any classic rock fans here?

[diezman]

Huge fan of the genre here! I love Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Blue Oyster Cult, Queen, Beatles, King Crimson, Rush, Yes, AC/DC plus countless others

Any other fans here?

[AKA]

Hell yes! Most music I listen to pre-dates me.

[Hollow]

i like queen and pink floyd

[sara]

I love Classic Rock. In fact I asked for a Rush CD for my birthday. I'm lucky in that there are 3 great classic rock stations around here and if one is't playing a good song chances another one will be.

[RustyShackleford]

I love classic rock, it is all i listen to, my cd collection is like 80% classic rock and it is the best genre of music in my opnion , and whats weird is im 17 years old and like all this music that is past my time, lol, some of my favorites Led Zeppelin, Boston, Van Halen, Steve Miller Band, Poison and John Cougar Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen to name a few, Classic Rock is the best!

[diezman]

Originally posted by AKA
Hell yes! Most music I listen to pre-dates me.

I wish I could say that it predates me too but I can't. I guess I'm the oldster here:lol:

[diezman]

Originally posted by safety pin
i like queen and pink floyd

I love Queen and Pink Floyd too! You have great taste safety pin!

I see you're a Metallica fan too! I've been a fan of them for quite a while

[diezman]

Originally posted by sara
I love Classic Rock. In fact I asked for a Rush CD for my birthday. I'm lucky in that there are 3 great classic rock stations around here and if one is't playing a good song chances another one will be.

Cool! Enjoy the Rush CD sara! Great music:wave: You're lucky to have 3 classic rock stations where you are. We only have one here and they play the same songs over and over:mad:

[diezman]

Originally posted by RustyShackleford
I love classic rock, it is all i listen to, my cd collection is like 80% classic rock and it is the best genre of music in my opnion , and whats weird is im 17 years old and like all this music that is past my time, lol, some of my favorites Led Zeppelin, Boston, Van Halen, Steve Miller Band, Poison and John Cougar Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen to name a few, Classic Rock is the best!

I did a classic rock show on radio last year. Most of the people who called in requests were around your age. It's really cool to see a whole different generation enjoying classic rock. Rock on Rusty and enjoy the music:)

[TJL]

Heck yes, I have always been a classic rock fan. Sadly, the classic rock stations in the NYC are have gone the way of the dodo over the years, now we only have one (Q103).

All the biggies are in my tape collection.

Zeppelin, Who, Tull, Doors, The Floyd, Clapton..

I'm a busy man, I have no time to list full names.

;)

[Steve M.]

Originally posted by TJL
Heck yes, I have always been a classic rock fan. Sadly, the classic rock stations in the NYC are have gone the way of the dodo over the years, now we only have one (Q103).

All the biggies are in my tape collection.

;)


TJL - Do yourself a favor and tune into WFUV at 90.7 FM; they play rock that is classic, and rock that should be. Also, try WDHA in northern New Jersey at 105.5 FM!

New York City is really a disco/hip-hop town now. It hasn't been much of a rock town since the late seventies. :(

[TJL]

Originally posted by Steve M.

New York City is really a disco/hip-hop town now. It hasn't been much of a rock town since the late seventies. :(

It was a sad day when WNEW changed formats.

:(

[Hollow]

Originally posted by diezman
I love Queen and Pink Floyd too! You have great taste safety pin!

I see you're a Metallica fan too! I've been a fan of them for quite a while
:D

[phoebe7165]

Oh God, yes!!! Led Zep, Rush, Yes, Aerosmith, Queen, Beatles, etc. The only complaint I have with classic rock stations is that these bands have so many great songs yet what do I hear all the time?

Led Zep--Black Dog, Rock & Roll
Queen--We Will Rock You/We are the Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen
Yes--Owner of a Lonely Heart
Rush--Tom Sawyer
Aerosmith--Walk this Way, Sweet Emotion

Don't get me wrong, all these songs are really good songs, that's the reason why they're classic, but come on, how about The Rain Song, Bicycle Race, Changes, Red Barchetta, & Hangman's Jury? I guess that's what CD's & audiotapes are for!!

[diezman]

Originally posted by phoebe7165


Don't get me wrong, all these songs are really good songs, that's the reason why they're classic, but come on, how about The Rain Song, Bicycle Race, Changes, Red Barchetta, & Hangman's Jury? I guess that's what CD's & audiotapes are for!!

Yes its very unfortunate that many great songs never get the exposure they deserve. Led Zeppelin certainly put out more songs than the 5 or 6 that are played on most AOR stations:(

[TJL]

Originally posted by diezman
Yes its very unfortunate that many great songs never get the exposure they deserve. Led Zeppelin certainly put out more songs than the 5 or 6 that are played on most AOR stations:(

That is so true. It seems every time I turn on the only remaining NYC classic rock station, they're playing the same classic rock staples.

And I'm sorry, I can't listen to "Sweet Home Alabama" anymore!

;)

[jamier42]

I like Classic Rock, The Beatles and Queen.

[britt britt]

Classic Rock is the best. I love all the bands everyone mentioned.
unfortunately none of my friends listen to the music I like.

