Definitive rock artists and songs of each year!

[cosec3791]

Hey everyone!

First post here in this section of the board! So, after all the schoolwork, everything's all done... for now..

Anyways, being a classic rock fan, but from Generation Z, I wouldn't really know most of the other legendary acts of the multiple years prior to the Eagles. So instead of sticking with the Eagles, I decided to search and search and search for various artists. Artists I heard of or saw in anything related to the Eagles, usual names brought out during discussions. I recently got into Spotify and searched up live albums. I got out of my comfort zone finally, and I can say that I have a much more varied, proper interest in classic rock than ever before.

Recently, I started wondering which were the most definitive rock acts of each year from 1965 onwards, obviously in an effort to listen and know more. However, I had doubts about the most definitive artists of certain years, but I got my opinions on some of them. So what I want you all knowledgeable people to do, is to suggest me some acts of a certain year. So yeah, these are those definitive artists acc. to year from 1965 onwards. You guys could suggest an artist and even a song which is a highlight of their career that year, or even suggest rock songs pre 1965. Preferably not the following though: folk pop or rock 'n roll. Please remember you could tell any artist of any genre!

The format here is: Year- Artist/Band- Song- Live Performance of that song from that year (if you could)

1965- The Who- My Generation- BBC Sessions
1966-
1967- The Jimi Hendrix Experience- Purple Haze- Live at Monterey
1968- Cream- Sunshine of your Love- Live at Back Bay Theater, MA, USA
1969- Gypsy Sun and Rainbows- Voodoo Child (Slight Return)- Live at Woodstock
1970- Black Sabbath- War Pigs- Live at Paris 1970
1971- Led Zeppelin- Stairway to Heaven- Flying Rock Carnival Complete (live at the Budokan, Tokyo, Japan- 09/23/71)
1972- Deep Purple- Smoke on the Water- Live in Japan
1973-
1974-
1975-
1976- Eagles- Hotel California- Hotel California 40th Anniversary Expanded Edition


From there on I really don't know, so it would be wonderful if you guys could contribute and suggest more. I would love to hear all of your opinions on this list and even say if there was another more definitive artist! Be free to tell who are your favorites!

[sodascouts]

So, it has to be a live performance of a song from that year, right?

I'm a bit confused about the rest of your criteria.

So, you want a definitive BAND for a year? Like, do you mean the band that has the most "definitive song" of that year? And then do you want a version of that song performed live that same year?

[cosec3791]

So, it has to be a live performance of a song from that year, right?

I'm a bit confused about the rest of your criteria.

So, you want a definitive BAND for a year? Like, do you mean the band that has the most "definitive song" of that year? And then do you want a version of that song performed live that same year?

So sorry for that. I was probably too excited and wrote it in a harried fashion!

Basically I would just like the year, the artist which is definitive of the year, and a song which is a highlight of his/her/their career, but not anachronistic (E.g. not 1973- Eagles- Hotel California, because HC wasn't released in 1973). You could even tell a cover which is one of the artist's highlights (for E.g- Turn to Stone {Joe Walsh cover}- Eagles)

Relating to the Eagles, I chose 1976, because they arguably hit their pinnacle here.

Live performances are not necessary, but I would LOVE if you could tell one. Can be anything from a bootleg (even audience) to an official live album, etc. THANKS A LOT IN ADVANCE!!

I just would LOVE if someone told a live performance because I always listen to artists via live stuff first. Almost all the artists I mentioned here were known via live stuff. I haven't even heard a studio recording of them! Just live performances.

I feel like live performances are REALLY important, as they highlight the artists' talent, ability, and even credulity without the comfort, help, and with the reverberation. For example, how Jimi Hendrix could do Little Wing without as much studio trickery, or how HC was done without the ease and comfort of the studio, where 12 string acoustic guitars could be used, thus necessitating the EDS-1275 guitar for Felder, etc.

And lastly, you guys could even suggest another artist and their highlight song which is of a year already filled in with (like 1972, etc.)

[Ive always been a dreamer]

cosec - I'll contribute to your thread because I think it's an interesting topic. However, I'm afraid I can't cite live performances and my list includes all genres of Rock and Roll. I think some of your choices are really good, but I'll offer some alternatives. Quite honestly, I could have chosen a Beatles song for every year in the 60's, but I thought other artists should be recognized. I moved Hotel California in my list to 1977 since that's the year the single was released, and I also took my list through 1979. So here goes ...

