Marc Weingarten

L.A.-based music critic, former editor at Request

 

1. Bush

Grunge was dubious enough, but sub-grunge, well that's beneath contempt.

 

2. Chicago

They went from being unbearably pretentious with Vegas schmaltz disguised as "jazz-rock" to just plain boring with their MOR tripe in the '80s.

 

3. The Moody Blues

Should be branded for life for helping spawn prog-rock, but they add insult to injury by refusing to cut their poofy hair.

 

4. The Beach Boys

Had three good years, max. Used to love them, but now that they're becoming the most overrated band in rock history, I'm just plain angry and irritated.

 

5. ELP

I know, slamming prog-rock is like shooting fish in a barrel with an Uzi, but these guys redefined bombastic self-importance for a whole generation of young boys obsessed with technique over talent, myself included. Luckily, I got out while the getting was good. What the hell were we thinking?

 

6. Joan Baez

With her shrill singing voice and predictably reactionary political views, she became a counterculture icon, a.k.a lefty cliché, before her time. Best career move: dating Dylan.

 

7. Peter Frampton

Great teeth, awful songs. Oh, what a lucky man he was.

 

8. UB40

By Caucasian-izing great reggae songs, they became the Pat Boone of '80s college radio.

 

9. Mac Davis

I Believe in Muzak.

 

10. Christopher Cross

Wimpiness apotheosized. At least he had the good sense to stop.

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