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The 100 Greatest Classic Rock Albums of All Time: #1. Sticky Fingers (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter timschochet
- Start date
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
They were marketed as heavy metal - but really weren't. They were a Hard Rock Band - they were played on rock stations, but not really on classic rock stations (although I conflate them from time to time). Is every rock band, automatically "classic" after a number of years have passed?
Why is AC/DC and Billy Joel classic rock and not Bob Dylan? - I guess the incongruities are just a bit confusing.
timschochet
Footballguy
It’s easier to define what it’s not (at least for me.)
When I began this project I came up with a pretty simple rule of thumb: starting in the mid 80s I began to listen to classic rock radio on a more or less regular basis. If I heard two or more songs from a single album that album became eligible for this list. So based on that Highway to Hell is totally eligible.
It'll be no surprise to anyone who is part of the MAD threads that I would love this album. Not sure you could have 10 better opening licks on any album. Fantastic openings to all these songs. I like 'em all and included a number of them in my top 31. I'll add that I think Touch Too Much is an underrated gem.
timschochet
Footballguy
Because I didn’t hear any Dylan song other than “Like A Rolling Stone” or “Knockin’ On Heavens Door” on my station. Specifically I never heard any tune from Blood On the Tracks, which is the one obvious record I would have considered for this list. That’s the only reason; I’m certainly not making any judgment on Dylan, who is probably my favorite musical artist of all time, being classic rock.
For Billy Joel some songs were played on my station and some were not. I will discuss this more later on.
AC/DC, Bruce, Aerosmith, rush among others all span the original classic rock / new rock divide. Everything from born to run +Rosalita weee played all the time on classic rock stations but born in the USA forward was contemporary until time passed. At least to my recollection.
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
That's amazing to me - I can literally name 15-20 songs of his that got airplay on classic rock radio. I'm not sure going by memory is the best "resource". I know mine can be faulty.
timschochet
Footballguy
It really is great. I listened to it 3 times last night and this morning to refresh myself for this post and then when it came down to it I had no idea what to write because I had already used so many superlatives on other tracks. And that’s going to happen a lot coming up here I suspect- I need to sharpen my game.
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
You never heard Tangled Up in Blue or Simple Twist of Fate on the radio?
I’d be curious about this because like Tim I don’t know off the top of my head any or many songs by Dylan other than the two mentioned and lay lady lay that were played regularly.(which surprised the hell out of me when I found out years after the fact it was indeed Dylan)
Not speaking for Tim but me personality did not. I was in the Baltimore area in the early mid 80s for context of stations.
timschochet
Footballguy
It probably is.
Dylan has 4 great rock and roll albums IMO, and several great folk albums. The first 3 great rock albums, released in 1965 and 1966, are ineligible for this list based on my boundaries of starting with Sgt Pepper. The other album is Blood On the Tracks. The two songs most likely to garner radio play from that album would be “Tangled Up in Blue” and “Idiot Wind”. I can’t recall hearing either. Years later following its use in the film Jerry Maguire “Shelter In the Storm” got some radio play.
There are also some Dylan tunes that got radio play over the years such as “Lay Lady Lay”, “Knockin’ On Heavens Door”, and “Hurricane”, but none of these appeared on albums that I would consider as good enough for this collection.
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
songs played on classic rock stations (NY/Long Island/NJ)
Like A Rolling Stone
Rainy Day Women #12 &35 (Everybody Must Get Stoned)
The Times They Are A-Changin'
Mr. Tambourine Man
Lay, Lady, Lay
All Along The Watchtower (although Jimi's version got more airplay)
A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Tangled Up in Blue
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Just Like a Woman
and then there's many others that may have only heard on rock stations (WNEW) like
Simple Twist of Fate
Maggie's Farm
Positively 4th Street
Quinn The Eskimo
Forever Young
Jokerman
The Man in Me
Shelter From the Storm
My Back Pages
This will be my last Bob Dylan post - unless I'm asked to respond to something
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
Despite being from Minnesota, Dylan was discovered and is associated so much with NYC. So perhaps NY radio gave him more airplay. Same with Billy Joel, most likely.
I guess there has to be arbitrary cut-offs in these lists and tim created the parameters, so that's what we go with.
Tau837
Footballguy
I listened to a lot of classic rock radio growing up in NC and honestly don't remember hearing Dylan at all other than Mr. Tambourine Man. I definitely remember AC/DC, Bruce, Billy Joel, and most other artists who have been mentioned.
