Anxst

I've been thinking a lot about what rock and roll is, lately. The more I think about it, the more I realize that it's different for everyone, but it's hard to understand why certain things seem "rock & roll" to people.

So, I've decided to ask people for (up to) five songs that embody the spirit of rock and roll to them...and I've asked that they include WHY the songs are rock and roll.

I'm doing this to people in my private life. I'm doing it to people at school. I'm doing it here.

When I get info from lots of people, I'm going to write up some info on my findings, and put together an ultimate rock and roll playlist...as far as the people who responded are concerned, anyway. I'll include my writeup and the playlist here by January 2, 2011.

Remember that lots of things can have the rock and roll spirit. Hip hop and dance music can sometimes be plenty rock and roll.

Also, don't feel like I need paragraphs explaining why a song is rock and roll to you. A sentence or two can convey a lot of meaning.

I'll begin:

1. Sweet Jane - The Velvet Underground



It's not perfect. Lou Reed's voice isn't bad, the production isn't perfect, and no one cares, because the sheer joy and energy in the song makes the whole thing move along in a fabulous way. Every time I hear it, it makes me wish I could play guitar well enough to even attempt the song. Total rock and roll.

2. Bruce Springsteen - Thunder Road



It builds, and builds. A song of redemption, about freedom, and travel, and just running from it. The characters aren't perfect, and know they aren't, but they're good enough. The sax kicks in, and you know they're gonna make it.

3. King of Rock - Run D.M.C.



I remember the first time I heard this, my father (a huge 60's and 70's rock fan) was in the room, a scowl on his face. I heard some angry young men spooling out their thoughts over some kick ass guitar riffs. I can't even imagine what he heard. A melange of sounds that earns disapproval from parents and sparks interest in the rebellious young? Sounds like the spirit of rock and roll to me.

4. Radio Radio - Elvis Costello



It jumps, it's danceable, and it has one hell of a message (or did for the time...and listening to what's going on in radio land, still does). While restrained, you can still hear that Declan is just plain pissed at the big radio players.

5. Soul Singing - The Black Crowes



This song just makes me smile. Every single time I hear it, my step gets a little lighter. I really wanted to put a Crowes song on this list for me, as I feel they're one of the remaining 'old school' rock and roll bands who remain with us. I decided this was the song for them after a lot of listening, based on the pure joy the entire band pours into it.

So...what songs embody rock and roll to you? There's certainly more out there...I probably could list hundreds of songs, but I want to know what you think.

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Don't mind me. I'm just releasing the insanity pressure from my headvalves.

jewels

Quite difficult choosing just 5 to represent my choices. This would be a somewhat chronological list that might be somewhat typical of someone my age. I tend to think of anything after the 70s as rock, as opposed to rock'n roll, for some reason.

1. The Beatles. Absolutely a must on my list. My choice would have to be an early number that epitomizes early rock and roll. Apologies to Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Elvis and other pioneers.


2. The Rolling Stones. What more can I say?


3. The Who. Pure passion.


4. The Ramones. Classic punk.


5. Led Zeppelin. Classic. Fiercely thrilled this is part of my life's soundtrack.



This should be an interesting thread.

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We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain