Subscribe to ListverseTop 15 Power Trios
- Published March 11, 2008 - 312 Comments
The power trio is a rock and roll band format popularized in the 1960s. The traditional power trio has a lineup of guitar, bass and drums, leaving out the rhythm guitar or keyboard often featured in other rock music. In more recent years, the term has become generally applied to any sort of three-person band [Wikipedia]. This is a list of the top 15 power trios!
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, it’s hard not to have a strong opinion of Primus and Les Claypool’s groundbreaking bass styles.
Formed in 1980, the Femmes’ self-titled album brought Folk-Punk to new heights.
Peaches! Ninjas! Life is good.
While not as widely known as many of the groups listed here, their influence can be felt throughout the world of Heavy Metal. Way before their time.
The tragic death of Lead singer/guitarist Bradley Nowell came just as Sublime started to break into mainstream radio. With an enduring hard-core fan base, one can only wonder how far Sublime could have gone, if Nowell hadn’t fallen victim to his frequent drug abuse.
One of the most recent additions to the power-trio family, this Australian trio has quickly made a name for themselves by blending styles ranging from Black Sabbath, The Who, David Bowie and The Doors among others. They also seem to be popping up on just about every 3rd TV commercial and movie soundtrack these days…
The “other” Rush. This Canadian power-trio had several hits during the 80’s, but perhaps is best-known for having the “most-recognized-as-underrated-best-guitarist”, Rik Emmet.
Green Day achieved a marketing miracle by rising to the top of the charts during the 1990’s “grunge” era, and returning as a powerhouse in the early 2000’s, appealing to a whole new generation.
Lemmys gruff voice, thumping bass and “Fast” Eddie Clarke’s screaming guitar have influenced just about every metal band ever created since “Ace of Spades” was released in 1980.
While most of their songs were simple, power chord riffs with minimal leads, Kurt Cobain and Co. are credited with bringing Grunge to the masses.
The boys from Texas have been at it for almost 40 years, putting out hit after hit while never straying too far from their blues-rock base camp.
From the first moment Sting belted out “Roooooxannne!” The Police were destined for superstardom. Thankfully, Mr. Sumner has awakend from his new-age induced tantric coma, and rumors of a new album are brewing.
Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce pretty much helped define what a power trio should be with a string of hits and an influence that still grabs young’uns by the naughty bits.
No one can argue the influence Hedrix had on the electric guitar, but he accomplished his amazing guitar wizardry while simultneously singing and under the influence of some incredibly heavy drugs. Along with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, Hendrix turned the world of music upside down with his debut album “Are You Experienced?” in 1967. The world would never be the same.
Rush redefined the term Power Trio by making more music that anyone ever thought possible with just 3 people onstage. All musical virtuosi on their respective instruments, yet somehow still managing to get together and turn into a whole greater than the sum of it’s parts. Hands down, the Mac Daddy of all power trios.
Notable exclusions: King’s X, Blink-182, Meat Puppets, Minutemen, The Melvin’s
Contributor: BishopWhiteT
March 11th, 2008 at 5:06 am
w00t for Rush!
March 11th, 2008 at 5:07 am
Great list, I’m glad Primus is on there.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:17 am
I believe it’s Kurt Cobain, not Kirk.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:18 am
No Husker Du – so no use!
March 11th, 2008 at 5:28 am
it WAS Kurt Cobain.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:29 am
Okay – I have now corrected Cobain’s name
Sorry I missed it in the editing.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Primus Sucks! Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver is one of my all time favorite vids.
I was hoping Rush would be #1. I spend the later half of the 80’s listening to only Rush.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:38 am
That’s OK Jfrater, we still love you and your listverse.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:40 am
BishopWhiteT – You must be the smartest person on this site for picking the boys from Canada. Especially their early stuff and live performances. Although I admit some of their later stuff hasn’t really lit a fire under me, these guys used to do it right with some mind blowing stuff.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:43 am
It’s amazing to see how one style of a band has seeped into almost every genre. It’s crazy to think that just three people are needed to create the music heard above. By the way, it’s Kurt, not Kirk, Cobain (just thought I’d let you know that). Would Blink 182 be considered a power trio? If so, haven’t they done a lot to usher a new wave of punk? I don’t know much in regards to music, just thought I’d ask.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Tsk tsk…I don’t see Robin Trower['s band] or Mountain in there. And while they certainly weren’t a “top” power trio, do a Google search on “Kurt Winter,” “Bill Wallace,” “Vance Masters,” and “Brother” to see about their small contributions to great rock and roll in Canada.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Great List! Lots of tunes from my youth. Good pick for #1. The best 3 piece band ever.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Nirvana needs to be higher up!!!
March 11th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Here’s another question. Why does the lead singer or artist have to die whenever a band is about to explode on the scene (or become one of the most influential factors to new music)? I think it’s a conspiracy (maybe). I can only think of a few artists right now, but I am sure there are more. Nirvana, Sublime, Jeff Buckley, Blind Melon, Elliot Smith, etc.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Rush sucks. The rest of the top ten all had a much wider audience and influence. Rush may have been better technical players than many, but they were never innovative or entertaining.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:58 am
GREENDAY!!!
March 11th, 2008 at 6:00 am
Directorxian; because they can now fund the lifestyle/excesses that ultimately kill them. A heroin addict with an unlimited supply is never a good thing.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:07 am
Great picks. You can’t be serious at having jimi hendrix second to rush. and nirvana that far behind…come on. You have good taste
March 11th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Steve-O; 2112 not innovative? Hemispheres? hmmmm I was around when they debuted, there was nothing else like it. Their early albums were great. Yer mistaken. I wasn’t fond of most of their music in the 80’s starting with Permanent Waves, but I like their brand new stuff. The fact that they seem like pretty cool guys is a bonus.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:11 am
wow, interesting list. don’t know anything about rush other than i have heard people talk about how great they are and that neil pert is the best drummer ever.
in watching the clip above, their musical talent was evident quickly and i was thinking this is a cool jam. then that guy opened his mouth. YIKES!! i hope most of their stuff is simply instrumental or that someone else is the lead vocalist. that guys singing is terrible.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Directorixa: Because it’s better the burn out then Fade away. Look at it this way do you prefer to remember young hip Elvis or old fat Elvis.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:18 am
No Alkaline Trio. You die now.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:19 am
ZZTOP SHOULD HAVE BEEN NUMBER 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 11th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Susan: GREENDAY? It’s two words – Green Day! How old you, 13?! I bet you think American Idiot was their first album!
March 11th, 2008 at 6:34 am
good list, but id have to move primus and sublime up over bands like greenday :-\
March 11th, 2008 at 6:37 am
I think Zeppelin, Stones, and the Who are much better than Rush, and I definitely think that Hendrix should be at number 1.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Chris; 3 pc band. 2 guitars, drums.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Sublime should be higher,much higher, but I’ll take it.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Brilliant comment Chris! In a power trio discussion you mention bands that aren’t power trios. Now that you mention it, I think the Beatles are better than Rush. Cmon peeps, read the list description and then comment.
Hendrix was probably the most talented, but it was Hendrix and two dudes he found on the street.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Okay, Rush is really one of the most godawful, ridiculous bands in history. To place them in the Number One spot is an absurdity. Especially over Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Good lord.
To leave Husker Du off this list is an affrontery.
To leave THE JAM off this list is an unforgivable sin, and combined with his other choices, means that the author has no knowledge of music. Or simply had some kind of bizarre mental lapse.
I mean come on…. THE JAM for god’s sake. Missing. Not here. Insane.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Lol Disc! Yeah, it’s been mentioned before that Geddy has a pretty crappy voice. It’s been compared to a chainsaw going through a cat. He’s toned it down recently. Which is probably why I don’t really care much for them anymore.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Mitch Mitchell, the drummer from the Jimi Hendrix Experience, wasnt exactly just a “dude found on the street”
March 11th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Bucslim and Mom424: read my comment again and tell me if I ever said that any of those three bands were a power trio. All I said was that I like those bands more.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Chris, then your comment here, in a power trio list, is pointless. thats what they are stating.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:49 am
alkaline trio
March 11th, 2008 at 6:49 am
THE JAM….. For god’s sake!
“Down in the Tubestation at Midnight”
“Eton Rifles”
“This is the Modern World.”
“Goin’ Underground”
Good god… no Jam….. I’m reeling.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:51 am
That video does not do Rush justice.
Great picks. The only one I hadn’t heard of was wolfmother. I could definitely hear the Balck Sabbath and The Who influence.
I LOVE Rush. I can not even begin to pick a better video, because I see sooo many songs I love by them.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:54 am
yikes…the presidents of the us of a ahead of the violent femmes or primus? on what planet? certainly not earth.
sorry but peaches and a few other crappy songs that made it in the top 40 make this band marginally better than a one hit wonder in my not so humble opinion.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Chris – how dare you! of course zeppelin, stones, and the Who are better than Rush but were talking about Power Trios aren’t we? But still, props on putting Rush on 1. Nice work man!
March 11th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Randall,
I don’t think it’s an absurdity. I really have loathed what Rush has become recently, but quite a lot of their early work is, in my opinion, quite good. You honestly can’t question their talent, as each guy has been considered at one point or another to be at the top of their discipline.
