Best short-lived band?

Here are three that were around long enough to get into our heads, but went away before we could really glom on to them:
1) Creedence Cleawater Revival. You can throw out a lot of dates, but lets go with 1967 - 1971
2) The Doors. Interestingly enough, also 1967 - 1971
3) The Smiths. 1982 - 1987

I'll also agree with The Beatles nomination.

What about The Band breaking up in 1976. Way too early for us die hard fans. Hell, Levon Helm is still performing in his 60's with his Midnight Ramblers !!

Ramatam.... If you must ask, then google.

Blind Faith
Crabby Appleton
Fever Tree
Amboy Dukes (w/ John Drake)
Byrds (original members)
David and David
Bob Seger System
Robin Trower (w/ James Dewar)
Mountain
King Crimson (w/ Greg Lake)
Faces (w/ Rod Stewart)

Thunderclap Newman.