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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2009 > July > 09 > Entry
Vote for the all-time greatest band in Austin
Michael Corcoran has picked the 20 all-time greatest Austin bands. So who’s the best? Take our poll and let us know. Don’t agree with Corcoran’s choices? Write in a vote in the comment section below.
This poll is now closed. Thank you for your interest.
Comments
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By paige
July 8, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
the impossibles are the best
By Christian
July 8, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this
How about Arc Angels?
By wheelfan1
July 8, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
Um, where is Asleep at the Wheel on this list?? 9 GRAMMY AWARDS!!!! They have been in Austin since the early 70s!
By gus
July 8, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this
i think michael does a good job here. tough to decide which bands deserve consideration but it looks fair. the energy from some of those dicks shows was intense. same could be said about roky or stevie. tough choices. i’ve seen all of the acts on the list except the original elevators. and i’m going with the dicks. tough choices.
By Black Sheep Boy
July 8, 2009 11:24 PM | Link to this
Okkervil River.
By jennifer
July 8, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this
Where is David Garza?
By Andy
July 9, 2009 12:05 AM | Link to this
how could you exclude The Bad Livers from this list? …
By Mike
July 9, 2009 2:47 AM | Link to this
No offense to Shiva’s Head Band, but what about Too Smooth? Long live the Armadillo.
By Black Sheep Boy
July 9, 2009 5:02 AM | Link to this
Okkervil River. Hands down.
By JD
July 9, 2009 5:14 AM | Link to this
Soul Hat would have got my vote.
By Festus
July 9, 2009 5:22 AM | Link to this
No Doug Sahm/Sir Douglas Quintet? My, how soon we forget. Sick.
By Billy
July 9, 2009 6:18 AM | Link to this
Don Walser & the Pure Country Band should be on the list
By Austin Original
July 9, 2009 6:20 AM | Link to this
Seriously, no Asleep at the Wheel. You are lame. This list makes michael look like he doesn’t know his true Austin history. We are slowly losing our charm.
By austin og
July 9, 2009 6:22 AM | Link to this
No Asleep at the Wheel which helped launch other bands here today by their music. Michael you are a joke. Please know your music history bucko
By Johnny Hughes
July 9, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this
I used to manage Joe Ely, therefore I was around at a critical time in Austin history.
Ray Benson, and Asleep at the Wheel, are considerable Texas legends. In the long-term, Ray Benson’s name will be right up there with Bob Wills, Ray Price, and Willie Nelson. It is not too late to add them to this list. It has no meaning without one of the key figures in Austin music history, Ray Benson. His innovations, and show business knowledge, and two handfuls of Grammys speak out.
One night in Lubbock, Ray and I went to visit Stevie Ray Vaughn in his hotel room. The man with the little hands was showing the man with big hands guitar licks.
Someday, Austin may have a statute of Willie, and yes, Ray Benson.
JohnnyHughes.com
By Jason
July 9, 2009 7:59 AM | Link to this
Where’s Eric Johnson???
By Dave
July 9, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this
What about Loose Diamonds? Many more never made the list - Kathy McCarty and her band for one. From the ones on the list I’m going with 13th Floor Elevators.
By Beth J.
July 9, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this
Okkervil River? Give me a break! What have they done besides one SXSW show and a mediocre album?
As wheelfan mentioned, Asleep at the Wheel is far more deserving.
By roar
July 9, 2009 8:31 AM | Link to this
I second the Impossibles.
By Tony
July 9, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this
James McMurtry and the Heartless *******: Roots rock at its best. We’re honored to have the guy writing his stories here. Go listen to Choctaw Bingo and NOT feel the blood pounding in your ears.
By jeff
July 9, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
explosions in the sky
By bozrox
July 9, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this
What about Pariah?!? One of the most underrated bands to come out of Austin.
By Seth
July 9, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this
No mention of Steve Fromholz?
By Tom-Bob
July 9, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this
ONE? One? That’s like choosing your favorite toe and cutting off the rest! Give me five, at least! Barring that, “It don’t matter who’s in Austin, Bob Wills is still the King…”
By Johnny Logic
July 9, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Okkervil River deserves to be on this list. Really, what have they accomplished?
