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.

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.

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.

Song vs. Song #8: Night Fever

While KISS prompted us to rock 'n' roll all night in the 70s, those who shunned heavy metal had to wait for the kindler, gentler persuasion of 80s pop icons before embracing all-night celebrations. Once they did, however, it prompted the #1 and #3 hit singles that respectively follow. But which song do YOU like best?

All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie

or

Rhythm of the Night - DeBarge

Don't go to bed until you've put your vote to rest!

Benny K says...

Looks like I'm the tiebreaker for once! Truth be told, I don't know how strong of an opinion I have on this one. But, my inclination is to cast my vote for Lionel Richie. I have recollections of listening to Lionel as a young boy, so his song is a bit more nostalgic for me. Also, you have to admit it's the more sultry of the two -- that's something...

Song vs. Song #7: Corey Hart vs. The Romantics

The 80's made it clear: if it's nighttime and your fashions and/or behavior doesn't follow suit, you may end up with strange looks, but you may also end up with a hit record. So, which song promoting a nocturnal anomaly do you like best?

Sunglasses at Night - Corey Hart

or

Talking in Your Sleep - The Romantics

Turn on the lights and cast your vote now!

Benny K says...

It looks like we're going to be split right down the middle on this one. I enjoy both songs, but I'm partial to the punk-rock-esque flavor of The Romantics. Ergo, my vote goes to "Talking in Your Sleep". To anyone who's yet to vote, here's your chance to be the tiebreaker!

Song vs. Song #6: Otis Redding vs. The Drifters

Though summer feels all too far away, spring break (which either has or is currently playing in a city near you) is certain to get us itchin' for some sun and relaxation. In honor of such yearnings, cast your vote now for which lackadaisical summer 60's song is best:

Under the Boardwalk - The Drifters

or

(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding

And nevermind the fact that the latter song has slightly depressing overtones. Summer's all about living in oblivion!

Benny K says...

"Under the Boardwalk" is a fine little diddy, but Otis' tune has an undeniable soulful maturity. My vote easily goes to "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay".

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 #4: The Police vs. U2

Two huge bands, two huge hits that still receive regular airplay. Which do YOU like best?

Every Breath You Take - The Police

or

With or Without You - U2

Slow dance your way out of the 80's prom and into the voting booth now!

Benny K says...

The votes were fairly one-sided on this one. Amie-J stood out from the crowd, which is always admirable. Hold your head high, Amie-J, it's okay to be alone. And so, if it isn't obvious enough, my vote goes to "With or Without You" for reasons JL Pagano has already mentioned. Thanks for playing, everyone!

Song vs. Song #3: Synth Pop Vents its Frustrations

With both a synthesizer and a chip on their shoulders, two New Wave bands gave us their own angst-ridden-though-delightfully-singable pop hits. But which do YOU like best?

People Are People - Depeche Mode

or

Shout - Tears for Fears

There you have it! Now vent!


Benny K says...

Tears for Fears have released some of my very favorite 80's songs. Unfortunately, Shout is not among them. And while both songs may be heavily overplayed, I personally hear Shout quite a bit more. So ... I have to go with Depeche Mode on this one. I choose People Are People.

Song vs. Song #2: Raspy Females of the Early 80's

It is time again to voice your opinion on which is the better of two songs. Today's showdown features two smash hits of the early 1980's, as sung by raspy (at least slightly)-voiced females. For some reason, these songs always make me think of each other. And so it is that I ask you, which one is your favorite? (And, as always, if you need a refresher as to how either song sounds, simply click its title and listen to a snippet, thanks to Amazon.com).

Which song do you prefer?

Bette Davis Eyes - by Kim Carnes

or

Total Eclipse of the Heart - by Bonnie Tyler

There you go. Have at it, and remember to keep things civilized!

Benny K says...

It's difficult. As is all too often the case, the rarity of hearing a song can push it to a higher enjoyment level than it (perhaps) deserves. As such, I think I'd be a lot more excited to hear "Bette Davis Eyes" come on the radio. It's EXTREMELY rare that I hear it, so it'd be quite a thrill. But, to be a little more fair, I think "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is a bit more epic. All things being equal, I guess I have to choose Bonnie Tyler.

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...