1965 - The Rolling Stones - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
1966 - The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
1967 - Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth
1968 - The Beatles - Hey Jude
1969 - Creedence Clearwater Revival - Proud Mary and Bad Moon Rising
1970 - Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Waters
1971 - John Lennon - Imagine
1972 - Elton John - Rocket Man
1973 - Aerosmith - Dream On
1974 - James Taylor - How Sweet It Is
1975 - Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
1976 - Fleetwood Mac - Rhiannon
1977 - Eagles - Hotel California
1978 - The Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive
1979 - Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb and Another Brick in the Wall (2)

[cosec3791]

cosec - I'll contribute to your thread because I think it's an interesting topic. However, I'm afraid I can't cite live performances and my list includes all genres of Rock and Roll. I think some of your choices are really good, but I'll offer some alternatives. Quite honestly, I could have chosen a Beatles song for every year in the 60's, but I thought other artists should be recognized. I moved Hotel California in my list to 1977 since that's the year the single was released, and I also took my list through 1979. So here goes ...

1965 - The Rolling Stones - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
1966 - The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
1967 - Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth
1968 - The Beatles - Hey Jude
1969 - Creedence Clearwater Revival - Proud Mary and Bad Moon Rising
1970 - Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Waters
1971 - John Lennon - Imagine
1972 - Elton John - Rocket Man
1973 - Aerosmith - Dream On
1974 - James Taylor - How Sweet It Is
1975 - Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
1976 - Fleetwood Mac - Rhiannon
1977 - Eagles - Hotel California
1978 - The Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive
1979 - Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb and Another Brick in the Wall (2)


Wonderful choices! Thanks for replying! Really appreciate it!!

It's okay, most people don't care about them anyways. I'm willing to research 'em myself!

It's obvious you're slightly on the softer side. Many bands who are in the soft/folk rock category. Clearly you're into the studio side of things, while I'm into arena rock types. Nevertheless, that's what I love about classic rock! The sheer diversity of it all!

Now, I'll give my opinion on the alternatives:

1965- Hmmm, I'll put this for 1966 actually. This is due to my live preferences. There is a great performance of it on Got LIVE if You Want It!, from 1966 Bristol. I always wanted just a second opinion on for this song. Thanks! I also thought of putting "Like A Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan.

1966- Ehhhhhhh.... I actually did listen to a live performance of it, and was underwhelmed. I guess it was too soft for my tastes. The instruments weren't all that distinctive either..

1967- Hmmm, really? I mean Buffalo Springfield are pretty influential, but I feel the definitive acts of that time were The Rolling Stones, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream. Could you enlighten me about why you think so? I mean, I've heard of them quite a few times, but I would like to know more about this band.

1968- Ah the Beatles. At this point, the Beatles were not into it live. That's why I put them off mostly. Such a shame. It would've made it much tougher for me to think about Cream. I would've liked to see a real Beatles live performance of Helter Skelter especially.

1969- I'll give this song a listen. I always heard a lot of great stuff about CCR, including their Woodstock inclusion. However, I still really feel that Hendrix was THE act of '69. The chaotic final years of the Experience, Woodstock (arguably one of his greatest performances) and even the Band of Gypsies being there, truly astounding and massive. Speaking of Woodstock, John Fogerty is gonna perform at Woodstock 50!

1970- A band I've yet to listen to. Heard a lot of stuff about them too. Though I'm worried that they're too soft for my liking. However, I still feel Black Sabbath are THE band of 1970. They created multiple genres within one year!

1971- Great choice. Will listen to it. Great alternative to the Zep. I may even change my list if I see something awesome live from John Lennon. Are there any songs which hit hard from him?

1972- Another great choice! If there was an amazing live performance, I would find it much harder to put Deep Purple, but due to it not being so, Deep Purple was a no brainer. They surprised everyone with arguably the most epic album of 1972, and their Machine Head tour (ESPECIALLY Japan) was heralded as one of the best tours in the history of rock PERIOD. They were incredibly amazing that time, with epic jams and improvisation and interplay.

1973- Hmm gotta listen to them also. A relative of mine actually told that it was her favorite band. I thought of Led Zeppelin for this one too.

1974- Okay, a Marvin Gaye cover. The first Marvin Gaye cover I actually listened to was Ain't that Peculiar, performed by Fanny. If it's anything like that, I'm down for it! Any other acts? Preferably hard rock/arena rock/heavy metal (basically like the artists I mentioned)? Were Emerson, Lake and Palmer amazing that time?

1975- Ah yes! I was thinking of putting them there, but I didn't due to their best live performances being in the 80's. I was thinking of trying to go till 1990, and I figured that it should come somewhere during 1980-85.

