Music Re-Education (Classic Rock Edition)

[irishjayhawk]

I am, undoubtedly, a music noob. I'm not abashed to say so. My realm has predominantly been soundtracks or songs with a specific context (used in a movie, loved the music video, or associate it with a memory of some sort). So, naturally, I've missed out on quite a few.

Hell, to give you a picture, I hadn't heard Sweet Caroline until about a week ago. And I had misconceptions about Kid Rock as well. I still don't know where I got them.

Anyway, I have this interest in getting into some classic rock. Any suggestions (no matter how basic) to get me going?

[L.A. Chieffan]

Rick Astley

[L.A. Chieffan]

Phil Collins, Huey Lewis and the News, Whitney Houston

[KcMizzou]

Kid Rock gets a lot of shit. Nobody seems to admit to liking him, yet he sells millions of records. It's because he mixes classic rock, with old school rap and country.

All the sorts of music guys like me grew up listening to. A mish-mash of styles and genres.

[KcMizzou]

My Dad's song...

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[KcMizzou]

Before Puffy fucked it up...

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[KcMizzou]

Led Zepplin : Over the Hills...

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[KcMizzou]

The Rolling Stones : Paint it Black

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[KcMizzou]

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[Jenson71]

I'd like to chime in, although I'm by no means a music guru at all.

Classic rock is a large definition that can mean anything from Phil Collins to Led Zeppelin. From Percy Sledge to Ray Charles. From Roy Orbinson to Queen.

When I hear "Rock" I think harder stuff. Led Zeppelin. Jimi Hendrix. Black Sabbath.

That's not my favorite stuff, although I like some of it. I think it goes without saying that everyone should probably get a taste of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven", "Rock and Roll", "Black Dog", "Whole Lotta Love" and "Kashmir." Those are the five biggest, most popular Led Zeppelin songs.

And then there's my favorite Led Zeppelin song, a quiet, somber "Going to California"

That's more of my taste.

It's amazing how huge Led Zeppelin IV is. I'm sure hard core fans disagree over whether it's "their best album" but when you first come across it, it's groundbreaking.

Continuing on with the three I mentioned above is Jimi Hendrix. He's been called one of the greatest guitarists of all time, so it's reasonabl we give him a listen. In my opinion, his best song is the cover he did of Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower." Others to give a listen to are "Purple Haze", "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)" and "Fire".

As for Black Sabbath, I don't like any song of theirs.

So to finish off this first post, I will add three modern songs that are "classic," in my opinion.

Oasis - "Wonderwall" and Smashing Pumpkins - "1979" and Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Can't Stop"

In the next post, I will mention three bands which are considered important classic rock bands and also three bands I love and get a little less "hard rock" - The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Doors

[KcMizzou]

Personally, I'd add some Supertramp...

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[DaneMcCloud]

Uh...

I don't know where to start. Please, IM me. But for starters...

Elvis
Bobby Darin
Chuck Berry
Johnny Cash
Jerry Lee Lewis
Little Richard
Albert King
Albert Collins
BB King
Freddie King
Howlin' Wolf
The Beatles
The Who
The Rolling Stones
Jeff Beck Group (with Rod Stewart)
Cream
John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers
Led Zeppelin
Fleetwood Mac (the 60's version)
Stevie Winwood
The Band
Jimi Hendrix
Ike & Tina
The Beach Boys (Pet Sounds is one of the greatest records EVER)
Blind Faith
Derek & the Dominoes
The Allmans
Deep Purple
Black Sabbath
Humble Pie
Pink Floyd
David Bowie
The Flying Burrito Brothers
The Doobie Brothers
The Eagles
Edgar Winter
Ronnie Montrose
Heart
Queen
Peter Frampton
Rainbow
Foreigner
Boston
ZZ Top
The Cars
Sly and Family Stone
Bachman Turner Overdrive
Wings
Todd Rundgren
Aerosmith (from 1970 the REAL shit)
Van Halen 1 (1978)

And that's just off the top of my head.

[Jenson71]

Okay, as I mentioned, this post will look at three famous, classic rock bands that I love.

The first is The Rolling Stones. When you think of one band to define Classic Rock, these guys are up there competing with LZ and, depending on defintions, The Beatles.

