Forget The Greatest, Tell Me Your Favorites
At least a few times per year we seem to fall into discussions about the “greatest” artists in the history of a genre, or the “greatest” albums of all-time. Back in the day, these were debates, occasionally of the heated variety, we had over food, or drinks, while hanging out with friends. Nowadays, these discussions are sparked by articles written for the sole purpose of getting clicks, and social media mentions.
The conversations have become, at best, old, and at worst, downright boring.
If you’re a rock fan you’re basically required to bow down to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and Led Zeppelin, before even thinking of letting another band’s name escape your lips.
If you’re a hip-hop fan that’s in my age range, Rakim is your go-to “greatest of all-time,” while slightly younger fans will say Jay-Z, and those even younger may claim Lil’ Wayne as the best.
Everyone I just named is really talented, and yeah, their albums are probably part of most people’s collections. But you know what, that’s exactly what makes all of the “greatest” conversations a bit dull. We already recognize these artists. Ranking them is just an argument starter.
So I have an idea – instead of constantly trying to decide the one true “greatest of all-time,” let’s start talking about our favorite artists of all-time.
* Let’s talk about the artists we never miss whenever they’re in town
For me, this list is long, but I know Anna Rose is either at, or very near, the top of it, as I think I’ve seen her more often than just about anyone over the past decade. Chaser Eight is also high on this list, and Larkin Poe, The Motor Tom, and heavy metal disco cover band Tragedy, are always a good time.
* Let’s about our favorite bands that are no longer together
I miss The Summer Set, and still play their albums all the time, and Chumped is a band I wish we could’ve heard more from.
* Let’s talk about the artists that were the soundtrack to some of our favorite memories
* Let’s talk about the artists who remind us of loved ones
As we get older, I think we all end up picking up some of the albums we grew up listening to because our parents, or various older folks in the house, always had them in rotation.
These types of musical conversations are way more interesting, and when you come right down to it, way more important, than any publication’s “greatest” list. These are the artists, and albums, that make up who we are.
Some of the artists may, in fact, be on various “greatest of all-time” lists, but that’s completely secondary to the personal connection we have with them.
Let’s remember that while “greatest” lists may tell us which artists, or albums, had the biggest impact on music, what really matters is which artists, or albums, had the biggest impact on us.
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