[Dean Winchester]

I like some classic rock, but I cannot stomach classic rock radio stations because they seem to only own the following cd's:

Hotel California and Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 - The Eagles
Skynyrd's Innyrds - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Greatest Hits - Bob Seger
Led Zeppelin IV and Led Zeppelin II - Led Zeppelin
Dark Side Of The Moon and The Wall - Pink Floyd
Some Girls and Hot Rocks - The Rolling Stones
Back In Black - AC/DC
Van Halen - Van Halen
Greatest Hits 1974-1978 - Steve Miller Band
News Of The World - Queen
Greatest Hits and Big Ones - Aerosmith
The Spirit Of Radio - Rush

where the hell is all the classic rock songs that AREN'T on those albums on the radio? Why do they play the same predictable songs? many of those Greatest Hits albums are LOADED with songs, so why is it always Freebird and Sweet Home Alabama for Lynyrd Skynyrd (I hate these guys, but they are still classic rock), and some of the other big artists only get represented with 1 or 2 songs. The only Beatles you'll hear is Come Together, the only Who you'll hear is Who Are You, etc...

Considering the classic rock era seems to span 1964-1989 (I've heard stuff from Appetite For Destruction and Skid Row's debut on classic rock before).... with ALL the classic rock songs and albums from that era to mine, why do they only play the same old songs?

[Penny Lane]

You are talking about my past life here! I love ;
The Beatles
The Doors
The Doobie Brothers
Wings
CCR
The Guess Who
Three Dog Night
Tom Petty
BB King
Eric Clapton
and on and on........................:D

[sara]

My favorite radio station 101.3 The Fox has 3 for Thursdays when they play 3 song sets from bands all day long so they do throw in some less played songs. Also they have FoxFest a free all-day outdoors concert with lots of bands. I've never been to one and this year it's on Father's Day, so I'll have to wait for next year.:(

[diezman]

Originally posted by TJL


And I'm sorry, I can't listen to "Sweet Home Alabama" anymore!

;)

Neither can I! Definately one of the most overplayed songs on any classic rock station along with Old Time Rock n Roll

[Steve M.]

Originally posted by BuffySlayer79
Considering the classic rock era seems to span 1964-1989 (I've heard stuff from Appetite For Destruction and Skid Row's debut on classic rock before).... with ALL the classic rock songs and albums from that era to mine, why do they only play the same old songs?

The classic rock era should include the fifties. Don't tell me Elvis and Chuck Berry aren't classic and don't rock! :D

[dr frasier crane]

I love Classic Rock. We have two classic rock stations where I live and that's all I listen to in my car usually. My favorite classic rock artists would be people like the Stones, the Who, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Foreigner, Queen, the Eagles, Aerosmith, Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC, the Scorpions, Def Leppard, Peter Frampton. Oh God, countless others. I could name them all, but it would take hours.:)

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

Oh yes. Most of my favorite rock is classic. It's a lot better than most of today's...

[catlover79]

Oh yes - Beatles, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Heart, Rolling Stones, Peter Frampton, Foreigner, Zep, Queen...I could go on and on. In Cleveland I love to listen to Classic Rock WNCX 98.5. Every hour they do a "Beatles Double Shot" - back-to-back Beatles hits. :cool:

[Shine]

I love classic rock. I love the music that was popular when I was young like Def Leppard, Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, Nirvana and Alice In Chains. Over the last five years I've gotten heavely into country music and lately into stuff like Frank Sinatra and even classical. However, it is still classic rock that I most love. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Sprngsteen, the Bee Gees, Van Halen, Genesis, The Doors, Aerosmith...the list goes on and on.

[sunshinefizzy]

I adore it. When I'm at work or in the car, I turn it to tk105, number one for classic rock in the Syracuse, NY area. I love Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Zepplin, AC/DC, the Who, Skynard, etc.

Hmmm... I think I'll go listen to Under my Thumb now!!!

[Schmoopie]

I'm more into jazz these days, but I love Rush! I saw them twice in concert when I lived in Dallas.

I also like Three Dog Night and the Doobie Brothers, Tom Petty and Foreigner.

Andrea

[Steve M.]

I like some classic rock, but I cannot stomach classic rock radio stations because they seem to only own the following cd's:


The Spirit Of Radio - Rush



Permanent Waves.

The album featuring "The Spirit of Radio" is called Permanent Waves.

As they say in Rush's native Canada, take off, hoser! :p

[Steve M.]

That is so true. It seems every time I turn on the only remaining NYC classic rock station, they're playing the same classic rock staples.

And I'm sorry, I can't listen to "Sweet Home Alabama" anymore!

;)


WRXP-FM in NEw York (101.9 FM) has a different approach. Check it out.

[Shine]

I'm more into jazz these days, but I love Rush! I saw them twice in concert when I lived in Dallas.

I also like Three Dog Night and the Doobie Brothers, Tom Petty and Foreigner.

Andrea

Rush are amazing in concert. I've seen them live 7 times and each show was amazing. :)

[catlover79]

Check out this fun article - http://www.westword.com/1994-12-07/music/stairway-to-hell/

STAIRWAY TO HELL
OUR LIST OF THE MOST OVERPLAYED CLASSIC-ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME.
Michael Roberts
Published on December 07, 1994
Woodstock isn't the only musical entity celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It's also been a quarter of a century since FM-rock radio came of age as a major commercial force--and broadcasters playing variations on this programming style continue to draw big ratings in virtually every city in the country. But what began as an exciting and liberating form of entertainment has evolved into the most predictable format on the airwaves: classic rock. The redundancy of most classic-rock playlists makes the sound of a leaky faucet seem fresh by comparison.