Their biggest song is arguably "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" although it's not my favorite of theirs. Not even close. My favorites are:

"Get Off My Cloud"
"Let's Spend the Night Together" -- my favorite
"Ruby Tuesday"
"You Can't Always Get What You Want"
"Beast of Burden"

Moving on to The Who

Their biggest songs are "My Generation" and "Won't Get Fooled Again", but my favorites are:

"The Kids Are Alright"
"Who Are You"
and probably their other 'big song' - "Baba O'Reilly"

Finally, The Doors

"Light My Fire"
"Touch Me"

[Jenson71]

Next are my two favorite singers usually thought of as classic rock: Neil Young and Bob Dylan

Neil Young's most famous songs are probably "Old Man" and "Heart of Gold". They're great songs, but here are my favorites of Young's:

"Only Love Can Break Your Heart"
"Comes a Time"
"Harvest Moon"

These songs are also less "rock" than classic. They are great showoffs for how nice Young's voice is. People love his voice.

He also has some good stuff that is a bit harder that I love:

"Ohio"
"Southern Man"
"Like a Hurricane"

I fell in love with Bob Dylan when I was a sophomore in high school. I became obssessed. I still love his music, although I wouldn't consider myself as stong of a devotee as I once was. Where to begin with Dylan? He's arguably the greatest and most important figure in music in the 20th century. And he's still going strong!

My favorite songs of Dylan's are:

"My Back Pages"
"Chimes of Freedom"
"I Want You"
"One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)"
"4th Time Around"
"Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands"
"Simple Twist of Fate"
"You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go"
"Shelter From the Storm"
"Buckets of Rain"
"It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)"
"It's All Over Now, Baby Blue"
"A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall"
"Don't Think Twice, It's All Right"
"It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry"
"Queen Jane Approximately"
"Desolation Row"
"Precious Angel"
"Boots of Spanish Leather"
"When the Ship Comes In"

If you had to go with just five, they are listed in bold.

His biggest songs are probably ones you've heard before, "Blowing in the Wind", "The Times They Are-A Changing", and of course, "Like a Rolling Stone"

[Jenson71]

Finally, I will wrap my contributions up with some classic rock and pop songs that I love so much:

Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On"
Stevie Wonder - "For Once in My Life"
David Bowie - "Space Oddity" and "Under Pressure" and "Life on Mars"
Sam Cooke - "A Change is Gonna Come"
Elton John - "Your Song" and "Tiny Dancer"
Grateful Dead - "Uncle John's Band"
Derrick and the Dominoes - "Layla"
Johnny Cash, etc - "Highwayman"
The Police - "Message in a Bottle"
Tom Petty - "American Girl" and "Don't Do Me Like That"
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons - "Let's Hang On", "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and "Working My Way Back To You"
Dion - "Abraham, Martin, and John"
Jackson Browne - "Running on Empty"
Gary Puckett and The Union Gap - "Woman, Woman"
Elvis Presley - "Suspicious Minds"
Bruce Springsteen - "Born to Run"
The Righteous Brothers - "You've Lost that Loving Feeling"
Al Green - "Let's Stay Together"
The Kinks - "Waterloo Sunset"
Van Morrison - "Brown Eyed Girl"
Rod Stewart - "Maggie May"
Maxine Nightingale - "Right Back to Where We Started From"
Simon and Garfunkle - "Mrs. Robinson"

[irishjayhawk]

Okay, as I mentioned, this post will look at three famous, classic rock bands that I love.

The first is The Rolling Stones. When you think of one band to define Classic Rock, these guys are up there competing with LZ and, depending on defintions, The Beatles.

Their biggest song is arguably "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" although it's not my favorite of theirs. Not even close. My favorites are:

"Get Off My Cloud"
"Let's Spend the Night Together" -- my favorite
"Ruby Tuesday"
I actually like the song, but I'm partial to Franco Battio's version from Children of Men (go figure)
"You Can't Always Get What You Want"
"Beast of Burden"

Moving on to The Who

Their biggest songs are "My Generation" and "Won't Get Fooled Again", but my favorites are:

"The Kids Are Alright"
"Who Are You"
and probably their other 'big song' - "Baba O'Reilly"Love that song.

Finally, The Doors

"Light My Fire"
"Touch Me"


I'll have to check out the rest. I think I may have heard Won't Get Fooled Again.

[irishjayhawk]

I'd like to chime in, although I'm by no means a music guru at all.

Classic rock is a large definition that can mean anything from Phil Collins to Led Zeppelin. From Percy Sledge to Ray Charles. From Roy Orbinson to Queen.

When I hear "Rock" I think harder stuff. Led Zeppelin. Jimi Hendrix. Black Sabbath.

