I've never written these in any list before, but these are the songs that hit me so hard right out of the box, that they changed my thoughts on music forever. Sometimes, even changed me.
The Peppermint Twist--Joey Dee and the Starlighters.
They out-Checkered Chubby. That's what grabbed me.
I Saw Her Standing There--Beatles
How could you cram that much R & R in 2:48?
I Thank You--Sam & Dave
Electric keyboard got the main riff.
And Your Bird Can Sing--Beatles
Still in my top 5 from them. I'll stop Beatles here.
Too many I could include.
Cool Jerk--The Capitals
Sit still for 2 consecutive seconds. I dare you..
Pictures of Lilly--The Who
Guitars stopped being "guitars" forever. Got to see 'em do it. Still goosebumps--right now.
Pictures of Matchstick Men--The Status Quo
OK, so I liked Incense and Peppermints, too!
Kill me!
Hungry--Paul Revere and The Raiders
The beginning of American riff rock.
Good Luvin'--The Young Rascals
You can do that with a Hammond? I'm gettin' one.
Looks like it's gonna take me a while to get out of the 60's. Sorry.
You Really Got Me--The Kinks
What I wanted the Stones to sound like. Thanks Ray.
Victoria got my attention, as did others.
People are Strange--The Doors
So melodically and rhythmically strange, too.
Rattlesnake Shake--Fleetwood Mac
Dirty R & R don't get much better.
I Feel Free--Cream
WTH is that Jack Bruce guy doing? And that Clapton guy? John Mayall, I don't need you anymore.
Purple Haze/Waterfall--Jimi
Like anyone could even think of a reason then. None needed.
Bluebird--Buffalo Springfield
Wow! See what you can do with stereo?!!
I Got a Line on You, Babe--Spirit
By no means their best, but it gave me entree.
Love Randy California.
I'll pause at this one:
Communications Breakdown--Led Zep
How is this even possible. I gotta witness this.
I did. How is that even possible!!!!!!?
Add-ons, from any decade (I'll get there, I'll get there) eagerly anticipated. Jack's (Ajax) take would be very interesting, as it predates mine.
