I have a sinking suspicion I might get Kerbled, but WTF, I want to hear what you have to say.

We were talking last night at practice and bassplayer Greg says to me "there are no truly original artists. Every song's been written." He meant music artists, btw.

I protested. If this were in fact true, then we should just start a cover band.

But trying to come up with examples of bands that had no discernable genesis or influence (i.e., "yeah, they sorta took Zep and ran with it.") I could only come up with two examples: Bedhead and Television. Someone else suggested Prince.

Have at it.

I'd add Skinny Puppy to that list. Maybe in a warped way they're "ripping off" Cabaret Voltaire, but they are damned original.

Suicide.

John Cage.

DNA and a lot of those no-wave folks, but their genius was more desperation than brilliance.

Steve V. wrote:Suicide.

Yes.

Also, DNA.

Skronk wrote:

Steve V. wrote:Suicide.

Yes.

Also, DNA.

Five seconds after I wrote the original post, I went back to add DNA, only to notice you beat me to the punch.

Oh well, the edit stands.

That's what happens when we know good music.

I don't think there is a band that has not been influenced by some kind of music, either directly or indirectly. But there's definitely bands that have or had original ideas.

Devo. Velvet Underground. Battles. Joy Division. Shellac. Gary Numan. Slint. Sonic Youth. Aphex Twin. Boards of Canada. U2. Nirvana. The Beatles.

There may be bands that attempt to sound like these, but they were pretty original when they sprouted.

Captain Beefheart

Wesley Willis

Residents?

Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players?

JSBX (sometimes)?

Naked City?

Those ones where a bird or dog are lead vocalists?