Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble-Texas Flood…With the funky twang of Lonnie Mack and the Brazen Psychedelics of Jimi Hendrix…Stevie Ray Vaughan came along when we needed him most.  During the hey day of hair bands and synth pop.  He was a rescuing breath of fresh Texas air.  Texas Flood my list of the 7 best debut albums in rock history.

Boston’s first album is still the top selling debut album of all time.  To this day, every song is played on radio.  It’s absolute perfection with Tom Scholz’s sonic, meticulously layered guitar harmonics and Brad Delp’s soaring vocals, Boston introduced us to that new sensation…Arena Rock!

Traffic-Mr. Fantasy-Steve Winwood, still a teen, left the Spencer Davis Group to broaden his musical horizons.  Along with Dave Mason and Jim Capaldi as major contributors, Traffic with their debut album merged Beatles Sgt. Pepper Psychedelia with progressive rock, jazz and improvisational turns to present a musical style pastiche we had never really heard before.  The album was engineered by Phil Brown who, when asked what was his favorite memory of engineering, responded: “Recording Dear Mr. Fantasy, one o’clock in the morning, November 1967.”

Pearl Jams Ten is a powerful album.  Rolling Stone reviewed it by saying that “Pearl Jam hurtles into the mystic at warp speed.”  Allan Jones of Melody Maker suggested in his review of Ten that it is Vedder that “provides Pearl Jam with such a uniquely compelling focus.”  The Album presented us with a new kind of raw, emotive, angry and intelligent rock. 

The Doors Album established a musical platform for Jim Morrison to exhibit his demons and immerse his poetry into 60’s rock consciousness via the swirling sea of music of his band mates Ray Manzarek, Robbie Krieger and John Densmore.  With songs like “Break on Through, Soul Kitchen, Light my Fire and The End, a discerning listener might have concluded that this “journey” can’t possibly end well.  The Doors remain possibly the most unique American addition to Rock History.

Finally Led Zeppelins first album which was a “sonic boom” in the rock heavens.  Blues, Metal and Mythology meet Robert Plant’s other worldly vocals, Jimmy Pages’ fret conquering fingers, Bonham’s “Bombastic” Drums and the steady guide of John Paul Jones to create a time capsule worthy masterpiece.

Jimi Hendrix-”Are You Experienced” is number one.  Insert your thoughts as to why on this blog.  I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Led Zeppelin-Over a 10-year, nine-album career from 1969-79, Led Zeppelin was the most popular rock group in the world, ultimately selling more than 50 million records in the U.S. alone (more than 200 million worldwide), developing the blues-based power trio-plus-lead singer archetype in many directions including mystical English folk-rock, Middle Eastern-influenced exotica, quirky pop reggae and every manner of heaviness.  Led Zeppelin caused many parents blood to boil in 1969 when the revolution of their first album blasted out the bedrooms of kids all over America!

Jimi Hendrix-In Clapton the Autobiography Eric writes of Jimi;  ‘What I found refreshing about him was his intensely self-critical attitude toward his music; Clapton writes; He had this enormous gift and a fantastic technique, like that of someone who spent all day playing and practicing, yet he didn’t seem that aware of it. I also got to see the playboy in him. He loved to spend all night hanging out, getting drunk or stoned, and when he did pick up the guitar, it was very throwaway to him, as if he didn’t take himself too seriously;  Follow this link to read what Pete Townshend has to say about Jimi.  http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/jimi_hendrix_the_greatest_guitarist_of_all_time

Bruce Springsteen-In spring 1974 critic Jon Landau saw a Springsteen show in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and wrote in the Real Paper, “I saw rock & roll future and it’s name is Bruce Springsteen;”  It took a while to put the masterpiece that would deliver on that boast together…but when Born To Run was relased in 1975 and Bruce appeared on the covers ot Time and Newsweek simultaneously, The future arrived…and the timeline is still being written.

