Why is it bands like Sonic Youth, Yo La Tengo and The Pixies don't get the respect they deserve?

[Taverner]

The Pixies were more responsible for "grunge" than Nirvana - and Kurt Cobain himself admitted that

Sonic Youth has "opened doors that will never get closed again"

And Yo La Tengo became such an undefinable band that they could be part of ANY music movement post 1980's

So why aren't we putting these bands alongside U2, REM and The Police?

[taterguy]

1. Short answer is that their vocals weren't as good as their more famous counterparts

Honestly Yo La Tengo is great in a club but I'm kind of glad they never got too big because I can't imagine their stadium shows would be very good.

There's also a lot of luck involved.

[mitchum]

4. We have a winner

it really does come down to the vocals

[REP]

2. I thought Kim Deal was widely worshipped and adored?

Maybe just in my little sphere, but the Pixies are certainly famous within it; same for Sonic Youth. But I don't get out much.

[Taverner]

3. They have indie cred, but not the same cred that say, The Beatles have...

And I would argue they are along the same lines as John, Paul, George and Ringo.

[REP]

5. Beatles are a thing unto themselves

I was born in '64, so I don't really "get it," but I've heard enough from really old people and enough of pre-Beatle pop to understand why that's so. I don't think one needs to be a fan to acknowledge that; I don't think it takes away from the contributions others made and will make; they occupy that singular spot through luck, timing, some talent and other things clicking in place at the right time for them.

[Taverner]

6. They're all steps on the path of musical evolution

The Beatles were American Blues done by Brits just a little 'wrong'

Sonic Youth was European Prog and Electronica done purposefully wrong