What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

Welcome to Our Forums. Once you've registered and logged in, you're primed to talk football, among other topics, with the sharpest and most experienced fantasy players on the internet.

The 100 Greatest Songs of 1979 #1 “Comfortably Numb” Pink Floyd (2 Viewers)

timschochet said:
I very much regret that I was unable to include some of the other great songs from this album: the title song, “Dangerous Type”, “It’s All I Can Do”, etc. I just ran out of room. Hopefully @Bracie Smathers will rectify this. 
Click to expand...
The list is made but has room to catch anything that falls.

Doug B said:
It hit #1 on the U.S. Hot 100 in late May 1980 -- accordingly, "Funkytown" is thought of as the last disco #1.
Click to expand...
  • Funky Town places 375 on the ALL-TIME Billboard top-100.
  • Ranks 44th on Time Outs list of the 100 best part songs.
Time Out listed the song number 44 in their list of The 100 best party songs in 2018, adding:

(…) 'Funkytown' expresses a simple, repetitive yearning for the pulse of a bigger city, goosed by a killer ten-note synth riff. 'Gotta make a move to a town that's right for me,' sings Cynthia Johnson in a robotic, vocoderized voice (a precursor to the Auto-Tune sound) before busting out an unmodified, soulful wail, pleading for a trip to the party destination of her dreams. Released in 1980, 'Funkytown' came late to the disco party, but gave it a jolt of electricity

  • VH1 ranks it 36 on their list of one-hit wonders from 1980 to 2009.
VH1 ranked the song at number 36 in their list of the 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the 1980s in 2009.

I liked it and have always liked it.

 
timschochet said:
18. Cheap Trick “I Want You to Want Me” (from Cheap Trick at Budokan) 

https://youtu.be/-qgpewMCVjs

One of those rare times when a live version of a song is far more popular than the original. It does happen (see Peter Frampton) but not very often. Great energy here, and a terrific song. 
Click to expand...
Interesting that Cheap Trick released 3 studio albums to little to no acclaim prior to Cheap Trick at Budokan.

Budokan was intended only for the Japanese market after their hugely successful tour there in 1978. It was released in 1979 in North America and the band shot to fame.

Will another cut off of this album make the Top 100? 🤞

 
Last edited by a moderator:
timschochet said:
18. Cheap Trick “I Want You to Want Me” (from Cheap Trick at Budokan) 

https://youtu.be/-qgpewMCVjs

One of those rare times when a live version of a song is far more popular than the original. It does happen (see Peter Frampton) but not very often. Great energy here, and a terrific song. 
Click to expand...
Kiss' "Rock and Roll All Nite" is another good example. Kiss - Alive! was also a live album that was a breakthrough for the band, much like Cheap Trick at Budokan.

 
timschochet said:
18. Cheap Trick “I Want You to Want Me” (from Cheap Trick at Budokan) 

https://youtu.be/-qgpewMCVjs

One of those rare times when a live version of a song is far more popular than the original. It does happen (see Peter Frampton) but not very often. Great energy here, and a terrific song. 
Click to expand...
Just curious for future reference. The original song came out in 1977. So does that mean that any song from a live album that comes out in a given year counts for that year, no matter when the original was version was recorded?

 
Anarchy99 said:
Just curious for future reference. The original song came out in 1977. So does that mean that any song from a live album that comes out in a given year counts for that year, no matter when the original was version was recorded?
Click to expand...
From the OP:

One change I am making: live versions of songs released in 1979 are eligible. I do this because there are a few famous songs that were either only recorded live or are more famous for their live version than their studio.
Click to expand...

 
Just Win Baby said:
Anarchy99 said:
Just curious for future reference. The original song came out in 1977. So does that mean that any song from a live album that comes out in a given year counts for that year, no matter when the original was version was recorded?
Click to expand...
From the OP:

One change I am making: live versions of songs released in 1979 are eligible. I do this because there are a few famous songs that were either only recorded live or are more famous for their live version than their studio.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
I adopted this same rule for my list.  At least one live song will make my list that is live where the studio version came out but the live version is uniquely superior.  A cryptic foreshadow. 

Here's a hint, it is a famous old song covered by two artists in a joint concert performance.  

