Bands who should break up (not because they suck, necessarily, but rather while they're arguably on top or because they're currently pointed in a downward trajectory, quality-wise.

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1. Kiss - just fuckin' end it, already!
2. REM
3. U2
4. Radiohead
5. Blur

yer votes?

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:51 (twenty-two years ago)

U2 will never break up, just like the Stones.

― Doobie Keebler (Charles McCain), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:53 (twenty-two years ago)

That said:
The Rolling Stones

― Doobie Keebler (Charles McCain), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:53 (twenty-two years ago)

haha - I thought Radiohead the second I saw this thread title. My other nominees:

Stereolab (it's time, just cement yr legacy and move on)
JSBX (maybe Jon Spencer has a NMH-styled solo album in him? eh, probably not)
Beasties (PLEASE!)

― Shakey Mo Collier, Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:54 (twenty-two years ago)

Radiohead OTM, I fear for it every time they release a new album.

Also Guided by Voices. Oh, wait.

― dieblucasdie (dieblucasdie), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:54 (twenty-two years ago)

Metallica

― Doobie Keebler (Charles McCain), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:55 (twenty-two years ago)

wait, REM is still together? I thought they broke up years ago.

― webcrack (music=crack), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:56 (twenty-two years ago)

Pixies.

― dean!dean!dean (deangulberry), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:56 (twenty-two years ago)

No, REM is still going. Just at a slower pace.

― Doobie Keebler (Charles McCain), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:56 (twenty-two years ago)

Sugababes.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Pearl Jam

― Doobie Keebler (Charles McCain), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 20:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Oooh. so OTM, Doobie

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:00 (twenty-two years ago)

R.E.M. are fun. There's always stuff to like about their albums and I love seeing them live.

― Tim Ellison, Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:00 (twenty-two years ago)

KRS-1
LL Cool J
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Morrissey could leave it alone
Norman Cook
Underworld
Massive Attack

― paulhw (paulhw), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:00 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh come on....REM haven't been "fun" in at least a decade KO

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:01 (twenty-two years ago)

rapture
depeche mode

― sunjammer!, Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:01 (twenty-two years ago)

I can't believe no one's said Sonic Youth yet. Tho I do hope they go on playing forever, like an alterna-version of the Stones *sighs wistfully* We all know they long for nothing as much as elder statesmanship...

― Shakey Mo Collier, Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:03 (twenty-two years ago)

As a quasi-REM fan, I'm not sure whenever REM were "fun".

Oh yeah, "Stand". And "Who's that at the door Michael?" "It's our good friend KRS-One! Say hi KRS-One!" "Hello kiddies".

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:03 (twenty-two years ago)

hmmm, maybe Spiritulaized

― A Nairn (moretap), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:04 (twenty-two years ago)

R.E.M.: Do you go see 'em live, though? Maybe their albums should be more fun.

― Tim Ellison, Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:04 (twenty-two years ago)

sonic youth, please break up!

― geeta (geeta), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:05 (twenty-two years ago)

Mudhoney should hang it up.{

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:05 (twenty-two years ago)

I rember reading an interview with Stipe that was conducted in like, 93 or something. He still had hair then. And the interviewer asked him when was REM gonna break up, and Stipe said that they were considering packing it in on New Year's Eve 2000, with a big concert. Apart from the the fact I like a few (and I mean A FEW) of their recent songs, that would have been a really cool good-bye.

― Doobie Keebler (Charles McCain), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:05 (twenty-two years ago)

"an alterna-version of the Stones"

More like the Grateful Dead. They'll stop when Thurston or Kim dies, then later regroup as "The Youth" or "The Cotton Crown".

― Doobie Keebler (Charles McCain), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:07 (twenty-two years ago)

Supergrass should have broke up after the first album

so should have the Manic Street Preachers

― jellybean (jellybean), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:07 (twenty-two years ago)

The Fall.

Quitting now would increase their aura.

― Collardio Gelatinous (collardio), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:07 (twenty-two years ago)

Spiritualized is basically one guy, I don't see exactly how they would "break up" - unless you just mean J. Spaceman should stop making music. (heaven forfend)

― Shakey Mo Collier, Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:08 (twenty-two years ago)

Okay, I'll say it........

THE CURE

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:08 (twenty-two years ago)

My tendency is to think that worrying about a band destroying their legacy by persisting is silly. Would I rather that Peter Buck became a sushi chef instead of continuing in R.E.M.? Of course not.

