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 #10: Aerosmith vs. Queen

The basic recipe: start slow and pretty, gradually build things up, and then smack your audience with a dramatic powerhouse chorus. Who wouldn't love it? But, the question always remains, which epic arena rock song of the 1970s is your favorite?

Dream On - Aerosmith

or

We are the Champions - Queen

This is rock-n-roll anthem territory, folks, so make your vote count now!

Benny K says...

I claim Queen as one of my favorite bands. In my opinion, "We Are the Champions," despite its popularity, is far from their best work. My vote easily goes to "Dream On" by Aerosmith.

Band vs. Band #9: The Cars vs. Talking Heads

Both bands may be described as quirky, yet catchy. One band was in the mainstream, with several appearances on the pop charts, including four top-ten hits. The other band was a forerunner of alternative new wave, with one unforgettable top-ten hit and a small barrage of modest chart appearances. But which do you like best?

The Cars
(Best known for "Drive," "Shake It Up," "You Might Think," "Tonight She Comes," and "Magic." To refreshen your memory regarding these or any of The Cars' other hits, click here to see a "greatest hits" compilation complete with song samples.)

or

Talking Heads
(Best known for "Burning Down the House," "Once in a Lifetime," "And She Was," "Wild, Wild Life," and "Take Me to the River." To refreshen your memory regarding these or any of Talking Heads' other hits, click here to see a "greatest hits" compilation complete with song samples.)

Stop making sense and let the good times roll by casting your vote now!

Benny K says...

My favorite songs by Talking Heads easily outdo my favorite songs by The Cars. If I were merely listening to a greatest hits collection, I could go for either band, depending on my mood. Overall, though, I think I'll have to give a slight win to The Cars. The Heads' studio albums feature enough avant-garde crap to lose my interest at times. And while The Cars may have their own mediocre material, their consistently blatant and cheesy 80s sounds will probably always, if nothing else, amuse me.

Song vs. Song #9: Gaye and Ready for Action...

Hating to pit a man against himself, which of Marvin Gaye's pining odes to pent-up sexual frustration is your favorite?

Let's Get it On

or

Sexual Healing

Samples of both songs can be found on this box set anthology.
The mood has been set, so dim the lights and start voting now!

Benny K says...

Either the three or four people that once read this blog have forsaken me or no one has an opinion on the matter. Well, I'm not indifferent. I'm all for "Let's Get It On". Case closed.

Band vs. Band #6: Piano Men

The 1970s saw the rise of two pop pianists whose hits continued well through the 80s and 90s. Given the longevity of their careers, you've undoubtedly gotten jiggy with at least one or two songs by each artist. Put them side by side, however, and the question remains: which is the honky cat of your choice?

Billy Joel

or

Elton John

Leave a tender moment alone and start voting now!

Benny K says...

Both artists have their fair share of blasé material, but I'm keeping the vote unanimous: I prefer Billy Joel. In fact, the later in their careers you go, the more I prefer Billy. If we had judged only their 70s careers, I would have been much more torn. By the 80s the vote becomes obvious. Elton had some decent tunes during this decade (the best likely being "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues"), but nothing comes close to rivaling almost anything on Billy's An Innocent Man. And when it comes to the 90s and beyond, Elton's musical circle of life has completely died.

Band vs. Band #5: ABBA vs Bee Gees

Say what you want about disco, you've gotta like something by one of these two superbands. But which band do you like best overall?

ABBA

or

Bee Gees

Step right up and say "Thank you for the music!" to the one you prefer!

Benny K says...

While I am admittedly more likely to listen to ABBA, I recognize the fact that the Bee Gees are the most sophisticated songwriters. But, as I'm always quick to point out, "favorites" and "bests" are not necessarily one and the same. Though I find many of their songs only so-so, I have to concede that I favor ABBA over the Bee Gees.

Song vs. Song #5: People Are Strange

Sometimes you're just in the mood for some good male falsetto. Thank goodness for the 70's! But which song do YOU like best?

Goodbye Stranger - Supertramp

or

Strange Magic - Electric Light Orchestra

Tighten up those pants and vote now!

Benny K says...

Apparently nobody cares and/or has ever heard this song before. In that case, I better just tell you. "Goodbye Stranger" is the better song.

Song vs. Song #1: Sibling Rivalry

This next question has resulted in many arguments between my sister and myself. We are both adamant in our divergent opinions, which is a fact I have hard time tolerating. The question is simple - which of the following two songs is more enjoyable:

Bungle in the Jungle - by Jethro Tull

or

Werewolves of London - by Warren Zevon

I have listed these songs in alphabetical order by title, so there is no subliminal psychological tactics at work (should you be looking for such). If you don't recognize these songs by title, try clicking on them. This will take you to a website where you can listen to a sample clip from the song. If you're vastly unfamiliar with either song, I suppose you shouldn't vote. And if you're my sister with whom I have this ongoing argument, you are also discouraged from voting. Everyone else, please make your feelings known! I am extremely curious to see if one of these songs is widely more popular than the other. I will share my own opinion in due time...