Would You Rather: Band Edition - Do You Know Good Music?

Your taste in music says a lot about you. For many of us, music is inextricably tied to our very identity. It is an incredibly intimate art form that offers the listener an undeniably personal experience. For music lovers there is no greater indicator of whether or not a relationship will work out than the other person’s taste in tunes. It’s not that you can’t date a Creed fan, but you would certainly think twice about it.

We know what you’re thinking: music is subjective! Although this is obviously correct, there are certain musical truths that transcend opinion. You can argue it all you want, but that probably just means that you know you have bad taste. Not that there’s anything wrong with that – we all have guilty pleasures!

Sure, we could give you a Nickelback vs. the Rolling Stones type of quiz, but that would be far too easy. These questions will truly test both your knowledge of music and your taste, in an effort to see if you have any. This means that some of these will be tough choices. Let’s see if you have what it takes with Would You Rather: Band Edition – Do You Know Good Music?

Question 1

Muse or Radiohead?

Early on in their career, Muse was often compared to Radiohead. Both formed in England, Radiohead in 1985, and Muse in 1994. They are both known for their constantly evolving sound, impressive musicianship and charismatic frontmen. It is difficult to fit either of them into a single genre, but which band is better?

Question 2

Blur or Oasis?

Both of these bands were enormously influential Britpop artists, albeit in very different ways. They both formed in England, Blur in London in 1988, and Oasis in Manchester in 1991. Each of them had several chart topping hits and there was definitely a rivalry between them. Which side of this fight do you come down on?

Question 3

The Black Eyed Peas or the Roots?

The Black Eyed Peas and the Roots are both American hip hop groups founded in the '90s, but that is where their similarities end. The former began as an alternative hip hop act, but gradually transitioned into more of a poppy dance sound. The Roots’ approach was more eclectic and jazz oriented. Which do you prefer?

Question 4

Garbage or Blondie?

Garbage and Blondie recently embarked on the Rage and Rapture tour together. The former began playing together in Madison, Wisconsin in 1993. Forming in New York in 1974, Blondie are punk/new wave pioneers and their iconic frontwoman, Debbie Harry, most definitely influenced Garbage lead singer, Shirley Manson. Who would you rather listen to, the teacher or the student?

Question 5

Phish or the Grateful Dead?

Although these two bands share a very similar fan base, their music couldn’t be more different. The Grateful Dead formed in Paolo Alto, California in ‘65 and despite frontman Jerry Garcia’s death in ‘95, this band has continued in one form or another ever since. Phish got together in Burlington, Vermont in 1983 and continue to tour today. Who would you follow?

Question 6

Kendrick Lamar or Drake?

Kendrick Lamar and Drake have appeared on one another’s albums, toured together, and shown obvious respect for each other in interviews. They are both important and influential artists, and there is no denying that regardless of their personal feelings toward one another, they are each vying for the hip hop throne. Who do you think should be sitting on it?

Question 7

Sex Pistols or the Clash?

Both Sex Pistols and the Clash formed in London, the former in 1975, and the latter in 1976. Sex Pistols managed to spearhead an entire movement, despite lasting less than three years and releasing only one studio album. The Clash was equally influential in the punk scene, but also incorporated elements of reggae, ska, funk and rockabilly into their sound. Which band is better?

Question 8

Creedence Clearwater Revival or the Eagles?

Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Eagles don’t have much in common. CCR rose to prominence in the late ‘60s-early ‘70s, while the Eagles gained fame throughout the ‘70s. Although each band sounds completely different from the other, one important thing they share in common is that both have produced a long string of hits. The question is, whose hits do you prefer?

Question 9

Rancid or Ramones?

Rancid formed in 1991 in Berkeley, California and are often credited with being at least partially responsible for bringing punk rock to the mainstream in the ‘90s. The Ramones got together in Queens, New York in 1974. They were at the forefront of the American punk movement – a year before the Brits. Do you lean towards old or new school punk?

Question 10

Muddy Waters or Eric Clapton?

McKinley Morganfield, aka Muddy Waters, is often referred to as the “father of modern Chicago blues”. By the end of the ‘60s, he had already become as much of a legend as his heroes, Robert Johnson and Son House. Eric Clapton has more than once cited Muddy Waters as one of his greatest influences and he is considered one of the best guitarists who ever lived. Whose riffs are you trying to listen to?

Question 11

Led Zeppelin or Guns N’ Roses?

