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Greatest 885 Rock Songs


LobsterLvr

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  • 4 weeks later...

Interesting list, but... it makes you wonder about people's taste. Consider:

• "Go All the Way," as Dave pointed out, barely makes the list at 884 out of 885. Ranking above it by 32 spots is Sweet's "Little Willy." Longtime forum members will recall the crazy Sweet thread from a few years ago.

• "Little Willy" also ranks above The Cars' "Just What I Needed," Aretha's "Chain of Fools," Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon" (!), The Byrds' "8 Miles High," Paul Simon's "Graceland," and Jackson Brown's "Running on Empty."

• Not shocking that "Born to Run" is No. 1, I guess, but in my biased view, all lists like this should have a classic, ground-breaking, influential Lennon & McCartney song at the top. Or at least in the Top 10. Or Top 20. As it is, we don't see a hint of the Beatles until No. 23 ("Hey Jude"). And only one other made the Top 40 ("Revolutin" at No. 26.

• Of course, Elvis doesn't show up until No. 45 ("Jailhouse Rock"). Philadelphia-area listeners aren't that big on rock'n'roll history, I guess.

• The Philly area obviously loves the Stones (five in the Top 40), Zeppelin (five in the Top 40), and Bruce (four in the Top 40).

Of course, the big disclaimer is that these are the greatest "Rock" songs of all time, so pop acts don't get the love.... But still... The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" (No. 40) ahead of "Paint It Black," "Helter Skelter," "Smoke on the Water," "I Saw Her Standing There," "American Woman," and "Alright Now"?

And if it's "Rock," how do "Imagine" and "In My Life" make the list?

Just splitting hairs, though — a fun exercise. I do love these kinds of lists....

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LC...the truth is; we're getting old! WXPN is a college-based alternative rock station. (although they don't promote their UPenn relationship at all). The average listener is probably 35 yrs old, born in 1975. I totally agree with your dismay at the oversights and the lack of respect that some great rock songs got. But this list was voted on by the listeners...and us ol'timers are going to have to come to grips with the fact that our rock heroes aren't as relevant as they used to be. Sadly.

But hey, Raspberries still made the list!!

Dave

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