View Full Version : Classic rock for beginners
I've decided to do the world a good deed..well, for two particular people at least.
Both people are quite young and haven't had the exposure to the great music that was available pre-Nickelback & The Spice Girls. :rolleyes: So my good deed is to record for them a CD each (about 16 songs on each disc) to give them a taste of what music is all about. Fairly mainstream, a gentle introduction, and only one song per band which is generally indicative of their overall style.
My short-list so far (in no particular order) is as follows.
Aerosmith - Walk This Way
Deep Purple - Highway Star
Boston - More Than A Feeling
Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love
Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town
Kiss - Detroit Rock City
Eagles - Hotel California
Free - All Right Now
Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger
Queen - Hammer To Fall
Motorhead - Ace Of Spades
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
Van Halen - You Really Got Me
Iron Maiden - Run To The Hills
Ted Nugent - Cat Scratch Fever
Is this an adequate mix for a crash course in classic rock?
Anyone with fine-tuning/comments to add, please do... and yes I'm comfortable with mullet jokes.
great selection but surely there is some room for a cold chisel classic
Good call... maybe some Bow River, Flame Trees, Forever Now, Star Hotel? (anything but Khe Sanh)
Also thought about some late-era Beatles which is closer to rock than pop, and maybe some Cream if I can find a solo where Clapton doesn't sound like he's strangling a cat.
Mobbenfuhrer
27 Jan 2003, 21:14
Umm ... how about She Sells Sanctuary?
The Ramones, Guns N' Roses and some Motley Crue would help.
Originally posted by Darky
White Room - Cream
Voodoo Chile - JH
Most who know me, know that "one CD" never remains as just one CD.... this might have to stretch into a double, especially with a few of the above essentials and other favourites like The Who and Rainbow....
All great suggestions so far, keep 'em coming, the young uns will reap the rewards!
The Hippie
27 Jan 2003, 23:54
Can't see any Michael Schencker era Scorpions in there, Darky. You're slipping, son...:D
Docker_Brat
28 Jan 2003, 01:06
Not a bad list Darky, although I would have gone for 'Tie Your Mother Down' in preference to 'Hammer to Fall' in choosing a Queen song.
dreamkillers
28 Jan 2003, 09:07
Surely Black Sabbath deserve to be on any classic rock list........
CarterS
28 Jan 2003, 11:46
How about some Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb?
Haven't heard ACDC mentioned either...
And you can't forget the Travelling Wilburys if you want to put them in this category.
Oh, and how about V. Femmes - Blister in the sun.
Good one Darky (everyone needs an education), may i add a few of my faves:
AC/DC: Whole Lotta Rosie
Rose Tattoo: Remedy
The Celibate Rifles: Invisible Man
The Ramones: Cretin Hop
The Beatles: Yer Blues
The Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter
MC 5: Kick Out The Jams
Iggy Pop: Lust For Life
Stevie Ray Vaughan: Cold Shot
The Saints: (I'm) Stranded
Radio Birdman: New Race
Cold Chisel: I'm Gunna Roll Ya
Black Sabbath: Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Rainbow: Man On The Silver Mountain
The Who: Won't Get Fooled Again
Joe Walsh: Rocky Mountain Way
Golden Earring: Radar Love
Motorhead: The Hammer
The Sex Pistols: Anarchy In The UK
Not all of these are 'classic' songs, but there's some good toetappers there...........
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EFC: We Hate You Too
A better Cold Chisel rocker is Goodbye Astrid.
McAlmanac
28 Jan 2003, 14:27
Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded by the Light or Davey's on the Road Again.
dreamkillers
28 Jan 2003, 14:37
I'd also recommend people to have a look through this thread
Pre corporate punk and garage music....... (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=55769)
Still to add a section on The Saints and a few others but plenty of good bands and songs listed to date.......please feel free to add to the thread as well.
bulldogs1
28 Jan 2003, 14:44
Written by the Great Man, Bruce.
I'll put my vote forward for "Born in the USA."
Perhaps you can throw in Neil Young's "Rust Never Sleeps".
Originally posted by McAlmanac
Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded by the Light
Neil Young - Rocking in the Free World
Skid Row's "I remember you" (you did say fairly mainstream)
Guns N Roses' "Rocket Queen" (one of the best boozy air drums songs EVER!!)
Dont think you could go wrong with Acca Dacca's "Back in Black" either mate.
