One best rock song of all time, and why.

Subject: Folklore: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,brucie
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 06:11 PM

What's the best rock song of all time? But then people name lots and don't often say why. So, how about we each give one and the reason(s) we think so? Name the artist and song title. Name the writer, too. What do you think?

Subject: RE: Folklore: One best rock song of all time, and
From: Blackcatter
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 06:13 PM

That this is a Blues and Folk forum. And that using the header "Folklore" is incorrect.

That being said, define "rock."

Subject: RE: Folklore: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peace
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 06:40 PM

Pardon me. I stand corrected. Consider it withdrawn.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: annamill
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 08:01 PM

Still, "YOU SHOOK ME" by Led Zeppelin. Whooo Bobby!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Amos
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 08:18 PM

Now brucie -- don't let a bid of ill-temper dismay you.

I would suggest "ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER", myself, but I can't say why in a few words. There are so many branches and so many classics...


A

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Willie-O
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 08:24 PM

BORN TO RUN. Springsteen. Just because. Gut feeling.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peace
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 08:40 PM

GO YOUR OWN WAY--Fleetwood Mac. Love it where the drummer comes in. Guitar stuff is great. (Was that from Buckingham Nicks?) Sorry, memory isn't what it used to be (and it never was). Amos, wasn't dismayed. Thought I'd broken a major protocol. Wasn't intentional.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 08:49 PM

REVOLUTION, RADAR LOVE, all along the watchtower and the led zep one mentioned above, BROWN EYED GIRL (is that rock?)

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Cluin
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 08:52 PM

Best rock song I know: Wendell Ferguson's "Rocks & Trees".

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Cluin
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 08:54 PM

Sorry. should more properly be here.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 09:08 PM

once more...my personal objection to the topic and plea to not FOCUS a thread on rock. Mentioning some performer or song in a relevant context is one thing, but using this as a "rock" forum, just because there are eclectic people here, is not only distracting, but because the folk community is so totally outnumbered by rock fans, it has the potential to dilute the nature of of the whole thing.

It has been a LONG time since I got on my soapbox about this, but this is a particularly obvious departure from the stated purpose of Mudcat.

(no, I have no power, and Max is pretty tolerant...the only way we can deal with this issue is by gentleman's agreement to keep to the topic(s)

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peace
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 09:11 PM

Sssooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyy.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 09:18 PM

a simple "ok, I see your point" would be enough...*grin*

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 09:24 PM

Poor Brucie. He has finally ventured out to start his FIRST thread after wading through everything from methane to George Bush and what happens? My fear is that this is actually Cousin Bruce Morrow visiting us from the great beyond to see if "ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK" has finally been accepted into the realm of the folk tradition.
That by the way is my choice because it represents rock in its purest form at its worst and at its best as did Jerry Lee Lewis.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Cluin
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 09:32 PM

At least it's music-related, Bill D.

And, like I heard in a beer commercial years ago, "Rock & Roll is actually folk music, `cause it's for folks!"

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 09:43 PM

...and like the "..ain't never heard a horse sing one" it is a silly, flawed example.

SINSULL, ma'm..."Rock Around the Clock" is categorically, officially, logically, and ETERNALLY excluded from "folk tradition"! Who says so? I do...just ask me! ;>))

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peace
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 09:52 PM

If I could find some sackcloth and a few ashes right about now . . . .

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 10:04 PM

a hair shirt and 77 "mea culpas" will do JUST fine, Brucie..*grin* ..we ain't heathens here..

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Amos
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 10:42 PM

And if that ain't enough we could try great balls of fire. A true representative of the genre in several dimensions! :>))

A

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Metchosin
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 11:15 PM

MY GENERATION by the Who. It was the first rock and roll song to quintessentially express youth angst and frustration and reject adult values and adult judgements. It was not a sock hop song. (Hope I die before I get old.) Get out your Ricks and start windmilling. Rock 'n roll is folk music and like any folk music, has its fair share of wingeing and self-indulgent crap. I don't care that Michael Rowed the Boat Ashore, I'm more interested in the shipwreck that precipitated his need to do so.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: annamill
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 11:20 PM

Heavy...Man..

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Metchosin
Date: 05 Nov 03 - 11:22 PM

whew! it took me 4 years to come out of the closet on Mudcat........now I'll have to tell my mother I'm not a virgin.....

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Blackcatter
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 01:10 AM

Hello all,

Please note that I didn't say this thread shouldn't be here.

Brucie asked what I think, and I told him. I tend to agree with Bill. Now that the BS threads are at the bottom, I don't have to sift through them to find what I'm looking for. If we get a spate of these types to threads that are clearly music (but in my mind still BS) then ,once again, those of us who primarily come here for folk music, have to waste more time finding it. I spend too much time doing work on the internet. There's a few places I go for either enjoyment or education. Mudcat is both for me.

That being said, what about my original question - what exactly is rock? Is rock only professional? Is rock only electric? Does rock have only certain beats?

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peace
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 01:31 AM

My posting of this thread under folk was a stupid mistake. It should be under BS, and I'm very sorry it isn't. I had no sooner pushed the button when the thought struck me. It's a good thing I don't control any nuclear triggers. I do apologize to those who object; you are right to do so. That said, rock has as many definitions as folk, so I do hope you get a definitive answer to your question. To me, it is folk with electric stuff, and drums, etc. But we see where that goes. Brubeck's "Take Five" was rock to me. Styx wasn't. Cooder is rock, but some will choose to call his stuff Tex/Mex or blues. Good by me. Can't answer you, Blackcatter. I thought The Ventures were rock, but I didn't think Duane Eddy was. Chubby Checker was, but Elvis--other than his cover of Perkins' stuff (and a few others) wasn't. Beats me!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Blackcatter
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 01:43 AM

Thanks brucie, no need for a mea culpa. You would have gotten statements if you put it under BS as to why you expected people to discuss music there.

As to answer the original question - I haven't a clue what's the best rock song. I doubt I could seriously narrow it down to 100 options. And once again, I don't know what rock is supposed to be. I've been recently deciding the generes of my MP3s to make them easier to work with when playing DJ at the local dance. I have about 30+ genres, including patently stupid ones such as Latin, Indian (asia, not American Indian), & JPop (which is pop music from Japan).

Also what the hell is "alternative?" It used to be music that almost no radio station would play. Now there are dozens of stations that proudly play nothing but alternative. And the classic rock stations decry the fact that no one is contiuning to play rock like the Stones, Eagles, etc. Totally ignoring that there are groups like the ataris and Jimmy Eat World who are, in many respects, just basic rock bands.

Soca is another genre that is confusing. "So" - soul & "ca" - calypso, yet the songs can include latin, reggae, funk, technodance, hip-hop and more.

And people wonder why I love Irish (oh, sorry, Celtic).

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: alanabit
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 02:31 AM

A great rock song, which is one of the type which could be with us for some time is Springsteen's, "DOWNBOUND TRAIN".
    I had a girl, I had a job, I had something going mister in this world
    I got laid off, our love went bad, times went hard
    Now I work down at the car wash where all it ever does is rain
    And I feel like a rider on a downbound train...
To me, that is Woody Guthrie in spirit and is one of the best of a genre which documents our age. A lot of rock songs don't say much, but there are plenty of good writers who may well be adding something which will last. I think "Downbound Train" is a good example. It is folk in spirit if not in sound.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Guest, Kathy
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 03:34 AM

Once I'd got through my rock music phase and expanded into folk I was surprised to find that some of my favorite rock songs have folk origins.

I'm thinking of Led Zepp's version of "Hangman". [GALLOWS POLE]

Can't think of one specific favorite tho', it depends what sort of mood I'm in

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Mooh
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 08:48 AM

Wow, a whole lotta Zeppelin goin' on!

I gotta say "SINCE I'VE BEEN LOVING YOU " from the third Led Zeppelin album (and other releases). Because: each time they played it it was different, the guitar (folk instrument) solo is killer, the theme (labour and love lost) is timeless (folk), the style is minor blues, it easily shows its roots to a time before rock and doesn't require electricity to be played, and best of all, because I said so.

I first heard this song when it was first released and has been my favourite rock song ever since. What's that, 30 years? I heard Plant/Page play it a few years ago at the SkyDome in Toronto, not the best room for sure, and just when many of the guitar players in the audience were likely thinking that Page had lost his chops they played "Since I've Been Loving You". It shook me. Geez he was good!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: SueB
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 10:11 AM

Everybody all together now:

Get your motor running
Head out on the highway
Looking for adventure
And whatever comes my way
BORN TO BE WILD....

Okay, so maybe it's not the best, but people karaoke to
it all over the world - wait, is that a good thing or a bad thing!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Sam L
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 10:48 AM

Seems to me that although rock fans may outnumber folkies, I'd still expect more interesting answers about rock songs from folkies. It would also be interesting to ask a classical crowd, a jazz crowd--probably the least interesting group to ask would be rock fans. For my money, anyway.

