- 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!
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