The Greatest Rock Band Ever Debate

For several months now, whenever there's a lull in conversation between friends over beers, I ask them their opinions about the greatest rock band of all time.

I don't have the answer, but what interests me is the people who think they do (those people always, always — unequivocally and without hesitation — answer The Who). The rest of us have to think about it.

The criteria for this discussion:

1) It has to be a rock band. Derivatives of rock, such as punk, are accepted. Folk is not.

2) The band has to be an actual band, not just one person.

3) Things to take into consideration: how the band stands the test of time, influence on other bands, etc., etc.

4) You will know a valid contender when you hear it. Rush is always the wrong answer.

5) Your favorite band and the best band of all time may not necessarily be the same.

Almost no one has said the Beatles, which I can't figure out. Are they too pop? No one has said the Replacements. Girls vote for Led Zeppelin. No one has considered the Jimi Hendrix Experience or the Stooges or MC5 or Fleetwood Mac or Big Star or the Ramones or the Sex Pistols. Most people choose bands that were defunct long before they were born (the cockroach-like Rolling Stones are the exception).

If I had to pick ... well, I still can't pick definitively. It'll take a few more beers.