can't say that about to many musicians.  SRV was the best Blues guitarists ever IMHO.

"To me, he's one of the greatest blues singers there ever was. I'm very sad because I wish he were here. But his music will never die. He's one of the greatest blues musicians that ever picked up a guitar." "

John Lee Hooker

Not bad.  

Shinerman

Rip Van Woofer

02-20-2004, 01:30 PM

I am shocked that Lawrence Welk has not been mentioned. His little-known and unjustly neglected masterpiece, the two LP "Play That Funky Accordion, White Boy" (aka "the Beige Album") was the apotheosis of the disco era!

EdR

02-20-2004, 02:46 PM

And leave us not forget the great Frankie Yankovic, King of the Polka.

zumbo

02-20-2004, 04:25 PM

Elvis $u(ked!

Yeap! I said it!

Y'all scared? <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

Shinerman

02-20-2004, 06:21 PM

Fine, I admit it.   Yanni is incredible.  One of the most underated musicians of our ti.......... Oh man, I almost got through that without laughing.   TRUST ME, I AM LAUGHING, REALLY!   <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>

Shinerman

A. Vivaldi

02-20-2004, 07:50 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>EdR : *

While I agree with Gene about Niverna, I don't tar the entire genre. *To me, the 80's alternative scene was musically very exciting. *And while I hardly noticed the departure of Mr. Colbain
I also agree that the grunge bands were overrated, but compared to the truly awful hair metal bands that preceded them and were subsequently wiped off the face of the earth by them, they were a God send. (I'm currently waiting for another genre to wipe out the current crop of Hip Hop/Pop/Rap crap that's been plaguing the music scene for far to long) Towards the very end, Nirvana actually started to get pretty good. What a shame. Dave Grohl certainly went on to bigger and better things didn't he?  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

A. Vivaldi

02-20-2004, 08:56 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>zumbo : Elvis $u(ked!

Yeap! I said it!

Y'all scared? <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>
I've never understood all the hoopla over Elvis. "The King Of Rock"<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'> More like the king of country. Except for a couple of songs from his early period, nothing he did is what I would call rock. There's nothing wrong with not caring much for rock, but don't go around trying to fool people. The man never wrote any of his own songs, and at best was only an average guitar player, and he didn't even play much of the time. He allowed himself to be manipulated and used by others, participating in making some truly awful albums and movies that no self-respecting, true musician would ever do. I think the whole Elvis legacy is absolute horse manure. Those are my thoughts on the worlds most overrated performer.

zumbo

02-20-2004, 09:01 PM

I agree, BUT, Alice N Chains & Soundgarden were very good. And now with Audioslave, I am willing to say their next effort will be more refined. The Rage Against the Machine band is superb. I think they have the best NEW rock guitar player around. To me, even though Rage was awsome, I believe Audioslave will be the next big thing!

Wabbit_Swayer

02-21-2004, 02:38 AM

I second that zumbo. *The ratings on Like a Stone were huge.

rorythedog

02-21-2004, 08:26 AM

Under-rated

Yello
Preston Reed (IMHO, world's greatest guitarist)
Supertramp
Goldfrapp (fabulous sound)
The Tragically Hip
Jennifer Warnes
Robert Calvert (especially 'Captain Lockheed & The Starfighters')
Manic Street Preachers
Queensryche
Marillion
The KLF (ground-breaking, stunning sound for the time)
Jethro Tull
Cyndi Lauper
Counting Crows

Over-rated

The Doors
Jimi Hendrix
Greatful Dead
Bryan Adams
Celine Dion
Queens of the Stone Age
Nirvana
Any (all?) recent 'Grunge' bands
Just a few, these lists could go on & on & on.

zumbo

02-21-2004, 10:11 AM

Queensryche! Superb!

A. Vivaldi

02-21-2004, 03:45 PM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>rorythedog : Under-rated

Yello
Preston Reed (IMHO, world's greatest guitarist)
Supertramp
Goldfrapp (fabulous sound)
The Tragically Hip
Jennifer Warnes
Robert Calvert (especially 'Captain Lockheed & The Starfighters')
Manic Street Preachers
Queensryche
Marillion
The KLF (ground-breaking, stunning sound for the time)
Jethro Tull
Cyndi Lauper
Counting Crows
How could I forget Jethro Tull in my underrated list? Shame on me. Queensryche is pretty good too.

Rob Babcock

02-21-2004, 11:58 PM

Queensryche is big-time underrated, and one of my all time favorite bands.  Interestingly, they were the first band I ever saw live, and the last concert I've seen, too (they came to the superb Great Hall of the Washington Pavillion in Sioux Falls).  Tate has lost a wee bit of his top end, and I was disappointed to see that at least on this leg of the tour Chris DeGarmo isn't touring with them, although he did record Tribes with them.  

