Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Smackdown of Musical Thievery: Rolling Stones vs. Led Zeppelin

In late May of this year, I wrote a post titled "Bad Lyrics Smackdown." 

Today I was listening to Let It Bleed by the Rolling Stones, and I got to thinking about how many rock-n-roll bands have been thieves of the blues. And then I thought of another smackdown. 

To get all DIY and HGtv on you, I guess you could describe what the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin did as "repurposing" the blues in a rock format. 

However, I'm curious as to what you all think. Which band is the bigger thief of the blues?

I've got a poll to the right where you can vote. You have until 11:59 pm on the December 31st, so if you know people who might like to vote or provide their thoughts in the comments section, please pass this post and poll along to your comrades. 

The question is this: 

  • Which band is the bigger thief of the blues tradition? 

4 comments:

Fozzie said...

"The Lemon Song" -- 'nuff said.

Quintilian B. Nasty said...

I see your Lemon song, and I raise with "Stop Breaking Down" (Exile on Main Street) and "Love in Vain" (Let It Bleed).

Bro, this could go on for a while...

Fozzie said...

"The Lemon Song" lifted a half dozen lyrics or riffs in a single song.

Quintilian B. Nasty said...

True, Foz - a blues mashup.