Better band......The Grateful Dead OR Genesis?

Answer 1

Now this is a question that I can get behind! Two extremely different bands. Incomparable bands. Apples and oranges to the biggest extreme. One band (The Grateful Dead) continued a long tradition of folk music by weaving their own psychedelic imprint over it and eventually embracing a Steely Dan-ish jazz inflection (mid-1970s) and eventually a poppish direction (late 1980s) without ever doing anything that could really be considered selling out. They were also a very dynamic live band (though their abilities as players are overstated) and were one of the few established bands that continued to perform almost a balance of covers and originals. The other band (Genesis) were one of the better recognized and eventually successful (though less complex than some of their peers) progressive rock bands who eventually pursued a pop direction which they received credit for and turned their back to the music that they initially performed. While all eras of Genesis have their good songs, a surplus of Genesis fans tend to prefer the period from 1969-1975, when Peter Gabriel was in the band. The overall quality of songwriting was just as average as when he left, but he gave the music a spark and his lyrics were infinitely more imaginative and relied less on romance and fairy tale themes than the two distinct eras in which Phil Collins took the reins. It is easier to make the argument that Genesis compromised themselves for success than The Grateful Dead, and seeing as integrity is one of the most important aspects that any band can employ, The Grateful Dead are the better band.

I am a fan of both, not die-hard, but I own and have listened to the entire Genesis catalogue and am accumulating the Grateful Dead catalogue (64 albums so far, no compilations) and on the basis of studio albums, both bands have their ups and downs. Early live Genesis and early live Dead are about the same quality, and eventually Genesis became a tighter live band (of course, comparing progressive rock to psychedelic folk, it's self explanatory as to why.) However, Genesis eventually employed session musicians for live, becoming less of a "band" in the process and more of an "act". The Grateful Dead have had their share of personnel changes, but with the exception of Bruce Hornsby's occasional presence in the 1990s (more of a 'guest' than a hired hand), they project more of a "familial" image. While Collins, Rutherford, and Banks are all friends in real life and much video documents their playful attitudes between each other, we are comparing bands, not the rapport of individuals, and as such, The Grateful Dead win on this count, too.

I am more often in the mood for early Genesis than any era of The Grateful Dead, but I can still recognize that on almost all counts, The Grateful Dead are superior.

Answer 2

Grateful dead is the one of the greatesr psydelic / folk rock band in the world of music. They give such a very nice and fresh music. I love them.
The other side genesis also give us some cool music in what we said as progressive rock music, so incredible and complex to listen to.

And i choose :
In their old times i choose : Genesis
Nowaday i choose : grateful dead

Because genesis's music have changed a lot from their old times. And the grateful dead still in their line until now.

Answer 3

Without a doubt, the Grateful Dead

Answer 4

Genesis

Answer 5

Genesis.......by a long shot....the dead were good if your were strung out on drugs, Genesis are good if your are sober adn not high....their music is far more complex...


Greatful dead is overrated severely

Answer 6

Grateful dead...sugar magnolia says it all

Answer 7

The Dead for sure!!

Answer 8

SHAKEDOWN highway!!! i admire this song! Bertha continuously places me in a competent temper Wharf Rat is extremely poetic help on the way-Slipknot-Franklin's Tower is the JAM!! Terrapin Station is epic! touch of gray- novices well known all of them ROCK!!!

Answer 9

THE GRATEFUL DEAD HAVE THAT SPECIAL THING IN THERE SONGS.