I'm picky. I generally dislike "Classic rock". Sure, lots of those bands were talented, but most of them just bore the crap outta me. (I'm lookin' at you Led Zepplin!).

Generally, I seem to like Rush. Pink Floyd is good in controlled doses - some of it I really like, some really gets on my nerves.

Kiss, Zepplin, Sabbath, AC/DC, and all just get on my nerves too easily, so that's not what I'm looking for either...

What are some easily forgotten great classic rock groups?

oh, i guess I should state that my "common preference" leans more towards the likes of '80s industrial, but also death metal. Then again, I also love things like Tori Amos, Alice in Chains (especially their acoustics) - OLD country, and recently started appreciating some classical works.

So, it's a diverse taste, but generally I avoid "pop hits" and the more common radio acts like the plauge.

combining what I like with what you seem to like/dislike I'm going to suggest Yes, BOC, J Geils Band, possibly The Kinks, Carlos Santana and although they're not classic rock, Porcupine Tree is kind of a blend of Pink Floyd and Rush so you might like them as well.

As a reference, I love Rush, I really like some Pink Floyd and I grew up on old country - Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Eddy Arnold, Kingston Trio, etc.

But I also love Led Zep, although maybe not as much as I used to.

Mountain, Jefferson Airplane, Little Feat, Nektar, Moody Blues, etc.

Ten Years After, Jimi Hendrix, Jane's Addiction, Judas Priest, Golden Earing, The Cult, Nazareth, Sweet, Aerosmith, Nirvana, Soundgarden, David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Ted Nugent, Rory Gallagher, Helix, Goddo, ZZ Top, Iron Butterfly, Iron Maiden, Yes, The Foo Fighters, Van Halen, Alice in Chains, The Doors, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Alice Cooper, The Rolling Stones, Moist, The Pursuit of Happiness, Foghat, Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush, Blue Oyster Cult.
That's a mish mash of suggestions but there is some awfully good music there.

Deep Purple

Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Mott the Hoople, Montrose, Black Oak Arkansas, Dire Straits, Janis Joplin, Alan Parsons Project to name a few. So much better stuff is out there than the radio fare.

It's hard to recommend Classic Rock because it can seem so redundant as most of us got our start on it and moved in various directions from there. Not that I don't listen to it, as it is my main listening genre, it is just hard to pull things by name that are different, as to me most of it is pretty basic stuff that I listen to every day. So take these lists everyone is giving you and enjoy because Classic Rock is so much more than "ClassicRadioRock" playlists.

Not sure if I explained myself very well, but I hope you enjoy your new musical journey.

Ten Years After, Jimi Hendrix, Jane's Addiction, Judas Priest, Golden Earing, The Cult, Nazareth, Sweet, Aerosmith, Nirvana, Soundgarden, David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Ted Nugent, Rory Gallagher, Helix, Goddo, ZZ Top, Iron Butterfly, Iron Maiden, Yes, The Foo Fighters, Van Halen, Alice in Chains, The Doors, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Alice Cooper, The Rolling Stones, Moist, The Pursuit of Happiness, Foghat, Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush, Blue Oyster Cult.
That's a mish mash of suggestions but there is some awfully good music there.

I'll second the Aerosmith. Their first four albums were something special, imo. also Alice Cooper, he did a live album that's still one of my favorites.

Surprised nobody mentioned Deep Purple. They have some junk, but make up for it with a lot of great stuff.

Few more would be Kansas, ELP, Robin Trower, Asia, Eagles, The Motels, Peter Frampton, Queen, Thin Lizzy, ..

HTH,

bs

[QUOTE=VinylHanger;1453385Classic Rock is so much more than "ClassicRadioRock" playlists.

