The 25 Best American Bands : Ranked

[@johnshepherd708]

Mazzy, I'm sitting here with the TV on mute while the election results stream at 1AM. Thank you for this list. I needed not only a break from the dismal news but transport to a discussion of music from another era. These groups and records take me back to a better time. I can, as you have described for yourself, remember time and place while hearing these recordings for the first time. Talking about and remembering this music is timeless and a calm in the storm tonight. Thank you for the portal and, as always, your commentary and discussion. Best regards....John

[@jessem470]

Great video and band choices. I think Wilco deserves to be on that list

[@birdy1numnum]

Wilco for sure!! Many outstanding albums & absolutely smoking hot live. Too esoteric for Mszzy?! Eagles made the list...hahahaha.

[@garyolshan4177]

@@birdy1numnum Wilco should undeniably be on the list. Are you kidding?

[@birdy1numnum]

​@@garyolshan4177101% yes Wilco should be on there. Or at least my list.

[@garyfowkes8794]

1 Steely Dan 2 Talking Heads 3 REM 4 CCR 5 The Doors From the 🇬🇧

[@LarsSjöberg-e7w]

One morning in may 1965 i heard The Byrds and Mr.Tambourine Man on the radio here in Sweden. And it changes everything. Mazzy, i share your love for The Byrd. Timeless music in natural harmony!

[@GlenKellawayfromthebasement]

Hey Mazzy..thanks for the shoutout and for jumping on this..great list..very insightful..❤👍glen

[@mazzysmusic]

Any time! Love you Sir ✌🏼

[@jake105]

"I hate the F#ckin Eagles" - Jeff Lebowski

[@elvispresleycollectorsgroup]

I really enjoyed that Mazzy! Growing up with my original family Beatles and The Byrds, Cliff and The Shadows, Roy Orbison and of course Elvis singles, it was good to see your top 25. Some I have never listened to that I’m going to look up. Your top 25 American solo artist would make a great video too. Regards, Adam

[@p_e_d_r_o_01]

terrific list Mazzy, will be revisiting a few of these for sure

[@jeffweir]

I guessed 10 of them. Some of the ones I wrote down that didn't make it: Husker Du, Cheap Trick, New York Dolls, Big Star, Chicago, Melvins. Awesome that you included Devo. Didn't expect Lynyrd Skynyrd so that's okay;-)

[@gummodude]

Great list Mazzy. Some bands I wouldn’t have thought of but are certainly worthy of any list.

[@Brewin62]

Can’t quibble too much with your list. Great bands! I’ll throw in a few honorable mentions: NRBQ, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Love, The Electric Flag, and The Lovin’ Spoonful. Keep on spinnin’. “Red and white, blue suede shoes, I'm Uncle Sam, how do you do?”

[@MikeKovalesky]

Hi Mazzy - really enjoyed this list. So may great bands from different eras.

[@sherrislick3742]

Mazzy, the part about R.E.M. makes me feel good, I can't imagine how you feel ❤... great episode as always and thankful to watch you on Election Day ✌️🍷

[@andrewt4042]

Well that was a fun way to start the day. Thanks Mazzy.

[@StephenBiesiada]

Mazzy, great video, great list, I remember them all, all the songs, they all stand the test of time , fantastic , Thank You Mazzy, Steve

[@andysmusicden]

Agree with your no 1 for sure and a good list overall. I would have replaced some of your choices with Reigning Sound, Love, Big Star, Wilco, Yo La Tengo, Stooges.

[@garycornell6433]

My personal favorite is Quicksilver Messenger Service! My second would be Paul Revere and the Raiders (Kicks/Good Thing)!

[@karstenpost1477]

CCR are amazing, also are The Byrds🤩 Please let me just suggest to have a look at Poco (my go to band when some Eaglesesque music is needed

[@martyhopkirk6826]

Totally agree that Europe '72 is the best place to start with the Grateful Dead.

[@chrisl5156]

A very fun video. Thanks Mazzy. I'll just add my two cents not otherwise mentioned: The Smithereens and Mink DeVille.