In an effort to determine just how repetitious are classic-rock outlets, Westword surveyed a handful of radio listeners in several metropolitan areas: Denver, Los Angeles, Omaha, Kansas City, Cleveland, Chicago and New York City. In the process, we discovered a few quirks specific to certain areas. For instance, New Yorkers are virtually alone in having Billy Joel shoved down their throats, while Denverites hear a startlingly high volume of Stevie Ray Vaughan, an artist virtually ignored during his lifetime but now being played, um, to death.

Overall, however, classic-rock stations from coast to coast keep spinning the same songs by the same performers until you're ready to find a broomstick and go looking for Jeffrey Dahmer. Moreover, the cuts of choice often have certain characteristics in common. Many of them are pretentious--alleged epics with shifting themes and passages. Many of them make drug references, the better to appeal to former users who'd be using still if not for their employers' fondness for random urine tests. And most of them are long. Our theory? Many classic-rock DJs are incontinent, playing lengthy tracks so they can spend extended periods on the toilet. Better than Depends, dude.

What follows is our correspondents' list of the most overplayed classic-rock songs: four songs apiece by the 25 acts that dominate the stations, as well as the top ten overplayed songs by performers whose other work gets aired less frequently (see sidebar, page 82). These ditties constitute the bulk of many classic-rock stations' libraries: If a law were passed making it illegal to play them, the format would be brought to its knees.

Say, that's not a bad idea.

25. JIMI HENDRIX. The only African-American who made the classic-rock grade--and he barely did so. Obviously, the white people who make up the vast majority of classic rock's listenership know what they want to hear: more white people.

Runners-up. 3. "Fire" (1967): Trust us, this was once hot stuff. 2. "Foxey Lady" (1967): In the Sixties, women thought being called this was a compliment. Say it now, mister, and get a knee to the groin. 1. "Crosstown Traffic" (1968): Often used prior to traffic updates. Clever, eh?

The Winner. "Purple Haze" (1967): The most popular dope-tinged tune by a musician who overdosed on smack and died after choking on his own vomit. Make mine a Coca-Cola, barkeep.

24. DEEP PURPLE. Yeah, we were as shocked as you are that these dinosaurs lumbered onto the list. Proof that Dazed and Confused was a documentary.

Runners-up. 3. "Hush" (1968): Too bad Ritchie Blackmore didn't take this song's advice. 2. "Highway Star" (1972): Also used prior to traffic updates. A brilliant idea! 1. "Woman From Tokyo" (1973): The closest thing to Asian music in classic rock.

The Winner. "Smoke on the Water" (1972): Its riff may be the dumbest of all time. To guitar what "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater" is to the piano.

23. THE POLICE. A downright contemporary act, by classic-rock standards. Which is to say, it's only been defunct for around a decade.

Runners-up. 3. "Message in a Bottle" (1979): We wish this message was only in a bottle. 2. "Can't Stand Losing You" (1978): The rare Police song that exhibits a sense of humor. No wonder it wasn't a hit. 1. "Synchronicity II" (1983): Popular with classic rockers because it sounds a lot like Yes.

The Winner. "Roxanne" (1978): When this was released, a Rolling Stone reviewer wrote that it sounded like Santana without a lead guitarist. Still does.

22. THE BEATLES. Once a staple of classic-rock stations, the Fab Four have faded of late. Meaning that plenty of music by worse bands is being played more than theirs.

Runners-up. 3. "Come Together" (1969): Considered cool because Aerosmith covered it. 2. "Golden Slumbers" (1969): The concluding passage of Abbey Road; classic rockers like it because it has a drum solo in it. 1. "Birthday" (1968): Played whenever anybody has a--well, you know.

The Winner: "Hey Jude" (1968): One of the few Beatles songs long enough to allow DJs to get a good bowel movement going.

21. CREAM. The Eric Clapton-led trio was known for its endless jams, but today its in-concert offerings are even too snore-inducing for classic rock. Stop the presses.

Runners-up. 3. "Badge" (1969): As brief as any classic-rock regular. That's why it's not played as often as... 2. "White Room" (1968): Trippy and drony, but not what you'd call colorful. 1. "Born Under a Bad Sign" (1968): Yeah--this one.

The Winner. "Sunshine of Your Love" (1968): It's about acid, right? Oh, sorry, we were flashing back.

20. U2. By far the list's youngest band. If you had any doubt that Bono and friends are pompous dolts, check out how well they fit in here.

Runners-up. 3. "I Will Follow" (1980): When they were pompous younger dolts. 2. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" (1983): Not bloody enough. 1. "Pride (In the Name of Love)" (1984): This ode to Martin Luther King Jr. would be out of place on a classic-rock station if it weren't for the fact that four white blokes sing it.


The Winner. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (1987): Whining raised to an art form. You can stop looking now.

