^^^ I had Jeremy on my list. 1991 though...

https://youtube.com/playlist?l...&si=K4rM16fpN-BDXmCZ

For those who are unfamiliar, Rick is a songwriter, musician, producer and ardent fan of all music. His breakdowns are detailed dives into song structure that really highlight what make it so awesome.


His most recent interview with Billy Joel should not be missed.

I was well aware of Beato’s “What Makes This Song Great” series. I had no idea just how many of them he did! Dozens and dozens. I don’t know if I’m happy about you pointing out this rabbit hole; I might meet the Red Queen.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
So rock history ends in 1980 then, for the purposes of this exercise (or in the last 40 years, nothing was important enough to displace those you've listed)? Serious question. Like, are we saying all of the newer stuff is like, pop and metal and thrash and blah blah sub-categories?

I think it is natural for many of what can be designated as important songs to be in the earlier decades, especially the 50s-70s. But the 80s certainly had its share of influential important songs; Michael Jackson's Beat It is an extremely important song even though I don't consider it a particularly great one, it is not a huge favorite of mine- one of the best selling singles of all time off the biggest selling album of all time, it is considered one of the first big crossover hit songs in rock. Another crossover hit that I consider a milestone is the Beastie Boys (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party), blending punk, rap and youthful rebellion into a hit song, also bringing rap to the white mainstream. Also in the 1980s, Radio Free Europe from R.E.M, I Will Dare by The Replacements, and Debaser by The Pixies, these songs were milestones in 1980s college rock that spawned the Alternative rock genre and Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit, easily the most important song from the 90s.

Summertime Blues - Eddie Cochran
Train Kept a Rollin’ - Yardbirds version
Sunshine of You Love - Cream
I’ve Seen All Good People - Yes
Lady - Styx
Shadows of the Night - Pat Benatar version

Gary Numan - Cars: Ushered in the synthesizer to mainstream.
New Order - Blue Monday: Changed the face of electronic dance music
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana: Brought grunge to mainstream.

quote:

Originally posted by ScreamingCockatoo:
Gary Numan - Cars: Ushered in the synthesizer to mainstream.
New Order - Blue Monday: Changed the face of electronic dance music
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana: Brought grunge to mainstream.

Numan has said the Ultravox got him into synths, however Numan was the one with the hit, (and some call him a one hit wonder,, ha!)


re New Order, formed after Joy Division, who has had more airplay (Joy Division, ) in the past few years than they did when they came out,
granted part of that is from using the music in commercials, and from different streaming channels



I found it odd when I worked for KRoger that they had the Ramones playing in the store's Musak,,, but I have seen also seen it used in commercials recently,

part of me is appalled, and I am more of a British or Cali punk fan, than east coast punk, but at the same time I say fuk yeah!

Louie, Louie.

How many others can you think which were investigated by the FBI to determine the lyrics?

quote:

Gary Numan - Cars: Ushered in the synthesizer to mainstream.

I couldn’t decide between Cars or M’s Pop Muzik. I’d have picked Styx’s album Grand Illusion, but the thread limits us to a song and AOR doesn’t fit. So I went back further and picked Yes’ I’ve Seen All Good People even though it’s an electric organ, but also for the vocal harmonies and overall structure that gets repeated through the 70s.

Thinking about it and given the organ intro, I’ll give the nod to Pop Muzik over Cars because it literally crosses over within the song.

I picked Styx’s Lady for kicking off the Power Ballad.

I picked Summertime Blues for being the first song of summer that I can think of. The Beach Boys not only covered it, but created an entire catalog of music around it. And who hasn’t covered it? Oh wait, they did. Plus, it’s Punk in 1958.

A case could also be made for Eddie Cochran’s Twenty Flight Rock which a 15 year old, Paul, played while auditioning for a guy, John, in 1957. Paul had his 14 year old buddy, George, audition for John a bit later.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: trapper189,

quote:

originally posted by trapper189:
I picked Styx’s Lady for kicking off the Power Ballad.

I might push back on this. Right off the bat I thought of “Long, Long Time,” Linda Ronstadt (1970).

“Crying,” Roy Orbison (1961).

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:

quote:

originally posted by trapper189:
I picked Styx’s Lady for kicking off the Power Ballad.

I might push back on this. Right off the bat I thought of “Long, Long Time,” Linda Ronstadt (1970).

Then you’d have to consider Unchained Melody first sung by Todd Duncan in the movie Unchained in 1955 and more specifically the 1965 version sung by The Righteous Brothers. I wouldn’t say either kicked off the Power Ballad. I was thinking within the thread’s context of Rock History. Maybe Badfinger’s Without You, but it misses on the grandeur of a Power Ballad.

quote:

“Crying,” Roy Orbison (1961).

Nice song, but is it a Power Ballad? And did anything change afterwards?

Better would have been The Righteous Brothers You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ from 1964 which lays out most of the elements the Power Ballad, except nothing really changed for 10 more years until Styx’s Lady. It seems like every band after that had a Power Ballad which is why I think Lady is an important song in rock history.

For coming out in 1958 (not this video), I know this had a huge influence on 60's guitarists.

It appears that my definition of a power ballad differs from at least one source, Wiki. In my mind, tempo, and a strong vocal that builds, leading to a big finish is a power ballad. Wiki wants a guitar solo in there. When I search for famous power ballads I find a list of 80s hair bands, that just weren’t my jam. In the end, it’s all music and there’s something for everyone. Have a great day!

LS1 GTO posted “Louie, Louie,” and mentioned that the FBI investigated the lyrics, which must have been hilarious. It occurs to me that “Gloria” might be mentioned here, not because of lyrics but because of that garage band sound and how big it was with local bands (then called “combos”).

6guns just posted “Rumble.” If the lyrics to “Louie, Louie” being investigated is remarkable, how about “Rumble,” an instrumental, being banned in several radio markets because it was felt the song encouraged juvenile delinquency and street violence. This because the song title was associated with the play/movie West Side Story.

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:
In my mind, tempo, and a strong vocal that builds, leading to a big finish is a power ballad.

I have always considered Stairway to Heaven to be the earliest "power ballad".

quote:

Originally posted by lyman:

re New Order, formed after Joy Division, who has had more airplay (Joy Division, ) in the past few years than they did when they came out,
granted part of that is from using the music in commercials, and from different streaming channels

Ian Curtis held Joy Division back in my opinion.
The addition of Gillian Gilbert fixed everything wrong with Joy Division.


Oh and for East Coast punk, try The Hex Dispensers. (here's a whole album)

Kraftwerk influenced too much to list.

Much of rap music in the 80's sampled Kraftwerk and their durm riffs.