Great bands last long, they don't go for the quick hits. If along an illustrious long career, they manage to innovate, break new ground and maintain a higher quality standard, then are in a superior category.
Roxy Music, 1972, "Virginia plain"
Both Brian Eno and Bryan Ferry shaped the first 2 years of the band. After Eno's departure in 1973, it was Ferry's show with the help of the core McKay / Manzanera. Still with Eno clearly influencing the sound, "Ladytron", 1972.
Eno and Ferry clearly were at odds, both musically and literally. Eno launched a spectacular solo career, but with his exit the electronic/experimental sound was gone, and Ferry's strong R&B roots took hold, along with erotic lyrics.
The Pretty Things were active from 1963 through 2020. They started as a raw R&B band, got into psychedelic music in the late 60's and then settled into a more refined R&B style. Their earlier style had similarities to what The Stones, The Who and the Yardbirds did back then.
"Midnight to six man", 1966. More than 10 years later, Joe Strummer & The Clash used the line in "White man in Hammersmith Palais".
The Tom Robinson Band came out at a bad time to gain popularity - amidst the punk movement but without being a punk band. Their music, however is as relevant today as it was back in 1977.
The Damned, one of the first punk bands. Reunion show in 1988, 12 years after the tsunami. Still in fine shape at the time. It was good while it lasted.
"New rose*, from the same show, captured live in the CD and DVD "Final damnation". Which ended up not being final 😁
"Wait for the blackout"
The original four:
Dave Vanian on vocals
Brian James, guitar
Rat Scabies, drums
Captain Sensible, bass