19. THE GRATEFUL DEAD. They're paunchy, they're tottering and they're using fewer narcotics than they did during their prime. Sounds like the classic-rock listener profile to us.

Runners-up. 3. "Uncle John's Band" (1970): The Dead try to harmonize. Scary. 2. "Casey Jones" (1970): Another salute to dope. Let Casey drive you to the Betty Ford Clinic. 1. "Touch of Grey" (1987): Their biggest hit--until they release "Touch of Formaldehyde," that is.

The Winner. "Truckin'" (1970): Jerry and crew don't play this one in concert much anymore. DJs, take the hint.

18. THE ROLLING STONES. The Stones have cranked out so many great tracks that it's difficult to choose among them. So classic-rock programmers don't. They choose only these.

Runners-up. 3. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" (1969): But sometimes you get a little extra time in the lavatory. 2. "Gimme Shelter" (1969): Gimme a magazine. This could take a while. 1. "It's Only Rock `N Roll (But I Like It)" (1974): Better than Billy Joel's "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," but only just.

The Winner. "Sympathy for the Devil" (1968): Also known as "The Newt Gingrich Story."

17. YES. The folks who love this band really, really love it. The only things they love more are their pocket protectors.

Runners-up. 3. "I've Seen All Good People" (1971): Who they define as "folks with pocket protectors." 2. "Close to the Edge" (1972): This one is so long you can cross several New England states befores it's over. 1. "Owner of a Lonely Heart" (1983): The song that brought them into the Eighties. They've since slipped back a decade or two.

The Winner. "Roundabout" (1972): The symbol of Yes's quasi-classical snootiness. Artists or swillmeisters--you be the judge.

16. CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH. How's the ol' liver, Dave?
Runners-up. 3. "Teach Your Children" (with Neil Young, 1970): Here's one class they'll want to ditch. 2. "Our House" (with Neil Young, 1970): Squint just right and David Crosby looks exactly like Wilford Brimley. 1. "Marrakesh Express" (1969): The threesome's first smash. Couldn't they have stopped at one?

The Winner. "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" (1969): Written for Judy Collins, who, one hopes, was appalled by it.

15. BOSTON. Guitar nerd Tom Scholz has made one beloved recording and a slew of imitations of that one beloved recording. Guess which one gets played.

Runners-up. 3. "Peace of Mind" (1976): Off the first album. 2. "Foreplay/Long Time" (1976): Also off the first album. 1. "Let Me Take You Home Tonight" (1976): Which album? Duh.

The Winner. "More Than a Feeling" (1976): Yessir, the first album. It's more than a feeling, all right--it's nausea.

14. THE DOOBIE BROTHERS. With a name like theirs, they can rev up nostalgic potheads--the kind you see at Radio Shack looking wistfully at the alligator clips.

Runners-up. 3. "Black Water" (1975): The closest thing to bluegrass music in classic rock. 2. "Listen to the Music" (1972): Do so at your own risk. 1. "Long Train Runnin'" (1973): The perfect tune for any woman on a date with a motorcycle gang.

The Winner. "China Grove" (1973): It's about heroin, right? Oh, sorry, we were flashing back.

13. STEVE MILLER BAND. Love him or hate him, you've got to admit that Miller created a rash of hits. Hear them too often, though, and you'll wish that rash had been jock itch.

Runners-up. 3. "Rock'n Me" (1976): Sounds almost as good in its Muzak version. 2. "Take the Money and Run" (1976): An extremely subversive concept--a story song that really doesn't tell a story. 1. "The Joker" (1973): Gives cigarettes ("I'm a smoker") and marijuana ("I'm a toker") equal time. How egalitarian.

The Winner. "Fly Like an Eagle" (1976): Featuring a synthesized intro sure to hit home with you Emerson, Lake and Palmer diehards.

12. BOB SEGER. He says he likes that old time rock and roll. Talk about truth in advertising.

Runners-up. 3. "Like a Rock" (1986): A big favorite with anyone who's been suckered into buying a Chevy. 2. "Against the Wind" (1980): A tornado would be more entertaining. 1. "Night Moves" (1977): Makes losing your virginity seem totally dull. Don't believe it, kids.

The Winner. "Turn the Page" (Live version, 1976): A wealthy rock star whimpers about life on the road. Turn the stomach.

11. THE ALLMAN BROTHERS. The outfit that spawned the rise of Southern rock and inspired the neo-hippie movement. For these accomplishments, they deserve something special--like death by hanging.

Runners-up. 3. "Statesboro Blues" (1971): The dueling guitars. The barked vocals. The loosely structured arrangements. The horror. 2. "Mountain Jam" (1972): If you pass out during this live take, be reassured: It'll still be going when you come to. 1. "Whipping Post" (1971): Like being sentenced to thirty lashes.

The Winner. "Ramblin' Man" (1973): Dickey Betts at his peak. Which ain't saying a whole lot.

10. THE WHO. An act with loads of terrific songs. But only a chosen few meet classic-rock jocks' stringent standards.

Runners-up. 3. "I Can See for Miles" (1967): When Pete Townshend was just learning how to be long-winded. 2. "Behind Blue Eyes" (1971): Getting there--but still not as drawn out as... 1. "Baba O'Riley" (1971): Here we go! Pass the Charmin!


