It is time for a brand new list. I am counting down the best song from my top fifty favorite rock bands. Here is part 1. I count down from #50 to #41. As always your feedback and thoughts are welcome.
The criteria I used for creating this list
Here are the three criteria I used to create it:
- It must be an original song – no covers.
- I do not have to own it on vinyl.
- It does not have to be a popular song.
The best song by Oingo Boingo is “Dead Man’s Party”
Let’s start the list with the best song by #50, Oingo Boingo – “Dead Man’s Party”. Use the link below to hear this song on Spotify.
Coming in at #49 is “Shout it Out Loud” by Kiss
At #49 is Kiss. Their best song is “Shout it Out Loud” which is found on Destroyer. Some of you are thinking that “Detroit Rock City” is their best song. It isn’t – the intro section is too long.
The best song by Squeeze is “Black Coffee in Bed:
At #48 is Squeeze. Their best song is “Black Coffee in Bed” which is found on an album I have never heard of before called Sweets from a Stranger. It is great to sing along to although it is a long one.
The best song by Talking Heads = “And She Was”
At #47 are Talking Heads. They have a lot of great songs to pick from. My favorite is “And She Was” which is found on the album Little Creatures.
At #46 – English Beat with “Save it for Later”
Next up is The English Beat. Their best song is called “Save it for Later” which is found on the album Special Beat Service. It is such an excellent tune. Click below to hear it.
The best song by the Pretenders is “Back on the Chain Gang”
At #45, the Pretenders. This band has an extensive catalog with many excellent songs over the years. My choice is “Back on the Chain Gang” which is found on the album Learning to Crawl.
The best song by #44, Echo and the Bunnymen
Their lead singer touted “The Killing Moon” as the best song ever written. He thinks really highly of this epic track as do many of their fans. I don’t agree. It is not even their best one. A better choice by Echo and the Bunnymen is “Lips Like Sugar”.
Coming in at #43 – Generation X with “Kiss Me Deadly”
At #43 is one of the original punk bands from London, Generation X. This pick is easy – “Kiss Me Deadly” which is found on their debut album. I consider “Dancing with Myself” as a Billy Idol recording.
At #42 – The Smithereens with “A Girl Like You”
At #42 is a lesser-known band from NYC, the Smithereens. This band has plenty of excellent songs to pick from. Their best song is “A Girl Like You” which is found on the album called 11 because the album goes to 11.
The best song by the Romantics – “Got Me Where You Want Me”
At #41 is the Romantics. Perhaps a surprise choice to finish this part of the list. Their best song is not “What I Like About You”. A better choice is “Got Me Where You Want Me” which is on the album In Heat. I saw them play this track live. The back-and-forth echoing guitars were unbelievably cool.
There you have it – part 1 of my brand new list. If you want to listen to these songs feel free to use the spotify playlist found below.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.