When I do these big type of countdowns, I always feel like something between Casey Kasem doing an American Top 40 show and a K-Tel compilation album from the 70s, which were great purchases when you are in middle school and wanted all of those great radio hits on one source instead of recording them off the radio every day and night. Sure, taping songs off the radio was a fun activity, you inevitably would always get a DJ talkover either during the intro or outro, or both, on your tape of the latest Top 40 songs. Then again, that tape recorder was a great diversion from homework. But, to me, those AT40 shows or K-Tel records were pure gold. And, now, as one who is nearly a senior citizen, I am close to living my dream through this blog.
So, as a very pasty white, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Casey Kasem, it is my pleasure to kick off today’s countdown segment. So, buckle your seat belts! Here comes Day #4 of my countdown of My Top 100 Artists of All-Time, #61-70.
70. Guns N’ Roses – Sure, I really loved these guys, especially the original lineup. I get it that they were combining punk attitude with a hard rock/heavy metal sound, but I also remember 70s-era Aerosmith sounding very similar. And, although Axl Rose is a Hoosier, like me, he’s still seems like he is a bit of an ass. Favorite Album: Appetite for Destruction. Favorite Song: “Sweet Child ‘O Mine”.
69. Journey – There was a moment in my life when Journey would have top this countdown. But, as I gained more and more musical experiences, I came to the reality that while Journey is good, they were not worthy of my total devotion. Favorite Album: Departure. Favorite Song: “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'”.
68. Randy Newman – It took me a long time to finally understand what Randy Newman was all about. But, now I look forward to his new music, while still discovering his excellent past platters. Favorite Album: Sail Away. Favorite Song: “Political Science”.
67. Thin Lizzy – Thin Lizzy was quite possibly my introduction to Irish rock music. And, what a perfect introduction. These guys have been criminally overlooked here in the States. Plus, I prefer their triple guitar attack over Lynyrd Skynyrd’s. Favorite Album: Jailbreak. Favorite Song: “The Boys Are Back in Town”.
66. The Kinks – The Kinks may be rock’s most underrated band. Yet, their influence is nearly universal. Everyone from Van Halen to The Jam covered songs in their own sound, displaying the flexibility in songwriter Ray Davies’ music. Favorite Album: The Village Green Preservation Society. Favorite Song: “Waterloo Sunset”.
65. Supertramp – Initially, this band was put together by some rich guy in Europe in order for the band to play highly experimental music. When the money ran out, the band turned to being influence by “I Am the Walrus”-era Beatles, which led to their watershed moment in 1979. Favorite Album: Breakfast in America. Favorite Song: “Take the Long Way Home”.
64. The J. Geils Band – Along with The B-52’s, the Geils Band was my go-to band for great party music for frat parties. This band could bring the House down. Favorite Album: Freeze-Frame. Favorite Song: “Love Stinks”.
63. Led Zeppelin – I would suppose that most men my age would have the Zep near the top in their countdowns. But, I am just fine with these Golden Gods placed here. Favorite Album: IV. Favorite Song: “Rock and Roll”.
62. Nirvana – Yes, I loved the band. But, I may have been just a bit old for their version of punk rock. Still, there is a huge hole in rock today where Kurt Cobain should still be creating. Favorite Album: Nevermind. Favorite Song: “Smells like Teen Spirit”.
61. Johnny Cash – The Man in Black will always be one of my favorites. The man is simply a badass. Plus, he was my favorite as a five-year-old. Favorite Album: American Recordings Favorite Song: “Sunday Morning Coming Down”.
Well, that completes Day #4’s entry. Only six more to go. This has been an enjoyable experience for me. I hope it influences every reader to make a list of their own. See you tomorrow!
If My Records Could Talk 