These probably aren’t the music rivalries most people make lists about. These bands don’t hate each other (at least to my knowledge), nor are they involved in some kind of heated, verbal controversy. What makes these acts rivals is the fact that their fantastic music is so similar (usually in sound and time period) that many feel it should be determined which band  is more influential or just better at what they do.  No, I can’t give you a winner of each battle, but I can say that it’s completely understandable to pick either of these bands as the victor of these debates, arguments that have been the topic of conversation for music snobs everywhere.

5. vs.

Iron Maiden versus Judas Priest

-Let’s face it, besides Black Sabbath and Metallica, these are probably the two greatest heavy metal bands of all time. The problem is, unlike Metallica and Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden just sound so damn similar that it’s almost impossible to argue which band is better than the other. Both acts have wailing vocals, a distinct image, and furious twin guitars. What I love about this debate is how the two bands lyrical themes’ (The fantasy warfare of Maiden and the motor-powered leather of Priest) are so different, yet they both fit their seemingly identical music so well. It’s almost like the debate is which style of writing is more metal, the exciting world of make-believe or the stereotypical bad-ass biker lifestyle. Argumentative points have ranged from influence to commercial success, but no true answer has ever been found. My opinion is that it’s just two bands playing great music in their own unique way, so who the hell cares. Rock on.

4. vs. 

The Sex Pistols versus The Ramones

-It’s a question so many punk-enthusiasts have pondered for years on end: Who is the greatest punk band of all time? Both acts have had a significant influence on the world of rock and roll today, and they each have their own rabid fan base that will seriously die for the triumph of their respected band in this debate. Like rivalry #5, this argument also seems like it comes down to a clash of styles (ha, clash!) because the music is equally good. Which is more punk, the anarchist English rebelliousness of the Pistols or the misguided, down-and-out New York spirit embodied by The Ramones.  The Sex Pistols have a better album, but the Ramones were better live…the debate is endless. Again, I love both these acts, but sadly, agreeing to side with both bands simply just isn’t punk.

3. vs.

Billy Joel versus Elton John

-The epic battle of the piano men. Both have amazing voices, both are absolutely insane on the piano, and when it comes to musical storytelling, it doesn’t get any better than quite possibly two of the greatest musicians on the planet. It’s not even like one of them only does slow songs, or one of them only does love songs, it’s almost as if the two are unconsciously trying to one-up each other throughout their careers. Billy Joel writes his own songs, but Elton John is more of a rock star live, however, Billy Joel has that religious fan base, then again Elton John has more versatile music, and, and, and I have a headache. I love them both, and they love each other.  When they are both still playing twenty years from now, I guess we’ll have to wait until the long run to see who’s better. Yeah, like that will ever happen.

2. vs.

Led Zeppelin versus Black Sabbath

-It’s the legendary war of who deserves the credit for inventing heavy metal.  They both began recording roughly around the same time, and they each have their own share of incredibly heavy tunes. Yet, the question remains of who started it all. Was Metal born within the likes of Zeppelin songs like “Dazed and Confused” and “Communication Breakdown” or Sabbath tracks such as “Paranoid” or “Iron Man?” The world will never know. At first, Black Sabbath seems like the obvious answer due to their evil lyrics and re-invention of the power chord, but it’s hard to argue against Zeppelin’s thunderous percussion and super fast blues guitar techniques. The bottom line is, both bands are equally important to Metal, and I think that it was both styles’ joining together that truly created the most popular sub-genre of rock and roll.

1. vs.

The Beatles versus The Rolling Stones

-One of these two is the greatest rock and roll band of all time. It’s easy to say the fab four is the obvious answer, but I myself was surprised when I learned just how many people (mainly adults around the age of 50 and up) really believe that it’s the Stones that should be awarded this honor. Both bands revolutionized rock music in so many ways, and without either of them, music wouldn’t be anything like it is today. Whether it’s the musicianship, live shows, musical influence, versatility or songwriting, either act could be called the greatest of all time. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones epitomize everything that is rock and roll in so many ways, and once they got a hold of their future lifetime followers, the race for rock royalty has never ended. It seems like each year, we’re reminded in some new way why each band deserves their mark in history. They are our forefathers, and they deserve to be honored, and I think that no honor is more respectable than being recognized as an undying competitor for the greatest title a band would ever want.

