The best rock songs ever, according to Stephen King

Charles Tue, Apr 14, 2009 at 03:40 PM EST

Some odd choice, but interesting. Major piece of stupid though--Not including "Born to be Wild." That should be seriously considered #1.
Any time I hear it I'm reminded of being 17, driving my first car ('57 Buick--way better than a '57 Chevy) on the highway listening to it on my car's 4-track, yes 4-track. This was way back in 1967.

Wanda Garner Sat, Apr 11, 2009 at 03:24 PM EST

Hi Stephen, do u remember a movie of biker gangs of girls VS boys end of the show showing 3 or 4 boys ( who were in th entire movie, too ) singing "Rock of Ages" real fast to the tune of rock 'n roll before 1990's ? I've been looking and asking for years since I saw it on TV in 1990. Sure would appreciate if you've seen it or anyone else reading this had seen it, too. Wild wacky fun movie.

mick Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 04:46 PM EST

strange list but hey everyone to their own
what about the green manalishi -- fleetwood mac or stillborn -- black label society or down payment blues ac/dc

yfzwhr alfjovdz Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 04:10 AM EST

sofv gkeh ltzjufgmw vedxbja rmhqzj bgphkjic bzxjfktu

gtld brdvy Sat, Jan 10, 2009 at 07:58 AM EST

ilgv tnpvfwi ulthsrdp wkjzif yeobrc ynsfoqi xojm

John V Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 04:39 AM EST

Stephen, I agree Connie Francis should be in the R-n-R hall of fame. Many top 10 hits. A voice way better than Stevie Nicks. I am truly sad because the R-n-R hall of fame forgot a lot of the artist of the 1950's and early 1960's like Willie Winfield and The Harptones, The Five Keys, Neil Sedaka, Johnny Maestro and The Crest. Doo Wop or R-n-B was a major part of R-n-R and it's like it's been forgotten. Sad. They only want to put people who did drugs or bit the heads of bats. I think these people would not be where they are if it wasn't for the artist of the 1950's. They should just close up shop and call it a day.

Connor Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 08:26 PM EST

The Sex Pistols as number one? Really? Besides that glaring flaw this list is pretty good.

James Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 11:19 PM EST

I agree with all of the above. Doors? Ramones? What about The Who constant author? Although TR is a wizard, a true star, I think Stevie Wonder's absence is most unacceptable. Not only your list Mr. King, but VH1 and everybody else. Come on, Livin for the City? Too High? Higher Ground? As? I Wish? Don't kid yourself, this ain't "soul", this is ROCK!!!!!! I will say if the list was writer, you would be in my top 3!

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Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 12:41 AM EST

connie francis belongs in the rock n roll hall of fame.put that in your pipes and smoke it

Alex Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 05:16 PM EST

I was very happy to see Iron Butterfly on the list.The long version each time I play takes my breath away.

Alex Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 05:16 PM EST

I was very happy to see Iron Butterfly on the list.The long version each time I play takes my breath away.

Mary Ellen Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 01:32 PM EST

Great List!! It's a shame Iron Butterfly is so far down on the list though--To this day, when I listen to that drum solo, I smile and am completely transported back in time........

Maryann Rose Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 02:51 PM EST

Uncle Stevie,

I am a 'Constant Reader' and knew you'd have a Beatles tune in there, but I see you as more of a "Happiness is a Warm Gun" type. Maybe that was your second choice?

old nick Sat, Jun 7, 2008 at 10:19 AM EST

Uruguay?

runner4peace Tue, May 13, 2008 at 12:32 AM EST

i like your num 1

jimmy Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 09:25 PM EST

You mean "Look wot you dun" by Slade i think john... not My O My...

