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

timschochet said:
37. Journey “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” (from Evolution) 

https://youtu.be/fTkHFQC3wow

Steve Perry transformed Journey, not only as a singer but as a songwriter. On 1978’s Infinity, the album during which he took over lead singer duties, he wrote “Lights”; then for Evolution he wrote this song which was the band’s first top 20 hit and suddenly Journey was off and running as a hits band. For my money, “L,T,S” might  be their best ever song, and a big part of the reason are the vocals. Perry just lets it go here and very few singers can match his sheer power. 
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I always thought Perry was no longer in Journey due to health reasons. He was there when Journey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but didn't perform. So, I thought he must have vocal issues. Wiki however has a different story. 

 
34. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers “Here Comes My Girl” (from Damn the Torpedoes) 

https://youtu.be/n4nPa35CZPI

Written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell, this is very much a Byrds tribute: you can hear that Roger McGuinn jingly jangly goodness throughout and especially in the chorus. I also love the drum intro; this song may have been Stan Lynch’s best effort. 

 
Ah, my favorite of the Damn the Torpedoes hits. The melodies in this one are so strong. Love it. 

 
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timschochet said:
34. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers “Here Comes My Girl” (from Damn the Torpedoes) 

https://youtu.be/n4nPa35CZPI

Written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell, this is very much a Byrds tribute: you can hear that Roger McGuinn jingly jangly goodness throughout and especially in the chorus. I also love the drum intro; this song may have been Stan Lynch’s best effort. 
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The pace of the song is wonderful.  Wish I would have realized just how big a fan of Perty I was before I died.   Great selection.  

 
timschochet said:
The album also features a live acoustic version of this song, “Hey Hey My My (Out of the Blue)”. Young would repeat this feat years later with the song “Rockin’ In the USA” on his album Freedom. But in this case, “Into the Black” got all the radio play. 
 
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"Rockin' in the Free World"

 
Uruk-Hai said:
I stand by my review of the KISS song. :lol:

But you make my point for me anyway. These were two brothers who called "I Was Made For Loving You" a name I will not utter here. They LOVED KISS before that. They also hated Rush after they started having radio hits. 

I've seen this play out over and over - Metallica fans, REMs, U2 guys, etc..... It's like there's something lacking in these fans' own lives that make them want to have something to themselves so they feel hip. It's also amusing to me that the vast majority of these folks are white, middle-or-upper-class people.
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I always though the concept of bands "selling out" was hysterical. If you really love a band shouldn't you want them to be successful? Most of the time it isn't like these bands totally changed their sound just to have a hit, it's just that one of the songs caught on and exposed the music going forward to more people.

 
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33. The Ramones “Rock N’ Roll High School” (from the Original Motion Picture soundtrack Rock N’ Roll High School) 

https://youtu.be/oz7KYUkdlvE

The movie is total ####. The song however, produced by Phil Spector, fits neatly into the Ramones’ canon as one of their best. 

 
Dr. Octopus said:
I always though the concept of bands "selling out" was hysterical. If you really love a band shouldn't you want them to be successful? Most of the time it isn't like these bands tota;;y changed their sound just to have a hit, it's just that one of the songs caught on and exposed the music going forward to more people.
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Agreed but I do have ONE exception: Heart in the mid 80s. “What About Love”, etc. Travesty. 

 
Dr. Octopus said:
I always though the concept of bands "selling out" was hysterical. If you really love a band shouldn't you want them to be successful? Most of the time it isn't like these bands totally changed their sound just to have a hit, it's just that one of the songs caught on and exposed the music going forward to more people.
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Theatrical rock began to creep in with Alice Cooper and went full-Monty with Kiss who blatantly stole Cooper's look and produced a concept band than many felt was a money grab.

Randy Newman did an entire album about the commercialization of rock and took a direct shot at Kiss on his album cover Born Again. 

EDIT:  Album cover was entirely Newman's idea >> 

What was the early design process like for Born Again? Did you spend a lot of time listening to the songs, or discussing concepts with Randy?

Russ, Randy, James, and I have a similar nicely sarcastic sense of humor. Randy Newman comes from a very legit musical family…The paternal side of his family includes three uncles who were noted Hollywood composers: Alfred Newman, Lionel Newman and Emil Newman. Newman’s cousins Thomas and David, and nephew Joey, are also composers for motion pictures. And the public knows Randy’s sensibilities from his music, so it just worked when he told us his idea.