1976- I would've put 1977 for this one just because the Rumours tour was in 1977. Any others from this year other than the Eagles/Fleetwood Mac?

1977- Yes, the band for which this board is dedicated. Previously, I put it there, but I thought about Fleetwood Mac, and thus, put it in 1976 instead. I feel however, their peak popularity was definitely in 1977. But, I feel their best live performances were still in 1976.

1978- The Bee Gees?????? I'm sorry, and I really don't mean to offend, but I was talking about rock songs, not disco. Anyone else?

1979- Great choice. I'm putting them for 1980 however, as The Wall tour happened during this year.

So thanks a lot!! Anyone else?

[NightMistBlue]

For 1974, I would suggest “Radar Love” by Golden Earring. The song is more definitive than the band I guess (at least in the U.S.). I was a little kid back then, so I tend to think of hit singles. Elton John was a huge star, but that’s more pop music than rock.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

It's obvious you're slightly on the softer side. Many bands who are in the soft/folk rock category. Clearly you're into the studio side of things, while I'm into arena rock types. Nevertheless, that's what I love about classic rock! The sheer diversity of it all!

I actually have an appreciation for all types of rock and roll music. I think there is some really good music no matter what the genre or sub-genre. There is also some really bad music in all of them too. I also have a respect for artists’ talents whether I am listening to a studio version or a live version of a song. Personally, I don’t necessarily believe that an artist’s talent is showcased more in live performances. I have an immense appreciation for the song-writing process and the creativity involved in turning a few words or notes into a great piece of art. For example, in the case of the Eagles, I believe one of their biggest strengths as a band was their talent for collaborating in the songwriting process and arranging and perfecting their art in the studio.


1966- Ehhhhhhh.... I actually did listen to a live performance of it, and was underwhelmed. I guess it was too soft for my tastes. The instruments weren't all that distinctive either..

I’m not a huge Beach Boys fan either, but I did not base my choices on whether or not I like the artist. And there is no question that they made some great music. Again, just because they’re not my favorite doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate that their music was innovative, creative, and influential. For the record, I feel the same way about David Bowie.


1967- Hmmm, really? I mean Buffalo Springfield are pretty influential, but I feel the definitive acts of that time were The Rolling Stones, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream. Could you enlighten me about why you think so? I mean, I've heard of them quite a few times, but I would like to know more about this band.

In the U.S., FWIW is a rock anthem that has a lot of significance that it may not have throughout the rest of the world. My understanding is that you wanted us to select different artists’ most definitive songs. I have to disagree with your assessment that Jimi Hendrix and Cream were the most definitive acts of the mid-60’s. Again, I would give that distinction to The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Sorry, but, again, I don’t judge an artist’s influence and impact based on whether or not they were doing live performances.


1978- The Bee Gees?????? I'm sorry, and I really don't mean to offend, but I was talking about rock songs, not disco. Anyone else?

Absolutely not! :grin: The title of this thread is ‘Definitive rock artists and songs of each year!’ and there were no rock artists any more definitive in 1978 than the Bee Gees.

Cosec – I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with some of this 'soft' music. Focusing on only one aspect of the creative process provides a narrower view of the artistry involved because you disregard everything that’s involved before a song ever even gets to a staged performance. Maybe if you broaden your horizon’s, you’d gain a better appreciation for the entire artistic process of creating, recording, and performing music. Then, even if you don’t love something, you can still recognize it as good art.

[chaim]

(Very often the studio version is THE version for me.)

[cosec3791]

I actually have an appreciation for all types of rock and roll music. I think there is some really good music no matter what the genre or sub-genre. There is also some really bad music in all of them too. I also have a respect for artists’ talents whether I am listening to a studio version or a live version of a song. Personally, I don’t necessarily believe that an artist’s talent is showcased more in live performances. I have an immense appreciation for the song-writing process and the creativity involved in turning a few words or notes into a great piece of art. For example, in the case of the Eagles, I believe one of their biggest strengths as a band was their talent for collaborating in the songwriting process and arranging and perfecting their art in the studio.



I’m not a huge Beach Boys fan either, but I did not base my choices on whether or not I like the artist. And there is no question that they made some great music. Again, just because they’re not my favorite doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate that their music was innovative, creative, and influential. For the record, I feel the same way about David Bowie.