(and john said... OOOPS. My bad. My O MY Look What You dun to me huf huf huf huf)

Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 09:22 PM EST

forgot to mention nearly all mine are also on

youtube!

john Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 08:27 PM EST

Well, now that I think of it,
radar love is just about perfect

john Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 08:25 PM EST

Your number one song starts out: "I am an antichrist..."

that about sums up most of rock-n-roll

My list: (totally random with no forethought)
25. Killer by Alice Cooper
24. Inagaddavida by steppenwulf
23. D.O.A. by Bloodrock
22. Y.M.C.A. by the Village People
21. Buffalo Soldier by Bob Marley
20. Hold Your Head Up by Argent
19. Reelin in the Ease by Steely Dan
18. The Way to San Jose by that girl
17. Red Rubber Ball by that group
16. Too Many People by Macartney
15. These Boots by nancy sinatra
14. Last Train to Clarksville Monkees
13. Hocus Pocus by Focus
12. My O My by Slade
11. All the Young Dudes, M. the Hoople
10. All by Myself (whoever)
9. No More Mr Nice Guy or 18
8. When a Man Loves a Woman
7. Hit Me with Your Best Shot by her
6. that sad song by Joni Mitchell(?)
5. Rod Stewart (all sound same)
4. popcorn by autobonn
3. Faster Stronger by Daft Punk
2. Amadeus
and the greatest ever random thought
1. I can't live if living is without you by Harry Nillson

Crystal Tue, Apr 15, 2008 at 11:52 AM EST

You gotta hand it to him: Stephen King always keeps us thinking! I could go the rest of my life without EVER hearing an Elvis song (what, 3 of them??) or anything whatsoever by the Beatles. I totally agree with "Long Cool Woman" and "I Get Around" - all that's missing is anything by Jerry Lee Lewis if you're talking classic, vintage rock. His pounding piano and insinuating lyrics are irresistable. Many thanks for skipping the obvious (i.e. boring, interminable songs like "Layla," "Stairway," and god forbid, "American Pie."). Fun times! Now let's all rate S.K.'s books in a Top 20 - what say you all?

S.L.G Sun, Apr 13, 2008 at 08:50 AM EST

I wish mr. King had mentioned Elvis's song, "What Now my love" and Queen's, "Somebody to Love". I must confess I'm big fan of Led Zepplin and would have mentioned "Rock and Roll" or maybe "Black Dog". But unfortunately, I haven't heard a good many of the songs King mentioned and there was at least two groups that I'd never heard of.

Nick Mon, Apr 7, 2008 at 09:58 AM EST

What no BOC..? (shame on you Mr.King)

Jennifer Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 01:41 PM EST

Well, I'm going to have to agree with Uncle Stevie on most of these songs- though for some reason I was expecting to see Joan Jett.

Michele C. Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 08:45 PM EST

Oh Stevie! No Ramones?! The horror! Otherwise, love it love it. Thank you, you always entertain!

Michelle Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 09:21 AM EST

Just one more reason you are still and will always be "the man". Well done.
Just finished Duma Key, by the way (while vacationing in Key Largo).
Scared me to death.
Thanks.

Lance Karutz Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 05:05 PM EST

"Anarchy" as the best rock & roll song ever? Can't argue that. Even the new, 2007, Guitar Hero 3 version has more energy than almost anything ever recorded.

Danny T. Dunne Thu, Mar 20, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

I was just about to cancel my subscription to EW because there is nothing of any redeeming value, nothing! I happened to catch the article about this site so I checked it out. I may keep my subscription. Fantastic list! Finally, someone who is really in tune with great music. Glad All Over bythe DC5 should have definitely been on it, but it's hard to argue with your list. I may check out some of the tunes I'm not familiar with. Nice going. I'm impressed, which I can't say for the rest of the magazine.

Alex Thu, Mar 13, 2008 at 05:24 AM EST

Good list. Try the Old 97's song "Timebomb", though.