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
I feel like I’m in bizzaro world
Anarchy99
Footballguy
I remember hearing most of these songs on the radio, but not with much regularity (at least where I lived in the Northeast). IMO, the album that best fits the classic rock motif is Blonde On Blonde with at least 8 songs that I remember receiving radio airplay (Rainy Day Women, I Want You, Stuck Inside Of Memphis, Just Like A Woman, Visions Of Johanna, Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine, Leopard-Skin Pill Box Hat, One Of Us Must Know). While the album itself is filled with great tracks, it came out before the timeframe that Tim considered. I'm not the biggest Dylan fan, but even I own and love Blonde On Blonde. However, IMO, the albums after it weren't quite as popular or had as many radio tracks. Many of his other all-time great / famous songs came out in the early to mid 60s. I can see where it would be hard for some people to include a Dylan album in the timespan under consideration if one of the criteria is having multiple songs getting on the radio.
Van Dyman
Footballguy
Same in TN.
I listened to a lot of classic rock radio growing up in NC and honestly don't remember hearing Dylan at all other than Mr. Tambourine Man. I definitely remember AC/DC, Bruce, Billy Joel, and most other artists who have been mentioned.
Raging weasel
Footballguy
Same here.
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
“Blood on the Tracks” is usually his highest ranked album in music polls/rankings.
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
I’m not sure how anyone knows Dylan since he never got radio air-play outside of New York it seems.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
The album may have gotten good reviews and made all-time album listis, but it had one single (Tangled Up In Blue) that reached 31 on the singles chart. Simple Twist Of Fate also got played some, but not many other tracks were radio staples then or now. That doesn't mean it wasn't a good album or that it wasn't popular. A lot will vary based on the criteria involved. Other bands / artists had albums that got more airplay than Blood On The Tracks. If "getting radio airplay," having "multiple radio songs," or "the album contains all-time classic rock songs that have been played for decades" are part of the equation, that makes it harder to include Blood On The Tracks.
timschochet
Footballguy
That’s OK. Dylan would tell you he doesn’t know himself.
timschochet
Footballguy
Bob Dylan and the Heartbreakers from a few days ago at Farm Aid:
youtu.be
Bob Dylan & The Heartbreakers “Positively 4th Street” Farm Aid 2023 Surprise Appearance!!
#bobdylan #theheartbreakers #farmaid
youtu.be
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
I disagree. I don't think you really know that album if you think there's no "classic rock songs that have been played for decades" on it.
I never hear Any songs of blood on the tracks on my current classi. Rock stations. I know that whole album back to front and the only place you might hear a song or two from it are on the local high school produced station that is a free form.
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
We've been through this already. Different markets play different songs. Tangled Up in Blue; Simple Twist of Fate and Shelter From the Storm all were played in some markets.
But we're not talking air-play with the post you responded to.
Stoneworker
Footballguy
Even if it was classified as classic rock there wouldn't be a single Bob Dylan album in my top 100.
Sue me.
Sue me.
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
We're going in circles. I bow out.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Which tracks on Blood On The Tracks fall into the category like Comfortably Numb, Freebird, Hotel California, Stairway To Heaven, etc. that get played every day on classic rock stations every day . . . then or now? IMO, there weren't any songs on that album that fit that criteria even when it came out. (To reiterate, this has nothing to do with the quality of the material.)
I think if you asked people that are age appropriate to name five Bob Dylan songs, it's unlikely many would toss out a song from that album. Most people would likely select Like A Rolling Stone, Rainy Day Women, Lay Lady Lay, Knockin' On Heaven's Door, All Along The Watchtower, Blowin' In The Wind, Just Like A Woman, or Positively 4th Street. Similarly, unless people are Dylan fans, I'm not sure many people / average music fans would be able to name a song on Blood On The Tracks.
If there are multiple Dylan albums on your Top 100 albums list, that's great. We can all like whatever we like, and all our lists would look different. Your list is your list. I am not saying he isn't a great songwriter or am trashing him in anyway. Critics love him and plenty of musicians revere him and have covered his songs. But as far as radio airplay, the list of artists that got played more than Dylan is long, and all these years later, that still holds true where I live. Maybe there are some regions and geographies where he was / is played on the radio as often as LZ, PF, the Stones, etc., but I did not find that to be the case in the places that I frequented.
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
You're right.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
What were the call letters of the CR station in Baltimore back in the '80s? I know it was 105.7 on the dial, but am blanking on the ID. Was it WCRX?
