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Brits Pick Best Music Acts of Past Decades
AP via Yahoo ^ | 11/12/2004 11:42 AM

Posted on 11/12/2004 9:35:34 AM PST by itsamelman

Robbie Williams , Michael Jackson , Queen, The Rolling Stones and Cliff Richard have been chosen by the British public as the best music acts of the past five decades.

The musicians, each representing a decade in the last half of the 20th century, were inducted into Britain's first music hall of fame along with honorary members Madonna , Bob Marley, Elvis Presley, U2 and The Beatles at a ceremony in London.

The honorees were selected by a public vote by Channel 4 television, which invented the British hall of fame. So far, there's no building.

Williams, 30, won the popular vote to represent the 1990s, beating the likes of Blur, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Oasis and Nirvana, while Jackson was crowned music ambassador from the 1980s, ahead of Prince, REM, George Michael and The Smiths.

Queen was voted for the 1970s honor above Abba, The Bee Gees, The Clash and David Bowie .

The Rolling Stones were voted most popular from the 1960s and Richards the 1950s' most popular musical performer.

Madonna, U2 frontman Bono, The Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood , and Williams were among those to accept their awards in person at a ceremony Thursday.

The Beatles' award was collected Thursday night by their producer, Sir George Martin.

"After 42 years, the light of their genius still shines as bright as ever," Martin said.

Priscilla Presley said her former husband would have been proud.

"His dream, that of a world tour, was never realized. His fan base was so strong here and because of that he would have been proud to receive this," Presley said.


TOPICS: Culture/Society
KEYWORDS: music; topten
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To: itsamelman

"Uh oh...I think I just heard Courtney's voice, guys..."

141 posted on 11/13/2004 10:34:48 AM PST by Pharmboy (My tagline has gone fishin')
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To: God luvs America

July 13 Singer Bowl, Flushing New York, 1969/ This is when I saw Zep.


142 posted on 11/13/2004 10:42:24 AM PST by dennisw (G_D - against Amelek for all generations.)
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To: God luvs America

well of course Sheer Heart Attack/Night at the Opera/Day at the Races/New of the World was the classic period, but they have to move on. I think you are wrong about 'the more commercial they got', actually they didn't really have a big hit after "The Game" (Another One Bites/The Game/Crazy Little Thing Called Love/Save Me) so I don't see where they got more commercial in the 80's than they were in the 70's. The Miracle and The Works are fantastic albums, but the stuff is not all that accessable to non-Queen fans. Outside of "I Want to Break Free" and "Radio GaGa" I don't think I heard anything from taht period on the radio at all.

What do you mean about Queen II being a compilation? Do you mean Greatest Hits II?


143 posted on 11/13/2004 11:57:23 AM PST by puppetz
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To: dennisw

there is a bootleg available with that show...I have a bootleg from a few days before, 7/69, when they played in Central Park.


144 posted on 11/13/2004 11:58:47 AM PST by God luvs America (When the silent majority speaks the earth trembles!)
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To: Extremist

Yeah, but she sure does have a pretty face.


145 posted on 11/13/2004 12:15:13 PM PST by Serb5150 (Rice '08)
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To: Serb5150

I don't think we're talking about the same chick. I mean the one ALL the way to the right. The one with nothing covering her chest. She's uglier than the one with the beard.


146 posted on 11/13/2004 12:48:47 PM PST by Extremist
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To: itsamelman

I see you have good taste my friend, LOL!


147 posted on 11/13/2004 1:05:02 PM PST by cmsgop ( GLOAT? , YES PLEASE!!!!!!)
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To: Serb5150

Any list of greatest rockers tht include Madonna ain't worth wiping with.

Still, a GREAT thread ... Freepers know their rock'n roll.


148 posted on 11/13/2004 2:10:05 PM PST by jwfiv
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To: Extremist

Spot on!!


149 posted on 11/13/2004 2:26:05 PM PST by gracex7 (The LORD is not slack concerning His promise....but is longsuffering to us-ward. 2 Peter 3:9)
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Comment #150 Removed by Moderator

To: puppetz

This is SO much fun.. what with having to allow for "taste". Bands like the Clash are famous for "attitude", not skill.

There is still such a thing as "talent", as opposed to "no talent". I've been a classic rock/metal/blues guitar player for 26 years, so I've got a few suggestions for the Freepers on this thread who have good taste, but might have overlooked a valuable album here or there.

