The Greatest American Rock Band Bracket!
Elite Eight, Indie/Grunge/New Wave Division
R.E.M. (1) vs. Talking Heads (3)
College Rock pioneers versus New Wave funkmeisters
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R.E.M.:
"R.E.M. marked the point when post-punk turned into alternative rock [and] sparked a back-to-the-garage movement in the American underground. Combining ringing guitar hooks with mumbled, cryptic lyrics and a D.I.Y. aesthetic… the band simultaneously sounded traditional and modern. R.E.M. had an identity and sense of purpose that transformed the American underground. Throughout the '80s, they worked relentlessly, releasing records every year and touring constantly, playing both theaters and backwoods dives. Along the way, they inspired countless bands, from the legions of jangle pop groups in the mid-'80s to scores of alternative pop groups in the '90s, who admired their slow climb to stardom." --AllMusic.com Popularity
Influence:
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Talking Heads:
"One of the most critically acclaimed bands of the '80s, [Talking Heads] helped to pioneer new wave music by integrating elements of punk, art rock, funk, and world music with an anxious, clean-cut image. They collaborated with the British producer Brian Eno on a trio of critically acclaimed releases [that] blended their art school sensibilities with influence from artists such as Parliament-Funkadelic and Fela Kuti. Talking Heads' art pop innovations have had a long-lasting impact… Along with other groups such as Devo, Ramones, and Blondie, they helped define the new wave genre in the United States [and] helped bring African rock to the western world. Their 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense, directed by Jonathan Demme, is considered one of the best concert films ever released." --AllMusic.com Popularity
Influence:
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