The question asks best rock song, and why, which isn't too confusing really. But it's hard--I'm thinking maybe Peggy Sue, because it directly exemplifies the bottled energy thing at the heart of rock, and Buddy Holly projects the self-conscious and vaguely confused psychology I chose to associate with it. He's not exactly ironic, but seems uncertain whether to laugh at himself for his own strongly felt emotions--he had a mature sort of immaturity. Maybe the Everly Brothers--but I can't pick the song.

   Also the Velvet Underground's Sweet Jane, for similar rumbly reasons, the energy and psychology. David Bowie's Young Americans. Jethro Tull's Sweet Dream--but Ian Anderson was always a little too much of a grown-up to expose the mixed-up emotions I'm looking for. Elvis--the song didn't always matter so much, he'd make a nothing song into something. Led Zepplin is hard to pick a song--like Picasso it's more just their whole approach and the whole pile of their stuff. Bob Dylan has good rock tunes, but not the kind of first-person identification with a brave-faced but-vulnerable song that I suppose would be quality I'm looking for. Rock is for young hard-felt emotions, for Romeo and Juliet, and their punky friends. The Beatles Don't Let Me Down has a lot going for it, but is a little too relaxed on the surface. Same with the Everly Brother's Til I Kissed Ya.

    Lots of people do good boisterous rock tunes, and I like those public-spirited community servive announcements--Let's all Dance like Crazy things--but why pick one over another? Who cares who wrote one? I suppose I'm thinking the great ones got a little more interesting, first-personal in feeling, if not necesarily exactly first-person. I think the great tunes are the ones where the public thumpiness got invested with a little wary or anxious undertow, a heightened drama. After that, lots of interesting things developed, but in other directions, away from rock, into rock-pop, other rockified things. I guess that's what I think.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: radriano
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 10:57 AM

Selecting the "all-time best" of any category is an excercise in futility.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: mike the knife
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 12:08 PM

Second on Born To Run by Springsteen- Covers all of the bases lyrically, is musically interesting, and just *feels* right. If you've ever seen him perform it live, you'll know what I mean.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 12:20 PM

I have had a very nice PM exchange with Brucie, and appreciate his agreement that rock is NOT appropriate for major threads in a folk forum.

as to statements like Metchosin's... "Rock 'n roll is folk music and like any folk music, has its ...."    ummm...then what do we need two different words for? Why not just put ALL music in one big pile?

If 'folk' is to have a meaning, it needs to not mean anything one chooses. I understand that the 'edges' of any definitions get fuzzy, but we need some way to describe old, acoustic, often anonymous, non-commercial, etc., music with tune styles and subject matter that is 'different'
that what rock and most singer/songwriters employ. "Folk" has been co-opted and diluted until, by meaning almost anything, it means nothing. "Traditional" is well down the same path...."why, Dylan and Elvis shore ARE 'trad' now..." I'm sure Dylan and Elvis would be amused to discover they are lumped together in some peoples minds..*grin*

look in the DigiTrad database..'most' stuff there tends toward that long attempt at a definition in red (it should be even longer)...I ask those who want to include rock & roll under 'folk'...what would you have me call the stuff noted in red?

duly submitted this 6th day of November, 2003, by the Mudcat semi-official curmudgeon and purist snob (who will push the soapbox back under the bed now, as standing up here makes me entirely too good a target!)

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Sam L
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 01:16 PM

I don't see why you have to consider rock to be folk to grant folkies permission to have opinions about it, just for futile fun.

Sure it's futile. So what? So is Everything.

I saw a film about bluegrass once which quoted an anonymous old-timer on the subject of Elvis. "I don't like to say it, but to me his doings were foolish". Wish he was here.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Amergin
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 01:26 PM

beat on the brat by the ramones...

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: PoppaGator
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 01:26 PM

Purism arguments aside --

"Like A Rolling Stone," hands down, for:
- Defining "rock," as opposed to "rock 'n' roll."
- Being such a joy to sing, and to sing-along with (as an "anthem") -- although "Brown Eyed Girl" might be even better by this criterion.
- Bonus points for connection to "folk music" as a Dylan song.

My honorable mentions:

"Louie Louie," which defines a tradition of its own, garage-rock, which has become a kinda sorta latter-day folk form of its own, for those who are willing to see it that way.

Anything sung by Little Richard (that's "r&r," i.e., pre-"rock.").

Everything sung and played by Henry Roeland Byrd, aka Professor Longhair (just a personal note -- don't expect anyone else to agree).

"Watchtower," indeed, which wasn't a rock tune until covered by Jimi. As reinterpreted -- but not necessarily in the orignal "John Wesley Harding" form -- this one might be even better than my nomination for "best."

"Born to..." or "Born in..." -- several great alternatives, cited above (Springsteen, Steppenwolf, probably a few more...)

I have spoken! ;^)

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peace
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 02:10 PM

But are we "talkin' 'bout the pompitous of love"?

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bobert
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 02:22 PM

Well seein' as Bill D has retired the soapbox, my favorite is Humble Pie's version of the Beatles "I am the Walrus". It is craftally arranged, has emotion, drive, and even a nicely woven chorus of "colored girls". And, boy, does it absolutley kick. A must hear for anyone who considers themself to be in the know about late 60's to early 70's rock music.

Bobert

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Sam L
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 03:17 PM

As I understand it, the "pompitous of love" was a corruption of the "puppetudes of love" from a spoken part in The Duke of Earl.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: DaveA
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 04:43 PM

Thanks for reminding me of an old favourite Fred.
Let me put in a plug for "The Duke of Earl", despite it's corruption in Australia as the theme for a shampoo commercial.
And more mainstream, Claptons "Layla", if only for the 5 minute intrumental break - I am never sure which is better, Claptons high guitar or that marvellous pounding piano that sets it all up.
As an interrogative, where does Mr Tambourine Man fit in - rock or folk???
Cheers all,
Dave

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 04:51 PM

" As an interrogative, where does Mr Tambourine Man fit in - rock or folk???"

neither- Pop, with vaguely folkish roots.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Kim C no cookie
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 05:44 PM

I love folk music. But I also love rock music. Just as it would be difficult for me to pick one best folk song, it's difficult to pick one best rock song. There are so many artists I like, and so many good songs... what I consider "best" depends on my mood at the moment.

But here are some of my favorites:

Baba O'Riley, the Who. Great guitar riff.

Rebels, Tom Petty. Hey hey hey, I was born a rebel.

Copperhead Road, Steve Earle. Could be considered a folk song. A very well-written piece of music.

Almost everything the Beatles ever did. Sorry, can't pick one here. Too many faves.

Domino, Van Morrison. Some might call it blues. It could go either way. Great horns on this tune.

Beast of Burden, Rolling Stones. Great rock ballad.

Pride & Joy, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Blues, really. Great dirty guitar sound. That was what I loved about Stevie.

Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen. Great kitschy arrangement. Queen had some of the best vocal arrangements of any band in the 70s.

I could go on, but I'd be here forever...

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Sam L
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 06:32 PM

I'm not sure what it has to do with folk music, and maybe it's not a literal connection, but I discovered today that the only way I can really enjoy a ballet is by shouting BALLET!!! at every leap or dramatic gesture. Just try it. Ballet!!! It feels pretty good. My daughter is watching Ballanchine's famous Nutbreaker, which I've sat through many times, but now for the first time I'm really loving it.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Alba
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 06:56 PM

I have quite a few,
Jerry lee Lewis       Boppin at the High School Hop!
Norman Greenbaum's    Spirit in the Sky
Jimi Hendrix          Hey Joe
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band    Next!
Steve Ray Vaughan      Pride and Joy (right there with you on that one Kim)
The Doors             LA Woman
Traffic                Hole in my shoe
Led Zepplin            Immigrant song


      
Sorry about the list these have always ranked as my Fav's along with a few hundred more:>)
Some Music may be BS depending on your taste but it is still Music so I think the threads fine where it is...:>)
JD

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Higgo
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 07:02 PM

Absolutely no contest on this one.
(Well, definately the most powerful "rock ballad" anyway)

The Smashing Pumpkins - Mayonnaise

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peace
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 07:26 PM

Fred: Didn't know that connection--pompitous/puppetudes. Thank you. I have to put in a bid for "Crawlin' from the Wreckage" by Dave Edmunds. But, ya gotta play it at max volume, full bass, extra reverb and lots of everything else you have on the machine. And because this is the first time you are enjoying it, it will no longer be a nut breaker. (I saw the typo, and where's Freud when ya really need him?)

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Cluin
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 09:30 PM

Jethro Tull's Locomotive Breath
.... just `cause it's so damn good.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Amergin
Date: 06 Nov 03 - 09:35 PM

holiday in cambodia-dead kennedys....

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Kim C no cookie
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 12:19 PM

I can't believe I left this one out:

Battleship Chains by the Georgia Satellites

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Whistle Stop
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 01:05 PM

I think purism is silly; I can't think of a single important musical development over the ages that grew out of purist thinking. And fretting about whether one should dare to discuss rock music in a folk forum where just about everything gets discussed at one time or another is equally silly.