In the U.S., FWIW is a rock anthem that has a lot of significance that it may not have throughout the rest of the world. My understanding is that you wanted us to select different artists’ most definitive songs. I have to disagree with your assessment that Jimi Hendrix and Cream were the most definitive acts of the mid-60’s. Again, I would give that distinction to The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Sorry, but, again, I don’t judge an artist’s influence and impact based on whether or not they were doing live performances.



Absolutely not! :grin: The title of this thread is ‘Definitive rock artists and songs of each year!’ and there were no rock artists any more definitive in 1978 than the Bee Gees.

Cosec – I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with some of this 'soft' music. Focusing on only one aspect of the creative process provides a narrower view of the artistry involved because you disregard everything that’s involved before a song ever even gets to a staged performance. Maybe if you broaden your horizon’s, you’d gain a better appreciation for the entire artistic process of creating, recording, and performing music. Then, even if you don’t love something, you can still recognize it as good art.


1. I understand... somewhat. I obviously have a lot to learn, see and listen. I only recently started to diversify, so, it will take time. But I'll still stand with live performances. Yes, it is an art to create and write, but I still feel live stuff is tougher, because there's less room for minimizing interruptions, mistakes, etc. I feel it's a testament to a band's prowess, as if they surmount all the barriers and the lack of comfort in a live setting. I feel that's why the Eagles don't necessarily get a look in their hard rock stuff as much as others, due to the lack of sheer energy in live performances compared to other bands. Yes, it is safe to say that the Eagles are a studio band. That's also why they were bootlegged less than so many other classic rock bands. And as Austin said multiple times, hard rock tends to be the showstopper in a live setting.

2. Hmmmm interesting. However I still stand with what I said before. I think maybe their 1975 Wembley performance must be something better.

3. Yup, that's probably it. I'm not American, so that's why I may not have heard as much about them or their influence. Again, the live VS studio debate comes in. Some feel live is important and others don't. And probably you know better anyways. I wasn't even in that time, and I guess I based my judgement on who was big in this year outside the US also, where bands like Cream, TJH, etc. were huger. And I also selected TJH because in this year, he not only just released great songs, but he also innovated in his instrument.

4. Again. Really??? When I listened to it, it sounded nothing like rock. And even Wikipedia told that Stayin' Alive was disco. Yes, they did some soft rock stuff too, but this song, specifically is NOT rock.

5. Lastly, I see your point, but again, I feel like live performances are the thing for me. I got into the Eagles even because of live performances. I don't know. Maybe it's just me.

[cosec3791]

(Very often the studio version is THE version for me.)

In a sense, yes it is. With exceptions (like Black Sabbath's debut album, or the Eagles' 1st album), it shows the band in their best light in the best quality possible, with minimal interactions. The artists (s) get almost complete control over the recordings. If looking at it more objectively, it probably is. But as I said, live performances are a whole other animal. The energy and the raw vibe is undeniable.

I always found soft rock to fare much better in studio than live, and the vice versa for hard rock. As a result, many hard rock outfits are usually labelled as arena rock.

[Delilah]

Hey everyone!

First post here in this section of the board! So, after all the schoolwork, everything's all done... for now..

Anyways, being a classic rock fan, but from Generation Z, I wouldn't really know most of the other legendary acts of the multiple years prior to the Eagles. So instead of sticking with the Eagles, I decided to search and search and search for various artists. Artists I heard of or saw in anything related to the Eagles, usual names brought out during discussions. I recently got into Spotify and searched up live albums. I got out of my comfort zone finally, and I can say that I have a much more varied, proper interest in classic rock than ever before.

Recently, I started wondering which were the most definitive rock acts of each year from 1965 onwards, obviously in an effort to listen and know more. However, I had doubts about the most definitive artists of certain years, but I got my opinions on some of them. So what I want you all knowledgeable people to do, is to suggest me some acts of a certain year. So yeah, these are those definitive artists acc. to year from 1965 onwards. You guys could suggest an artist and even a song which is a highlight of their career that year, or even suggest rock songs pre 1965. Preferably not the following though: folk pop or rock 'n roll. Please remember you could tell any artist of any genre!

The format here is: Year- Artist/Band- Song- Live Performance of that song from that year (if you could)

1965- The Who- My Generation- BBC Sessions
1966-
1967- The Jimi Hendrix Experience- Purple Haze- Live at Monterey
1968- Cream- Sunshine of your Love- Live at Back Bay Theater, MA, USA
1969- Gypsy Sun and Rainbows- Voodoo Child (Slight Return)- Live at Woodstock
1970- Black Sabbath- War Pigs- Live at Paris 1970
1971- Led Zeppelin- Stairway to Heaven- Flying Rock Carnival Complete (live at the Budokan, Tokyo, Japan- 09/23/71)
1972- Deep Purple- Smoke on the Water- Live in Japan
1973-
1974-
1975-
1976- Eagles- Hotel California- Hotel California 40th Anniversary Expanded Edition


From there on I really don't know, so it would be wonderful if you guys could contribute and suggest more. I would love to hear all of your opinions on this list and even say if there was another more definitive artist! Be free to tell who are your favorites!