Jamie Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

Stevie, Stevie, Stevie.....Connie Francis on the top 24 list of alltime Rock and Roll songs? All work and no play makes Steve a bit loco!!! No Ramones? No Black Sabbath? No Van Halen? Rock and Roll man Rock and Roll! Connie Francis?!?!? WTF!!!!

will Mon, Mar 3, 2008 at 06:46 PM EST

what, no slobberbone?

catfish Sat, Mar 1, 2008 at 01:55 AM EST

EW promised 25 songs but delivered only 24, so I'm assuming you submitted something too dark for them to handle - maybe the late, great Hasil Adkins' "No More Hot Dogs",Bob Lind's "Remember the Rain", Kevin Ayers' "That's What You Get",Roger Miller's "What Are Those THings? (with Big Black Wings)", most anything by Charlie Feathers, the last decent Moody Blues '45, "This is My House", or, above all, "96 Tears." Now that's stalker music.

The list was good enough, at least a couple of surprises, and the suggestions in the comments section include some good ones - both obvious and not-so-obvious (Kenn Kweder, Stone Coyotes). As for the age issue - fact is, everyone's lifetime favorites are what was playing when they were 16... not 38, or 9, or 57, even the crap on the radio when you were 16 will sound good 10 or 50 years later.
And - since Stairway to Heaven is overrated, why not Little Roger's "Gilligan's Island"?

Squeek Sat, Feb 16, 2008 at 09:25 AM EST

The best stalker rock song ever?...try "Your Name" by Meredith Brooks...it contains the frightening lyrics "you hold my head up with a gun, and tell me that we are in love"...and a cRaZY guitar solo that is a perfect parallel to the stalker's disturbed mental state...at the end, you'll be wondering: is it really the Stockholm Syndrome, or just a trick to get away?...and I doubt you'll Lyres-ing to anyone again...

Ray Hawkins Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 11:53 PM EST

Well, Steve, I may disagree with some of your choices and many of your omissions, but I am standing shoulder to shoulder with you on your pick for Number 1, "Anarchy in the UK." Thirty years ago, it gave me gooseflesh when I first heard it and it still does today. It is a song I just never tire of because it is pure raw rock at its best. Rock on!

Andrea Sun, Feb 10, 2008 at 08:33 AM EST

Greetings. I appreciated the column of rock songs. For a cool author, you have really good taste. You reminded me of one of my music professors, who had the same kind of cynical vibe. It's totally cool. Those songs are your opinions, and I truly respect them. Don't get me wrong, but I too have suggestions, but I'll save them for some smarmy critic who thinks he/she knows what good music is. You are a fan, like me, and in my book, that counts.

WonderWoman Sat, Feb 9, 2008 at 08:42 PM EST

What? No Cheap Trick?

Nydia Thu, Feb 7, 2008 at 10:37 PM EST

WHAT?!
where is LedZep??? The Doors??? Black Sabbath?? Not even a REAL Beatles ROCK song??? You've got to be kidding me!

Nydia Thu, Feb 7, 2008 at 10:37 PM EST

WHAT?!
where is LedZep??? The Doors??? Black Sabbath?? Not even a REAL Beatles ROCK song??? You've got to be kidding me!

cinnamon Sun, Feb 3, 2008 at 05:54 PM EST

The best rock song ever is "One" by Metallica! And they didnt even make your list. I never heard of half of the artists who did.

Ralph Sun, Feb 3, 2008 at 05:48 PM EST

music is in the ear of the beholder. I respect your list as I would hope you would respect mine. precious by the pretenders, wind cries mary by jimi, sweet virginia over dead flowers, and the song i never get tired of hearing, walking in memphis

Ralph Sun, Feb 3, 2008 at 05:48 PM EST

music is in the ear of the beholder. I respect your list as I would hope you would respect mine. precious by the pretenders, wind cries mary by jimi, sweet virginia over dead flowers, and the song i never get tired of hearing, walking in memphis

david parker Sun, Feb 3, 2008 at 05:29 PM EST

No Jimi?"Dolly Dagger"?"Foxey Lady"?

Steve Robertson Sat, Feb 2, 2008 at 03:06 AM EST

I'm very disappointed that a self proclaimed Ramones fan failed to include ONE SONG by the Ramones. Who are you jivin' with that cosmic debris????

