[ZLS]

I thought it would be fun if AC members posted what they would consider "The" song that most defines a particular genre, artist, period of time, whatever the mind can conceive!  This is completely and utterly a matter of opinion and should be taken in that light.  The purpose is to have fun, and maybe, just maybe learn about some great songs that I am unfamiliar with.  I'll go first.

    The song that most defines the Blues for me is Dark Was The Night (And Cold Was The Ground) by Blind Willie Johnson.  This is the song that was sent out to outer space.  The song is haunting to say the least. 

[jimdgoulding]

that IS a good one.  When Billie Holiday sings Don’t Explain, it pretty well sizes up a submissive woman without much hope.  Ironically, I happened to think of a most ridiculous line in an odious attempt at a 60’s anthem for kids in the burbs.  And, sonofabitch, it worked (they still play this on top 40 stations). . “in the desert, you don’t remember your name cause there ain’t no-body what to give you no pain”, Horse With No Name- America.  Even the band’s name is pretentious.  Back to topic.  Rock Around The Clock- Bill Haley and The Comets.

[jimdgoulding]

Broken heart songs.  Here's one . . Heart Like a Wheel, Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

[lonewolfny42]

I thought it would be fun if AC members posted what they would consider "The" song that most defines a particular genre, artist, period of time, whatever the mind can conceive!

Speed....

[jimdgoulding]

Wolfness-  See you and raise you Steppenwolf's Born To Be Wild

[Tweaker]

For a song representing a period of time, for me anyway, it would be Joni Mitchell's Woodstock performed by Crosby,Stills,Nash,and Young.

edit: almost forgot Neil Young!

[jimdgoulding]

For a song representing a period of time, for me anyway, it would be Joni Mitchell's Woodstock performed by Crosby,Stills,& Nash.

Amen.  To include her own version, too, IMO.

[lonewolfny42]

Loneliness......

[Martyn]

Loneliness......

For loneliness try Cowboy Junkies' version of "I'm so lonesome I could cry". Brings tears to my eyes...

[jimdgoulding]

This may not be exactly what Z had in mind as it's an album but it was the start of a movement in jazz . . The Shape of Jazz To Come, Ornette Coleman.  Ohio by Neil Young was a statement about the 60's.  So was Don't Bogart That Joint, My Friend, sorta.  Who sang that?

[Scott F.]

So was Don't Bogart That Joint, My Friend, sorta.  Who sang that?

That would be Lowell George and Little Feat.

[mcgsxr]

I am not sure if the demographics of this site will go for the whole Grunge thing, but I want to see what folks consider the defining song of that genre?

I am torn in several directions:

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Soundgarden - Jesus Christ Pose
Pearl Jam - Jeremy
Temple of the Dog - Hunger Strike

Hunger Strike would be one of my favourite tunes, but I happen to think all of these sum up the late 80's/early 90's Seattle movement pretty well.

[WGH]

Ohio by Neil Young was a statement about the 60's.  So was Don't Bogart That Joint, My Friend

And don't forget Panama Red by NRPS. For me the 60's blended into the early 70's like a purple haze.

[giantsteps]

 Loneliness?

 Frank Sinatra sings for "Only the Lonely" ...14 songs to choose from.

 Depression? FS sings "One for my Baby"....a classic.

 
 Frank
 

[jimdgoulding]

 Loneliness?

 Frank Sinatra sings for "Only the Lonely" ...14 songs to choose from.

 Depression? FS sings "One for my Baby"....a classic.

 
 Frank
 

Oh heck yeah.  What's New is a personal favorite on this but every song is simply great.  This is a collector's item, fer sure.  If I am not mistaken this has been remastered on 180g vinyl.  Lush Life was scheduled to be on this I've read but Sinatra wasn't comfortable with the arrangement.  Great one, Steps. 

[Gordy]

White Rabbit / Jefferson Airplane - 1967

Hurt / Johnny Cash - Unfathomable Isolation

[lonewolfny42]

The Most Definitive Song Representing...California Girls......

( Intro by Wolfman Jack... )

[lonewolfny42]

The Most Definitive Song Representing...NYC mid 70's....the rock clubs closed....and Disco lived......get out your leisure suit...and head for Studio 54...

[Gordy]

Fever / Peggy Lee - Sensual, seductive, sultry, simmering and seething sex