[@zacharystrong6638]

I was going to complain that The Band didn’t make the cut and remembered they are Canadian haha. Great list.

[@steverogers2635]

Great video and list Mazzy! I would definitely add Santana to mine.

[@mazzysmusic]

I almost included Santana but they went through so many changes in their lineup it came Carlos and .. but this first three plus albums could have justified them.

[@dannyschneider553]

Santana should definitely be in top 10 at least

[@garybelenke4370]

Strong choices. #4 Jefferson Airplane. Freshman year in college - listened to Volunteers over and over. The JA version of Wooden Ships IMHA the best 6 minutes of vinyl ever.

[@aronpolasek4506]

Great list Mazzy! Particularly love seeing Los Lobos on your list. I think they are slept on by so many people. I love their versatility, and their musicianship is top notch for sure. And I'll second your recommendation for people to try and see them live. They are simply amazing in the live setting.

[@mazzysmusic]

Los Lobos; the great American Band still playing ✌🏻

[@karalyncarlton6151]

Nice list, Mazzy. The Replacements were also signed by Seymour Stein, and to Sire.

[@vinylrichie007]

Thanks for giving me a shout out. No one ever does.

[@mazzysmusic]

@@vinylrichie007 🤠🎸✌🏼

[@brucybabyy7355]

@@vinylrichie007 VINYL RITCHIE!!!

[@elliottcrews4997]

yea he left me out, I feel slighted. 😒

[@shoogerkane]

Great list Mazz! Can't really disagree with any of them. Although I might've found a way to squeeze in Big Star, ZZ Top, Pixies and Aerosmith. Not sure who I would have dropped though. Love to see X, Little Feat and Los Lobos included.

[@GeeAitch-r1r]

Eric Burdon's Memphis/ Detroit Experiment... is a great great album. I will shut up now......

[@Doug_Piranha]

"Pendulum" is the best CCR album for me, where they (John F) got to be more experimental, using instruments beyond the "rock combo" setting. And as many "hit songs" (the ones with great hooks) as on the albums before. "It's Just a Thought" is unbeatable. "(Wish I Could) Hideaway" likewise. Great soul to this record.

[@hahahayess]

Great list. Honorable mentions: Van Halen, Aerosmith and Guns n Roses. 🤘

[@ledzep9501]

Sad to not see, Grand Funk, Mountain, Blue Oyster Cult, Steely Dan, Aerosmith, Skynyrd, Blackfoot, Zappa, Stooges etc...

[@johnr3587]

Strong list of "rejects"

[@narrowfield6846]

it's always difficult to set the parameters for such lists. Still, I consider a group as a bunch of musicians who team up and play and record some stuff more than once. If they have an 'And' in their band name or not. In my list there would be Booker T. & The MGs for example, alongside with Tedeschi Trucks Band. Regarding the comments it's always funny that some people don't understand that in a top-25 list there is only space for 25 entries. And if you would add a honorable mentions list, it would burst as well. But as always, it's fun to take some band of your list and give them another listen.

[@billbez7465]

Agree with your choices except for Eagles, Funkadelic, REM, & Talking Heads, but as you said: it's your list! I would have substituted: Grand Funk Railroad, Buffalo Springfield, The Blasters, and maybe Chicago (up through the first 5 albums). Glad you recognized X and Los Lobos, two of my favorite bands.

[@pdd60absorbed12]

Deserted island, no way off, choice between American or UK rock. What would you pick? UK for me, hands down.

[@davidschecter5247]

Fascinating list. I agree with Airplane being as high as they were. I'd put Beach Boys much higher, as Brian influenced everyone with this arranging/production skills, even back in their "surfing" days. SUNFLOWER and SURF'S UP should have been much bigger hits. Although they were merely singers, The Temptations were a pretty special group, too. Best Motown music of the era. Byrds often get overlooked, but they were indeed giants. Also a shout-out to The Doobie Brothers.