And i'm noticing a distinct lack of Aussie content. Hence, Screaming Jets' "Better" is as classic rock as it comes.
Originally posted by Darky
I've decided to do the world a good deed..well, for two particular people at least.
Both people are quite young and haven't had the exposure to the great music that was available pre-Nickelback & The Spice Girls. :rolleyes: So my good deed is to record for them a CD each (about 16 songs on each disc) to give them a taste of what music is all about. Fairly mainstream, a gentle introduction, and only one song per band which is generally indicative of their overall style.
My short-list so far (in no particular order) is as follows.
Aerosmith - Walk This Way (Can't argue here)
Deep Purple - Highway Star (You could do better!)
Boston - More Than A Feeling (Yep)
Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love (Over the Hills?)
Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town (Deffo)
Kiss - Detroit Rock City (Prefer Deuce)
Eagles - Hotel California (Must have)
Free - All Right Now (Spose)
Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger (of course)
Queen - Hammer To Fall (Rather Now I'm here)
Motorhead - Ace Of Spades (Yeah baby!)
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird (Tuesday's gone?)
Van Halen - You Really Got Me (Prefer an original, Runnin with the Devil)
Iron Maiden - Run To The Hills (N.O.B.!)
Ted Nugent - Cat Scratch Fever (Gotta do it)
Is this an adequate mix for a crash course in classic rock?
Anyone with fine-tuning/comments to add, please do... and yes I'm comfortable with mullet jokes.
You seem to be going with a 20+ years old thing, which is fine but if it becomes a double (or triple ;)) consider the following...
No Gunners?
D.A.D. , Sleeping my day away
I agree, with Mobs Gotta have She Sells Sanctuary.
ZZ Top, Gimmie all your lovin.
The Sweet, Fox on the run.
Rainbow, Stargazer!
Priest, One for the Road.
Whitesnake, Fool for your Lovin.
So many bands, so little disc space... ;)
Any room for The Clash, Jesus and Mary Chain, Ramones, The Jam, Violent Femmes, Saints, Radio Birdman, you should prolly have some accadacca on there too ;). What about Paul Kelly, or do you think he is well-known enough as it is?
Also depends on the age group you're looking at, there are "younger" bands that would go well on here if you're compiling for 12-17 yr olds who've never heard an unedited voice. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Jane's Addiction, *very* early RHCP... there must be lots more but my brain is tired. :confused:
AlfAndrews
30 Jan 2003, 04:08
What?
No Col Joy and the Joy Boys !
No Johnnie O'Keefe !
What about "Over The Rainbow" ... by Billy Thorpe and the Azrtecs.
Or "Ferry Across the Mersey" by Gerry and the Pacemakers.
And I can't believe that no one has mentioned "24 Hours From Tulsa" by Gene Pitney .... or "In The Mood" by the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Or Mitch Miller ...
Perry Como ....
Barry MacAskill's Levi Smith Clefs.
The Penny Rockets.
Lucky Starr ... "I've Been Everywhere, Man".
... or that greatest classic rock and roller of all time ... Slim Dusty.
What's wrong with kids today?
Haircut and a bloody job ... that's what they need.
AlfAndrews
30 Jan 2003, 04:12
Oh ... and I nearly forgot ...
The Seekers ..... "The Carnival Is Over".
Leaping Lindner
30 Jan 2003, 07:01
Originally posted by AlfAndrews
....
Barry MacAskill's Levi Smith Clefs.
.......
Alf
There is a band called "Levi Smith Clefs" advertised to play at the Espy soon and I have a dreadful feeling it's THAT Levi Smith Clefs.
Originally posted by Leaping Lindner
Alf
There is a band called "Levi Smith Clefs" advertised to play at the Espy soon and I have a dreadful feeling it's THAT Levi Smith Clefs.
They played The Corner last Saturday night on the same bill as Blackfeather and Lobby Loyde + The Coloured Balls. I'd never heard of the Levi Smith Clefs and never had much time for Blackfeather.
We were there for Lobby + The Balls and being first up, they put in a scorching 1 hr. set of rock/blues. Lobby may be 62 years old, but man, he still has the chops. The Balls were great.
Levi Smith Clefs were next up, and we thought we'd give 'em a chance. Half way thru their second number, we walked out. Shocking, absolutely shocking.