Listen, I know they don’t appeal to everyone and some consider them to be the height of Jr. High headbanging. And some of the lyrics are, well, kooky, to be frank. It’s obvious early on that they were trying to be some sort of quasi-Zeppelinesque. But you’ll never get a better drummer than Peart, you’d be hard pressed to find a better bass player than Geddy Lee. Alex Lifeson has taken a backseat in recent years, but his earlier work was pretty damned astounding. I’m giving you some credit here because I know a lot of people absolutely hate them. I really like there stuff before Power Windows. Especially Moving Pictures – that recording was damn near perfect in almost every way.
And I agree with you about the Jam.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:00 am
I was about to say this was the worst list on the site until I scrolled down to see Nirvana, Cream and The Jimi Hendrix Experience which boosted it to a semi reasonable list. I think the Band of Gypsys deserves a mention.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Great top 3. Hendrix, however, is by far the best.
Green Day? Please.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:10 am
Primus made a list !!
I wish it were a bit higher up though !
(But that’s just my own musical preference talking)
March 11th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Ugh, Rush is so over. I was glad to see Primus on here, though.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Rush? Really? Them and Devo have the two Nerdiest band followings in history. Hendrixs should easily be #1
March 11th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Everlast – yeah I probably was being a bit hasty with the two dudes found on the street comment. But that really could have been true. Hendrix was so talented he probably could have dragged a couple of no-talent limbless people and still make it work.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:13 am
primus rules
March 11th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I did not make comment # 45. I’m the real bucslim – full of himself, snarky and wit sharper than a rubber mallet. So poop on you fake bucslim. Evil false tricksy bucslim.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:14 am
It’s a travesty that King’s X wasn’t included on this list.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:15 am
48. bucslim – March 11th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Your name & “bucslim@hotmail.com” are showing as the default logins in the comment section.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:15 am
jamie; can we not make some sort of blocking feature so we don’t have the double identity thing? Most of us have no problem making asses out of ourselves, we definitely need no help.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:16 am
bucslim:
Musicianship and technical ability mean very little to me. Some, yes, but not much. To me it’s about the energy, the vitality, the power, the songwriting, and the attitude. In all these areas, Rush fails and has always failed.
C’mon bucslim, they’re from CANADA for god’s sake. You can’t take ANYTHING from Canada *serious.* Except Sarah Mclachlan maybe.
And puffins. I like puffins. They’re cute.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:18 am
HexenBexen; I had another kiwi yesterday, I noticed before I posted and deleted the info.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:18 am
52. Randall – March 11th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Hm, American, right? Figures.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Randall; You better damn well take me seriously. No love for The Guess Who? Liona Boyd? Jann Arden? Alanis Morisette?
Non music – Mordecai Richler? Pierre Burton? (you young guys know him, did the how to roll a conie video), geez even Trudeau is worth taking seriously.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Mom424 – I can assure you that my ass is whiter and bigger than the nasty bucslim from the parallel universe. I’m ass-tastic.
Randall – I appreciate your slant on this topic. I somehow sense you’re playing nice with me. I still like their early stuff. And Canadian Bacon. Which really isn’t bacon.
Anyway, I’ll mail you a copy of Moving Pictures and let you decide for yourself about that specific album.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:31 am
I screamed for joy when i saw primus then almost flew out of my seat with excitement when i saw rush was number one.
Geddy lee and les claypool’s bass playing inspired me to pick up the instrument.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Mom:
I take YOU seriously, of course.
I love Canadians… we’re very close. Nice people. But no, I don’t take their rock and roll seriously. So sorry. American arrogance.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Where the hell are alkaline trio!!!???
March 11th, 2008 at 7:36 am
bucslim; Randall and I disagree about music, he has what I consider white-bread (geez I wonder if Veronica is going to flame me
) taste. Likes the light and fluffy stuff. I feel no connection to most of what he loves. Differences are what make the world go round. And I love it when Geddy Lee screams.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Mom:
Ha ha. You think my taste is “white bread.” Nice. See, you know nothing of me or my taste. Merely because I loved New Wave and punk and alternative.
But see, you know nothing of my great fondness for real jazz, for R&B, Motown, serious Soul… for Etta James, Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington… Miles David, Wes Montgomery… Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell…. Bo Diddley… for Reggae and ska and Rocksteady…
What makes me despise bands like Rush is that THEY are “white bread.” Utterly disconnected from the roots of rock and roll, from the intensity, honesty, and honest passion and sexuality at the root of the music. Not just Rush—there are hundreds of examples. Most white music, historically, sucks when compared to the real music coming out of black folks going back to the jazz age. A few white guys and women got it. They’re the ones I like.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:48 am
First time you ever missed the boat in judging me, Mom. My tastes are urban/collegiate/tradition-based. Actually not “white” or “white bread” at all.
But I still love you. We all make mistakes.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:49 am
whoops… that was supposed to be Miles DAVIS. I have a cold. on a lot of codeine right now.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:53 am
No Busted?
*holds head in hands and weeps*
March 11th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Good list (mostly). Directorxian (#10) was so right in noting that one style hit into almost every genre.
Cream and Jimi in the wrong place.
And I agree with Mom, except the Trudeau statement (unless she was talking about Gary and not Pierre)
March 11th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Where in the hell are SRV and Double Trouble?
March 11th, 2008 at 8:05 am
cant believe you forgot divididos….greatest power trio in argentina…..
March 11th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Not to awake the giant hiding behind a drooling codeine haze Randall, but I have to again politely disagree about the “Utterly disconnected from the roots of rock and roll, from the intensity, honesty, and honest passion and sexuality at the root of the music.” comment.
Not asking you to rubber stamp approve of everything they’ve done. Anything from Power Windows on has been pretty bad – agreed. Their stuff up to Moving Pictures was pretty damn intense and passionate. Which makes what they’ve done recently pale in comparison. And their live performances are fantastic. Given that the whole arena has a bunch of lathered up fanatics, yes, that adds to it. Passionless? – hardly. Sexuality-less? probably. There ain’t no bulges in the trousers here – until Neil Peart starts into one of his solos.
Eh? So take off, hoser!
March 11th, 2008 at 8:14 am
6th street – As much as I love SRV, a lot of the time Stevie had a few other dudes helping out – like the guy with a racoon tail hat playing the Korg.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Ever since this site switched to the gray/blue background I just can’t read it. It hurts my eyes
March 11th, 2008 at 8:30 am
How about King Crimson as a trio in Red?
March 11th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Yey for The Police.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:33 am
what no Tenacious D feat. Sasquatch?? oh wait they weren’t comfortable being a power trio…
March 11th, 2008 at 8:33 am
I’m so happy THe Who and The Jam aren’t in this list.
The Jam – bland music and I couldn’t care less about Paul Weller’s Mod Cockney musings on life. Blah.
The Who – Roger Daltrey admitted they called themselves The Who so their name would appear bigger on posters, rendering anti-capitalist songs like ‘My Generation’ pointless.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:38 am
romerozombie:
The Jam… “bland”?
Yeah, okay dude. The head remains erect, up in the air… not inserted up your ass. Just a helpful bit of advice.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Randall; See, I’m a big girl, I take it back.. Honestly all I’ve seen so far from you is the light stuff. I love the old blues (not so much fusion/jazz, too discordant for my tastes, I am unable to differentiate the sounds properly, according to my husband). I guess I will just never appreciate the new wave lilt.
Oh, and if you watch close, I’m pretty sure I’ll be wrong again.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:44 am
stevenh; Trudeau is memorable. Sure he drove the country into damn near bankruptcy, but it needed to be done. Take a look to the south and see what happens without the bank breaking social programs we have. Sure he over-reacted to the FLQ crisis with the war measures act. But small overreaction compared to the fiasco in the US right now. We may have thrown ‘em in jail without trial or charge, but we sure as hell didn’t waterboard them. His-fuck you attitude was just a bonus.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:54 am
where is muse? =0
March 11th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Pete – 1, Roger – 2, John – 3, Keith – 4.
1+1+1+1 = 3.
Ok, let’s go ahead and put the Who in a power trio. Three shall be the number of thy counting, thou shalt now count 2, excepting that thou shalt proceed to three. Thou shall not count to 4, 5 is right out.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:56 am
bucslim:
“Not to awake the giant hiding behind a drooling codeine haze Randall, but I have to again politely disagree…”
Don’t snivel, bucslim, we just had the carpets done here.
Trust me, I’m in no mood to enter into yet another music argument with someone. It’s what I spend more than half my time doing on this site, and it’s getting old, even for me. And I’m SICK man, doesn’t anybody have any sympathy? Witness my lackluster performance over on my own Brunettes list.
Everybody here is talking about Spitzer anyway, I can’t keep my head straight. Who pays five grand for a prostitute? There’s not a hooker on earth who’s worth 5 grand. And didn’t anyone tell him that he’s the GOVERNOR of New York State? Sex is FREE for you, dude. Take a mistress or two, or three (of course, maybe he did, and still wanted hookers) but who the hell pays that much for a hooker?
Sorry… it’s the talk of the offices here. New York is both our beloved home and our terrible burden.
Just waiting for him to resign now. And then, as ever, the Mob will let us know who our next governor is. I’m sure the Gambinos are meeting about it even as we speak.
ANYWAY… sorry.. tangent. Codeine.
bucslim, no no no… there’s never been any “passion” in Rush. Passion ain’t loud and heavy—not always anyway—it’s energetic and moving and like a wave breaking over you. That’s not Rush. Rush is just a faucet turned on full blast, that’s all. Like all so-called “progressive,” “hard-rock” screechy/screamy/masturbatory-guitar-solo blather.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:59 am
And another thing–technically the Who CAN be considered a power trio, because Roger Daltrey has traditionally not played an instrument. They’re a power trio with a lead singer, basically.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:00 am
THIS IS A FUCKING POWER TRIO DISCUSSION.
