MY FAVORITE, MOSTLY ROCK BANDS. EVER.

I bought my first LP record at age ten. My collection, which ended up being about 2500 LP's, now resides with my son. I try to keep up with new stuff, but I am decidedly pro 60's and 70's. What can I say. I think I was there.
Anyway, here goes:

1. Picking a favorite band over a fifty year time period is no easy feat. After years of consideration, I have to go with LED ZEPPELIN. Jimmie Page is one of the three top guitar players, ever; John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards; John Bonham on drums; and Robert Plant, lead singer, one of the most talented and versatile performers to emerge over the years. Their songs were not cutesy little numbers like many today. Most were long and drawn-out, with plenty of guitar. My favorite among many of their great songs, "Black Dog." I got LED ZEPPELIN at number one.
2. I am a Beatles fan, although they did have a lot of little cutesy numbers. I remember their show on Ed Sullivan like it was yesterday. My favorite album of all time: Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. The album contains my favorite song, "A Day In The Life," which was actually two songs in one, one written by McCartney, the other by Lennon. This was psychedelic music at its best. I'm absolutely convinced the world would be a worse place without The Beatles.
3. The Rolling Stones just keep on going, and going and going. They get third place if for no other reason than their staying power. (1962-present). One hit after another for 50 years. I had a friend who was an ardent Stones fan. I can still see him prancing around like Mick Jagger. Great memories. He died from cancer some years ago. He would have had the Stones at number one. I wouldn't argue much.
4. The Eagles were sort of an early superstar band, with Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Glenn Frey. They owned the 70's. "Take It Easy," "Witchy Woman," "Peaceful Easy Feeling," "Desperado," "Best of My Love," "Hotel California." Their songs go on and on. We saw the Eagles in 1994 on their Hell Freezes Over tour. That's how long they said it would be before they ever played together again. Money talks. It was $100 a ticket, which was a lot at the time, but well worth it. Melissa Etheridge opened for them. She sang all Janis Joplin songs. She was called back to the stage twice, which I'm sure annoyed The Eagles. They come in at number four on my list.
5. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and occasionally, Young, were best known for their harmonies and songwriting. They started in 1968, and continue playing to this day. My favorite songs, "Lady of the Island," and "Wooden Ships." A sort of folk, rock super-group. They come in at number five.
6. Santana. The Carlos Santana Blues Band formed in 1967, in San Francisco. Santana's big break came at Woodstock, in 1969. He usually scores in the top 20 regarding his guitar playing. He is best known for his corroboration with singing artists, since he seldom sings. He came back to life with the release of Supernatural in 1999. I love listening to him play. Number six on my list.
7. The Dave Matthews Band was formed in 1991. Singer-songwriter Matthews was the founder, along with Leroi Moore, saxophonist, bassist Stefan Lessard, drummer Carter Beauford, and shortly after starting, Boyd Tinsley on violin. I like the songs Matthews writes mainly because they are stories set to music. One hit after another since 1991. One of the most successful bands in existence. Moore died in 2008, from complications after an ATV accident. He was replaced by Jeff Coffin, from Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. He is one of the best saxophone players alive today. The band continues to play, record and tour.
8. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band started in 1972. Springsteen is another great writer and storyteller. Out of New Jersey, we writes and sings a lot about blue collar workers and their present day plight. His band also had a great saxophone player, Clarence Clemons, who died in 2011. My favorite Springsteen song is "If I Should Fall Behind," featuring Clemons on sax. (He also sings). Bruce (a good name) Springsteen, coming in at number eight on my list.
9. Never let it be said that Bob Dylan is a great singer, He ain't. But it would be hard to name another singer-songwriter who was more influential in the 60's and 70's. He was a product of the time, coming out of Minnesota and living in Greenwich Village in New York. He was successful in the hard genre of folk music, although his work with The Band moved him into rock music. I think his album, "Blonde On Blonde," was one of the best ever. I am a big Bob Dylan fan. He's in at number nine.
10. At ten I have a tie. I like Mumford & Sons. They are a unique blending of folk/bluegrass/country/rock. I'm not sure what you would call it, other than good. Again, most of their songs tell a story, and I like the blending of the instruments. They have a long way to go to be called one of the best, but I think they are on their way.

          We saw Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros this summer in Memphis. The band is like a
           three ring circus. There's a lot going on. Must be around eleven musicians, playing an                          assortment of instruments. Alex Ebert is the lead singer, with Jade Castrino singing backup                and lead at times. Most the rest of the band backs-up with harmony. They are relatively new,              having started in Los Angeles in 2007, as a corroboration between Ebert and Castrino. Time  
          will tell how they will do. I'm guessing quite well. "Man On Fire" is a remarkable song.

So that's it. A lot of great bands. Many more that could have been included. Two new one's that are long-shots. Comment if you agree with some. Add your own. There are no right answers, only likes and dislikes, sort of like Facebook.