Best of Music: Classic Rock Bands

Satisfaction-The Rolling Stones

I know that before I publish this post I would get arguments, about the Top 5 best Classic Rock Bands.  Please keep in mind that this is one man’s humble perspective.  I would welcome your comments, and names of your Top 3 favorites.  Growing up we didn’t have iPods or mp3 players.  We relied of transistor radios, or vinyl records to keep up with the music, eventually we progressed through to 4 track, 8 track, and then the big innovation cassettes!  I hope that you can see through my sarcasm, however, at the time it was the best we had.  I remember having 5 speaker surround stereo sound system in my 1968 AMX (two seat sports car) with 8 track, and a light bar on the dash. 

I would travel between Santa Cruz, California and Los Angeles, with my music at a proper (mind blowing) level, and the colors inside my car changing with light bar lights and the beat of the music.  The many cars I passed along the way would usually give me a look that combined bewilderment and approval at the same time.  Then as now I enjoyed being at the leading edge of technology.  At the time the only way to stay in the front end of technology was to visit Los Angeles regularly.  At the time it seems that the innovation would arrive at New York, and Los Angeles first.  Imagine Japan and Hong Kong were in the middle of the technology universe even then.

Back to the subject at hand.  The point I was making is that I not only enjoyed live and recorded music, but used the best possible delivery system I could get my hands on for listening to the recorded music.  It’s almost unfair to name my top five because depending on the circumstance and mood I could easily shuffle the 10 bands, and call them all number ones.

Satisfaction-performed live

Keep in mind that the positions in many instances are interchangeable: 

• #1 The Rolling Stones, during the 60’s and 70’s with Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards in charge of writing songs, the Rolling Stones produced hit after hit to become one of the most influential bands ever.  My favorite song is Satisfaction. 
• #2 AC/DC, I loved and still do love their riffs.  Even in modern times they continue to play as they did back then.  My favorite song is You Shook Me All Night Long. 
• #3 Journey, they have a unique style in making music.  My favorite song is Don’t Stop Believing. 
• #4 Led Zeppelin, had some of the greatest guitar solos of all time.  Jimmy Page re-defined the way the guitar should be played.  My favorite song is Stairway to Heaven. 
• #5 The Eagles, are one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, having sold over 150 million records.   My favorite song is Hotel California.

You Shook Me All Night Long-AC/DC Live

I am going to try to quickly bring this post to a conclusion before I decide to make changes to the line-up.  Here is another disclaimer:  I have a very wide range of appreciation for music to include all genres from Classical Music to Outlaw Country, Heavy Metal and beyond.  I welcome your input regarding your top 3 favorites. The best is yet to come….