TPWW Forums - View Single Post - Do you believe that bands/musicians need to push the boundaries of music to be considered "great"?

**FakeLaser** · 11-06-2011, 01:14 PM

I wasn't sure, then I thought about what bands I really do consider "GREAT" and the bands that instantly came to mind were:

Radiohead
Sonic Youth
Animal Collective
Pink Floyd
Joy Division
The Beatles

These are all musicians who definitely pushed the boundaries of music, and because of it were incredibly influential on music as a whole. Also, they're some of my favorite bands, and at some point in my life, have considered or even still do consider them my "favorite" band.

To be a true "great" you have to offer something in the way of innovation. I think that applies to anything.

That doesn't mean you can't be a "great" band without re-inventing the wheel. Maybe "great" isn't the word we should be looking at.

I mean, there are plenty of bands I'd consider "great" without really changing things, but there are certain bands that are definitely in the upper echelon of music because not only were the great at what they did but they were great for other reasons, namely their innovation and influence.

I wouldn't consider The Black Keys to have a distinct sound or anything, they're pretty standard blues rock. But they're good at what they do. I'm not a huge fan of theirs or anything, but they are a good band. Great? No.

I dunno. I guess if I look at a band that I really do love... let's say... Deerhunter. I would call them a great band, and at times they may even push the "boundaries of music" though overall I'd say they're pretty much just a psychedelic punk rock band. But I would still consider them "great" because they are great musicians and great at what they do. Though I wouldn't put them in the same category as the bands I listed above.

11-06-2011, 01:14 PM	#7
FakeLaser continental drift Posts: 46,731	I wasn't sure, then I thought about what bands I really do consider "GREAT" and the bands that instantly came to mind were: Radiohead Sonic Youth Animal Collective Pink Floyd Joy Division The Beatles These are all musicians who definitely pushed the boundaries of music, and because of it were incredibly influential on music as a whole. Also, they're some of my favorite bands, and at some point in my life, have considered or even still do consider them my "favorite" band. To be a true "great" you have to offer something in the way of innovation. I think that applies to anything. That doesn't mean you can't be a "great" band without re-inventing the wheel. Maybe "great" isn't the word we should be looking at. I mean, there are plenty of bands I'd consider "great" without really changing things, but there are certain bands that are definitely in the upper echelon of music because not only were the great at what they did but they were great for other reasons, namely their innovation and influence. I wouldn't consider The Black Keys to have a distinct sound or anything, they're pretty standard blues rock. But they're good at what they do. I'm not a huge fan of theirs or anything, but they are a good band. Great? No. I dunno. I guess if I look at a band that I really do love... let's say... Deerhunter. I would call them a great band, and at times they may even push the "boundaries of music" though overall I'd say they're pretty much just a psychedelic punk rock band. But I would still consider them "great" because they are great musicians and great at what they do. Though I wouldn't put them in the same category as the bands I listed above.