The Who doesn’t fucking enter into it, giving that there are/were 4 – FOUR FUCKERS IN THE BAND!!!
The next person that mentions a band with less than three and more than three people in the fucking band should be taken out back and shot.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Oh come on Randall, I mean really. They are not the Sex Pistols or the Clash when it comes to passion, fine. But do we really need to get into a discussion as to what passion means in rock and roll?
For the love of pete, I like them, I think they have passion and you don’t. Whatever. End of discussion.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:09 am
what time zone are you guys in?
March 11th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Good list! I had actually heard of most of these acts. As a country fan I have to put forward two trio for that genre. Rascal Flatts and the Dixie Chicks.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:13 am
bucslim:
“…I think they have passion and you don’t.”
Are you saying that I think they don’t have passion, or are you saying *I* have no passion?
If the former, you are correct. If the latter, I’d say that’s pretty mean of you. I was drunk that night. You know what alcohol does to a man’s performance capabilities. Baby.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:14 am
kennex:
a bunch of different ones dude…
March 11th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Randall – HAA!
No, not saying your past performances were passionless. I just wish you’d treat me like a lady sometimes. Try a little tender caresses next time. And repeating “Who’s your Daddy!” constantly is demeaning. And take off your goddamn socks!
March 11th, 2008 at 9:19 am
bucslim, why do you bother? you know if you disagree with randall, you’re wrong, no matter what the case, be it this thread or any other
March 11th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I saw Blue Cheer last week and they still kick ass. Before Allen Woody died, Gov’t Mule were a pretty rockin 3 piece.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Randall: just a helpful bit of adive – stop being a defensive fuck when someone doesn’t agree with you. Yes, they’re bland. I you don’t think they are, I’d hate to hear what you think is bland.
Whooops, I made a mistake about the Who comment. Sue me. I’ve only ever heard the names Roger, Keith and Pete associated with the Who.
Some of you people need to lighten up. Jesus.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:25 am
bucslim:
I never, NEVER do it with my socks on. That’s gross. Hate that. I don’t allow women to do that either. It just ain’t right. Once or twice it’s happened, and I made them stop, get out of bed and remove the freakin’ socks. Tough if your feet are cold.
And I ALWAYS treat you like a woman, bucslim… or should I say, my bitch?
ha. ha ha ha ha. HA HA HA HA HA HA. ha ha.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:26 am
i agree with romerozombie…i am all for a good debate..but its not a life or death thing!
March 11th, 2008 at 9:27 am
altho it sounds like there is something more going on between randall and bucslim!
March 11th, 2008 at 9:27 am
romerozombie:
I need no advice from you, pal. I wasn’t defensive–your comment wasn’t directed at me–therefore, I couldn’t react “defensively.” Rather, I was *indignant* about a dumb opinion. Big difference there.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:56 am
OOOOO – got time for a quickie?
(bucslim posing as another poster)
March 11th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Randall doesn’t do “quickies.” Every experience with Randall is lengthy, exhausting, and eminently satisfying.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Bucslim-
Yeah I know that Stevie added folks later on, but the classic stuff was SRV, Chris Layton, and Tommy Shannon- A power trio by any definition. Reference “Crossfire” and “Tightrope”.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:14 am
6th, I’ll go along with that.
When I saw him perform right after Couldn’t Stand the Weather came out, he had quite a number of folks on stage. But yeah SRV and Double Trouble were a trio.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:15 am
That last comment was from non other than the real bucslim. I wasn’t paying attention to the name.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:17 am
I wonder what pisses off people more around here… Talkin about Religion or Music?
Oh yea I almost forgot:
PRIMUS SUCKS!
March 11th, 2008 at 10:28 am
(#101)DanOhh: Here, here! On both parts!
March 11th, 2008 at 10:32 am
how do you get followup comments to stop!
March 11th, 2008 at 10:34 am
23RedLeader: instructions are at the bottom of each email you receive.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:36 am
It sure would’ve been nice to see the Minutemen included here. Oh well..
March 11th, 2008 at 10:53 am
jfrater: If you really want to get people’s blood presure up you need to have a list about Top 10 Christian Rock Bands.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Randall; I’d hate to argue, but there are times when socks are required. Shoes too if you’re very adventurous.
Too bad about Spitzer; A little more practice and a little less preaching. And to think he made his rep taking down prostitution and white collar crime. Dontcha just hate folks who espouse the high ground while wallowing in the gutter? I don’t object to the gutter, its the preaching that gets me every time. Most televangelists and politicians fall into this category.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Mom:
Impromptu sessions occurring in locations requiring the retention of certain items of clothing (i.e., doing it at the office–which I have done, I admit… or in a movie theater—guilty… or on a hiking trip only a few yards away from passing groups of other hikers—yup…. and so on) don’t count. We’re talking about at home, just the two of us, in the sack. No socks, no shoes allowed. Sometimes, though, a shirt is okay…. when she unbuttons it at least halfway down, and has deftly removed her bra from underneath the shirt. This is acceptable… and indeed, can be lots of fun.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Fine, be a total dick. As for The Jam not being bland, you’re wrong. I don’t like to impose my opinions upon people, but you’re a deluded cunt and The Jam are so overrated it’s unreal. Go and listen to your mainstream, widely appreciated music you hollow fuck.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Too bad for Spitzer’s wife! She is a beautiful woman that deserves better than an arrogant hypocrit for a douche-bag husband.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Where’s Muse? I’m pretty bewildered they’re not there!
March 11th, 2008 at 11:33 am
romerozombie; I’m all for curse words and use them with regularity but c’mon the “c” word. No flow, too harsh, and demeaning. (Unless you’re in the UK, lol). Just by using that tone you’ve lost all credibility. Providing you had any to begin with.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Mom424: I don’t care whether you view me with credibility or none whatsoever. And frankly, an obnoxious prick like Randall deserves such a title.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Again….
WHAT ABOUT KING’S X!!!!!????
March 11th, 2008 at 11:46 am
romerozombe:
What the f**k is your problem?
A) Trust me, you little putz, you’re not imposing ANYTHING on me–least of all your empty-headed opinion.
B) The Jam is, to this day, one of the most respected and highly-touted bands of the original punk/new wave scene. I’ve heard them called lots of things–sloppy in their early days; distant and aloof at times; angsty on occasion. But never “bland.” Spandau Ballet were “bland.” The Jam were anything but.
C) I wonder, “romero,” what YOUR taste in music is. It pains me to imagine. But you know, it doesn’t bother me in the least if you don’t LIKE the Jam. There are lot of good bands that I don’t care for. But I don’t go around dissing them or anyone else just for the sake of being a controversial and/or opinionated loudmouth. I acknowledge, therefore, that your taste might not run to being a big fan of the Jam… but calling them bland is, yes, just plain silly. “Going Underground” is BLAND? Dude, I was 16 years old when that song came out, and it was like a breath of f**king fresh air—it was an ANTHEM for people my age and like me. It was the kind of song that comes along once in a generation. I remember being at dance clubs when I was in college two or three years later and they were still playing it, and people would run over themselves to get to the dance floor for that song.
And that song is not alone–the Jam’s music was exciting and exhilirating for us back then–nearly all of it. You might not like the cockney pose they carried, or something else about them… and that’s fine. But for chrissakes, calling them “bland” is just plain stupid. It’s ignorant.
You say I’m a “hollow fuck.” Yeah, no thanks, I’ll pass on that label… it’s better reserved for you, since your over-the-top pissiness about this subject indicates to me that you’re too lacking in self-awareness to face the fact that you haven’t got a clue of what you’re talking about.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:47 am
otay; do you think she really didn’t know he was a douche bag? Its been my experience that the wives/significant others are well aware; they too are seduced by the power and social benefits of that power. Appearance over substance every time. She may be the exception to the rule, but not likely.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Mom:
I met her last summer or the summer before–nice woman, beautiful in person (at least she was at the time).
Just saw Spitzer here about a week ago, also… he was down the hall in a conference room. Maybe I hexed him somehow and didn’t realize it.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:53 am
MY over-the-top pissiness? Christ, have you ever heard of irony?
March 11th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Rush is the bomb!! Great list.Farewell to Kings is gold.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:58 am
FYI, I like bands like Nine Inch Nails, Bat For Lashes, Sonic Youth and Alexisonfire. When I listen to these bands, music of bands like The Jam just pales in comparison. Try listening outside the mainstream.
As for you and your retarded friends rushing to the dancefloor when the opening of Going Underground filled the room, that’s totally irrelevant to me. Save your little wetdreams of yesteryear for someone who cares.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I’m going to have to add Grand Funk Railroad as a 3 pc. I know they were not a 3 pc. later in their career, but they made plenty of noise while they were.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Grand Funk Railroad
March 11th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Randall; I actually kind of agree with romero, bland may be a little over the top, but they have that lilting, new wave kind of yuck vibe that I do not like at all. I figured out why. I was well past the club scene by the time new wave came about..in fact I quit clubbing right around the same time it was legal for me to do so. Around 1980/81. I missed out on it, therefore there is no connection.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I’m in a power-trio band. Our first 3 albums were Deluded Cunt, Hollow Fuck & Obnoxious Prick.
