7 for the '70s

I've just run 31 miles this week--the most I've ever run in a week, and my legs are tired. My mind, on the other hand, is fresh. So here goes a post that's been percolating for a few weeks--my top songs from the '70s.

The Ballad of El Goodo--Big Star. This might be one of the most perfect songs ever made. Find it and just try to wear it out. I dare you.

Life on Mars--David Bowie. Sometimes Bowie sounds flat to me. Not his pitch. It's the production. This is an exception. Listen to the crisp piano and the echo of the snare. Perfect. I love the line about "linens on sale again." Oh and I almost forgot that scientific query, "Is there life on Mars?"

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road--Elton John. I love that Bernie and Elton write sounds about famous people. My daughters love the Wizard of Oz, and I like it alright myself. The real kicker however is the AAH AAAH AAAAHS.

Maybe I'm Amazed--The Faces. Rod Stewart really knows how to sing others' songs. This is a Paul McCartney song by the way. I love the dirty guitar and the keyboard. This is a live version, Wellz, so take note. I don't hate all live recordings. This one is actually superior to the studio version.

Instant Karma--John Lennon. I was obsessed with all things Beatles for a long time. I still here a Beatles' song on mixtapes or commercials, and I can't deny that they really are top drawer. One thing I learned from my obsession is that John Lennon always wanted to write a song using the 3 note melody from 3 blind mice, and here it is in all its glory. "We all shine on."

Going to California--Led Zeppelin. This is the other band that I was obsessed with. From 7th to 9th grade I could sing all the lyrics and even hum the guitar solos. I started playing guitar because of Jimmy Page, and, if I ever did anything that might be classified as crazy, it was Led Zeppelin's fault. I know this song isn't very representative of the band, and my feelings toward California are tepid at best, but this song really makes me feel all '70s and shi@.

Shine a Light--The Rolling Stones. My first Stones' album was Exile. When choosing favorites, first impressions usually hold a lot of pull for me. I know it did with the Stones. It probably doesn't hurt that this is one of the greatest albums around. I won't say much more. In fact, let's fade into some kind of montage.