Originally Posted by
truckstop
oh poor, shy, young michael stipe.
R.E.M. ceased being relevant to me right before Monster. Everything before that was unique and awesome.
Other bands that have outlived their relevance:
Aerosmith. Rag Doll was decent only because it had a slide in it, but this is the only example I can think of after Done with Mirrors. Then Tyler on Idol. Stop. Just stop. Its embarrassing.
Van Halen after Diver Down. 1984 had some good stuff, but was the beginning of Pop Halen.
The Stones. Should have stopped after Tattoo You. Undercover and Harlem Shuffle were ok, but it was time to stop.
Bands that timed it right:
Zeppelin. Their reunion concert proved that they still had it, although Bob's voice is never, ever going to hit those notes like he did in the 70's. Bonzo passing on was a good time to break up.
T-Rex - see 'Zeppelin'.
Bands that should have kept going:
The Screaming Blue Messiahs
The Doors (Ian Astbury did a damn good job of channeling Morrison, but that was 30 years post-Morrison)
Mott the Hoople
The Cult
The Stray Cats (BSO was a worthy successor)
Bands that had one incredible album then got worse with each subsequent album:
The Smithereens
Joe Bonamassa
Discuss.