How did you arrive at the face paint cover shot?

Born Again was Randy’s idea — to paint his face like KISS, but with dollar signs. Creating for the music industry is very collaborative, so we all got it.
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Newman said it was satire but the song Randy Newman - It's Money That I Love shows how he really felt.

Born Again (Randy Newman album)

Born Again is the sixth album by American composer Randy Newman. The album was released in 1979, to little sales and relatively poor reviews, which surprised Newman. Newman went on to say that Born Again was the strangest album that he had ever done.[5] The album cover famously features Randy Newman in a business office, wearing white and black face makeup (an obvious parody of Kiss), with dollar signs painted over his eyes. This was poking fun at the commercialization of rock music.
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Randy is one of my favorite artists of all time, but Born Again is my least favorite album by him. I like just two songs, “Ghost” and “William Brown.” 

 
Dr. Octopus said:
I thought that was just the name of the record (Music for Airports).
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Finally, Brian Eno's Music For Airports is being played in its natural habitat

Brian Eno’s Ambient 1: Music For Airports was designed to do pretty much exactly what it says on the (pushing) tin: Provide a calming, anxiety-easing background for some of the most inherently stressful places on the planet. To celebrate the album’s 40th anniversary this week, one particular airport is finally stepping up and playing Eno’s masterpiece in its proper, transit-adjacent context, with the London City Airport treating visitors to some of Eno’s soothing tunes on repeat throughout the day.

This isn’t the first time Music For Airports has been music in an airport...
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Bracie Smathers said:
Finally, Brian Eno's Music For Airports is being played in its natural habitat
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I'm just saying he didn't actually write it for that purpose (to sell to Airports) - it was just him writing ambient music. 

Same with Paul Simon. It was later used in a commercial but wasn't written for that purpose.

I guess I could see that (selling your music for a commercial) as "selling out", but frankly I don't see the issue. Making money is a necessary part of a profession. The Stones have done it plenty of time with Mick using the excuse of expanding their fan base - but I wouldn't begrudge any musician in making money from their gift.

 
Dr. Octopus said:
I'm just saying he didn't actually write it for that purpose (to sell to Airports) - it was just him writing ambient music. 

Same with Paul Simon. It was later used in a commercial but wasn't written for that purpose.

I guess I could see that (selling your music for a commercial) as "selling out", but frankly I don't see the issue. Making money is a necessary part of a profession. The Stones have done it plenty of time with Mick using the excuse of expanding their fan base - but I wouldn't begrudge any musician in making money from their gift.
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Kiss was the first group to sell merchandise the minute they gained any sort of audience.  As for expanding audience...

Selling out" is a common expression for the compromising of a person's integrity, morality, authenticity, or principles in exchange for personal gain, such as money.[1] In terms of music or art, selling out is associated with attempts to tailor material to a mainstream or commercial audience. For example, a musician who alters his material to encompass a wider audience, and in turn generates greater revenue...

 
Bracie Smathers said:
Kiss was the first group to sell merchandise the minute they gained any sort of audience.  As for expanding audience...

Selling out" is a common expression for the compromising of a person's integrity, morality, authenticity, or principles in exchange for personal gain, such as money.[1] In terms of music or art, selling out is associated with attempts to tailor material to a mainstream or commercial audience. For example, a musician who alters his material to encompass a wider audience, and in turn generates greater revenue...
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It certainly feels like some bands sold out but it could also be due to losing that hungry edge or maturing from being young, angry and aggressive.   Metallica, Aerosmith, and Def Leppard changed their sound and even material content.    I make fun of what they became and don’t listen to the music that I don’t like    I still listen to the early stuff a ton and Metallica is one of my favorite bands of all time.   I also admit that I would have probably “sold out” too since it can prolong careers    Not sure that Metallica changed on purpose or they really did lose their way    