Let’s face it, the idea of replacements in rock and roll bands has what many would call a negative connotation. Replacing a member of a band has often led to a bad result, proving that it’s not easy at all to recreate the chemistry the original members had. Yes, Sammy Hagar may very well have single-handedly destroyed Van Halen, and Paul Rodgers singing with Queen is like seeing the Rolling Stones without Mick Jagger, but this doesn’t mean all replacements are bad. That’s why I made this list, to remind people that despite these past monstrosities, a fair amount of replacement members have in fact had a positive effect on a band. These are five people that, in my opinion, either improved the act they joined or at least did justice to the musician they replaced.

5. Ron Wood-Already an experienced guitar player with Rod Stewart’s band, Ron Wood was a perfect replacement for Brian Jones when he died in 1969. He can truly hold his own as a blues player, and his short yet sweet fills brilliantly back up his legendary guitar counterpart when needed. Wood loves to party and perform on stage, just like a Rolling Stone should. From the start, he seemed totally comfortable with the original crew, as they did with him. Plus, anyone that can put up with what goes on between Mick and Keith after all these years has to have a good amount of dedication, which shows just how grateful Woody is to be part of quite possibly the greatest band of all time.

4. Phil Collen-Is it pop? Is it metal? It’s both, thanks to Def Leppard’s replacement of Pete Willis in the young and talented Phil Collen. His technical wizardry and extraordinary ability to write those catchy little verse riffs propelled Def Leppard beyond the endless array of 80’s metal bands and into superstardom. Collen brought the band backing vocals and stage presence, not to mention a nice image for their female fans to look at when they played their hot, sticky signature track. There’s no doubt that a large portion of Def Leppard’s long lasting fame is  due to their inclusion of this flashy guitarist they spotted in a nightclub in England.

3. Ronnie James Dio-People thought it wasn’t possible for Black Sabbath to get any more metal than they already were. Dio’s epic, earth shattering voice accompanied by the popularization of his trademark devil horns proved that even a band as incredible as Black Sabbath had room for improvement. Like the Godlike singer he replaced, Dio always delivers on stage, and the sounds on Sabbath’s later albums wouldn’t have worked better with any other vocalist. So different than Ozzy yet so alike, Dio’s undeniable talent left little if any Black Sabbath fan disappointed.

2. John Frusciante-If it wasn’t hard enough to categorize the Red Hot Chili Peppers, here comes John Frusciante to just make it more of a confusing process that is still debated today. I don’t know how they did it, but somehow the Chili Peppers found a guy that gave them everything they could ever want in a replacement for guitarist Hillel Slovak. He can play funk, metal, blues, punk, you name it, Frusciante can do it. His addition to the already successful band made people realize just how much of an all-around act these guys are, with expertise at each corner of the stage. There’s no other way to say it : John Frusciante is just the shit.

1. Brian Johnson- After all these years, I’m still asking myself the same question : How the hell does he sing like that? The great Bon Scott’s replacement must have vocal chords made of gravel. Brian Johnson’s explosive vocals and rock and roll spirit helped save AC/DC after their former singer’s death. In fact, one of the most talked about arguments in rock is whether Johnson is actually a better vocalist than Bon Scott, something rarely discussed when it comes to bands as classic as AC/DC. As unique as his voice is, it’s amazing just how well it fits into the music he sings along to. Like Scott, he gave the fans an explosive, ballsy voice, topped off with his own special touch. Throughout his long, successful career, Brian Johnson has continued to make his bandmates, fans, and predecessor, as proud as ever.

