My 15 Favourite Songs

With the luxury of a few free minutes I resolve to consider the fifteen songs which have made the biggest impression on me. If choosing my fifteen favourite books was hard, this has been torture. In no particular order, here goes... 1. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes - Crosby, Stills and Nash This makes the list for several reasons. To begin with, it was the first song they performed to a proper live audience and gave the world its first glimpse of the legendary CSN. The harmonies for which they are now so well known are breathtaking as is the vocal delivery of Stills. The subtle transitions which take place within the song are clever and imaginative. The lyrics are clever - as you would expect from the writer of Helplessly Hoping and the length of the song doesn't seem overly long even though it tops 5 minutes. This is a landmark song which was fitting for such an audience as Woodstock. I only wish I'd been there to see it live. 2. Maybe I'm Amazed - The Faces Although it is tempting to play it safe and go for the full blooded vocal of McCartney, I still prefer the Faces version from their album Long Player. The opening lyrics are delivered by the plaintive soulful Ronnie Lane before Rod Stewart comes in like a steam roller for the second verse. The drumming of Kenny Jones is extraordinary as is the Hammond of McLagan. Overall though, it is the blues style of the Faces which wins me over. It is loose, free and edgy. I've heard people say that they were the fore runners of pub rock but that is a little unfair - they were a lot better than that. 3. I've been loving you too long - Otis Redding I can't imagine anybody else being able to deliver this song with the grit and raw emotion of Redding. Although he gave us so many other memorable numbers, this is the stand out track for me and it drags you through the mud with it. 4. Ball and Chain - Janis Joplin Where do I start? Of all the great stuff she produced with Big Brother and the Holding Company, it is the rendition of this song at Monterey in 1967 which lingers in the memory. Her delivery is awesome and the energy like a force of nature. Credit has to go to Big Brother for their contribution but Janis absolutely nails it warts and all. 5. Barcelona - Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe This song is unusual because it fuses pop with classical in a way which I've not heard elsewhere. It is a masterpiece and a masterstroke at the same time. It is a masterpiece on account of the production which is faultless and a masterstroke because who on earth would have considered pitting these two together? It was apparently the idea of Mercury and he won her over. I'm glad he did because this song just smothers you in goose bumps. 6. Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin This has to be included because it is the definitive heavy rock track and pointed music in a new direction. The drumming of Bonham is a different class as is the vocal delivery of Plant which is, at times, like a foghorn straining to be heard over the din of the Page guitar. The guitar of Page is quite simply breathtaking and you just wonder where he's going to go next with it. Occasionally a song comes along which completely breaks the rules - this is a case in point. 7. Let's see action - The Who I've chosen this one because for reasons I'll never understand, it wasn't considered good enough to make the final cut for Who's Next in 1971. After Townshend conceded defeat in his Lifehouse project, he was left with the task of using the material to put an album together. What an album! I don't understand how this track missed out though. The drumming of Moon is at the very top of his game with some great keyboard driving it all along. Daltrey delivers a vintage vocal performance and the message of the song is as relevant today as it was then. There is also the small part of some sterling bass work by the legendary Ox.. 8. Astronomy Domine - Pink Floyd Most would understandably point to one of the great tracks from the '70s albums but I remain drawn to this album opener from Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Once again, this song breaks the mould and gives a pointer of things to come. Given the limited technology available in 1966, this is a really clever song underpinned by some super keyboard playing courtesy of the late Rick Wright. And the lyrics....They are from a different world! 9. Happy Together - The Turtles A great song needs to be quite simple. This song is a simple love song. What makes it brilliant is the vocal harmonies of Mark Volman and the simple, relentless drum beat and guitar. I'm not surprised its been so heavily used in adverts and films - outstanding composition. 10. I Feel Love - Donna Summer I would insist on the 12" version. This really was the sign of things to come and was way ahead of its time. Donna Summer delivers a perfect vocal against the synthesizers which came to define the song. Its difficult to describe the effect this song had on people when it first appeared and it still stands up today. 11. Tin Soldier - The Small Faces Many groups have a tendency to, produce their best work just before they break up almost as though it would be pointless to try and better it. This is a case in point. Everything about this song is great. The raw vocals of Steve Marriott are ably backed up by then girl friend PP Arnold. The rhythm section of Lane, Jones and McLagan is on fire for this one. Not heard nearly enough, this song is an absolute gem. 12. Walk On By - Dionne Warwick I couldn't let this one go. This sums up the very best of Bacharach and David. Just being good song writers isn't enough though. You still have to find the perfect voice to showcase your work. They couldn't have hoped for better than Warwick. A perfect vocal for a beautifully produced song with hallmark Hal David lyrics. 13. Take Five - Dave Brubeck It wouldn't have been possible to leave this one out. This is the Bolero of the jazz world. It stands up today as well as it did 50 years ago. Very, very clever song. Although instrumental, it shows what you can achieve with so little. The drumming is extraordinary. 14. God Only Knows - The Beach Boys It seems almost trendy to pick this because so many others have cited it in the past. For all that, it is a belter of a song which could only have been written by Brian Wilson. A long way ahead of its time, I can almost understand that he had a nervous breakdown shortly afterwards because it must have taken so much out of him. 15. That's Allright - Elvis Presley Its hard to believe that this was recorded as far back as 1955. This is absolutely brilliant. Even now it still sounds as fresh as a daisy. His voice was unique as was his backing group. The ones I had to leave out are many!