I agree that the topic is too broad to come up with a single "best" song; it makes about as much sense as asking what is the best color, or the best food, or the best word. However, my nomination for the quintessential rock and roll song would be I Saw Her Standing There by the Beatles. It is all about youth ("Well she was just seventeen"), sex ("you know what I mean"), and fun, which are the essential elements of rock and roll. It has a lot of energy, is musically well crafted but completely unpretentious, and the recorded performance by the Beatles cannot be improved upon (I consider the performance to be an essential part of the song, particularly for rock and roll, the development of which is inextricably linked with performance in general, and recordings in particular). Forty years after it was recorded, in spite of massive airplay throughout that time span, it still makes me happy whenever I hear it.

There are many other rock songs out there that also could legitimately claim top honors (including a number that have already been mentioned on this thread), but that's my choice.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Grab
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 02:04 PM

If I can narrow it down to three, I think:-

- Blondie: "Call me". No other band was ever this tight together. If there was ever a perfect rhythm section, it's in this one.

- Meatloaf: "Bat out of hell". Totally OTT, but in the best spirit of the great performers in any musical genre.

- Dire Straits: "Sultans of swing" (or maybe "Telegraph road"). If this needs explaining, you've got no soul! ;-)

Graham.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: alanabit
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 02:15 PM

We haven't heard from you for a while, have we Whistle Stop? I think that's a godd nomination and a good reason. Good to have you back.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Whistle Stop
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 02:43 PM

Thanks alanabit. I still drop in on occasion, but rarely post these days.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: M.Ted
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 05:07 PM

I hate It is hard for me to pick a favorite, but I think that BillD(usually a beacon of light in uncharted waters), is way off on this--For one thing, rock instrumental techniques come from blues, jazz, and country music. The other thing is that tunes like
"House of the Rising Sun", "Matchbox" or "This Will Be the Last Time", are both great rock standards, traditional songs--and you could make a list of a many others--

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peter Woodruff
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 05:56 PM

Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones is the best rock song of all time because "I can't get no satisfaction." Can you?

Peter

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: mack/misophist
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 09:40 PM

Jerry Lee Lewis "I Wanna Get Lost In The Rock And Roll And Drift Away" (I never can think of the right name), because it works. And I'm not much fond of rock.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Deda
Date: 07 Nov 03 - 10:54 PM

Having recently seen the Simon & Garfunkle Old Friends concert, I'm amazed, blown away, by how fresh and relevant and fun and interesting and rich their material still is. I've always loved Paul Simon's work but, or and the two of them still sound so great together. No way to pick a favorite, there are just too many -- American Tune is fabulous, Oh Cecilia is fun, The Boxer is great. AND they brought out the EVERLY brothers! AND ALL FOUR of them together sang "Bye Bye Love"! The Everlies still sound fabulous, too, but only sang 3 numbers -- I kept hoping for some more, but I could happily have stayed there listening until dawn.

Wunnerful, wunnerful, wunnerful. I've had nothing but S&G or Paul Simon on my CD player since.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 08 Nov 03 - 01:01 AM

Can't You Hear Me Knockin'. The best song by the best rock band ever.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Little Robyn
Date: 08 Nov 03 - 02:13 AM

I reckon 'best rock song' is an oxymoron anyway!
Never did like the Beatles, even back in 1964.
And I wouldn't consider Simon and Fargunkle rock!
Sorry.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Blackcatter
Date: 08 Nov 03 - 11:43 AM

"but I think that BillD(usually a beacon of light in uncharted waters), is way off on this--For one thing, rock instrumental techniques come from blues, jazz, and country music."

And how is that supposed to make it more appropriate to discuss it on a folk forum? Blues, yes (though most rockers were influenced by quite professional bluesmen & women), but Jazz and Country?

--------------

That being said I'd like to nominated the Dead Kennedy's Nazi Punks Fuck Off to prove that a group could not only play raw, owerful and emotive rock, but make a statement of how the music (and particularly their genre of Punk) was being politcally co-opted by evil, fascist, racist nihilists.

So there.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Deda
Date: 08 Nov 03 - 09:50 PM

I figured somebody would object to S&G being rock, but they're really not folk imho. (Oh goodie, let's start a new thread about "what is folk music anyway"!) And boy they sure rocked that jammed stadium.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,pdq
Date: 08 Nov 03 - 10:18 PM

"Wheels" by the Flying Burrito Brothers. Because I like it. Because it sounds better played real loud. Because Emmylou Harris likes it. Because it is very American, and some of us got a bit tired of the British Invasion.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Little Hawk
Date: 08 Nov 03 - 10:20 PM

Pretty subjective thing to decided on...

My first choice: "Like A Rolling Stone" It wrought a bigger change in the whole scene than any other single song. Things were either before or after that song, if you know what I mean...it affected me that way. It affected Bruce Springsteen and God knows how many other people that way. It was almost unbelievable at the time.

Another good choice: "(I Can't Get No)Satisfaction" Brilliant rock song by the Stones.

Another good choice: "Sultans of Swing" Also a brilliant song, and it launched Dire Straits, the greatest band of the 80's into the public consciousness.

Another good choice: "Ziggy Stardust" Marvelously memorable song.

Another good choice: "She Loves You" or "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" (not my kind of stuff, but it sure had a big effect on a lot of people at the time).

Another good choice: Any one of several great songs Meatloaf did. I like "Two Outta Three Ain't Bad" and "Paradise by the Dashboard Light".

And then there's Elvis...any number of possible ones. How about "Jailhouse Rock" or "I'm All Shook Up" or "Blue Suede Shoes"? The guy was just incredible in his youth.

As for Springsteen, I'll go for "Darkess on the Edge of Town", "The River", "Racing in the Street", and "Candy's Room". (without Dylan, it wouldn't have happened that way in all probability....something else would have happened. Ask Springsteen.) And without Elvis, Dylan wouldn't have happened in quite the same way either.

- LH

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Little Hawk
Date: 09 Nov 03 - 01:33 PM

And then, of course, there's "To All The Girls I've Loved Before" by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson...

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

I do not intend to let this thread die without at least one more post...

- LH

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: JR
Date: 09 Nov 03 - 01:53 PM

Another vote for Louie Louie. The only song to be promoted as "The State Song" (Wa.), and it cleared the way for rock to no longer need coherant or recognizable words to be popular..

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Little Hawk
Date: 09 Nov 03 - 02:36 PM

Yeah, that one was pretty extraordinary, all right. It caused a terrific fooferaw in my high school at the time, I recall, and got banned on the local radio stations! This was presumabley because it had dirty words or implications, although no one could make out much of the words. There were rumours going around about the lyrics, that they were about sex, and everyone believed those rumours, but no one really knew. It was pretty funny, in retrospect. The fact that the song got banned was the key to its rising to absolutely lengendary status in no time flat. Nothing better can happen to a rock song than getting banned on some radio stations.

- LH

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: M.Ted
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 12:24 AM

Blackcatter--as far as guitar music goes, jazz, blues, country, and rock are tied together pretty closely--too closely to really untangle.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 02:18 AM

BlackCatter - this has not been a Folk/Blues forum for MANY years now....it was removed from the header....to appeal to a braoder audience and cut down the flames from folk like you and I.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

My vote goes for Inagoddaveda by Iron Butterfly.

Good question - at least its about music.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: PoppaGator
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 03:23 AM

Just peeked in for the first time an a few days; a few reactions:

"Drift Away" was recorded by, I belive, Dobie Gray. Whoever it was, it *sure* wasn't Jerry Lee Lewis -- unless you heard a cover version I haven't. (In fact, I'd *like* to hear that one!)

"Louie Louie" has an interesting history, and an album was once made (around the end of the vinyl era) composed of nothing but versions of this one song. Besides some interesting novelties (e.g., the USC Marching Band's rendition, and another -- in Spanish -- by the Carpenters), there's some really interesting history. Hearing the first three recordings gives an interesting perspective on the evolution of an accidental hit record.

The Kingsmen's hit was the third recording; they learned it from listening to version #2 on jukeboxes and local radio in Seattle. Since the singer himself couldn't decipher the words, he is actually faking it, scatting non-verbal "lyrics" in places -- hence the reaction that whatever he was saying *must* be nasty.

The first recording of "Louie Louie," by songwriter Richard Berry (no relation to Chuck), had a much slower tempo and very different low-key feel. The second recording was a thorough rearrangement by another local R&B guy, who introduced the "Ay-yi-yi-yi" line and came up with a much harder rocking tune that the one-hit-wonder Kingsmen would soon copy as closely as they could. The first two artists (author and rearranger) were both black, and their recordings never got out for the Pacific Northwest region. The Kingsmen were young white guys (college boys?) playing local dances, frat parties, etc., and somehow got lucky, breaking out nationwide.

Little Wing, I'm glad I turned out not to be the only one to nominate "Like a Rolling Stone," but you're such a notorious Dylanophile, I don't really feel especially vindicated. Doesn't anybody else see how (a) historically important and (b) just plain great that song is? Doesn't anybody love to sing it? I mean really -- "How does it FEEEEL?!?"

I've agreed with about 80-90% of the proposals as "great" if not "THE greatest," but I gotta tell you, there's a few in there I don't even know at all. In the words of a title on another recent thread, I guess it just has to be "an age thing."