Benjamin Fri, Feb 1, 2008 at 08:07 PM EST

Stephen you truly disappoint me.
Why was "Stairway to Heaven" not on this list. I understand that it is a little played, but it is probably the greatest song ever. No it is. Where was Metallica also. Iron Maiden needed to be on it. Also Black Sabbath should have had a song on there. Why were all of the songs on that list from the 60's? Did you not listen to good music after that or something? Nirvan should have been on there. The Betles should have been there. I mean the real Beatles and not the pop Beatles. Aerosmith should have been on there. Also Dream Theater should have been on there.

rochelle Fri, Feb 1, 2008 at 08:58 AM EST

LOVE IT! Can't wait to go hear the ones I haven't before. Just want to plug "Thunderkiss 1965" by White Zombie... It's sexy, it's metal, and you can't help but dance to it. What a weird combination!

call me the breeze Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

Well, Uncle Stevie, while I can usually understand your top picks, in this case I can only say - huh? But your cred is maintained in my twisted little world by listing "Dead Flowers," one of the best Stones' songs that most people have never heard.

dman Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 04:57 AM EST

And...what about Skynird,Deep Purple,Floyd,Jimi,Van Halen,Eagles,G'n'R,Sabbath,..
Yeah Elvis was great, but the best came then, write me on my mail Stephen for reply..

dman Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 04:48 AM EST

good list , but rock without Led Zeppelin is like Pizza without tomato

Andrea Wed, Jan 30, 2008 at 03:38 PM EST

Great list but what about "Smells Like Teen Spirit"? Too grunge for you? I thought Nirvana was GREAT!

Ken Smith Wed, Jan 30, 2008 at 12:34 PM EST

Liked the picks, but I would have included "I Fought the Law" by the Bobby Fuller Four. I would have put it at number one.

brian Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 09:57 PM EST

intriguing list, but best rockabilly song is elvis presley's own "that's alright mama"...

brian Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 09:53 PM EST

i'll go to elvis presley for best rockabilly song with his original version of "that's alright moma"...

brian Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 09:50 PM EST

the beatles- "twist and shout" captures the intense frenzy of the beatles and their fans better than "she loves you".
how could you not consider the driving vocals and riffs of janis joplin's "down on me" or pure gut wretching vocals on "piece of my heart" -NOT a ballad.
driving guitars- hendrix "all along the watchtower", clapton "layla", robin trower "day of the eagle" (best of the bunch!). golden earring "radar love" never gets old and i unwittingly start to drive 15 mph faster...john fogerty/ccr- guitar licks of "born on the bayou" or "fortunate son". ok my tastes are more late 60's- mid 70's, but richie valens guitarwork on the original "summertime blues" is worth noting. maybe some of these might be in your top 100 list. last song of note the clash "london calling". that's it!

ryosuke Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 01:14 AM EST

I was very happy to see a nod to "Dead Flowers" by the Rolling Stones, its an under-appreciated piece by them. The live versions of this song, available at youtube, (best one- Marquee Club performance) show the Stones in one of their greatest performances.
Surprised to see Anarchy in the UK at first place, but I have to agree with you about the power of that song. I forget who said it, but the song's guitars are like a panzer division ready to mow you down, especially the opening chords.

Brian Mon, Jan 28, 2008 at 07:28 PM EST

I'm stunned, you have got to be makin' this up...when did rock and roll get sent to hell, cuz that's where Connie Francis' "rock and roll" show is booked for eternity. My god, play this man some rock and roll. Argument starter? OMG! Where the hell would you even start with this list?

goldilocks Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

NO JANIS JOPLIN??? That was my first question--and second, why didn't anyone recognize this in the other blogs??

Blake Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 03:48 PM EST

True, I have to check out a lot of the songs on the list, but it looks like you were going obscure on purpose with about half the picks. Why not "Boogie With Stu" from Zep's "Physical Graffiti" album? Or if you needed an 'epic' track, why not "Bare Wires Suite" by John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in lieu of Iron Butterfly? And for rockabilly, nothing (for me) beats Little Feat's "Rock & Roll Everynight." Which is miles and miles away from everything else in their catalogue.

