Greatest rock song of all time

[StraightJ]

Today I was listening to Stairway to Heaven, who many consider the greatest rock tune of all time. Yes, this was back when England still sent us good things, instead of the teletubbies and spice girls. I was thinking about it, and still dont know if I consider any rock song better than Stairway to Heaven. It usually wins on the "memorial day 500", etc, that many radio stations run, and has an almost mystical quality to it. I am just curious what your guys top pick for the most enduring rock song of all time would be?

I've included a great article dedicated to the song. It's definately worth the read.

http://www.merr.com/users/jabamb/zeppelin.html

"A LADY WE ALL KNOW"
(This is the original version of a piece that appeared in the Rock Island (IL) Argus and Moline Dispatch in October 1996; copyright 2000, James A. Bartlett)


November 8, 1971: one of the world's most popular rock bands, Led Zeppelin, released a new album, one that they hoped would help them rebound from the critical flogging and disappointing sales of their previous release 13 months earlier. It did more than that; one song on the album made history.
In the 25 years since the debut of "Stairway To Heaven," we've never stopped listening. Radio stations still play it in heavy rotation and get countless requests for it; fledgling guitarists quickly learn how to pick out its opening notes; its creators, guitarist Jimmy Page and singer Robert Plant, disappointed fans by electing not to play it on their recent tour.

This is the story of the most popular rock song of all time, where it came from, and where it's taken us since.

Page says he spent a long time working out "Stairway"'s instrumental track. Plant recalled listening to Page playing the chords one day, and being in a very bad mood, when "all of a sudden my hand was writing out the words 'there's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold and she's buying a stairway to heaven.' I just sat there and looked at the words and I almost leapt out of my seat." Page says "It was almost as if [the song] just had to be gotten out at that time, there was something pushing it...."
MORE (http://www.merr.com/users/jabamb/zeppelin.html)

[looser]

I seem to remember that at one time the song that had been played most times on the radio was "Yesterday" by the Beatles

[StraightJ]

Originally posted by reeves84
I seem to remember that at one time the song that had been played most times on the radio was "Yesterday" by the Beatles

I heard something about that song being the top something as well. I'm not sure though, but I do know it doesn't get the play that Stairway still gets on classic rock stations. I was actually surprised to see that nobody else on here had any other nominees, so I am assuming they agree it's the best. I'm used to having everyone disagree with my posts on here. lol
J

[Mehser]

It is a very subjective decision. I do love the song "Fat Bottomed Girls" though. And "Perfect Strangers" too.

[NJBillsFan]

too many greats to choose "the" greatest. its pointless to even try, so i won't. i will just sit back, relax and enjoy all my classic rock songs when i am in the mood. rock on guys!!

[PUCKER]

It is so hard to pick one...so many from Def Leppard,Aerosmith,etc.

[Pondslider]

Well, since the two best bands/artits ever are the band Queen and David Bowie, then that makes "Under Pressure" the best song.

[BogusTrumper]

Freebird!!! Freebird!!!

[Hurls]

Originally posted by reeves84
I seem to remember that at one time the song that had been played most times on the radio was "Yesterday" by the Beatles

There was a time that meant something. Nowadays, you get idiot dj's playing a new Brittney, or in rock's case, the new Staind, like once an hour. Sometimes you just wanna strangle the radio, when you here "It's Been Awhile" 10 times during an 8 hour work shift.

[looser]

I once heard "Seasons in the Sun" on every radio station between Ithaca and Columbus Ohio

[BogusTrumper]

Rambling Man from Otterbein, IN to Manhattan, KS

[BogusTrumper]

Afternoon Delight from Manhattan, KS to Cromwell, CT

[Hurls]

And my vote is for Comfortably Numb

[Hurls]

Originally posted by reeves84
I once heard "Seasons in the Sun" on every radio station between Ithaca and Columbus Ohio

I'd rather here that than some of the stuff out today

[Hurls]

Originally posted by BogusTrumper
Afternoon Delight from Manhattan, KS to Cromwell, CT

Is that the "sky rockets in flight " song? Another poster (Hopy), sings that all the time

[looser]

Originally posted by BogusTrumper
Afternoon Delight
Ah yes, those were the days, when I was young.

Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London.

[StraightJ]

Originally posted by hurls
And my vote is for Comfortably Numb

Man, now I know why I miss your posts. I was reading the thread and thinking about some of the classics not mentioned, and that was the one that came to mind. David Gilmour is a great guitarist who usually doesnt get mentioned with the heavy hitters, and Roger Waters has such bitterness and sarcasm in his voice.

I thought "Smells Like Teen Spirit" may end up getting as much play 20 or so years later like some of the old school classics, but it doesnt look like it will happen. That staind song may have gotten more airplay, but I never though for a moment it would be a classic remembered 5 years later. It's sad when Hootie and the Blowfish's "Cracked Rearview"(a **** reference for Reeves? lol) sells more copies than legendary works of art like Pink Floyd's "The Wall". This goes more to the disposable income of kids these days. Instead of buying a few favorite records now and then and playing them til they're worn out, they collect cd's like they're baseball cards. That's why none of these stats are really comparable. I'll get into commercial radio later, I still have other forums to hit. :)
J

[YardRat]

"Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who.

Townsend's windmill, Daltrey's whirling mike and powerful voice, Entwhistle's steady yet unorthodox base line, Moon's frenetic beat, and the synthesizer solo that stands on it's own - THE rock anthem.