 
32. Fleetwood Mac “Tusk” (from Tusk) 

https://youtu.be/ATMR5ettHz8

Though the song was written by Lindsay Buckingham (most of this album was his concept) it was Mick Fleetwood’s idea to bring in the USC marching band, giving the song a unique percussion and horns sound. 
As a diehard UCLA football fan and season ticket holder, I have seen the USC band live dozens of times in my life and though, in addition to their standards “Conquest” and “Spirit of Troy”, they will play all sorts of rock songs, never once have they played “Tusk”. In the late 90s they appeared on a Fleetwood Mac TV special and played it, but for whatever reason they don’t do it live. Too bad. 

 
timschochet said:
32. Fleetwood Mac “Tusk” (from Tusk) 
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First album whose cost exceeded $1 million and nearly bankrupted the group.  They dined on lavish dinners, guzzled down crates of champagne, and snorted tons of coke to the point they were going to credit their coke dealer on the liner notes but he was killed by gangsters before they could tribute him.

They recorded the bulk of it at their studio which they built from a converted Masonic temple and meditation headquarters of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi which had pillows on the floor, sitars and other strange musical instruments and a pair of 'tusks' which likely lead to the title song.

 
31. The Buzzcocks “Why Can’t I Touch It” (from Singles Going Steady) 

https://youtu.be/L1G0jl0Vc64

At first I ruled this song out because the album Singles Going Steady, though released in 1979, was a compilation of Buzzcocks songs released in 1977 and 1978. But then I learned that it also included some songs that were recorded earlier but previously unreleased, and this was one of those, which made it eligible. 
Which is good because it’s one of the best songs of the year, or any year. That bass line is so great, so catchy. Pete Shelley was really a marvelous songwriter and this is one of his best efforts. 

 
timschochet said:
31. The Buzzcocks “Why Can’t I Touch It” (from Singles Going Steady) 

https://youtu.be/L1G0jl0Vc64

At first I ruled this song out because the album Singles Going Steady, though released in 1979, was a compilation of Buzzcocks songs released in 1977 and 1978. But then I learned that it also included some songs that were recorded earlier but previously unreleased, and this was one of those, which made it eligible. 
Which is good because it’s one of the best songs of the year, or any year. That bass line is so great, so catchy. Pete Shelley was really a marvelous songwriter and this is one of his best efforts. 
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The Buzzcocks wrote great pop songs. The only thing that makes them punk is subject matter, the speed of the strumming and chord changes, and overall attitude. They're really a pop band. Just like you can't hear the Ramones anymore thinking, "This was punk rock?," nor can one hear the Buzzcocks and think of how risque they were within pop culture back in '77-'79.

 
30. Michael Jackson “Rock With You” (from Off the Wall) 

https://youtu.be/5X-Mrc2l1d0

Like “Off the Wall”, “Rock With You” was written by British songwriter Rod Temperton who also wrote “Thriller” and several other songs for Quincy Jones performers like James Ingram and Patti Austin. “Rock With You” features, IMO, some of Michael’s best ever singing. 

 
rockaction said:
The Buzzcocks wrote great pop songs. The only thing that makes them punk is subject matter, the speed of the strumming and chord changes, and overall attitude. They're really a pop band. Just like you can't hear the Ramones anymore thinking, "This was punk rock?," nor can one hear the Buzzcocks and think of how risque they were within pop culture back in '77-'79.
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One mark of a great band is when other bands name themselves after one of your songs (Love Battery). 

Another example would be Roxy Music (Ladytron).

 
29. Kool & the Gang “Ladies Night” (from Ladies Night) 

Kool & the Gang had been making albums since 1970, but “Ladies Night” was their first hit and began an era in the early 80s in which they fairly dominated the charts. Irresistibly danceable, a kind of post-disco very smooth funk. The song has 8 writers credited, which is certainly the most for this list and might be the most ever for a pop hit of this magnitude. 

 
timschochet said:
29. Kool & the Gang “Ladies Night” (from Ladies Night) 

Kool & the Gang had been making albums since 1970, but “Ladies Night” was their first hit and began an era in the early 80s in which they fairly dominated the charts. Irresistibly danceable, a kind of post-disco very smooth funk. The song has 8 writers credited, which is certainly the most for this list and might be the most ever for a pop hit of this magnitude. 
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Good song and choice.

Kool & The Gang had several big hits before this one, though. "Funky Stuff", "Jungle Boogie", and "Hollywood Swinging" were all major pop singles. That version of the band didn't sound anything like the band that did "Ladies Night" or their '80s hits.