[@patriceleformal3047]

Very good show Mazzy, as usual ! Don't get me wrong about my own list, i love all these bands (in no particular order) but the artists in my top 5 had and still have a great influence on me. 1 - The Byrds 2 - Steely Dan 3 - Neil Young & Crazy Horse 4 - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 5 - Patti Smith Group 6 - REM 7 - Ramones 8 - Creedence Clearwater Revival 9 - The Beach Boys 10 - ZZ Top 11 - The Four Tops 12 - Buffalo Springfield 13 - The Doors 14 - Love 15 - Jefferson Airplane 16 - Hot Tuna 17 - Bruce Springsteen & The E street band 18 - The Posies 19 - Fountains of Wayne 20 - Nada Surf 21 - The Pixies 22 - The Velvet Underground 23 - The Supremes 24 - The Grateful Dead 25 - Aerosmith ? -

[@Cap683]

Jefferson Airplane from 1967 thru 1969 were a force of nature. Six people who happened to be at the same place when the magic happened.

[@DanSPsych67]

Good List Mazzy!! And It Is Subjective .. And Us Guys From 60's Were So formed From That Time!! I May Go Do This Myself!! Just For Fun!! lol!

[@mazzysmusic]

Please do!✌🏼

[@terrykeenan4308]

Great list, so many bands here would be on my list, and R.E.M. would be my number 1 and Replacements second with The Cars at number 3. That being said, I would have included Wilco in my top 5, I’m surprised they didnt make your list. I also would have included Sparks, Cheap Trick, B52’s and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Tom is nothing without the heartbreakers.

[@Mfidelity]

Good to see X on the list. Agree they are one of the best American bands.

[@thesoulboy7976]

If not THE best, behind the Doors, The Stooges, and the Ramones.

[@iconicon5642]

Very thought provoking list. Steely Dan, Doors and Jimi Hendrix Experience my top three as a Brit - no particular order :). Chic, Sly, Allmans, Wilco, Little Feat, Beach Boys and Steve Miller round out the top ten.

[@catherine6653]

I enjoyed your choices in your list. I still listen to Eagles music. I like the choice of Sly and the Family Stone. I would mention Larry Graham bass player and his slap bass. He was influential for Bernard Edwards, Prince, and John Taylor from Duran Duran. I like REM allso. I saw them for The Monster Tour at the Gorge Amphitheater. This was just after Bill Bailey's CVA, and I thought they were going to cancel. It was nice to meet you at the NW Record Show. I found a clean copy of Billy Joel The Stranger. The seller sold it to me for $2. 😊

[@Quebekvinylover]

Fantastic list! I would have included Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots. I guess it’s just the confirmation that I’m a little bit younger!

[@teckertime]

You nailed it Mazzy. Glad X and Ramones both in there.

[@Rosyglowofchristmas]

Lovin' Spoonful, Byrds ,Beach Boys ,Velvet Underground, Mothers Of Invention, Stooges,The Band, Buffalo Springfield, Grateful Dead, New York Dolls, Sly & The Family Stone, Ramones, Love, Impressions, Yo La Tengo, The Last Poets ,Pixies, Wilco, Big Star, REM, Replacements, Camper Van Beethoven, Fountains Of Wayne, Iron & Wine..........The Magic Band, Flamin' Groovies, Television, Modern Lovers, Eels, NRBQ and the beat goes on!!!

[@donniemunden3283]

Great list !!!

[@GaryIrving-x5o]

My favorite American bands: (In no particular order) 1) Creedence Clearwater Revival 2) Crosby Stills and Nash 3) The Beach Boys 4) The Band 5) Grand Funk Railroad 6) Chicago Transit Authority 7) The Doobie Brothers 8) The Allman Brothers 9) The Marshall Tucker Band 10) Lord Huron 11) The Doors 12) The Lost Dogs 13) The Choir 14) Adam Again 15) The 77s

[@pdd60absorbed12]

Wow, a 77s fan. Mike Roe is a treasure in any line up. Saw him solo with a loop machine circa 2004 in Newcastle, CA.