I think its nice when a site can bring us all closer together like this.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Better make that MISTER Hollow Fuck to you romerozombie!
And weren’t you the one who told people to lighten up a few posts ago?
Ahh screw it, I thought the Bee Gees were a power trio.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
HAAAAA – dan231, please e-mail my boss and tell him why I just sprayed Coke all over my keyboard.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
romero:
If I remember correctly, you’re also a Metallica fan. That says it all right there.
To begin with, moron, The Jam were certainly NOT “mainstream,” at least not here in the US. But even in the UK I’d hardly say they were considered that.
Secondly–why don’t you tell me what’s wrong with “the mainstream” while you’re at it? Are you going to claim that nothing good can be popular? Or that everything that’s popular is shitty? I would hope you’d have the brains to realize how stupid and illogical that would be, since some very good things have been popular–not just in music, but in books, art, film… so why don’t you just drop the childish pose about this and knock of all the references to “listening outside of the mainstream”?
And in point of fact I’ve been into underground and indie music my entire goddamned life, which for all I know is going back a lot further than yours… I could name a hundred freakin’ bands you never even knew existed, asshole. What would that prove?
Nice crack about “wetdreams”—coming from some little punk who probably has nothing but. The point was only “irrelevant” to you for convenience’s sake, since you have no answer for it. Point being, it was music that moved a WHOLE SHITLOAD of people in the day—and it certainly was not pop/mainstream/plastic-packaged music.
Again, butthead–I don’t care who you like or don’t like. It’s your right. But if you’re gonna make comments and criticisms, be intelligent about it. Do your homework, know who and what you’re talking about.
Why not tell me anyway how it is Natasha Khan is supposed to be all that much superior to The Jam? The Jam are clearly one of the most important bands in UK rock history. Bat for Lashes is okay, but even in the UK she’s not heralded that high.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
dan231 – Where might one purchase your albums?? lol
March 11th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
ummm….Metallica rocks!!
March 11th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
RUSH Rules!
March 11th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Social Distortion!
March 11th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Im not a Metallica fanboy by far, but to say “you’re also a Metallica fan. That says it all right there.” I would wonder where you going with that?.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
eh rap is better
March 11th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I really don’t get the obsession with Hendrix….the guy was definitely good but he wasn’t around long enough. Maybe it’s the potential that people are obsessed with. In terms of three people making music ya it’s good. But rolling stone mag. calling him the best guitar player ever? Strange, bandwagon world we live in.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Sedulous: I think some of that has to do with the mystique of what could have been. Jimi was a great player and was only around a short time. He was never around long enough for people to get a full sense of his abilities or to see if he could make it last. So they have to base his music on just a few songs.
Think about it…I put out 1 great album and then die. people will call me great beacuse of my one album. But if I had lived, 1 would have put out 3 crappy albums and then 1 more good one. That’s pretty poor and I would be judged poorly based on all my records.
Do I like Jimi, yes, all of his stuff, no… I think the same goes for any muscian or actor (think James Dean) who died young.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
i know they don’t have the prescribed instrumentation but could run dmc be counted in this realm?
March 11th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Sorry to derail the flame train, but…
Sublime is amazing. Soundtrack to my youth, for sure. I’m from Southern California and have spent many a summer ditching school and driving to the beach blasting 40 Oz to Freedom from my car.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Good list, but Blink 182 definitely deserves a spot here. They were one of the biggest punk bands of the 90s and if it weren’t for their infighting they probably still would be.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
BishopWhiteT; Did you know Rik Emmett is touring? I know he had dates around where I live this fall. And I love your choices. Good bands, no lilt lite.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
F-ya Primus, Nirvana, and Sublime!!! Where’s Muse?
March 11th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
dan: ya makes sense, thanks for the thought. Kinda what I was thinking too. Also no offense to all of you Sublime lovers but that is one band I’m sick of. Played on the radio way too much and it will always be the same 4 songs…I just cringe and change the station now. I don’t even remember if I liked them.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Rush are geeks…Nirvana would blow them off the stage anyday.
Speaking of omissions, what about Venom…the most infuential metal power trio of all time!
March 11th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
134. Sedulous…you are clueless and I assume a big Rush fan.
March 11th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
No Jam or Husker Du? Huh?
Does Big Country count now that they’ve come back as a trio?
March 11th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I 2nd The Jam and Husker Du!
Bonus points for remembering Blue Cheer!
Grant
March 11th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
#89. Everlast
Spot on.
And can we please stop with the “OH MY GOD. You forgot MY favorite band, this random trio of guys that made one moderately successful album that I listen to because my ex-girlfriend made me listen to them one time and I’ve loved them ever since but no one else has ever heard of them before.”? I appreciate we all have different tastes, but getting defensive because one person, who did a great job on the list, btw, forgot YOUR favorite band that really doesn’t count anyway. Politely suggest bands, state your case, and stop with the “zomg eleventy-ones”.
At one time I loved Nirvana. But as I grew older, I liked them less and less, mainly because, as stated, their music was plain and full of clicheic riffs. I would have moved them lower, especially since this is a “best of” list and not an “influential” list.
Good job, Brotherman.
March 11th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
146. Cedestra…fair comments…but this still doesn’t excuse why a bunch of geeks are number 1.
Imagine a free concert in Central Park or Hyde Park with all the above bands playing. Who’d you think would get the best reception? A bunch of music school nerds showing off their musical virtuosity or a balls to walls rock band who actually play songs you can remember and sing along to?
March 11th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
This list sucks! How could you forget Tuesday Douchenozzle and Hillbilly Monkeyfuck?!? You douchnozzle monkeyfucker.
March 11th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I definately wouldn’t call Greenday a 3 peice band.
There’s only technically 3 members and they only ever show them in the film clips, but they have a guitarist that’s played with them on every single one of their albums and also, when you see them live there’s keyboard players and a brass section and sometimes a second drummer….
March 11th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
148. matt
Well, unless I’m grossly mistaken, who is in the Guiness Book of World Records as having sold the most tickets to a single concert? The Rollings Stones? The Beatles? Nope, it was Depeche Mode. Hardly “balls to walls” rock band. I actually think it’s a fair shot as to who gets the best reception. Not sure, but I’d say Rush really pushed the envelope, came up with some great tunes, are great players, and give a great concert (one of the few bands I’ve actually seen).
149. ?
LOL.
March 11th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Double checked that fact; it was actually A-Ha who set a Guiness record for playing to the most amount of paying people at once: 198,000. Fact incorrect, but my point still stands.
March 11th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
looooooooooool
Rush is my least favorite band of all time.
Nirvana is inarguably in the top 3.
March 11th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Greenday rocks! Literally! =)
March 11th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
“No one can argue the influence Hedrix had on the electric guitar”
that should be Hendrix.
Cog (Sydney band) are a mind-blowing power trio. But i’ll just go ahead and assume no one here knows who Cog are
March 11th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Randall: Why can’t you just let people have their own tastes in music and stop using it as a basis of judgement. We all like different things and no amount of whining, bitching and/or character assasination is gonna bring people round to your opinions.
All these kinds of arguments just annoy me. Why do you get so aggrivated when people praise a band that you hate. Let them have and air their own opinions, we have freedom of speech after all. Secondly, why is their view on a certain band so important, these arguments are such a waste of oxygen. Let people listen to who they want to listen to and lets all stop trying to shove our music tastes/opinions down each others throats.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Nirvana should be closer to number one.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Great idea for a list!
#15 PRIMUS and #14 VIOLENT FEMMES definately need to be higher on this list
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA should not be on here!! I’m sure you could have thought of someone else to put on. I’m not so sure about GREENDAY being on this list either.
As far as RUSH goes, I’ve always they were very talented musicians, but never really listened to much of their music besides hearing their singles on the radio. I decided to download a bunch of their music to so I could hear songs of theirs that get zero airplay. Their debut album definately has a Zeppelin sound to it…so I have to say I liked it
‘Working Man’ and ‘Here Again’ are great rock tunes. They were definately innovative in the records after their first rock album…although I’m not a big fan of the use of alot of synthesizer.
I was fortunate enough to see PRIMUS live at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, and I can safely say that LES CLAYPOOL is the best bass player that I have ever seen. After the talented Cliff Burton passed away, METALLICA had Les Claypool try out for their band since Kirk Hammett knew him from their school days. Claypool played ‘Master of Puppets’ on his bass and James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich were floored. Basically, Hetfield said he didn’t win the job because he was too good. Thank God for that, otherwise their would be no PRIMUS.
If your looking for the great rock trio….there was what some called a ’super group’ consisting of POLICE drummer Stewart Copeland, PHISH guitarist Trey Anastasio and Les Claypool. I’m not saying to put them on this list because they only released one album, but damn can those motherFu@#ers jam
check out their CD ‘Grand Pecking Order’ if you get the chance.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
i thought this time
i was going to see blink 182 for sure
but i guess
people hate them because of their style
they will be my number one forever
then greenday
but they are not really a trio
but i love them anyway
im kind of drunk so dont mind me
except for blink being the best maybe.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
the only good thing BLINK 182 did was break up
lol
March 11th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Kudos on Rush at #1, but Primus ranked lower than the Presidents of the USA??? C’mon now.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
While I don’t necessarily agree with the order of them, the bands on this list are solid. But the inclusion of Presidents of the United States of America just ruins it for me.