By Larrywp
July 9, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this
I haven’t seen a lot of this group, but I will say this: to put a group named the ******** Surfers on a “greatest” list with Willie and the Thirteenth Floor Elevators seems ridiculous to me. I haven’t seen the latest incarnation of the Elevators, but the originals were terrific and put on a mind-numbing show. Willie is Willie. I agree that a list like this without Asleep at the Wheel on it sort of de-legitimizes the list in general. My vote for the best of this group - and with proper deference to Willie - would be the original Elevators. I wonder, though, why Lyle Lovett isn’t on this list. Doesn’t he live in Austin? And somebody else that ought to be on this list is Lightin’ Hopkins. He used to play at Castle Creek every Tuesday night back in the 70’s. No better Texas blues man than Hopkins.
By FrostyFan
July 9, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this
Where is my favorite (and former Sony recording artists) Soulhat?
By frostyfan
July 9, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this
Where is Soulhat, or the Arc Angels, or Storyville? Any of these three bands are/were better than Spoon, Skunks, Scabs/lonelyland/ugly joe/etc.
By Johnny Hughes
July 9, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this
Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel are a historic band. Surely they deserve to be on the list.
By rawnbinit
July 9, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this
I would have voted for Arc Angels had they been on the list.
By ********
July 9, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this
********? We can’t type the word ******** on here? Um, okay. I’m going to say the Buttonhole Surfers.
By John
July 9, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
Ridiculous idea. Stupid. Brain dead. What do you prefer, pork chops, kites, or atolls?
By Chris Crotch
July 9, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
If you’re one of the people who voted for Okkervil River, you either just moved to Austin or are under the age of 22. No offense to Corcoran, but they shouldn’t have even made this list.
By Just Fred
July 9, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this
What about the Nash Hernandez Band (big band), Ruben Ramos, People’s Choice?
By CJ
July 9, 2009 3:01 PM | Link to this
Once again, Bubble Puppy has been overlooked.
By Black Sheep Boy
July 9, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this
Gee….Okkervil River in third place? Hey it got your attention because more than one person has mentioned them. And no Chris…I am probably old enough to be your mother. I just know good music when I hear it.
By Will Blackbird (from Westlake HS)
July 9, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this
People’s Choice! LOL. They played at my prom in 1993.
By willie nelson
July 9, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
I vote for the ******** Surfers.
By NativeTxn
July 9, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this
Asleep at the Wheel deserves to be on the list. They have influenced scores of others, and have helped launch many other artist’s careers. They have as many Grammy’s as most others on the list except Willie (I believe The Wheel has nine and Willie has ten). If all this criteria doesn’t place them on the list, then the list is not complete
By Mario
July 9, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
Ian Moore Band with Mike Villegas on Drums? Duck Soup?
By texcandian
July 9, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this
HEYBALE! Red Volkhart!
By tommy
July 9, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
Have Michael check on the history of the Rhythm Kings. They were the best from the 50-70’s, along with Ernie Mae Miller
By ranch111
July 9, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this
apples and oranges
By Michael Corcoran
July 9, 2009 4:35 PM | Link to this
Asleep At the Wheel did not make the list because they’re not original, basing their sound on Western swing pioneers Bob Wills and Milton Brown. Yes, they have won nine Grammys, but those were in the inconsequential “country instrumental” category. The list is for “Greatest” Austin bands, not best-selling or most-decorated or most famous. The only band I truly overlooked was Explosions In the Sky. Forgot about them. Also, I had listed the bands in order from 1- 20: the order is the same as the way they’re listed on the ballot.
By Joanne Moomaw
July 9, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
No Asleep At The Wheel! What kind of list is this? Been a fan 35 years and they’re still my favorite. A list of Austin bands is not complete without them!
By Johnny Hughes
July 9, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this
I spoke out hard for Ray Benson, out of fairness. However, I’m voting for Joe Ely/The Flatlanders.
By Denise
July 9, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this
I won’t vote unless you add Asleep at the Wheel! How can Ray and the band not be on your list?
