Monsters' Ball

Supergroups aren’t always so super.

Being a member of a supergroup isn't easy. First, you've gotta share the songwriting credit and acclaim with other dudes. Then comes the inevitable lukewarm review of your first album. The truth is, these starpower-heavy outfits rarely live up to the sum of their parts: too many egos and too many styles often means acts that focus on "getting back to basics." A good supergroup is always entertaining, but—like sports teams constructed with too many aging stars (ahem, Gary Payton and Karl Malone joining the Lakers in 2004)—rarely championship material.

So, as Monsters of Folk—the quartet of indie luminaries Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), Jim James (My Morning Jacket), M Ward and Mike Mogis (uh, Bright Eyes)—makes its Portland debut, we look at how the foursome stacks up against three of the most impressive supergroups in history. Sorry Billy Corgan, Zwan just missed the cut.

The Highwaymen

Members:
High point:
Highwayman,
Low point:
Legacy:

Traveling Wilburys

Members:
High point:
Low point:
Legacy:

Crosby, Stills, Nash Young

Members:
High point:
Déjà Vu
Low point:
After the Storm,
Legacy:

Monsters of Folk

Members:
High point:
Low point:
Legacy:
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WWeek 2015

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