Friday, September 13, 2013

My Favorite Songs of 1978

I've been obsessed with researching and choosing my favorite songs of the years of 1978 to 1991. I then find those songs and create Spotify playlists. It doesn't take as long as you think. I am going to share them with you over the next couple of weeks. Sample some of these songs. You won't regret it (or you will, what do I care?)

Deacon Blues – Steely Dan – from Aja, one of the best produced albums of the 70s.
Turn to Stone – ELO – could have been Mr Blue Sky
You and I – Rick James – there was more than Superfreak and Dave Chappelle
Reminiscing – Little River Band – biggest surprise listing of this year. I loved this song. I could sing along in my register.
On Broadway – George Benson – Love when he scats along with the guitar at the end.
The Groove Line – Heatwave – could have been Boogie Nights from this band.
Magnet and Steel – Walter Eagan - another surprise, one hit wonder, but it was a great hit that stayed with me for 34 years.
Just the Way You Are – Billy Joel – David Sanborn played the sax solo of this song on SNL.
Miss You – Rolling Stones – I know it was Stones’ disco, but it may be my favorite Stones’ song.
Stop Your Sobbing – Pretenders – this whole album is great, tried to pick just one song per album.
Is This Love – Bob Marley and the Wailers – saw a documentary on Bob on Palladia recently. I highly recommend it.
Rockaway Beach – The Ramones – don’t like a Ramones’ song, wait just 2 minutes and it will be over.
Life Begins at the Hop – XTC – one of the perfect pop songs of the 70s. They should have been bigger.
You’re All I’ve Got Tonight – The Cars – I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t realize Ben Orr sang so many of their hits (not this one though).
Can’t Stand Losing You – The Police – I believe Bruno Mars was trying to channel Sting of this era on “Locked out of Heaven”
Jamie’s Cryin – Van Halen – my first real rock concert was Van Halen at the Arena. I believe that the concept of a “contact high” is a myth.
Prove It All Night – Bruce Springsteen – I think many people of my generation (and just a few years older) overrate him, but he is still greatness.
FM – Steely Dan – was the theme song to a movie of the same name. Song was much better than the movie.
I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones – great pop song writers
Boogie Oogie Oogie – Taste of Honey – didn’t realize how stupid this song title was. Great bass line though.
Is She Really Going Out with Him – Joe Jackson – one of the pioneers of new wave music. Most ironic song on the list (google image search him and you will see why).
One Nation under a Groove – Funkadelic - takes me back to sneaking listens to Majic 108 FM (didn’t do that in my neighborhood). Great band name.

What did I leave out?

1 comment:

Harry Erney said...

Totally dig your list.....
It was a great year for music.
From rock to pop to disco....it was all good.
And it was the year Blondie recommended Grand Master Flash to The Sugar Hill Gang....and the rest they say....is history....
Good list bro.