 
96.5 WTIC FM, Hartford, CT, rockaction's youth:

On disco lights
Your name will be seen
You can fulfill all your dreams
Party here, party there, everywhere
This is your night, baby
You've got to be there

This is your night tonight
Everything's going to be all right
This is your night tonight

 
timschochet said:
29. Kool & the Gang “Ladies Night” (from Ladies Night) 

Kool & the Gang had been making albums since 1970, but “Ladies Night” was their first hit and began an era in the early 80s in which they fairly dominated the charts. Irresistibly danceable, a kind of post-disco very smooth funk. The song has 8 writers credited, which is certainly the most for this list and might be the most ever for a pop hit of this magnitude. 
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The music for this borrows heavily from Parliament’s “Mothership Connection (Star Child)” and “Night of the Thumposaurus Peoples.”

 
28. The Clash “Lost in the Supermarket” (from London Calling) 

https://youtu.be/hZw23sWlyG0

Songwriting credit goes to Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, but I have the feeling this is Jones’ tune as it’s one of the handful he gets to sing on the album. This is an amazing song, a poem about alienation set to one of the band’s prettiest melodies. Timeless and beautiful lyrics. 

 
Ah yes, London Calling, one of the best albums of the 70s AND 80s. (Released Dec 79 in UK, Jan 80 in US).

 
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Just a warning: I’m being reported for something I wrote in the Trump thread. I don’t expect to be suspended but it’s possible. If it happens I’ll finish this list when I return. 

 
Leroy Hoard said:
I was gone for a month due to the same thing. Good luck.
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Was going to welcome you back, but I was gone for a month, too, so I wasn't sure if I was just mistaken or what.

Seems they have no quarrel with suspending anyone, typically worthy or not. Like I said in another thread, when the "YOU ARE ABOUT TO BE SUSPENDED" thread written by a mod is pinned, you know what that all is about with respect to posting in the forum.

It's a trap. 

 
Back to the countdown: spinning Lost In The Supermarket right now. Love that song. Reminds me of Renner in The Hurt Locker. 

 
rockaction said:
Was going to welcome you back, but I was gone for a month, too, so I wasn't sure if I was just mistaken or what.

Seems they have no quarrel with suspending anyone, typically worthy or not. Like I said in another thread, when the "YOU ARE ABOUT TO BE SUSPENDED" thread written by a mod is pinned, you know what that all is about with respect to posting in the forum.

It's a trap. 
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Thanks for the warning Admiral.

 
Oh what the hell. George Harrison’s top ten greatest songs: 

1. Something 

2. While My Guitar Gently Weeps 

3. My Sweet Lord 

4. Here Comes the Sun 

5. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) 

6. All Things Must Pass 

7. Blow Away 

8. Within You Without You 

9. Dark Horse 

10. What Is Life 

 
timschochet said:
Oh what the hell. George Harrison’s top ten greatest songs: 

1. Something 

2. While My Guitar Gently Weeps 

3. My Sweet Lord 

4. Here Comes the Sun 

5. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) 

6. All Things Must Pass 

7. Blow Away 

8. Within You Without You 

9. Dark Horse 

10. What Is Life 
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No If I Needed Someone?

 
timschochet said:
28. The Clash “Lost in the Supermarket” (from London Calling) 

https://youtu.be/hZw23sWlyG0

Songwriting credit goes to Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, but I have the feeling this is Jones’ tune as it’s one of the handful he gets to sing on the album. This is an amazing song, a poem about alienation set to one of the band’s prettiest melodies. Timeless and beautiful lyrics. 
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Somebody on these boards mentioned a podcast about The Clash. "Stay Free: The Story of The Clash". It is an 8 part series narrated by Chuck D of Public Enemy. It came out about a year ago and I would highly recommend it. There is some great inside information on it including something about this song. 

 
timschochet said:
Oh what the hell. George Harrison’s top ten greatest songs: 

1. Something 

2. While My Guitar Gently Weeps 

3. My Sweet Lord 

4. Here Comes the Sun 

5. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) 

6. All Things Must Pass 

7. Blow Away 

8. Within You Without You 

9. Dark Horse 

10. What Is Life 
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Incorrect.

 
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