Author: Sean Levinson (4 Articles)

These probably aren’t the music rivalries most people make lists about. These bands don’t hate each other (at least to my knowledge), nor are they involved in some kind of heated, verbal controversy. What makes these acts rivals is the fact that their fantastic music is so similar (usually in sound and time period) that many feel it should be determined which band  is more influential or just better at what they do.  No, I can’t give you a winner of each battle, but I can say that it’s completely understandable to pick either of these bands as the victor of these debates, arguments that have been the topic of conversation for music snobs everywhere.

5. vs.

Iron Maiden versus Judas Priest

-Let’s face it, besides Black Sabbath and Metallica, these are probably the two greatest heavy metal bands of all time. The problem is, unlike Metallica and Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden just sound so damn similar that it’s almost impossible to argue which band is better than the other. Both acts have wailing vocals, a distinct image, and furious twin guitars. What I love about this debate is how the two bands lyrical themes’ (The fantasy warfare of Maiden and the motor-powered leather of Priest) are so different, yet they both fit their seemingly identical music so well. It’s almost like the debate is which style of writing is more metal, the exciting world of make-believe or the stereotypical bad-ass biker lifestyle. Argumentative points have ranged from influence to commercial success, but no true answer has ever been found. My opinion is that it’s just two bands playing great music in their own unique way, so who the hell cares. Rock on.

4. vs. 

The Sex Pistols versus The Ramones

-It’s a question so many punk-enthusiasts have pondered for years on end: Who is the greatest punk band of all time? Both acts have had a significant influence on the world of rock and roll today, and they each have their own rabid fan base that will seriously die for the triumph of their respected band in this debate. Like rivalry #5, this argument also seems like it comes down to a clash of styles (ha, clash!) because the music is equally good. Which is more punk, the anarchist English rebelliousness of the Pistols or the misguided, down-and-out New York spirit embodied by The Ramones.  The Sex Pistols have a better album, but the Ramones were better live…the debate is endless. Again, I love both these acts, but sadly, agreeing to side with both bands simply just isn’t punk.

3. vs.

Billy Joel versus Elton John

-The epic battle of the piano men. Both have amazing voices, both are absolutely insane on the piano, and when it comes to musical storytelling, it doesn’t get any better than quite possibly two of the greatest musicians on the planet. It’s not even like one of them only does slow songs, or one of them only does love songs, it’s almost as if the two are unconsciously trying to one-up each other throughout their careers. Billy Joel writes his own songs, but Elton John is more of a rock star live, however, Billy Joel has that religious fan base, then again Elton John has more versatile music, and, and, and I have a headache. I love them both, and they love each other.  When they are both still playing twenty years from now, I guess we’ll have to wait until the long run to see who’s better. Yeah, like that will ever happen.

2. vs.

Led Zeppelin versus Black Sabbath

-It’s the legendary war of who deserves the credit for inventing heavy metal.  They both began recording roughly around the same time, and they each have their own share of incredibly heavy tunes. Yet, the question remains of who started it all. Was Metal born within the likes of Zeppelin songs like “Dazed and Confused” and “Communication Breakdown” or Sabbath tracks such as “Paranoid” or “Iron Man?” The world will never know. At first, Black Sabbath seems like the obvious answer due to their evil lyrics and re-invention of the power chord, but it’s hard to argue against Zeppelin’s thunderous percussion and super fast blues guitar techniques. The bottom line is, both bands are equally important to Metal, and I think that it was both styles’ joining together that truly created the most popular sub-genre of rock and roll.

1. vs.

The Beatles versus The Rolling Stones

-One of these two is the greatest rock and roll band of all time. It’s easy to say the fab four is the obvious answer, but I myself was surprised when I learned just how many people (mainly adults around the age of 50 and up) really believe that it’s the Stones that should be awarded this honor. Both bands revolutionized rock music in so many ways, and without either of them, music wouldn’t be anything like it is today. Whether it’s the musicianship, live shows, musical influence, versatility or songwriting, either act could be called the greatest of all time. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones epitomize everything that is rock and roll in so many ways, and once they got a hold of their future lifetime followers, the race for rock royalty has never ended. It seems like each year, we’re reminded in some new way why each band deserves their mark in history. They are our forefathers, and they deserve to be honored, and I think that no honor is more respectable than being recognized as an undying competitor for the greatest title a band would ever want.