Just one song please.
Between these eight bands there are literally thousands of songs between them. Many times when you think of one of these bands, there is a rush of different songs that come to mind as being one of the greats or even a classic. For todays theme consider this…
if you were stuck on a remote island with nothing but an iPod that could contain only one song from these eight bands which songs would they be?? For this matchup we will take a look at the single greatest song from each band. A song that exemplifies the greatness and artistry of the band. I’ll start with the British bands first. The Beatles song would be Hey, Jude, their single biggest selling record they ever had, also the longest, clocking in class=”mceItemHidden”> at 7min 20sec. Released in august of 1968 it spent nine weeks at the top of the charts. For the Who the song is Won’t Get Fooled Again. A rocking classic from 1971, that shows off not only the power the Who had as rock performers but also how well of a song writer Pete Townsend really was. For the band Pink Floyd the winner is Money. The bands greatest song ever written with its unmistakable opening sequence of coins falling, cash registers clicking and receipts being ripped. This was also the encore song for many of Pink Floyds’ live shows, and yes it would bring the house down. Finally we have Led Zeppelin, with their song Stairway to Heaven. An eight minute long rock anthem that has it all, a slow intro which slowly build up to the verses, then concludes with an all out rock jam complete with a classic Jimmy Page guitar solo. This song has the distinction of being the most requested song on the radio of all time, and is noted as being one of the greatest rock n roll songs ever written.
Ahh but what about America?? first we have the Beach Boys all time classic Good Vibrations. A Sixties surf, and psychadlic rock masterpiece, that has been acknowledged by many other musicaians and artists favorite song of all time. the record is huge with its rich harmonies and way out sounds that it took over 20 musicians to record. Next we have CCR’s Have You Ever Seen the Rain? their classic anthem about the Vietnam war. Many saw this song as the perfect combination to rock music success with a strong message about the live and times of the late sixties and early seventies. For the Grateful Dead there is a song titled Truckin’. The song became so famous it was recognized by the United States Library of Congress in 1997 as a national treasure. It’s climactic refrain, “What a long, strange trip it’s been,” has been quoted nearly as many times a bible passages. Lastly we have the Doors Light My Fire. A seven minute long rock epic with its unshakable organ riff and super long extended solo, this song exemplifies the awesome power and mystic of the Doors.
So who wins this battle? you tell me.
I wish I knew more about some of these bands, so my decision wouldn’t be skewed in favor of the songs I’ve actually heard, but between these I’d vote for Light My Fire. I can’t get enough Doors organ solos. Of course, if I were stranded on an uninhabited island, I could get enough Doors organ solos, probably to the point at which I’d try to hang myself like Tom Hanks in Castaway. Anyone stuck on an island with one song will just have to learn to play it sparingly.
I have something to add. There are certain songs that, while they may be classics, have a certain quality about them that wears them out for me. Let’s take “Hey Jude” vs. “Light My Fire,” for instance. The latter is wild enough that to memorize it note for note would take more listens than the former. The melody of “Hey Jude,” because of its simplicity and ubiquity, seems almost obvious: that is, a hit with such a deceptively simple hook (in this case, something like an ancient lullaby) has been frustratingly reserved by the Beatles, when in fact anyone today “could have” written that melody with little effort. The downside to this is, at least for me, limited playback. As much as I love the Beatles, “Hey Jude” bores me because of its length and repetition. (I’m sure, however, that I could find plenty of songs in my regular arsenal that match this description.) Even the first time I heard the song it felt worn-in and familiar. But I’d rather listen to something that twists and turns and continues to surprise me, even after several listens.
I must say, I definitely want to learn more about these bands. The way you describes the music of these bands, makes me want to just go and find some Youtube videos on them. When you were describing the way some of these bands play the guitar and such it made me think of Jimi Hendrix for some reason…. I must honestly say I wish I knew more on these bands also. The only bands that you mentioned that I am familiar with are the Beatles and the Beach Boys. I have heard of the other bands before but never have had the opportunity to listen to their music. So for me to honestly answer your question about the only song I would have on my ipod, I would have to go do my homework on these bands. It just wouldn’t be fair to pick a band that I know and not to give the other bands a try. That being said, I am going to try to Youtube some of these bands to see what there music is all about!
It’s very subjective to call these songs the single greatest from each band. For bands as good as these, narrowing their material to one greatest song, I would find impossible. But that’s another conversation. These eight songs are definitely among the best from each band, but if I had to pick between the British or the American songs, I’d go British. For musical quality, the four British songs beat out the four American songs, although Light My Fire may be my personal favorite.
Well, given the choices at hand, I’d have to pick Zep’s Stairway to Heaven. The song is massively played out, and tends to overshadow the rest of their catalogue, but it’s still completely fantastic.