Even Led Zeppelin is a little too recent for me. I've always thought of them as imitation Cream, except with less comprehension of the blues. Good but not great. Page is a pretty astounding player, and Plant has a phenomenal set of pipes, but to me it's all more to be admired and exclaimed upon than to be *felt* -- more show than soul.

Great argument on behalf of "I Saw Her Standing There," by the way. Almost convinced me to change my mind!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Blackcatter
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 10:11 AM

M.Ted - I absolutely agree - but the point seemed to be made that the thread was more appropriate because of rocks connection with these other genres. Since most of them aren't discussed regularly here, because they only have tenuous links to folk music, that's hardly a defense.

gargoyle - You're right, though I hope people don't really think I'm flaming. Actually, I don't really care. I've never said this thread doesn't belong here - I have always been on the side of off-topic treads being allowed. My biggest issue with the tread was the initial heading that was attached. That was removed, so someone agreed with me (woo hoo!).

It's been an interesting thread. And as someone said a long time ago, musical genres are often in the ear of the beholder. Someone early on said that Styx wasn't a rock group. I'd have to disagree with that statement. Also - what do you do about songs like Lady Madonna - vocals and strings only, but with a definate rock "feel" to the song.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: M.Ted
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 11:35 AM

Jazz, blues, country, ragitime, rock--all styles of traditional music, all transmitted through folk processes(I just used the "country" label because it is easier than making a list of specific styles) --even the much maligned rap and hip-hip genres seem to be well on the way to becoming traditional music--

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,cookieless Blackcatter
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 11:51 AM

Well if that's the case - everything fits. Screw the genre names completely.

I'll start regularly posting Jazz, blues, country, ragitime, rock and hip-hop threads regularly. In fact, I encourage all of us to do so. Obviously, I've been wrong - it would be the best thing for the Mudcat to have hundreds of threads on all these kinds of music.

Maybe we can have the powers that be put something up on the banner that encourages 10 threads on the music of Queen, 15 on the music of the Beastie Boys and 20 on the music of Celine Dion. Clearly under the new concept, they are all folk writers and perfomers.

Geez - I've been so blind . . .

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: M.Ted
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 12:52 PM

I don't know what you think this forum should be about, BC-- Do you think think that jazz,blues, country, ragtime are inappropriate topics? I would be most sincerely be interested in knowing why you consider them off-topic--

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Blackcatter
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 01:03 PM

So - this is no longer primarily a folk music forum? If so, why are the music posts primarily folk in nature?

If I'm totally wrong - why is the evidence appear to be weighted in my favor?

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,James
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 01:11 PM

Losing my Religion...REM. Locomotive Breath..Jethro Tull. Stawberry Fields Forever..Beatles. Maybe I'm Amazed..Paul McCartney. sympathy for The Devil...Roling Stones. Just Another Brick In The Wall..Pink Flyod.MTV...Dire Straits. Racin In the Streets..Bruce Springsteen.Like A rolling Stone..His Bobness.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: PoppaGator
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 03:37 PM

When I first discovered The Mudcat Cafe years ago, it was primarily focused on the blues, which covers a subgenre of US folk music plus a fair-sized slice of more commerical and/or contemporary American music. That was about the time that the Digital Tradition lyrics database had just been moved from, I believe, a site sponsored by Xerox-PARC, an R&D lab being phased out at the time.

When I stumbled back across Mudcat several years later, the population and the main focus of interest had changed substantially. Whatever it is today, it's folk music -- perhaps a wider spectrum thereof than before -- but with much less focus on the blues (except for some long-leftover permanent articles).

Who's to say Mudcat can't continue to evolve? The presence of the DT should more-or-less ensure that members will share an interest in singing and playing songs whose lyrics are made available here. That is probably what brought about the change from the former blues-centric character, and will continue to provide some kind of anchor or defining point to whatever continuing shifts of interest occur.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Metchosin
Date: 10 Nov 03 - 11:27 PM

James, I considered MTV by Dire Straits, but couldn't think of a reason why, other than it and possibly Lonnie Donegan's version of Rock Island Line with Rory Gallager, are probably my favorite rock songs of all time....oh yeah and then there's Pinball Wizard, Springsteen's Workin on the Highway, Melencamp's Play Guitar and Crumblin Down....hmmmm....ah forget it...

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Jenny Islander
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 12:00 AM

"Hotel California" by the Eagles, because it turned me on to rock and roll, because it's such a spooky little story taken at face value AND a stinging extended metaphor about the music industry, and because I never get tired of singing it.

The Beatles' music-hall stuff ("Maxwell's Silver Hammer," "When I'm Sixty-Four") because writing a British music hall tune that sells millions of records worldwide is bloody brilliant.

"Don't Bring Me Down" by ELO, because it makes my dignified husband play air piano, even in the car, and because it's even better cranked all the way up with the windows open.

"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, because it makes demure secretarial me headbang.

Anything downtempo by Bruce Springsteen, because you can play his stuff on an acoustic guitar and enunciate every word and it still sounds great. Examples: "I'm On Fire," "Your Home Town."

Warren Zeevon just about anything. Because he should have been a famous poet and because poets who can write like Zeevon should be paid a lot of money.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Amergin
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 12:12 AM

blitzkreig bop

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,pdq
Date: 11 Nov 03 - 07:52 PM

If "Hotel California" is in the running for "best", "Life in the Fast Lane" is right there with it.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,GUEST,Fat Pete
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 04:29 PM

can I have 'Need Your Love So Bad' Fleetwood Mac? Just because...

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 12 Nov 03 - 10:07 PM

"We Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who... Turn it up loud, and listen to the words... and if that doesn't do it for you, "Baba O'Rielly" probably will...I love that fiddle! Townsend's songwriting was ususually an acoustic process, and though ponderous engineering occurs in the meantime, it still comes through for me. ttr

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Urbane Guerrilla
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 09:32 AM

Oh man, is that ever a hard call, what's the best rock song of all time. For me, the answer breaks into subgenres: in protometal, Black Sabbath's "Iron Man," in arena 1970s bands, Deep Purple's "Smoke On The Water"(the live version from Made In Japan, which is worth about any sum you pay to get it) -- both of these showcase the iron magnificence of the electric guitar. Now when you get into quality of lyric-writing combined with straight-ahead rock, give me Warren Zevon, rest his soul, any day. His big FM hit was the comically cartoony "Werewolves of London," but you saw his depth in something like "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner" or "Ourselves To Know."

We all love our acoustic instruments, but something has much struck me: there are a lot of pipe tunes that would sound well, wrung through a lead guitar. The pipes and the electric guitar both have a harsh tonality that we sons of the twentieth century can appreciate. Occasionally, the flow can go the other way: Manfred Mann's "Doo Wah Diddy" and Warren Zevon's "Mr. Bad Example" both fit on the bagpipes. Heck, "Dueling Banjoes" can be played on the bagpipes, and a formidable exercise in G/D/E gracenotes, doublings, throws, birls, taorluaths, lemluaths et cetera even unto pibroch fingerings it can be, too.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 10:28 AM

Satisfaction!

Rock music is rebelious, the best rock has an attitude has a good beat, memorable, singable lyrics, hard driving heavy guitar riffs, sexual innuendo, and energy.

Satisfaction Satisfaction Satisfaction Satisfaction Satisfaction
Satisfaction!!!

Honourable mentions

Radar Love is also a great one!
Rock n' Roll by Zepplin.
Won't get Fooled Again, the Who.
Brown Sugar, the Stones.
Oh Carol, C. Berry
Great Balls of Fire
Jail House Rock (Leiber and Stoller)

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,me
Date: 12 Jun 04 - 03:31 PM

friends of mine - the guess who this song takes rock and roll and does not glorify they state the truth about rock instead of hidding behind the fame

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Amos
Date: 12 Jun 04 - 03:56 PM

Amazing what a little punctuation will do for intelligibility...

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Jun 04 - 04:23 PM

My favorite is "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." Artist: Crosby, Stills, Nash, and maybe Young.

Why?
Well, I have no idea what the lyrics mean, but the sound of it envelops me and takes me to another world. This seems to help especially in city traffic, where I can surround myself in sound and escape the confusion and stress of all those city folks.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Jun 04 - 09:47 PM

arrrgggghhhhh!!! (you may quote me)

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: freda underhill
Date: 12 Jun 04 - 10:58 PM

Anything by the Loved Ones (Australian band of the late 60s).

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: beardedbruce
Date: 12 Jun 04 - 11:29 PM

"Gargoyle

My vote goes for Inagoddaveda by Iron Butterfly."


I have to echo you on this one...

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: C-flat
Date: 13 Jun 04 - 04:06 AM

I remember reading this thread first time around and struggling with the task of picking one song. I've always had a difficulty in catergorising music, to the extent that I don't try anymore. Some of my favourites have already been mentioned but one that always will have me reaching to crank the volume up in the car would be "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder. It's just a great riff to a great beat.
C-flat.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: fat B****rd
Date: 13 Jun 04 - 07:13 AM

"Good Golly Miss Molly" or is that Rock'n'Roll as opposed to Rock. In which case "Willie The Pimp" by Zappa/Beefheart.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: John P
Date: 13 Jun 04 - 11:38 AM

The most over-played song in history is probably "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin. The thing is, there's a reason it's been over-played. It's a bloody great rock song.