The Grateful Dead-When Don Henley wrote “I saw a dead-head sticker on a Cadillac/A little voice inside my head said don’t look back,/you can never look back”…He perfectly captured the enigma of “The Dead” in that one line.  A total contradiction of values.  The Grateful Dead were born out of the counter culture ,drug addled San Francisco music scene.  They became the symbol of a blending of ideologies until Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995: a well-oiled money making machine ($50 million a year in concert revenue) that sold peace, love and understanding to a legion of internally divided admirers. The Dead sold out every show because a Dead show was a socially acceptable place to temporarily take a break from the rat race and try on ’60s hippie values without having to live them.  The Grateful Dead were the original  Jam Band…paving the way for Phish and The Dave Matthews Band and many others to follow.  They sit proudly on my Mt. Rushmore of Classic Rock

The Beatles-Unquestionably the best and most important band in rock history, as well as the most compelling story. Almost miraculously, they embodied the apex of the form artistically, commercially, culturally and spiritually at just the right time.  They Changed the World!

U2-The most important and influential band of the post-punk era, joining ringing guitar rock, punkish independence, Celtic spirituality, innovative production techniques and electronic experimentalism — all held together by Bono’s transcendent vision and charisma…They are easily the most important and impactful band of the past 30 years.

And finally…

Bob Dylan-The  uncontested poet laureate of the rock and roll era and the pre-eminent singer/songwriter of modern times. PERIOD.  When you heard The Beatles John Lennon sing a song like Norwegian Wood…he was just trying to keep up with Bob.  Dylan is Front and Center on the Mt. Rushmore of Classic Rock!

That’s it…that’s ”The List” tonight on The Mountain.  Keeping in mind that our Mountain is built to honor 7…what changes would you make?  I’m waiting…Have a fantastic weekend!

Rolling Stones-Can’t You Hear Me Knockin-THE ROLLING STONES -According to Keith Richards, Brian Jones christened the band in a “panic” while phoning Jazz News to place an advertisement. When asked what the band’s name was, Jones glanced at a Muddy Waters LP lying on the floor; one of the tracks was “Rollin’ Stone” (a Howlin Wolf tune)…A band was born.  When the Rollin’ Stones signed with Decca Records in 1963…they added a “g” to Rollin…Hello Rolling Stones!

Eurythmics-Here Comes the Rain Again-After a dance technique “Eurythmy” that Lennox had encountered at the Waldorf School she attended as a child.

Grand Funk Railroad-We’re an American Band-Name inspired by Grand Trunk Railroad that ran through their hometown of Flint Michigan

Simple Minds-Don’t You Forget About Me-Taken from a line in Iggy Pops song “Play it Safe”

CCR-Born on the Bayou-The band took the three elements of their name from, firstly, Tom Fogerty’s friend Credence Newball, (to whose first name Credence they added an extra ‘e’, making it resemble a faith or creed); secondly, “clear water” from a TV commercial for Olympia beer; and finally “revival”, which spoke to the four members’ renewed commitment to their band. (Rejected contenders for the band’s name included ‘Muddy Rabbit’, ‘Gossamer Wump,’ and ‘Creedence Nuball and the Ruby’

Smithereens-A Girl Like You-Name came from Yosemite Sam-”varmint, I’m gonna blow you to Smithereens

The Guess Who-American Woman-Their first hit in 65 had a very British Invasion feel…so the record company labeled the record as being performed by “Guess Who?” in hopes of building some kind of mystique.  Perhaps listeners and radio dj’s would think it was The Beatles or some other British Invasion band.

Interesting stuff…all hail Yosemite Sam!  Okay, tomorrow on “The List”-The Mt. Rushmore of Classic Rock.  There’s more than 4 because it’s a big mountain!  Hear the 7 bands and artists who changed the game.  3 are from Europe and the other 4…Home Grown!

Who Can it Be Now-Men at Work-(intro or title hook)

Who Are You-Who-(Intro or title hook)

Gimme Shelter-Rolling Stones (Awesome intro)

Who Do You Love-George Thorogood-(Rockin’ Guitar Intro)

Twilight Zone-Golden Earring (Intro-moody!)

