Classic Rock: Choice Cuts

When I was growing up on Long Island there was no shortage of classic rock radio stations and by the time I left for college in the early '90s I was totally sick of classic rock. Radio has the power to introduce new and exciting music to the masses but in those days most FM classic rock stations were just spewing formulaic programs with little imagination: lots of “Stairway to Heaven”  and “We Will Rock You” . I believe there is a place for nostalgia in music and I enjoy recognizing old, familiar songs: that’s why they’re classics. But how many times can you hear the same overplayed classic rock tunes before violent thoughts begin creeping into your work day or backyard barbecue? 

Neil Young

At the close of the last century, the Internet- as well as satellite radio- began challenging traditional radio's dominance over the airwaves and this new competition for listeners finally forced classic rock DJs and stations to add more musical variety to their programs. Some years ago I started rediscovering and enjoying classic rock (some call it album rock) and I’m happy to report there are still lots of undiscovered and underplayed gems out there just waiting to be added to your next playlist. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

01. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers feat. Stevie Nicks – “Insider” (1981)

02. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – “The Waiting” (1981)

03. Neil Young – “Revolution Blues” (1974)

04. Manassas – “Colorado” (1972)

05. Neil Young – “Cortez the Killer” (1975)

06. Ray Davies – “Poetry” (2017)

07. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – “Even the Losers” (1979)

08. Three Dog Night – “Easy to Be Hard” (1969)

09. Santana – “Everybody’s Everything” (1971)

10. The Band – “Acadian Driftwood” (1975)

11. The Kinks – “Celluloid Heroes” (1972)

12. Alice Cooper – “Desperado” (1971)

13. Fleetwood Mac – “Man of the World” (1969)

14. Van Morrison – “Man Has to Struggle” (2001)

15. Alice Cooper – “Under My Wheels” (1971)

16. The Band – “Atlantic City” (1993)

17. The Moody Blues – “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)” (1972)

18. Neil Young – “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” (1969)

19. Three Dog Night – “Shambala” (1973)

20. Alice Cooper – “Be My Lover” (1971)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...  

Recommended Links:

The Last Waltz

Runnin' Down a Dream