Others that pop to mind are "Come Together" by the Beatles and "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills, and Nash.

John Peekstok

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 13 Jun 04 - 11:46 PM

Though I'm loathe to admit it John, I have to agree with you on the "Stairway to Heaven" nomination... The phrasings and the form are certainly derived from English folk... I'd love to hear Martin Carthy do a 'serious' rendition of it!
ttr

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,relativist
Date: 20 Jun 04 - 01:13 PM

Although I realize the relativity of the question, I figure I'll contribute. I appreciate Stairway a great deal, but the Beatles got something great on Zeppelin. Being an avid Beatles fan, it was probable that my pick would come from them. It was a difficult decision, but I'm going to have to go with While My Guitar Gently Weeps. This is such a masterpiece.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: alanabit
Date: 20 Jun 04 - 02:29 PM

Joe: Someone will doubtlessly correct me, but I believe "Suite Judy Blue Eyes" was sung by just the three of them. I believe it was about a short lived love affair between Steve Stills and Judy Collins. I love the harmonies, the rhythmic shifts and the acoustic guitar playing on it too.
Now, which Mudcatter is going to confirm this information or debunk me thoroughly?

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 20 Jun 04 - 06:16 PM

"Loch Lomond" , played by Runrig, live.
That should satisfy the folk rockers and the folkies, and the Rockers!

Ian
Nottingham

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,augie
Date: 20 Jun 04 - 08:18 PM

you're dead on alanabit. It was just CSN,no Y and I too recall reading it was about a Stills/Collins entanglement. I love CSN, especially Stills' acoustic guitar playing and Crosby's bizarre (to me) tunings and unique song writing skills,but Judy Blue Eyes? Sorry, but that ain't Rock and Roll. My vote for the "one best" would go to Clapton and Layla

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Genie
Date: 20 Jun 04 - 09:30 PM

One thing that puzzles me -- and some of the responses to this thread continue the confusion -- is why every song done by a "rock band" gets labelled "rock," even if it's a slow ballad (e.g., Ruby Tuesday, Yesterday, Michelle, or Here There & Everywhere, or a slow, bluesy song like the slow version of Layla. IMNSHO opinion, many "rock" bands and artists are ecelectic enough that their music runs from rock to reggae to blues to ballads to country and even semi-classical.
In that vein, I'd nominate Ray Charles's "What'd I Say?" as one of the greatest rock songs of all time, but many of his other great hits weren't even close to being "rock ('n' roll)."

Some of my other nominees include:
Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress - The Hollies
Louie, Louie - The Kingsmen
To quote PoppaGator:
"...Louie Louie" has an interesting history, and an album was once made (around the end of the vinyl era) composed of nothing but versions of this one song. ...
The Kingsmen's hit was the third recording; they learned it from listening to version #2 on jukeboxes and local radio in Seattle. Since the singer himself couldn't decipher the words, he is actually faking it, scatting non-verbal "lyrics" in places -- hence the reaction that whatever he was saying *must* be nasty. ..."
LOL! :-D

That song, I think, counts as "folk" if only because it's become so well-known to school kids and every garage band everywhere that rock bands are refusing to play it any more. Others in this category are:
Stairway To Heaven - Led Zeppelin
To quote John P:
"The most over-played song in history is probably "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin. The thing is, there's a reason it's been over-played. It's a bloody great rock song."

and
Born To Be Wild - Steppenwolf
Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones


Other nominees:
Brown Sugar - Rolling Stones
Pretty Womab - Roy Orbison
We Will Rock You - Queen
Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
Sultans Of Swing (or Money For Nothing) - Dire Straits
Bye, Bye, Love - Everly Brothers
Not Fade Away - Buddy Holly (later covered by The Grateful Dead)
Bad Moon Rising - CCR

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Duncan McFarlane
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 11:45 AM

Thomas me ol' Rhymer,
I smiled to myself as you wrote....

'I have to agree with you on the "Stairway to Heaven" nomination... The phrasings and the form are certainly derived from English folk...'

...and I'm sitting here typing with Sheffield's Keith Hinchliffe CD, Carolan's Dream (wonderful!) playing - track twelve is the title track 'Carolan's Dream'.
(Do try and get a listen sometime.)
As you probably know, Turlough O'Carolan was a blind Irish Harper (1670-1738)
That particular Zep tune rings out in the A tune part of 'Carolan's Dream'
In line one 'There's a lady who's sure'....then (particularly) line four 'and she's buying a stairway to heaven' - which even the B part returns to.
Irish music (Celtic if you prefer) I suggest, not English.
By the by, surely no coincidence then, that another 'Harper' (OK, in name...Roy Harper) was a major influence on Zep (I believe! Correct me if I'm wrong)
in that he spent a load of time with them in remote parts of Wales introducing (?) them to such Celtic music.
What do you think?
Cheers.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 12:02 PM

Joe Offer got close, but no cigar. The absolute best blending of folk, bluegrass, and rock came with the predecessor of C,S,N & sometimes Y. It was Buffalo Springfield. I don't know how to pick their one best from among the arrangements they did, but it would have to be "Bluebird", or "Rock and Roll Woman". Mind you that if you listen to their "Retrospective" album, you will find many amazing tunes that blend these styles.

Bill D, I love ya. But I like this thread, you old fart.

Mick

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: John Hardly
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 02:21 PM

Aw Mick, there you go again with that Buffalo Springfield stuff. Just because they were musically fabulous, ahead of their time, spawned many a supergroup, left a legacy of enduring work doesn't mean you can bring them up every time a rock thread pops up here.

...sometimes maybe you could leave it to me to bring them up.

(how are you feeling? btw)

...think I'll go spin "Retrospective".

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 02:49 PM

Dark Eyed Woman by Spirit. One of the most mood-evocative pieces of music ever written in any genre, and with a lead guitar part that comes curling down out of the black sky like a wind from the Great Beyond.

Oh... and what is "Folk" anyway? :>}

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 05:43 PM

John, you cracked me up with that one. I'm talking belly laughin' crackup here. They were a special bunch, eh?

I am fine, btw. I will post more after my appointments on Wednesday with the cardiologist.

I did tell him that if I had to quit playin' music or drinkin' Guinness, I needed to know how long I had left.

Mick

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: John Hardly
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 07:38 PM

lol, Mick.

EJ, you got me to pull out my Spirit CD -- I didn't remember Dark Eyed Woman. You're warped. That's good. It's Nature's Way.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,weney4701
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 01:25 AM

HAS TO BE STAIRWAY I ALSO LIKE FREEBIRD BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY AND WHITE ROOM BY CREAM THERE THE BEST

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: van lingle
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 09:10 AM

"It's All Over Now" by the Stones. I think Bobby Womack wrote it. It's so raw and rude, the guitars mesh so well and it's got one of those cheesy, early-Keith guitar solos. My favorite MJ vocal, as well. vl

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Celtaddict
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 01:42 PM

Urbane Guerilla, I have a friend who does "Dueling Banjos" on his pipes and it is great; he steps across an imaginary line as he goes from one part to the other, so by the time it gets really going he is doing a quick dance with it. Another non-pipe tune that goes very well is the Storm Troopers music and some other bits from Star Wars.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 08:34 AM

Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry...a close second (or maybe tied for first) = Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley and the Comets

(why? both for the guitar breaks...Chuck's opening lick on "Johnny" is an audio icon)

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: greg stephens
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 08:38 AM

I dont see how it's taken 108 posts to discuss this , when it's a very simple question with one answer. "The promised land" by Chuck Berry

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: ossonflags
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 08:39 AM

Any thing by Dickie Pride -"The Shiek of Shake" the most underrated british rock singer ever.Eg."slippin'and sliding" "fabulouse cure" "Dont make me love you" et al.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: fat B****rd
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 02:41 PM

Blimey, ossonflags. I saw the late great DP on the Rock'n'Trad Show in the very early 60s. I trust you are a folk person nowadays !!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,lardingo
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 03:15 PM

I vote for "Doctor My Eyes." It has a good beat, a great bass line, and is not over the edge in style. AND, is never done in any other style but rock. Many of the songs that have been nominated lend themselves well to other genres. Bluegrass groups steal rock songs all the time, for example. Therefore, those songs are not 100% rock. "Doctor My Eyes," to my knowledge is always done in the same rock tradition, whatever the heck that is.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 03:17 PM

"Crawlin' from the Wreckage" by Dave Edmunds.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Peter Woodruff
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 04:34 PM

"McArthur's Park," and I'll tell you why. The song has unusually strange metaphoric lyrics and a great beat.

Peter

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 05:32 PM

I'm less and less confident what the difference is between "rock" and "rock and roll", but then, I'm only a former (1970s) ted.

I do know that any realistic definition of "folk" (rather than an intellectualised, formalized one) would link it with the ordinary working man. Folk song would be the song on the working man's lips when drunk, when celebrating, when partying. It would deal with the things important to the working man.