Sweet Child of Mine-Guns n Roses-(Intro will turn heads as phone ring)

Baba O’riley-The Who (The Best Ever)

So that’s it…that’s The List of fantastic ringtones.  I am looking for more.  What do you use or what would you add?  Now tomorrow night on “The List” it’s “Band” Bands…you know, Steve Miller Band, Allman Brothers Band and 5 others who make the cut.  Number one is without question the top “Band” Band of all time!

Copperhead Road-Steve Earle

Tenth Avenue Freezeout-Bruce Springsteen

Mainstreet-Bob Seger

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway-Genesis

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road-Elton John

Penny Lane-Beatles

Baker Street-Gerry Rafferty

That’s it…that’s “The List.”  Tomorrow night it’s all about the love heading into Valentines Day Weekend!  The Who and Van Morrison sing of loves complexities and Aerosmith and Zeppelin have got lust covered!  Who else shows up on “The List.”

Hocus Pocus-Focus

Can’t You See-Marshall Tucker Band

Spill the Wine-Eric Burdon and War

Goin Up the Country-Canned Heat

Down Under-Men at Work

Love Alive-Heart

Locomotive Breath (the best!)-Jethro Tull

So that’s it…that’s “The List.”  What did I miss…oh, as I’m typing this Strange Way from Firefall comes to mind!  What would you add?  Tomorrow night,  not only do The Who “Sell Out” but so do CCR, The Cars, Led Zeppelin and others whose songs have been featured in ad campaigns…It’s Rockonomics!

Sunday Papers-Joe Jackson

Sunday Bloody Sunday-U2

Monday Morning-Fleetwood Mac

Tuesdays Gone-Lynyrd Skynyrd

Ruby Tuesday-Rolling Stones

Black Friday-Steely Dan

Saturday Nights Alright (For Fighting)-Elton John

That’s ’The List”  tonight.  Hey, If you know one, shoot me a suggestion for a “Wednesday” or “Thursday” tune…I could not find any good ones!  Tomorrow night on “The List”-I’ve got your number.  Gimme 3 Steps-The One Thing…and 5 more songs that all add up…to another awesome Mountain of Classics!

So I ask you now…what songs would you have added?  That’s my list.  Tomorrow join me at 7 for “Radio” radio.  Springsteen’s Radio Nowhere…U2’s Radio Free Europe and other “Radio” songs!  No static at all…I promise.

Rush-Limelight (Best Bassist-Geddy Lee)-from Colleen

Born to Run-Bruce Springsteen (Best Title Track)-from Bill

Lucky Man-ELP (best heard with headphones or earbuds)-from Chuck

You Really Got Me-Kinks-(Britains Greatest Rock Bands)-from Aimee

Centerfold-The J Geils Band (Rocks Greatest “The” Bands)-from Susan

I Can See For Miles-The Who-(Rocks Greatest Front Men)-from Will

Iron Man-Black Sabbath–(Greatest Guitar Licks)-Pete

Thanks for the input!  Tomorrow night “The List” will feature 7 great tunes for hitting the “blacks”…just in case you are headed for the slopes this weekend.  Check our Mountain Ski Report while you are here on-line…Happy Skiing!

Running on Empty-Forrest Gump (Forrest out running and running…)

Streets of Philadelphia-Philadelphia (Best movie song ever?)

You Can’t Always Get What You Want-The Big Chill (Funeral scene in the movie)

In Your Eyes-Say Anything (John Cusack and the boombox)

Old Time Rock and Roll-Risky Business (Tom Cruise in his underwear)

Don’t You Forget About Me-The Breakfast Club (Closing segment-Bender’s raised fist)

Tiny Dancer-Almost Famous (Singing on the Bus)

That’s it…that’s “The List.”  Tomorrow night I have a make good list from this past weekend.  Your suggestions for Rocks best bass player, Rocks greatest front man and a real sweet choice for Rocks greatest guitar licks…Think Robert Downey Jr.