A great man once said, "All we need is just a little patience." Okay, maybe Axl Rose is only my idea of a "great man," but the point is that a decent amount of musicians tend to get hated on before they're even listened to, simply because of something they're associated with that doesn't fly well with some people. This could be their fan base, they way the band looks, or the unusual sound of the music. Due to these judgments, these artists aren't really given a chance, because it seems easy to be turned away by these stereotypes and labels. What this list shows is a group of acts that, in my opinion, don't get the credit they deserve, and that even though some of these stereotypes may be true, there's more to these acts than what people say about them.

5. Creed
-Stereotype: Cheesy, overtly-Christian based music with a bad singer.
-Why It's Incorrect: Yes, Scott Stapp does sound a little like Wierd Al making fun of Eddie Vedder, and some of the
lyrics are of biblical proportion, but with all these things put aside, Creed is epic, hard and heavy. Mark
Tremonti is one hell of a guitar player (he solos like
he's auditioning for a spot in Metallica), and when Stapp
gets intense, the grunge gods he pays tribute to would be
proud. Their softer stuff clearly isn't for everybody, but
when straight up metal is on their minds, the music is
good enough for even Scott Stapp to blend in well.

4. KISS
-Stereotype: A couple of clowns with bad makeup and spandex that only became famous because of how they looked.
-Why It's Incorrect: Why is it so hard for people to see past the makeup? With the exception of their business-obsessed bass player, Ace, Paul and Peter are
actually great musicians. When they were in their prime, KISS played solid rock, similar to the kick-ass style of AC/DC. Take the explosive quality of the music into account, and then it'll seem all so obvious why the fireworks, makeup, and alternate personalities are almost a rather necessary accessory.

3. U2
-Stereotype: "Holier than Thou" music that's only about how much of a saint Bono is and why we should save the
''starvin' children."
-Why It's Incorrect: Sure, a lot of U2's more popular songs do revolve around their lead singer's righteous causes, but it turns out that the pride of Ireland do in fact have a decent amount of good ol' rock and roll tracks. It doesn't matter what the guy's singing about because like it or not, he's got an amazing, ageless voice that any true music fan can respect. They show off,
they're cocky, and their concerts might be a bit much,
but really listen to the music and everything that came
after it...is it possible that U2 might just...deserve it
all?

2. Marilyn Manson
-Stereotype: Nothing but a sick pervert who whines about how much the world sucks and why you should kill yourself.
-Why It's Incorrect: Oh come on, the guy puts his genitals on just one dude's head, and now he's a bad guy? I don't
get it. Anyway, the point is, yes, it's angry and a little evil, but what some people call whining, others call social commentary. Believe it or not, the man is intelligent. Take a second to think about what he's saying, then think of the world we live in, and then maybe, just maybe you'll realize that Mr. Warner's beliefs aren't as impossible to relate to as you thought.

1. Phish
-Stereotype: Just one giant drawn out jam session that can only be tolerated unless the listener is under the
influence of some illegal substance.
-Why It's Incorrect: So it's okay when Jimmy Page or Joe Satriani solo for years on end, but when these guys do it,
suddenly it's bad music? Phish's jam sessions aren't too far off from Cream's style of simultaneous soloing, and throughout their long jams, I can guarantee at least one section will strike the fancy of anyone who appreciates jazz, rock, or even southern blues. Sure, it's better on drugs, but then again, isn't everything?

An old yet still-relevant criticism of so many bands, past and present is "every song sounds the same." This may be a sign that a particular artist could be what people call a "one trick pony," an act that can't be that talented because they're only good at one seemingly simple style of music. Now, if this is the case, why is it that when so many musicians test the waters of a different type of sound, the majority of the critical reactions are more bad than good? Most can recall how much flack Bob Dylan got when he picked up an electric guitar, or when Metallica traded melody for speed for a brief period. With these past receptions considered, it makes me wonder that maybe it's actually better to be one of those bands where "every song sounds the same." What this list shows is why being a "one trick pony" may be the right path to take, judging by success, quality of sound, and that band's status today.

