The 411 Music Top Five 08.10.10: Top 5 Current Rock Bands
Posted by Mitch Michaels on 08.10.2010
From Green Day, Metallica, and Radiohead to Muse, The Foo Fighters and Arcade Fire, the 411 Music Staff takes a look at the Top 5 Current Rock Bands in the latest edition of the 411 Music Top Five! Check out the full article to see which bands made the lists!
With all of the big money rappers and controversial pop stars getting the press, sometimes it‘s easy to forget that there are a lot of awesome rock bands out there. This week, we give them their due, as we look at some of the best rock bands going today.
Alistair McGeorge
To clarify, whilst the main restriction on this week's topic is that they have to have released something within the last few years, I've limited my selection further. I'm trying to go for a list of "proper" rock bands, rather than one including sub-genres such as metal, pop-punk or ska. This is just because otherwise...this could be made up of near enough any band in my record collection. This eliminated people like blink-182. I also tried to avoid bands like Aerosmith, The Offspring and Stone Gods which (whilst active and close to being on the list) are only barely so at the moment.
Also, as a bit of self-promotion - this week's edition of my column Album A Day will feature albums by seven of the bands I mention this week.
Honorable Mentions:
Manic Street Preachers, Funeral For A Friend, Lostprophets, The Gaslight Anthem, Rise Against, My Chemical Romance, Paramore and Jimmy Eat World
5.Alkaline Trio
Alkaline Trio are one of a few bands that can't be properly categorized into a sub-genre, along with the likes of My Chemical Romance and Lostprophets (after their recent albums). The thing Trio have above these bands is longevity which has allowed them to become a mainstay on the rock scene. From their early efforts like Goddamnit to newest release This Addiction, Trio are here to stay. With the possible exception of 2008's Agony & Irony, they've largely stayed true to their roots too.
Hits like "Armageddon" and "Stupid Kid" still hold their own against the new wave of rockers, and new songs like "Dine, Dine Darling" continue the trend of Alkaline Trio making damn fine rock music, seven albums into their fourteen year career.
4. Foo Fighters.
I would include Foo Fighters higher up, but I've never been able to fully embrace them. I'm a fan, but not as much as I thought I was. I realize I may get a few negative comments for not including them further up, but they may also be on a hiatus with various members' side-projects. They're still technically current though, and they deserve a spot here.
Albums like In Your Honor and Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace may have missed the mark for hardcore fans, but Foo Fighters have been a huge, influential part of the rock n' roll scene for the better part of fifteen years. Dave Grohl is pretty much the closest the generation has to the consummate musician, and Foo Fighters' material demonstrates this perfectly.
Even the albums that seemed like misses produced their share of hits, such as this gem from In Your Honor...
3.McFly.
Believe it or not, I actually want to place McFly much higher. This spot also came down to either the pop-rockers or Manic Street Preachers. I nearly went with Manics, but there's no denying that McFly's Tom Fletcher is one of this generation's best songwriters. He's hugely underrated, and I want to take this opportunity to argue McFly's case as a damn fine rock act.
Sure, there's a bit (re: a large amount) of a pop element to their music, but underneath the catchy, radio-play-hooks is great musicianship and fantastic rock n' roll song-writing. Take the re-recording of "5 Colors In Her Hair" for instance...
There's also many rock ‘n' roll-style tracks with songs like "That Girl" and "Memory Lane". Also, 2007's Radio:ACTIVE is a fantastic, ballsy rock album, better than it's given credit for. It's a grittier, less-polished sound with songs like "Lies", the tongue-in-cheek "One For The Radio" and "Only The Strong Survive" all being recommendable. However, none are more of a departure than the heavy "Corrupted", which on its own could earn McFly a place on this list...
2. Biffy Clyro.
Biffy Clyro are arguably the biggest rock band in the UK right now, on the back of their latest album, Mercury Prize-nominee Only Revolutions. Including hits like "The Captain", "That Golden Rule", "Bubbles", "Mountains", "Many of Horror" and the upcoming single "God & Satan".
Biffy hit the mainstream with 2007's Puzzle and their popularity has risen since, although early releases The Vertigo of Bliss, Blackened Skies and Infinity Land are all notable in parts. The former includes the fantastic "With Aplomb", showing a creative side to Biffy's work. Puzzle includes some awesome rockers such as "Who's Got A Match?" and "Get Fucked Stud", with tracks like "Machines" and "Folding Stars" showing the band's more sensitive side.
1. Green Day
I may get some bad comments for this, but here we go regardless. Green Day were the first name that sprung to mind when I read this week's topic, and motivated me to get a list done for the second week in a row (which must, for me, be some kind of contributing record!). Over the last 22 years, Green Day have grown and matured, going from the punk kids on Kerplunk! and 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours to the epic stadium rockers we've heard on recent albums American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown.
Honestly, I love every album Green Day has made (although American Idiot is a low point for the diehard fan in me), from the experimental, acoustic-rock style on Warning to the pop-punk perfection that is Dookie. Never content with sticking to one genre, Green Day have continually evolved from...
To...
I know they've got a bit of bad press from die-hard fans who think they've lost their edge, but they're selling 21st Century Breakdown short. It's not Dookie-era Green Day, but it's so much more. There's a bit of everything, from pop-punk tracks like "Know Your Enemy", "The Static Age" and "Murder City" to ballads like "21 Guns" and "Last Night On Earth".
The songwriting is fantastic, and they really are the biggest rock band in the world right now.
