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theremedyband
Mar 14, 2009, 01:50 AM
Let me preface this post by saying that what I’m about to propose in this article is completely subjective. Unlike death, which can’t be argued is either inevitable or permanent, what I’m about to say is entirely subjective and could likely be debated until God himself returns to settle the argument. With that disclaimer out of the way, I’ll submit my statement for evaluation…

Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes is the “Voice” of rock.

Now I realize this is utterly subjective and completely open to interpretation. It’s like asking ten people what their favorite food is and expecting everyone to say, “pizza..” It’s a matter of personal taste and depending on what suits your musical taste buds, that’s what you are going to gravitate towards. Consequently, a poll of ten people will likely result in ten different responses.

Before I place the crown upon the king’s head however, we really need to have a look at some of the contenders for the throne. After all, for those of you that get nauseous from the very sight of pizza, you need to have a look at the other options on the table before you make your selection.

In no particular order, lets make an argument for…

Robert Plant - next to Chris Robinson, this guy is at the top of my list. Ok, so maybe they are in some type of order! Plant’s voice, whether you care for it or not, is unmatched in terms of power and range. He could blow your hair back with the likes of “Black Dog” and caress your ears with tunes like “Going to California.” He could carry a tune and scream like no other.

Paul McCartney - admittedly, not my thing but who’s going to argue with 90 million screaming women?

Janis Joplin - the most recognizable female voice in all of rock history. As Arthur Cooper wrote, “she stomped, shimmied, swung her hips, and screeched carnal knowledge in a voice as gritty as a Texas dirt road.”

Freddie Mercury - admittedly, not my thing but who’s going to argue with 90 million screaming men? On a serious note, Freddie’s range, creativity and precision make him one of the most versatile and respected artists around.

Honorable mention: Roger Daltrey, Steve Perry, Ann Wilson, & Paul Rodgers

So why Chris Robinson you ask, among a smorgasbord of exceptional singers on the table? Because he has all the ingredients of the perfect singer; soul, groove, range, purity, power, stamina and more. The kind of vocalist that defines the music he makes, with an instrument no less important than any guitar, bass, piano or drum. Robinson’s vocals are exceptionally soulful and powerful, matched only by the inspiration and introspection of his lyrics. How such a little dude could pack such a vocal punch is beyond the laws of physics and comprehension.

Not convinced? Not a Chris Robinson fan? Pizza give you heartburn? Well, be sure to leave a comment or visit our site to weigh in!

The Remedy Band (http://www.rockinwithremedy.com)



iObama
Mar 14, 2009, 02:01 AM
Paul Stanley is definitely the voice of rock.

63dot
Mar 14, 2009, 02:13 AM
Chuck Berry is an early voice in rock and roll as is Little Richard and both have many disciples.

I heard a talk with Beach Boys' Al Jardine and he summed it up saying the Beatles basically had an Everly Brothers type of sound and the Beach Boys basically had a Doo-Wop sound. Motown had an original in Diana Ross and the Supremes.

Mick Jagger is an original and is pure rock and roll and not a jazz singer who happens to do rock, or an operatic singer doing rock. He's just a bluesy straight to the heart type of rock and roll singer. His rough edges make him fit the medium of rock better than any I can think of from the 60s and 70s.

Beyond that, into the 80s until now, many singers I like borrow from Berry, Little Richard, Everly Brothers, Doo-Wop, Supremes, or Jagger. They are some of the great standard bearers of rock and roll.

That's my best guess.

Chris Robinson is definitely a great singer and he and his band have been compared to Mick Jagger and the Stones more than once. I have heard them called the "American Rolling Stones". Jagger is easy to copy but very tough to pull off with sincerity. Robinson definitely has that Jagger vibe down while seeming to be comfortable in his own skin. I like that in him.