The Winner. "Won't Get Fooled Again" (1971): Yes, you will. Over and over again.

9. JETHRO TULL. When these codgers won a Grammy as best heavy-metal band a few years back, you could hear the laughter from sea to shining sea. Supporters find Ian Anderson's panting through his flute "ballsy."

Runners-up. 3. "Bungle in the Jungle" (1974): Enough to make you hungry for some endangered species. 2. "Locomotive Breath" (1971): We've got smokestack envy. 1. "Living in the Past" (1972): The classic-rock mantra.

The Winner. "Aqualung" (1971): It's sodden, drawn out, bombastic and doesn't make a lick of sense. In other words, a classic-rock landmark.

8. THE EAGLES. The reunion by these millionaires has prompted classic-rock music directors to pump them even harder than before. Damn the luck.

Runners-up. 3. "One of These Nights" (1975): Nearly twenty years later, proof that this song isn't like fine wine. 2. "Life in the Fast Lane" (1977): Another traffic-update soundtrack. Innovative! 1. "Take It Easy" (1972): The closest thing to country music in classic rock.

The Winner. "Hotel California" (1977): When we first heard Don Henley singing the line, "You can never leave," we thought he was joking. The truth is a bitter thing.

7. AEROSMITH. At least they rock harder than other musicians who can qualify for the senior discount at Denny's.

Runners-up. 3. "Back in the Saddle" (1977): Gene Autry's still pissed about this one. 2. "Walk This Way" (1976): Of course it's not the rap remake with Run DMC. Thanks to Jimi Hendrix, classic-rock stations already have one African-American's music in their archives--and apparently they feel that's enough. 1. "Sweet Emotion" (1975): It would sound sweeter if it weren't played so frigging often.

The Winner. "Dream On" (1973): A nightmare's more like it.

6. BAD COMPANY. Even if Paul Rodgers rejoined this band, it wouldn't draw flies. But for some unexplainable reason, it keeps drawing airplay.

Runners-up. 3. "Bad Company" (1974): That they are. 2. "Feel Like Makin' Love" (1975): Not after hearing this neanderthalic clunker, you won't. 1. "Rock `N' Roll Fantasy" (1979): It'll have you fantasizing, all right--about switching to talk radio.

The Winner. "Shooting Star" (1975): The tale of a rock star who rises to fame, then overdoses and dies. Likely to have you wishing it were autobiographical.

5. ERIC CLAPTON. With his comeback still in full swing, Clapton's a regular on many different brands of rock station. So you can get sick of him all over the dial.

Runners-up. 3. "Cocaine" (1980): Do onetime indulgers realize this isn't a pro-drug song? Snort! 2. "After Midnight" (1970): Used as a beer commercial while Eric was a chronic substance abuser. Close your eyes and touch your nose. 1. "Layla (Acoustic Version)" (1992): How do classic-rock stations pretend to play something new? They broadcast a wimpy remake of something old.

The Winner. "Layla" (with Derek and the Dominos, 1972): The most impressive thing Clapton ever wrote--or probably ever will. And by now, hearing it (or its unplugged twin) is like Chinese water torture.

4. LYNYRD SKYNYRD. Redneck wisdom dispensed against the backdrop of three guitars spewing empty musical cliches. Pass the Boone's Farm, Bubba!

Runners-up. 3. "Saturday Night Special" (1975): Most of the NRA-boosting yahoos who love this are too dense to realize it's an anti-handgun song. 2. "Tuesday's Gone" (1973): Actually, Tuesdays are shorter than this song. 1. "Sweet Home Alabama" (1974): A single that makes Hank Williams Jr.'s odes to the South seem cerebral by comparison.

The Winner. "Free Bird" (1974): At almost any concert, you can hear pranksters shouting requests for this endless exercise in puerility. Classic-rock programmers obviously don't get the joke.

3. PINK FLOYD. Now we're coming to the big boys. This band is faceless. Dour. Self-important. And a maker of songs protracted enough to allow jocks to eliminate every speck of human waste from their systems before returning to the studio.

Runners-up. 3. "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" (1975): A tribute to a drug casualty. Presented in a casually druggy way. 2. "Great Gig in the Sky" (1973): Soulfulness has never sounded so soulless. 1. "Comfortably Numb" (1979): What do you know! More drug references! In an anti-drug song that sounds great on headphones when you're on drugs!

The Winner. "Money" (1973): Which, thanks to classic-rock stations, they're still raking in.

2. THE DOORS. In the pantheon of classic-rock blowhards, the Doors are kings. The act that laid the groundwork for a thousand interminable organ solos.

Runners-up. 3. "Hello, I Love You" (1968): Another pick-up line whose time has passed. 2. "Light My Fire" (1967): Come on, baby, change the channel. 1. "L.A. Woman" (1971): More effective than Proposition 187 at making people hate California.

The Winner. "Riders on the Storm" (1971): Played whenever the weather turns foul. No rain! No rain! No rain!

And the champion is...

1. LED ZEPPELIN. It's no surprise that Zep rules classic rock (you already knew that, didn't you?). But the shock is the margin of victory. This group is played more often than any other in each of our surveyed cities. Listen to a classic-rock station for an hour and you're apt to hear at least one Led Zeppelin song. And it will probably be one of these.