[@GaryIrving-x5o]

@pdd60absorbed12 Mike Roe is one of my all time favorite musicians My favorite live performance is his "I could laugh". Exquisite.

[@pdd60absorbed12]

@@GaryIrving-x5o his talent really flies under the radar. I even sent a link of Don't, This Way to Mazzy hoping he'd check it out. I lived 40 miles north of Sacramento and met a youth pastor from the Warehouse church there who gave me several still wrapped vinyls of various bands that were connected to the Warehouse. Sacramento was a hub of Christian alternative music in the 1980s unknown to many. Got all the 77s stuff, totally original group of musicians.

[@dobieprime]

Best of lists have much to do with where you are from in the country. I agree with many on your list, Mazzy. But, for me...being from the south...I would have The Doobie Brothers on my list. I am very glad to see your inclusion of The Allmans and REM. The Doobies are from the west coast, I know. But, for me, growing up here in Alabama...their music on the radio and my record player really influenced my musical tastes.

[@LoriJaco]

The Doors, Byrds, and The Lovin Spoonful for me

[@newspapertaxis1]

Mazzzz......Historically speaking The Beach Boys were the Greatest American Band..Hands down! Top 10 not bad....Would have not put some as high as you did....Allman's,Doors,CCR,Sly, great choices.. Talking Heads..Airplane to high up IMO....I would have also added Chicago, Tom Petty..Hmmmmm......

[@bullobca]

Nice video, I'd include Calexico and Wilco but great list.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Shocked… and pleasantly surprised you have The Allmans at #10 and ranked above Little Feat! I said it earlier, but really like the X pick. Beware all the commenters that you will tell The Band were American. 🙄🤠 Great video, Mazz. 😘

[@Don-md6wn]

Putting your rules aside, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are far and away #1 on my list. Not only for their catalogue, longevity and minimal personnel changes, but their live recordings show they could do great cover versions of damn near anything.

[@patricklear3711]

It's Wed Nov 6. Just checking in on ya Mazzy, making sure you are OK. 😊

[@mazzysmusic]

We’ve had better days. ✌🏼

[@Vitally14]

Surprised to see Nirvana rank so high! Seattle really must be rubbing off on you lol.

[@chrisnicol1644]

Maz... I got the MoFi version of Hotel California... Not bad at all...

[@Turkeytoad1972]

Knowing you have roots in the bay area, I was surprised metallica didn’t make the list

[@garyrigby21]

Great choices Mazzy the Music Machine would be in my list

[@ballstadt]

You left out Grand Funk Railroad. They're an American Band. They come into your town, and help you party down.

[@vinylrichie007]

This is the best comment I’ve read in a while. Too funny.

[@TheHSIHP]

Phish. Criminally overlooked and underrated.

[@mazzysmusic]

😵‍💫✌🏼

[@tomgrych]

Great list, got us all talking/typing. If I'm ever asked, Los Lobos and X are America's two finest bands. And, yay to Devo over the Eagles. thanks

[@rocky-o]

hey my friend..this could be called the perfect list for starting a collection.. ironically, the first band that came to my mind was grand funk..go figure... but i loved seeing little feat and, of course, the velvet underground.. good stuff sir..stay well..peace hoping.. rocky

[@martyhopkirk6826]

I'm glad that I correctly guessed number 1. All the way through I was thinking, "Where are they?", and when they kept not showing up, I thought "They're bound to be Number 1". And I'm inclined to agree with the choice, even though the Dead are far and away my favourite US band.

[@Claus-q2h]

Hope it’s not inapropiate today. But what about The Steppenwolf album “Monster”? Love your work

[@birdy1numnum]

Man oh man you love, looooove music from LA. I would have added Sparks, Husker Du, Booker T and the MG's, 13th Floor Elevators, Van Halen and the Sonics. *The Eagles? 🤮 nooooo*

[@Global.Hibernian]

Not trying to nit-pick and perhaps I am missing something but how could the Lovin' Spoonful be omitted from a list of the 25 Best American Bands? Three superb albums and one pretty good album plus a truckload of great singles, including one from a movie soundtrack, not included on their regular albums - "Darling Be Home Soon". The absence of the Velvet Underground and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers could also be considered to be a bit of an oversight. On the credit side, at least Los Lobos got their due recognition.