That's not my favorite stuff, although I like some of it. I think it goes without saying that everyone should probably get a taste of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven", "Rock and Roll", "Black Dog", "Whole Lotta Love" and "Kashmir." Those are the five biggest, most popular Led Zeppelin songs.

And then there's my favorite Led Zeppelin song, a quiet, somber "Going to California"

That's more of my taste.

It's amazing how huge Led Zeppelin IV is. I'm sure hard core fans disagree over whether it's "their best album" but when you first come across it, it's groundbreaking.

Continuing on with the three I mentioned above is Jimi Hendrix. He's been called one of the greatest guitarists of all time, so it's reasonabl we give him a listen. In my opinion, his best song is the cover he did of Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower." Others to give a listen to are "Purple Haze", "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)" and "Fire".

As for Black Sabbath, I don't like any song of theirs.

So to finish off this first post, I will add three modern songs that are "classic," in my opinion.

Oasis - "Wonderwall" and Smashing Pumpkins - "1979" and Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Can't Stop"

In the next post, I will mention three bands which are considered important classic rock bands and also three bands I love and get a little less "hard rock" - The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Doors

Yep, I like both of them, although Wonderwall took a while to grow on me.

[Baby Lee]

I'll have to check out the rest. I think I may have heard Won't Get Fooled Again.

Ever watch CSI Miami? You are aware that all the CSIs have a 'The Who' theme song?

[Demonpenz]

I would try Elvis P, Johnny cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis from the 50's...then move on. Hell maybe listen to some delta blues. to give you a base. Muddy waters, Robert Johnson, etc

[Demonpenz]

Kid Rock gets a lot of shit. Nobody seems to admit to liking him, yet he sells millions of records. It's because he mixes classic rock, with old school rap and country.

All the sorts of music guys like me grew up listening to. A mish-mash of styles and genres.

Come to my hood. Bring your bug zapper, we like him

[Baby Lee]

For straightforward, can't go wrong with;

AC/DC - Arena Rock, all about the beat, the pace and the attitude
Aerosmith
Audioslave
The Allman Brothers - The Band's more accessible little brother
The Band - more southern country bluesy than RnR proper, but truly epic in the sense that every song was near perfection.
The Beatles - over to the 'pop' side of the continuum, but they set the standard for excellence, creativity, and polish from start to finish.
The Black Crowes - the new Rolling Stones, in terms of continuing the delta blues evolution
Ozzy/Black Sabbath
Clapton/Cream - the art of the extended guitar solo
Guns'n'Roses
Kid Rock
Led Zeppelin
Metallica - up through 'And Justice for All'
Nivana
Pearl Jam
Pink Floyd - more conceptual and cerebral
The Rolling Stones - the most straightforward RnR, the evolution of delta blues.
Rush
Soundgarden
Van Halen - the DLR years, Sammy was good, but they were a pop band by that point.
The Who
ZZ Top

[DMAC]

Start with Pink Floyd- "Dark Side of the Moon" and "Wish You Were Here"

I was just like you about 15 years ago until I found these.

Then check out Zeppelin. Zeppelin II and III are my personal favorites.

[blaise]

Rolling Stones- Gimme Shelter (I think it's the greatest Stones song)
Cheap Trick- Surrender
Jackson Browne- Running on Empty
The whole Houses of the Holy album by Zeppelin
The Clash- Train in Vain (Not technically classic rock but it's near 30 years old now)

[Saulbadguy]

Led Zepplin : Over the Hills...

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Favorite song.

[Saulbadguy]

Doing a "find" on those who are not mentioned yet, some of my favorites, and some i'd label classic rock, but not the harder variety that has already been mentioned -

Cream
Donovan
Strawberry Alarm Clock
Joe Cocker
Janis Joplin
Santana (the old stuff)
Creedence Clearwater Revival
The Who
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Jethro Tull
The Byrds
Jefferson Airplane
The Beatles

[Portlantis]

While I for one don’t believe rock begins and ends with The Beatles, a basic knowledge of their work is an integral part of any Rock & Roll education. Thus, here is…



Beatles 101.



Lesson 1: Early Work, 1963-1965



The Beatles began as an unapologetic pop band, heavily influenced by Chuck Berry and other 50s rockers. While not extremely original, they were insanely talented. Their debut album, "Please Please Me," quickly turned them into Britain’s biggest rock stars.

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I Saw Her Standing There


Although huge stars in England, The Beatles didn’t become successful in the United States until after their now legendary performance of “I Want to hold Your Hand” on the Ed Sullivan Show.

