I think these are the most overrated of the oft-cited Greatest artists:
1. Nirvana - VH1 had them as high as # 14 on their "100 greatest music artists" list. They are usually seen as a revolutionary force which saved rock music in the 1990's. Not true, the entire myth was fabricated by the media so desperate to get their hands on the latest fad. Rock was already stagnating by the mid 70's, the return to the roots of rock by artists as disparate as Creedence and Ramones was signal that rock was wanting to return to the basics. Nirvana was just a late extension of that. They were a good band which managed to fuse the Pixies dynamics with a stronger pop sensibility, but were hardly original (even Kurt thought his own band was overrated). They were hardly prolific, and I think it was Kurt's untimely demise which granted them a false legacy. Let's remember them for what they were, a good pop band disguised as an alternative rock outfit, possessing the notable talent of a good song writer. I like them myself, but how is a 90's band with only 3 albums listed as #14, while revolutionary and influential bands like The Byrds are left out? Then again, it's VH1...
2. Michael Jackson - Ranked #2 on VH1's last list. A Great dancer with an excellent singing voice, but talentwise was far below Stevie Wonder, Prince, Marvin Gaye, and even Otis Redding on the totem pole. He frequently required to collaborate with other song writers, and his music, while accessible is very predictable. Let's remember him for what he was, a charismatic performer who SOLD records, but hardly a revolutionary force in music.
3. Madonna - Ranked very high in the last VH1! She is a music chameleon like David Bowie, but most of her fame is too founded on her cultural controversies...alot which are contrived and seemed force. I admit, I like a few songs (guilty pleasure), but most of her stuff veered on predictable dance numbers. I haven't seen an artist so mediocre get so much acclaim because of her non-music ventures.
4. U2 - One of my favorites! I think they have one of the most underrated rhythm sections and Bono is definitely a Top 20 front man. But let's be honest, in the mid 80's they were really just filling in the niche that were left by Led Zeppelin/Rolling Stones/The Who. They were capable of that, but lately have been known for Bono's ego-maniacal foray into the world of politics and less as a musical innovator.
5. Beach Boys - A Surf rock group who managed to match the Beatles complexity for a few short years. On a consistent basis, I don't think they touch The Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Who, Stevie Wonder, Kinks, or even The Byrds. They made a few good records post pet sounds, but their reputation dwindled for a reason. 99.5% discussion on Beach Boys is based around Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations.
6. Bruce Springsteen - Got too much love by Rolling Stone magazine in the 70's, and specifically "music critics" like Dave Marshe. In the early 70's, progressive music I would argue was a musical innovation in rock music. The self conscious fusion of Rock, Jazz, Classical, with intellectual pretensions was actually a good thing for rock. But people didn't get it and turned to this guy and punk. Bruce wasn't very original, but no artist touched your soul better at the time, So I guess people needed a new hero. In reality his studio albums were quite average, but his live shows were great though.
7. David Bowie - His status as a musical chameleon is overrated. How is he any less or more of a Chameleon than The Beatles, Stones, Byrds, Who, The Clash or Kinks? Who have had tons of transformations throughout their Own career. I also think he was more of a trend follower than anything. Let's remember him for what he was, a charismatic performer with adequate song writing skills who had one of the most dazzling penchant for artistic reinvention. It doesn't mean all his reinventions worked.
8. Neil Young - OK I'm biased against this guy. I have never really GOT him. He's ok, but he wasn't any better of worse than Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Jackson Browne or any of the other singer song writers of the time. Actually I'd prefer Cat Stevens to him. Let's remember him for what he was, an adequate story teller who was consistent of the trends of the era (Bob Dylan influenced singer song writers).
9. The Sex Pistols - They had one album and quit. They were very influential, but then again, so were the shaggs. Johnny Lydon's work with public image LTD more often than not is underrated and was very progressive. The Pistols image and meritoriousness is just too ripe to not be included in the latest rockumentaries...
10. Led Zeppelin - I like them alot, they were the band that got me to classic rock but I gotta be honest. Often charged with being a revolutionary force in the 70's, they were in reality just the best and most popular hard rock artist of the decade. They weren't the first to consistently use Hard Rock as a style (Cream) but they were the best at putting it a stadium, bigger than life atmosphere. I think Page/Plant are overrated as far as song-writing goes, I'm still bitter at all the stolen songs and shady crediting (I think Peter Grant had something to do with it). If proper song writing credits/royalties were issued, it's possible that Zeppelin may not have been the popular artists that they are. But original stuff like Kashmir do kick alot of ass!