The Greenhornes are a much better trio than the Presidents. Even Sleater-Kinney or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs would have been a better choice. Hell, pick 3 kids out of your local high school music class and you’d have a better trio than the Presidents
March 11th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
What about Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble? Only the last album had a fourth in it.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
WOOT!!! All of these are super awesome! GREAT LIST!!!!
March 11th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
MUSE
March 11th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
King’s X not being included in the list at all except as an honorable mention negated the whole point of the List. They are still putting out Great music and they have been at it since ‘83. Doug Pinnick has got one of the most soulful voices in all of music. Aside from the fact that they are one of the most respected bands in music by musicians.
To not even mention Muse when they are releasing some of the best Music in the last decade is just bad bad bad…
March 11th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
no Hüsker Dü? for shame, your power trios lack power it would seem, also 2nds (or thirds…) on the Jam, The Minutemen and fer crying out loud, the original line up of Crowded House! and what about Uncle Tupelo!!… well beside those oversights a fine list errrr….carry on….(cough cough)
March 11th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
165 – King’s X! Amen, dude, amen.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
What no blink 182 thats lame!
March 11th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Sublime should be 5 and everything kept the same. I don’t think bradley’s death should effect there status as a power trio.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
what about the beatles,christina aguilera,N’Sync,and Snoop Dogg???? all great trios…. no dap for n’sync what a shame
March 11th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
To whom it may concern, I posted comment #149 under “?” (my old screen name). I was poking a little fun at people complaining about bands being left off that I’ve never even heard of. My apologies to all those who suddenly felt a strong sense of desperation at their inability to secure the lateset Hillbilly Monkeyfuck release. Maybe I’ll put out a single under that name, just so It’ll be out there.
If anyone beats me to it, I want a cut. That name is gold, Jerry, GOLD!
March 11th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
This is a great list. Listening to “Caress of Steel” at 12 was frickin’ sweet — then I turned 12 1/2, and I got super bored by Rush. Oh well — they are truly a power trio.
And Randall, of course you are dead on — the Jam were one leg of the holy british triumvirate (with the Clash and the Sex Pistols). I think they are vastly underappreciated, by Americans, at least. “English Rose”, come to think of it, might be one of the most beautiful songs of the almost-’80s:). And “In the City” smokes any Rush song ever.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Great to see Wolfmother on this list! I’m not a big Rush fan, but they do put out a lot of Power for a Trio.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
The Rise and Fall of RandallMom424?–with third party alliance.
I listened to Blue Cheer for the first time last year. Outsideinside is good. I love their version of “The Hunter” I didn’t realize that they were a trio…and a power trio at that!
Tom Waits did the voice of the cat
ah The Police. rollerscating during the 80’s in Tennessee, buying a shiny checkerboard “iirridescent reflectant” sticker that said, “The Police”
and a pair of neon checherboard fat shoe lases.
before braces.
neon
who’s to say how some of these bands will age.
theres the 2 that died yound(Cobain and Hendrix) which automatically puts their music in the idol worship extention. Like a plum of rosy smoke
March 11th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
the experience totally beats rush!!!
March 11th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
This probably isnt the place but, jfrater do you have any other websites you are working on?
March 11th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
perhaps The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion comes to mind too.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Ok im a little slow but I remember from the biography that Hendrix’s name is spelled Hendrix, not Hedrix. sorry, i hate doing that.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
James Gang
March 11th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
now that I’ve thought about it, i like The sun cycle better.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=diIThT_mNSI !! =0 =0 …MUSE are incredible live. I saw them last year.. got hit in the face with a bottle. totally worth the ear orgasms though
March 11th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
This list needs more Muse.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
sorry, I forgot to mention the name of the band I was talking about in post #157. They’re called OYSTERHEAD
March 11th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
i’m with Randall on this one , the Jam come on guys
how about the Fun boy three ha ha ha , only kidding
March 11th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
What about Aretha Franklin?
March 11th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Hang on a few more here , Dinosuar Jnr ,Manic street preachers , Dodgy , Feeder , Placebo , stereophonics , goo goo dolls errrrr ah yes the greatest of them all THE BEE GEES
indeed the possibilities are endless (well probally not)
byee
March 11th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Presidents of the U.S.A. are the most under-rated 90’s rock band.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Two other bands come to mind:
Therapy? – They should have made this list, they made great punkrock.
Tomahawk – Maybe should not be on the list, but in my personal opinion it would have made the top three.
@ zeppelingod : Glad to see another Claypool fan.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:56 am
Thanks for mentioning King’s X – their sound was way ahead of its time. Still love to pull out Faith Hope and Love once in a while.
March 12th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Hendershot:
The first Primus video I saw was ‘My Name is Mud’ on much music, and I remember it being on ‘Beavis and Butthead’….of course they loved it.
I’ve listened to Primus for a long time now, I own the DVD ‘Hallucino-Genetics (which you should check out if u haven’t already), and I went to see them in Minneapolis at the Orpheum Theatre…which could possibly my favorite concert so far. It was cool to see them in a small venue, the theatre holds about 2500 people.
I thought the Oysterhead CD was really good. It was pretty solid all around, my personal fav was ‘Rubberneck Lions’.
Colonel Claypool and the Flying Frog Brigade is a good band too.
PRIMUS SUCKS!
March 12th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Hey zeppelingod !
I got in touch with Primus thanks to my (older) brother. Their distinctive sound appealed me. It was Sailing the Seas of Cheese. I went to two of his concerts, but living in Belgium this is about it for me, I guess as he doesn’t play abroad anymore.
I have all of his CD’s and except for the Fancy DVD, I have all his DVD’s as well as this is the only way to get a little of that “live” feeling.
The first time I saw Primus, they had two bands playing before them, the first was an unknown band (I believe also from the Bay area) and the second band was Korn! I still find that pretty funny.
March 12th, 2008 at 2:04 am
HAHAHA IF YOU SAY THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT BLIMK 182 IS THEY BROKE UP, I GOT TO SAY THE ONLY BAD THING THAN HAPPENEND TO YOUR PARENTS IS THAT THEIR CONDOM BROKE UP.
IM SORRY BUT IT IS THE ONLY EXPANATION, I KNOW THEY AHTE IT AND I KNOW YOU HATE IT TO.
NOBODY WAS EXPECTING YOU BUT HERE YOU ARE.
AT LAST BLINK 182 BECANE ONE OF THE BIGGEST BANDS EVER AND WHAT WAS YOUR BEST SHOT, NOTHING…. NOTHING BUT TO TO SHOT YOUR PARENTS DREAMS SO IF I WAS IN YOUR PLACE I WOULD VERY THANKFUL TO BLINK 182. YOU SHOULD BE BE SO GRATEFUL JUST FOR BEING BORN AND HAVE THE OPORTUNITY TO LISTEN TO WHATEVER MUSIC THERE WAS.
BLINK 182… BEST BAD EVER, AND I KNOW MY SPELLING SUCKS BUT YOU UNDERTAND, SO JUST SHUT UP.. AND BE GRATEFUL SOMEBODY DECIDED TO LET YOU LIVE
March 12th, 2008 at 2:40 am
what about Supergrass , as awesome a band as there ever were
March 12th, 2008 at 3:28 am
ianzap: I am a big fan of supergrass too!
March 12th, 2008 at 3:37 am
good to know that i’m in good company then , any takers on Bannarama ? i know they were crap but Keren was hot as hell LOL
March 12th, 2008 at 4:05 am
GO WOLFMOTHER!!! =D!
“You know Wolfmother??’
“Yeah… I have all of her albums…”
March 12th, 2008 at 4:24 am
ianzap: I would definitely not feel right saying Bananarama were as good as supergrass!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:34 am
Randall, you’d actually be surprised how much I know about music, considering I’m only 18. And I’m not one of those Che Guerrera t-shirt-wearing media students who thinks anything considered popular or mainstream is crap. I like Prince and Cyndi Lauper.
Fine, we have a difference of opinion, but you’re still a dick.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:40 am
romerozombie:
Yup, we have a difference of opinion, and you’re still a little, disrespectful, foul-mouthed retard.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:41 am
Fan of Supergrass, right here.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:41 am
Also Super Furry Animals, though that’s not relevant here.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Shorty: (#156)
Shut up Shorty.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:48 am
I go to bed last night and fall to sleep thinking all is right in the verse. I drive to work looking at the beautiful fog cling to the sides of the river like frosting on a cake… Hhmmmm… cake… I sit at my desk and check in at the verse and still see Randall and romerozombie throwin grenades at each other 24 hours later. D’oh.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Nirvana is #1 in my book. They did have a rhythm guitar for awhile, sometimes people forget that.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:56 am
DanOhh:
We smiled at each other, what more do you want? It’s the emoticon equivalent of shaking hands and agreeing to disagree.
Besides, I never back down. Ain’t manly. At least that’s what mom always said.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Randal:
Yea I’m with ya but I do back down every now and then. When it comes to going down a ladder. Goin’ down a ladder forward can be scary.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Randall – that’s not what your mom told me!
March 12th, 2008 at 6:40 am
bucslim:
MY MOM IS DEAD, YOU BASTARD!
Ha ha.
But no, she really is dead. 20 years ago.
Kinda sucked, actually.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Rush weren’t doing anything new when they hit. They were ripping off a boatload of other bands. If they were that innovative to begin with, they would would have had enough escape velocity to pull out of canada’s orbit. This is a band that though it would be a good idea to have a CG skeleton do a rap breakdown in one of their songs. These are not “the most talented group of musicians EVER.”