Forming in London in 1968, Led Zeppelin drew on everything from blues to folk to psychedelia, creating something innovative in the process. Drumming legend John Bonham’s tragic death led to their dissolution in 1980. Guns N’ Roses got together in 1985 in Los Angeles and seemed poised for a long and illustrious career before the original lineup split in 1993. They are two of the best selling artists of all time. Whose albums are you buying?

Question 12

Ice Cube or Dr. Dre?

These two came together in the '80s, along with MC Wren, DJ Yella, Eazy-E and Arabian Prince, to form NWA, which remains one of the most influential rap acts in history. Following that, they both went on to incredibly successful solo careers. Both of these artists have left an indelible mark on hip hop, but production aside, who was the better rapper?

Question 13

Panic! At the Disco or Queen?

Let’s mix it up with something old and something new. Queen formed in London, England in 1970 and Panic! At the Disco got together in 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The latter covered “Bohemian Rhapsody” for the Suicide Squad soundtrack. Which version would you rather listen to, Queen’s original or Panic’s cover?

Question 14

Weezer or Pixies?

Weezer broke big in 1994 with their eponymous album. The Pixies formed almost a decade earlier. These two bands have each gone through their share of internal strife. Interestingly, both of them had bassists who longed for more creative control within the group and went on to form their own awesome bands. Weezer also covered Pixies track, “Velouria” on a tribute album for the Boston legends. Which band is better?

Question 15

Miley Cyrus or Lady Gaga?

Alright, let’s talk pop divas. Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga have been dominating both the charts and the press for the better part of a decade, though in different ways. They have both gone through countless changes during that time, all the while crafting pop songs that everyone knows the words to. Whose tracks are you singing in the shower?

Question 16

Beck or Jeff Beck?

Both of these artists have enjoyed long, prosperous careers and as for what they have in common besides that…well, pretty much just their names. Beck Hanson has been reinventing himself with each new album ever since exploding onto the scene with his slacker anthem "Loser" in 1994. Jeff Beck gained a name for himself in the mid-‘60s when he succeeded Eric Clapton as the guitarist for the Yardbirds and he hasn’t stopped playing since. Which Beck do you prefer?

Question 17

Tribe Called Quest or Lil’ Wayne?

A Tribe Called Quest formed in 1985 in Queens, New York. Although they split up in 1998, they have reunited several times since, last year releasing their final album recorded before Phife Dawg’s tragic death. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lil’ Wayne has been rapping since before he went through puberty and has become one of the most divisive figures in hip hop. They are very different, but who would you rather listen to?

Question 18

Smashing Pumpkins or Sonic Youth?

Smashing Pumpkins formed in Chicago in 1988. Despite being lumped in with the grunge movement, their ambitious sound never quite fit into that particular box. Speaking of not fitting into genre boxes, Sonic Youth formed in New York City in 1981 and played together until the dissolution of Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon’s marriage in 2011. Their brand of noise rock has had a huge impact on both the alternative and indie movements. Which band do you prefer?

Question 19

The Beatles or the Beach Boys?

Not only were both of these bands hugely influential, but they also had quite the rivalry going throughout the ‘60s. In 1966, the Beach Boys released Brian Wilson’s magnum opus, Pet Sounds, only to have the Beatles steal his thunder with the release of Revolver mere months later. Both bands were immensely popular and have stood the test of time. Whose albums were superior?

Question 20

Nirvana or Pearl Jam?

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a grunge off. Nirvana got together in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987 and went on to spawn countless imitators, despite Kurt Cobain’s tragic death effectively ending the band in 1994. Pearl Jam formed in Seattle, Washington in 1990, but they have continued touring and releasing albums ever since. Which band do you prefer?

Question 21

Green Day or Buzzcocks?

The question here is do you prefer punk rock or pop punk? The Buzzcocks may not have attained the same level of fame as their contemporaries, but they remain one of the best bands to come out of the early British punk scene. Green Day brought the movement into the mainstream in the ‘90s, with their impossibly catchy pop punk. Are you a fan or do you feel that punk was better without the pop?

Question 22

Metallica or Black Sabbath?

This might be a tough one for metal fans: the group who was instrumental in starting the movement or the band who came to define it? Black Sabbath formed in Birmingham, England in 1968, Metallica in 1981 Los Angeles. Both bands are undeniably important and influential, but which would you rather listen to?

Question 23

The Strokes or the Killers?