For some unconscionable reason I can’t find a clip of that performance on Youtube, but the following clip does a good job of capturing the height of “Beatlemania.”

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I Want to Hold Your Hand


The Beatles’ success away from home touched off what became known as the British invasion, as bands like The Rolling Stones and The Kinks followed the Fab Four’s lead and scored major hits in the United States.

Probably the best album from the Beatles’ early years is the soundtrack to “A Hard Day’s Night.”

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A Hard Day’s Night


Most of what became the iconic image of the Beatles - the mop tops, the matching suits, the screaming and fainting girls - came from this era.

[Portlantis]

Beatles 101



Lesson 2: The Psychedelic Years, 1965-1967



In August of 1964, The Beatles were introduced to marijuana by, and I’m not making this up, Bob Dylan. Whether it was the drugs or the spirit of the times, the Beatles began breaking away from simple pop and love songs and began crafting more abstract and complicated works. From 1965-1967, The Beatles released what many consider to be their three best albums: Rubber Soul, Revolver and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band.

To show how radically different the psychedelic Beatles were from the early Beatles, let’s take a look at some of the songs from this era.

In Eleanor Rigby, off of "Revolver," The Beatles trade in guitars for strings and catchy pop songcraft for ominous lyrics about depression and death.

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Eleanor Rigby


Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, from "Sgt. Pepper," is notable for its trippy, drug-influenced lyrics. Many have pointed out that the Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds abbreviated is LSD, though John Lennon, the song’s writer, disputes this was his intention,.

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Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds



Both of those clips are from the film Yellow Submarine.


Released as a single alongside the equally awesome Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields Forever supposedly caused Brian Wilson, of Beach Boys fame, to pull his car over and start weeping uncontrollably the first time he heard it on the radio.

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Strawberry Fields Forever

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Penny Lane

[Portlantis]

Beatles 101



Lesson Three: The Final Years, 1968-1969



On 1968’s “The Beatles,” more commonly known as “The White Album” because of its solid white cover, The Beatles decided to go back to more straightforward rock. Their only double-disk album, “The White Album” is uneven but contains some of the group’s best songs.

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While my Guitar Gently Weeps


By 1969, conflicts within the band had grown toxic. The last album The Beatles recorded together was “Abbey Road,” notable for a medley of short songs that take up the majority of side 2, as well as the songs “Come Together” and “Here Comes the Sun.”

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Here Comes the Sun



In December of 1969, John Lennon left the band, effectively breaking up the Beatles. The group's last album of all new material, “Let it Be,” was released in 1970, though it had been recorded several months before "Abbey Road."

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Dig a Pony


Essential Beatles:

A Hard Day’s Night
Rubber Soul
Revolver
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
The White Album
Abbey Road

Also Recommended:

Magical Mystery Tour
Let it Be
One

[KCChiefsMan]

Rolling Stones
Creedence Clearwater Survival
Led Zeppelin
Alice in Chains
Stone Temple Pilots


that should get you off to a good start with over 100 excellent songs

[bango]

U2

[StcChief]

Delta blues to start other American blues defined Rock.

Robert Johnson - despite recording quality. Great Grandfather of blues/Rock.

Muddy Waters
Buddy Guy
really any blues men/women.

British....

The Rolling Stones - blues based Rock

Led Zeppelin - blues based then Metal edge

Eric Clapton - blues based Rock

The Beatles - Pop rock. pioneers.

The Who - Blues Rock and Pop. First Synthe record.

The Kinks - Blues Rock and Pop.

Pink Floyd - Blues based (a tale of 2 bands) Syd Barrett vs Gilmore/Mason.
Pychedelic sound experimenting.

American.....

Chuck Berry - Pop rock.... pioneer bigger than Elvis if white.

Bob Dylan and The Band - Folk rock, Blues. one of the best song writers.

Stevie Ray Vaughan - blues based Rock, Texas swing influence

Steve Miller Band - Blues based Rock

Credence Clearwater - Rock blues, SF influence

The Doors - Blues Rock, Pop lyrics.


Grateful Dead - Rock, blues, folk. Known for their famous jam concerts psychedelic.

Frank Zappa and Mothers of Invention - Rock blues, jazz mix, cutting edge lyrics. L.A.

Lynryd Skynrd - Rock blues, southern influence

ZZ Top - Blues Rock Texas style.

The Eagles - Country Rock

Aerosmith - Rock/Pop/Blues called The American Rolling Stones.




others but easy to find now on Internet and what style you like.