On the whole, in today's urban society, jolly ploughboys, press gangs, and so on feature fairly low on that list. Unlike money, lack of money, beer, sex, violence, and so on.

So, much as self-professed folk enthusiasts might hate it, rock and roll fullfils many of the functions of folk music. The difference is that in today's instant gratification society, we pay someone else to make the music for us.

And the greatest rock song of all time? Daft question, but a sensible answer might be something from Eddie Cochran, like C'mon Everybody (recorded by artists as diverse as The Stray Cats and Sid Vicious), or virtually anything by Chuck Berry. Each of these songwriters wrote about real life, with neat and incisive observation.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST, Mikefule
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 05:34 PM

Sorry, clumsy mistake. That last one was from me, aka Mike wilkinson.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: ossonflags
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 06:51 AM

yeh I am fat b**************std and i was then.Saw the Watersons in 1960 and i was hooked.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: fat B****rd
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 09:04 AM

Good afternoon,Ossonflog. Thankyou for your reply. You've proved once again that variety is the spice of Mudcat. Al the best from the fB.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: pattyClink
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 08:50 PM

Gotta cast a vote for Smoke From A Distant Fire.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: PoppaGator
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 01:00 PM

Buddy Holly's NOT FADE AWAY:

Not only was the original recording by Buddy a great tune, but the song has been reinterpreted many times, most notably by two iconic rock bands, the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead.

Jagger, Richards, et. al. gave the tune a whole new dark quality and "edge." Not Fade Away, as a true "rock n roll" song, was probabaly an even better vehicle for the group persona of the early Stones than their other straight-blues covers.

Years later, the Dead used Not Fade Away as an anthem, a thunderous high point of their shows. After a prolonged session of outer-space jamming, the lights would suddenly come up and all the voices and intruments would come suddenly together in that simple Bo-Diddly rhytm to shout out "I'm gonna tell you how it's gonna be!" Always very exciting...

Also: If nothing else, the syntactic wackiness of the title alone makes this composition memorable!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: burntstump
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 01:13 PM

HOTEL CALIFORNIA THE EAGLES   say no more

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Gene
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 01:43 PM

actually Bob Wills originated introduced fans to ROCK long ago.

There's a big ROCK in the road...

obviously referring to a big HOOTENANNY!

Subject: can u say to me whats the song ure most intersted?
From:
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 11:32 PM

hello iam X .
now am in my servey to fing the most popular songs.
i would like to ask u all to help me in choosing the best lyrics and song..
u can send to my email" [e-mail]" or give a message at yahoo messanger- e_x_game or numberiz.
then.i want to say thanks to u all 4 the helps, ok bye see u next time.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,stealthseeker
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 03:07 PM

The question seemed pretty simple at first, then I read [almost] all of the responses! I have listened to all kinds of music from the late '40's to this week, and I can't imagine being able to come up with enough "genres" to classify all of it correctly. Any genre has its definitive material that no one would disagree with, but that leaves us with a boatload of music that could be classified in many different genres. I mean, what the heck is a "crossover" artist? Having said all that, and having seen the original "Alice in Wonderland" in my local movie house ["The Avon" in Lebanon IN, shown in the movie "Hoosiers"], only one song immediately came to mind. I doubt I have to name it, but "White Rabbit" so signifies a very vivid part of my life and the chaos that defined it, that I cannot hear it without breaking out in chills.

That's my favorite, and that's why.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Tapselteerie Music Agency
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 04:37 PM

The best Rock song ever: Led Zeppelin: Since Ive Bin Lovin You - the original studio version is the best ever. Four musicians at the very top of thier game, the vocals recorded in one take by Robert Plant, the best Rock singer of all time. It is the perfect studio recording and never tires no matter how many times you hear it. None of the musicians can be separated from another and in this it epitomises why Led Zeppelin are untouchable in Rock music....no contest.

Yes I am utterly biased and have no problem with it

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Larry K
Date: 13 Jul 04 - 09:51 AM

We Built This City by Starship because it was voted as the worst rock and roll song of all time by a Rock and Roll publication.   As folkies we should do just the opposite.

Did anyone mention Wild Thing by Chip Taylor and made famous by the Trogs.    I saw Chip Taylor at Summerfolk- so there is a folkie link.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bert
Date: 13 Jul 04 - 10:26 AM

Move it on Over by Hank Williams.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,superdude
Date: 17 Jul 04 - 10:59 PM

AC/DC-TNT
it rocks like theres NO TOMMOROW

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Margret RoadKnight
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 03:16 AM

Agree with Freda (June 14) about so many of the Loved Ones' songs, incl. "The Loved One", but would nominate Daddy Cool's "Eagle Rock" as the ultimate catchy danceable rager.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Little Brother
Date: 18 Jul 04 - 05:00 AM

"Unchained Melody" by the Righteuos Bros. Loved the vocals.

Nathan

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,SHANNON LEDFORD
Date: 19 Jul 04 - 04:52 AM

PRECIOUS JESUS. CANT REMEBER WHO SANG IT. ALSO, SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG, AND MY 3RD CHOICE IS HOTEL CA.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From:
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 03:32 PM

The best rock song of all time would have to come from the best rock group of all time, so I say Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. It has a soft mellow rock in the beginning, but at the end they totally rock out and show what they're all about.It is known worldwide, and should be recognized as the greatest rock song.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Phot
Date: 23 Jul 04 - 11:37 AM

On the Jeremy Vine show this afternoon (BBC Radio 2) at about 12:55, he played a Bluegrass/country cover of "I believe in a thing called love" by The Darkness, it was so amazingly bad it had to be the work of genius!
You can probably hear it on the BBC Radio 2 website under the listen again section, just don't blame me if your brain melts!

As for best all time rock song, it has to be Animal by Def Leppard, its great for blowing away the cobbwebs before going out for a blast on the Triumph.

Wassail!

Chris

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,dafyddmaredudd
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 09:35 AM

Jumpin'Jack Flash!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 10:30 AM

Maybellene is (opinion) rock's genesis (distinct from R&B or Boogie Woogie) and the direct antecedent, soundwise, for everything "rock" that came after.

A mention of this, and the fact that the lyrics relate a somewhat folky kind of tale (especially by the lyric standards of that time),
seemed appropriate.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: YOR
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 11:18 PM

"Baba O'Riley" is hard to top, I have to give a third for forth vote for it.

"Tommy" is a masterpiece.

But for the sake of throwing in another.

"Born to Run" Springsteen.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: saulgoldie
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 09:58 AM

I endorse "You Shook Me" and "Rock Around the Clock" and "Johnny Be Good" and I add "Good Lovin" by The Young Rascals. I suggest that consideration be expanded to the best 5 or 10 instead of just one. There is so much to choose from, and many of them have totally different traits that may equally qualify them but not make them "better" than another. Yes, let's make it the top ten. (Or has that already been done?)

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: saulgoldie
Date: 27 Jul 04 - 10:06 AM

Oops! "Good Loving" reason: driving beat, and thumping bass line.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,A Rollin' Stone
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 01:16 PM

The Stones and dave matthews collaborating on Memory Motel.....such an awesome song...but from all the above choices with which i agree....it's haed to pick just one.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 30 Jul 04 - 01:32 PM

For me..."Paint it Black" by the Stones.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 09 Aug 04 - 11:49 PM

Bohemian Rhapsody. The vocals are unmatched by ANY of the songs that have been mentioned. And the originality is unquestioned.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From:
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 07:48 PM

Dire Straits - Industrial Disease
Elvis Costello - Oliver's Army
                               Who else could put those melodies to that music?

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Rasener
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 05:26 AM

For sheer raw unadulterated heavy rock then my vote goes to

Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf.

Always loved that number.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Ron Davies
Date: 11 Sep 04 - 07:38 AM

I'm with Thomas the Rhymer---the Who--Won't Get Fooled Again (extended cut), especially at ear-shattering volume. It's got rebellion, driving beat, classic rock solo, lends itself to......various other activities------and that final banshee scream.


Another possibility--flip side of the above, figuratively, not literally-----Cover of the Rolling Stone--Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show.   Probably the best send-up of the rock business---listen to THAT classic rock solo (3 seconds), describes the goals of most rock stars (certainly at the time--Rolling Stone isn't the seal of approval it once was but the idea is definitely not outdated). Also, like a lot of the best rock, it doesn't take itself deadly seriously.

Aw c'mon Bill--ain't there ANY rock songs you like?

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peg
Date: 11 Sep 04 - 11:34 AM

only one????
With so many different kinds of sounds and sensibilities that define rock....hmm, well I just don't know.

But if I can only have one, it is Jimi Hendrix's version of "All Along the Watchtower."

No, wait, "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues!

No, no, it's gotta be "American Pie" by Don McLean!

Wait, wait, changed my mind, it's "Long Train Running" by the Doobie Brothers!

Oh, wait (slaps forehead), it has to be "Magic Man" by Heart!

No, no... Make that "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LOVED ONE (The Loved Ones)
From: freda underhill
Date: 11 Sep 04 - 12:04 PM

I repeat - anything by the Loved Ones.

