it is no simple task claiming a TOP 10. so i will say this is a list of 10 artist i believe posses a corabination of features that make them stand out more than the rest.
The Beatles - revolutionized music recording as we know it. their music is very diversified and beautiful. the true syrabol for what a band is. it shows that you dont have to be the most talented single musician in the world, to "come together" with others and make a brilliant artistic sound.
Jimi Hendrix - fused blues and rock, amazingly innovative guitar player. he made the guitar literally an extension of his body, like as if it was his voice; he controlled exactly how it sounded. he was able to literally express himself and whatever sound he wanted through his guitar.
Bob Dylan - wrote some of the most amazing songs in the history of time. his lyrics are pituresue like a monet painting. not only the best folk artist, but the best singer/songwriter of all time. it doesn't get much better than "like a rolling stone" imo.
Johnny Cash - created the image of a rock star, before there was rock. this guy LIVED throughout music business. he preformed in 5 (maybe 6) decades with everybody who was anybody. even in his last days he did some amazing work with rick rubin, his version of "hurt" is ground shaking.
Ludwig Van Beethoven - a man who knew music beyond comprehension. he was one of the first composers to freelance his work. after he became DEAF he went on to produce complex works of musical art... dedication, talent, originality... need this list go on?
The Velvet Underground - their first 4 albums are unbelievable. they were punk before punk and better than any punk that ever came to be. the lyrics are very gripping and grotesquely elegant. truly unconventional and intensely influential in early rock.
Pearl Jam - they have been one of the best live acts for more than 15 years. their music has depth and meaning. they are solid, driven musicians who care about their fans... and thats is what its really all about.
Metallica - you cant mention heavy rock or metal without knowing that these guys do it the best. they have the most original and artistic heavy metal ballaRAB that exist. epic songs like "one" and "the unforgiven" almost make you wanna cry before you punch a whole in the wall. they broke barriers and raised hell. these guys f-ing ROCK.
i realize this is only 8, maybe ill add 2 more later.... but you get the idea