Today is not about the solo artists and their rotating cast of touring support — it’s about the bands. For as long as there has been music, there have been groups of musicians coming together. From The Beatles to Blondie, The Clash to The Cranberries, and The Supremes to Sleater-Kinney. Bands represent collaboration, creativity, and raw energy — all elements that were alive in bands like Sly and the Family Stone (pictured above) at their peak.

Coming up in May, The Current will be counting down the 893 Essential Bands, and the ballot is open right now. To get everyone excited and inspired for the countdown, let’s call out a handful of our favorites today. 

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which songs by your favorite bands of all time do you want to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Sly and the Family Stone - Sing a Simple Song
The Go Go’s - Our Lips Are Sealed
Pixies - Bone Machine
The Velvet Underground - Sunday Morning
Funkadelic - You and Your Folks, Me and My Folks
The Flaming Lips - Yeah Yeah Yeah Song
The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows
The Bangles - The Real World