Here's my problem with this current cultural moment . Krist Novoselic , a man I much admire, gives a very reasonable, moderate take on everything happening. And gets shamed mercifully for it by the righteous left. www.nme.com/news/music/nirvanas-krist-novoselic-praises-donald-trumps-strong-and-direct-leadership-in-the-wake-of-george-floyd-protests-2680464%3famp

You misspelled, at least, like 7 other bands.

No, they weren't. Innovative and aggressive sure, but definitely NOT the greatest rock band of the 90's.

That would probably be the Heartbreakers.

I opened this thread thinking "great, something about music instead of politics:

Too bad I was disappointed.

Posted by laramiebob on 6/3/2020 8:45:00 AM (view original):
No, they weren't. Innovative and aggressive sure, but definitely NOT the greatest rock band of the 90's.

That would probably be the Heartbreakers.

This.

If you prefer that grungier sound then STP or Pearl Jam. Plus, you know, Foo Fighters. Reportedly Dave Grohl was very close to joining the Heartbreakers as a drummer before deciding to form FF. It would be very interesting to know how that would have gone...

U2 and REM still in their prime when Nirvana was going strong.

Black Crowes? I like bluesy rock, so that may be my personal bias showing.

Or, if you're really more into the live scene, the answer is Gov't Mule.

Nirvana, using the Pixies template, set the tone for what 90s rock would be. Hair metal was out. Alternative would've never been so prominent without Nirvana. We probably wouldn't be talking about lesser bands like STP (and to some extent even Pearl Jam) without Nevermind being the breakthrough record it was. It was revolutionary in that way.

Go listen to "Mojo" IF you want to understand just how freaking great the Heartbreakers are/were.

The best American Rock band..............EVAR!

Posted by laramiebob on 6/3/2020 3:13:00 PM (view original):
Go listen to "Mojo" IF you want to understand just how freaking great the Heartbreakers are/were.

The best American Rock band..............EVAR!

Nah.

Allman Brothers
Grateful Dead (not personally a big fan, but respect...)
The Doors
The Band

Might take CCR or ZZ Top, too.

Double Trouble and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. If the Heartbreakers count in spite of basically being a vehicle for Tom Petty, then these have to count, and they win.

Steely Dan

Posted by bronxcheer on 6/3/2020 3:55:00 PM (view original):
Steely Dan

lolz

Posted by DougOut on 6/3/2020 3:59:00 PM (view original):
The Jackson 5

Not a rock band...

Posted by dahsdebater on 6/3/2020 3:48:00 PM (view original):

Posted by laramiebob on 6/3/2020 3:13:00 PM (view original):
Go listen to "Mojo" IF you want to understand just how freaking great the Heartbreakers are/were.

The best American Rock band..............EVAR!

Nah.

Allman Brothers
Grateful Dead (not personally a big fan, but respect...)
The Doors
The Band

Might take CCR or ZZ Top, too.

Double Trouble and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. If the Heartbreakers count in spite of basically being a vehicle for Tom Petty, then these have to count, and they win.

The Allman Brothers were either brilliant............ or a mess. Depended. Most of the time the were a mess.
In their later days they stunk!

The Grateful Dead was boring. I've seen people fall asleep at (indoor) shows, apparently even "chemical assistance" wasn't enough to keep their attention or even keep them awake.

Now, CCR is definitely in the conversation.
Personally, Double Trouble would be my next choice but then without Stevie Ray you have the same conundrum as the heartbreakers sans TP.
But, IMO, TP (at periods of time) WAS a Heartbreaker bandwise. His songs, sure, but they way they worked them out as a unit just placed him as a player IN the band. Listen to "MOJO"........... you'll hear what I mean.
Besides it just flat kicks it. No radio BS!

ZZ Top (and AC/DC) just shows how much you can do with 3 chords and an attitude......... (and a stage presence).