The Eagles aren't one of the top 5 or 10 all-time best American rock bands. Music is subjective and all that, but they were damn talented, highly influential, had a bunch of hits, married different styles of music to keep it interesting over a couple of decades... and sold a ****-ton of records.
I mean, but who's on the list above them? American Rock Bands. Go.
Metallica? like a few songs, but nah.
Aerosmith? Maybe but they're just... meh.
Dave Matthews Band? come on.
Allmans? Definitely yes.
Guns N Roses? love them, but they sure burned out early. Same with Nirvana.
Beach Boys? Probably #1 on the all-time list. The only American band who could rival the British invasion.
Van Halen. Like the music, hate the personalities. Maybe.
Journey? Meh, not enough great songs. ( The little Asian guy can wail though - have you seen him?)
The Doors? Maybe so.
Skynyrd? Yes. They would be on my list.
Motley Crue? Maybe.
Grateful Dead? could be.
The Byrds, Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, REM - arguments could be made... all maybes I'd say.
Back on the original topic, maybe a lot of people would put Pearl Jam on the list.
Personally, I might include Bob Seger and the SBB, but I'm not sure everyone appreciates his stuff like I do.
My buddy would always try to put Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers up near the top, but I consider them more of a one man show with backing band. Either way, i wouldn't put them above the Eagles.
Anyhoo, hijack/late night rambling over. Back to the Pearl Jam/Gun laws/Mississippi sucks threads.*