Top 5 Current or Contemporary bands is an incredibly vague topic, and I'm sure each of writer will come up with his or her own criteria; so I better establish how I'll be making my list.
I'm limiting myself to artists who have released a good quality album since 2009, and rather than being any kind of definitive list, this is simply my Top 5 "on form" artists who I'm into at this moment in time. "Rock" is also pretty vague, and I'm not really a genres guy anyway, so if you don't think my selections are rock, that's your prerogative but I care little. There's been plenty of good music in the last two years so my apologies if I leave anyone out but these are the names that spring to mind.
Honorable Mentions:
Animal Collective, The Very Best Of, Arctic Monkeys, The xx, Scissor Sisters, The National, The Fall, Broken Social Scene, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Wild Beasts, Gorrilaz & many many more.
5.Crystal Castles .
A band I largely wrote off after a hit and miss debut record but who returned to prove me and a whole host of others wrong this year with a superb sophomore effort. Crystal Castes already had fascinating personas to go along with their chaotic electro bluster, but Crystal Castles (2010) added complexity, subtly, emotional resonance and consistency to their arsenal. A great record from a band who are finally beginning to live up to their initial hype.
4.Fever Ray.
After establishing herself with The Knife, Karin Dreijer Andersson announced she'd be releasing a solo project under the moniker of Fever Ray in 2009. The hype was cultish but phenomenal. No one was sure exactly what to expect but we were all promptly blown away by her staggeringly accomplished self-titled debut. Swapping the obvious grooves of the Knife for slower spaced atmospherics that served to perfectly highlight her haunting vocals. Karin had stumbled across a captivating formula. Fever Ray was one of last year's real triumphs and she puts the show back on the road in 2010. If I can muster up enough cash, I'll be at the Brixton academy anxiously awaiting her live return
3. The Flaming Lips.
After the slightly shaky but highly enjoyable At War With The Mystics it felt like the Lips had a lot to prove with 2009's Embryonic. Thankfully Wayne Coyne and co. delivered; putting together not just another great album, but a sprawling epic that encompassed everything that made the Flaming Lips great. It was a Sci-Fi behemoth full of beautiful instrumentation, crazy riffage, crazier lyrics, and of the wall ideas.
Embryonic shouldn't have worked, it should have been an impenetrable mess, but in reality it was one of their greatest albums to date. It was a record that felt natural, it was the sound of a band perfectly expressing themselves, and, more importantly, it was the sound of one of the best bands in the world today.
2. LCD Soundsystem.
This was an absolute no brainer for me. 2010 saw the return of LCD Soundsystem for what is appears to be their final stand. This Is Happening was a sprawling and uncompromising masterpiece. That was drench in emotion and full of inventive arrangements, heart felt weary eyed life lessons and all of the ice cool references that you have come to expect from James Murphy. It capped off the career of one of the most influential bands and artists of recent times. There was a heavy sense of ironic defeatist sorrow that penetrated the record, leading to a truly touching final goodbye; "You Might Forget, Forget The Sound Of My Voice, But You Should Not Forget, No Don't Forget, The Things That We Laughed About". Something tells me Murphy has nothing to worry about.
1. Arcade Fire.
In any other year LCD Soundsystem's final statement would have de facto made them top my list of contemporary rock acts, but alas this is not just any old year. This is the year that Arcade Fire released The Suburbs; a bold, wildly ambitious and utterly brilliant artistic statement. Win and Regine somehow managed to create a record that was dark, bleak and insular and yet far reaching, epic, and accessible at the same time. The Suburbs is a truly staggering accomplishment that can only be matched by an Arcade Fire live show. Arcade Fire are the hottest and best band in the world right now (how's that for a bold statement?). Bring on Reading Festival, bring on the December tour, I for one can't wait.
The Arcade Fire (would've probably made my list if I hadn't started listening to their catalog as recently as I did), Tool, Deftones, Daft Punk, U2, MGMT
5. Lamb Of God.
It's been such a pleasure to watch these guys continue to succeed and get bigger and bigger with each successive album. They were once the underdogs and are now - in my opinion - one of the biggest heavy metal acts worldwide. What I especially enjoyed was how instead of trying to venture with an even more polished sound than on 2006's Sacrament, they went heavier and more raw and still managed to find mainstream recognition for 2009's Wrath. Not only are they a great band, but they're very interesting, entertaining people. Just check out any of their DVD releases, such as the widely-sold Killadelphia.
4. Foo Fighters.
These guys will be one of the great American rock n' roll bands of this era when it's all said and done. Dave Grohl is just a great songwriter and the Foo Fighters are a great live act. I don't know too many people that can't find at least a few Foo songs that they enjoy. Dave Grohl wouldn't be able to go off and do all the other projects he's done without being in such a successful band as the Foo Fighters. Many bands fear inactivity, because they may fall too far out of the limelight. Not the Foo Fighters. People will always be waiting patiently for them to come back. The band is in the studio with Butch Vig right now, so whatever they release in 2011 should probably be solid. Looking forward to seeing them live for a second time.
3. Metallica.
Sure, St. Anger was kind of underwhelming, but Death Magnetic was mind-blowing for me as a fan of Metallica since I was in grade school. You just don't tour 2+ years on an album if you aren't as huge as Metallica. The demand is there for these guys and always will be, even after they call it quits. I got to see them on the first leg of their World Magnetic Tour back in 2008, a tour which is wrapping up this fall. Can't wait to see what they've got for us next!
