Greatest (favorite) rock band to never make it big in the US

[steve(thelil)]

Who would you nominate as the greatest rock group to never make it big in the US. (If you want an operational definition, how about never having a top 40 single or top 20 LP in the US).
.............My nominee is the band Rockpile, which had both Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe as members. They weren't together long, and only produced one studio LP "Seconds of Pleasure" but IMHO it's as good as it gets. Great songwriting, great playing, great production.

SInce I'm talking about bands that didn't have too much success, by greatest I guess I mean the one you most enjoy musically.

[stonemonkts]

Can

[Steve Reynolds]

seconding Can

IMO - the greatest rock band period

for me also Giant Sand

[BFrank]

Too many to name here, but I generally don't like the bands that DO make it big, anyway.

Giant Sand is a good one for the list, though, Reynolds.

[Gentle Giant]

I guess you have to define "big". There are bands that never cut through at all, and bands that have cult followings. I tend to be drawn to those with small but passionate cult followings, like Gentle Giant, the Waterboys, and Ian Hunter.

[steve(thelil)]

Jason: I actually did provide a definition of "big" for those who wanted one: "Never a top 40 hit single or top 20 LP in the US."

Does Gentle Giant, Waterboys or Ian Hunter (without Mott) qualify? I'm guessing they do, but not the least bit sure.

[walto]

Captain Beefheart; Incredible String Band; King Crimson

[walto]

Also--probably the only band I'd go to see live anymore

[Gentle Giant]

Jason: I actually did provide a definition of "big" for those who wanted one: "Never a top 40 hit single or top 20 LP in the US."

Does Gentle Giant, Waterboys or Ian Hunter (without Mott) qualify? I'm guessing they do, but not the least bit sure.

Yes, I believe they do. Sorry I didn't read for comprehension.

[john williams]

Yes Can, but also Faust who's records I prefer by a smallish margin.