 
17. The Knack “My Sharona” (from Get the Knack)

https://youtu.be/BR2JtsVumFA
 

I know @Anarchy99 wanted this even higher. Such a great song. I got in a little trouble for ranking it high on my list of one hit wonders, because of “Good Girls Don’t”. But who the hell remembers “Good Girls Don’t”? (Apparently @jon_mx that’s who.) I certainly don’t. 
Anyhow as I’ve already mentioned a few times, the guitar solo towards the end of this song is one of the best in all of rock IMO. 

 
timschochet said:
17. The Knack “My Sharona” (from Get the Knack)

https://youtu.be/BR2JtsVumFA
 

I know @Anarchy99 wanted this even higher. Such a great song. I got in a little trouble for ranking it high on my list of one hit wonders, because of “Good Girls Don’t”. But who the hell remembers “Good Girls Don’t”? (Apparently @jon_mx that’s who.) I certainly don’t. 
Anyhow as I’ve already mentioned a few times, the guitar solo towards the end of this song is one of the best in all of rock IMO. 
Click to expand...
Oh hell yes, that was a great song.  I did not recall the lyrics being quite so racey though..

She's your adolescent dream,
Schoolboy stuff, a sticky sweet romance.
And she makes you want to scream,
Wishing you could get inside her pants.
So, you fantasize away.
And while you're squeezing her, you thought you heard her saying...

"Good girls don't,
Good girls don't,
Good girls don't, but I do."

 
16. Led Zeppelin “All My Love” (from In Through  the Out Door) 

https://youtu.be/z0DAnu5Sq6k

Robert Plant and John Paul Jones collaborated on what was arguably the band’s prettiest ever melody. Apparently Page and Bonham were somewhat annoyed at the soft rock sound but Plant considers it one of his finest achievements. The song is dedicated to his late son, which adds a terrible sadness to its irresistibility.  

 
timschochet said:
@Anarchy99 wanted this even higher. Such a great song. I got in a little trouble for ranking it high on my list of one hit wonders, because of “Good Girls Don’t”. But who the hell remembers “Good Girls Don’t”? (Apparently @jon_mx that’s who.) I certainly don’t. 
 
Click to expand...
Really? I think it's far better than "My Sharona" and it was very popular and still gets airplay on genre stations.

 
15. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers “Refugee” (from Damn the Torpedoes) 

https://youtu.be/fFnOfpIJL0M

It would be impossible for me ever to get sick of a Tom Petty song that I love, but I did come close with this one over the years because it’s so overplayed: it’s one of those tunes that you know every note, every word by heart. I would never get to the point where I turned it off, but it’s not a song I’d think of playing first either: been there done that. 
But in preparation for this list I listened to it a few times, trying to imagine it was somehow new and...despite everything, all the hundreds of times I’ve heard it, I fell in love all over again. 

 
Last edited by a moderator:
timschochet said:
15. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers “Refugee” (from Damn the Torpedoes) 

https://youtu.be/fFnOfpIJL0M

It would be impossible for me ever to get sick of a Tom Petty song that I love, but I did come close with this one over the years because it’s so overplayed: it’s one of those tunes that you know every note, every word by heart. I would never get to the point where I turned it off, but it’s not a song I’d think of playing first either: been there done that. 
But in preparation for this list I listened to it a few times, trying to imagine it was somehow new and...despite everything, all the hundreds of times I’ve heard it, I fell in love all over again. 
Click to expand...
For me, this would have been top 10, easy. Great song by one of my favorite artists.

 
timschochet said:
18. Cheap Trick “I Want You to Want Me” (from Cheap Trick at Budokan) 

https://youtu.be/-qgpewMCVjs

One of those rare times when a live version of a song is far more popular than the original. It does happen (see Peter Frampton) but not very often. Great energy here, and a terrific song. 
Click to expand...
The studio album sounded like elevator music.  Whoever produced it had no clue and none of the songs would never have been a hit without the live version.

Here it is for reference....

 
Last edited by a moderator:
timschochet said:
15. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers “Refugee” (from Damn the Torpedoes) 

https://youtu.be/fFnOfpIJL0M

It would be impossible for me ever to get sick of a Tom Petty song that I love, but I did come close with this one over the years because it’s so overplayed: it’s one of those tunes that you know every note, every word by heart. I would never get to the point where I turned it off, but it’s not a song I’d think of playing first either: been there done that. 
But in preparation for this list I listened to it a few times, trying to imagine it was somehow new and...despite everything, all the hundreds of times I’ve heard it, I fell in love all over again. 
Click to expand...
Just another fantastic song by Petty.    He made it look easy.   

