Rock fans aren't hard to please. Give them a good tune and they will grin from ear to ear. However mention a super-group, a collaboration between recognized musicians from various bands, and they will start salivating. This is exactly what happened when two hot new bands were conceived.
The Dead Weather and Them Crooked Vultures have revived the aura that super-groups had in the '60s and '70s. The Dead Weather, a brainchild of Jack White, of the White Stripes and Raconteurs, consist of talented musicians from other bands such as Queens of the Stone Age, The Greenhornes and The Kills. Although individually they might not have tasted fame like White, within their bands they have done well.
However for most rock n' rollers the true resurgence began when Them Crooked Vultures was formed. In many interviews Dave Grohl (Nirvana and Foo-Fighters) and Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) ramble on like a couple of fan-boys when they speak of jamming with one of their heroes John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).
While the success of these two bands has rock music buffs wetting themselves with excitement, we look back st the super-groups of yester year who set the ball rolling.
1. Cream (1966-69)
Quite possibly the world's first super-group, no other band belted out tunes like them. They are clearly the crème-de-la-crème (pun intended) as far as super-groups are concerned. The line-up consisted of a young Eric Clapton with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker from the Graham Bond Organization. The twenty-one year old Clapton was already being heralded as the messiah of blues rock. The trio released three albums (Fresh Cream, Disraeli Gears and Wheels Of Fire) that fused psychedelic rock with plugged-in, amped-up, heavy blues.
However with their moving music they also had fiery fights. Raging egos coupled with enthusiastic drug intake turned out to be to big a "spoonful". In the end the trio decided to disband in good fashion by releasing their appropriately titled farewell album Goodbye.
2. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, CSNY (1968-70, 1973-74, 1977-present)
What do you get when you put two Buffalo Springfields (Stephen Stills, Neil Young), a Byrd (David Crosby) and a Hollie (Graham Nash) together? You get the world's first folk-rock super-group. CSNY are known for their elaborate vocals, often turbulent interpersonal affairs, social and political activism, and an immortal authority on music and culture. Even though at times they have been a threesome, since Young has always been an in and out member, the band exploit their line-up to the full extent by releasing revelatory tunes.
Due to their flourishing solo careers, and mischievous personalities (David Crosby was in the slammer for drugs and weapons possession, which is always a great career move!) the band has had long periods of idleness, but they have always managed to rebound. 'Teach Your Children', ironically, was perhaps their biggest hit from their piece de resistance album, Deja-Vu.
3. Traveling Wilburys
(1988-90)
The dream ensemble of George Harrison, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne can be termed as one of super-group history's phenomenal feats. No introduction should be needed of these immensely talented men. Instead the story of the Wilburys' conception is more enthralling. Initiated over a meal, the group gathered at Bob Dylan's home studio in Malibu, California, to record a bonus track as a B-side for the single release of Harrison's 'This Is Love'. Each 'Wilbury' adopted an alias (Harrison was Nelson Wilbury, Orbison was Lefty Wilbury and so on) and what followed can only be termed as the most divine and blissful music.
Their first album, Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, contained hits like 'Handle With Care', 'End Of The Line' and 'Last Night'. Unfortunately soon after the release of the record (and before his solo album Mystery Girl could be released), Roy Orbison passed away. Harrison, Petty, Dylan and Lynne recorded one more LP as a quartet, but good ol' Lefty was sorely missed.
4. Temple of the Dog (1990-92)
 This super-group, which instigated the formation of Pearl Jam, was conceived under sad circumstance. Chris Cornell, of Soundgarden fame, brought the band together when his roommate, and lead singer of Mother Love Bone (MLB), died due to a heroin overdose (a popular weapon in those days). The band consisted of former MLB members Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament on rhythm and bass guitars respectively. Former Soundgarden, and future Pearl Jam, drummer Matt Cameron and Mike McReady on lead guitar, later joined
the project with their future front-man Eddie Vedder in the mix as well.
Chris' commanding and harmonious vocals to date remain the best of his career. With Eddie's powerful voice, Matt's thumping beats and Mike's innovative solos, the band's album was deemed a critical success. Even though they didn't last long and set off on their paths to their own careers, Temple of the Dog are sorely missed by grunge fans across the globe.
5. Monsters of Folk
(2004-present)
In more contemporary terms, aside from Grohl's and White's super-groups, Monsters of Folk have flown under the radar. Despite being around for longer their debut album dropped in September of this year due to their commitments to their main bands. Their line-up includes some gifted musicians and vocalists in Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes and M. Ward of She and Him.
Recently Rolling Stone magazine and Pitchfork have called the band this era's Traveling Wilburys, however they have more of a CSNY feel.
Their work is evenly divided as they all take turns on the vocals and do a masterful job. Like fine wine this quartet has matured with time. Their collective folk mindedness lends to the brilliance that is heard on their LP.
Soulful tunes and strong themes lace the record and if they continue in this fashion then it won't be long before their next album drops as they are picking up admirers quickly. |