That’s a great question and I don’t remember. Think you’re right that it was 105.7 but I seem to recall another station around 94 on the dial. I know hfs was 99.1 and of course 98 rock with mostly todays rock music. Right now for classic rock I get 100.7 and 100.3 plus 98.5 if I’m driving on the right direction.
I moved to md in the mid 80s and this is where I first heard kix and crack the sky. That’s a huge plus.
Gr00vus
Footballguy
Great album. Angus Young is one of the best guitar riff creators of all time. Most guitarists would kill to have come up with one of his riffs, he comes up with albums full year after year.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
I clicked on what I thought was going to be an AC/DC discussion and a Bob Dylan fight broke out. 
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
Aside from Back in Black, AC/DC has never been an album band for me, so I don't think I've ever heard all of Highway to Hell. I know the title track and that's it. Solid tune, but not one I've ever gone out of my way to hear.
northern exposure
Footballguy
I agree that AC/DC isn't an album band for me either. Imo there is a lot of similarity in their songs.
I'm actually shocked this is ranked higher than the debut album by Van Halen.
DocHolliday
Footballguy
I get it. AC/DC can get old after a bit since their sound and songs have stayed the same for decades. They became extremely good at what they did and they stuck with it. And extremely good may not be enough praise. Back in Black is probably their best album and one of the greatest albums ever made by any band but Highway to Hell is my favorite AC/DC album.
It’s amazing how many of their songs can be named in seconds as soon as you the opening riff and beautiful, mean guitar tone.
zamboni
Footballguy
I've been trying to read all the Dylan posts with a Dylan voice - much more entertaining that way.I clicked on what I thought was going to be an AC/DC discussion and a Bob Dylan fight broke out.
timschochet
Footballguy
56. Grateful Dead- Workingman’s Dead (1970)
Classic Rock Radio Hits: Casey Jones, Uncle John’s Band
Prior to this album Grateful Dead was mainly known as a psychedelic blues band out of San Francisco. The distinctive Americana sound that most people associate with this band began right here, recorded in 9 days, largely acoustic.
Uncle John’s Band
One of the band’s biggest radio hits, and well-deserved. Garcia’s vocals and the group’s harmonies are gorgeous, poignant, and sad.
High Time
Soft country ballad that is achingly pretty.
Dire Wolf
I think this was a fan favorite because it appears on several anthology records. But I can’t recall any radio play. Anyhow it’s a great sing along.
New Speedway Boogie
Excellent acoustic blues.
Cumberland Blues
Ordinary blues but the band shows off some great musical skills here.
Black Peter
Yet another interesting ballad. Hunters lyrics are really poetic on this record.
Easy Wind
Pigpen’s contribution to the record is a throwback to the band’s earlier electric blues sound.
Casey Jones
Makes me smile every time I hear it and I’ve heard it a lot. Irresistibly catchy.
Classic Rock Radio Hits: Casey Jones, Uncle John’s Band
Prior to this album Grateful Dead was mainly known as a psychedelic blues band out of San Francisco. The distinctive Americana sound that most people associate with this band began right here, recorded in 9 days, largely acoustic.
Uncle John’s Band
One of the band’s biggest radio hits, and well-deserved. Garcia’s vocals and the group’s harmonies are gorgeous, poignant, and sad.
High Time
Soft country ballad that is achingly pretty.
Dire Wolf
I think this was a fan favorite because it appears on several anthology records. But I can’t recall any radio play. Anyhow it’s a great sing along.
New Speedway Boogie
Excellent acoustic blues.
Cumberland Blues
Ordinary blues but the band shows off some great musical skills here.
Black Peter
Yet another interesting ballad. Hunters lyrics are really poetic on this record.
Easy Wind
Pigpen’s contribution to the record is a throwback to the band’s earlier electric blues sound.
Casey Jones
Makes me smile every time I hear it and I’ve heard it a lot. Irresistibly catchy.
zamboni
Footballguy
Strong album, but I'm much more of a live Dead guy than studio, other than perhaps another studio album from the same year that may appear later.
Mr. Mojo
Footballguy
Country Girl is still my favorite CSNY song. It's just epic.
Great album overall.
timschochet
Footballguy
55. Neil Young- Harvest (1972)
Classic Rock Radio Hits: Old Man, Heart of Gold, The Needle and the Damage Done
I originally didn’t have this masterpiece on my list because I erroneously regarded it more as a singer-songwriter effort than classic rock. It actually qualifies as both, but it’s best described as folk rock of the highest quality. And the songs listed above were prominent on the classic rock station I listened to.