1. AC/DC
-No one could have said it better than Ozzy Osbourne himself when he referred to AC/DC as "the no-bullshit band." This is because the music of these animals from down under can only be described as straight up rock and roll. And that's it. After all these years, AC/DC has
managed to completely stray away from anything, as Malcolm Young will attest to, they simply don't think they can do. Virtually every track they've put out features a solid, steady drum beat, distorted, blues based riffs, and lyrics that directly from the....well, you know where. Their lyrics, guitars and presentation have never gone soft. They know what their fans like, and, due to their esteemed status and their record breaking sales, AC/DC has proven to all of us that in the world of music, change may very well just be a bad idea.

2. The Ramones
-The Ramones are to punk as AC/DC is to hard rock. The majority of their songs revolve around textbook punk rock song structure: four to five power chords, upbeat drumming, and no solos. They never went slow, bluesy, or clean, throughout their illustrious career. Once they started partying, (and as we've seen, it's unfortunately
taken its toll on the band) they never stopped. A Ramones
show was just a fun ride all the way through, never
turning off the distortion switch, slowing down the drums,
or toning down those vocals, whatever the hell he was
singing about.

3. Slayer
-Ask any hardcore thrash fan who the most important band of that genre is, and odds are, Slayer should be the most
popular answer. This is because, like the other artists in this list, Slayer has stuck to their Satanic guns since
they first came onto the scene and changed metal forever. Their songs have stayed short, fast, heavy, and more evil
than the dark lord himself. By creating consistently good
albums that only contain songs of this nature, Slayer
proved that thrash was a legitimate musical genre, and
that the way to gain the most dedicated fan base was to
stay true to one's roots. It's safe to say that if Slayer
ever tried their luck at a different genre, they wouldn't
have earned their one-of-a-kind fans who carve their name
into their skin and enjoy getting the hell beaten out of themselves at their concerts.

4. ZZ Top
-For almost forty years (I know, right?) ZZ Top have shown the world that the blues are alive and well. How? By shoving it in our faces, song after song, album after album. They've experimented with synthesizers and
different guitar effects, but the majority of these Texans' recordings revolve around southern based riffs,
ballsy lyrics, and of course, Billy Gibbons' signature,
awe-inspiring guitar solos. It's all blues, all the time,
and ZZ Top has never shed their masculine, bad-ass
southern style. Dusty and Billy have even kept those
classic beards that they've had since God knows how long.
These guys have the blues down-pat, and, as they say,
if you've got it, flaunt it.

5. The Beach Boys
-One of the greatest bands of all time, it's safe to say that the legendary Beach Boys owe a great deal of their
success to the fact that once they perfected their trademark, California style, they never looked back. Surf-rock guitar riffs and dreamy, fun lyrics accompanied by those glorious harmonies turned the Beach Boys into worldwide icons. The Beach Boys vast commercial success and undeniable influence on modern music gave them full ownership of their genre, one that has been imitated by countless acts from the same region. Yes,it might all sound the same, but once they had the entire world dancing and swaying, why change at all? Whether it was the vocals, guitars, or toasty-warm lyrics, every Beach Boys song in some way reminded their fans why they were impossible to hate.

Every now and then, a movie uses a song in such a way, that everyone seems to be singing that song for months to come. That particular track becomes grafted to that film forever, making it “the song from [that movie]”. There are so many cases for this that it warranted a list.

5. “Tiny Dancer” – Almost Famous

I must admit, I don’t love this scene. I find it forced every time I see it, and I can’t help but wonder how they all know to skip a verse as they sing. That being said, this list is about songs being brought back to popularity through film. That’s exactly what happened here. Almost Famous brought “Tiny Dancer” up to being one of the most played Elton John songs out there. It earned the song a place in the hearts of this generation and a place on this list.

4. “I Touch Myself” – Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery

I was just a kid when this movie came out, making me more vulnerable to the hilarious, forbidden, nipple-rubbing mania that was brought on from this scene. What could reignite a song like a dancing Austin Powers, Fembot heads exploding, and British flag undies? I never hear this song without thinking of this scene, and that’s the whole point of this list.

