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The Musician's 70's MixAug 01 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Twenty of the finest songs ever to be recorded, all of which happen to be from the seventies.
For those of you that are fans of Rock 'N Roll and listen to popular music spanning all the way back to the fifties when rockin' became popular (me), you can understand that what I am attempting to do is not an easy task at all. The 1970's produced the best heavier (synonym: no Beatles) rock 'n roll out of all the decades, and did so in abundance. So you can see that I am attempting to do is no easy task, my friends. To help me make my choices, I will only include one song from any album. This will keep the collection fresh, and will make sure not just one or two bands dominate it (Zeppelin, Pink Floyd)I will try though to make a fair and just list to accurately represent the 70's as they were: rockin'. 1. Reelin’ In The Years - Steely Dan I was always disappointed that Steely Dan could never top this classic rock song. Of course, they never really tried to, because they were more focused on jazzy, contemporary stuff, but hearing a song like this makes you think of the “what if’s”.What is Steely Dan focused more on rocking than on experimentation and jazz? Then there would be more “Reelin’ In The Years”. Any ways, this is a well-written rock tune with good guitars, bass, and drums. Steely Dan’s finest. 2. Sultans Of Swing - Dire Straits This is a bible for guitar players everywhere. Mark Knopfler plays brilliant guitar in this minor key track that features excellent drums and overall impression. From their self-titled freshman release, this song rocks and has some of the finest guitar work ever recorded. 3. Jessica - The Allman Brothers Band The Allman Brothers Band has brought us some of the most complex guitar songs ever, and this is a band that I really wish I could have used more in the collection. Damn me and my rules. Anyways, I chose this song because it is an excellent representation of what the band is all about. It’s an eight minute long instrumental track that has an unforgettable guitar hook. The guitarwork in this song is mindblowing between Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, and the keyboards and fine drumming don’t hurt either. 4. L.A. Woman - The Doors Can’t have a 70’s collection without it. Jim Morrison and the gang combine for a fantastic song with excellent keyboards, drums, and guitar. Also, it’s one of the best driving songs of all time. 5. Hotel California - The Eagles No doubt about it. The finest Eagles song which is a great display of what the Eagles were about: guitar. Something like six different guitars are used on this song, which include Joe Walsh and Don Felder’s dueling solo guitars at the end. Let’s not forget a great vocals job by Don Henley, who also does percussion in this song. 6. Stairway To Heaven - Led Zeppelin What did you expect? “Four Sticks”? What else is there to be said about this song. It’s both the best song of all time and contains the best solo of all time, courtesy of Jimmy Page. A must have. 7. Smoke On The Water - Deep Purple Probably the most recognizable power chord riff in the history of rock. It also features a great solo from Ritchie Blackmore, as well as strong vocals from Ian Gillian, who was the star of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” until he decided to cross over to the dark side and join Deep Purple. A classic song from a classic band. 8. Time - Pink Floyd A tough decision from the eternal Dark Side Of The Moon (“Money” was really close), but I stand by it. David Gilmour produces one of the most awe inspiring solos of all time here, but the song also has great chord progressions and vocals from Roger Waters. 9. Heart Of Gold - Neil Young His only single ever to reach #1, this song encompasses country, bluegrass, and rock to combine for a fantastic song. From Young’s critically acclaimed folk-country-rock album Harvest, this song also represents the album well. 10. Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd They return again with the title track from their follow up to Dark Side Of The Moon. It’s as good as it get when it comes to acoustic lead guitar, and is structured very well by the gang. An emotional song that really begs to be sung along with. 11. Over The Hills And Far Away - Led Zeppelin This was a very hard decision, because “The Rain Song” and “D’yer Mak’er” were both in close contention. OTHAFA is my favourite track of “Houses Of The Holy” though, and made the cut because it combines great acoustic guitar at the beginning as well as an electric rock section from middle to end. 12. Band On The Run - Wings Paul McCartney’s post-Beatle band Wings is responsible for this brilliant melodic piece of music. It’s multiple movements are really beautiful, and when that brass breaks out, you know it’s going to be good. The finest track by Wings, but “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “Admiral Hasley/Uncle Albert” are close. 13. Proud Mary - Credence Clearwater Revival The original and best version of this song (Tina Turner can kiss my @$$) is by John Fogerty and his crew of slack-jawed yokels. It is a well-written song, which was always CCR’s strength, but features some well done electric accompaniment by Fogerty. Runners-up include “Susie Q” and “Fortunate Son”. 14. Since We’ve Ended As Lovers - Jeff Beck An gorgeous instrumental by one of the finest guitarists ever. It’s a lovely taste of music that rocks as well as relaxes, and is a real display of what Jeff Beck is capable of as a guitarist. 15. Black Magic Woman - Santana This is a great song with the almighty axe of Santana supplying solos and rhythm. I forget who does the vocals, but who ever it is does a good job. Even if he didn’t, it doesn’t matter because Santana is playing guitar. That’s all that really matters. 16. Cinnamon Girl - Neil Young From another classic Young album, Everyone Knows This Is Nowhere, this is probably the best song Young ever wrote. If you listen to a lot of Young, then you’ll know that that is a huge complement to this song. ‘Nuff said. 17. Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd Some people hate this song because of the repetitiveness in the solo, but I just can’t understand that because it is a lovely track until the electric guitars explode six minutes in and jam for another four minutes. If you are one of those people that hate this song, just replace it with “Sweet Home Alabama”, which was a very close competitor. 18. Take It Easy - The Eagles An early Eagles track that has a great chord progression as well as good guitar and vocals. It was one of the first of many hits that the Eagles would have. 19. Eruption - Van Halen Even though it’s only a minute and a half long and only features Eddie Van Halen and an electric guitar, it’s bliss. Undeniably one of the most amazing guitar feats of all time, this song, which is more a display of ability, still amazes me. This song alone established Eddie Van Halen as one of the best guitarists of the seventies. 20. Won’t Get Fooled Again - The Who Jeez, didn’t see this one coming. A perfect song, if there ever was one, that finishes off the collection with a bang. And what a bang. Keith Moon’s drumming is at it’s best here, as well as the power chords of Pete Townshend, the bass of John Entwistle, and the soaring vocals of Roger Daltrey. The finest of the Who. Well, there it is. Of course, the 70’s cannot be completely be represented by only twenty songs . Personally, I think it’s a crime that more Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Wings, Who, Eagles.....hell, it’s a shame everyone couldn’t be included more. But anyways, I hope you enjoyed my selections from the seventies. Any comments/suggestions are welcome. Peace The Musician  |
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