Listen to King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Cream, and Boston and youve got yourself a recipe for Rush.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Randall – Ok, I’m going to go gargle some draino mixed with ten molar boric acid to rinse out my dirty, disrespectful mouth and probably dig a hole and die.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:55 am
mine22 (#77): I have put a few posts on gnokr.com to give more details on some of the topics here, but otherwise no
March 12th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Randall; Codeine wore off eh? Sorry about your mom, quite the way to throw everyone for a loop though. What exactly is the snappy retort for that?
Did you listen to the Rush tunes Bucslim (I think) sent you?
Critique?
March 12th, 2008 at 6:59 am
bucslim; pretty good effort on your part, see my previous comment.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Phrygia80 – I’m hesitant to rehash what I’ve already said about Rush, but you clearly don’t know what you’re talking about.
Neil Peart was voted the best drummer so many times by Modern Drummer magazine that they had to retire him from being nominated. Quite simply, he’s the best rock drummer ever. By best I mean most talented, most innovative and creative. There really isn’t anyone even close.
Geddy Lee might not be able to claim that kind of respect, but he’s certainly among the best bassists out there. Even a casual listen to most anything he’s done will confirm that.
Alex Lifeson, before he got handcuffed by Geddy’s stupid facination with synths, was considered as an outstanding guitarist. Just listen to La Villa Strangiato. That alone confirms he has plenty of talent and passion.
I’m not going to say they are the most talented group of musicians, save Neil Peart, but they are very talented.
It’s true that early in their careers they were trying to sound like Zeppelin, but not true for everything they’ve done, especially after Permanent Waves. Your recipe reference is bullshit too – just because they might occasionally sound like those groups doesn’t mean they’re ripping them off.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:03 am
bucslim:
Ha. It’s okay dude, I wasn’t the least bit offended. Don’t feel bad. I was kidding.
Not about my mom dying–that’s for real. But it was 20 years ago. I got over it about 19 years ago.
Though it would probably do you some good to gargle the draino and boric acid. Might teach you a “lesson.” If for no other reason than it would be funny.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:05 am
romerozombie
You mean Che Guevara?
March 12th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Mom424 – must have missed something. You sent me some tunes? When? How? Where?
March 12th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Mom424 – nevermind, I misread what you said.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Mom:
Sorry I threw cold water on everyone. Yeah, codeine wore off. I’m still ill though. But I’m being a man about it and toughin’ it out.
I was home with my mom when she died. Sudden heart attack. Yes, took me a while to get over that one. (Dad died when I was a baby–cancer). Had some fast growing up to do. Failed at that. Grew up about ten years later. I think. My ex-wife and a couple of my ex-girlfriends might argue that it took longer than that. Ha ha.
Now… how was bucslim supposed to send me something? I’m here incognito. I don’t share my email and don’t wish my identity known.
And anyway, I don’t need nor do I want Rush songs sent to me. I heard enough Rush when I was 14, thank you. Shitty band made up of the recipe Phrygia80 cited above… which I agree with, and is puke-making.
Please my beloved Canadian friends, move on. Your Rush is a terrible, godawful band. That’s okay, it’s not the end of the world. The Guess Who were okay, though not that great either. Certainly better than Rush. Barenaked Ladies are nice. Sarah McLachlan is a joy, and hot as well.
But you DO have a lot to answer for, for Celine Dion. You’re lucky we didn’t pull a Desert Storm on your hoser-asses for *that* one.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:20 am
We all have different tastes in music. Fine and Dandy. I really need to get some speakers so I can listen to some of these, but I am at work, so they may not like me blaring some of this stuff in the office. Somebody fill me in please, what happened to the good bands of the 90’s? Local radio stations(here neway) play stuff from the the 70’s, the 80’s, and all the crap Britney Spears decides to put on an album. I’m sorry I’m ranting. This is the wrong place for that.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Chad Kroeger, isn’t he from Canada? Or is the whole band from Canada?
March 12th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Randall; Great first make me feel bad and squirmy for you cuz of yer Mom, then you make me feel like puking by mentioning Celine Dion. That woman caterwauls, and she looks suspiciously like Munch’s Scream, and she has a daddy (or granddaddy) complex, ick
And Randall, it was more than a year.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:37 am
HandyMandy:
The good bands of the 90s? Depends on which ones you mean. Some fell apart or have retired from regular work to raise families, etc.–the life of an average band seems to go to about ten years at most. Some carry on in obscurity, with their fan bases dwindled to a tiny hard-core contingent.
But you refer to the situation with commercial radio… well that’s different.
In the 90s, we had grown up with the Punk/new wave revolution (77-85) came of age (I turned 25 in 1990) and by mid-decade we had taken over at the management level of many media companies and radio stations–and began re-programming away from the previously entrenched, monolithic crap-pop and stale dinosaur/classic rock formats. So you got to hear on the radio Goth, Techno, Industrial, neo-punk and of course Grunge. It was a good few years.
But then as always happen, some sold out and also the economics of style came roaring back–crap always makes more money than inventive, independent and original art/music/entertainment. And now today you’re back to listening to 90% garbage on the radio. And it’s even worse today because of blanket corporate ownership of media outlets. A smaller group of stiffs in suits decides what you’re going to listen to. It’s tragic, really.
The tradeoff is, we have the internet, and for a while we had Napster and other file-sharing means. If you seek for the hip music, it’s still there.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Mom:
But she’s all Canada’s. You should be proud.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Wolfmother… I didn’t realise music hadn’t progressed since the Seventies.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Thanks Randall! You are definetly right about crap makes money instead of inventive/independent stuff. I just don’t hear ne of the music I grew up listening to in the 90’s. Maybe it will make a comeback by the time my son is old enough to crank the radio up. Thank for the input.
March 12th, 2008 at 8:09 am
HandyMandy:
For that to happen, Mandy (what makes you handy? Can you tell me? Is it dirty?) we would have to take back our media from the corporate overlords who have, over the last 10 years, bought control over everything we see and hear on TV and radio and in newspapers. Good luck with that.
Me, I’ve been introducing my daughters to cool music for the last 5 years or so, and now they’re both little hipsters. Who needs the lousy radio?
March 12th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Tom Petty’s reactions to “suits takeovers” of price hikes of the artist’s personal products without even discussing with “the artist”/his own-”(law)suit” and, yes, pun was intended by me, now,-(not sure if it was Mr.Petty’s as well)
a
March 12th, 2008 at 8:37 am
i noticed this, you either love primus, or ya hate em, i love them because of the south park theme!
March 12th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I just think they’re alright. Not trying to be awkward!
March 12th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Randall:
Yes it is dirty, use your imagination. My son is pretty cool too. And he is going to have wonderful taste in music, thanks to mom. You can be our leader for the corporate takeover. Lemme know when you’re ready. Just curious. What are you’re five fave bands?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:16 am
HandyMandy:
My imagination is probably way dirtier than the actual reason you’re considered “handy,” but that’s because I’m always a horny bastard regardless of time or day or frame of mind. But I applaud your attainment of the nickname in any case. Show’s initiative and the right spirit. Feel free to whisper in my ear what qualifications you brought to the title.
I’ll gladly be the leader of the Resistance. As long as I can wear one of those cool “leftist guerrilla hats.”
And I’m *always* ready. Always have a toothbrush and…. other necessities…. on me at all times.
Now… my five favorite bands? Ugh… tough one. It varies from time to time. If I had to answer, I’d say….. overall, the Beatles, Talking Heads, Portishead, The Smiths and REM. But then I go long periods without listening to *any* of them. The Sex Pistols are up there… and the Clash… The Cure… Love (60s psychedelic band)… Superchunk/Portastatic… I used to love The Dickies… New Order of course… and to a lesser extent, Joy Division. Echo & the Bunnymen. Beth Orton. Ben Folds. Best to stop there.
You?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:54 am
So I guess I will see you coming? With the hat and all. Fave Five is a toughie. Waylon and Shooter Jennings. I just recently started listening to Willie Nelson, even though he is older than dirt. Cross Canadian Ragweed. Now I’m blank but I know there’s more. Don’t you hate it when work interferes with good conversation?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:07 am
193. tony – March 12th, 2008 at 2:04 am
I think that extremely poor punctuation, all caps lock typing, and horrendous spelling should automatically negate your argument. That goes for everyone.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:12 am
HandyMandy:
You’ll never see me coming. I’m sly and quick. Trained in deception by the CIA. Though yeah, the hat’ll probably be a giveaway.
Work should *never* interfere with good conversation. Or other good things.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:25 am
235. Cedestra – March 12th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I think posting on the internet in general should automatically negate any argument
March 12th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Touche
March 12th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Well if you’re CIA trained, I will see you, hear you and see something in the newspaper about it. Also add Rob Zombie and Stone Temple Pilots to my list. I guess everybody I like is dead, almost dead, sing about the dead, neway.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:39 am
I ranked this list more on the overall feel of each trio and the influence they have had as such. The reason Rush is number one is that they are the first to come to my mind when I hear the words “power trio”. Just so eveyone knows that I didn’t just rank the bands based on personal preference:
15 Primus – Not really a fan, but I love this video
14 Violent Femmes – I like a lot of their stuff, and own the same album everyone else has
13 The Presidents Of The United States Of America – Great vids, good hooks, but wears quick. I don’t own any of their stuff
12 Blue Cheer – don’t own any, but they jam
11 Sublime – One of my all-time favs. I own just about everything you can find, including a ton of bootlegs
10 Wolfmother – Love ‘em. The newest addition to my favs list. Fantastic live show
9 Triumph – Own the greatest hits
8 Green Day – Liked them in the 90’s, not a fan of the new stuff
7 Motorhead – Own their first album, they’re awlright
6 Nirvana – Liked them a lot, own a couple of albums, but rarely listen to them these days
5 ZZ Top – I’m a native Texan, so of course I like ZZ. Plus, my girlfriend’s uncle was their original drummer WAY back in the day. (Namedropper!)
