:( I was stuck on that ordering I love them both. But it was all in my opinion of course.

I think The Smiths might just pip it because of the amount of American bands influenced by them, along with the countless British acts, whereas the Roses are pretty unheard of across the pond. Although no-one can deny the legacy the Roses have left on British Alternative music.

Yep, no one else plays the guitar like he does, even if he's not one of the best guitarists, I think he's one of the most unque.

What about John Squire as a musician? I think he was a decent guitarist but he doesn't seem to get any credit.

Waterfall is a brilliantly put together riff.

That's what it's all about mate.
If it wasn't for The Smiths (Marr), I'd have Joy Division as the best AND most influential.
However, there is an army of Fall fans who would fight me to the death over that point.
*Not that I've anything against The Fall...far from it.

To be perfectly honest, The Fall scare me to death. I've desperately avoided Smith and his music because I've seen what it's done to some of my friends.
Once you're addicted, you're hooked for life. Worse than heroin I'd say.
And I've already got one all consuming addiction with Northern Soul.
If Fall fans are the same as N.S. connoisseurs (and I suspect they are) then they divide there music tastes into two camps...The Fall and Everything Else.

Not that it's a bad place to be. Just another place I could do without being.

*hastily added to avoid Urban's death threats.

Squire spoiled himself for me after his Seahorses wankery.

It sounds like a good job I've never heard them :D Squire's legacy hasn't been ruined in my eyes.

Meh, at least Squire has given up on music, whereas Ian Brown continues to be a shadow of his former self. He's alright live but it's just sad to see a once iconic figure of British music, and the epitome of ****ing cool, become someone reminiscent of a drunk chav dad trying to sing karaoke down the pub.

:laughing:

I've always known your position on MES, I know you already have your hands full with one musical obsession.

Having another one, well that's just showing off really.

The very thought of being drawn into the weird and wonderful world of The Fall, both fascinates and horrifies me.
I pity and envy Fall fans in equal measure.
I've got to say it's a very tempting prospect, but I know what I'm like. I won't be able to just listen on a casual basis and the fear of getting hooked mortifies me.
Their back catologue looks pretty daunting to say the least. :/

Maybe one day.

I thought I could handle it.

Just the occasional song on the Peel Sessions album I said. But it was no use lying to myself, I was hooked.

Remember ... Just say NO kids.

trufax

Oceansize are the most talented band to come out of Manchester in decades.

And Amplifier (in my avvie) are pretty damn awesome also. I won't answer influential because I tend to dislike the majority of the bands from the "Madchester" scene.

Most influential - The Buzz****s. Their blend of pop artistry and punk energy has served as a blueprint for a widely eclectic list of bands for over 30 years.

Best - toss up between The Smiths and Joy Division. Everything Joy Division ever eleased was pure gold. Whilst The Smiths made at least three monumentally brilliant albums. The Stone Roses did release one of the greatest albums ever to emanate from the city with their debut, but what did they do after that? Their second offering is average. As for Oasis, what a joke.

Debatable. Especially with Elbow on the rise.:)

Elbow's earlier albums are very good, but I'm not so into them now.

Really? Asleep In The Back is very good, but I don't think they attained any kind of momentum until The Seldom Seen Kid.

I've never bothered with Elbow, dunno why. Are they any good?

EDIT: I remembered why I never bothered with them, I dislike prog rock.

They're alright, can be very good if you're in the mood for them and bore you stiff if you're not.

Ah, I think I recall listening to them a while back, just a couple of songs.. and the latter happened. Really boring.

You shouldn't dismiss a whole genre.
You might find some of their newer, more straight forward stuff more appealing.

Every prog rock band that I've listened to, I haven't enjoyed their music. Starting to think it's not my cup of tea. What album would you suggest is their best?

Tough choice musically New Order and the Stone Roses have influenced quite a few bands' sounds.

I'm not sure what is most accessible, they're all incredibly good imo.

Music for Nurses EP might be a good place to start since it's so cheap. Or you could spotify them.

They sound nothing like the majority of prog rock today/yesteryear anyway. If anything they sound more post-rock.