Runners-up. 3. "Whole Lotta Love" (1969): Mr. Plant wants to give you every inch of his love. But beware--some of it may be padding. 2. "Immigrant Song" (1970): Not exactly the band at its peak. But that hardly matters to this crowd. 1. "Kashmir" (1975): Thanks to the new Robert Plant-Jimmy Page MTV cash-in platter, this is also available in a handy Moroccan mix that simulates freshness.


The Winner. "Stairway to Heaven" (1971): The most overrequested song in rock history long ago established the classic-rock prototype: It features a quiet introduction, flighty, mock-poetic lyrics (excuse us, but what was in the hedgerow?), a buildup to an electric guitar frenzy, several chest-thumping rock moments and a hushed conclusion meant to convey depth and timelessness. And, as an added bonus, it's either unintentionally funny or boring as sin, depending on your point of view. That's classic rock at its best.

Have we missed anything? Are there overplayed classic-rock songs that have somehow escaped our notice? Let us know by sending your suggestions to Westword, c/o Michael Roberts, P.O. Box 5970, Denver, CO 80217, or faxing them to us at 296-5416. (No phone calls, please, or our receptionist will kill us.) It's easy, it's fun, and it will make you feel better the next time you hear "Smoke on the Water." Or maybe not.


THE HITS KEEP ON COMING (sidebar)
Although it might seem to be otherwise, classic-rock stations actually do broadcast songs by artists other than those included in our primary list. But not many. Outfits that haven't risen into the golden circle are generally restricted to one song that--can you believe it?--is played incessantly. According to our correspondents, these are the ten they hear most of all.

10. "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys," by Traffic (1971). Meandering jamming and a slew of passages stitched together into a sprawling musical quilt. Traffic's recent reunion prompted a massive yawn from concert-ticket buyers, but DJs still hold it dear. Especially when they're in the mood for a nap.

9. "Takin' Care of Business," by Bachman Turner Overdrive (1974). Yet another track first heard by young people in TV commercials. Rock rebellion has never been so salable.

8. "Dust in the Wind," by Kansas (1978). "Carry On My Wayward Son" may be more excessive (a plus for classic rockers), but this appalling piece of treacle still gets aging glue-sniffers misty. Then again, a trip to the hobby shop could probably do the same.

7. "Green Grass and High Tides," by the Outlaws (1975). It sounds a little like Lynyrd Skynyrd, a little like the Allman Brothers and a little like the Eagles, and it's about as long as the average NFL game. That's how classic-rock DJs spell love.

6. "Piece of My Heart," by Janis Joplin (1971). You may not have noticed, but this is the first and only female artist who made a mark in our poll--and among the also-rans, only Heart and Stevie Nicks were even mentioned by our respondents. Is classic rock sexist? Well, is Jesse Helms senile?

5. "Radar Love," by Golden Earring (1974). A quartet from the Netherlands that had two hits (the other one was 1983's "Twilight Zone") and then disappeared from the face of the earth. Who knew at the time that the lyric "The radio plays that forgotten song" would someday seem like a reference to "Radar Love"?

4. "Frankenstein," by the Edgar Winter Group (1973). Among the most popular (and dippiest) rock instrumentals ever made. We'd take "Walk, Don't Run" over it any day.

3. "Slow Ride," by Foghat (1976). Brainless grinder seemingly made for guitarists to throw their long hair to. Maybe that's why Henry Rollins hasn't covered it.

2. "Money for Nothing," by Dire Straits (1985). Upon its arrival, this MTV smash was ballyhooed as social commentary worthy of Randy Newman. In actuality, it's a turgid, one-joke endurance test featuring a guest appearance by Sting. Money for nothing, indeed.

1. "All Right Now," by Free (1970). An underdog victor, the track sounds like Bad Company, because vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke were in both that band and Free. These acts share in common a catchy approach to meat-and-potatoes rock that becomes downright annoying with repeated listens. Like the kind you're subjected to every day on classic-rock radio.

And the follow-up...http://www.westword.com/1995-01-25/music/you-asked-for-it/

YOU ASKED FOR IT
OUR READERS REVEAL THE OTHER OVERPLAYED CLASSIC-ROCK SONGS.ONCE MORE WITH FEELING
Michael Roberts
Published on January 25, 1995
The people have spoken.
At the conclusion of our recent list of pop history's most overplayed classic-rock songs ("Stairway to Hell," December 7), we invited you, our readers, to point out any tunes we might have overlooked. The response was voluminous. Either we struck a chord, or we did such a poor job that you felt someone had to fill in the gaps.


Hence, here's your roster of the ten overplayed acts we didn't mention last time around, as well as the top ten numbers by performers whose other work gets aired less frequently (see sidebar, page 64). And for those correspondents who suggested that overplayed rock oldies, classic new-wave hits and cuts that fall into several other musical classifications also deserve to be noted, here's an admission: You're right. Don't be surprised if they make an appearance in these pages sometime in the future.

10. ASIA. Oh, my God! It's perhaps the most mediocre supergroup of all time! This collective of veteran art-rockers--Yes's Steve Howe and Geoff Downes, Emerson, Lake and Palmer's Carl Palmer, and John Wetton, formerly of King Crimson and (yikes!) Uriah Heep--made music that was about as artful as a Jim Varney film. Worse, they're still getting airplay.