2. Green Day.
American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown. They have a musical based off of the former album. They're one of the biggest live acts in the world. And really, are there any signs of stopping?
1. Radiohead.
They kind of took that whole idea of self-releasing your own music online and showed people that somebody big had the balls to try it. Besides that, people constantly clamor for new Radiohead music. Their shows are always a super hot ticket and are tough to get. This is a band I've always loved and can never really find anything negative to say about. I got to see them at Lollapalooza two years ago and they were just wonderful. I'm going to use a personal day at work if necessary to see them when they tour again - hopefully next year. Radiohead have kind of always been ahead of the trend curve and I'm really excited to see what they've been recording. Supposedly, the record's almost finished!
This Las Vegas band is all about hooks, shredding guitar solos and partying like adolescent rock stars. Debut album Time to Burn came out in January and is highly recommended to fans of '80s rock bands such as Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest (its ‘80s output, at least) and Def Leppard. Below is video of the band's first single "Time to Burn" (be sure to catch the Kanye West gag).
4. Priestess.
Heavy rockers Priestess are yet another awesome band to come out of Canada. Sophomore album Prior to the Fire saw the band evolve its sound from Black Sabbath-styled classic metal to a style that is still deeply rooted in ‘70s heavy music, but manages to sound contemporary and indicative of the band's personality taking shape. Check out the awesome video for "Lady Killer" below.
3. The Black Keys.
Akron, Ohio's Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have been around ever since 2001, but the scuzzy blues duo is enjoying its most exciting momentum only recently; latest album Brothers is packed with quality tunes that keep true to the band's style of grimy riffing, but adds a few bells and whistles to color it up a bit. Besides, you've got to love the band's sense of humor:
2. The Quick & Easy Boys.
One of the year's best rock albums comes from a Portland, Oregon band that deserves success. The Quick & Easy Boys' Red Light Rabbit is a funky stew of disco beats, country picking and rock bravado that is also tons of fun. This band may be the least ‘rocking' of the list, but rock is an incredibly vast genre, and any chance to mention the Boys must be taken. Here they are:
1. Band Of Skulls.
Why must the UK always have the best rock bands? The Southampton trio Band of Skulls takes the elemental crunch of the best ‘70s garage rock and adds the gravy of vocal harmony to create what the White Stripes would have if they had a bass player and a frontman that isn't a multi-tasking workaholic. Here's something off their debut Baby Darling Doll Face Honey:
One of the original progressive juggernauts, Rush is still going strong today. Even though their last release was 2007's Snakes and Arrows, they're currently on tour playing the entire album of Moving Pictures, something not seen in almost 30 years since the album's initial release. Three players that include an amazing guitarist, one of the all-time great drummers, and maybe the greatest multi-instrumentalist ever deserve recognition for anyone's list.
4. Metallica.
Even after going through 4 different bassists, years of personal and legal hell, countless ego-driven politics, and generally just putting up with each other, Metallica has certainly established themselves as the greatest American metal band of all time. Originally showing up in a thrash wave along with other giants like Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer, the others haven't even come close to touching the amount of success that Metallica has achieved. While their titanic 80's monster albums remain at the forefront of most fans' lists, it was their self-titled Black album that made them the force to be reckoned with that they are today, and 2008's awesome Death Magnetic proves that they aren't slowing down.
3. Deftones.
In a lot of ways, Deftones are responsible for my development in music tastes up to today, from a decade ago. White Pony turned me into a superfan, especially the amazing "Passenger," a duet with Maynard James Keenan that begs to be listened to by anyone who's a fan of rock n'roll in general. Even with their recent tragedy in the sidelining of bassist Chi Cheng, the band is still going strong after the release of this year's Diamond Eyes, and their back catalog is certainly among the favorites of any band I would listen to. It still amazes me that they haven't achieved nearly as much fame as those that they've influenced... though maybe it's for the best.
2. Muse.
No band has climbed to the high rankings of my favorites list quite as fast as Muse has. I only became exposed to them shortly after the release of 2006's Black Holes & Revelations, which is an album that I seem to stand alone on. Most fans of the band that I talk to seem to prefer either Origin of Symmetry or Absolution, but while those albums are phenomenal, it was the first that I heard that remains my favorite. As another 3-piece group of amazing (much like Rush), Muse has always managed to craft some pure and emotional hits that not only make you think, but also manage to take you away to a faraway place that you don't want to leave anytime soon. It really should come as no surprise then that they've stated that they want to be the first band to play in space.
1. Tool.
I've praised this band maybe a bit too much in past Top 5 articles, so really I can say is "You knew it was coming." Tool opened my eyes to not only new horizons, but a deeper appreciation of what music is, and what it can teach us. As pretentious and odd as they may come off, their music speaks for itself. The amazing guitar, the superior bass, the untouchable drums, the screaming emotional vocals... they are the total package, in my eyes.
As always, the last thoughts come from you, the reader. We're merely unpaid monkeys with typewriters and Wikipedia. Here's what you need to do: List your Top Five for this week's topic on the comment section using the following format:
5. Band Why you chose it 4. Band: Why you chose it 3. Band Why you chose it 2. Band: Why you chose it 1. Band: Why you chose it
Green Day is quite possibly the worst ban I have ever heard.
Posted By: Guest#6061 (Guest) on August 09, 2010 at 11:17 PM
Kings of Leon
Posted By: A. Shakoor (Registered) on August 09, 2010 at 11:23 PM
Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Eat World, Coheed and Cambria, Dashboard Confessional, My Chemical Romance, Foo Fighters, 311, Incubus, The Offspring
5. AFI. Sing The Sorrow and Decemberunderground are two of my favorite albums of all time. I am also really enjoying Crash Love after a couple of listens as they toned down their sound with this recent release
4. Weezer. The fact that they have managed to stay relevant and put out great records this long speaks for itself. Plus have you heard their cover of MGMT "Kids" yet???
3. 30 Seconds To Mars. I have never seen a front man own a crowd like Jared Leto can. Plus "The Kill" was on the billboard rock charts for so long that they had to retire it!
2. Jack's Mannequin. Their first album "Everything In Transit" is one of very few that I can listen to from start to finish. Also a great live band.
1. Motion City Soundtrack. Just see them live and you will be hooked instantly. Doesn't hurt that they have been consistantly been putting out great records.
Posted By: jcpunkrko (Guest) on August 09, 2010 at 11:34 PM
5. Green Day: Commercially successful while maintaining their integrity
4. U2: Still relevant and better than 95% of the acts out there
3. White Stripes: They're just on hiatus. I'm sure they'll be back in full force next year.
2. Radiohead: The band everyone wants to be.
1. Arcade Fire: A band that continually strives for excellence and something meaningful. They take recording and touring seriously, and it shows. The new "best band in the world."
Posted By: matt (Guest) on August 09, 2010 at 11:34 PM
DOWN.
Posted By: MBD (Guest) on August 09, 2010 at 11:50 PM
Maybe im just a dirty hippie, but Phish anyone??? I know they are a "Jam" band but they are rock n roll to me
Posted By: Guest#8153 (Guest) on August 09, 2010 at 11:50 PM
The Killers
Posted By: Beans (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:00 AM
I would've said Muse if they hadn't turned into Freddy Mercury taking David Bowie's drugs and vomiting onto Kubrick's 2001 for their last two albums.
Posted By: Oh! Lymping Hero (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:12 AM
Metallica is the best rock band ever, and McDonald's makes the best hamburger, ever. THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE, MOTHERFUCKERS.
Posted By: mike34ism (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:13 AM
Kings of Leon, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Posted By: Guest#6050 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:22 AM
MUSE
Best band in the world today.
Posted By: Andy (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:22 AM
Against Me! needs to be mentioned.
Posted By: jon (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:50 AM
"
From Green Day, Metallica, and Radiohead to Muse, The Foo Fighters and Arcade Fire, the 411 Music Staff takes a look at the Top 5 Current Rock Bands in the latest edition of the 411 Music Top Five!"
One of these things is not like the others! One of these just doesn't belong!
Also, Green Day was amazing from 1990-2001. American Idiot was ok for what it was (a major departure from their signature sound) and the newest one is just lame.
Posted By: James (Registered) (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 01:09 AM
Alistair McGeorge - 8 honorable mentions + top 5 = 13 picks out of 5.
David Hayter - 12 honorable mentions + top 5 = 17 picks out of 5.
Aaron Titan - 6 honorable mentions + top 5 = 11 picks out of 5.
the three above's opinions do not matter in the slightest. they should not have been posted, as they have no understanding of the concept of 5.
all three are obvious products of the no child left behind act.
Aaron Mayagoitia has terrible taste in music *in my opinion only* and Lenny Vowels hits a 2 out of 5 for me and my tastes, but these two have something the rest of the writers in this column do not have.
they know how to count to 5, they know how to make a choice and go with it and that alone validates them and their opinions.
Posted By: Guest#4420 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 01:11 AM
Green Day? They are everything that is WRONG with rock...nothing but a poser punk band who play pop songs.
1 - Pearl Jam
2 - Kings of Leon
3 - Metallica
4 - Band of Horses
5 - Muse
Posted By: Jason (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 01:17 AM
Guest#6061 (Guest) . SPOT ON, GREEN DAY ARE SHIT!
Posted By: Ryan (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 01:29 AM
McFly?? Really?? WoW1 One can only assume that Alistair's 411 login has been compromised by his 12 year old sister who may or may not be flirting with down syndrome.
Posted By: mouthofquint (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 01:34 AM
5. Arcade Fire
4. Devo
3.Primus
2.Queens of the Stone Age
1. Radiohead & Tool (tie) Radiohead is the yin while Tool is the yang
Posted By: HDHill (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 01:44 AM
I had to wittle this down from sixteen bands which included the likes of Rammsein, Rise Against and A Perfect Circle. So bare with me here it's not just who I'd prefer to listen to but also who I feel is having the most influence on music at the moment. Also it's about live performances, the only band I haven't seen on here is Coldplay.
5. Greenday are an amazing band with an anthemic back catalouge they will always be able to fall back on. Reinventing themselves with American Idiot is something I feel few bands have or will ever be able to do. Years from now when journalists discuss music in the 1990's they will use the names Nirvana, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Greenday.
4. Coldplay. Probably actually the biggest currently of these top 5. Two things; I'm actually not that huge a fan and I haven't seen them live. The fact that I'm actually not that big a fan makes where I've placed the all the more important. If you're British and you don't at the very least recognise Viva la Vida, Clocks or Yellow when they come on the radio you must have just emerged from a coma.
3. Foo Fighters, another case of a band who write the sort of music that can get the blood of a sixty thousand strong crowd pumping. Capable of writing very catchy intelligent rock, Everlong, All My Life, Times Like These, Best of You, The Pretender. Strong back catalouge, great live and their success gives Grohl the opporunity to work on brilliant side projects, With Teeth, Probot, Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal. Brilliant.
2. Oasis. No British band in the last twenty years has been as influential as Oasis. Their singles battle with Blur in the early 90's was front page news only a band who people truly really care about are capable of that. Another great band with songs the will be able to live off well in to their dotage, Wonderwall and What's the Story Morning Glory will likely be juke box favouries decades from now. After a slightly lacklustre effort with Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, their return with Don't Believe the Truth and even Further with Dig Out Your Soul has been fantastic. I know they've said it over but somehow I just don't believe it. Post punk Sex Beatles? Yes.
1. Muse are oddly probably the least succesful of the bands on this list purely in that less people will have heard their songs. My mother can probably wistle the tune to Wonder Wall or Viva la Vida. However Muse are quite simply the most talented British band of the moment to mix Rock, Metal, Prog throw in occasional influences from genres as diverse as salsa and industrial with the tenacity and energy of a punk band and to have it all work with intelligence and cohesion is quite frankly nothing short of miraculous. Having Costey produce it is just the icing on the cake. Amazing live.
Posted By: Powers (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 02:35 AM
metallica is living off their reputation now a days. Death Magnetic would have been considered a piss poor album in their prime. problem is they've put out garbage for so long now most fans think that a crusty cheeseburger is a 5 course meal. Its sad.
Posted By: Guest#5748 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 03:53 AM
Well ummm what about Something Corporate .... Jack'S Mannequin??Andrew Mcmahons music paints pictures of life..
Posted By: Steve rogers (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 03:56 AM
I was disappointed at no mentioning of The White Stripes, but I'm not sure you can call them a "current band". Otherwise, they would take the cake, hands down.
Jane's Addiction would easily make the list as well if they would put out an album more than every 13 years, tour for a bit, and then break up for 3 more, only to reunite, tour for a year, and then work on a new album for another 9.
Red Hot Chili Peppers would have easily made the list too had John Frusciante not quit late last year.
5. The Greenhornes
4. The Dead Weather
3. The Black Crowes
2. The Black Keys
1. The White Stripes... Ah, fuck it. If Tool can qualify for this list then so can Jack & Meg.
Honorable mention: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Roots, 311, Street Sweeper Social Club,
Posted By: Csonkamaniac III (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 06:50 AM
5. AFI - because they are interesting band, even they are looking 'emo' but they have released a lot of "catchy" songs. They got into mainstream with Decemberunderground and became more of a pop band but they still kick ass! Decemberunderground is definitely in my top 10 albums list.
4. Foo Fighters - great band, they look and sound like true rock-stars.
3. 30 Seconds To Mars - again former 'emo' band. Last release was insane.
2. Radiohead - Nirvana and Radiohead were supposed to be two leading rock bands in the world. Radiohead is great band-innovator.
1. Muse - it's obvious choice.
Posted By: Unbroken (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 07:02 AM
Green Day is quite possibly the worst ban I have ever heard.
Posted By: Guest#6061 (Guest) on August 09, 2010 at 11:17 PM
You don't listen to much music, do you?
Posted By: Pete (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 07:11 AM
Arcade Fire is the most God-awful band ever. Sounds like a bunch of failed English Lit majors that are trying to play instruments for the first time.
Posted By: Adam (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 07:40 AM
Wow... lots of horrible choices of bands who are no longer relevant.
I know it's all personal choice but you guys know it said top CURRENT rock bands right?
Here would be MY top 5
1. The Used
2. Senses Fail
3. Chiodos
4. Bayside
5. Rise Against
Posted By: Kevin (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 08:32 AM
411 Music, once again, sucks at compiling at legitimate Top 5 list of anything.
Posted By: Guest#0677 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 08:33 AM
Dear hipster 411 writers. I'm sorry that you have to reduce yourself to listening to crappy no name alternative music so that you can feel more intelligent. Perhaps removing that scarf I'm sure you're wearing in 90 degree weather will help send some blood to your brain.
Sure, some of you did okay, Lenny for example, but really no mention of bands like U2 (I'm not even a huge fan but admit they need to be on this list) proves that none of you should be allowed to write about music. Enjoy being douchebag hipsters.
Posted By: ick (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 09:00 AM
You writers are idiots
Posted By: Matt (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 09:00 AM
I haven't heard nor heard of over half of the bands on these lists, so I can't really get behind their inclusions into this particular article. I'm not sure I would've even put the UK bands in, but that's just me. Green Day, though? Seriously? They were never rock to begin with, and they don't even really classify as punk now.
Here's mine:
5: Slayer- These guys've shown no signs of slowing down, having released Christ Illusion in 2006 and then World Painted Blood in 2009. They always set the benchmark for thrashing with every disc.
4: Metallica- Even though they had a serious mis-step with St. Anger, they came back with a vengeance on the Death Magnetic disc. The length on the songs harkened back to ...And Justice For All, and all but maybe a couple of them were instant headbangers. That Was Just Your Life is always on my playlist for Guitar Hero, no matter what.
3: Tool- While not a Tool fan myself, it's incredibly hard to ignore the drive and constant output from Keenan. Be it from the Tool band themselves, or A Perfect Circle, or whatever the Hell Keenan is up to..he's always got something quality. It's not a question of if, it's a matter of when.
