Best Rock Bands Ever

fMSNBC contributor Eric Olsen bravely steps where many have gone before: he dared to publish his list of the top 10 rock bands ever. As he puts it, “One can either cower in anticipation of the monsoon of disagreement sure to come and load the package with every manner of weaselly equivocation, or one can swagger ahead blissfully secure in the universal righteousness of one’s judgment. Being American, I choose the latter.”

Here’s the method behind Olsen’s list: The winners had to be an actual band; they had to be “within the greater circle of ‘rock’ music and generate most or all of their own material.” Olsen also considered cultural influences, staying power, and our favorite: the “It’s a Wonderful Life” factor: “What damage would be done if the band were to be removed from rock history? — the greater the damage, the greater the band.”

Here’s Olsen’s top 10 bands of all time:

1. The Beatles (pictured)
2. The Rolling Stones
3. U2
4. The Grateful Dead
5. Velvet Underground
6. Led Zeppelin
7. The Ramones
8. Pink Floyd
9. Bob Marley & the Wailers
10. Sly and the Family Stone

For more, visit “The 10 Best Rock Bands Ever” at MSNBC.