Runners-up. 3. "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes" (1983): The listeners have left the room. 2. "Only Time Will Tell" (1982): Time's up. 1. "Don't Cry" (1983): All right, but only if you stop spinning this song.

The Winner. "Heat of the Moment" (1982): Untruth in advertising: It's not hot, and it lasts a lot longer than a moment.

9. TOTO. A group of L.A. session men with absolutely nothing to say get together, and millions of masochists make them stars. Little-known fact: Toto keyboardist David Paich won an Emmy for co-writing the theme to the Raymond Burr series Ironside. Which kicked the asses of the rest of these disgusting ditties.

Runners-up. 3. "I Won't Hold You Back" (1983): You already have. 2. "Africa" (1982): Single-handedly pushed back the cause of improved relations with nations on the African continent by about a thousand years. 1. "Rosanna" (1982): Single-handedly pushed back the career of Rosanna Arquette (the composition's inspiration) by about a thousand years.

The Winner. "Hold the Line" (1978): The first, and worst, Toto hit. It's way over the line.

8. JEFFERSON AIRPLANE/STARSHIP. This San Francisco outfit was one of the brightest new entries during the original Summer of Love. With each passing day (and each successive name change), however, it became less interesting. In another decade or so, it may finally disappear.

Runners-up. 3. "Somebody to Love" (1967): Judging by the miles on Grace Slick today, she found plenty of somebodies to love. 2. "Miracles" (1975): After this song, we stopped believing in them. 1. "Jane" (1979): She's feelin' no pain--but listeners are.

The Winner. "We Built This City" (1985): Easily the band's worst hit.

7. FOREIGNER. These guys may not have much of a career right now, but they've left eons worth of fake rock and genuine treacle in their wake.

Runners-up. 3. "I Want to Know What Love Is" (1984): Love is never having to be subjected to this again. 2. "Hot Blooded" (1978): You can never find a leech when you need one. 1. "Cold as Ice" (1977): Hot-blooded or cold as ice? Make up your minds.

The Winner. "Feels Like the First Time" (1977): If this song really was anything like "the first time," most of us would still be keeping a vow of celibacy.

6. DAVID BOWIE. The Thin White Duke is a crossover hero; he gets overplayed on modern-rock radio, too. Fortunately, he has enough personalities to go around.

Runners-up. 3. "Young Americans" (1975): Among the hipper tracks here. As such, it's a surprise it gets aired at all. 2. "Golden Years" (1976): This is as funky as classic rock gets--meaning that James Brown has nothing to worry about. 1. "Fame" (1975): Yeah, being rich and famous is rough. Those of us who are unknown and impoverished definitely sympathize.

The Winner. "Space Oddity" (1973): The story of Major Tom lost in space. Too bad he didn't take this creaky epic with him.

5. ELTON JOHN. Laugh if you'd like, but Elton was one of the more tolerable idols who emerged during the Seventies. Of course, that doesn't make The Lion King sound any better.

Runners-up. 3. "Rocket Man" (1972): Bowie's inspiration for "Space Oddity"? Only his hairdresser knows for sure. 2. "Crocodile Rock" (1972): Our readers think this has a lot in common with its namesake--it bites. 1. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (1973): Billy Joel likes this John song more than any other. Figures.

The Winner. "Funeral for a Friend (Love Lies Bleeding)" (1973): It's endless. It's pretentious. It's got several "movements." At times it sounds like Rick Wakeman. Friends, that is classic rock.

4. JOURNEY. Beavis and Butt-head's most hated group. For cartoon morons, they're pretty damn insightful.

Runners-up. 3. "Who's Crying Now" (1981): Anyone who ever heard this frigging thing. 2. "Any Way You Want It" (1980): We want it spindled, mutilated and destroyed. 1. "Don't Stop Believin'" (1981): Okay--but can we stop listening?

The Winner. "Open Arms" (1982): If you doubt that lead singer Steve Perry is the spawn of the devil, check this one out.

3. STEELY DAN. Critics tend to like the work of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, which Frank Zappa dubbed "downer surrealism." But our letter writers have had more than enough.


Runners-up. 3. "Hey Nineteen" (1980): Beloved by middle-aged men who get horny watching The Breakfast Club. 2. "Aja" (1977): Recorded during the period when the boys began to get too enamored of overslick jazz. 1. "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" (1974): Rikki may have lost the number by now, but classic-rock DJs will never misplace it.

The Winner. "Do It Again" (1972): On second thought, don't.

2. ZZ TOP. Man, were you shocked this threesome didn't rate a mention in our first article. Here in Denver, the Topsters' Texas boogie is as omnipresent as John Elway car dealerships.

Runners-up. 3. "Arrested for Driving While Blind" (1976): Gets big laughs from people serving time for vehicular homicide. 2. "Gimme All Your Lovin" (1983): Retooled for the MTV generation. Dig that dorky synthesizer. 1. "Legs" (1984): They couldn't mention their other favorite body parts on the radio.

The Winner. "Tush" (1975): When male chauvinists sexually harass women, this is the song going through their heads.

