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The 100 Greatest Songs Of 1978 #1. Werewolves of London (1 Viewer)

Probably one of my favorite punk songs of '78 (ducks as otb_lifer swings). Right when everyone was moving to post-punk, here comes this over the top pop/punk hit. Lovely. 

 
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timschochet said:
46. Bruce Springsteen “Darkness On the Edge of Town” (from Darkness On the Edge of Town) 

https://youtu.be/6PC60gY6LRQ

This will be the last song on this list recorded by Bruce Springsteen. It will not be the last song written by Bruce Springsteen; one more of those. 
I think “Darkness” is the best song on the album, with some of the best lyrics he’s ever written. Apparently Brian Williams thinks so as well as he quoted the title in his farewell speech on MSNBC last night. 
Click to expand...


Bruce isn't fooling anyone with that hair coloring, is he?

 
44. The Cure “Killing An Arab” (released as a single) 

https://youtu.be/SdbLqOXmJ04

Robert Smith’s first notable song (and the Cure’s first single) was not some racist attack against middle easterners; it was a summary of the main (only) event that takes place in Albert Camus’ incredibly boring, incredibly pretentious existential novel The Stranger. 
Its probably just as pretentious to write a song about an existential novel as it is to write the novel, but since the song is only a couple of minutes and fun to listen to, and the book is a few hundred pages and very dull, give me the song every time. 

 
timschochet said:
44. The Cure “Killing An Arab” (released as a single) 

https://youtu.be/SdbLqOXmJ04

Robert Smith’s first notable song (and the Cure’s first single) was not some racist attack against middle easterners; it was a summary of the main (only) event that takes place in Albert Camus’ incredibly boring, incredibly pretentious existential novel The Stranger. 
Its probably just as pretentious to write a song about an existential novel as it is to write the novel, but since the song is only a couple of minutes and fun to listen to, and the book is a few hundred pages and very dull, give me the song every time. 
Click to expand...
Albert Camus only made it through 8 pages of Mr. Ishida's Bookstore

 
timschochet said:
44. The Cure “Killing An Arab” (released as a single) 

https://youtu.be/SdbLqOXmJ04

Robert Smith’s first notable song (and the Cure’s first single) was not some racist attack against middle easterners; it was a summary of the main (only) event that takes place in Albert Camus’ incredibly boring, incredibly pretentious existential novel The Stranger. 
Its probably just as pretentious to write a song about an existential novel as it is to write the novel, but since the song is only a couple of minutes and fun to listen to, and the book is a few hundred pages and very dull, give me the song every time. 
Click to expand...
when they toured SF, the local and awful old-fohgie music critic for the Chronicle (they had somebody else at the time who was more interested in "alternative" music, but for some reason tended to give the bigger alt bands from overseas to the guy who couldn't stand anything punk and beyond) wrote a scathing review of the show.. of course. but also spent a full paragraph denouncing Killing and Arab because, even though he was a so-called writer, he had apparently never read Camus and took it literally.

but a great tune, and one that feels like it got forgotten in all of their other hits.

 
timschochet said:
44. The Cure “Killing An Arab” (released as a single) 

https://youtu.be/SdbLqOXmJ04

Robert Smith’s first notable song (and the Cure’s first single) was not some racist attack against middle easterners; it was a summary of the main (only) event that takes place in Albert Camus’ incredibly boring, incredibly pretentious existential novel The Stranger. 
Its probably just as pretentious to write a song about an existential novel as it is to write the novel, but since the song is only a couple of minutes and fun to listen to, and the book is a few hundred pages and very dull, give me the song every time. 
Click to expand...
Wait... I hit the love emoji for the song before I saw you slag Camus.  How dare you sir?  I had a dog in grad school that I named after the man.  Are you saying I'm pretentious too?!?!?

 
timschochet said:
44. The Cure “Killing An Arab” (released as a single) 

https://youtu.be/SdbLqOXmJ04

Robert Smith’s first notable song (and the Cure’s first single) was not some racist attack against middle easterners; it was a summary of the main (only) event that takes place in Albert Camus’ incredibly boring, incredibly pretentious existential novel The Stranger. 
Its probably just as pretentious to write a song about an existential novel as it is to write the novel, but since the song is only a couple of minutes and fun to listen to, and the book is a few hundred pages and very dull, give me the song every time. 
Click to expand...
This is a Dempsey written song. I’m listening to the Curious Creatures podcast with Lol and Budgie. Highly recommend. 