2: Alice In Chains- Yup. That's right. AIC. I'm familiar with Layne Staley's work from a few AIC discs, and I'll admit that I really didn't like them as a kid. But I grew to love them as an adult, having not been affected by Staley's death. But when I heard William DuVall's vocals on Black Gives Way To Blue, I have to say...I was hard-pressed to tell the difference between DuVall and Staley. If I hadn't known that Staley was long dead, I would've never guessed. Add AIC's impressive library and cultural influence to the mix? Yeah.
1: Fear Factory- Yeah, I'm probably gonna get shit on for this, but can you honestly name me a disc of FF's that isn't good on a lot of levels? Transgression could be made a case, but some of the songs on there are actually really good. With the arrival of Mechanize and the fact that Byron Stroud/Gene Hogland from Strapping Young Lad are on bass/drum details, this band can't go wrong. Stroud has been a part of FF for the last 3 discs, and Hoglan more than makes up for Raymond Herrera's departure. Add the return of Dino Cazares back to guitar, and it's like FF never lost a step whatsoever.
Take it or leave it..there's mine.
Posted By: Ill Nino (Registered) on August 10, 2010 at 09:28 AM
McFly are the BEST band everrrr xX
also All Time Low, The All American Rejects, Boys Like Girls and The Wanted are amazing!
Posted By: Linoy (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 09:37 AM
I like your taste in music, Lenny Vowels.
Posted By: jim (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 09:42 AM
Top 5 current rock band and nobody even mentions AC/DC. I take that is because AC/DC has passed being a mere rock band and now is rock gods.
Posted By: The Ace (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 09:50 AM
Rush!
Posted By: Guest#9284 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 10:09 AM
Rush
Megadeth
Queensryche
Breaking Benjamin
Days of the New
Posted By: Ser Drake (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 10:11 AM
I like Lenny's picks.
Posted By: Steve (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 10:48 AM
what an utterly crappy list. Why not just name this list..hey here are some bands we want to talk about because this certainly is not a set of top 5 CURRENT bands. I will admit there are some good choices in here but there are some so out of touch its pathetic.
Alkaline Trio? Have not been relevant for years and were dropped by their label last year.
Metallica is lazy picking they have put ot two albums in the past decade and both are crap they are a top 5 current band for people to lazy to find good new music.
Tool: The band has not had an album in 4 years how is this even possible for being on this list? Might as well add Nirvana
Rush..are you freaking kidding me? how is Rush a current band it's been 15 years since anyone has cared about them putting an album out. Sure they are a fin touring group but by that logic Kiss and the Who are some of the best bands currently around. FAIL
As much as dislike green day that at least makes sense they are currently producing music that is popular and speaks to audiences of a large demographic.
But honestly if Tool Rush Metallica and the deftones are your current favorite bands perhaps you should consider not taking part in a current bands list. you clearly stopped finding new music in the late 90s
Posted By: thejyav (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 10:55 AM
what an utterly crappy list. Why not just name this list..hey here are some bands we want to talk about because this certainly is not a set of top 5 CURRENT bands. I will admit there are some good choices in here but there are some so out of touch its pathetic.
Alkaline Trio? Have not been relevant for years and were dropped by their label last year.
Metallica is lazy picking they have put ot two albums in the past decade and both are crap they are a top 5 current band for people to lazy to find good new music.
Tool: The band has not had an album in 4 years how is this even possible for being on this list? Might as well add Nirvana
Rush..are you freaking kidding me? how is Rush a current band it's been 15 years since anyone has cared about them putting an album out. Sure they are a fin touring group but by that logic Kiss and the Who are some of the best bands currently around. FAIL
As much as dislike green day that at least makes sense they are currently producing music that is popular and speaks to audiences of a large demographic.
But honestly if Tool Rush Metallica and the deftones are your current favorite bands perhaps you should consider not taking part in a current bands list. you clearly stopped finding new music in the late 90s
Posted By: thejyav (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 10:55 AM
No Godsmack = a crime
Posted By: Guest#9259 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Muse are the newest wave in puss rock. They make Coldplay sound like Cannibal Corpse.
Posted By: Greendale (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 11:32 AM
Green Day is quite possibly the worst ban I have ever heard.
Posted By: Guest#6061 (Guest) on August 09, 2010 at 11:17 PM
the worst ban i ever heard of was the Taliban's ban on people flying kites.
The Taliban executed no less than 20 people, mostly children under 12, for it.
Posted By: Guest#8891 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 11:34 AM
I agree with the 1st comment.
Also, I don't see the big deal in Metallica and don't get how McFly got mentioned
Posted By: Guest#0040 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 11:54 AM
It's hard to go against Arcade Fire. I'd throw Foxy Shazam pretty high in my list as well.
Posted By: RudoWakening (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:13 PM
Love me my RUSH bu tI guess no love for Canadians bands up to date!
Alexisonfire,Billy Talent,and(love them or hate them) Nickle Back ! Theory of a Dead man!
Posted By: Guest#5652 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Lenny wins
Posted By: Diavo (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Thank God I'm a metal fan because....JESUS FUCKING CHRIST.
And yeah...Metallica are rock, eh? They should change their name then. :D
Posted By: Frank - The real one (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Could Green Day be any more overrated???
Muse and Band of Horses FTW
Posted By: Chandler (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:56 PM
I'm not even going to bother getting into this whole article. All I can say is that I don't agree with anything on this list.
