I have decided to tackle a very controversial subject and I promise not to hold back. It is a subject that has people on all sides upset, screaming and ready to fight. I know no one wants to face the fact they may be wrong with their position but I don’t care. I’m here to let everyone know the definitive answer and they will have to learn to live with it. NO, I’m not talking about gun laws, voting rights or who won the last Presidential election, I’m talking about the top rock songs of all time…what did you think I was going to talk about? People, get your mind on the important things in life.
I’m sure everyone has an opinion on what the top rock songs are. I am giving you my list and it will be restricted to the 1960s and 70s era of rock and roll. I can already hear people yelling out Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin and Hey Jude by the Beatles but you may be surprised by my list. They are rock songs that I really like to listen to loud but most people from my generation usually liked their rock loud. That may explain why when I’m hanging out with friends my age, I have to yell to get their attention. It also explains why I can’t hear their response due to this ringing (tinnitus) I have in my ears. My wife asked me to put on Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock and Roll,” so I went out and bought her some dinner rolls.
So here’s my list and you’re welcome to chime in if you can figure out how to put a comment on this blog of mine. I would tell you but I’m still waiting for my son to come over and get my VCR to quit flashing twelve…and where in the hell is there a Blockbuster so I can get some videos?
The criteria for my selections are songs I can listen to over and over and really blast. I also put them in the order I think they should be in from 1-10, and that was really difficult. Many of the songs you would choose would be on a top 100 list if I really had wanted to make one but there is a nap that needs to be taken and it ain’t gonna take itself.
10. Back in the U.S.S.R. – The Beatles How can you argue with the Beatles being on this or any list? I am sure there are folks who might suggest “Get Back,” “Come Together” or even “Day in A Life” but this choice covers several genres. Besides being a tribute to Chuck Berry’s back in the USA, it also makes a nod to the Beach Boys. The mentioning of the former Soviet Union at the time of its release was very controversial but that’s what made the Beatles the greatest band of all time. They were willing to stretch the envelope.
9. Sympathy for the Devil – Rolling Stones Many people thought the Stones were into devil worship, including Don McClean. He even references the Stones and the Devil in his classic song, “American Pie.” The truth of this song is that Mick and the boys are telling us the Devil is behind all the evil things in this world. It also had a great rhythm and was one of their best songs.
8. I Love L.A. – Randy Newman This is a tribute to not just Los Angeles but all of Southern California and is just a great song. The man best known for writing film scores can really rock out. It builds up and by the time you reach the chorus, you’re singing along. It has also become the song they play at the end of all Los Angeles sports teams victories, whether those teams reside in L.A. or not. I’m talking to you Rams.
7. Who Are You – The Who This was a great rock song long before it became the theme for the flagship of the C.S.I. television franchise. What I love about this song is the drumming by Keith Moon. He is maybe the best drummer I can think of who played the drums as if it was the lead instrument. Every time I hear this song I picture him banging all over the drum kit.
6. Crazy For You – Heart I love how this song that starts out slow builds up to where the lead guitar knocks you off your feet. It also features, what I consider, the best female vocalist in rock and roll, Ann Wilson. Listen to it you’ll be playing air guitar before you know it.
5. Fun, Fun, Fun – The Beach Boys It was hard to narrow down one Beach Boys song for this list but I am very confident in my choice. It is a great song and reflects the teen life of Southern California as the rest of the country pictured it. It’s also the song that causes me to get strange looks while I’m on the treadmill at the gym. I try to harmonize with the group. That would be a big fail.
4. Hawaii 50 – The Ventures The theme for both versions of the television series was an instrumental and done by one of the great guitar bands of all time. My one complaint is that it is no longer on the air since they canceled the reboot of the series. I am going to start a petition to have it replace the current, and terrible, theme song for NCIS Hawaii. Hey, it’s not being used and what says Hawaii more than the Ventures playing the song with waves crashing during the credits. Everyone knows I’m right on this one.
3. Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison I am not sure what I can say about this one. It is just pure rock gold. Again, it builds and builds until the end everyone listening helps Roy finish the song by singing “Pretty Woman” with him. It is also a great way to make points with the girlfriend or wife when you tell them the song makes you think of them.
2. Keep The Customer Satisfied – Simon and Garfunkel What, a song by a folk group? Yep and it’s a great rocker. I dare you to get the “Bridge Over Troubled Water” album and take a listen. It builds and builds and finishes with the horns that will knock your socks off. Paul Simon could write any kind of song. In fact, he wrote some early classic rock songs before hitting it big with Garfunkel. Example, Red Rubber Ball.
1. Pinball Wizard – Elton John I have to admit that Pinball Wizard is my favorite rock song, even the original version by the Who. After hearing Elton John’s effort, which seemed like it was on steroids, for the movie Tommy it just overtook 1st place. While the original was simple in comparison, John’s effort added piano, pounding drums and driving guitar accompaniments. Famous producer, Phil Specter, must have loved it because it was a wall of sound. I am sure this is the song that made me partially deaf.
There’s my list and I am sure you have your own. That’s fine and more power to you. I would like to hear what it is but I have turned up my hearing aids, put on my noise canceling Bose headphones and cranked up my “Top Ten” list on the stereo. I see your lips moving but I can’t hear you. Too bad.
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