They're one of the best shows I'd ever seen over the last two decades, and nearly as good nowaday as then.

Their downfall, IMO, is that no one could hope to follow up an album like Mindcrime.  I almost wish they hadn't tried...

rorythedog

02-22-2004, 12:33 AM

Operation Mindcrime, IMO, is up there with 'The Wall' and 'Dark Side Of The Moon'.

Superb piece of work <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

BTW Little Death Orchestra could change your life.

rorythedog

02-22-2004, 12:46 AM

Did I mention Mike Oldfield? Thought not.

Have a listen to 'Amarok'. Awesome dynamics and stunning seperation. If ever an album was crying out for the multi-channel treatment, this is it.

Goodnight folks.

allengarman

02-24-2004, 02:12 PM

Underrated:

Thomas Dolby****
Talking Heads
Smiths
Cracker
Yaz
Clash
Squeeze

Overrated:

Beatles, Stones, most metal bands, the entire Jackson family and most other Pop music.

Since most people are sheep (following the herd without any unique opinion of their own), sales are often an excellent indicator of music being overrated.

abe

03-02-2004, 10:51 PM

I see a general trend in this thread, that is, more popular a band is, more likely it will be a 'over rated'.   Interpratation: all those millions that love those 'over rated' band are simple 1. no taste.  2. dump,  3. deaf,  4. ^&*&^#%@$.

On the contrary,  only 328 people in the whole world know/have heard this band and I'm one of them, I must be 1.great, 2. cool, 3. intelligent, 4. unique, ......

LOL!

Abe

A. Vivaldi

03-03-2004, 06:58 AM

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td>abe : I see a general trend in this thread, that is, more popular a band is, more likely it will be a 'over rated'. * Interpratation: all those millions that love those 'over rated' band are simple 1. no taste. *2. dump, *3. deaf, *4. ^&*&^#%@$.

On the contrary, *only 328 people in the whole world know/have heard this band and I'm one of them, I must be 1.great, 2. cool, 3. intelligent, 4. unique, ......

LOL!

Abe
Just because some of us might think a band/performer is overrated doesn't necessarily mean we think they suck, just that their overrated. This is a forum for music lovers and audio/videophiles. Some of us take it seriously, and the "millions" of mindless masses out there who love and settle for mediocrity don't matter to me.

rgriffin25

03-29-2004, 04:30 AM

I skimmed this thread pretty quickly so I may have missed the Kings of Karaoke.

Milli Vanilli - Pretty d**n over rated while it lasted! <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>  <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

lanecoveking

05-18-2004, 09:54 AM

I am sure for this one many people will disagree with me (but I still don't understand these people, including you, you, you, you)...

I think Norah Jones is overrated..

she can't sing, the band is crappy, she wrote a few good songs though, she is cute, but that is not good enough.

lanecoveking

05-18-2004, 10:01 AM

By the way, just one more... underrated..

Eva Cassidy is definitely underrated, or should be much better known by more people...

She is a fantastic singer, so versatile, talented, her simple guitar fingering is so full of wonders. When she sings those blue or jazz, the pitch/range of her voice is so amazing. I have her Imagine CD (HDCD, I am sure any one out there listened to it), it is absolutely fantastic.

Eva Cassidy is definitely underrated.

Unregistered

05-21-2004, 02:19 PM

underrated:
====================
Chick Corea
Peter Nero (!)
Bob Carlysle (more than just "Butterfly Kisses")
Kansas
The Doobie Brothers (esp. before Michael McDonald)
Whitney Houston (flame away!)
Mariah Carey (ditto!)
Bobbie Darin
Chopin
Earth, Wind & Fire
Three Dog Night
Manhattan Transfer

surveyor

07-09-2004, 10:50 PM

Here's my short list:
Underated: Joe Walsh, Phill Collins, Carlos Santana, Emerson lake & Palmer

Overrated: Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Johnson, Peter Frampton

Just my two cents. I like all of the above mentioned though!

Cheers :eek:

dsa220

07-10-2004, 09:14 PM

Here goes:

Underated:

Cowboy Junkies
Robert Lucas
Lyle Lovett
The Mavericks
The Bobs

Overated:

Dosen't the word CRAP have RAP in it?!?! :D Enough said.

Unregistered

08-06-2004, 12:04 AM

Under-rated

The Tragically Hip


You must not be from Canada. ;) The Hip get sooo much press and adoration here at the expense of other good bands. After I bought Fully Completely, I found most of their subsequent singles instantly recognizable as a Hip song after a few notes without being told it was a Hip song. As live performers, the times I've seen them indicate that they really should stick to smaller venues even if they can sell out an arena.

Underrated:
Prince
54-40
Wallflowers
Crowded House
Big Sugar
David Lee Roth (although he is getting a little pudgy and less flexible in his old age)

I think everyone has covered the overrated category quite nicely already.

Chris P.