Why does the UK kick America's butt in musicianship?

Question

Honestly, for every one great musician/band we get here they come out with 10 that usually end up putting us to shame. Anyone else notice this trend? Is there a scientific reason for this or are they just more motivated? For examples I'll bring up Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend or Mick Jones.

I'll add a few things then,
1. You're taking this too seriously
2. I wrote this question in about a minute just for some amusement
3. America does have great bands that no one can deny rock with the best of them, but when you think of bands that epitomized the genre, you think of UK bands.
4. Yes this is a largely opinion based post, but who cares, refer to addition number 1
5. You're right, we do have them beat on the teeth
6. For the people growing up so close....wow.

For the first answer, I don't listen to current music to be honest, but I see what you mean and completely agree. I'm talking in the past because America obviously hasn't produced much worth listening to since 1989. And for a farther down answer, I like that idea about just being raised into it more. That seems most likely. And for anyone who thinks this is an attack I'll be happy to email you all the American bands from my playlist, it really isn't an attack.

Answer 1

Lets take the present for example.....


UK: OASIS VS. AMERICA: FIFTY CENT



i hope that answers your question.....i can go on to say



Radiohead Vs. Kelly Clarkson



i mean come on! The US needs to step it up a bit.

Answer 2

I've often wondered that myself. Not that we don't have some fabulous musicians, but the Brits overwhelmingly outnumber us, even though they're a less populated country.

I think it's cultural. Why are there so many good Dominican baseball players? They love baseball, play at an early age, and the 'Great American Pasttime" saturates their lives moreso by far than here in the U.S.

I think it's the same with music. I think a denser population also fosters creativity and expression.

Ya know, I just happening to be listening to some Led Zep when I saw this question. When I was a kid, and Zepplin was new, I just figured they were american. Derek and the Dominoes? American, too. Rolling Stones? American, too. Imagine my surprise when I learned all these great groups and musicians weren't American!

The fact that they mostly sing with american accents must have thrown me off!

I guess there is no real answer to this question, but it could be an interesting discussion.

Answer 3

This doesnt really have anything to do with your question, but i thought you might appreciate a fun fact: Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck all grew up within 10 kilometers of eachother, in the span of about a year and a half. I think it's in the water....

Answer 4

Most Americans are greedy. They've lost sight of what's important (the music) & now they just want money... (to quote Metallica) Sad But True... It's all about makin money... There are some good musicians here in the US, but they're mostly being put on the back burner for all the meaningless, recycled garbage that's coming out...

Answer 5

Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Jerry Garcia, Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix . . . I will match you person to person, band to band if you want to go down that road. And we haven't even talked about women, or Elvis, or the old blues guys that the Stones and Page/ Zeppelin borrowed so much from - and the Americans had better teeth.

Answer 6

Where were stevie ray, hendrix, steve vai, eric johnson, etc born??? i think that it doesnt matter where a talented person is born as long as they get out there, and do it, and in a strictly guitar related talent compititon, stevie ray, hendrix and steve vai would blow everyone out of the water

Answer 7

Cause thats your opinion with no basis in fact.

Answer 8

Yeah there are exceptions, but I know what your saying.

Answer 9

I haven't noticed.