1. THE MOODY BLUES. The band that put the term "symphonic rock and roll" into the musical lexicon has a lot to answer for. So let's get started, shall we?

Runners-up. 3. "The Story in Your Eyes" (1971): A sad, sad story. 2. "Tuesday Afternoon (Forever Afternoon)" (1968): Jocks love putting this on during (surprise) Tuesday afternoons. Appropriate! 1. "I'm Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)" (1973): Debatable.

The Winner. "Nights in White Satin" (1968). Our biggest oversight. This turgid slab of yuck could be about anything from cocaine to the Ku Klux Klan--we can't bear to analyze its mock-poetic lyrics long enough to know for certain. But this we're sure of: We can't wait until these "Nights" are over.


Our previous rankings of one-shots by acts that didn't make the main list of classic-rock overachievers featured a slew of deserving victors, including Bachman Turner Overdrive, Kansas, Golden Earring and Foghat. The names added by readers are just as hallowed--and generally as horrifying:

10. "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," by Pat Benatar (1980). A darling of despicable spouse-abusers everywhere, "Hit Me" is sung by the only female artist to make the grade--echoing the overwhelmingly male tenor of our initial piece. You can bet that somewhere, Stevie Nicks is pissed.

9. "Hocus Pocus," by Focus (1973). Admit it: The first time you heard this ridiculously drawn out novelty song from Dutch progressive rockers Jon Akkerman and Thijs Van Leer, you knew they'd never have another American chart success. And you were right.

8. "Come and Get It," by Badfinger (1970). Penned by Paul McCartney and made sort of famous by the Peter Sellers flick The Magic Christian, "Come" has the kind of melody that some people could listen to endlessly. For those in the other camp, it represents a special brand of torture.

7. "Love Hurts," by Nazareth (1976). Fans of country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons know that this song can be lovely in the right hands. But the hands attached to these idiots from Scotland are wrong, wrong, wrong.

6. "All the Young Dudes," by Mott the Hoople (1972). Mott put out a lot of good music in its day, but only made waves with this androgynous mosaic produced by David Bowie. Note to you macho, hairy-chested types who like it: For a time, this was regarded as a homosexual anthem.

5. "Hold Your Head Up," by Argent (1972). When singer/keyboardist Rod Argent was in the Zombies, he contributed to some pretty good radio fare. But it's difficult to picture him holding his head up about this weak solo venture.

4. "Rock and Roll Part 2," by Gary Glitter (1972). A walking, talking trivia question, Glitter made his mark with songs whose rhythms simulate the sound of a rhinocerous tap-dancing. Haven't we heard this enough at hockey games?

3. "Bang the Drum All Day," by Todd Rundgren (1982). "Bang" is an enjoyable enough anti-work tune, but it gets played whenever some nutty radio jock wants to suck up to the blue-collar crowd. Which, according to our respondents, happens all too frequently.

2. "Bang a Gong (Get It On)," by T. Rex (1972). More banging from the late Marc Bolan, who wrote a handful of groovy tunes before clocking out. But you wouldn't know it by listening to classic-rock radio.

1. "Green-Eyed Lady," by Sugarloaf (1970). Yes! Denver's own Sugarloaf takes the prize with this wacky ode to womankind, delivered by lead singer Jerry Corbetta in a stentorian voice that would do Tom Jones proud. Remember--it doesn't have to be old to be classic. But it sure helps.

[Shine]

Great article, Monika. It was sooo funny. :lol:

[Ohio8]

I am. I have my radio set at 94.5 WXKR, which is Toledo's classic rock station.

[JoPol_wannabe]

I love Classic rock espcially 7o's and 80's rock, some 90's and a few 60's
I like groups such as:
U2
The Police
The Eurthymics
Doobie Brothers
Heart
Beach Boys
Beatles
Forigner
Rush
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Queen
Blondie
Pat Benatar
Rick Springfield
Styx
Sheryl Crow
Huey Lewis and the News
Collective Soul
The Who

[BarneyFife]

As you can see by my sig, I love Classic Rock.
Beatles
John Lennon (solo)
Wings
Guess Who
Traffic
Blindfaith
Bad Company
Badfinger
Chicago
Kansas
Journey
Forigner
George Harrison
ZZ Top
Led Zeppelin
Steely Dan
Styx
REO Speedwagon
Thin Lizzy
Donavan
Allman Brothers Band
Stealers Wheel
Bob Seger
Van Halen
The Who
The Band
Canned Heat
Ted Nugent
AC-DC
Atlanta Rhythem Section
Boston
Kiss
Queen
David Bowie
Jethro Tull
Pink Floyd
The Cars
The Doors
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Eric Clapton
Derick & The Dominos
Van Morrison
Pat Travers Band
Steve Winwood


They all ROCK!

[catlover79]

Great article, Monika. It was sooo funny. :lol:
It always made me chuckle...the one song I've noticed that is WAY overplayed by our classic rock station in Cleveland (as well as a few other stations in our area) is "Jack & Diane" by John Mellencamp. ENOUGH ALREADY!!! :mad: :lol:

[AB]

Cute article Monika!

I listen to classic rock all the time.

[Cactus Jack]

Awesome article!



But that list is 14 years old...wonder what theyd add now! :eek: :lol: