Rock and Roll Power Trios: The Ultimate Grudge Match

Rock and Roll Power Trios Rock and roll is a group effort. The best bands combine anywhere from three to six or seven instruments to make the glorious cacophany known as rock. But it takes real guts to do this with only three people. None of that lame 'singer' stuff, at least one person has to play and sing at the same time. It also puts pressure on the guitarist, because they don't have a rhythm section to work with, so its all on them. Notable absences include Nirvana and Josie and the Pussycats. One isn't included because they are a bunch of whiny bitches, and the other is a fake band from a comic book.

I have organized this like a tournament, because, well, I thought it would be cool. I will put a list of essential songs and albums of the band that 'loses' after their 'match'. It is a best of five sort of thing, with guitar, drums, bass coming first. If necessary, I will look at singing, and then songwriting.

Round One: Quarterfinals

The Jimi Hendrix Experience vs. The James Gang

Guitars: Jimi Hendrix vs. Joe Walsh
Joe Walsh would leave The James Gang to join the Eagles, and help them achieve multiplatinum success with Hotel California. While he is an awesome guitarist, he doesn't have a chance against Hendrix. The things that Walsh is best at, talk-box solos, can't compete with Jimi's mastery of the wah pedal.
Winner: Jimi Hendrix

Bass: Noel Redding vs. Tom Kriss
Well, I don't know that much about Tom Kriss. I tried to do some research, but couldn't find much. He is a damn good bass player, but he can't compete with the seasoned studio bass master Noel Redding.
Winner: Noel Redding

Drums: Mitch Mitchell vs. Jim Fox
Kind of the same thing here. Jim Fox can lay down the funky beat like no other, but Mitch Mitchell is part of that crazy group of drummers in the 70's that include John Bonham and Keith Moon. While he wouldn't beat those two, he wins here.
Winner: Mitch Mitchell

Winner: The Jimi Hendrix Experience, 3-0

James Gang Essential songs: Collage, Funk #48, Walk Away
James Gang Essential Albums: Yer Album, James Gang Rides Again

Cream vs. Grand Funk Railroad