Bands you would/might like if not for the singer

Anything by Opeth with the "cookie monster" vocals. I like the musicianship and music but just can't stand that type of vocal. But Mikael Åkerfeldt has a great singing voice and I really love the stuff they have done with regular vocals - especially the newer stuff.

 

Decemberists. I've tried a number of times but that guy's voice (and live act) drives me away.

 

Smashing Pumpkins! And this is from someone who doesn't mind Geddy Lee at all!

 

I've been into Dylan since '64, but Giddy Lee no thanks to squeaky.

 

If I like the music enough, I can usually learn to overcome the shortcomings of a vocalist.

 

I just want to respond with every single post here with, "WAT?" So here's my catch-all:

 

AC/DC. Either singer.

 

Red Hot Chili Peppers

 

I've always thought the same thing. But their songs are so good, I can usually overlook the annoying voice. On the other hand, since the guy who sings them also writes them, how can you separate the songs from the voice? If they had another singer, they would have different songs!

It's similar to Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin. Of course he's not the best singer but his presence and persona--as well as his songwriting--are a big part of what Led Zeppelin are. And why they became so popular in the first place, and why they remain so.

It's like wishing your mother married a different man.
You wouldn't be here.

 

I don't know whether you mean that in a good or bad way, but me too!

 

Maybe he could go full Brian Wilson and play in a sandbox somewhere writing the songs for someone who can sing to do so

 

Bobby McFerrin.

 

Agree with this to a certain extend. I'm also all for clean vocals Opeth. Another progressive group that would benefit from a different singer - or one that had proper breath control at least - would be French group Ange. Also, Saga comes to mind, but I've only heard their first record which instrumentally was pretty good, but the voice just seemed comical to me.

I also wish the earlier Byrds had almost exclusively Gene Clark on lead. I like McGuinn and all that, but his voice - then at least - was piercingly thin.

 

Speaking of Sleater-Kinney, I could imagine some people not being able to get past Corin Tucker's vocals. Not me, obviously, but others.

 

Pearl Jam
REM

 

Radiohead, assuming you also get rid of the lyrics and self-regarding attitude.

 

I second this. Decembrists are in fingernail on chalkboard territory for me. Same with Death Cab for Cutie.

 

So you're saying that you tried but you could not find a way?

 

Yes? I mean, I didn't dismiss them out-of-hand. Now and then I'll put on an album and ride it out but I dunno. Brian Ferry has a great voice but I'm not a fan of what he does with it. I find it cloying.

 

The Smiths. Morrissey is the most overrated (and pretentious) singer in the history of rock music.

 

In other words:

"Singers that you hate"

 

Rush, the Police, Led Zeppelin

 

Gentle Giant

 

I thought this would've been the most popular answer as the majority of people I know really struggle with Morrissey's voice (and flower waving antics). But then again, The Smiths wouldn't have been the same band without him... It didn't take me too long to get over that aspect of the band's sound.

Again, it's the same dilemma with Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin. Musically I adore the band, but it's taken years to just accept Robert Plant's wailing and 'Ooooooh yeeaaaah's!

Smashing Pumpkins were one of my favourite bands of the nineties but I find myself only listening to them in small batches because Billy's voice starts to grate after a while...