 
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and somehow, I completely missed The Glove when they came out. Spotify must've heard me talking The Cure just now and popped them up on my Discover Weekly playlist.

 
timschochet said:
of the main (only) event that takes place in Albert Camus’ incredibly boring, incredibly pretentious existential novel The Stranger. 
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Vague adjectives. Most novels of the 20th Century are existential and boring. I think their drear is why I believe in God, frankly. Or something akin to God. Because not having God means having to read someone like Conrad and nod as if one can make it through the first three pages. 

*Snore*

Camus is a bit different. I've read both The Stranger and The Fall. The Stranger has a first few lines for the ages. The Fall has no such redeeming qualities. I told my lit professor that The Fall struck me as a long harangue. He didn't disagree. 

The Cure's song is fine by mine. It's a faithful retelling of the book. Why Robert Smith felt the need to write it, we won't know. Why critics see fit to misunderstand it? Also won't know. 

 
42. The Clash “Tommy Gun” (from Give ‘Em Enough Rope) 

https://youtu.be/bFHEuKkTa5k

In 1978 the Clash hadn’t yet developed the post punk sound that would dominate London Calling; they were still in a more raw, pure punk rock mode, of which “Tommy Gun” is an excellent example. Strummer’s political lyrics are biting, and this tune might also be Topper Headon’s best effort on the drums. Superb. 

 
timschochet said:
42. The Clash “Tommy Gun” (from Give ‘Em Enough Rope) 

https://youtu.be/bFHEuKkTa5k

In 1978 the Clash hadn’t yet developed the post punk sound that would dominate London Calling; they were still in a more raw, pure punk rock mode, of which “Tommy Gun” is an excellent example. Strummer’s political lyrics are biting, and this tune might also be Topper Headon’s best effort on the drums. Superb. 
Click to expand...


Give 'Em Enough Rope does not get enough love.  Great album. Even my wife can stand it, and she hates all my punk stuff.

 
41. Eric Clapton “Promises” (from Backless) 

https://youtu.be/GeSqBOdmcMc

Probably my favorite solo Clapton song of all time. Love this melody. Great back up vocals by the brilliant Marcy Levy (who also co-wrote “Lay Down Sally”). 

What’s happened to Clapton these days? He’s joined Van Morrison in the anti-vaxx crowd, spreading all kinds of conspiracy theories online. Very disappointing. 

 
Gr00vus said:
Probably my favorite Billy Joel tune. Didn't know about Peter Cetera - he's doing the "keep it to yourself it's my life" backing tracks?
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I think so but the Wiki page doesn’t specify. 

 
timschochet said:
45. Generation X “Ready Steady Go” (released as a single) 

https://youtu.be/Di44bACr03w

Generation X was a British punk rock band featuring a very young looking 17 year old lead singer who called himself Billy Idol. The band tended to be more pop-oriented than many of their contemporaries at the time. This was their best, and most famous effort. 
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I would have thought Dancing with Myself was their most famous effort. Billy Idol of course took this song with him to start off his solo career

Andy Dufresne said:
And also featured Tony James who went on to form Sigue Sigue Sputnik.
Click to expand...
The guitarist in Generation X, Derwood James went on to form Westworld with the gorgeous Elizabeth Westwood. They hit #11 in the UK with Sonic Boom Boy

Drummer with Gen X was “Tory Crimes” or Terry Chimes who was also the original and then on/off drummer in some little band called The Clash.

 
39. Van Halen “Runnin’ With the Devil” (from Van Halen) 

https://youtu.be/i5txwFv-zYM

Van Halen’s “Runnin’ With the Devil” is one of the most revered hard rock songs of all time. But actually it’s just an ordinary tune, with nothing particularly extraordinary about its melody or lyrics. 
What makes it special are the four musicians, beginning with Anthony Michael’s terrific bass line. Eddie’s guitar solos are superb, and Alex demonstrates why he is one of the most underrated drummers in rock music. 
Finally there is David Lee Roth, who delivers what his arguably his greatest vocal performance, showing off astounding range. 

 
timschochet said:
39. Van Halen “Runnin’ With the Devil” (from Van Halen) 

https://youtu.be/i5txwFv-zYM

Van Halen’s “Runnin’ With the Devil” is one of the most revered hard rock songs of all time. But actually it’s just an ordinary tune, with nothing particularly extraordinary about its melody or lyrics. 
What makes it special are the four musicians, beginning with Anthony Michael’s terrific bass line. Eddie’s guitar solos are superb, and Alex demonstrates why he is one of the most underrated drummers in rock music. 
Finally there is David Lee Roth, who delivers what his arguably his greatest vocal performance, showing off astounding range. 
Click to expand...
Couldn't find a more safe for work site for this, but here's a soundboard / sample set of Roth's vocals on this song. Fun stuff (NSFW adds on that page). I'm partial to the wooohooo sample myself.