Not sure if I explained myself very well, but I hope you enjoy your new musical journey.[/QUOTE]

That sentence sums it up perfectly. For instance, my local "classic" rock station (at least that is what they call themselves) regularly play bands like Streetheart, Harlequin and Glass Tiger. Uh, yeah, right...

wishbone ash, james gang, marshall tucker, black oak arkansas, thin lizzy, BTO, Steppenwolf, Grand Funk Railroad, Styx are others you might want to consider

Not to overstate the greatness of The Byrds, but they were at the nexus of a lot of music that's very important to me. Tracing the history of The Byrds can lead you to some pretty interesting music, mostly made in California in the late 60's and early 70's

A listening chain might go:

The Byrds - David Crosby - CSN&Y - Neil Young
The Byrds - Bob Dylan - The Band
The Byrds - Chris Hillman - The Flying Burrito Brothers - Gram Parsons
The Byrds - Gene Clark - Dillard & Clark

You'll know pretty quick if the stuff floats your boat. Try to forget everything you ever heard on the radio.

Deep Purple

Most definately!
Start with the albums, Machine Head and Burn, and then take it from there!

I'd second Alice Cooper. He actually was an indirect influence on Death Metal. Not as much a musical influence, more an attitude thing.

I'd also suggest a German band Can. They are often mentioned by Industrial artists as an influence.

Everyone should have a copy of Spirit-"The Twelve Dreams Of Doctor Sardonicus"

And I cant believe nobody mentioned Boston, nothing beats the first album (self title)

Not to overstate the greatness of The Byrds, but they were at the nexus of a lot of music that's very important to me. Tracing the history of The Byrds can lead you to some pretty interesting music, mostly made in California in the late 60's and early 70's

A listening chain might go:

The Byrds - David Crosby - CSN&Y - Neil Young
The Byrds - Bob Dylan - The Band
The Byrds - Chris Hillman - The Flying Burrito Brothers - Gram Parsons
The Byrds - Gene Clark - Dillard & Clark

You'll know pretty quick if the stuff floats your boat. Try to forget everything you ever heard on the radio.

I highly agree with recommending the Byrds and ALL their permutations!!

But as an aside, I believe everyone should own every Gene Clark release!
Not just the Dillard & Clark records, of which there are two, and both are 'classic'!
But also seek out, "Gene Clark with Gosdin Brothers", "White Light" and "No Other", "Two Sides To Every Story", to start with.

Some other favorites of mine:
The Small Faces
Buffalo Springfield
Nils Lofgren
Free
UFO
Thin Lizzy
Sly And The Family Stone
Joan Jett
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Tom Petty
Dwight Twilley
Love
T Rex
Graham Parker & The Rumor
The New York Dolls
The Left Banke
Dramarama
Badfinger
The Buzzcocks
Magazine
The Stone Roses
The Jam
Suzi Quatro
The Runaways
The Beau Brummels
Mountain
Lovin Spoonful
Willie Nile
The Raspberries


Oh Lord....I could go forever
IMHO the above artists are truly classic, not the crap they play on the radio over and over, and over ad nauseum.

And not ONE of you listed The Who.

Ya'all suck.

http://www.myclassiclyrics.com/images2/the_who_biography.jpg

Shane, I hear where you're coming from. I never liked "popular" music basically out of habit. I never gave the big bands a chance and still don't really. Too much of it seemed to be aimed at radio or at yobbo's. (aussie slang for uncouth undiscerning person).

I have some Dire Straits now on account of my girlfriend and love the effort put into the production. But if you're thinking that all those popular bands must have something great that you've missed then think again.

Look at who most of the bands list as influences.........the real talents are those that etched out a niche that the multi-untalented filled.

but I digress....

A band that blew me away in that they wrote and played many songs I'd liked on the radio over the years is JAMES. I only have a "best of" but since they were produced by Brian Eno at one point I was sold.. Even my GF thanks me for them.
Next, try The Frames. Not classic rock but I am ignoring your question politician-style. "For the Birds" is the album to try.

Maybe Television (Tom Verlaine) may suit you. Or the Velvet Underground. Or A Certain Ratio or ............

don't venture into the "popular" if you think that the masses must "know something"........ they don't.

Shane, I hear where you're coming from. I never liked "popular" music basically out of habit. I never gave the big bands a chance and still don't really. Too much of it seemed to be aimed at radio or at yobbo's...........



don't venture into the "popular" if you think that the masses must "know something"........ they don't.

