It is time for a brand-new video. I am counting down the best song from my top fifty favorite rock bands. Here is part 4. I count down from #20 to #11. Feel free to watch part 1 or part 2 or part 3 if you missed it. 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 KOL is “Echoing”
Let’s start the list with the best song by the modern band Kings of Leon. It is “Echoing” found on their latest album When You See Yourself.
Also coming in at #20 is “Lonely Boy” by the Black Keys
Also at #20 is The Black Keys with the track “Lonely Boy” found on their awesome album El Camino. If the opening riff from this tune does not get your heart pumping then I don’t know what to say.
The best song by Crowded House is “Bring the Weather”
At #19 is a hugely underrated Australian band, Crowded House. I am not picking a song from their debut album. Their best is “Weather with You” found on the album Woodface.
The best song by the Alarm is Marching On”
At #18 is The Alarm. I am picking something from their debut album, Declaration. It is the opening track “Marching On”. This anthem song sets the tone for the rest of the album.
At #17 is “What’s My Scene” by the Hoodoo Gurus
Next up is another underrated Australian band, the Hoodoo Gurus. This one is a hard choice for me because I love this band. Their best song is called “What’s My Scene” found on a record you have probably never heard of, Blow Your Cool.
The best song by Green Day is “Still Breathing”
At #16, is Green Day. They have a lot of music and hits. My pick is “Still Breathing” found on one of their most recent records Revolution Radio.
#15 is a surprise choice with “Spirit of Radio” by Rush
Coming in at #15 is Rush. Some of you are thinking this one is a no-brainer. Tom Sawyer for sure. Wrong. Their best song is “Spirit of Radio” found on Permanent Waves.
Coming in at #14 – The Cure with “In Between Days”
At #14 is the Cure. Lots and lots of choices with this band. My pick is the opening track from the album The Head on the Door. It is called “In Between Days”. The opening guitar riff always gets me going.
At #13 – Queen with “Under Pressure”
At #13 is Queen. Another large catalog of music for this band. My selection for their best song is “Under Pressure” a collaboration with David Bowie. Everyone knows the beat from this classic hit.
The best song by REM is “Carnival of Sorts”
At #12 is REM. I am selecting an obscure choice from their original EP called Chronic Town. The song is called “Carnival of Sorts” aka “Boxcars”. Hard to explain, but I enjoy this REM tune the most.
Finishing this part of the list – “Summer Nights” by Van Halen
At #11 is Van Halen. Tough choice with this band. I am picking a recording from the Van Hagar years. It is found on the album 5150. Their best song is “Summer Nights”. This choice is also a nostalgic selection for me. “Summer Nights” was kind of the theme song of my high school senior summer and it makes me think of a great friend who recently passed away, Mike. He loved this song. I miss you brother.
There you have it – part 4 of my newest 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 my sons.