anthrax said:
No one mentioned, as I did, The Rolling Stones?
They pale in comparison to the Beatles and should have retired 10 years ago (at least)
How many albums and how many hits?
Compared to the Beatles it's very very low
Still their popularity is still amazingly high
I dunno, I think they may be underrated. I've always been more of a Beatles fan, but if the Stones were only known for the work they did betwen 1968 and 1972 they'd still be considered one of the all time great acts. The string of albums they did during that period - Beggar's Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main Street - leave little doubt of their prowess as songwriters and performers. They created a synthesis of British pop, American R&B, and Delta Blues that was melodic, muscular, greasy, and totally unique.
Okay, their output since then has been spotty, but there have been some high points, particularly "Some Girls".
As for retiring, if all I knew about their present state was their Superbowl performance, I'd agree with you. But friends who have seen their current tour say that their real shows are much tighter than that televised trainwreck.
Speaking of old Brits who are approaching retirement age, The Who are slowly working on a new album, which should be ready any year now. If the two new songs they hid on a 2004 greatest hits CD are any indication, this one is going to be the first great album they've done since Keith Moon died. The songs "Real Good Looking Boy" and "Old Red Wine", released on their
"Then and Now: 1964-2004" CD are wonderful. My guess is that, if it's ever released, this CD will be their swan song.
Just listen to the songs "Can You Hear Me Knocking" and "Monkey Man" and report back tomorrow.