Ummmm...maybe a bit arrogant there jeffn. A few years ago I would have agreed with you, but then I pulled my head out of my arse. Thats cool that you like what you like and dislike what you dislike, but if you are dismissing big chunks of music out of habit, you could be missing out on some cool stuff. For a long time I dismissed a lot of bands because they weren't cool or what ever, but I have since embraced my inner bogan (more aussie slang there) and am digging all sorts of shit.....maybe the masses know something that you dont?

But back to the origional question, maybe you just dont like "classic rock", whatever that is....some aussie bogan suggestions

Rose Tattoo "S/T"

Bon Scott era AC/DC (in particular, Let There Be Rock, TNT, Highway to Hell, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap)

Midnight Oil, early stuff when they rocked (S/T, Head Injuries, Place Without a Postcard)

Cold Chisel "East"

Hope I havent offended anyone :worried:

Most of the above are good suggestions, and it appears that most of the people here prefer "classic rock" that's NOT being played on the local radio station. I would second the following:

Jefferson Airplane (and maybe early Starship as long as it does not include "We built this city".
Deep Purple- Machine Head especially
Humble Pie-Rockin the Filmore
The first 3 Aerosmith records
Crosby, Stills & Nash

And no one else has mentioned the greatest band of all time- The Beatles!

And not ONE of you listed The Who.

Ya'all suck.

http://www.myclassiclyrics.com/images2/the_who_biography.jpg

Please forgive me if you can! This oversight is unforgiveable!! Who Are You is one of my all-time favorite albums!

OP, give Captain Beyond a try. Lead singer Rod Evans was the original lead singer for Deep Purple (remember the song Hush?). Captain Beyond only put out 2 albums IIRC. Both of them are excellent!

Not exactly a "classic", but for more of a cult following / try out some Hawkwind.

More mainstream - give Big Brother & The Holding Co with Janis Joplin a shot.

Don't discount early Tina Turner as in Ike & Tina.

Canned Heat, early Steve Miller, Vanilla Fudge, Camel, Quicksilver.

UFO. April Wine. Triumph. Saxon. Whitesnake. Elf. Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. Yes. Head East. Kansas.

And not ONE of you listed The Who.

Ya'all suck.

http://www.myclassiclyrics.com/images2/the_who_biography.jpg


Funny - the first band I thought of is the oft overlooked Who.

Who's Next and Tommy would be two essentials in any recommended classic rock list.

I've been listening to Tommy alot lately in the car. Top notch.

Alot of bands had hits,Here are a few great entire
recordings.The Electric ladyland cover is an Import,
Hope its not too risque'-

I don't know what "classic rock" means, but here three classics of the rock genre that you should consider:

Beatles - Revolver, 1966

Beach Boys - Pet Sounds, 1966

Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

Also:

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On, 1971

What, no-one mentioned 'Steeley Dan'

Depending on your sense of humor:
Ten CC - 'Good morning Judge', 'one night in paris', 'I'm not in love', etc.
Early Genesis - 'All in a Mouse's night' is histerical.




Can you let us know. Do you need the lyrics? driving rhythms? Music that drives your depression? Help us out here.

I'm pretty heavily into Lyrics and a good hook. Which takes us to:

Pat Benatar - Crimes of Passion

Not really classic rock:
Renaissance - Ashes are Burning; Song for all Seasons

Country/Folk
The Kingston Trio
Flatt And Scrugs
Buck Owens and/or Roy Clark
SteelEye Span

Not sure if this recommendation fits the classic rock mold as these guys were never on the radio, but I would suggest that you listen to Family. Fearless is sometimes cited as their best album and It's Only a Movie as their worst, but all their albums are worth a few listens. Then if you like what you have heard, investigate Streetwalkers.

Rory Gallagher is a wonderful guitar player you should check out, too. He has a large body of excellent work. Again, his work is not something you will ever hear on classic rock stations.

also not mentioned, The Allman Brothers Band. Eat A Peach, Live at the Fillmore, and Brothers and Sisters being my favs.

Also not sure if it was mentioned in here, but Jethro Tull might be worth a spin.