 
14. Pretenders “Brass In Pocket” (from Pretenders) 

https://youtu.be/-7Hy7uAb_eU

I really should ding this song a few spots because the link is to the WORST VIDEO EVER. Chrissie as a diner waitress and whenever she sings “special” the bass player points to a the menu which reads “special”- who is the genius that came up with that? 

But it’s one of the best new wave songs ever written, well deserving of its high position here. Actually the entire Pretenders debut is great and I wish I had room for some more selections. 

 
timschochet said:
14. Pretenders “Brass In Pocket” (from Pretenders) 

https://youtu.be/-7Hy7uAb_eU

I really should ding this song a few spots because the link is to the WORST VIDEO EVER. Chrissie as a diner waitress and whenever she sings “special” the bass player points to a the menu which reads “special”- who is the genius that came up with that? 

But it’s one of the best new wave songs ever written, well deserving of its high position here. Actually the entire Pretenders debut is great and I wish I had room for some more selections. 
Click to expand...
####.  😠

The only reason I decided to take on the next 100 songs is because I thought I would get this album since it came out so late, December 27th of 1979 that nothing charted in 79.  

 
timschochet said:
15. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers “Refugee” (from Damn the Torpedoes) 

https://youtu.be/fFnOfpIJL0M

It would be impossible for me ever to get sick of a Tom Petty song that I love, but I did come close with this one over the years because it’s so overplayed: it’s one of those tunes that you know every note, every word by heart. I would never get to the point where I turned it off, but it’s not a song I’d think of playing first either: been there done that. 
But in preparation for this list I listened to it a few times, trying to imagine it was somehow new and...despite everything, all the hundreds of times I’ve heard it, I fell in love all over again. 
Click to expand...
Tom Petty w/ The Heartbreakers early stuff was soooo good.  

 
timschochet said:
14. Pretenders “Brass In Pocket” (from Pretenders) 

https://youtu.be/-7Hy7uAb_eU

I really should ding this song a few spots because the link is to the WORST VIDEO EVER. Chrissie as a diner waitress and whenever she sings “special” the bass player points to a the menu which reads “special”- who is the genius that came up with that? 

But it’s one of the best new wave songs ever written, well deserving of its high position here. Actually the entire Pretenders debut is great and I wish I had room for some more selections. 
Click to expand...
If it isn't in the top 10, I would say you have already dinged this song a few spots.

 
timschochet said:
16. Led Zeppelin “All My Love” (from In Through  the Out Door) 

https://youtu.be/z0DAnu5Sq6k

Robert Plant and John Paul Jones collaborated on what was arguably the band’s prettiest ever melody. Apparently Page and Bonham were somewhat annoyed at the soft rock sound but Plant considers it one of his finest achievements. The song is dedicated to his late son, which adds a terrible sadness to its irresistibility.  
Click to expand...
Love it, but In the Evening and Fool in the Rain are better. Hell, maybe even Carouselambra on the days I'm feeling odd. 

 
timschochet said:
15. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers “Refugee” (from Damn the Torpedoes) 

https://youtu.be/fFnOfpIJL0M

It would be impossible for me ever to get sick of a Tom Petty song that I love, but I did come close with this one over the years because it’s so overplayed: it’s one of those tunes that you know every note, every word by heart. I would never get to the point where I turned it off, but it’s not a song I’d think of playing first either: been there done that. 
But in preparation for this list I listened to it a few times, trying to imagine it was somehow new and...despite everything, all the hundreds of times I’ve heard it, I fell in love all over again. 
Click to expand...
This is my  #1 Petty song and would likely be in my top 10 for 1979. 

 
13. The Clash “London Calling” (from London Calling) 

https://youtu.be/EfK-WX2pa8c

A nuclear error but I have no fear, ‘cause London is drowning and I...I live by the river! 

Insanely great lyrics accompanied by insanely great rock and roll. Such a great great song. Best title song ever? For my money it’s possible. 

Also- now THIS is a great video. So much better than that last piece of crap. 

 
timschochet said:
17. The Knack “My Sharona” (from Get the Knack)

https://youtu.be/BR2JtsVumFA
 

I know @Anarchy99. Such a great song. I got in a little trouble for ranking it high on my list of one hit wonders, because of “Good Girls Don’t”. But who the hell remembers “Good Girls Don’t”? (Apparently @jon_mx that’s who.) I certainly don’t. 
 