3. “Total Eclipse of The Heart” – Old School

First of all, a word about Old School: no one saw this film coming, but it reinvented the comedy genre and paved the road for the Apatowian comedy that we all know and love. That being said, thanks to The Dan Band, and their moving performance as Will Ferrell’s wedding band, most of us can’t decide whether or not to throw the “F” bomb into Bonnie Tyler’s song at various places. This classic scene has earned the Dan Band cameos in films such as Starsky and Hutch and, this summer’s smash success, The Hangover. Every time these guys show up on film, I think back to “Total Eclipse of The Heart”.

2. “These Eyes” – Superbad

Who can forget Michael Cera singing this hit from The Guess Who in Superbad? The scene, for those who don’t remember, consists of Evan, our meek yet heroic protagonist, being forced to sing for a few fight-craving cocaine fiends. I can’t help but wonder where a seventeen-year-old kid pulled this ditty from, but it makes for comedic genius. He brings the cokeheads to tears with his poor-at-best performance, and us to tears of laughter, earning his place on this list. To the current generation, The Guess Who’s hit from 1969 will forever be “the song from Superbad”.

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Wayne’s World

This was a tough decision for me. I mean, who could ever say that this song, by Queen, could ever need “reigniting”? However, in the end, what is this list without this scene? When Wayne pops that cassette into the Mirth Mobile’s tape deck, history is made. It’s a classic “chicken egg” scenario: Did we start reacting to this song on the radio because of this scene? Or, was this scene made because of the way we all react to this song on the radio? Either was, if you haven’t had a full-car sing-a-long to “Bohemian Rhapsody”, you’ve led an incomplete life. That fact puts the song at number one.

The inspiration for this list is simple: there’s something magical about a maniac, a weapon, and great musical direction. We laugh, we cry, our hearts pound out of our chests and our asses explore the forbidden territory at the ends of seats when these rare, but memorable scenes come along.

5. “The Opening Scene” – Face/Off, John Woo, 1997

The Maniac: Nicholas Cage as Castor Troy

The Weapon: Mass Murdering Bomb

The Music: “The Hallelujah Chorus – Since By Man Came Death”

Talk about a scene that lines up a whole movie. We have Castor Troy, a painfully symbolic named terrorist, planting a bomb, prancing around and grabbing choirgirl’s asses. Here, Cage shows contempt for everything that is holy and love for chaos. The face he makes while grabbing the girl’s ass makes you wonder why old Nick ever left being a villain. My only complaint with the casting in the movie is that he doesn’t stay a villain for long.

4. “The Ringer” Scene – The Big Lebowski, The Coen Brothers, 1998

The Maniac: John Goodman as Walter Sobchak

The Weapon: An Uzi and Dirty Underwear

The Music: “Run Through the Jungle” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

You can argue with me about whether or not John Goodman’s character is a maniac, but

please consider his half-dazed, shell-shocked, Viet Nam rants before you do. In, by far, the funniest scene on this list, Walter dives out of the dude’s car with an Uzi and a “fool proof” plan.  Goodman solidifies his role as a lost veteran and idiot in this scene, let alone our love for this film. Suspenseful? Oddly. Great Music? Definitely. Funny? You bet your ass.

3. “The Art Museum” Scene – Batman, Tim Burton, 1989

The Maniac: Jack Nicholson as The Joker

The Weapon: Sleeping gas and paint

The Music: “Partyman” by Prince

I may be biased, because this film brought me into the world of superheroes and villains.  I can’t be sure when I first saw it (I was only two when it came out). I subscribe to the fact that Heath Ledger’s Joker trumps all preceding Batman bad guys, but old Jack’s Joker holds a special place in my heart. This scene nails down the purpose of the Joker in a dark, fun, symbolic, and musical way. As Michael Caine tells us, “Some people just want to watch the world burn.” The art museum scene is filmed proof that Burton didn’t drop the ball on this character trait; he does a great job of showing rather than telling. By destroying valuable art, the Joker shows utter contempt for the best our society has to offer, and by doing it to Prince, he shows a lack of regard for everything the 80’s had to offer, but, somehow, it works.