The Loved One
[Ian Clyne - Gerry Humphreys] © Copyright Control 1966

Yonder she's walking
She comes my way
Red dress on
Her long black hair
Talkin' like
Walkin' like
Walkin' like
She comes to me

Oh baby I love you so
I need you now
I want you back
I can't go on...

Helpless baby
Evil child
I've known you well and if you wanna stay that's alright
You want me again
And then and you come to me
Well, that's, that's alright! That's alright! That's alright!

Now she's gone
She's walkin' away
Red dress on
Her long black hair
I love her so
But now she'll come runnin'
Anytime I say<>
Well that's alright

Oh baby I love you so
I want you back
I need you now
I can't go on...

Oh baby I want you back
I need you now
I love you so
I can't go on...


http://www.milesago.com/artists/lovedones.htm

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 08:10 PM

"Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas

It's simply awesome.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Morticalia
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 09:05 PM

My favourite?

Hm... Metallica's Bleeding Me.

It's such a powerful song.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 09:08 PM

Just goes to show doesnt it ?? The thrread is queried om the second post and still goes on this long !

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,James
Date: 05 Oct 04 - 08:42 AM

Jethro Tull-Locomotive Breath, Like A Rolling Stone, Bob Dylan, Sympathy For The Devil, The Rolling Stones, One Night With You, Elvis Presley, Maggie May, Rod Stewart,Bad Moon Rising, CCr, Stairway to Heaven, Led Zepplin,oh so many more but these are my favourites.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Chris Green
Date: 05 Oct 04 - 11:34 AM

"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd. The ultimate driving-home-from-gigs-along-pitch-black-roads-at-full-blast song regardless of genre!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,pattyClink
Date: 05 Oct 04 - 10:32 PM

Oh, well if we're talking about "driving-home-from-gigs-along-pitch-black-roads-at-full-blast song"s, then we're in a dead heat between "Pink Cadillac" and "Reno Bound"!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Morticalia
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 10:24 PM

and she's buuuuyying the stairway to heaven... yes that song kicks so much ass....

i forgot to mention the styx's renegade. that is a fun song.

Subject: Lyr Add: ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (Lennon/McCartney)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Oct 04 - 11:07 PM

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
(Lennon/McCartney)
As recorded by the Beatles on "Let It Be" (1970)

1. Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,
They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind,
Possessing and caressing me.

CHORUS: Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world. Nothing's gonna change my world.
Nothing's gonna change my world. Nothing's gonna change my world.

2. Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes,
They call me on and on across the universe,
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box
They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe. CHORUS

3. Sounds of laughter shades of earth are ringing
Through my open views inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns,
It calls me on and on across the universe. CHORUS

Jai guru deva. [Repeat and fade.]

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,jbauk
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 12:36 PM

Okay first i would like to take a second to slap everyone for not including the:
Alman brothers or Skynyrd.... midnight rider and one way out .......freebird and i never dreamed .....

you people i swear! but thanks for the refreshing hits on bands i forgot, like the dire straits...i would also like to include these for you listening pleasure

Emerson lake and pamer -from the beginning
Moody blues - In the end
Steely Dan - Reeling in the years

there is no way to tell the best rock song.......it's like saying "what's the best flavor of ice cream"

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 01:35 PM

Hard to choose one, so I'm going to list two, one instrumental and one with lyrics.

Instrumental:

Still I'm Sad (version by Richie Blackmore and Rainbow)

Absolutely kick ass!

With lyrics:

Money, by Pink Floyd

Both great tunes that significantly enhance an already altered state of consciousness.

Happy Trails

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 02:05 PM

"Mountain Jam" from The Allman Brothers Band gets my vote. Yeah, I know it's not technically a "song" since it's not sung, but it's based on a song (Donovan's "There Is a Mountain").

Iron Butterfly's "In-a-Gadda-da-Vida" established the extended jam as a valid rock idiom, but "Mountain Jam" proved that it could be art as well. Duane Allman and Dickie Betts were great guitarists individually, but they had a symbiotic relationship that pushed their playing from the merely great into the transcendent. They fed off of each other's playing, making their joint efforts greater than the sum of the two parts that went into them. No other two guitarists have come close to musical symbiosis on the same level. And, though that symbiosis is displayed on most of their recordings, it was most pronounced in live performance and epitomized on "Mountain Jam".

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: PoppaGator
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 04:21 PM

Hey, Bruce, glad to see you back; I noticed your absence in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, and this is the first I've seen of you since. Hope all is well.

"Mountain Jam" is indeed a worthy nominee for this title, although *any* cut from the Allmans' "Live at Fillmore East" could probably qualify, too -- e.g., "Whipping Post" and "Statesboro Blues." I assume that, as a serious student of Southern Rock, you're aware of the "extended" version of that classic album that came out on 2 CDs a few years back, which gave us new and longer jam versions of practically every cut.

Your message also reminded me of another notable guitar duet featuring Duane Allman: "Layla." If nobody's mentioned THAT memorable number yet, I'd be surprised. I'm sure a lot of folks consider it the best rock song ever. Eric Clapton certainly didn't play with Duane as regularly as Dicky Betts, and the symbiosis may not have been quite as deep, but "Layla," and indeed that whole album, is quite an achievement.

Eric does seem to know a thing or two about playing *together* with other great guitar players -- he's not just a viruoso soloist. His great collaborations with George Harrison (most notably "While My Guitar Gently Weeps") deserve a mention, too.

But hey -- I don't mean to argue against what you're saying. "Mountain Jam" is really something, indeed -- arguably superior to all the other stuff I just mentioned. Especially considering its humble origins in that cute little Donovan ditty!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Mr Happy
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 07:43 PM

I often find that my rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'+ 'Rockin all over the world' goes down a bomb at every venue we perform- cos it's a real FOLKSONG!

Everyone knows it [not just the folkies!] & often people jump outta their seats & start dancing as well- its a real whizzer!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Mr Happy
Date: 09 Nov 04 - 07:45 PM

BTW- I forgot to say- both are Staus Quo classics!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,pygmydave
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 07:48 PM

Midnight Rambler.
There is simply no other rock song, post beatles, that comes close..I mean the studio version, not the live one. The contrast with the live version shows what great control and production can do.
The boys are at the top of their game, every part fusing into a snaky, seething, menacing whole. The relentless guitar riff, the harmonica deep and resonating, the sinewy slide guitar, held together by Charley's flawless drumming, beautifully restrained. They avoid going too fast, Charley simply doubling up on the high hat after about 16 bars to increase the tension, and the incredible studio production with just the right amount of echo accentuating the rests and stops as the thing slows down. Mick's hissing and stuttering vocals give the piece a sense of danger and unnervingness that was a premonition of the whole post hippy, pre- Altamont era.
And the lyrics! This is why rap just leaves me cold...

" did you hear about the midnight rambler?
one you never seen before..

Sighin down the wind so sadly
Listen and you'll hear him moan
Talkin bout the midnight rambler
everybody got to go"

This is the definition of rock and roll. the mystery, the danger just under the surface. Even thirty odd years later, I have to pull over if it comes on the radio, my nerves tingling as the echoing harmonica fades out...Elton john? Austen Powers??
Please. anyone who thinks that the sixties and early seventies were like this simply was not ther. It was dangerous and that's all.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From:
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 06:49 AM

ALL PINKFLOYD SONGS ESPECIALLY ECHOES,SHINE ON YOU,MONEY,TIME...

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,SAVITRI
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 02:28 AM

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 02:39 AM

There IS a difference between Rock 'n Roll and Rock that's for sure...
So I'd have to go with something from Led Zeppelin (my favourite "Rock" band), but NOT "Stairway". It's a classic, but over-rated I feel...

It's gotta be "Whole Lotta Love"!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Black Rocker
Date: 27 Mar 05 - 06:25 PM

Id have to say Van Halen's version of You Really Got Me which has great pedigree, yet also stands as a virtuoso guitar piece (if you include Eruption). Tied for first has to be Stairway to Heaven, which as someone said, is known world wide, is virtuosic, melodic, powerful and mysterious. But I like the other choices too.

Subject: RE: One best song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,sherwin
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 01:12 AM

no question, The Beatles got the world inculturated by their music. "Something" by George Harrison may be the best ever. Complete package right?

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: David C. Carter
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 08:41 AM

"Muleskinner blues" Paul Fender and the Fendermen.The rest of the CD's crap though.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: David C. Carter
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 08:46 AM

"Muleskinner Blues",Paul Fender and the Fendermen.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: rhyzla
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 09:41 AM

Watchtower by Hendrix - nothing better!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peace
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 11:09 AM

This thread does have a way of coming back now and then. There's a repressed rock and roller in lots of us I guess.

One that's classic is "Walk, Don't Run" by the Ventures. I have never cared for "Stairway to Heaven", but that's because I was stoned at the time it was released and I associate the song with a mouthful of beer from a bottle people had been using as an ashtray. It wasn't the cigarette taste that got me. That I coulda put up with. But flat Budweiser just don't cut it. Gnome mean?