Click to expand...
I really think you just throw together a list from lists you’ve found on the net

 
timschochet said:
13. The Clash “London Calling” (from London Calling) 

https://youtu.be/EfK-WX2pa8c

A nuclear error but I have no fear, ‘cause London is drowning and I...I live by the river! 

Insanely great lyrics accompanied by insanely great rock and roll. Such a great great song. Best title song ever? For my money it’s possible. 

Also- now THIS is a great video. So much better than that last piece of crap. 
Click to expand...
This may be the best song of 1979. It may also be the best song of 1980.

 
timschochet said:
14. Pretenders “Brass In Pocket” (from Pretenders) 

https://youtu.be/-7Hy7uAb_eU

I really should ding this song a few spots because the link is to the WORST VIDEO EVER. Chrissie as a diner waitress and whenever she sings “special” the bass player points to a the menu which reads “special”- who is the genius that came up with that? 

But it’s one of the best new wave songs ever written, well deserving of its high position here. Actually the entire Pretenders debut is great and I wish I had room for some more selections. 
Click to expand...
 Like many videos of good songs of that era the execution was horrible.        As in it was horrible that the director wasn't executed.

 
12. Pink Floyd “Mother” (from The Wall) 

https://youtu.be/73UMWoXRbjg

The first time I ever heard “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead (typical of me it was several years after it’s release) I was not only blown away by its magnificence and power, I was also strongly reminded of another song but I couldn’t figure out what it was. It wasn’t until I listened to The Wall a few years later that I realized it was “Mother”. I can’t put into proper words why these two songs are similar to me. 

I digress. “Mother” is one of Roger Waters’ greatest masterpieces. The role playing lyrics, melody, performance- everything about this song is incredible. The link is to a live version from 1980 which emphasizes that fact and also displays just how good this band was live, which, not having seen them, I was unaware of. 

 
There are a handful of songs that could be my favorite Pink Floyd song at any given time, and Mother is one of them.  Amazing song, great lyrics.  I actually prefer the film version most of all, as it almost sounds like a lullaby (link below).  I also thought the version Roger Waters at the Berlin show in 1990 was awesome, with Sinead O'Connor on lead vocals and The Band on harmonies in the chorus (even if the final version on CD was from the rehearsal since production issues caused the version they did live to be a mess).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_yRvxy9HVs&feature=youtu.be

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ghost Rider said:
There are a handful of songs that could be my favorite Pink Floyd song at any given time, and Mother is one of them.  Amazing song, great lyrics.  I actually prefer the film version most of all, as it almost sounds like a lullaby (link below).  I also thought the version Roger Waters at the Berlin show in 1990 was awesome, with Sinead O'Connor on lead vocals and The Band on harmonies in the chorus (even if the final version on CD was from the rehearsal since production issues caused the version they did live to be a mess).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_yRvxy9HVs&feature=youtu.be
Click to expand...
Agreed.  It’s the best song on the album.  Love that scene too.  

 
Last edited by a moderator:
11. The Cure “Boys Don’t Cry” (released as a single) 

https://youtu.be/YSAqXEcgoZ4

This song was originally kept off the Three Imaginary Boys album released in England; when it began to get radio play it was released as a single; when it became a hit it was added to the album’s American release which was then changed to Boys Don’t Cry.

New Wave’s best contribution to the late 70s and early 80s was to return a fun filled power pop sound to rock music, which had been missing since the Byrds and early Beatles. There might be no better example of this than the Cure’s “Boys Don’t Cry”. 

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

timschochet
The 100 Greatest Songs of 1974 #25. Bad Company
8 9 10
Replies
455
Views
35K
timschochet
timschochet
timschochet
The 100 Greatest Classic Rock Albums of All Time: #1. Sticky Fingers
40 41 42
Replies
2K
Views
129K
New Binky the Doormat
New Binky the Doormat
Anarchy99
FBG'S TOP 100 PINK FLOYD SONGS - #01 - Comfortably Numb from The Wall (1979)
32 33 34
Replies
2K
Views
116K
UncleZen
UncleZen

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 3 (members: 0, guests: 3)
Top