The best band in the history of rock, according to Jack Black

Although his primary work is as an actor, Jack Black His career is strongly linked to music. Since 1994 he has formed with Kyle Gass the duo Tenacious Dwho has already released four studio albums — the most recent, Post-Apocalyptocame out in 2018 —, toured Brazil and received his own film, Tenacious D —An Infernal Duo. Furthermore, Black played roles connected to this universe, as in the feature films School of Rock It is Super Mario Bros: The Moviefor which he was responsible for the song “Peaches”.

That said, it is interesting to be able to learn a little more about the musical taste of Jack. In an article for EntertainmentWeekly (via Igor Miranda website), published in 2000, he was invited to present his favorite albums of all time. One of them was recorded by the best band in the history of rock, in his opinion.

For him, the group that bears this title is the Radiohead. The album that goes into your favorites gallery is The Bendsthe group’s second studio work, released in March 1995.

Initially, Black highlighted the difference between The Bends and his successor, the acclaimed OK Computer (1997). For him, the first mentioned is recommended for those looking for a more direct sound, while the second highlighted is recommended for those looking for a “concept”, as it is a more experimental work.

If you want concept, go for OK Computer. But if you want rock — if you want straight songs — get The Bends.

Right away, Jack said he had difficulty assimilating the sound of the group led by the singer and guitarist Thom Yorke. When he finally understood, he thought that this was “the best band in the history of rock”.

The first few listens, I was like, ‘I don’t understand…. my brain isn’t assimilating it…’ Then it clicked: ‘ohhhh, I see, it’s the best band in the history of rock!’.

The Bends is seen as a transitional album between the debut Pablo Honey(1993) and the aforementioned OK Computer. It presents more contained songs compared to the inaugural album, but still without the conceptual development of the successor. “My Iron Lung”, “High and Dry” + “Planet Telex”, “Fake Plastic Trees”, “Just”, “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” and the title track were available as singles at the time.

Other favorite Jack Black albums

Still in the article published by EntertainmentWeekly, Jack Black listed more albums that he considers to be the best of all time. He quoted:

• Liz Phair, Exile in Guyville (1993)
• Owe, FreedomofChoice (1980)
• black Sabbath, WeSold Our Souls for Rock ‘N’ Roll(collection, 1976)
• Pixies, Pink Surfer (1988)

The choices are more alternative rock oriented. The only album that breaks the rule is the compilation of black Sabbath — which is also surprising, as it is an album that brings together the band’s most notable songs up to the date of its release, not a work of new songs. Regarding this material, Black highlighted:

Ozzy He is the most amazing, evil and f#da vocalist in history. No doubt. This album is a capsule of a romantic time when Satan was real. You were going to hell, but you didn’t care because it felt amazing.