― Tim Ellison, Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:09 (twenty-two years ago)

REM should have called it quits when their drummer left. They could have issued a statement that said something like: "It just ain't REM without that unibrow dude, you know?" That would have been classy and then the bald dude coulda put out excruciating solo records without tainting the name of the band.

― scott seward (scott seward), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:11 (twenty-two years ago)

Korn

― Doobie Keebler (Charles McCain), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:11 (twenty-two years ago)

i don't know, i'd be probably be more likely to buy some Peter Buck Wasabi Sauce then a new REM record.

― dieblucasdie (dieblucasdie), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:12 (twenty-two years ago)

The problem with REM was that they signed that stupid huge contract with Warners, and then Berry quit right when they released the last LP on the old contract.

― Doobie Keebler (Charles McCain), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:13 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't see how Up and Reveal are any worse than New Adventures in Hi-Fi or Monster.

And the drummer they have now--the guy who used to be in Ministry...Bill...Rieflin?--kicks ass! He's better than Bill Berry, Scott!

― Tim Ellison, Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:13 (twenty-two years ago)

Sonic Youth won't break up. But maybe they could get new outfits, at least. Get into yellow vinyl jumpsuits or something.

― Collardio Gelatinous (collardio), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:15 (twenty-two years ago)

The Descendents - the '80s were incredible, Everything Sucks was pretty good, this last one was mediocre. Stop before you completely ruin my memories.

Sleater-Kinney - Okay, you had a little more variety with the last album, make this next one killer and go out on top.

― miloauckerman (miloauckerman), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:18 (twenty-two years ago)

Sleater-Kinney OTM! I was just about to add that!

― Collardio Gelatinous (collardio), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:20 (twenty-two years ago)

REM should have changed their name to RE a la Wire, then carry on as they see fit.

― mookieproof (mookieproof), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:50 (twenty-two years ago)

Re: The Cure ... see Shakey Mo's comment about SPZ directly above ... the Cure have broken up a billion times, but Robert Smith keeps making new records.
Sonic Youth need to break up and reunite in ten years in the worst way.

― Barry Bruner (Barry Bruner), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:56 (twenty-two years ago)

x-post: Aren't we going overboard in honoring the memory of the retired Bill Berry?

― Tim Ellison, Tuesday, 27 April 2004 21:56 (twenty-two years ago)

HONOR THE BERRY

perhaps, but I can distinctly remember an '80s interview with the lads saying it was all four or nothing. And I think the Wire/Wir thing was a classy tribute to the prodigal bandmate.

― mookieproof (mookieproof), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 22:08 (twenty-two years ago)

Since I'm guessing around This Notes For You I would have been typing OH GOD, NEIL...JUST STOP!!!!!! I can't in good conscience offer any band names here.

― Anthony Miccio (Anthony Miccio), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 22:09 (twenty-two years ago)

Wu-tang. But I think they missed their opportunity about two records ago.

― bill stevens (bscrubbins), Tuesday, 27 April 2004 22:11 (twenty-two years ago)

Bands who are riding the negative slope of a bell curve quitting for the fact only makes sense given that bands ride a bell curve. They don't. The calculus behind many bands' career-long quality flow is as intricately complex as NASDAQ. The world would be void of glorious come-back albums were bands to off themselves everytime the successor to a great album was slightly less great.

Oh, and The Strokes.

― Famous Athlete, Tuesday, 27 April 2004 23:14 (twenty-two years ago)

i'd be sad but i think it might be time for yo la tengo to do other things..

― the surface noise (electricsound), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 00:08 (twenty-two years ago)

Georgia can join an instrumental group, Ira can write for that damn Alan Light magazine and James can stick with Dump!

― Anthony Miccio (Anthony Miccio), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 00:12 (twenty-two years ago)

nine inch nails, jury's still out on Autechre

― Elliot (Elliot), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 01:02 (twenty-two years ago)

oh wait, I only noticed the "downward trajectory" part and didn't see the "should break up part". In that case, I don't give a shit what nin does and Autechre probably shouldn't break up yet.

― Elliot (Elliot), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 01:04 (twenty-two years ago)

yo la tengo

the last two records haven't overwhelmed me, but I don't ever ever want them to stop playing shows

― mookieproof (mookieproof), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 01:09 (twenty-two years ago)

what woudl we do without the guitar solos?