2.  “The Ear” Scene – Resevior Dogs, Quentin Tarantino, 1992

The Maniac: Michael Madsen as Mr. Blond/Vic Vega

The Weapon: A Straight Razor

The Music: “Stuck in The Middle With You” by Steelers Wheel

Let’s get one thing straight: The only reason this isn’t number one is my love for the following film. I’m well aware that this is a bigger deal to most readers (so, save your typing fingers in the comments).  Rewatching this classic scene, the first thing I noticed is that I felt like I was the one with my mouth taped shut. One almost hopes Madsen gives him a break and shoots him (as he hopelessly writhes to avoid the aim of the gun), but no, it can’t be that simple in a Tarantino film. This is one scene where the music takes a front seat. We know, that as Mr. Blond, in his rat packesque attire, flips on the radio to “K. Billy’s Super Sounds of the 70’s”, we are in for a sick and bumpy ride here. As the music gears up, Madsen begins to walk-dance like Grandpa Cohen at a Bar Mitzvah, and the rest is history. Here’s an equation for you: A Straight Razor + A maniac speaking into a disembodied ear + a one hit wonder = history.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLTqecGbdCc

1.  “The Fake Drug Deal” Scene – Boogie Nights , Paul Thomas Anderson, 1997

The Maniac: Alfred Molina as Rahad Jackson

The Weapon: Firecrackers and a handgun

The Music: “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield / “Sister Christian” by Night Ranger

Here’s the rundown: we have a stripper and two male porn stars on their long, spiraling, downfall. They’ve decided the make a quick buck by participating in a fake drug deal (they have some fake cocaine, coated with a little bit of real cocaine for effect) with a local drug lord. We meet them in the car outside, where Todd (played by Tom Jane) reveals he has a gun. The three walk to the door of the house in a humorous image of unpreparedness. Unfortunately, they discover, upon arrival, that their buyer has been on quite the drug binge and is walking the thin line between sanity and anything but. The three con men sit on a couch as the most suspenseful scene I’ve ever seen commences. They hope to not get cause as: 1) several thugs weigh and inspect their fake cocaine, 2) Cosmo (he’s Chinese) lights firecrackers off continuously (our con men jump every time, but Rahad, the drug lord, is unphased), and 3) Rahad  smokes crack, and goes on a manic rant about his music while playing Russian Roulette with his favorite, most shiny gun. Let’s face it, I can’t do it any justice in text, but if you don’t believe that a fake drug deal, sporadic firecrackers, Russian Roulette, and mustached Karaoke can exist in the same scene, you’re wrong (just see for yourself). It makes for crazy suspense in one of my all time favorite films.

Now now, I was born in 1987. I don’t claim to know what it was like to live through the sixties, or anything like that. For anyone who finds it necessary to hop onto the discussion and fight me on this, citing however much music I’ve ignored, feel free, but please read the fine print first. I may not have lived through the sixties, but I’ve seen a lot of movies on the subject, and, I assure you, these are some songs that define that generation (for people who didn’t live through it):

5.  “Magic Carpet Ride” – Steppenwolf

In the eyes of those who didn’t live through the 60’s, like myself, there’s no getting around acid rock and drugs. Well, acid rock and drugs sent a representative to this list and that representative is “Magic Carpet Ride”. This song brings up images of people in circular, red lensed glasses, girls waving peace signs past their eyes, and slow moving disco balls. I never had the pleasure of attending a trippy party where this song played, but I do know a few guys who wish the pickup line “close your eyes girl, look inside girl, let the sound take you away,” still worked.

4.  “For What It’s Worth” – Buffalo Springfield

Okay, according to The Wonder Years, we had our neighbors coming home in boxes, angry teenagers who didn’t know whether to run or fight, school walkouts, and hippie older sisters who got married and moved to Alaska. What song comes to mind when all of these images present themselves? For me, and probably a lot of pop culture junkies my age, it’s “For What It’s Worth”.  People were getting involved, educated or uneducated about the issues. People were singing songs and carrying signs and, for what it’s worth, I can’t imagine this list without this song.