And nothing by The Kinks? I can't imagine a world where none of their songs (at least "Arthur") makes a Top 25 list.

Susan Bell Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 05:00 AM EST

OK, no ballads, etc. I agree whole-heartedly. The Sex Pistols was a punk "rock" group, so I guess I'll let you get away with that. I was surprised to find 3 Elvis songs, and no Ramones. For shame....

Nick Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST

I love that you left out the ballads that everyone and their mother always includes on the "Best Rock" list. That said... you're dating yourself- your list seems to suggest that very rock n roll died in 1975.

Lenny G. Mon, Jan 21, 2008 at 11:19 PM EST

Steve you need to listen to some metal. Start with Ozzy, then Dio, then Judas P. then Metallica then Iron Maiden then Tool then Wolves in the throne room.

Mon, Jan 21, 2008 at 11:14 PM EST

Guys I'm worried, some of you are suggesting songs that ARE NOT ROCK N'ROLL!!!! Please stop suggesting pop ballads and indie songs, this is ridiculous. Okay hint! Any band that uses a synthesizer is more pop than rock, get it? And King where's the Ramones?

Michael D Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 09:29 AM EST

Love your list, Steve. Happy to see you include some of the Boston bands and especially one of my all-time faves, The Lyres "Wanna Help You Ann". Stupendous!

But.....
That "On The Darkside" song?
Kripes, Steve.

Here's a couple of my own. The Tornados "Telstar", The Ring-A-Dings "Snacky Poo".

You put up a great list, though, thanks.
- Michael D

Jeffrey Mon, Jan 14, 2008 at 02:16 AM EST

Stephen!

Don't know if you check on posts regarding your older lists (and given some of the impolite feedback here, I wonder if you even do), but I must admit....very interesting, eclectic and cool Top 24.

But no "Little Sister" by the King? I'd put that head and shoulders over A Big Hunk Of Love, which I love too (and btw, the piano part was played by the late, great Floyd Cramer), but Little Sister kicks it's behind (and it's got a great guitar lick by another one of those great "Nashville Cats", Hank Garland, who sadly got badly injured in an automobile accident not long afterwards and never played again).

Enjoy you column immensely. Keep it going.

Jeffrey

CosmoDream Mon, Jan 7, 2008 at 12:27 AM EST

Well, here's my list:

Brand New-Jude Law and a Semester Abroad
Korn- Got the Life
My Chemical Romance- Cemetery Drive
Pearl Jam- Evenflow
Nirvana- The Man who Sold the World(incredible cover...it's so haunting and clearly one of the best and most simple vocals Kurt has ever done)
U2- All Along the Watchtower(one of the best in Rattle and Hum)
U2- Like a Song( One of the only songs when u hear that Bono's a tad pissed off)
Paramore- MIsery Business(I know it's new, but it's sure to be a classic!)

This is definately form my geration obviously, but let's just say Stephen left a hell of alot of good music out

Fiona Thu, Jan 3, 2008 at 04:17 PM EST

Dear Uncle Stevie,
Just exactly how old are you?? Most of your list was out before stereo! Not one song on your list makes me want to drive over 100 MPH when it comes on the radio. What about the Ramones? Nirvana? Soundgarden? Van Halen even! Where's 'Gimme Shelter'? 'A Day in the Life'? Put away your 33&1/3s! A lot of great rock has come out in the last 20 years or so...

Troy Thu, Jan 3, 2008 at 01:28 AM EST

A list without any Who songs is completely incomplete.

Mashiah Tue, Jan 1, 2008 at 05:14 AM EST

Mr. King:

Your list truly frightens me. But I don't think I can be subjective of it because most of it came out before I was born and/or I haven't listened to it. But(yet again) I believe you did your homework, and it is "According to Stephen King" after all... Opinions will differ; that's why they're opinions.

PS: Even though people may say the ending was complete bullcrap, I loved the Dark Tower series. Okay, then, I'll remove my lips now.