― keith m (keithmcl), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 01:28 (twenty-two years ago)

"Metallica"

Metallica? They broke up around '93 or so. You might be confusing them with the current band calling itself Metallica.

― latebloomer (latebloomer), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 01:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Ween

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 02:04 (twenty-two years ago)

i'd be sad but i think it might be time for yo la tengo to do other things..
-- the surface noise (electricsoun...), April 28th, 2004.

No way. In my opinion, they've just started making good records.

― David Allen (David Allen), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 02:26 (twenty-two years ago)

Sonic Youth have been playing elder statespeople since the early 90's. Well, I guess before they were like the "cool aunt" of alternative rock, and they're slowing becoming the "cool grandma". And I have to admit, I'm excited about Sonic Nurse despite the god aweful name.

I'm getting bored with Yo La Tengo. But I still want to see them when they come in town.

The Cure should break up. They can just release box sets and new CDs of old material from here on out. Or maybe we should just ban Robert Smith from touching modern hardware. The temptations there for him to turn something that has the potential to be sorta decent into total crap.

And I'll say it. I don't give a crap about REM. I never really ever did. In fact, I liked Monster best, and I think I'd rather pay for the re-re-re-re-reissue of Elvis Costello's back catalogue with an 8th disc containing sounds from him walking around the studio than an REM album. But I don't even dislike them. I really just don't care at all.

― Mike Salmo (salmo), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 03:26 (twenty-two years ago)

oh, i 2d depeche mode. messrs. gore and gahan shoulda took the hint when alan wilder left.

― Eisbär (llamasfur), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 03:27 (twenty-two years ago)

and elvis costello should just retire, and bang diane krall like a hammer.

― Eisbär (llamasfur), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 03:28 (twenty-two years ago)

I vote for Sonic Youth in yellow vinyl jumpsuits, with firefighter hats on.

― bimble (bimble), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 04:23 (twenty-two years ago)

D'you think rockers (or whatever we're calling them nowadays) ever sit around and discuss which accountants are just phoning it in.
"Y'know, Brent's spreadsheets have just lacked imagination, ever since Karen went on mat-leave."
"Oh, don't get me started on this year's budget forecast. It's a pale shadow of his 2002 masterpiece. He should just quit before he embarrasses himself any further. Maybe it's not to late for him to learn how to crunk."

― Huck, Wednesday, 28 April 2004 04:38 (twenty-two years ago)

Pearl Jam.

― latebloomer (latebloomer), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 04:47 (twenty-two years ago)

5. Blur

Whoops! Too late, Think Tank got released.

― Autumn Almanac (Autumn Almanac), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 04:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Outkast

― briania, Wednesday, 28 April 2004 12:03 (twenty-two years ago)

Briania: off-the-money

New-fucking-Order!

― paulhw (paulhw), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 12:25 (twenty-two years ago)

Wu-tang. But I think they missed their opportunity about two records ago.

you got your wish...

― nothingleft (nothingleft), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 13:16 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm surprised it took this long for someone to mention Outkast.

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 13:23 (twenty-two years ago)

If Red Hot Chili Peppers had called it quits right after BSSM I would probably still consider them one of my favorite bands, honestly.

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 13:24 (twenty-two years ago)

Maybe more to the point, do you think musicians sit around hoping their fans don't grow up?

― The Huckle-Buck (Horace Mann), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 13:34 (twenty-two years ago)

The Mekons...

― nothingleft (nothingleft), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 13:50 (twenty-two years ago)

Chunklet did just such a feature about a year ago. It was only funny because it listed more or less every band imaginable. Even Wolf Eyes!

― ben tausig (datageneral), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 13:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Okay, I'll say it........

THE CURE

You're fired.

messrs. gore and gahan shoulda took the hint when alan wilder left.

You too. Punks.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 14:02 (twenty-two years ago)

Hey man, I've got big respect for the Cure (hell, my daughter's name is Charlotte Mary Smith, for pete's sakes!), but I just think after their last two albums, all parties concerned would be best served by their retirement.

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Wednesday, 28 April 2004 19:24 (twenty-two years ago)

New Order.

― mike a, Wednesday, 28 April 2004 19:54 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't want any bands to break up if they're still interested in making music together. The whole idea kind of offends me.

― Melissa W (Melissa W), Thursday, 29 April 2004 06:02 (twenty-two years ago)

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