3.  “Wouldn’t It Be Nice?” – The Beach Boys

What is this list without some California beach music? Nothing! Plus, I know if I leave it out, someone will ream me out in the comments. I’m trying to cover all my bases here. The melodious sounds of the Beach Boys play in our heads when we hit the sand today, but when we think of the west coast, that “happening” place of the sixth decade of the 1900’s, they aren’t optional. I covered the drug infested party above, it’s time to cover the constant party of California here. Three words: sand, ocean, harmony.

2.  “Fortunate Son” – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Alright, here’s a confession: If I’m in traffic and there’s a helicopter overhead, the twangy lead guitar of this song comes to mind (hence the picture of helicopters rather than John Fogerty). I could drudge up a lot of imagery of commandos walking with rifles and VC popping out of underground tunnels, but I’ll spare you. Let me break it down, this song defines a generation and the war that defined that generation (for those who didn’t live through it).

1.  “Turn! Turn! Turn! (to Everything There is a Season)” - The Byrds

I’ve tried my best to limit myself to one song from the Forrest Gump soundtrack, but who am I kidding. If you lived through this generation, please note: this is the song we hear in our heads when we imagine our parents smoking pot and doing all of the things they’ve tried to raise us not to do. Whenever I hear a story about the 60’s, or read a book from the era, or stumble upon some old clip of LBJ talking about Viet Nam on the History Channel, those clean electric three-strums at the beginning come to mind. I immediately think of pictures of daisies in the barrels of machine guns when it plays on the radio. I have no idea how popular it was back then, but let me tell you: it defines the generation (for those who didn’t live through it).

Okay, so I tried to not use a lot of songs from the Forrest Gump soundtrack, but I ended up with 60% (I checked). I’m starting to think that warrants another list…

Listening to my iTunes this morning, on shuffle, I realized that there are certain words/phrases in Classic Rock, that just drive me nuts. Naturally, they occur in some very famous songs, by some leading bands. As always, there are too many to name, but here’s a try:

When you hear this motto, right before the epic breakdown of this song, it’s pretty clear why the song was included in “Rock Band”, and was used as its major marketing device. What’s more “rock and roll” than this phrase. I don’t care if he may have slept with Mick Jagger in the 70’s, or if he sports make-up, one can’t help, but image all of the women who have lived this phrase at the hands of Bowie. The sheer nature of this cry and Bowie’s epic stardom, make him a shoe-in for this list. Go ahead, argue with me…

2.  “[Maniac Shrieking]” – Speak to Me/Breathe by Pink Floyd

Okay, I know it isn’t a word or a phrase, but it fits the reason I made this list so let it slide (no true fan would have a problem with this). Forgive my unworthy speculation, but this hollering at the beginning of Dark Side of The Moon (if you haven’t heard it, that means you didn’t start the album from the beginning and you should drop whatever you’re doing and do so… now) serves one purpose. To tell you, the listener, that this album exists outside the realm of sanity. I’ve listened to the incredible CD so many times, that I’m trained, in a Pavlovian style, to abandon all reason at this haunting scream. Oh the power, Oh the power.

1.  “Look Out!”- Helter Skelter by The Beatles

Whoever classified these moptops as “Pop” should have a listen to this tune. Although, any slef-respecting classic rock aficionado doesn’t have to hear it to know exactly what I’m referring to here. It happens twice through the noise of this classic. Paul (his shout, pure rock and roll, is unmistakable), Shouts “Look Out!” to kick off the chorus. I had the pleasure of witnessing this monumental rock moment in person, at Citi Field in New York, this summer. Take my word for it, it reaffirms your decision to be a Beatles fan all on its own (not that anyone should need to reaffirm that). So, “look out” ’cause The Beatles are coming in at number 1.