4 The Police – Love a bunch of their tunes, own a few albums
3 Cream – Hard not to like Cream
2 Jimi Hendrix Experience – Another all-time fav and along with Jimmy Page, the reason I started playing guitar.
1 Rush – Love the first 9 or 10 albums, liked the couple after that. They lost me with the rapping skeleton.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:53 am
HandyMandy:
So you have a dark side. Nothing wrong with that… though *all* dark is kinda depressing, isn’t it? No room for light and happy in your world?
I try to stay out of the papers, actually. It’s never flattering.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I do have a light side. I was listening to Van Morrison earlier. There are alot of oldies that I like, but I have no idea the names of the bands or the songs. Rob Zombie is reserved for the drive home when I have had a crappy ass day at work.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:10 am
HandyM:
Well, we agree on Van Morrison…
I reserve screaming at other drivers and driving recklessly when I’ve had a crappy ass day at work. And then de-pressurizing with a gin and tonic on the beach, when I get home. That always helps.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:15 am
SWEET HOLY BABY JEEBUS! i don’t check Listverse for 2, ocunt em’, 2 days and this is what I see when I check back? a most spectacularly awesome list by a name I have not seen before…
BishopWhiteT, do you like blondes?
in all reality, I was so happy to see ALL the bands on here… I was mildly interested by the title, intrigued with Primus at #15, saw the Violent Femmes, and decided to get a cup of coffee and sit a spell.
I always thought that Bad Religion and the Meatmen qualified as “Power Trios” but i guess since those bands now, or prior to their disinigration, ended up having more than 3 members, they no longer qualify…
ah… memories of Tesco’s Tender Love Ballad fill my head…as well as BR’s New Ameica… now I’m going to have to go and dug around in the attic for old cd’s. thanks a bunch, BishopWhiteT. thanks a whole lot.
yep. I’m a punk. My mother was right… but more of a non-mainstream, atheistic, grunge-loving,wine-swigging, beach bunny type. and this was a mindless post because I’m off work and to lazy to do anything else. except drink New Zealand wine and smile. so there.
ringtailroxy schmoxy carbon monoxie
March 12th, 2008 at 11:23 am
ringtailroxy schmoxy carbon monoxie – Lol. Blonde, Brunett, Red, Green, Pink, it’s all good!
March 12th, 2008 at 11:28 am
RUSH sucks.
I would put my vote for Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band. they might not be a “traditional power trio” but they make a big noise
March 12th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
mr_evilmonkey: What?!? RUSH rocks! they made awesome music, and you know you loved “Tom Sawyer”
March 12th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
BishopWhiteT: just gots to share this with you, you damn instigator! dug around in the attic, found my old Primus PorkSoda, my Violent Femmes Self Titled, and (get ready for this!) my old Flaming Lips Transmissions from the Satellite Heart. in my Honig 2006 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc stupor (thought you’d like to hear an American enjoying an affordable NZ wine, jfrater!) i managed to transfer the songs to my IPod, and went for a mountain bike ride! (yes, even though i am in Florida, we have mountain bike trails)
needless to say, it was a great ride, and i was taken back to my youth. felt like i was 18 again. so thanks for the good time. don’t think i’d gave ever had the motivation to climb into the dusty, dank, sauna of an attic for any reason… without this silly list. definitely can’t wait to read your next list!
ringtailroxy (as in a sexy raccoon, not a dirty bottom!)
March 12th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Randall #203: I rest my case. Why not just accept that people have opinions that differ to yours. All your doing at the moment is showing up how immature and close minded you are.
March 12th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
wolfmother instead of the melvins?
are you serious?
who the hell did wolfmother influence? (besides Mike Pattons tirade)
i just dont understand
please somebody help me
March 12th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
yay sublime!
March 12th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I can’t believe you guys forgot…
RUN DMC
The greatest trio of my era!!
March 12th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Roxy – I am an instigator, thanks for noticing.
BTW, my next list is flippin ridiculous
March 12th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I’m really glad that Wolmother made the list!
Such an awesome band.
Really, #1-6 are all fantastic in my eyes.
But I knew Rush was gonna be numba 1.
=D
March 13th, 2008 at 6:09 am
so, if i had to listen to one rush album or song to hear their apparent “awesome-ness” what would one of you rush fans recommend?
March 13th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Shorty:
Yes, I’d rest your case now before you do yourself further damage and cause yourself further embarrassment. I suggest you read through other postings of mine here and elsewhere before you judge me as “close minded” and “immature.” (Both of which are ludicrous accusations). Of course, if you still think me close-minded, feel free–but keep it to yourself, I don’t need lectures from you or anyone else.
There’s always some mealy-mouthed little priss like you who feels they have to berate others for having critical minds… “why can’t you respect that other people have opinions?” they always whine–as you have. I don’t usually feel the need to stoop to answering such soft-headed detractors, but in this case I’ll tell you, “shorty.” I respect people’s INFORMED opinions. I respect someone’s right to like what they like. But no, I won’t shut MYSELF up when my opinions don’t jibe with theirs. And yeah, if I feel they’re wrong, I’ll take them to task for it. You don’t like it, too bad. No one forces you to read my posts or listen to me.
Now go away, you bore me.
March 13th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Disc – Moving Pictures probably won’t disappoint, especially the first side (sorry, I’m still fond of vinyl – on CD it’s the first four songs) Anyway, it contains one of their most recognized songs “Tom Sawyer” and one of their best instrumentals “YYZ.” The recording is really well done, especially the drums.
For a bit harder edge and a good example of their earlier “Zeppelinesque” work try 2112.
I must also tell you Disc, because from reading your other posts on God and Evolution, lyrically they are somewhat hostile.
March 13th, 2008 at 6:41 am
Disc, also La Villa Strangiato from Hemispheres is another really interesting instrumental.
March 13th, 2008 at 6:43 am
bucslim: thanks for the info and the heads up. however, from the clip i heard above i probably want to drown out the singing on artistic grounds before we worry about content.
March 13th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Randall
I honestly used to bristle when challenged by you, but after a few run ins – and after you told me to fuck off a few months ago, it’s sorta one of the reasons I come to the listverse. I wanna see who’s pissed at Randall and watch the inevitable dust up and carnage of wit.
You’re still an idiot for not liking Rush – that comes from an idiot who believes in God.
March 13th, 2008 at 7:17 am
bucslim:
Did I tell you to fuck off? Well… it was said with *love,* bucslim.
(I tell SO many people to fuck off, I lose track) …he said, as an aside to his fans.
I like that phrase, “carnage of wit.” Good one.
And you’re still an idiot for LIKING Rush, bucslim. And remember, I’m not the type to think people are idiots for believing in god. I happen to believe myself, though I remain a free agent and tied to no particular team.
March 13th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Disc – Yeah, besides being the most hideously looking man on the planet, Geddy’s not going to win any singing contests. Back in the old days, he’d positively wail beyond anything reasonable. Perhaps that’s why I liked it so much. I hear he’s toned it down quite a bit, but I really haven’t listened to much Rush lately
March 13th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Muse…… how come they’re not up there!?
March 13th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Because I’d never heard of them when I wrote this list. I do have an extensive music background, but there are always those that fall through the cracks. Probably a regional thing. Sorry.
March 13th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
yes i knew rush was the best power trio cant wait to see them on july 14
March 13th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I agree that muse should have been on this list, they are amazing. also the rock band chevelle is [retty awesome for trio. most rock bands have about 8 guys in them.
March 13th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
James Gang!
March 14th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Gosh, No one mentioned “Peter, Paul & Mary”
Reading the griping on here has given me an urge to listen to some nice Lawrence Welk music. Welk, Floren, Castle, There’s a power trio for ya.
“Anda waan, anda two…..”
March 14th, 2008 at 10:30 am
how can muse slip through the cracks when wolfmother beats primus?
I think testicular re-alignment is in order
March 14th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Anybody who tries to take anything away from the intensity of Rush’s legacy is a god damned fool.
March 14th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Rush are a fantastic band. I would rank them as one of finest bands in rock and roll history period. As for the “power trio” ranking, hands down they deserve to be #1. Those of you going on about the rapping skeleton bit.. that was ONE song done 17 years ago. Some of your posting probably werent even born then :p Try listening to their body of work before reserving judgement; it should only take you a few months to go through their catalog dating back to ‘74. Lastly I would offer this, go see them live and tell me they aren’t the finest live musical act you have ever witnessed… seriously. Geddy’s voice is an aquired taste yes, but when you look at the whole picture, clearly they are what music is supposed to be all about. Their live shows are epic.
March 14th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Rush is the best live band ever.They deserve to be #1.Go see them live to appreciate them.
March 15th, 2008 at 6:42 am
In my opinion Jimmy Hendrix, Cream and The Police should be higher than Rush.
