The Big 5

[Enjoyed]

• Daft Punk
• The Chemical Brothers
• Underworld
• Orbital
• The Prodigy? / Fatboy Slim? / Justice?

Discuss.

I know it's rather reductive to choose an arbitrary number of electronic big wigs, but I think it's fair to say that the first 4 have cemented themselves as the Grandpappys of modern electronic music - in that a good number of "regular" people would recognize at least a couple of their tunes, and their legacy, or ouvre if you will, has been pretty well ingrained into the overall musical culture. At least, I'd argue that for the names above.

I'm never sure about the fifth name. Personally, I'd put BT in there, as someone who's name shows up on soundtracks and compilations with almost as much frequency as the others (and within the same breath, often) - but I know he doesn't quite track for people outside of the world of Dance music in the same way - in fact, sometimes even within the world of dance music I feel like he is somewhat under appreciated!

Groove Armada would be another name to toss in there, and Fluke perhaps (new music notwithstanding *sad face*)? But again, I don't feel like as many folks would hold them with as high regard as the others.

I'm also not the biggest Prodigy fan, so for me, I'd probably lean more towards Norman for that spot - though again, I recognize their influence and effect on the world, even if it's not all been as well received for me.


Curious to know what everyone else thinks!

[Bosco]

I've managed to exist here on this forum, and never sought out a BT or Fluke track. That's not to say I haven't listened to them by accident, or stumbled across them at some time in my past where I don't remember. But yeah, never explored their discography.

 
In terms of recognition, Daft Punk stands far-far above the rest of all the names you've mentioned. I would dispute that they deserve that, but I cant deny what the people LOVE.

I frequently have to explain or help people remember who The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, Orbital, Underworld, Fatboy Slim, etc., are. These artists are largely ignored/unappreciated among most people I have interaction within my life. I would loop these groups into a overlooked niche/nostalgia category. I totally realize this is not the case in other places in this world, and I would only be so lucky to live in one of those places. But on the other hand, sometimes it feels empowering to know you can enjoy something that many are ignorant about.

What I think the consensus Big 5 is:

Daft Punk
The Chemical Brothers
The Prodigy
Underworld
Orbital

[gfa2001]

Coming from a UK perspective, I'd say in order over here its:

Daft Punk
The Chemical Brothers / The Prodigy
Fatboy Slim
Underworld

Orbital are a fair bit smaller than these other names here nowadays. Justice are big but not quite in the big beat grouping that the others are (Daft Punk aren't as much either - but undeniably the biggest name of your list!).

EDIT: Groove Armada and Basement Jaxx could also be in with a shout, probably both around or above the Orbtial level.

[shakermaker]

I don't think an act as new as Justice belongs on the list, they are a product of the others 

Groove Armada and Basement Jaxx deserve a lot of credit for their accomplishments but I also consider them more of bands making music to dance to than electronic musicians 

Fatboy Slim has probably had a big enough impact to be included, even though I think his catalog is nowhere near as good and his DJ sets are meh, he was undeniably influential 

Prodigy were part of the same generation that brought electronic music out of the underground and to the masses, so they have a fighting chance of inclusion, though I agree below the other four

[shakermaker]

also FWIW the title of the thread made me think of the Big Four of metal - Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax

this is similar in concept but god can you imagine if someone held a concert like they did with the Big Four of metal

[Bosco]

Prodigy were part of the same generation that brought electronic music out of the underground and to the masses, so they have a fighting chance of inclusion, though I agree below the other four

I would argue, In America, The Prodigy and The Crystal Method were actually the most popular electronic groups in the late 90's, because of their crossover appeal with the heavily popular nu-metal and alternative-rock scenes at that time.

This could just be a regional thing though. Most of my electronic music exposure was packaged with local alt-rock radio and MTV programming.

[Ben_j]

In terms of how influential they've been I would say :

Daft Punk
Aphex Twin
The Chemical Brothers
The Prodigy
Kraftwerk

[Csar]

I frequently have to explain or help people remember who The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, Orbital, Underworld, Fatboy Slim, etc., are. These artists are largely ignored/unappreciated among most people I have interaction within my life. I would loop these groups into a overlooked niche/nostalgia category. I totally realize this is not the case in other places in this world, and I would only be so lucky to live in one of those places. But on the other hand, sometimes it feels empowering to know you can enjoy something that many are ignorant about.

I agree with you on this notion. I would even say that most people, when solicited, would be rather aware of the songs/ tracks themselves than their respective bands (except for Daft Punk). The average population may have heard Norman's Praise You many times but may not be able to associate it with a particular artist.

So, phew, I don't know. I guess in terms of their permeation into public's subliminal perception I'd say:

• Daft Punk of course (in my book the most overrated, laziest electronic formation ever). Marketing is everything, you know, helmets! (their live show from '06/ '07 was great, though)
• The Prodigy (Firestarter, Out of Space)
• Fatboy Slim (Praise You, Right Here/Right Now and his Big Beach Boutique DJ sets)
• Chems (HBHG, Galvanize)
• Underworld (Born Slippy)