Led Zeppelin- Presence (1976) doesn't get enough respect.
Rainbow- Rising (1976) Blackmore and Dio in a serious mood.
Rainbow- On Stage (1977) Even better. Really. Apart from classical music, my favorite album ever.
Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush- Live (1977) the most under-rated guitar virtuoso ever. Classy stuff.
Robin Trower-Live (1976) James Dewar had the most beautiful voice for the blues in the modern era. Trower is on fire.
Joe Satriani-Crystal Planet (1998) A never-ending feast for high-tech guitar players. Melodic, lyrical, and awe-inspiring.
Yes- Talk (1995) We all love Fragile,and 90125, but this overlooked album deserves attention too.
Black Sabbath- Sabotage(1975) Possibly the high-water mark for the Ozzy era. Never Say Die(1979), though dismissed and derided by most, is also FULL of brilliant playing.
Blue Oyster Cult- Heaven Forbid (1998) Better by far than Agents of Fortune, their best seller fron '76. Every song should have been a hit.

Just in case you like any of these guys and missed some of their less-hyped work.


151 posted on 11/13/2004 7:02:21 PM PST by Burr5
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To: Burr5

I'm a huge Trower fan, I burned up the grooves on several "Robin Trower Live" LPs trying to cop his licks. Rainbow Rising, my god Cozy Powell is a god. The intro to Stargazer (I think) is awesome. Presence is indeed one of my fav Zep LPs (I prefer Phys Graf for sheer diversity, but Achilles Last Stand is a truly great tune, as well as the only fast Zep song there is)

For Yes, of course I love the classic stuff but Tormato and Going For the One are pretty damn powerful as well. Sabotage, as well as Sabbath Bloody Sabbath are relativelly unknown but amazingly progressive Sabbath albums (you may be interested in the fact that Rick Wakeman played the uncredited keyboards on those 2 albums).

If you want to talk truly trancendential, Zappa is probably the only musician of the rock era that will be called a genius 100 years from now, when Lennon/McCartney are seen as lovely popsongsters, much as Stephen Foster (Swanee River) is now.

I still think Queen was more unique and creative than any of those bands, plus they were more commercially successful, which while that is not necessarily an indicator of talent (see Britney) it does show they were very influential and touched a lot of people's taste in music, both serious musicians and pop chart lovers.


152 posted on 11/13/2004 7:33:36 PM PST by puppetz
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To: puppetz
"I've been a professional musician, producer, recording studio owner, record reviewer, guitar & bass teacher and pro soundman for 20+ years, so I have some backup to my opinion...."

And, I might add, you're also hysterical.
I still say real men don't worship "Queen", but thanks for sharing.
(So "lighten up, Francis".)

153 posted on 11/15/2004 4:01:21 AM PST by Psalm 73 ("Gentlemen, you can't fight in here - this is the War Room".)
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To: Psalm 73

If you are insinuating that the fact that Queen had an openly bi-sexual member who died of AIDS makes the bands music or legacy somehow tainted or that enjoying and appreciating their music makes a person "less than a real man" I'd just have to say that's ignorant. I happen to disagree with what seems to be a prevailing sentiment among some conservatives that there is something wrong with being gay or that an artist who is gay is not worthy of credit for their craft. I enjoy music and other work by entertainers whose lifestyle, politics, personal life differ from mine. It has nothing to do with the subject at hand and your comment is pretty idiotic and adds nothing to the conversation. I don't 'worship' any entertainer, btw. I respect and enjoy their work.


154 posted on 11/15/2004 8:47:27 AM PST by puppetz
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To: puppetz
"I happen to disagree with what seems to be a prevailing sentiment among some conservatives that there is something wrong with being gay...."

Well, yes, there IS something wrong with engaging in homosexual behaviour. And it is not an opinion - it is a Biblical fact.
But that's not why I don't go ga-ga over Queen - I just don't think their stuff is that great. I acknowledge that they're VERY talented, as is Elton John, but I don't get all worked up over them.
Hendrix is more like my preferred style - but if I had the choice between listening to 4 hours of Freddie Mercury or 4 hours of Joe Strummer - I would pick Strummer every time.

"I enjoy music and other work by entertainers whose lifestyle, politics, personal life differ from mine...."

Well, seeing how most rock genre artists are pretty-much Socialists who lead a pagan lifestyle - I would have to say the same thing. No shocker there.
And perhaps you're taking these frivolous threads too seriously - hence the "Lighten up, Francis" comment. It's only music, it's not the War on Terror for cryin'-out-loud.....