Jimmy didn’t get to play for a long time, but he blazed a trail. He was the blues on acid….literally
Both the Experience and Band of Gypsys were great.
When I think of CREAM, of course I think of Eric Clapton. He was already considered a great guitarist from his days with the Yardbirds and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers.
I would even say that the POLICE should higher than Rush. The Police had a big influence in music. Alot of Punk bands were inspired by them.
With the amount of energy NIRVANA has in there music, I wouldn’t argue with them being higher on this list.
ZZ Top and Motorhead are classic. And I absolutely love Primus, Sublime, and the Violent Femmes.
March 15th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Phrygia80 #210; you said (and some agreed with you):
“Rush weren’t doing anything new when they hit. They were ripping off a boatload of other bands. If they were that innovative to begin with, they would would have had enough escape velocity to pull out of canada’s orbit. This is a band that though it would be a good idea to have a CG skeleton do a rap breakdown in one of their songs. These are not “the most talented group of musicians EVER.”
“Listen to King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Cream, and Boston and youve got yourself a recipe for Rush”
With that in mind, here are some interesting facts:
-Rush formed in 1968 in Toronto by three 15 year olds: Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee and John Rutsey. Neil Peart took Rutsey’s place in 1974.
-Boston formed in the early 1970’s. That’s between 2-6 years after Rush formed. I have a feeling they didn’t influenced Rush a whole lot.
-King Crimson. They formed in 1969…the year after Rush started playing. Again, probably not too much of an influence on Rush.
-Jethro Tull formed in 1967-68, right around the time Rush was getting together.
-Cream formed in 1966. (see post #273 for my thoughts on Cream)
Did Cream or Jimmy Hendrix or any other band influence Rush? Probably. They wouldn’t be the only band who’s members are influenced my other musicians. I mean, isn’t that the reason alot of people would take up an instrument?
March 15th, 2008 at 11:30 am
zeppelingod: Rush was founded in the summer of 1968 by 3 15 year olds (like me): Alex Lifeson, John Rutsey, and Jeff Jones, not Geddy Lee (had to point that out). Jones was in the band for one summer and he was replaced by Geddy Lee in September 1968. They were heavily influenced by Cream, The Who, Led Zeppelin, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. After tons of lineup changes, Rush finally settled on John Rutsey, Alex Lifeson, and Geddy Lee for their first album, self-titled Rush in 1974. Rush got their “big break” when Donna Halper, a Cleveland DJ for the rock station WMMS put “Working Man” into its regular play cycle. It was an instant hit with hard rock fans due to the fact it remined them alot of Led Zeppelin. Later that same year (1974), drummer John Rutsey left Rush due to his distaste of touring and his diabetes. He was replaced by Neil Peart and the rest is history. I mean greatness.
Go ahead, say I have no life. I don’t care if you do. I know Rush facts like the back of my hand.
March 15th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Medeski, Martin and Wood
March 15th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Not listing Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble or Kings X is absurd
March 15th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
FYI – I really like King’s X and I did give them an honorable mention. I have 2 of their albums and really enjoy both of them, but I didn’t feel that they are as well-known or as sucessful as the other bands listed. Stevie Ray Vaughn was also incredible, but he played with so many musicians I never really thought of him as part of a Power Trio. And Medeski, Martin and Wood are great too, but again, not as widey known, and really are more of a jazz or jam trio than what I would consider a “Power Trio”.
No disrespect to any of the band people have mentioned, I was just trying to list bands that captured the true spirit of the “Power Trio” tag. Except of course for Blink 182, I can’t freaking stand them, so I didn’t even realize there was only 3 of them. I would think it would take at least 4 or 5 people to make music that horrible.
March 16th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
No doubt Rush is #1 in this category and one of the best bands of all time. For those that doubt how amazing Rush is, here are some facts: most gold and platinum records behind the Beatles, Stones, Kiss, Aeorosmith, pretty good company. Same lineup since 1974, still viable and releasing new music and touring to packed houses wherever they go. No reunion tours for this crew. No more opening acts either, they stand alone and put on one hell of a show, 3 hours worth. Not bad for 3 guys over 50 and Peart is a monster on the drums. They may not be your cup of tea, but you have to respect their longevity, integrity and musicianship. No contest IMO.
March 16th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
rushdude – I didn’t realize that they don’t have an opener this time out. Last time I saw them (Presto tour) Primus opened for them.
March 17th, 2008 at 10:21 am
yeah, Rush has been performing “An Evening with Rush” for last 4 tours now, Test for Echo in 96′, Vapor Trails in 02′, R30 in 04′ and now Snakes & Arrows in 07′ and 08′. Plus its a 3 hour show and totally kicks ass! They do excellent lighting and video presentations plus a Peart solo live is not to be missed. They dont break instruments on stage for excitement, just put on one hell of a show thats all about the music.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
this is place is like a minefield…..say something bad about a band and you get and explosion of curse words
March 18th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
lando: What the fu*k dude! Are you insulting My Band? Are You Insulting My Band?!?!
I’ll say it again,
How dare you say that “this is place is like a minefield”.
Dont you fu*k*n sh*tty Pus*y Co*k Sh*t eating, Cu*t grinning know?
tread lightly lando
or toss granades
or hop around
run like your on fire
or say it like you mean it
or lift you shirt and do a wha-toosy (sp?)
anywhich way it is,
one is bound to get something from it in some way or another.
I still have a scar, from butting heads in a mosh pit with one of the trio bands listed.
March 19th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I’m sorry. I’ll go hang myself now…
March 20th, 2008 at 5:29 am
The first Green Day album I bought and liked was American Idiot.
Does this make me a horrible person? :/
Then again, I was about one when their first album actually came out, so…
I think I like Nimrod. the best, though.
March 20th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
“The first Green Day album I bought and liked was American Idiot. Does this make me a horrible person? :/”
Yes. Sorry.
March 20th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I really like how no one came to Blink 182’s defense. I feel so justified!
*Basks in glow of self-righteousness*
March 20th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
yo jf…what happened to the video on that Jimi video? No complaints tho…I really dig that song, or any song off of Axis for that matter. How about a little Bold as Love? My yellow in this case is not so mellow…
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nGqPzrNypzw
March 20th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Bishop: Now, now, play nice.
L.A.: Check out Dookie by Green Day, it frickin’ rocks!
Lando: Check out the suicide list. . .
March 21st, 2008 at 4:34 pm
1. Don’t put Blink 182 on the list on basic principle.
2. If there’s another installment of the Power Trios list, Sleater-Kinney should absolutely be included.
March 26th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
meat puppets!!
March 27th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Grand Funk Railroad – Mark, Don & Mel.
April 5th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
nirvana should definiyely be number 1.
April 5th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Nirvana was so overrated. Cobain couldn’t play guitar worth anything and most of their songs sounded the same. They totally sucked.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:28 pm
should have had yeah yeah yeahs instead of wolfmother… wow.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
What?
Rush a power trio? A boring prog band more like. Not very good either.
And where is Budgie on the list?
May 13th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I didn’t read all the comments, so it could have beenpoted already, but you had Wolfmother; who are a joke, but you don’t have Kings X, who are absolutely amazing. Tsk, tsk…
May 25th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Sublime is amazing as i said before, but muse should REALLY be on here. THEY ARE AMAZING.
August 9th, 2008 at 12:26 am
hehe… i guess nobody ever heard of The Mentors!
September 26th, 2008 at 10:48 am
What no BEASTIE BOYS!?!?!
September 28th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Blink-182 > Green Day. By far.
November 30th, 2008 at 12:34 am
primus is # 1
February 20th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I would add Soda Stereo. It is an argentinian band with Gustavo Cerrati singing and with the guitar
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Damn, no Melvin’s. I would have added them to this list before Nirvana, a very good reason that I don’t bother writing lists. That would be a bit biased I’ll be the first to admit. But if you want to talk about how much “music” three people can make The Melvin’s are right up there. The only problem being that you’ve got to decide whether you consider their work music or just noise, sludge metal is a very refined taste with only a small niche, even in the relatively small market for metal music that there was in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I think they were phenomenal pioneers of the grungy guitar sound which is very popular in the Nu Metal of today, an influence widely overlooked I think. Great to see you left Blink-182 off though, overrated to the max.
March 30th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
I can’t believe Genesis isn’t on here. This is a terrible oversight.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:54 am
what, no Behemoth? =P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nh0itgzSRo listen and tremble before their power
June 7th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
blink-182?
August 7th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Here’s some trio bands that over 90% of you have never heard. The new generation.
The Fall Of Troy
Tera Melos
Russian Circles
Good Old War
The Velvet Teen
September 4th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
why no blink 182? surely you can’t opt them out of this list. The were and are one of the most famous trios out there today.
September 8th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Aw man Rush is the best power trio I’ve ever heard they were so ahead of their time and so creative and yet they don’t get the respect they deserve so it’s nice that you have them number one Rush finally gets their due.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
And where’s Rushfan during all this?
Really though, I couldn’t agree more with this list. Nice job!
October 15th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
ok so if green day actually made this list why the hell isnt blink-182 on it? and anyone who’s arguing over jimi not being number one over rush i agree and people don’t realize that rush still plays today and if jimi were still alive he’d make rush look like a garage band. no offense but 40 years later he’d be so nasty its not even funny.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:33 am
greenday shouldn’t be on this list. not because they aren’t good, but because they have a second guitarist, but he just doesn’t appear in videos and photos of them.