Originally Posted by Music Man

The topic of this thread is "The Beatles vs. the Stones"--who's BETTER. It's NOT about whether or not the Stones have created "some really amazing, innovative, and influential music."

By your own admission, the Stones have made some "crap" music over the years (actually quite a bit of "crap" music, including several of their albums). Whereas the Beatles NEVER made even one "crap" album. The Beatles CONSISTENTLY and REPEATEDLY turned out "really amazing, innovative, and influential music"--whereas the Stones have been an inconsistent "hit or miss" type band for over the last thirty years.

By virtually every known indicator of greatness, the Beatles destroy the Rolling Stones:

1. Record Sales: The Beatles have sold over a BILLION albums worldwide, which easily dwarfs what the Stones have sold. Also, the Beatles have FAR MORE #1 hits. This doesn't look good for the Stones, who have been around about 36 YEARS longer.

Easy victory in this category for the Beatles.

2. Musical Influence: The Beatles are easily the most influential rock band in human history, and very likely the most influential act in music history--in ANY genre.

Easy victory in this category for the Beatles.

3. Social Influence: Again, easily the most influential rock band in history. The Beatles took not only the music world by storm, but the entire CULTURE of North America, Europe and the British Empire--and were also immensely influential in the more advanced Asian and Latin nations.

Easy victory in this category for the Beatles.

4. Consistency: The Beatles produced a prodigious amount of music during their relatively brief existence. Few bands in history have released so many original albums in such a short span of time. Every single one of their albums and virtually all of their songs maintained the highest musical standards.

Easy victory in this category for the Beatles.

5. Innovation: Their albums and songs were incredibly diverse and groundbreaking. Albums like "Rubber Soul", "Revolver", "Sgt. Pepper", "The Magical Mystery Tour" and "The White Album"--were virtually REVOLUTIONARY in their impact.

Easy victory in this category for the Beatles.

Quite frankly, I can't think of one relevant category where the Stones can be considered even equal to the Beatles, much less superior.

Summation: The Beatles reign supreme over the Stones.