Song vs. Song #12: Billy Bob Bash

I don't know the official chronological constraints of the label "classic rock," but I think we're fairly safe pushing into the early 1980s, especially if we're citing musicians that hit the big time at least a few years prior to the turn of the decade. With that having been said, consider this post an ode to classic rock's odes to what would be classic rock's classic rock, the oldies. Everybody follow that? Good. Now tell me, which rock n' roll tribute song do you like best?

It's Still Rock & Roll to Me - Billy Joel

or

Old Time Rock & Roll - Bob Seger

Okay, I'll admit, Billy Joel's song isn't really a tribute to oldies music, but you can't deny that it thrives on its blatant nostalgic vibe. And regardless, these two songs always make think of each other. So there.

Song vs. Song #11: Men at Work vs. Toto

The world got a little bit smaller in the 1980s. We had the progressive rock band Asia. We had the hard rock band Europe. We even witnessed the miracle of a one-time pop conglomeration that brought together the likes of Michael Jackson, Willie Nelson, Bette Midler, and many more to croon against world hunger. (Funny enough, I'm losing my appetite just thinking about that combo of singers!) In addition, two undeniably awesome songs hit the radio and quickly heated up the charts. But which continental ode do you like best?

Africa - Toto

or

Down Under - Men at Work

Crown your chosen king of the southern hemisphere now!

Benny K says...

I'm keeping the vote unanimous and declaring Toto the official champs. "Africa" is in a totally (and not just Toto-y) different category than "Down Under," as much as I love the latter. In fact, I think juxtaposing these two songs is the perfect way to point out that invisible and inarticulable line where one crosses from pop perfection to outright songwriting craftsmanship--even if the latter still falls into the pop music category.

Band vs. Band #11: Death Cab for Cutie vs. The Shins

Still relatively new on the radar, these two bands have gone from independent label obscurity (avid fan-followings notwithstanding) to indie label superstars (as far as indie label superstars go). But which do you like best?

Death Cab for Cutie
(Probably most famous for the tune "Soul Meets Body" off of their most recent album, Plans. Experienced an initial surge in popularity after their 2003 release, Transatlanticism. Listen to snippets of these albums by clicking on the album titles and making use of Amazon's free song samples.)

or

The Shins
(Arguably pushed into the limelight by their dual song appearance on the Garden State soundtrack. As such, they are probably best known for "Caring is Creepy" and "New Slang." They recently released the album Wincing the Night Away, which has received decent critical and commercial success. Listen to snippets of these albums by clicking on the album titles and making use of Amazon's free song samples.)

Don't let Zach Braff be the only one to share his opinion -- cast your vote now!

Benny K says...

I'm tempted to say I'm more likely to listen to The Shins. Overall, I think they're a bit more upbeat than Death Cab, which means the latter band is often reserved for moments of relative calm and/or melancholia. But, if you compare my enjoyment of Death Cab when I'm really in the mood for Death Cab, and my enjoyment of The Shins when I'm really in the mood for The Shins, I think Death Cab takes the cake. All things considered, Death Cab for Cutie is a notch above and must garner my vote.