These are songs that whether they were singles, album tracks, B-sides or unreleased, they became part of popular music AND when you hear one it is very hard not to turn it up and play some air guitar while singing along. Think FREEDOM ROCK…but maybe a little less mainstream…maybe!
The Who – Love Ain’t For Keeping: Clearly Who’s Next is the album that most FM rock fans were weaned on. It had it all: bombast, synthesizers, Keith Moon and one of the greatest rock ballads ever written. And if Roger Daltrey singing Pete’s beautiful words wasn’t enough, there is Townshend’s guitar solo proving why he is one of the best…pure and easy.
Bruce Springsteen – She’s The One: We all know how upon it’s release Born To Run was hailed as one of the greatest Rock albums ever and Bruce became the Boss. This track benefits from something that can make just about any song great: the Bo Diddley beat. So just like the Stones covering Not Fade Away or U2 with Desire, this song is too damn catchy to be overlooked.
Aerosmith – Last Child: Most people probably are more familiar with Back In The Saddle from the Rocks album. And clearly the casual fan will name Sweet Emotion or Walk This Way for the best of Aerosmith’s rockers. But the groove on this song is so friggin’ filthy, you feel like you need to take a shower every time you hear it. And I’m willing to take that shower several times a day…most days of the week
Pete Townshend – Gonna Get Ya: These days it seems like the only song Pete wrote outside The Who is Let My Love Open The Door which has made it into the soundtrack of every sappy Hollywood movie of the last twenty years. When Empty Glass came out in 1980, it pre-dated the first post-Moon The Who album by only eleven months. And in most ways was a superior record. And this is its most vicious song, written by one of rock’s greatest poets.
Black Crowes – Wiser Time: The truth is that the best way to hear this song is to listen to the whole album. Let it organically build out of the ending of Ballad in Urgency. But no matter what, this is one of the great rock songs for cruising down an open highway and heading into the sun with your stereo blaring the Brothers Robinson. I consider this the Jessica for the next generation of truckers. (So I guess this makes this a candidate for Freedom Rock Two!)
Rolling Stones – Rocks Off: Some people will say this was too obvious because of the album it comes from. And yet, this was not one of the two singles released from 1972’s double album, 18-track masterpiece. But no matter which song you like most from what I personally consider the greatest rock album ever made by “The World’s Greatest Rock & Roll band,” you cannot deny that this song kicks a whole in your speakers from Keith’s opening guitar riff through the horn section that carries you straight into Rip This Joint. And from there…
Led Zeppelin – The Ocean: Zep was all about being the biggest and the best. Bombast is a perfect word to describe them. And 1973’s Houses Of The Holy is one of their best albums. This was the final track from the record and it flat out rocks. As a tribute to the “sea of fans” at their legendary live shows, this is one you can’t help but air guitar while pretending to be Jimmy Page. But then again, maybe you just want to pound out Bonham’s monster beat on your air drum kit.
Guns ‘N Roses – Yesterdays: Use Your Illusion I & II were really the beginning of the end for one of rock’s greatest, most important and short-lived bands (Sorry, but I refuse to include this latter-day “Chinese Democracy” tribute band in the history of G-N-R). There were 30 songs over two album released separately and most are just ok. In fact, I tend to think most of Use You Illusion I is just average. The second blue album has the real power and since the album has so many extended songs, the third track, clocking in at 3:16 is just a perfect rock song. If you listen to the lyrics, they make you think that even Axl knew the best was behind him.
Foo Fighters – My Hero: Most musicians don’t get a great second act/half to their careers. And for drummers…NEVER? But Dave Grohl is a true ROCKSTAR! The Foo Fighters are one of the few arena-worthy bands left. Coming out a little less than two years after Grohl’s “solo debut,” this was really the first album to feature a band and it has many of their best songs on it. Clearly Everlong is the best song on the album, yet this list focuses on the irresistible. This song, which has been added to the “ESPN sports songs” canon, is one that makes you thrash your head and pound out Taylor Hawkins’ killer beat while throwing your hands up over your head. It doesn’t matter whether your favorite team is making a comeback or Grohl is standing in front of you and 20,000 other fans at your local arena.
Coldplay – Everything’s Not Lost: This is the oddball, out of left field entry of the list. Chris Martin became a bit too much for me. After A Rush Of Blood To The Head, I think his songwriting started to suffer. Yet Parachutes is a perfect record. As moody as it is, this beautiful song that ends it all (save for the hidden track Life Is For Living) is simply irresistible with Johnny Buckland’s chiming guitar and Will Champion’s percussive beat.
3 Responses
Nice mix Marc!
Excellent mix, but even better photography on your website. Super stuff!!!
Scotty B! You continue to impress me! This is fantastic!