Posted By: Angelus (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 01:10 PM
1. The White Stripes
2. Bright Eyes
3. Weezer
4. Jimmy Eat World
5. Radiohead
Posted By: Guest#6253 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 03:02 PM
By any standards those lists are weak.
Posted By: Guest#6070 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 03:35 PM
You don't listen to much music, do you?
Posted By: Pete (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 07:11 AM
No my friend, I do, and Green Day is utter trash
Posted By: Guest#7896 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 03:50 PM
5. Green Day: Commercially successful while maintaining their integrity
Posted By: matt (Guest) on August 09, 2010 at 11:34 PM
So I guess GreenDay Rock Band is maintaining their integrity right....that is some funny stuff right there.
Posted By: Guest#4886 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 03:51 PM
Against Me! needs to be mentioned.
Posted By: jon (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 12:50 AM
I was close to including them, but with the exception of White Crosses, they're very much a punk band, rather than the wider rock genre.
McFly?? Really?? WoW1 One can only assume that Alistair's 411 login has been compromised by his 12 year old sister who may or may not be flirting with down syndrome.
Posted By: mouthofquint (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 01:34 AM
As I said, some of the songwriting is stunning, and the most recent album has some heavier numbers.
Posted By: Alistair McGeorge (Registered) on August 10, 2010 at 04:12 PM
any of you fags ever heard of the god damn chilli peppers?
Posted By: duh? (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 05:15 PM
green day and muse are the worst bands ive ever heard.
5. foo fighters
4. the Offspring
3. Metallica
2.breaking benjamin
1.alice in chains
Posted By: hindufat (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 05:21 PM
No White Stripes? Green Day sucks, by the way.
Posted By: Jim (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 05:35 PM
You are wonderfully courageous for printing such positive comments about Green Day. Their songs are magically singable, their lyrics cover all of life's topics, and their live performances are nearly three hours of pure joy. Long may they shine.
Posted By: LuLu (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 05:45 PM
Kings of leon, muse, the killers
Posted By: Guest#3898 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 05:48 PM
1.TOOL
That's all. They are the quintessential band. When you think you have the answer, they change the question.
I LOVE them. And yes they are the TOTAL PACKAGE.
Posted By: the dude (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 06:10 PM
not impressed with these lists at all..
my list:
5. Taking Back Sunday- they put out awesome rock albums everytime..never fails
4. Brand New- jesse lacey is a lyrical god and the band has grown and matured every album
3. blink 182- need i really say more? huge fan base and new album is in the works
2.Kings of leon- these guys just know how to rock and put a great show on
1. Foo Fighters- love them or hate them they are amazing..Dave Grohl has been part of 2 of the most influential bands of the last 20 years
honestly the fact that green day and metallica even make this list are absurd..living off achievements from years before doesnt really do it for me.
Posted By: musicman (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 07:01 PM
Queens of the Stone Age - The tightest live rock band in the current live scene.
Posted By: Oh! Lymping Hero (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 07:50 PM
5. Iron Maiden
4. Pantera
3. Metallica
2. AC/DC
1. Slayer
Posted By: Charisma (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 07:51 PM
1.TOOL
That's all. They are the quintessential band. When you think you have the answer, they change the question.
I LOVE them. And yes they are the TOTAL PACKAGE.
Posted By: the dude (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 06:10 PM
100% fucking agreed!!!! Simply the best. A thinking mans band.
Posted By: BLACK (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 07:54 PM
Deftones only making one persons list = epic fail
Posted By: breno104 (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 08:40 PM
Shockingly enough, I agree with most of this list. And props to the writers for telling all the Green Day haters to fuck off. The only thing more overrated than Green Day is jumping on the "I Hate Green Day" bandwagon. On another note, I'm really, really, REALLY surprised that The Mars Volta did not make any of your lists. They are seriously one of the best contemporary rock bands out there. And Jimmy Eat World also. McFly? WTF? You might as well have replaced that entry with Paramore.
Posted By: Sober Blues (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 09:34 PM
Muse sucks (according to a Breaking Benjamin fan) :D :D. I don't think that metal bands and old bands like AC/DC or U2 should be mentioned.
Posted By: Unbroken (Guest) on August 11, 2010 at 02:44 AM
any of you fags ever heard of the god damn chilli peppers?
Posted By: duh? (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 05:15 PM
Boring, and more funk than rock? Yeah I've heard of them, they don't really qualify. Plus, they're not exactly active at the moment.
Posted By: Alistair McGeorge (Registered) on August 11, 2010 at 07:38 AM
Shockingly enough, I agree with most of this list. And props to the writers for telling all the Green Day haters to fuck off. The only thing more overrated than Green Day is jumping on the "I Hate Green Day" bandwagon. On another note, I'm really, really, REALLY surprised that The Mars Volta did not make any of your lists. They are seriously one of the best contemporary rock bands out there. And Jimmy Eat World also. McFly? WTF? You might as well have replaced that entry with Paramore.
Posted By: Sober Blues (Guest) on August 10, 2010 at 09:34 PM
It's not a bandwagon if everyone REALLY believes they suck, try learning what a bandwagon is fella.
Posted By: Guest#6535 (Guest) on August 11, 2010 at 10:24 AM
A lot of good groups and thank god there was minimal Metallica (yes, they suck.)
I definitely love the Foo Fighters (and I don't care what you "hardcore" fans say-- In Your Honor was awesome), Muse and some of the others you guys mentioned.