Jim Steele Mon, Dec 31, 2007 at 07:08 PM EST

No Ramones?!

johnny cool Sat, Dec 29, 2007 at 08:55 AM EST

Steve; I've long suspected you must be a twink, now you have confirmed it with your r&r list.
No rock and roll list is complete without:
The Platters--Blue Moon
Iggy Pop--Search and Destroy
Motorhead--All the Aces
Anthrax--Only
Ramones--Commando, Pet Semetary
Foghat--Fool for the City
Outlaws--Greengrass and Hightides
Ten Years After--Love to Change the World
Devo--Be Stiff
Blue Cheer--Parchment Farm
Aerosmith--Mama Kin

Hey Stevie. What is your favorite Morrissey song?

johnny cool Sat, Dec 29, 2007 at 08:55 AM EST

Steve; I've long suspected you must be a twink, now you have confirmed it with your r&r list.
No rock and roll list is complete without:
The Platters--Blue Moon
Iggy Pop--Search and Destroy
Motorhead--All the Aces
Anthrax--Only
Ramones--Commando, Pet Semetary
Foghat--Fool for the City
Outlaws--Greengrass and Hightides
Ten Years After--Love to Change the World
Devo--Be Stiff
Blue Cheer--Parchment Farm
Aerosmith--Mama Kin

Hey Stevie. What is your favorite Morrissey song?

steve Sat, Dec 29, 2007 at 04:21 AM EST

i'd take Gimme Shelter over Dead Flowers
also like;
Summertime Blues; Cochran
Rumble; Wray
Stone Cold Fever; Humble Pie
Blue Moon
Duke of Earl
Mississippi Queen; Mountain
Green River/Born on the Bayou

at least he got Ramrod right

Mike Fri, Dec 28, 2007 at 07:36 PM EST

This is probably the most honest "Best Rock Song Ever" list I have read. I get to see John Cafferty every few months, he's still rockin' down at the Ocean Mist in Matunuck, RI.

Frank Fri, Dec 28, 2007 at 05:08 PM EST

There was a time when I thought Stephen King was King...but that was back in the 70's. I stopped reading King in the 80's, and looking at his list, he appears to have stopped listening to rock and roll somewhere around that time. I'm glad I've moved on.

caroline Thu, Dec 27, 2007 at 05:54 AM EST

Let's called it The Best Songs from the 50s to 1977 because no Grunge, no Weezer, no Strokes,no Trompe-le-monde, that's not possible. I understand that you tend to listen to softer music than R&R when you get older : trust me, I'm 36!

Matt Thu, Dec 27, 2007 at 01:49 AM EST

When the most recent groups on the list are Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, and AC/DC, I think the title of the article should be Top 24 songs in Classic Rock.

Thu, Dec 27, 2007 at 12:02 AM EST

Stephen, big fan. Most of you list hits my younger years of rock nostalgia - but the Beatles were the barometer. "She Loves You" led to Sgt. Pepper. There's room at the cosmic inn for "Stairway", "Hotel California", and "Riders on the Storm".

Henry Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 11:30 PM EST

I like your list. I'm actually seeing the Lyres on New Year's Eve in Boston at a small neighborhood club called the Midway Cafe.

Danimal Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 06:35 PM EST

Hey guys, cut Stevie some slack here, after all it is an op-ed column; if these are his top 25 rock songs then that's that. Plus, it's Steven F'ing King, of course his picks are gonna be a little different than everyone elses..

Kevin Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 06:30 PM EST

You certainly didn't end your streak of suckin' columns.

Lazlo Toth Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 06:08 PM EST

Stevie,
Please keep writing horror novels and keep away from music lists.
The Effing Sex Pistols!!!! C'mon. You are entitled to your opinion AND there is too much crap played on the air, but that is too sorry a choice--they were not that important or good.

Your list is certainly not a list of the 375 songs that they play over and over and over again on commercial radio (INCLUDING WZON!!), but your omissions are way too flagrant and the inclusions are way too weird. I guess that is why you write so well,
Happy New Year.
Lazlo

Heather Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 05:36 PM EST

Uncle Stevie....
I think they said best ever...
Not just in your era. I know there were a couple you picked out of your era, but there were definitely a bunch you overlooked by staying in your era. Elvis was King, but the late 70's really defines rock n' roll. Not sure I would call all of your picks rock...how bout rock with pedal pushers and some ice cream...