 
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timschochet said:
39. Van Halen “Runnin’ With the Devil” (from Van Halen) 

https://youtu.be/i5txwFv-zYM

Van Halen’s “Runnin’ With the Devil” is one of the most revered hard rock songs of all time. But actually it’s just an ordinary tune, with nothing particularly extraordinary about its melody or lyrics. 
What makes it special are the four musicians, beginning with Anthony Michael’s terrific bass line. Eddie’s guitar solos are superb, and Alex demonstrates why he is one of the most underrated drummers in rock music. 
Finally there is David Lee Roth, who delivers what his arguably his greatest vocal performance, showing off astounding range. 
Click to expand...
One of my least favorite VH tunes.

 
Dr. Octopus said:
22 hours ago, timschochet said:
39. Van Halen “Runnin’ With the Devil” (from Van Halen) 

https://youtu.be/i5txwFv-zYM

Van Halen’s “Runnin’ With the Devil” is one of the most revered hard rock songs of all time. But actually it’s just an ordinary tune, with nothing particularly extraordinary about its melody or lyrics. 
What makes it special are the four musicians, beginning with Anthony Michael’s terrific bass line. Eddie’s guitar solos are superb, and Alex demonstrates why he is one of the most underrated drummers in rock music. 
Finally there is David Lee Roth, who delivers what his arguably his greatest vocal performance, showing off astounding range. 
Expand  
Click to expand...
One of my least favorite VH tunes.
Click to expand...
I'm fine with it, but it probably gets more recognition than it deserves due to it being the first tune off the debut.

 
timschochet said:
37. Foreigner “Hot Blooded” (from Double Vision) 

https://youtu.be/8yDmeYxTeC0

This tune has been a radio staple for over 40 years, due in large part to Lou Gramm’s tremendous vocals. I haven’t quite gotten sick of it yet. 
Click to expand...
I'm a big Foreigner fan (yes, I admit it) but this song hasn't aged well and I'm not sure it was that good to begin with. For me, Double Vision is much better in every respect.

 
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Mr. Mojo said:
timschochet said:
37. Foreigner “Hot Blooded” (from Double Vision) 

https://youtu.be/8yDmeYxTeC0

This tune has been a radio staple for over 40 years, due in large part to Lou Gramm’s tremendous vocals. I haven’t quite gotten sick of it yet. 
Click to expand...
I'm a big Foreigner fan (yes, I admit it) but this song hasn't aged well and I'm not sure it was that good to begin with. For me, Double Vision is much better in every respect.
Click to expand...
103 sounds about right for the ranking.

 
timschochet said:
35. Nicolette Larson “Lotta Love” (from Nicolette) 

https://youtu.be/80PTNnrwUO8

Gorgeous tune written by Neil Young and originally recorded on his Comes A Time album, which included Larson as a guest singer. He gave it to her for her debut and she scored her biggest ever hit, the one most people remember her for. 
Click to expand...
I said it in @Pip's Invitation Neil thread, but I actually think Nicolette’s version is better than Neil’s original. 

 
timschochet said:
zamboni said:
I said it in @Pip's Invitation Neil thread, but I actually think Nicolette’s version is better than Neil’s original. 
Click to expand...
It’s a bit more dated sounding giving the instrumentation. But I agree. I think it’s because her vocals soar. 
Click to expand...
Agreed - I think it’s the vocals, as the instrumentation definitely has that late ‘70s production to it. Neil’s version is just a bit more sterile to me, and I’m a huge fan of his.

 
rockaction said:
I don’t feel old enough to have Foreignered anything in the seventies. 
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If you were a rock fan in the late 70s, all you had on commercial radio was Foreigner, Styx, Kansas, Boston, Van Halen. I like all of those bands, but the end was coming because AOR had constricted itself so much that it became a dead end. When they had to resort to playing Billy Joel records, I knew the jig was up.

 
zamboni said:
I said it in @Pip's Invitation Neil thread, but I actually think Nicolette’s version is better than Neil’s original. 
Click to expand...
And you’re wrong. 😂

But both versions are great. 

Fun fact that I think I mentioned in the Neil thread: Larsen sang backup on most tracks on Comes a Time — but Lotta Love was NOT one of them. It and Look Out  for My Love (later covered by Linda Ronstadt) were from a separate session with Crazy Horse. 

 
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