Greatest Guitar Band


I thought just before Christmas I'd get a good thread going. IMHO,the greatest guitar band was the Yardbirds, not because E Clapton,or J Beck, or J Page was in it but because Chris Deja, and Paul Samwell-Smith were great rhythm and bass guitarists that could rock and keep up with the above. Plus Jim McCarty the drummer could keep the group in line and fine harmonica work from Keith Relf(ok not the greatest vocalist, more of a finesse singer).They had it all, I cannot think of another band that had three great guitarists in the band at one time(J Beck, C Deja, P Samwell-Smith). In 1967, when J Beck and J Page were in the band togther as co-lead guitars, they were the lead in band for the rolling stones, they just blow them away,ok, that is not a fair comparison considering the rolling stones still cannot play their instruments very well. But in comparison to say Led Zepplin, LZ did not have a rhthym guitarist(except J Page would overdub that part on recordings). That made them sound not as well rounded live as far as guitar work is concerned. I am not saying LZ was a bad band on the contrary,they put on probably the best show ever, but I do not consider them a guitar band per se. Besides, J Page stole vitually from his former band anyway. Remember "How Many More Times" is a repackaged version of the YBs "Smokestack Lightning", a Howlin Wolf tune. YBs version is in my mind the best rock song ever. So what do you think????
shubertmaniac
Dekay, do you know of any publishings (video or audio)of that episode of Eric vs Chet on the Ed Sullivan show? It sounds like something I'd be interested in seeing/hearing not to mention purchasing for my collection.
Wsmatau: Sorry, no I do not. I just happened to see it one Sunday evening when I was a teenager. It was not pleasant to watch as Chet was somewhat hurt and embarrassed. I suspect that if there was any kind of a rehearsal, that Clapton held back a little during it. I also remember that Jimi Hendrix was on the Johnny Carson Show and Janis Joplin was on Dick Cavets show at around the same time. Hendrix was all smacked out and Janis was sober and shy. Strange TV times.
Garfish: Since you mentioned the Thunderbirds, I may as well through in the Fab. Rhinestones, Electric Flag and (barf) Spooky Tooth. I have never really listened to SRV and wonder if he ever did a cover of the song "Trouble"? I searched the record clubs and never came up with it on an album. Any suggestions for the best SRV to own if you are only going to have one? I just picked up a live Pink Floyd double CD (in weird packaging) to cover PF.
Dekay SRV's recordings are all so good you can pick anyone but if you want to get to meet his music start with his "greatest hits", it has a great retake of Hendrix's Little Wing or try "Live Alive" and listen to his take on Hendrix's Voodoo Chile. Another great artist we lost long before his time. All his material is good. Bet if you try anyone you will be back for more. Mike