El Guapo Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 05:08 PM EST

You couldn't have picked songs out of a hat and came out this bad. You took classic artist picked their 3rd 4th or sometimes 10th best song and said wah lah. File this one under unfunny comedy.

Mceez Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 02:04 PM EST

Uncle Stevie, your list seems to consist of the best rock and roll songs, not rock.

BennieInDallas Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 01:05 PM EST

Any list is debatable, but any list that includes On the Dark Side, Long Cool Woman, and C'mon Everybody is just fine with me!!!

ClaireNYC Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 12:41 PM EST

Dear Uncle Stevie (love your columns, BTW, always turn to them first)

No Ramones? No Clash? No way!:)

I'll forgive you if you do a "funniest rock songs" list, since I like your sense of humor--let me put my vote in for Stone's "Faraway Eyes" (yes, it's country, but come ON, it's awesome) and Zeppelin's "Hot Dog" (the sad tale of the boy abandoned by his gfriend when she went off to be a groupie, sigh). Keep 'em coming, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ClaireNYC Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 12:39 PM EST

Dear Uncle Stevie (love your columns, BTW, always turn to them first)

No Ramones? No Clash? No way!:)

I'll forgive you if you do a "funniest rock songs" list, since I like your sense of humor--let me put my vote in for Stone's "Faraway Eyes" (yes, it's country, but come ON, it's awesome) and Zeppelin's "Hot Dog" (the sad tale of the boy abandoned by his gfriend when she went off to be a groupie, sigh). Keep 'em coming, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Steve Gaynor Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 10:33 AM EST

Your list seems to be 'turn up the volume' type songs, so here are some of my favorites:
1. The Song Is Over - Who
2. Africa - Toto
3. Funeral For A Friend - Elton John
4. All The Young Dudes - Mott The Hoople
5. A Day In The Life - Beatles
6. Another Park, Another Sunday - Doobie Brothers
7. Space Oddity - David Bowie
8. Dirty Work - Steely Dan
9. Yesterday's Rain - Spanky & Our Gang
10. Borderline - Madonna
11. Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
12. Your Wildest Dreams - Moody Blues

Bob Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 09:47 AM EST

Beach Boys rock and roll? Give me a break!

Larry Wed, Dec 26, 2007 at 09:04 AM EST

Come on, Stephen...not ONE Ramones song???

Mark Ramos Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 10:53 PM EST

Steve:

Consider these:

"My Baby Gives It Away" - Townshend/Lane (from Rough Mix)

"Can't Hardly Wait" - The Replacements (but not the version with the horns)

"Never Aim To Please" - Bash & Pop (Friday Night Is Killing Me)

"Soda Jerk" - Buffalo Tom (Big Red Letter Day)

"The Thanks I Get" - Wilco

"Tattooed Love Boys" - Pretenders

"You Belong to Me" - Elvis Costello & the Attractions

All of these are rockin' --- great guitars, propulsive drumming and awesome vocals.

Heather A Wed, Dec 12, 2007 at 07:03 PM EST

This list needs a little Zep and Velvet underground's "Rock n' Roll" if you are going to include Punk (Sex Pistols) ... VU made way for the likes of the Pistols. The Clash's "London Calling" would have been a better pick to represent, ya dig?

motherhenn Wed, Dec 12, 2007 at 03:27 PM EST

I like some of your choices, but to leave off Led Zeppelin ( and I agree with you about Stairway) and Jimi Hendrix? What were you thinking?

Anthony C Pants Fri, Dec 7, 2007 at 06:10 PM EST

Jimmy, he was the Beanstalk. Thats what the song is about.

Kristine Wed, Dec 5, 2007 at 09:32 AM EST

Iron Maiden. You'll never want anything else.