[@mazzysmusic]

I did include VU and almost chose Loving Spoonful. They were in my first pull of thirty bands. And I said we all keep Petty Springsteen and Young separate from them as a band.

[@Global.Hibernian]

​@@mazzysmusic My apologies for my error, Mazzy which I can only attribute to a lapse of attention on my part. Yes, you did indeed include the Velvet Underground. By the way, my favourite Los Lobos album is " By the Light of the Moon" which I acquired very shortly following its release, on the strength of my introduction to this wonderful band which had been, its almost-as-good in my view, predecessor, "How Will the Wolf Survive?" which I had purchased on vinyl during the year of its release -1984. I am now 72 years young and given that four decades have now elapsed since that acquisition, I'm afraid that my tastes unavoidably reflect my age.

[@kenjones6441]

Great list, you just forgot The Pixies and Steely Dan. Oh yes and Earth Wind and Fire, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Weather Report.

[@shaunmaloney5415]

The Beatles The Stones The Who Zeppelin Sabbath The Yardbirds The Kinks Oasis make me proud to be British ✌🇬🇧

[@BBlooger]

Yay! Sonic Youth! Great call Mazzy.

[@BBlooger]

Love that Little Feat album.

[@BBlooger]

That Lowell George album is wonderful too!

[@BobbyGass5]

I seen Vinyl Ritchies video. I'd expect your choices to be different which they were.... In 67 "Groovin" was my Girlfriend's and my "Song", lol... My list would be much different than both of you but there'd be the odd band from both of you I'd have on my list. Some bands are kinda given for most of us... Cheers.

[@VinilosyTinta]

Interesting take like the other lists. Fleetwood Mac was not considered or you think they fall under a British band?

[@garyolshan4177]

British drummer bass player the late christine mckie. More British

[@DaleRC75]

1. - Steely Dan 2. - Little Feat 3. - The Doors 4. - Talking Heads 5. - Doobie Brothers 6. - CSNY 7. - CCR 8. - REM 9. - Ramones 10. - The Byrds

[@gvaldes]

....glad to see Los Lobos make the cut, Mazzy. RRHOF worthy for sure.

[@simondepass4647]

WFC from LF is the absolute business!!

[@bryandelph3221]

Really good list. I would have shoe-horned Steely Dan in there, but otherwise all good.

[@colourlessbluethings]

Hard to argue with the top 2 but I'd have The Doors higher. The Doors and Creedence would be tied for 1 and 2.

[@ronaldheussen2603]

...depends of the moment, but yes: Clutch !! {Maryland)

[@love2spinvinyl]

A few id change out and insert the following - Sublime, GNR and White Stripes. I am a few decades younger than you and Australian so coming from a different view point.

[@OleD-HH]

I love that kind of lists. I know, I know, it's entirely subjective but where are Steely Dan and The Band (could be as a justification that there are Canadian-American)?

[@kevinjames1516]

Wot, no ZZ Top?☹️

[@punkfloyd-m9k]

Of course it's just personal choice, and I agree with the majority of yours, but I would have to have the Sonics, Stooges, MC5, Steely Dan, Flying Burritos, Television and the Isley Brothers in mine.

[@mazzysmusic]

All good bands. Steely Dan as an actual back barely lasted through one album

[@MarcOrtizdeCandia-qi8yb]

Americans Bands I Wouldn’t Include: • Sonic Youth • Funkadelic/Parliament • Devo! • Little Feat • The Beach Boys! • The Grateful Dead! • Jefferson Airplane! The Byrds were at least three different bands. You can only choose one. Thanks for Including War, Los Lobos, Sly and The Family Stone; bands most people wouldn't even think to consider.