"What about Blackfeather?" one of my comrades asked as we were leaving, to which i replied "F*ck Blackfeather........and f*ck The Levi Smith Clefs........i saw Lobby that's all i came for..........seeya back at the pub......."
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EFC: We Hate You Too
Alf, you might be happy to know Billy Thorpe might get a go with "Mama" which is one of my all time favourite songs.
Some of the other suggestions are great, but I can only burn songs which I have on CD... I've got most but not ALL of the suggestions.
As for The Who... I'm listening to their "Who's Better, Who's Best" compilation, and I can guarantee that my nephew (having his 7th birthday on the weekend, and one of the recipients of the mixed CDs) will be getting a brand spanking new The Who "best of" as part of his present. (I just won't tell him about the allegedlyscary Mr.Townshend!)
Originally posted by Darky
As for The Who... I'm listening to their "Who's Better, Who's Best" compilation, and I can guarantee that my nephew (having his 7th birthday on the weekend, and one of the recipients of the mixed CDs) will be getting a brand spanking new The Who "best of" as part of his present.
Dont Let Go The Coat - off Face Dances - is a very underrated Who song that I would include in a compilation.
(Not that I would ever tell you what to do, Darky - you know your stuff!!).
AlfAndrews
30 Jan 2003, 21:27
My post has got a surprising response from a few people. I must say, I was just indulging in a bit of urinepreneurial silliness. Mainly to make the point that bagging all post Spice Girls music is just one of those generational things that people do. Like everyone reckons the music of their era is better than the music of the present era.
But some of the songs and/or artists that I mentioned could actually be taken as quite serious suggestions. I daresay a lot of this wouldn't even be on CD ... in fact some of it is so ancient it may have never been recorded at all ... joke :)
So perhaps I better make it clear which ones were serious and which ones weren't.
Originally posted by AlfAndrews
Col Joy and the Joy Boys !
No ... I wasn't serious ... With all due respect, I wasn't serious.
Johnnie O'Keefe !
Would have been a great performer to have seen in his prime ... but I wouldn't seriously recommend any of his recordings.
What about "Over The Rainbow" ... by Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs.
This is actually a great version of this song. But it sure ain't rock n roll. As for Thorpie, I didn't mind him 30 years ago, but I'm over it now.
Or "Ferry Across the Mersey" by Gerry and the Pacemakers.
Great band. Great song. In fact, I do this song as part of my singing practice. Great little warm up number for the lower-to-mid register. But it ain't rock n roll.
And I can't believe that no one has mentioned "24 Hours From Tulsa" by Gene Pitney ....
Another great song. By one of the greatest song-writing teams of the 20th century (Hal David-Burt Bacharach) ... I didn't mind Gene Pitney either ... but again, it ain't rock n roll.
or "In The Mood" by the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Probably the most famous big band swing number of all time ... I was being totally over-the-top ridiculous in suggesting this ... but it is a magnificent piece of music. An absolute classic of its genre ... but its genre pre-dated rock n roll by a good decade and a half.
Or Mitch Miller ...
Urinepreneurialism of the lowest order.
Perry Como ....
I've got a friend named Perry, who's in his 40s. His mother was a big fan. My friend, Perry, claims that he was conceived during a Perry Como song. The guy obviously had great aphrodisiacal qualities ... but like so many other great singers of his era ... he ain't rock n roll.
Barry MacAskill's Levi Smith Clefs.
I have honestly never seen or heard this band. Their inclusion was truly just a joke ... but it seems to have backfired a bit, with some passionately hostile responses being elicited here. I can't comment about their music. But I've been aware of the name for over 30 years ... In fact the only thing I know about them is their name ... and I hate the name. Their is no way in the name of the flying pink Jesus that I would EVER go to see a band that called itself the Levi Smith Clefs ... let alone Barry MacAskill's Levi Smith Clefs.
The Penny Rockets.
Legendary 50s band from Adelaide that I've never seen or want to see. They might even STILL be gigging ... God help us.
Lucky Starr ... "I've Been Everywhere, Man".
This guy was a one-hit wonder ... and this was his one hit. Very clever vocal dexterity which makes it hilariously funny ... but it ain't rock n roll. Great novelty song.
... or that greatest classic rock and roller of all time ... Slim Dusty.
I saw this guy live at the Globe Derby Park trots once ... He was brilliant ... an absolute genius at what he does .... but, you guessed it, pilgrim ... it ain't rock n roll.
What's wrong with kids today?