Tool is awesome, their music doesn't really feel dated (at least to me personally), but they need to do a new album.
Posted By: Guest#1477 (Guest) on August 11, 2010 at 03:14 PM
Since one of these douche nozzles picked Rush as an up-and-coming band, I'd like to list my picks:
5: Neil Diamond-for my money it doesn't get much better than Song Sung Blue
4: Black Sabbath-Paranoid may be the best song I heard today
3: Duran Duran-Simon LeBon is absolutely dreamy and New Moon On Monday reminds me of those cool vampire movies
2: The Beatles-whatever happened to that John Lennon fella?
1: Rick Derringer-I Am a Real American is the greatest song ever (except for the Mark Wahlberg version of The Touch from Boogie Nights). I still get goosebumps every time I see the video. Hulk Hogan is my hero.
Posted By: Guest#0311 (Guest) on August 11, 2010 at 04:44 PM
Posted By: Bl3Matthews (Guest) on August 11, 2010 at 09:27 PM
Drive By Truckers
Turbonegro
Motorhead
Posted By: Trashy (Guest) on August 12, 2010 at 10:30 PM
I'm not a huge fan of most of these bands, but I know for sure that Metallica is NOT rock. They are pretty awesome, though. Oh, and can you guys just lay off on Green Day? They might not be your definition of punk, but they're still good, and isn't being punk about not giving a shit what other people say about you and being an individual? I mean, they've been a band now for 22 years, have their own musical, their own video game, and come on stage and play one of the best fucking shows around today! Yet you guys can't let them be mentioned without complaining! Even if you don't like them you have to show them a bit of respect(And this is kinda off topic, but if you wanna laugh go on youtube and search Green Day funny moments. it's truly epic). Please just give poor Billie Joe a break!
Posted By: Natalie (Guest) on August 17, 2010 at 03:25 PM
Green Day are a great band. People who say they've lost they're edge should try going to a show...feel the poweeeer!
Posted By: Me. (Guest) on August 17, 2010 at 04:18 PM
I agree that Green Day may be posers, but you can't just say they suck or that they're the worst band ever. A lot of people love them, and I've seen them live - they're amazing, and that's coming from someone who isn't really a fan.
Posted By: Jorick (Guest) on August 17, 2010 at 04:40 PM
5. Billy Talent
4. Rise Against
3. The Killers
2. Green Day
1. Muse --No band around could put together what Muse does every record. Matthew Bellamy is the greatest musician of this generation, and Muse will continue to get better and better. Best band in the world, by far!
Posted By: Brian (Guest) on August 17, 2010 at 06:30 PM
I have to say, the comments are soooo funny! So many of them are no different, really, than the bands that are dissed. I actually really enjoyed the lists, and think most of the bands on the lists are quite good. I am old, of course, and love all kinds of rock, so won't bother to quibble with the lists(like them all from Tool and Metallica to Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, the Black Keys, White Stripes, etc. Too many people are so narrowminded and want to be seen as cool. Grow up, folks! This is rock, not classical. No poseurs needed.
Here are mine:
5. Arcade Fire -- The newest is definitely showing real growth.
4. Flaming Lips -- Thoughtful, rocking and fun. Again, lyrics, great show.
3. Muse -- Hard Driving, soaring, heavy hitting, yet very musical.
2. Dead Weather--Real Hard Blues rock, great musicians, great songs.
1. Green Day -- Great and relevant lyrics,huge range(hard driving as well as melodic ballads), something you can sink your teeth into, and ROCK with. AND, manage to keep their ticket prices down and give the fans an amazing show. Remind me of the Beatles in their versatility and willingness to push their limits.
Posted By: Guest (Guest) on August 17, 2010 at 11:26 PM
5.Seether
4.Muse
3.Chevelle
2.Foo Fighters
1.Green Day
Posted By: Guest (Guest) on August 18, 2010 at 02:39 AM
5.Angels and Airwaves: Tom DeLonge's side project is just awesome. "We Don't Need To Whisper" is one of the top 10 albums I have ever heard, and they have a movie coming out in early 2011 along with their 4th album, "Love Pt.2".
4.My Chemical Romance: "Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge" and "The Black Parade" are in the top 5 albums that I have ever heard, they've just finished their 4th album, and they're always a great live act. And "Helena" remains an alt-rock radio staple after 5 years.
3.Sum 41: Even after Dave left the band, They still have it. From "Fat Lip" to "Walking Disaster", they still remain relevant. And their 5th album, "Screaming Bloody Murder", is due in November.
2.Blink-182: "Enema of the State" is the 2nd best album ever, and their new album will be out in early 2011, and no one can match the onstage toilet humor.
1.Green Day: "Dookie"=best album of all time. And I saw them in Atlanta recently, and after 20 years, they still kick major *ss.
Posted By: Brandon (Guest) on August 19, 2010 at 06:02 PM
To whoever said that everyone thinks that Green Day sucks, choose your word wisely. Not everyone thinks that Green Day sucks. For a start, I don't. Neither does my roommate. Nor do most of concert reviewers. Nor do the millions of fans who came to their concert. So, nope, definitely not everyone.
Personally I'm okay with the list, bu I'm not really okay with the mentality of some of the readers here. Just because you disagree with the list doesn't make the writers idiot--by right, the can also say you all are idiots for disagreeing with them. So. Yeah.
Posted By: Fiftysix (Guest) on August 19, 2010 at 09:38 PM
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