The best bands of all time. Names like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles come to mind, we’re sure. However, there are many bands who deserve to be among these exalted and revered music gods. Features Editor Chris Gearing has taken the time to compile 10 bands that are worth your attention, respect and undying love. You probably have heard their names and may even own a few of their albums, but here’s why they rank among the best of all time …

 

1. Foo Fighters

In an age of prefixed rock (i.e., alternative rock, emo rock, etc.), Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters are the only band that still plays straight-up, pedal-to-the-metal rock ’n’ roll music. Not only do they keep a dying genre breathing, but they also make some of the best tunes to ever hit the radio. Each CD has a completely revitalized and re-imagined sound and shows the band’s evolution and versatility in musical tastes and talents. If you don’t worship them, then you can’t call yourself a rocker.

 

Classics: “Learn to Fly,” “Monkey Wrench,” “Long Road to Ruin”

Off the beaten track: “Summer’s End,” “Next Year,” “But, Honestly”

 

2. Creedence Clearwater Revival

I could fill an entire newspaper with reasons why Creedence Clearwater Revival is one of the best bands of all time. They embodied and reinvigorated the protest and Southern rock genres. Plus, John Fogerty’s scratchy vocals lighting up very working-class lyrics give the music an “every man” kind of sound that you just can’t mimic. Simple music with socially conscious lyrics and a twinge of Southern rock make CCR one of the best bands to ever grace a stage.

 

Classics: “Fortunate Son,” “Down on the Corner,” “Up Around the Bend”

Off the beaten track: “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” “Proud Mary”

 

3. The Fray

I know what you’re thinking: “Those dudes who are in over their heads? Really?” However you may feel about their most popular and engaging songs (i.e., “Cable Car” and “How To Save A Life”), their entire first album and subsequent live albums are truly fantastic. The Fray offers a kind of emotional depth and intimacy in their lyrics and music that is rarely found in modern music. You can almost taste the heartache in most of the songs, plus the meticulously planned and exceptionally beautiful music is a perfect canvas for the paint of Isaac Slade’s haunting and touching lyrics.

 

Classics: “Cable Car (Over My Head),” “How To Save a Life,” “She Is”

Off the beaten track: “Vienna,” “Trust Me,” “Look After You”

 

4. Counting Crows

I realize that I’m including a lot of “piano-driven rock,” but the Counting Crows are an essential step in this genre, and whether you like it or not, their music kind of rocks. Don’t lie and say that you don’t belt out “Accidentally In Love,” “Mr. Jones” or “Big Yellow Taxi” every time they come on the radio. Regardless, the Counting Crows dominated the music scene in the ’90s and their durability proves their musical prowess. They do good work, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll make in the future.

 

Classics: “A Long December,” “Accidentally in Love,” “Mr. Jones”

Off the beaten track: “Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby,” “Einstein on the Beach,” “Hanginaround”

 

5. Modest Mouse

The quirky, off-beat Modest Mouse has been cranking out some of the most experimental and off-putting music of our generation (think of a modern Talking Heads or Pink Floyd). It’s not supposed to make you feel good or happy — it’s supposed to make you think and re-imagine music in a way not yet conceived. It’s the kind of sound that newcomers like Vampire Weekend are trying to emulate. Their mind-bending lyrics and oddly positive tone also makes Modest Mouse incredibly easy to listen to. Just don’t take anything too literally.

 

Classics: “Float On,” “Dashboard”

Off the beaten track: “Fire It Up,” “Florida,” “Ocean Breathes Salty”

 

6. Steve Miller Band

Steve Miller Band is caught somewhere in rock limbo. They’re the kind of group that always garners respect and love, but they never seem to make lists of the best bands of all time nor top the charts of radio requests. However, Steve Miller and his fellows penned some of the most enjoyable and lovely songs of the ’70s and ’80s. Don’t believe me? Try to prove me wrong and don’t finish the following sentence in your head: “Some people call me a Space Cowboy …”

 

Classics: “The Joker,” “Rock’n Me,” “Take The Money and Run”

Off the beaten track: “Jungle Love,” “Jet Airliner,” “Abracadabra”

 

7. Kanye West

I realize that Kanye has a HUGE following and even if nobody thought he was great, his massive ego would still fill up any stadium in America. But let’s be real. Kanye West may be the most influential, interesting and innovative musician alive at the moment. His music is not only fun to sing and dance to but has a durability that puts him above other artists in his genre. He champions social causes (i.e., “Jesus Walks,” “Diamonds from Sierra Leone,” etc.) not only in his lyrics but also somewhat inappropriately on nationally televised Katrina-relief fundraisers. Regardless, everyone in every corner of the music world keeps an eye on Kanye and what he’s up to, because it’s always going to be the next big thing.

 

Classics: “Love Lockdown,” “Gold Digger,” “Stronger,” “Good Life”

Off the beaten track: “Jesus Walks,” “Everything I Am,” “Heard ‘Em Say,” “We Don’t Care”

 

8. Lupe Fiasco

In a genre dominated by violence and/or buying drinks and dancing in the club (thank you T-Pain), Lupe Fiasco decided to blaze his own trail. He decided to write rap about social issues. He may not be the most successful or popular rapper out there, but gosh darnit — he still has his principles and he brings important issues to light. Plus, he has some pretty sick rhymes.

 

Classics: “Go Go Gadget Flow,” “Superstar,” “Daydreamin’”

Off the beaten track: “Hi-Definition,” “Paris, Tokyo,” “Kick, Push”

 

9. Boston

They really only made one album with the complete original band, but Boston revolutionized rock ’n’ roll with a little tech savvy and a “can-do” spirit. Their self-titled, eight-song debut album still charts as one of the best rock albums of all time, and if you dust it off and throw it on the player — you’ll find out why. Big ideas, big guitar riffs and big vocals all push this band to the top of the list.

 

Classics: “More Than A Feeling,” “Foreplay/Long Time,” “Peace of Mind”

Off the beaten track: “Rock and Roll Band,” “Hitch a Ride”

 

10. John Mayer

Like Kanye, I realize that John Mayer has an incredibly devoted fanbase. However, many would contend (and I would tend to agree) that John Mayer plays a bigger role in his musicianship and lyrical ability than one might think at first glance. With the lyrical prowess of Bob Dylan and guitar skills to challenge Stevie Ray Vaughn, Mayer continues to improve with each album he delivers. Each one has its own feel, tone and musical style that display not only Mayer’s skills but his versatility and virtuosic understanding of music. In this humble writer’s opinion, John Mayer is a true rock god.

 

Classics: “Waiting On The World To Change,” “No Such Thing,” “Say,” “Clarity”

Off the beaten track: “In Repair,” “Who Did You Think I Was?,” “Good Love Is On The Way,” “Why Georgia”