Haircut and a bloody job ... that's what they need.
I'll stand by that ... and so would my Dad ... and his Dad ...
Originally posted by Darky
As for The Who... I'm listening to their "Who's Better, Who's Best" compilation, and I can guarantee that my nephew (having his 7th birthday on the weekend, and one of the recipients of the mixed CDs) will be getting a brand spanking new The Who "best of" as part of his present. (I just won't tell him about the allegedlyscary Mr.Townshend!)
The who were an absolutely brilliant group. Anyone who hasn't heard 'who's next' should get down to a record store right the hell now!
Originally posted by AlfAndrews
Barry MacAskill's Levi Smith Clefs.
I have honestly never seen or heard this band. Their inclusion was truly just a joke ... but it seems to have backfired a bit, with some passionately hostile responses being elicited here. I can't comment about their music. But I've been aware of the name for over 30 years ... In fact the only thing I know about them is their name ... and I hate the name. Their is no way in the name of the flying pink Jesus that I would EVER go to see a band that called itself the Levi Smith Clefs ... let alone Barry MacAskill's Levi Smith Clefs.
Time for me to come clean...... in '72 I played in a lineup of Barry McAskills Levi Smith Clefs (there have been so many different lineups over the years).
This lineup featured Kevin Murphy and Barry Harvey (little goose) from chain both on drums, Doug Sterling on bass, Ian Clyne (Loved Ones) on keyboards, and Roofus on guitar (I lasted about a week....which was typical).
Barry was quite a big name (still!) back then, but he didn't have any structured songs apart from old 60's classics, everything was mostly jammed (which was quite normal back then), and the line ups were only ever temporary enough to pick up some cash from gigs.
He originated from Adelaide and was probably most sucessful during the late 50's and mid 60's era, I've seen pictures of him in leopard skin jacket and brushed back hair *grin*.
Nice bloke, just liked smoking dope a lot.
Black Sabbath - Paranoid is a classic as is Iron Man
Ozzy Osborne- Mr Crowley is sheer brilliant (live version on tribute to Rhandy Rhodes is best).
No Bat out of Hell?
That's shameful.
Because I know every song on that list, does that make me old? :(
Spidergirl~RiCkChiCk
2 Feb 2003, 15:02
Originally posted by Angus1
Black Sabbath - Paranoid is a classic as is Iron Man
Ozzy Osborne- Mr Crowley is sheer brilliant (live version on tribute to Rhandy Rhodes is best).
Try tellin him that, it's all that gets played in my car perhaps he's turned a deaf ear to it all now!
Originally posted by Darky
Good call... maybe some Bow River, Flame Trees, Forever Now, Star Hotel? (anything but Khe Sanh)
Also thought about some late-era Beatles which is closer to rock than pop, and maybe some Cream if I can find a solo where Clapton doesn't sound like he's strangling a cat.
Chisel - I'd say go with 'Forever Now' great song.
As for late-era Beatles, a couple of suggestions there are 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' or 'Something'.
Thanks for the list guys. I'm fairly young so I haven't heard of quite a few of those great artists b4, but now I'll be able to get a bit more in the know, about music of years past with a bit of luck. Cheers.
Grendel
11 Feb 2003, 15:01
Surrender - CheapTrick. Hey with the lines 'mummys alright, daddys alright' if your preaching to the young its a good way to start.
Anything by Michael Bolton, or John Tesh.
oh_my_hat
14 Feb 2003, 17:32
Where's "Turn Up The Radio" - Autograph?:D
Seriously, this may come a bit from left field, but I would substitute "Detroit Rock City" with "Rock Bottom" and find a place for "Wild Fire Woman" by Bad Company.
The Hippie
14 Feb 2003, 23:01
Originally posted by oh_my_hat
Where's "Turn Up The Radio" - Autograph?:D
There's an ugly skeleton from my cassette collection, Hat. Ever seen the clip for that song, I always reckoned the lead singer looked like Nick Greiner, ex NSW Premier around that time. Uncanny resemblance. :eek:
oh_my_hat
15 Feb 2003, 07:44
Sadly enough Hippie I liked that song when it came out. I heard it on Carey Kasem's American Top 40 and loved it. I just recently downloaded it and it still sounds good for the cheese that it is. They had another song called "Blondes In Black Cars" which had a pretty nice video. Nick Greiner - yeah I can see the resemblance. Good call!:D