[@vinylrichie007]

I also saw Sonic Youth open for Neil Young and Crazy Horse. What a great show. Sonic Youth is a good choice but no whereas good as Butthole Surfers or Big Black. Devo are a Punk band. Quit spreading FAKE NEWS. I should have included Mudhoney. I would say The Replacements started as a Punk band and then got crappy. X are playing Bakersfield December 19th. I won’t correct you about their 3rd album. I would pick Rock N Roll Animal as the best 70s live album. Good to see War. I was sure I would be the only one to include them. One of the dudes I worked with, his sister was married to Cesar Rosas. Or maybe David. I wasn’t a fan of Brothers and Sisters. I prefer the first two studio albums by the Allman Brothers. I remember hearing Losing My Religion in Mexico. You got #4 and #1 right.

[@iconicon5642]

:) Mazzy trying to remain composed in the presence of the young lady on the Ventures. Rather like a Roxy album...

[@VinylRundown]

Wife actually said “I’d rather watch mazzy than the elections.” 😳.

[@StevenDavid-4q2]

32 Other Bands that wasn't mentioned: Aerosmith; Ambrosia; The Bangles; Black Crows; Boston; Buffalo Springfield; The Cars; Cheap Trick; Chicago; Doobie Brothers; Fleetwood Mac; Foreigner; The Go Go's; Grand Funk Railroad; Greg Kihn Band; Greta Van Fleet; Heart; Iron Butterfly; Journey; Kiss; Kansas; Metalica; Missing Persons; Molly Hatchet; Pearl Jam; Poco; The Pretenders; REO Speedwagon; Santana; Soundgarden; Steve Miller Band; Survivor; Van Halen; Zebra; ZZ Top From Your Listed Bands: The Allman Brothers; Beach Boys; Blondie; Byrds; Doors; CCR; Eagles; Grateful Dead; Jefferson Airplane/Starship/Jefferson Starship; REM; Talking Heads.

[@mazzysmusic]

@@StevenDavid-4q2 Fleetwood Mac will always be British to me.

[@elliottcrews4997]

Hey Mazzy, I still maintain that the all time greatest American bands don't include any rock bands.

[@scottbookman]

NRBQ

[@neilbruce4201]

The Band must be the quintessential American band, even if they're not all Americans.

[@martinminerva2095]

You being from San Francisco, I expected The Residents to make your list.

[@mazzysmusic]

They are a wonderful arts collective with some cool music but I don’t consider them a great band. But very entertaining.

[@martinminerva2095]

Are duos like Simon & Garfunkel and Outkast excluded?

[@mazzysmusic]

@@martinminerva2095 yes. Not bands.

[@robotubetwob]

Logic says you have to rate VU higher than REM. BTW, Ramble Tamble is CCR's best song.

[@mazzysmusic]

REM has at least three times better albums than the 2-3 VUs.

[@kingofallmediums2123]

John Doe! That’s a strange name! 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😊😊😊😊😊

[@Zebop-xp9sv]

Santana!!!!

[@mazzysmusic]

Almost chose them but after there first three or so albums they had a revolving door.

[@dannyschneider553]

Spirit , quicksilver , csn&y , poco buffalo Springfield (???)

[@dannyschneider553]

Rather then parliament sonic youth

[@TRamone01]

The Beach Boys are getting to look more and more obligatory for these lists. And, while The Byrds were America's answer to The Beatles they were kind of a Dylan cover band. The holy trinity remains intact: The Beatles, The Stones, and Dylan.

[@GeeAitch-r1r]

cant keep quiet...sorry. Gene Clarks first album (with the Godin Brothers) is totally amazing. I may be wrong... but Columbia records were d-heads - they relleased it the same day as Younger Than Yesterday... if my minds reading remembers... I WILL stop now. Cheers Massy (Mazzy ) ?

[@richardfitzpatrick5748]

A British bands video would be good. Beatles. Stones. Led zep Queen pink Floyd Queen. The who. Us brits got it all going on …..

[@thehufflepuffhermione]

The obvious #1 is The Beatles

[@vinylrichie007]

Gene Parsons>Gram Parsons

[@sjbang5764]

The Byrds are the best American band. It's frightfully simple. Thanks Mazzy.