Does anyone remember a time before milli vanilli, before autotune, a time when rock bands were actually really talented musicians ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJLRVk6UJAs&ab_channel=MusicVideoVault ^

[algore]

There was a lot of really greatness in music before the 90s and I just give this as an example, but could easily give you a hundred more.

but I just don't see it today, and I don't know why.

Am I just missing all of today's talent somehow or has something changed?

[PGR88]

Hey Hey we’re the Monkeys!

Its ironic how their TV show theme (and probably most widely recognized tune) is not one of their best IMHO. It sounds like it was written in a few minutes for exactly a TV show.

the Monkees actually wrote very accessible pop songs that were nonetheless interesting, original and sometimes quite complex. "Pleasant Valley Sunday" comes to mind.

[Jamestown1630]

There is - or was - a Russian/Ukrainian Chicago tribute band. They’re kind of amazing. I don’t know if they’re active now, with all the mess going on.

[pepsi_junkie]

I have watched parts of that concert probably about fifty times, mostly to see Terry Kath’s guitar playing. But the thing that stands out to me as surprising was that Peter Ceterra played a killer bass. I didn’t even know he played bass at all, by the 80s he dropped it and just sang schlocky songs that high schoolers like me rolled our eyes at. But back in the day he was able to hold his own in the original lineup of Chicago ... no small feat of musicianship. Who knew?

[Rennes Templar]

The best and underrated guitarist of them all was Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. Hands down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pa9x9fZBtY

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Well, let's not romanticize the past too much - a lot of famous bands of the past mimed playing their instruments over music that was actually recorded by session musicians. The Beach Boys' best album - Pet Sounds - was effectively a solo album written, produced and recorded by Brian Wilson with the Wrecking Crew as his session musicians. The Monkees, of course, were guys miming playing instruments - and it never did anything to prevent their popularity. Same with the Partridge Family, Bread, the Mamas & the Papas, the Grass Roots - there's a reason Muscle Shoals and the Wrecking Crew are now famous.

The only thing preventing the bands of the past from using auto-tune and computers was the fact that they didn't exist and the fact that they could get real session musicians for the same purpose.

[dfwgator]

Isn’t that something? It’s just like Phil Collins. Of course for years, Phil was regarded as one of the best drummers in the business, and Pete was pretty up there with bass players. But now both are better known for their schlocky 80s solo material.

But real musicians know how good they really were.

[Fungi]

You are missing the big band era. Listen to KJAZZ. Saturday and Sunday 7 to 10 am. You will not be disappointed.

[Bob434]

Alice cooper! Plus a few other cool rock bands too!

[Seaplaner]

Well, who remembers “Transfusion” by Nervous Norvis?

[dfwgator]

I’ll see your Sultans of Swing, and raise you Telegraph Road

I think this is the single greatest live performance of any song ever (From Alchemy)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1Wp2ASqyxI

[Kenny Bania]

Country music too:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY8SwIvxj8o

[dfwgator]

Well, who remembers “Transfusion” by Nervous Norvis?

Of course I do, I listened to Dr. Demento every Sunday night, and would tape the shows.

[dfwgator]

Mentioning Alice Cooper made me think of Hunter and Wagner, and how great they were on Lou Reed’s “Rock and Roll Animal”.

[No name given]

How about Johnny Cash?!

[joma89]

We have been listening to “yacht rock” playlists recently for that reason. 70s music was really good.

[dfwgator]

The Monkees, of course, were guys miming playing instruments -

Mike Nesmith had real talent, and the case could be made he truly was ahead of the curve with country rock, ahead of The Eagles with The First National Band.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

It’s just like Phil Collins. Of course for years, Phil was regarded as one of the best drummers in the business, and Pete was pretty up there with bass players. But now both are better known for their schlocky 80s solo material.

But real musicians know how good they really were.

Not just musicians - I still remember how good Collins was in his Brand X side gig.

[dfwgator]

I still am a big fan of early Little River Band (with Glenn Shorrock). They did a fantastic live album with a symphony orchestra. The live version of “It’s A Long Way There” is fantastic, one of the best guitar solos I’ve ever heard.

[Rennes Templar]

Great too, but Sultans has 233 million views - Telegraph only 10 million. ;>

[dfwgator]

Great too, but Sultans has 233 million views - Telegraph only 10 million. ;>

Well it is what 14 minutes long....but that out solo!