Great bands aren't measured by the hit singles they release. They're measured in great songs, great songwriting, as well as great albums that are acclaimed by and influential to their peers. The Kinks were greatly influential to so many different genres, and were held in high regard by so many other bands of their time. Casual music fans never seem to appreciate what is really great about a musical act, and many times, will overlook the greats alltogether. Sadly, such seems to be the case with The Kinks. The are remembered for "You Really Got Me", and "Lola". However, they released great albums such as "Something Else by The Kinks", "Face to Face", and "The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society". Why is it that "Pet Sounds" by The Beach Boys is considered one of the greatest albums of all time, yet was considered a commercial failure? And why is it that no song on "Sgt. Pepper" by The Beatles also considered the greatest album of all time by most, yet failed to produce a no. 1 single? The proof is in the actual art, the entire album. A great band does not set out to write hit songs to make the little girls sing along, but to make great albums that will endure. The Kinks accomplished the latter, and with that, will go down in history. One of the most underrated acts of all time.

The influence and importance of The Rolling Stones cannot be discounted. They are one of the all-time great bands who have made some great songs. However, proclaiming themselves to be "The World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band" is quite a stretch. While they were not exactly similar to The Beatles in style, a comparison as far as greatness is relevant since The Stones proclaim themselves to be at the top. The truth is, that The Beatles knew when to hang it up and say no more. In only 7 years in the mainstream, The Beatles had more hits that The Stones have had in more than 40 years. The Beatles were much more advanced in their time, and anyone with a keen ear will tell you the same.

Quite possibly the greatest album ever made. The sequence of songs is perfection. When The Beatles came out with Revolver, there were no longer rules for making rock music. Before Revolver, The Beatles were already in the rock history books, but afterwards, they had rewritten them. So many call Revolver the greatest album of all time. I really believe that it is.

It's really a shame that in today's music world, no-talent hack punk bands like green day are made out to be genius, while very talented song-writing bands like belle and sebastian are pushed to the side. B&S have stated that if they don't get a gold rating with their next album, they are calling it quits. It's a shame for a band that should be selling out stadiums. All thanks to the mtv generation.

If there was one band that is responsible for changing music forever, it was The Beatles. So many will say they were overrated, but I strongly disagree. Those who say that think of the early days, the "yeah, yeah, yeah" days. The mop tops. Those who see The Beatles for what they are think of the later years. Rubber Soul and beyond. However, Revolver was the album that changed everything. With Revolver, all the rock-n-roll rules fell by the wayside. The Beatles had created modern rock music. Any fan of any subgenre of rock should appreciate The Beatles for what they are; the greatest band of all time. There has been no one act that could even come close to touching them since.