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 12:06 PM

*sigh*................. (yaknowhatimsayn'?)

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 05 - 12:37 PM

Madam George, Van Morrison. Powderfinger, Neil Young, The Wall, Pink Floyd, We Are The Champions, Queen. Good Golly Miss Molly, Little Richard. When A Man Loves A Woman, Percy Sledge. Satisfaction, The Stones. Heartbreak Hotel, Elvis Presley. The Trouble With Normal, Bruce Cockburn.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 09:42 AM

All of The White Stripes last two albums, also their live DVD recorded in Blackpool last year.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Peace
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 02:44 PM

"(yaknowhatimsayn'?)"

That's the phrase I was lookin' for. Thanks, Bill, 'stanwhamsayin'?

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,RAB
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 10:38 AM

maybe not THE BEST, but one of my favs right now is perla jam "thumbing my way" check it out if u havent heard it

Subject: Lyr Add: THUMBING MY WAY (Pearl Jam)
From: Peace
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 11:15 AM

Pearl Jam - Thumbing My Way Lyrics:

i have not been home since you left long ago
i'm thumbing my way back to heaven
counting steps, walking backwards on the road
i'm counting my way back to heaven
i can't be free with what's locked inside of me
if there was a key, you took it in your hand
there's no wrong or right, but i'm sure there's good and bad
the questions linger overhead
no matter how cold the winter, there's a springtime ahead
i'm thumbing my way back to heaven
i wish that i could hold you
i wish that i had
thinking 'bout heaven
i let go of a rope, thinking that's what held me back
and in time i've realized, it's now wrapped around my neck
i can't see what's next, from this lonely overpass
hang my head and count my steps, as another car goes past
all the rusted signs we ignore throughout our lives
choosing the shiny ones instead
i turned my back, now there's no turning back
no matter how cold the winter, there's a springtime ahead
i smile, but who am i kidding?
i'm just walking the miles, every once in a while i'll get a ride
i'm thumbing my way back to heaven
thumbing my way back to heaven
i'm thumbing my way back to heaven...


mp3 here.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: number 6
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 11:32 AM

The best rock song of all time ... "I aint Superstitious" by Jeff Beck.

and why ... well, in the genre of what I think is 'rock music .. electric, strong vocals,heavy bass, hard driving beat' it fits the bill ... just listen to it and that explains why I chose it.

sIx

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: alanabit
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 12:24 PM

Er... Didn't Willie Dixon have something to do with that song too?

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Gene
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 06:44 PM

My favorite Rock song of all times is any one of these.

Rock-y Top
There's a Big Rock in the road
Rock-in' alone in an old Rock-in' chair
Rock all the babies to sleep
Rock-a-bye Boogie

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 07:12 PM

Excellent choices Gene, but for sheer staying power over the years, I'll go with "Rock of Ages"...............

Spaw

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: frogprince
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 08:00 PM

Big Rock Candy Mountain

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: number 6
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 09:25 PM

alanabit ... My post regarding "I aint Superstitious" is relevant to the subject of this thread. I certainly would never dispute Willie Dixon's contribution to this song, I mean, it is his after all. Willie's blues version I favour over Beck's rock version. But Beck's is certainly one rocker.

sIx

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Gene
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 10:14 PM

Yea! Spaw & frogprince! They fit 'Right In' too.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Allen in Oz
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 10:25 PM

Anything by Chuck Berry and the Muleskinner Blues by the Fendermen
Also " Lotta Lovin " by Gene Vincent
AD 1943

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: John O'L
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 09:32 AM

'Rocks Off' by The Rolling Stones

If for no other reason, then because of the line 'The sunshine bores the daylights outta me' - pure rock & roll.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 07:18 PM

you guys are fruit cakes with bad songs its about this ones

him - wings of a butterfly
almost all of breaking benjamin
perfect circle - 3 libras
and some of tool

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 09:22 AM

Time For Me To Fly - R.E.O. Speedwagon. Simply glorious!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 02:50 PM

Sorry if someone's already submitted it, but - THE WEIGHT by THE BAND - the all time best rock & roll band in my opinion followed closely by The Allman Bros. Statesborough Blues.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: bankley
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 01:29 PM

"of all time"??    those are long hours, no ?

wait a sec, it might not seem like it, but there's still some time left... on the Mystery Train...

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: mrmoe
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 02:17 PM

Introduction to Sweet Jane - Lou Reed
River deep mountain high - Ike & Tina Turner

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,squeezyhel
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 03:25 PM

In the interests of being vaguely original, "Dream On" by Aerosmith, mainly because they are the best rock band in the world ever and partly because I just really like the lyrics...

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Leadbelly
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 04:01 PM

Mostly forgotten, the early beginning. What about Tutti Frutti by El? That's rock and roll, dear friends...

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Guest, Kyle
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 08:00 PM

I'd have to say the best rock song of all time is "Hotel California" by the Eagles. The guitar music at the end of that song is just plain awesome, and every time I hear that song I think about nothing else while listening to it.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Ermintruder
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 09:54 AM

Aerosmith the best band ever? Pah! The world already has the Stones, it doesn't need an American karaoke version!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: David C. Carter
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 11:33 AM

I go along with Leadbelly on-Tutti Frutti.

David

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,The Ballad of the Bold Researcher
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 11:46 AM

Of all time is a wee bit too broad, it's like those half-arsed rock music magazines, a variation on a theme...anyway, a great song is The Band's version of I Shall Be Released and also their version of Long Black Veil.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Banjiman
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 11:52 AM

God Save The Queen The Sex Pistols, Bankrobber by The Clash or maybe Motorhead by Motorhead........no more than 3 chords...... almost like folk songs!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 12:39 PM

This is all very interesting but, for any rock afficionado, isn't it rather like asking "What was the best air you ever breathed, and why?"

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,The Ballad of the Bold Researcher
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 01:12 PM

I always thought The Clash were folk, but...never mind *LOL*

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 01:32 PM

The Thread Heading specifies ONE best rock song and i believe that was the challenging part. To come up with just one. I've always said that if I said this song or that song was my favorite, I could only mean it is my favorite today. Yesterday it was some other song as it will be tomorrow. That being said I'll try to name one song.
    Since there seems to be a differenciation being made between Rock and Rock&Roll(I've haven't seen anyone define the difference yet) I will name the song that, to me, was the first Rock (not R&R) song by the first Rock (not R&R) band. I think someone else named the song as a cover but I have to go with the original. Besides this band in particular is the most underrated of all time and deserves some props.
The fact that in a thread this old and this long they haven't even been mentioned till now bears this out.
    So Ladies and Gentleman I give you the best rock song of all
time:

       "You Really Got Me" by THE KINKS

    Hey people were talking 1964 here and they were deffinitely taking Rock Music to new heights.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Leadbelly
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 01:56 PM

Thanks, David. El made r&r most popular. All others are imitators. Some of them produced real good r&r songs. But El made the best of it as to Tutti Frutti and other songs. Do remember his perfect voice in regard of this style of music.

PS.: From decade to decade many others made an excellent contribution to r&r. Nevertheless, El was the king. And because of this most of his r&r songs are king-size.

The same goes for Lonnie's Cumberland Gap. He was and still is the king of skiffle. Like El he wasn't the first to play this music but both have been the best.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: PoppaGator
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 06:07 PM

"Tutti Frutti" ~ by "El"?????

What about Little Richard? His "Tutti Frutti" was the orignal and definitive recording, and a plausible nomination for "all-time best." All subsequent covers are pale imitations ~ not only Pat Boone's but anyone's ~ even The King's.

I liked the belated mention of "You Really Got Me," and appreciated the reasoning behind it. A truly monumental musical accomplishment. Ray Davies became a part-time New Orleanian in recent years, and famously fought off a mugger in the French Quarter not long ago; that makes him and his work even dearer to my heart then ever. (Although I'm not sure if he's been back here at all since Katrina.)

I was also glad to see mention of "The Weight," as well as a couple of other contributions by The Band, longtime faves of mine. However, much as I love "Long Black Veil" ~ a regular part of my own repertoire ~ I don't think of it as a "rock song." It's a beautifully crafted bit of commercial Nashville C&W, and quite a convincing imitation of a real folk song, but not "rock," except insofar as it became identified with its performance by an ensemble that was an important part of rock history.

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: Giant Folk Eyeball (inactive)
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 06:51 PM

For me it has to be 'White Man in Hammersmith Palais' by the Clash. It completely blew me away when I first heard it and even now I only have to hear the opening bars and I'm back to being a snotty fourteen year old with a safety pin through the lapel of his school blazer...

And yeah, of course they were a folk band!

As for the best ever of all time blah blah either no such record exists or a hundred thousand variants exist. see, it all depends if we're talking about your best or mine!

Cheers

Nigel

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,Manicmick
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 10:56 AM

Not sure if the greatest rock song but I have sung Pinball Wizard by the Who in a folk club, as a SHANTY!

Subject: RE: One best rock song of all time, and why.
From: GUEST,pattyClink
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 09:43 AM

Dang, Manic, you ought to get that shanty on video and on YouTube. Gotta see it.