Four overplayed bands from the 1970s that did not deserve the love

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As a child of the ’70s, I’ve lived through the golden age of rock and roll, and I’ve got some bones to pick with these overhyped bands that seem to have taken over my cherished decade. Let me tell you why Rush, John Denver, Jethro Tull, and Ramones are not as legendary as they’re made out to be.

There will be groans here, for sure. Messing with someone’s favorite music? That is ridiculous.

As a dedicated gamer, I must admit that there are certain musical artists who seem to have an unwavering fanbase, yet it’s crucial to maintain an objective perspective. Adoring them so much doesn’t mean their every move or song is flawless. These artists on the list below are no exception; it simply means not all their work is exceptional. They’ve still made some moves that deserve recognition, but let’s not blindly overlook their potential imperfections.

Of course, it’s entirely within people’s rights to express their opinions about the artists on this list. It’s important to clarify that this statement does not aim to provoke any kind of unrest. The fact remains that among these 1970s musicians, these four may not be as equally talented or influential compared to others in the same era.

These four overplayed bands from the 1970s get far too much attention

Rush

As a die-hard music enthusiast, I can confidently say that it’s undeniable that Rush possessed exceptional talent. In my opinion, their rhythm section, featuring Neil Peart on drums and Geddy Lee on bass, might just be the greatest of all time. This isn’t me trying to start a debate about whether Rush were ‘bad’, because they most certainly were not.

To be frank, it seemed like the band was catapulted into an almost mythical status, leaving many feeling either captivated by their themes and concept or perhaps deemed as less astute for not grasping it. Unfortunately, the immense talent within the band steered them towards musical realms they struggled to control effectively.

When the band started incorporating synthesizers into their sound, they seemed to lose the distinctiveness they once had as a trio consisting of guitar, drums, and bass. Furthermore, their songs tended to stretch on for too long and took themselves too seriously. While we appreciate the spacey themes and surreal visuals, we still yearn for some good old rock music. Instead, they ended up sounding like a louder version of Jethro Tull.

John Denver (let’s assume he had a band playing along with him)

It’s not entirely fair, but it’s important to mention that Denver should be included on this list. Despite presenting himself as an honest man, he was known for fabricating stories. For instance, he marketed himself as a lover of the West Virginia lifestyle, even though he never resided there. He also projected an image of being in tune with nature and promoting harmony, but it appears that he might have been difficult to live with.

In Denver’s case, there was a problem with drunk driving. However, this doesn’t necessarily imply that his music was of poor quality. Instead, it could suggest that the emotions he expressed in his songs might have been inauthentic.

Musical artists shine brightest when they compose songs based on their personal stories, making us feel like they’re singing directly to us. While his soft, country-influenced folk melodies were acceptable, they seemed more about earning Denver some cash rather than sharing an authentic fan connection. However, if he had penned a song detailing the painful experience of confronting his ex-wife, though it might not have been appealing, it would at least have been a genuine expression.

Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull made an attempt at innovation by incorporating a flute into their rock music. However, the challenge lies in that a flute, being a softer instrument, struggles to stand out in a genre primarily characterized by high volume. It’s somewhat like using a guitar in a jazz band, where its strings might overshadow the brilliance of the brass instruments. Consequently, their songs often evoke images of mythical creatures due to the presence of the flute.

1. When it comes to Jethro Tull, a few ideas pop up. The jazz flute scene in the movie Anchorman, played by Will Ferrell, is more entertaining than anything Tull ever accomplished. Additionally, at moments it seems as though Tenacious D is mocking Jethro Tull with their songs, and in my opinion, Jack Black and Kyle Gass’s music is superior.

Ramones

Recognizing that some punk enthusiasts might take offense to the Ramones being included here, let’s put it this way: It’s a common observation that many of their songs share a similar sound, and that’s because they do. However, in the minds of many, the band has gained an almost mythical status, which can make them seem untouchable. But remember, no band is infallible. Not every move the Ramones made was flawless.

Absolutely! They created numerous short, punk-style tracks that were incredibly catchy. And yes, the Dead Kennedys managed to consistently adhere to an underproduced style throughout the 1980s, demonstrating they weren’t exceptionally skilled musicians, yet still producing songs that each had a unique sound.

The difference is that DK was punk as it should be: Aggressive, politic, and violent. Ramones must have created one song when they started that people liked and decided not to do much else. It’s lazy.

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2024-08-08 13:00