By heart of austin
July 9, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
What about Asleep at the Wheel?!?! w/ 9 Grammys, they deserve a nod.
By southaustintexan
July 9, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this
Seriously, Ray Benson has done more for Austin Music than almost everyone on that list!
By Susan Ricks
July 9, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this
How in the world could you have overlooked Asleep at the Wheel. Not only the best Austin band, but the best Texas band. Ray Benson was Texas musician of the year a few years ago!
By Patricia
July 9, 2009 5:11 PM | Link to this
Asleep at The Wheel should definitely be on this list. THEY ARE TEXAS!!! Miles & Miles of Texas, Boogie Back to Texas. Add THE WHEEL, please.
By Peter
July 9, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this
Asleep at the Wheel is my vote.
By katebenny
July 9, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this
OK, this list is IMPOSSIBLE - what about Paul Ray and the Cobras, oh and then there’s that guy, what was his name - oh yeah DOUG SAHM! you cant’ win with a list like this - but I’ll vote! and keep on voting!
By john strahm
July 9, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this
C’mon, man- obviously you’re gonna HAVE to do this over..Start with Asleep At The Wheel, then don’t forget Carolyn Wonderland, Arcangel and Chris Duarte. Then be sure to include Ian Moore, Valleho, Extreme Heat, Spy VS. SPY and of course Van Wilks. Rusty Weir, Blaze Foley, Bad Livers, Soulhat and ER Shorts for Christ sake. If you want to make a list like that, first you’re gonna’ HAVE to change your criteria or the whole thing’s meaningless. I’m NOT voting- let me know if you ever do this right…
By Richard
July 9, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this
I really think lumping the Joe Ely Band and the Flatlanders together sells both acts way short.
By Mike
July 9, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this
What about Trail of Dead?!
By Missy Roupe
July 9, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this
The Arc Angels are the best band…and Charlie Sexton is the best of the best!!
By Suzanne
July 9, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this
What’s with the Okkervil River hate? Of course they belong on this list. You obviously haven’t listened to any of their several releases or seen them live. Check out Austin City Limits Season 35 this fall/winter and I think you will be surprised.
By RENEE
July 9, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this
without a doubt, ******** SURFERS are the BEST. no doubt, Austin has one of the best music scenes around, and has for a long time ie; scratch acid, the dicks, but BHS are hands down numero uno.
By Sandy
July 9, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
How about Asleep at the Wheel??????????
By kat
July 9, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this
those are good bands…………but wtf is ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL???
i vote for aatw
By North Country Fan
July 9, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this
No Asleep at the Wheel??… delbert McClinton, where’s he? You must be some young people to not consider these performers.
By marcus
July 9, 2009 7:15 PM | Link to this
Paul Ray and the Cobras. They had this young guitar wizard named Stevie Ray something. That kid was going places. I vote for them.
By bw
July 9, 2009 7:23 PM | Link to this
Twang Twang Shock-a-Boom, my personal favorite. Though if we must determine whos best empirically, there is no other choice but to have a footrace.
By Mary Jo
July 9, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this
Where’s Asleep At The Wheel????
By Pete
July 9, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this
Bob Mould
By Bill
July 9, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this
The Lavender Hill Express
By Bubba Grouse
July 9, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this
What about The Lift, LeRoi Brothers, Rank and File? Where is the write in box?
By LGB
July 9, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this
One vote for the Lost Gonzo Band. Still miss ‘em.
By Dave
July 9, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this
These lists are tough. But one thing for sure, Corcoran’s explanation for excluding Asleep at the Wheel is just wrong (they are simply derivative? say what?). I would probably have found room for the Bad Livers, Marcia Ball, Fastball and maybe the Standing Waves. Okkervil River doesn’t merit a place on any ‘greatest’ list yet.
By Jon
July 9, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this
Asleep at the Wheel is PLENTY original. They totally belong on this list. As do The Derailers.