Ill go with artists and my favorite albums by them:
Yes-Fragile,Close To The Edge,The Yes Album,Going For The One

Steely Dan-Cant Buy A Thrill,Countdown To Ecstasy,Katy Lied,Aja

Roxy Music-The First Album,Stranded,Country Life,Avalon

Moby Grape-First untitled album(you never hear them on classic rock radio,and this first album is just amazing!!!!!!!)

The Who-Whos Next,Tommy,Quadrophenia,Who Are You

Beatles-Help,Revolver,Rubber Soul,White Album,Abbey Road

Bruce Springsteen-Born To Run,Born In The USA,Darkness On The Edge Of Town,The River,Nebraska

Those are a few off the top of my head.
Jimmy

No mention of Tommy Bolin? ELO? BTO? :scratch2:

And strangeband, kudo's on the mention of Rory Gallagher :tresbon:

Ummmm...maybe a bit arrogant there jeffn. A few years ago I would have agreed with you, but then I pulled my head out of my arse. Thats cool that you like what you like and dislike what you dislike, but if you are dismissing big chunks of music out of habit, you could be missing out on some cool stuff. For a long time I dismissed a lot of bands because they weren't cool or what ever, but I have since embraced my inner bogan (more aussie slang there) and am digging all sorts of shit.....maybe the masses know something that you dont?

But back to the origional question, maybe you just dont like "classic rock", whatever that is....some aussie bogan suggestions

Rose Tattoo "S/T"

Bon Scott era AC/DC (in particular, Let There Be Rock, TNT, Highway to Hell, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap)

Midnight Oil, early stuff when they rocked (S/T, Head Injuries, Place Without a Postcard)

Cold Chisel "East"

Hope I havent offended anyone :worried:

Not offended. I have actually ventured into boganville and bought a lot of stuff I would never have dreamed of years ago. Roger Whittaker, some classical, EBTG, ........... anyway quite a variety. So my head is re-apearing outa my arse! When I first heard some stuff from Love over Gold I did actually think "wow, maybe the masses do know something afterall".


Sorry to appear arrogant, guess I was trying to say that the good stuff isn't always the popular stuff.

No one and I mean NO ONE mentioned Jethro Tull!! JEEZUS, you can't get ANY more classic rock than "Aqualung" and "Thick As A Brick"!! I guess I'll go take my medication now.:tears:

I have been exploring "Supertramp" again lately. "Crime of the Century" is my favorite(today) but "Breakfast in America","Brother Where You Bound" and "...famous last words..." are also recomended. You might think these a little "pop" sounding, but they sound great cranked up a little.

Sorry to appear arrogant, guess I was trying to say that the good stuff isn't always the popular stuff.

Cool, just re read my post and you did a fairly good job not to be offended! (late at night, long day...). I totally agree with the sentiment of looking around the edges tho...

How about new classic rock

Hellacopters: Grande Rock, High Visibilty, By the Grace of God

What, no-one mentioned 'Steeley Dan'

Actually grabbed a Steeley Dan greatest hits thing last night. Not as rockin' as I was after, but overall I think I liked it.


Depending on your sense of humor:
Ten CC - 'Good morning Judge', 'one night in paris', 'I'm not in love', etc.
Early Genesis - 'All in a Mouse's night' is histerical.


How'd I forget Genesis. I used to love some of their tracks.


Can you let us know. Do you need the lyrics? driving rhythms? Music that drives your depression? Help us out here.

I'm pretty heavily into Lyrics and a good hook. Which takes us to:

Pat Benatar - Crimes of Passion

Not really classic rock:
Renaissance - Ashes are Burning; Song for all Seasons

Country/Folk
The Kingston Trio
Flatt And Scrugs
Buck Owens and/or Roy Clark
SteelEye Span

All the above. Lyrics are usually pretty important to me for dedicated listening, but if the instrumentals are good, I can tolerate mediocre lyrics - so long as they're not utter garbage.

Lot's of great stuff so far but no mention yet of the fathers of Heavy Metal and a killer classic rock band

BLACK SABBATH