The Greatest American Rock Band is...

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

to me, Pearl Jam is a niche band, just as KISS, Grateful Dead, Jimmy Buffett...there are certain people who love them, some that tolerate, and some that don't care for them.

Rockers like Aerosmith, the Stones, Van Halen, et al. are rock bands that stand the test of time, and relate to more than one generation. depending on the flow of music, my kids may find other interests besides Pearl Jam.

the funny thing about polls like this is it's not really that they think Pearl Jam is #1, but that they can defend it easiest (generation), and allows people to talk about it and debate.

I tend to agree with this. It is also note worthy that niche type bands generally have fervent fans. Fervent fans are the ones who vote in polls like this in general and I'd say that gives them a boost. PJ is defnitely more of a niche band than a general appeal band.
Someone explain this...how is DMB considered a Rock band? Never once have I heard a DMB song and thought "wow...that really rocked!!!" They're a unique pop band. I like DMB but no way they and some others (Eagles, Journey, et al) are rock bands.