155 posted on 11/15/2004 9:43:11 AM PST by Psalm 73 ("Gentlemen, you can't fight in here - this is the War Room".)
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To: Psalm 73

I'm not the one making ad hominem attacks on people, I merely stated my opinion on Queen's music and backed it up with references to specific albums and songs. I don't see how that's "taking a thread to seriously". You responded with an unsupported crack about the masculinity of anyone who sees merit in Queen's music. I don't dispute there will be differences in musical taste. I do dispute that all musicians and music/lyrics is not demonstrably more complex, erudite, developed, technically superior as to technique and virtuosity, original, unique, diverse and influential. By every one of these standards, as well as commercial success, which must be considered in the subject at hand: the greatest act of a particular decade, Queen wins. Clash, great as they may be, are not technically superior musicians. Their music breaks no new ground. Its very basic and almost roots rock and roll with reggae and punk influences. None of the musicians in that band is even nearly as technically proficient as any of their counterparts in Queen. None of the members of The Clash has written a #1 hit single, all the members of Queen have. While popularity and commercial sales don't necessarily mean talent (see Milli Vanilli) Queen was around nearly 25 years and consistantly had platinum albums, sell out tours and hit singles, and their music was consistantly original, diverse and influential. By this measurable criteria I claim they are the better band and the correct choice for the band of that era they were chosen.

By demeaning serious discussion of a subject by saying "you take it too seriously" you show you have no real relevant points on the subject to back your argument. Nothing on this forum is life or death and I don't "take it seriously". However, I do take discussion of political, social and cultural issues seriously enough to back them up with facts and educated opinions, or else why are we all here? Just to make snarky remarks about John Edwards' hair?

Usually the one saying "lighten up" is the one taking it too seriously, and they substitute put downs for actual facts. Back up your defense of The Clash as the greatest band of the 80's with some substitive argument, not just "I like 'em better" and we have an entertaining and informative discussion. Otherwise, you are just a troll throwing around insults.

The subject of gay lifestyles is best left for another thread. I am not bothered by people with a gay lifestyle and do not find it threatening or evil, regardless of your assertations of 'Biblical fact'.


156 posted on 11/15/2004 10:02:58 AM PST by puppetz
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To: puppetz
"You responded with an unsupported crack about the masculinity of anyone who sees merit in Queen's music."

BWAHAHAHA!!!Welcome to FreeRepublic (10/31/04), you ain't seen nuthin' yet.........

157 posted on 11/15/2004 11:31:18 AM PST by Psalm 73 ("Gentlemen, you can't fight in here - this is the War Room".)
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To: Psalm 73

I may be relatively newly registered but I've been FR around for a long time, and I'm not a novice to net forums. "Newbie bashing" and "flaming" (arguing with cheap shots and ad hominem attacks as opposed to varifiable facts) are 2 of the tactics of trolls and people who revel in conflict instead of intelligent discussion. Next you'll be calling me a Nazi. Lame play.

btw, the Bible has very few varifiable "facts". The is mainly a matter of faith, not facts. Even at that, its incumbant upon you to cite passages that back up your assertations if you expect me to take anything you say seriously. But that's not your game, you are merely baiting, another time-honored tactic of forum trolls. I'm here to discuss music. If you have anything intelligent and substantial to add to the discussion I'll be happy to debate and discuss it. If you want to have an idiotic flame war count me out.


158 posted on 11/15/2004 11:51:04 AM PST by puppetz
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To: puppetz
No, I'm not laughing at you, but you just don't realize how silly this sounds:

"You responded with an unsupported crack about the masculinity of anyone who sees merit in Queen's music."

I'm not bashing you, you're just so darned serious - I know Clash wasn't very good, and I'm not sure why I like them, and frankly I've never given it much thought.
I was just enjoying a light moment on the heels of the election, I'm sorry if I came off as insulting.
I was just having a little fun, and I apologize if you took me seriously - my table manners are not always so great (my wife's always giving me heck about my "rough edge".)
Can I get a a "mulligan" on this?

159 posted on 11/15/2004 12:07:39 PM PST by Psalm 73 ("Gentlemen, you can't fight in here - this is the War Room".)
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To: Psalm 73

Alright cool, no harm no foul. I also apologize if I came off too strongly in return.

In retrospect I guess we could have done all this in private messages and not fouled up the thread with our goofing around. I for one wouldn't mind if an Admin deleted the entire argument :p


160 posted on 11/15/2004 12:38:52 PM PST by puppetz
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