By CJ
July 9, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this
Have to laugh at this list — there isn’t one fully non-anglo band on it. Austin is a “liberal” town so long as your concerns are confined to the important issues of encouraging pet adoption, limiting housing in the hills and buying a Prius. Asleep at the Wheel is OK for a cover band, but don’t believe the hype. For innovation / influence / originality, go with the BH Surfers, the 13th Floor Elevators, WC Clark Blues Revue, the Dicks, Ruben Ramos or Two Hoots and a Holler. Heck, what about Twang Twang Shock-a-Boom?
By Chad Hetterley
July 10, 2009 2:02 AM | Link to this
Does anybody remember the greatness of Breedlove?
By Frank Lee
July 10, 2009 7:31 AM | Link to this
Asleep at the Wheel? They put me to sleep. Roll over. Since when does a grammy mean a band is any good? It’s almost the kiss of death.
By kacy
July 10, 2009 7:31 AM | Link to this
Would expect to see Ian Moore up there before Okkerville River… just sayin’.
By Jesse Sublett
July 10, 2009 7:38 AM | Link to this
Hey Frostyfan, sorry to see you are so bitter. Those are decent bands, too. It’s only a list. Maybe you haven’t seen The Skunks lately, or ever. Or maybe you were never a fan. But the band rocks like hell, so The Skunks deserves to be on this list. We worked our butts off, we broke down barriers, we took a lot of crap. For 30 years. And we’re still a great band.
My opinion, anyway. Jesse
By Lois
July 10, 2009 8:05 AM | Link to this
Hooray for The Skunks!!!!!
By Monkeyshine
July 10, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
What about Electromagnets (Eric Johnson)?
By Pigzilla
July 10, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this
Not enough variety of genres represented on the list - what about the house band at Liberty Lunch - The Killer Bees or The Lotions?
By Kathy Hayes
July 10, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this
How is Willie in the Austin category? I also think James McMurty should be added. There are way too many awesome artists to pick just one!
By Bill Vordenbaum
July 10, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this
I would have to agree that Asleep at the Wheel and Doug Sahm/Sir Douglas Quintet should be considered. Then again, how about Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen?
By Jon
July 10, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
I would’ve liked to see Ghostland Observatory up there.. definitely one of Austin’s more original bands.
By JJJJ
July 10, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
I would have liked to see Ghostland Observatory mentioned.. they’re very original. Also, like Mike said.. where’s Trail of Dead?
By MJ
July 10, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this
Michael, I find flaw with your argument for excluding Asleep at the Wheel because their sound is based on Bob Wills. If Stevie were still alive, he’d be the first to tell you his sound was based on Albert King’s, and that some of SRV’s most beloved tunes are covers, i.e. “Texas Flood” by Larry Davis. Similarly, The Fabulous Thunderbirds were heavily influenced by countless bluesmen: Jimmy Reed, Little Walter, and Muddy Waters to name a few. It’s also worth pointing out that like SRV and The Fab T-birds, AATW has also recorded a large amount of original material.
Point being, ALL music has influences — every band on your list borrowed something from somewhere.
Maybe the better question is, what are the criterion to qualify as a “greatest band” for this list? I think then we could better address whether AATW does or does not belong on it.
By ERIN
July 10, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
very hard to choose,so many great bands!
www.texaspunkjunk.com
By Steve Purvis
July 10, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this
Austin has too many good bands. It should be the Top 50. What about Uncle Walt’s Band, Marcia Ball/Freda and the Firedogs, The Huns, Conqueroo, W.C. Clark, and Ramon, Ramon, & the Four Daddy-O’s? All of them are worth including.
By Kathy Campo
July 10, 2009 1:40 PM | Link to this
Real disappointed that you left off Asleep at the Wheel. What is up with that!!!
By hilary
July 10, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this
The Make and The Rattlecats (“The Only Cats that Count” whatever that meant)
By Geezerglide
July 10, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this
You forgot two Austin institutions… “Asleep at the Wheel” and “Heybale” Ray & company have been a staple for durn near 40 years! I also agree with “The Derailers” (cause I love Kevin Smith’s playin’)
By mb
July 10, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this
Doug Sahm of course
By Ellen
July 10, 2009 3:25 PM | Link to this
Asleep at the Wheel should be on there regardless of whether you deem their GRAMMYs worthy or not.