Seeing it performed live is (was) a religious experience.

[Hurls]

Originally posted by StraightJ
Man, now I know why I miss your posts. I was reading the thread and thinking about some of the classics not mentioned, and that was the one that came to mind. David Gilmour is a great guitarist who usually doesnt get mentioned with the heavy hitters, and Roger Waters has such bitterness and sarcasm in his voice.

I thought "Smells Like Teen Spirit" may end up getting as much play 20 or so years later like some of the old school classics, but it doesnt look like it will happen. That staind song may have gotten more airplay, but I never though for a moment it would be a classic remembered 5 years later. It's sad when Hootie and the Blowfish's "Cracked Rearview"(a **** reference for Reeves? lol) sells more copies than legendary works of art like Pink Floyd's "The Wall". This goes more to the disposable income of kids these days. Instead of buying a few favorite records now and then and playing them til they're worn out, they collect cd's like they're baseball cards. That's why none of these stats are really comparable. I'll get into commercial radio later, I still have other forums to hit. :)
J

I have Floyd tones downloaded , and play lil bits when maximizing, minimizing, critical stop, etc. The first verse of Comfortably Numb plays when I get new email, pretty cool

[Blue_Bandana]

New favorite rock & roll - Peter Frampton's new CD called "NOW"

[StraightJ]

Originally posted by YardRat
"Won't Get Fooled Again" by the Who.

Townsend's windmill, Daltrey's whirling mike and powerful voice, Entwhistle's steady yet unorthodox base line, Moon's frenetic beat, and the synthesizer solo that stands on it's own - THE rock anthem.

Seeing it performed live is (was) a religious experience.

I realize it wouldnt have been the same, but I wanted to catch them on the last tour and sadly couldnt. I was surprised they continued it after the death. I really enjoy Baba Oreilly as well.


Originally posted by hurls
I have Floyd tones downloaded , and play lil bits when maximizing, minimizing, critical stop, etc. The first verse of Comfortably Numb plays when I get new email, pretty cool

Man, I feel behind the times. I did make a .wav file with the intro to "Pigs" for when my windows opened(3.1 I think), and the chorus to "Brain Damage" when it shut down. lol My how technology has changed so fast!!


Originally posted by Blue_Bandana
New favorite rock & roll - Peter Frampton's new CD called "NOW"

Frampton's talking guitar song has to be one of the favorite live songs I have ever heard on the radio. Why dont they make music like this anymore!?!? I try my best to be open-minded and search for a new band that's good, but it's hard. I am going to be flamed for this, but Creed is probably the closest I can think of off the top of my head.
J

[Hurls]

Originally posted by StraightJ






Frampton's talking guitar song has to be one of the favorite live songs I have ever heard on the radio. Why dont they make music like this anymore!?!? I try my best to be open-minded and search for a new band that's good, but it's hard. I am going to be flamed for this, but Creed is probably the closest I can think of off the top of my head.
J

Creed? Creed? Creed? No Flaming necessary, you've provided it! J/K






:D

[YardRat]

Originally posted by StraightJ
I realize it wouldnt have been the same, but I wanted to catch them on the last tour and sadly couldnt. I was surprised they continued it after the death. I really enjoy Baba Oreilly as well.

I should probably clarify my post to avoid mis-leading anyone - although the original with Moon is a mainstay on the CD's I burn and listen to all the time, Kenny Jones was the drummer when I saw them in '82 live, well after Moon's death. Jones IMO did an excellent job filling in though, and didn't detract from my enjoyment of experiencing The Who in concert.

I'd've given my left coconut to see Moon trash his drumset at one time, though. :)

[FrankieA]

Springsteen- Born to Run

or that new Outkast song "Hey Ya"

[gilchristfan]

Originally posted by YardRat
I should probably clarify my post to avoid mis-leading anyone - although the original with Moon is a mainstay on the CD's I burn and listen to all the time, Kenny Jones was the drummer when I saw them in '82 live, well after Moon's death. Jones IMO did an excellent job filling in though, and didn't detract from my enjoyment of experiencing The Who in concert.

I'd've given my left coconut to see Moon trash his drumset at one time, though. :)

I figured that was the concert you were talking about. At Rich right? (when it was still called Rich) or did you go to Toronto?

Fuzzy memories, good show, we were able to make it within 15 yards or so from the stage. It was the only time I got to see the Clash live too, although they really weren't a big venue type of band.

[Blue_Bandana]

Originally posted by StraightJ
Frampton's talking guitar song has to be one of the favorite live songs I have ever heard on the radio. Why dont they make music like this anymore!?!? I try my best to be open-minded and search for a new band that's good, but it's hard. I am going to be flamed for this, but Creed is probably the closest I can think of off the top of my head.
J

Used to be that you would get bands creating their own style and sound. Now the few remaining gigantic music companys are using formulas as to what type of song has been successful. Hence we get 200 million gazillion boy band songs that all sound the same.

[StraightJ]

Originally posted by Blue_Bandana
Used to be that you would get bands creating their own style and sound. Now the few remaining gigantic music companys are using formulas as to what type of song has been successful. Hence we get 200 million gazillion boy band songs that all sound the same.

It is kind of sad. Even a lot of the new rock today sounds alike...and that's what's even more sad. If a lot of the old school legends of days gone by were to have emerged recently, they would be passed over quickly. So much for pop culture.
J