Out on the Weekend
Nearly every song here is classic Young, and this catchy tune is a great example. What an irresistible melody.
Harvest
The headliner also features a gorgeous melody. In song structure it reminds me very much of Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street”- short two line verses with no chorus or bridge. And it works.
A Man Needs a Maid
The irony in the lyrics is at a Randy Newman level. The use of the London Symphony Orchestra might seem odd on a folk rock album but I think it gives the song a haunting quality.
Heart of Gold
First song I ever learned to play on guitar. Amd I did OK with it. Of course I didn’t know how to play harmonica and I didn’t have Linda Ronstadt backing me up. But I did master the riff.
Are You Ready For the Country?
Rare blues song for Neil. But of course he sounds great.
Old Man
@Pip's Invitation’s song descriptions put my short and weak efforts here to shame. In his superb thread on Young I commented that I regarded this tune as Young’s greatest song. And I’ll stand by that. Sublime and perfect.
There’s A World
Another brilliant song, and the use of the orchestra is terrific and not pretentious somehow. A couple of prog rock bands I can think of should have paid more attention about how to do this correctly.
Alabama
More great rock and roll. Terrific deep cut. It was this tune in particular, with its strong electric guitar riff, that made me decide this is not just another singer-songwriter album.
The Needle And the Damage Done
Nearly as great as Old Man. And oh so sad. One of the greatest tributes ever written.
Words (Between the Lines of Age)
I’ve always thought the sound quality was too muffled, otherwise this might be regarded as one of Neil Young’s great epics. Perhaps it is by Young fans, I don’t know. Love the guitar solo.
Classic Rock Radio Hits: Old Man, Heart of Gold, The Needle and the Damage Done
I originally didn’t have this masterpiece on my list because I erroneously regarded it more as a singer-songwriter effort than classic rock. It actually qualifies as both, but it’s best described as folk rock of the highest quality. And the songs listed above were prominent on the classic rock station I listened to.
Out on the Weekend
Nearly every song here is classic Young, and this catchy tune is a great example. What an irresistible melody.
Harvest
The headliner also features a gorgeous melody. In song structure it reminds me very much of Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street”- short two line verses with no chorus or bridge. And it works.
A Man Needs a Maid
The irony in the lyrics is at a Randy Newman level. The use of the London Symphony Orchestra might seem odd on a folk rock album but I think it gives the song a haunting quality.
Heart of Gold
First song I ever learned to play on guitar. Amd I did OK with it. Of course I didn’t know how to play harmonica and I didn’t have Linda Ronstadt backing me up. But I did master the riff.
Are You Ready For the Country?
Rare blues song for Neil. But of course he sounds great.
Old Man
@Pip's Invitation’s song descriptions put my short and weak efforts here to shame. In his superb thread on Young I commented that I regarded this tune as Young’s greatest song. And I’ll stand by that. Sublime and perfect.
There’s A World
Another brilliant song, and the use of the orchestra is terrific and not pretentious somehow. A couple of prog rock bands I can think of should have paid more attention about how to do this correctly.
Alabama
More great rock and roll. Terrific deep cut. It was this tune in particular, with its strong electric guitar riff, that made me decide this is not just another singer-songwriter album.
The Needle And the Damage Done
Nearly as great as Old Man. And oh so sad. One of the greatest tributes ever written.
Words (Between the Lines of Age)
I’ve always thought the sound quality was too muffled, otherwise this might be regarded as one of Neil Young’s great epics. Perhaps it is by Young fans, I don’t know. Love the guitar solo.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
I probably have this, oh, about 10th in terms of Neil albums. It mixes some of his strongest songs with some of his weakest. It was his only #1 album, and Heart of Gold was his only #1 song.
In my Neil countdown, these songs made my top 204. The writeups can be found here: https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...02-204-notable-covers-and-other-stuff.786493/
12. Old Man
30. Words (Between the Lines of Age)
36. The Needle and the Damage Done
50. Heart of Gold
105. Out on the Weekend
130. Harvest
136. Are You Ready for the Country?
198. A Man Needs a Maid
At #125 I had Bad Fog of Loneliness, which was an outtake from this album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYCf44Ugmys
I find Alabama kind of problematic and I wrote about it in this post: https://forums.footballguys.com/thr...e-covers-and-other-stuff.786493/post-22910742
And I think There's a World is one of his worst songs. It sounds like someone trying to write a song for a musical that has absolutely no idea how to do so.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
It's not blues. It's country rock. But he does sound great.
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