Song List
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Here is my thinking behind the choice of each song.
Stairway To Heaven
This song is probably on everyone's top ten list. It may be the best rock song ever produced. In my opinion Led Zepplin is the best rock group, ever. Well maybe U2 is. It depends what day of the week..U2/Led Zepplin? Take your pick, anyway....
The live version of this song as it was recorded at Madison Square Gardens in 1975 is the epitomy of rock and roll. With Robert Plant's arrogant stance and Jimmy Page's amazing guitar work, this recording is what rock is all about. Plant is a great rock singer and Page one of the best rock guitarists there ever was.
All Along The Watchtower
There have been many good versions of this classic Bob Dylan tune. Among my favorites are those by Dave Mason and Frank Marino. But it seems that this song was made for Jimi Hendrix and his version remains the best. The only downside of this song is that it's too short. I've never heard an extended version or know if one was ever recorded but it sure needs an extension. It's like Jimi is teasing us with his talents.
Year Of The Cat
Al Stewart is my favorite solo artist and he might be the most underrated talent in the history of pop music. This guy can write songs! And while his voice may not be the strongest he can sing his own songs ok. Stewart is brilliant both musically and lyrically and this song represents the classy side of pop music. This recording from the album of the same name is as perfect a recording as I have ever heard. Might be my favorite song ever.
Light My Fire
The Doors have never been one of my favorite groups. I find most of their songs depressing. Light My Fire is arguably the simplest song on my list. It's simplicity is what makes it a great tune. Are there more than 25 words invested in the lyrics? Robbie Krieger and Ray Manzarek are the stars of this song, they kept it simple and made it great.
Won't Get Fooled Again
Even without the phenomenal keyboard work at the start and end of this song, it would have been a great recording. When you hear the first few notes you know you are in for over 8 minutes of fantastic rock 'n roll. This song is awesome, what else can you say? Anyone who doesn't think this is a GREAT song should start listening to Mozart.
So Long
I'm probably one of the few people on the planet that would rank this song among the Top Thirty. I've listened to it hundreds of times and still love it. It's what I would call a well blended, all around well constructed song. The melody is catchy, the lyrics interesting, good vocals and great guitar work. It has a nice length to it. Kind of a mood song. Firefall is a cool band and they had about 5 or 6 really, really good songs. I think this is their best.
Limelight
Neil Peart is one of Rock's great drummers and his talents are well exploited on this song. This is a tune best heard with your amp turned to the maximum your ears can handle. It starts powerfully, has a good but short guitar solo and an orgasmic finish. Geddy Lee has a "unique" voice which some don't like but it's what makes Rush a unique group with their own sound. Wait for an opportunity to crank the volume before trying to listen to this one.
Society's Child
Janis Ian was just 16 when this beautiful song was released. Wow! Controversial lyrics combined with a wonderful melody and Janis' sweet voice makes this one of my favorites. I wish they had omitted the dumb keyboard work that ends the song. For sensitive listeners only.
If You Could Read My Mind
This is definitely not a "rock" song but a beautiful ballad by the great Canadian singer/writer Gordon Lightfoot. Lightfoot's great folksy voice makes this song a classic. Others have tried to cover it, and failed miserably.
Sunday Bloody Sunday (live)
Bono is the best male singer in the world, period. Is there a better front man in popular music today? This guy has charisma oozing out of every pore and any U2 song is best heard and/or seen live. There are a lot of live versions of this song available. The "Rattle and Hum" version will send shivers down your spine.
I Go To Pieces
The British Invasion of the '60's put new life into popular music and this song by the duo Peter and Gordon is one of the best examples. This was the Mersey Beat sound that the Beatles led. It's such a cool song that any guy can relate to. The lyrics and music fit perfectly.
Within You Without You
The Beatles were/are the best "Pop" band ever. If I had a list of my 150 top songs they would not doubt own maybe 20 spots. So how do you pick one that stands out?
Sgt. Pepper's was the most revolutionary album ever released up to that time in June of 1967. I was 13 years old at the time. Once again The Beatles were the musical leaders of the world. There was no sound like it and at first I thought this Harrison tune was the worst song on the album. Obviously over the years my opinion has changed. This was the most revolutionary song on this most revolutionary album. Granted this did not start a trend toward Indian Sitar hits. But it's message and music crosses a lot of cultural barriers and it could be called a "World Song". I seldom listen to it but when I do I always feel confident in my choice as a Top 30 tune.
Rhiannon
Stevie Nicks was the best female songwriter of the 70's/80's and one of my favorite performers. The studio version does not do this song justice. Thankfully there are a great many live versions available, in which Stevie can let 'er rip with her awesome voice, especially towards the end of the song.
Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
Is there a recording that starts off better than this? This is a "guy's" song that drips with testosterone. I love Eddie Van Halen and although this song doesn't really display his guitar virtuosity, it's a good example of this awesome band's sound. When I play this song while driving my Mustang 5 litre I just wanna lay the hammer down.
Criminal Mind
Who is Larry Gowan? A Canadian songster that gave to us two of the best songs ever produced: Moonlight Desires and Criminal Mind. I picked the latter for my list. What I like most about this tune is the irregular percussion work. It's a really different type of song, very unique and interesting. Larry's got a cool voice.
In The End
Rap-Rock in my top 30? Why not? This recent band with the original (to my ears anyway) sound has produced some really impressive music. This song's a killer, great vocalist singing some tight lyrics.
Cowgirl In The Sand
Neil Young is an Icon of Rock. He's done it all from the '60s to the present from folk ballads to the hardest rock. There were a few songs that could have been picked but I think "Cowgirl" is the best example of what this guy is all about.
I Go Crazy
This one might be a bit "sappy" for some but I consider it one of the best ballads ever. A great mood song especially if you're intoxicated. Well crafted, well sung by Paul Davis.
Kicks
This song was made to be a Number 1 AM radio hit. And it was. An anti-drug song before drugs were really "in", this song had all the ingrediants for success. Paul Revere and the Raiders were not a band that garnered a lot of respect from serious musicians but this song is a masterpiece.
Twenty-nine Palms Keith_Ryan2000@yahoo.com
