Favorite Songs of All-Time Blogfest

Hello, Fire Enthusiasts. For those of you who know me well, you are keenly aware of the fact that I must have music surrounding me at all times. If you worked with me, you would see what appeared to be me talking to myself, but I assure you that it is me singing. No one needs to call Bellevue for a pick up. I’m good.
Today’s blogfest is being hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh over at his blog.

The idea was to have a bunch of people sharing their favorite all-time 10 songs. Knowing me the way you do, it probably doesn't surprise you that my original list had 34 songs. It wasn't easy, but it was a heck of a lot of fun compiling.

I had bands in my head like Pink Floyd; however, one doesn’t really listen to only one of their songs, but entire albums. Dark Side of the Moon needs to be played front to back, am I right? I then felt bad that I was skipping songs by Van Halen or “All Right Now”, by Free. How could I skip over some of the hair metal bands that I grew up with from the Eighties? What happened to Whitesnake, Iron Maiden, Ozzy, and Judas Priest. I cut my teeth, as it were, with Kiss. How could I leave off “Rock N Roll all Nite” or Shout it Out Loud” or “Lick it Up” even? Do you know how many times I have listened to those songs over the years?

Finally, I came to the conclusion that I should not try and record the best 10 songs ever, but rather the 10 that mean the most to me. The 10 that I could not possibly do without on that fabled deserted island. After much consideration, I realized that what I really needed to list were the 10 songs that would make me drive around the block in order to hear the entire song; the 10 that make me stop what I’m doing and crank the volume.

With that thought finally in mind, here are the 10 tunes that rock my world. Prepare yourself, I have eclectic tastes:

"Don’t Look Back” by Boston. It was a sad day indeed when Brad Delp took his own life in 2007. There are not too many bands that sound like Boston. The debut album is one of the best debuts by anyone: however, if one song summed up what made that band work it is this one off the second album. It has power, a great vocal and a hook that stays with you for the day.

“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen. Folks, I don’t even really care for The Boss all that much. I do own the big 1975-85 live three-disc set; however, when this one song comes on, I stop in my tracks. There’s simply something about this tune that makes me want to sing along. I do a mean imitation, but you’ll have to buy me a drink if you want to hear it.

“Heaven and Hell” by Black Sabbath. I’m a big Ozzy fan. I also own much of the late Ronnie James Dio’s solo albums; however, there’s something about the haunting vocals and Tony Iommi’s rhythm guitar work in that first verse that makes me want to pause and journey with them.

“You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC. Come on. Do I really need to say anything with this tune? The lights don't go down at a concert until this song is done. They even play it at dances!

“Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)" by Marvin Gaye. I had no idea until I took a chance and bought this album well into my 30's, and now I know that no collection is complete without What's Going On?. It is haunting, honest, beautiful, tranquil and, of course, hopeful.

“Kickstart My Heart" by Motley Crue. When I'm in a poor mood or feeling tired, I just cue this bad-boy and run it over!

“Closer to the Edge” by 30 Seconds to Mars. If one wonders how a song that is merely months old could end up on this list, I agree with you. However, if you don't know this band, you should. The album before had some great tunes on it, but This Is War kicks all ass. After this song plays once, you will not get it out of your head.

“Limelight” by Rush. Talk about stopping you in your tracks! When Alex Lifeson begins this classic from Moving Pictures with that riff, I stop what I'm doing, end the conversation and jack up the volume. It took a long time before I realized how fantastic this band was. Every bass player wants to master "YYZ",and when Rush plays, all I do is stop and watch Neil Peart. Best drummer ever, hands down

"You're My Best Friend" by Queen. My wife and I are huge Queen fans and I was pretty devastated when we had one day to soak in the fact that Freddie had AIDS, only to be greeted by the news that he was dead the next day. This song played on one of our first dates together and became our song.


"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin. Sorry, folks. This list only ever was about the other nine songs. I came to this party late. Although I was born in '69, I didn't discover what the world already knew until I saw the three remaining members of the Mighty Zep on MTV during Live Aid. I know Jimmy isn't happy with the play from that fateful day, but the next day I was ordering the fourth album. Once I heard that record, with this landmark cut closing the door, I was never the same. Starting slow and building to a magnificent crescendo, this is the the greatest rock song ever.

Well, what did I miss? I listen to almost everything. Where do we disagree? I look forward to checking out everybody's lists. I just know I am going to hate myself later for having forgotten something.

We'll talk soon.