By Bruce
July 10, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
Austin Lounge Lizards get my vote
By Lester Moran
July 10, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this
LeRoi Brothers.
By Cisco
July 10, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this
Right on, Lester — Viva LeRoi.
By Pip
July 10, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this
By Paul
July 10, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this
LeRoi Brothers. It doesn’t say greatest RECORDING ARTIST. It says greatest BAND!!! Great bands stick around for a while.
LeRoi Brothers hands down!
By Paul
July 10, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this
It says greatest BAND!!! Great BANDS stick around for a while.
Leroi Brothers
By Julie
July 10, 2009 5:48 PM | Link to this
Greezy Wheels are Living Austin Music History! With new material and old favorites they not only still got it, they still get it.
You should too. Get Greezy. *¿~ u
By JD
July 10, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this
Remember everyone, “Voter Limit: Once per Hour,” so don’t try stacking the vote till at least sixty (60) minutes has passed…
By Matador
July 10, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this
The Leroi Brothers
By MAJE
July 10, 2009 10:28 PM | Link to this
Asleep at the Wheel should not be on there. they are horrible! get over it red necks!
By Maje
July 11, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this
“Greezy Wheels are living history” because they are a bunch of fossils.
By matador
July 11, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this
Leroi Brothers
By paolo g.
July 12, 2009 4:15 AM | Link to this
THE DICKS “kill from the heart” lp is the best record ever!!!!!!!
By Nancy
July 12, 2009 7:47 AM | Link to this
No top 20 Austin bands list could be complete without including Fastball.
By Wali Stopher
July 12, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this
Doug Sahm isn’t from here? He got here before Willie Nelson did, and he lived here most of the time since, except when on the road. He and his band were great. Lots of musicians aren’t from here until they come here and stay. Asleep at the Wheel isn’t original? Neither is Willie Nelson, except in both cases when They Do Their Own Songs! You forgot Freda and the Firedogs/Marcia Ball Band, W. C. Clark—who has lived here since 1939, Carolyn Wonderland, the Jon Emery Band, the Offenders, Pocket Fishrmen, Poi Dog Pondering, Christopher Cross, Toni Price, Lucinda Williams, Timbuk 3, everyone east of I-35, the real list can go on and on. I also point out the absurdity of rating the bands as no. 1, no. 2, etc. as if comparison is even possible. I’m not from here—before 1962!
By John
July 12, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this
Asylum Street Spankers (yeah, I realize they’ve relocated)
Worthy of Consideration:
By Rae
July 12, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this
The Rhythm Kings should be on the Austin Music History list of 20 Greatest Bands for sure.
By doug
July 12, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this
mineral.
By C. Worthington
July 13, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this
Before any of these other bands were even a gleam in the eye of Austin music, Greezy Wheels kept the Armadillo afloat — and spawned the scene that lead to these others. Not to mention, they opened for Willie so that people would come and see him…
By missing eyeballs
July 13, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
******** Surfers: There is NO Substitute. Period.
By sel
July 13, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
No Black Angels ? No EITS? True you got such a choice seen from here…
By C. Worthington
July 13, 2009 4:56 PM | Link to this
Maje: So Greezy Wheels is disqualified “because they are a bunch of fossils”? Ageism, dude. So you wouldn’t consider the Rolling Stones the greatest rock band ever? Years ago, someone asked Mick Jagger if he wasn’t too old to be playing, and he said what about guys like Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters, blues cats that played into their eighties. What defines “greatest”? I personally think the greatest band ever is the Beatles, and two of them are dead. But I defer to those who would argue “deadism.”
By Ellen Spalding
July 13, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be hilarious if a band like the Skunks or Poi Dog Pondering actually got more votes than Willie Nelson and were crowned “Best Band from Austin”?!! Would the Statesman actually print the results or just scrap the whole thing? I’ll bet Willie’s not sitting at his computer voting every hour…
By Beverly
July 13, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this
All due respect, Michael - God knows I love your writing, and I can imagine picking 20 out of the Austin mix was a next to impossible task, but not having Ray and AATW listed seems like a MAJOR oversight imho.
By k
July 13, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this
real tough to decide between the dicks, big boys and 13th floor elevators. all great bands, but i gotta go with the dicks. they were and still are an influential band, writing about such “touchy subjects.” so for having the balls to come out with such awesome and “graphic” songs, i vote for Gary Floyd’s The Dicks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By gary chickenwing
July 13, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this
willie voted for the butth ole surfers.
By kat
July 13, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this
i think this poll needs to be more specific…there’s a BIG difference between rock, punk, psychedelic, blues, alternative and just plain **** noise. Alternative: ******** SURFERS Punk: THE DICKS(2nd would be BIG BOYS) Psychedelic: 13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS Blues: STEVIE RAY ****: EVERY OTHER LAME *** BAND ON THAT LIST!!!
By Churchyard
July 13, 2009 10:41 PM | Link to this
Eric Johnson? Grupo Fantasma? Summer Wardrobe? James Polk? Steam/Extreme Heat? Tina Marsh? Kevin Fowler?
No surprise. Just as inside-the-mirror-ball-insane as always, Corcoran. Go worship at the alter of Lester Bangs and Raul’s. We’re actually listening to music out here.
Silly.
By ben_heiden@yahoo.com
July 14, 2009 12:22 AM | Link to this
Hello austin360! “Asleep At The Wheel” not even on the list! That’s just wrong….
By Byrd
July 14, 2009 7:15 AM | Link to this
Yal stop voted for the Skunks!!!! PeeYeeeew! Worse band of all time. The Dicks are obviously the best out of the short list. Take Allerest…. geez
By jlamour
July 14, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this
I don’t see how anyone could vote for any other band than the Buthole Surfers. They put on a SHOW, a live concert experience that puts everyone else to total shame. If any band put half as much effort into their performance they might be worthy to be on the same list as these legends. Everyone else up there, well you might as well buy a dvd of their concert and make some popcorn and pass out half way through their show.
By Karen
July 14, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
So, Michael, how does it feel to get to be the one who whittles down the best 20? I was impressed with your list, and understood why you made some of your choices. But please, anyone who lived in Austin in the 70’s knows that Too Smooth ruled not only this city but far beyond its borders. Four magical musicians with original, melodic, danceable music who have an enormous following still to this day. Witness the lines a block long when they reunite. But hey, Mr. Corcoran, you can’t be expected to be perfect. So, my vote definitely goes to The Skunks.
By derbil
July 15, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this
Any list not including Doug Sahm “and Friends” is pretty much bogus.
By Karen
July 15, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
Since you left out Too Smooth, the band that ruled Austin in the ’70s, influenced many bands that followed and deserve every accolade in the book, can they get honorable mention? Their legion of fans would thank you. In the meantime, I’ll vote for The Skunks since I live with the drummer. Go, Billy Blackmon, go!
By bug
July 15, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this
Asleep At The Wheel is great but they are no ******** Surfers…
So who won?
By jim
July 16, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this
Looks like this individual rating is a bit closed and out of touch. Asleep not on the list??or top 5?? srv at #3??he only raised the blues from the almost dead, Del castillo not on the list?? This band has more talent , energy and stage presence than almost any band I have seen and that is many.
By Philly Girl
July 21, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this
I don’t care what your taste in music is, but it is patently absurd to keep Asleep at the Wheel off the list. They were an Austin band far before it became fashionable. As the sister of one of the founding members, I’ve been an inside witness to their development from the beginning. Ray Benson is an amazing musician and the band includes and has included some of the best and most versatile musicians around. You can hardly call them a cover band, because a) they do tons of original material b)their covers come from all over the musical map c) even if it’s not original material, it’s been totally transformed. So get it together, and get over your prejudices. I don’t care how anyone votes, but at least give Ray and the band the place on the list they deserve.
By J
August 25, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
No matter your taste in music, choosing the Skunks over Asleep at the Wheel and Eric Johnson is criminal.
Others more worthy than some on your list would include Dangerous Toy and Junior Brown.