It’s strange that there has been a bit of a rivalry between these two bands, considering how different they sound. The Strokes were at the forefront of the garage rock revival of the early 2000s, while the Killers lean more towards new wave or alternative. The two bands are really nothing alike and yet, the Strokes were jealous of the Killers’ success, while the Killers were envious of the Strokes' music. Which band do you prefer?

Question 24

Fleetwood Mac or the Pretenders?

Fleetwood Mac formed in London in 1967. Although they enjoyed success as a blues band, their fame rose to new heights with the addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks in 1975. The Pretenders got together in Hereford, England in 1978. Both bands have released several classic albums and feature charismatic women. In fact, Nicks recently embarked on the 24 Karat Gold tour with the Pretenders. Which band is better?

Question 25

The Velvet Underground or Velvet Revolver?

Alright, these guys have little in common aside from the fact that both bands have Velvet in the title. Avant-garde met rock and roll when the Velvet Underground formed in New York City in 1964 and music would never be the same. Velvet Revolver was a supergroup comprised of former members of Guns N' Roses and Wasted Youth, and Scott Weiland, formerly of Stone Temple Pilots – who he later rejoined. Which Velvet band do you listen to?

Question 26

The Rolling Stones or the Red Hot Chili Peppers?

The Rolling Stones formed in London in 1962 and have been rocking ever since. Red Hot Chili Peppers got together in 1983 in Los Angeles, and like the Stones, have been reinventing themselves for decades. Both of these bands have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but which band is in the Hall of Fame in your heart?

Question 27

David Bowie or Michael Jackson?

The main thing both of these artists share in common is that each of them had careers full of changes – no pun intended. They also both defined pop music for generations to come and left the world far too soon. Are you more of a fan of Ziggy Stardust or the King of Pop?

Question 28

Nicki Minaj or Lauryn Hill?

Nicki Minaj has become one of the most popular female rap artists in the industry. She began to gain recognition around 2007 and her star has been on the rise ever since. Lauryn Hill got her start in the Fugees, but when they split in ’97, she released The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which remains one of hip hop’s most critically acclaimed albums. Which artist are you more likely to listen to?

Question 29

The Stooges or Blink-182?

The Stooges, or Iggy and the Stooges, got together in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1967. Blink-182 formed in 1992 in Poway, California. Both bands were influential, but very different from one another. Do you choose Iggy Pop, the Godfather of punk rock, or one of the most popular pop punk bands in history?

Question 30

Yeah Yeah Yeahs or No Doubt?

Yeah Yeah Yeahs formed in New York City in 2000, while No Doubt got together in Anaheim, California in 1986. The main thing that these two bands have in common is their iconic frontwomen, Karen O and Gwen Stefani, respectively. Both bands blended genres in order to create something new, but who did it better?

Question 31

Marilyn Manson or Nine Inch Nails?

Both Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson are less bands and more the visions of the one man behind each of them. Trent Reznor founded Nine Inch Nails in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio. Brian Warner became Marilyn Manson in 1989 and although he didn’t form the band alone, he remains its only constant member. Each of them were giants in the industrial scene, but who would you rather listen to?

Question 32

Jimi Hendrix or John Mayer?

Now let’s talk guitarists. Yes, these two are incredibly different. Jimi Hendrix is a legend, but there is no denying that John Mayer has some guitar chops of his own. Hendrix played from around ’65-70, before sadly joining the Twenty-Seven Club. Mayer got his start playing acoustic rock, but later moved more into blues territory. He is currently touring with some of the surviving members of the Grateful Dead. Whose got the better riffs?

Question 33

The Who or the Guess Who?

Once again, these two bands have little in common, save a similar name. The Who formed in London in 1964. They not only majorly contributed to the mod and later punk movements, but also basically invented the rock opera. The Guess Who started out in Winnipeg in 1965. They had several hits, but remain most well known for “American Woman”. Do you come down on the side of England or Canada for this one?

Question 34

Jay-Z or Nas?

Jay-Z and Nas had a rivalry that went on for the better part of a decade. These two titans were in a fierce battle for the hip hop throne. Luckily, it never escalated into violence, just lyrical jabs that later resulted in friendship and mutual admiration. Who’s the better emcee though?

Question 35

The National or Arcade Fire?

Time for the indie rock battle! Both of these bands have had impressive careers and have gotten increasingly popular since debuting in the early 2000s. The National formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1999. Arcade Fire got together in Montreal in 2001. Both recently released new albums. Which one are you listening to?

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