Since you seem to be looking for primarily arena rock acts, these are some of my suggestions (assuming that Elton John and Paul McCartney may be considered too “soft.”)

1966 - The Byrds, “Eight Miles High” (sorry not sure about a live performance, they do have a Live at the Fillmore cd)

1973 - ZZ Top, “La Grange” Live in Montreux (from 2013 so may not fit your criteria)
1974 - Steely Dan, “Ricky Don’t Lose That Number” (Live?? Not sure)
1975 - Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody” Night at the Odean Hammersmith 1975

1977 - Fleetwood Mac, “Go Your Own Way” Live 1980
1978 - Cheap Trick, “Surrender” Live at the Budokan 1979

[New Kid In Town]

Cosec, some of your choices are interesting. ZZ Top - I don't see it. I always felt they were more kind of like the GD - only less well known and without the following.

Dreamer, I have to say I agree with every one of your choices. I happen to like the BB, and so many groups/singers have stated how "Pet Sounds" influenced them. And, I agree about the Bee Gees. I don't remember anyone being bigger than they were that year.

[NightMistBlue]

Yes! Good work, Delilah! Why did I not think of Steely Dan for 1974...

[cosec3791]

Since you seem to be looking for primarily arena rock acts, these are some of my suggestions (assuming that Elton John and Paul McCartney may be considered too “soft.”)

1966 - The Byrds, “Eight Miles High” (sorry not sure about a live performance, they do have a Live at the Fillmore cd)

1973 - ZZ Top, “La Grange” Live in Montreux (from 2013 so may not fit your criteria)
1974 - Steely Dan, “Ricky Don’t Lose That Number” (Live?? Not sure)
1975 - Queen, “Bohemian Rhapsody” Night at the Odean Hammersmith 1975

1977 - Fleetwood Mac, “Go Your Own Way” Live 1980
1978 - Cheap Trick, “Surrender” Live at the Budokan 1979

Will check out all of them.

So what about the Byrds? What did they do? Keep in mind, I'm really out of the loop of popular American acts compared to British ones for the '60s. And yep, I heard of ZZ Top so much. Gonna listen to them for sure, thought I'll try to find a 1973 performances, instead of a later one. I also heard about Steely Dan, mentioned indirectly in Hotel California. Does he go harder than the Eagles?

Queen here is a definite inclusion. Another poster told this, and I toyed with the idea of including them. As is for Fleetwood Mac, although I'm not 100% sure where. I also heard of Cheap Trick.

Any other acts?

And I'd love to hear what makes an artist so defining to you!

MORE PLEASE!

[Delilah]

Thank you, NMB.


Will check out all of them.

So what about the Byrds? What did they do? Keep in mind, I'm really out of the loop of popular American acts compared to British ones for the '60s. And yep, I heard of ZZ Top so much. Gonna listen to them for sure, thought I'll try to find a 1973 performances, instead of a later one. I also heard about Steely Dan, mentioned indirectly in Hotel California. Does he go harder than the Eagles?

Queen here is a definite inclusion. Another poster told this, and I toyed with the idea of including them. As is for Fleetwood Mac, although I'm not 100% sure where. I also heard of Cheap Trick.

Any other acts?

And I'd love to hear what makes an artist so defining to you!

MORE PLEASE!

The Byrds were before my time but they were a big influence on one of my favorite artists, Tom Petty. I chose “Eight Miles High” because it was one of the first, if not the first, rock psychedelic songs, and it was quite innovative. I can only imagine how it blew people’s minds back then.

ZZ Top has that hard rock bluesy sound that has such an early 70s vibe.

Steely Dan is not a “he”; they were band that were edgier than the Eagles with some jazz touches. Although, some of their later music could be classified as yacht rock, I suppose. I don’t think they toured much.

As for Fleetwood Mac, if you don’t agree as far as 1977 goes, then how about “Cold As Ice” by Foreigner? That sound was quite definitive of the late 70s - hard-sounding, guitar-driven but with enough pop overtones to appeal to the masses.

About The Bee Gees: they were huge at the time but they were more disco/pop, not rock.