The Top Ten Forgotten Bands and Artists

To determine what artists are "forgotten" is a little tricky, but to me the term means bands and artists that never got where they deserved. I have tried making a list of bands that should definitely be checked if the style is one you like. I have avoided completely obscure bands and focused on small bands that may have had a single or two or had a following over time but never got big.

10. Johnny Thunders
A real hero in punk. Died way too early under mysterious circumstances. Has a few albums that are truly great: L.A.M.F. and So Alone in particular

9. The Litter
A garage rock band that nailed it. Not the most original band, but also horribly underrated. Can't compare in quality to better known bands, but has a lot to offer.

8. Grateful Dead
I pushed this band up on the list because they are somewhat well known. Most people who are familiar with music will know them and if you don't, you should check "American Beauty". Beats all other bands on this list in terms of quality.

7. The Replacements
Maybe the best band of the 80s, but never got anywhere. The bass player was in fact working in telephone marketing before Axl Rose picked him up for Guns n' Roses. He did better in the past with the Replacements, but is making more money today. Almost all their material is great.

6. Rod Stewart
A famous artist who is made fun of despite actually doing a lot of good material. And no, I do not mean his latest material, but rather his earliest things. Some wonderful albums. Check out his early 70s albums.

5. The Turtles
Alright, maybe not forgotten, but best remembered for the song "Happy Together". That's just one song, however, and they have much good material. The album with the title of the song is perhaps their best work.

4. The Zombies
Only really made one great album, but didn't need to do more either. The album "Odessey and Oracle" is class. Like many others on the list, they did not get anywhere.

3. The Millennium
Pushed back to third spot by two amazing bands that were perhaps a little bit better known. The Millennium was a studio band that delivered only one album, 1968's "Begin". The album is a perfect example of sunshine pop and definitely a forgotten classic. Excellent production!

2. Love
Absolutely amazing band that never got anywhere. Deserved so much more. Their album "Forever Changes" delivers some amazing melodies.

1. The Left Banke
The Left Banke released one album before their genius songwriter Michael Brown left the band. After several attempts at reuniting the band fell apart completely. Two albums were done without Brown, although he played on a few songs of their second album. The Left Banke delivered a few major hits and several other great songs. No band ever sounded like them.