If we weren't dealing with the cream of the crop, the upper echelon of music history, we certainly are now. Eight artists are left and vying for the title of greatest artist of all time (as named by this blog). Dozens of other artists deserve to be in this position, but it is these final eight that have prevailed throughout the summer.
Since Summer Psychosis has generated a wealth of voting statistics over four rounds, I decided to focus on them this time. Whether the artists look unstoppable or resilient, these four rounds have certainly proven them worthy. Also, with dwindling numbers comes a greater focus on each artist. Therefore, I've linked to an extensive playlist for each of them. Thank you, Youtube and Grooveshark.
As a warning, I will post a Facebook poll about each matchup with one each day for the next four days. We'll see what the audience has to say about these tough choices (Hint: Voters can not participate!). Speaking of Facebook...like the blog on Facebook!
Has the de facto Summer Psychosis favorite been tested? Not really. Then again, you could argue that they haven't met their match quite yet. The Rolling Stones may cause The Beatles some problems.
How They Got Here:
First Round: Def. Nine Inch Nails, 4-1
Second Round: Def. The Police, 5-0
Third Round: Def. Queen, 5-0
Sweet 16: Def. Velvet Underground, 4-1
Overall Vote Tally: 18-2
Average Seed of Opponents: 10
Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD88AF3ECC3FCFBBB
Vs.
The Stones plowed through the competition in the first three rounds, yet just squeaked by Marvin Gaye. Will the Stones revert to their dominating ways, or have more trouble? I think you know the answer to that.
How They Got Here:
First Round: Def. Jefferson Airplane, 5-0
Second Round: Def. PJ Harvey, 5-0
Third Round: Def. James Brown, 5-0
Sweet 16: Def. Marvin Gaye, 3-2
Overall Vote Tally: 18-2
Average Seed of Opponents: 8
Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL67F4B102C2160C1E
The Doors will certainly not overpower anybody, but against a series of strong opponents they have proven their resilience. They've already beaten and #1 seed and a #3 seed, so another #5 seed shouldn't slow them down one bit.
How They Got Here:
First Round: Def. Kanye West, 4-1
Second Round: Def. Johnny Cash, 3-2
Third Round: Def. Prince, 4-1
Sweet 16: Def. Pink Floyd, 4-1
Overall Vote Tally: 15-5
Average Seed of Opponents: 6
Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40AD80587F46B818
Vs.
Speaking of resilience, I'm still impressed by Beastie Boys' upset of Radiohead. That was certainly a shake-up. Everytime you go back to vote for the Beastie Boys, you're reminded that they're kind of a sneaky great. A greatness that could surprise even the Doors.
How They Got Here:
First Round: Def. Fleetwood Mac, 4-1
Second Round: Def. Van Morrison, 4-1
Third Round: Def. Radiohead, 3-2
Sweet 16: Def. Creedence Clearwater Revival, 4-1
Overall Vote Tally: 15-5
Average Seed of Opponents: 6
Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBB004E0A8A9ECEA8
While Bowie is a strong contender and has been ever since he entered, he's shown signs of weakness. Of the remaining #1 seeds, he's had the toughest time getting here. The White Stripes almost took him down. An appreciation of influence goes a long way, but sometimes liking a band puts them over the top. That's what Bowie will have to overcome.
How They Got Here:
First Round: Def. Janis Joplin, 5-0
Second Round: Def. The White Stripes, 3-2
Third Round: Def. Michael Jackson, 4-1
Sweet 16: Def. Neil Young, 4-1
Overall Vote Tally: 16-4
Average Seed of Opponents: 8
Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL38E2C806BE1DBB4D
Vs.
The only three members of the Sweet 16 to sweep the first three rounds were Hendrix, The Stones and Led Zeppelin. But where the Stones were challenged by Marvin Gaye and Led Zeppelin was upset, Hendrix has remained essentially untouchable. The challenge Hendrix will face is one of juxtapositions. Will voters favor the longer, deeper career over the shorter, brighter career?
How They Got Here:
First Round: Def. Muddy Waters, 5-0
Second Round: Def. OutKast, 5-0
Third Round: Def. Sonic Youth, 5-0
Sweet 16: Def. Talking Heads, 4-1
Overall Vote Tally: 19-1
Average Seed of Opponents: 8
Playlist: http://grooveshark.com/#!/search?q=jimi+hendrix
In order to get where they are now, Nirvana had to get through a strong #2 seed and an even stronger #1 seed. That's exactly what they've done, and they're the only artist to do it. It was shocking when they upset Led Zeppelin, but can they pull it off again?
How They Got Here:
First Round: Def. Paul Simon, 4-1
Second Round: Def. Lou Reed, 4-1
Third Round: Def. Elvis Presley, 4-1
Sweet 16: Def. Led Zeppelin, 3-2
Overall Vote Tally: 15-5
Average Seed of Opponents: 6
Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDED84258B5E79E0F
Vs.
Last but not least, the artist who has reached the Elite 8 impressively, sweeping opponents in the toughest rounds to date. Revered by his 60's peers still remaining (see "All Along the Watchtower") and beyond, Dylan is the elder statesman that could cause Nirvana a whole host of problems.
How They Got Here:
First Round: Def. The Everly Brothers, 5-0
Second Round: Def. Simon and Garfunkel, 4-1
Third Round: Def. Public Enemy, 5-0
Sweet 16: Def. The Beach Boys, 5-0
Overall Vote Tally: 19-1
Average Seed of Opponents: 8
Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF32A2473C1AAA296
In retrospect, im suprised I only voted against the Beatles twice
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