Jeff Michael Tue, Dec 4, 2007 at 12:13 AM EST

I always say Jimmy The Beanstalk by Philadelphia's best-kept secret Kenn Kweder is the greatest rock and roll record of all time. Three words, two chords, one idea--no less and not a drop more. I'm always tempted to ask Kenn what it's about, but I just can't; it would wreck it.

andy ray Sun, Sep 16, 2007 at 09:48 AM EST

4. Inna-Gadda-da-Vida by Iron Butterfly (long version). Best rock song for making love (in any position). Full of lusty soul

5. Hound Dog by Elvis Presley. RCA Victor, circa 1956. This is the one that put Elvis over the edge with his generation, complete with photographing him on Steve Allen making woo with a real hound dog and videoing him only from the waist up on Ed Sullivan.

6. A Good Day's Gonna Come by Led Zeppelin (first album, circa 1970). I would also list "Communication Breakdown" from this album, but I'm trying to stay with 3/4 measure.

7. Cocaine by that guitarist who created Cream, the group. What-is name? hehehe.

8. Johnny be Good by Chuck Berry. The 3/4 riffs are so fast in this one you only really "hear" them in the whole work. Kinda like Mozart.

9. Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix. Okay. This is technically blues-rock, but at least I didn't list any rockabilly songs (yech).

10. Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin. Yeah, I know. It's not 3/4.

andy ray Sun, Sep 16, 2007 at 09:30 AM EST

time for retirement, steve buddy. not only has your fiction taken a slide in recent years, but your top 25 is way out of line. several of the songs you listed are NOT ROCK AT ALL. and i've never heard of some of them. Also, you've forgotten rocknroll is written in 3/4 time, not 1/2 or other measure. this from a fervant rockster since 1955. here"s my top ten of all time:

1. Rock Around the Clock, Bill Haley and his Comets (Decca) 1955. I was sitting in the movie theatre waiting for "Blackboard Jungle" when a drum split brought into my ears a brand new kind of music. At that time, Alan Freed hadn't even coined the phrase rocknroll! THE FIRST ROCKNROLL SONG!

2. Tutti Frutti by Little Richard. Speciality records, 1956. More of his (in)famous trills in this one than any other of his records (Lucille is number two in number).

3. Blueberry Hill by Fats Domino. Imperial records circa 1957. The rocknroll 3/4 dominates this song and just makes you want to sing along.

next comm

Tom Conlon Fri, Aug 10, 2007 at 01:41 AM EST

No Zeppelin? Surely "Black Dog" rocks a heck of a lot more that "On the Dark Side." Booooooooring.

Totally left out Buddy Holly! What about "Rave On?"

How about something a tad more recent, say 1990s? Ever heard of Weezer? Nirvana?

C'mon, Stevie....

R. G. Thu, Aug 9, 2007 at 12:54 AM EST

Stevie Babie, Say It Ain't So!
Here's my answer to your "24 Greatest..."
24. In-A-Gadda-Yada-Yada-Yada-Yada
One of the WORST songs ever purposely written & performed for public consumption. Because of this choice of a song I actually know, you cannot be trusted to steer me in the right direction on songs I don't know.
Try "Voodoo Chile" (Stevie Ray's version)
23. Dead Flowers -- never heard it, don't trust you. Try "Holiday" by Green Day
22. Needles & Pins -- NHI,DTY Try "Santa Monica" by Theory of a Dead Man
21. I Get Around -- I guess someone has to like it alot. You're entitled to your opinion.
20. On The Dark Side -- One of the WORST songs ever written for public consumption. Try "Sad But True" by Metallica
I could go on. If anyone is interested, let me know (fuzzfizzy@yahoo.com)

denise Sun, Aug 5, 2007 at 09:50 AM EST

I would have stuck -

Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" somewhere in there.

My mom had "Needles and Pins" on a 45rpm. It was my favorite! I played it over and over when I was little. She also had "Love Me Tender" and "Hippy Hippy Shake" by the Swinging Blue Jeans. I knew all the words as a kindergartner....