. @HankAzaria @DavidCornDC It is so much more gratifying to write about rock music than about Trump. So a few thoughts on why I picked the Eagles, and why I withdraw Counting Crows. When I think of a band, I do not think of a great lead singer with a great backup band.
A band should have individual elements that combine to a whole, but where many members write songs and contribute more than playing instruments. The Crickets, Crazy Horse, the Revolution, are examples of terrific musicians, but the essence is Buddy Holly, Neil Young, Prince.
So the Eagles had Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh all writing great songs, individually and together, from Dirty Laundry to Life in the Fast Lane to, yes, Hotel California. "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" has unfortunate resonance today.
The Beach Boys were Brian Wilson. Counting Crows were and are Adam Duritz. I have a particular soft spot for him and them because of Adam's powerful songs about mental illness. But I concede that with my frame Counting Crows doesn't make the cut.
The E Street Band is a tougher call. It is more than Bruce. @nilslofgren is both a great performer and songwriter. So is Patty Scialfa. So maybe it should move to the top. And R.E.M. can move up also, since its great songs were collaborations of Buck, Mills and Stipe.
Let me add another category now-- greatest American rock/pop songwriter. A combination of lyrics, depth, cutting across genres, music. Here are my top contenders: Bob Dylan (obviously,) Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, John Prine. Discuss
