“We Ain’t Got Nothin’ Yet” by the Blues Magoos. Two minutes of unbelievable energy. It’s my choice as the greatest recording of all time.
Five other nominations:
“Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys has been described as “a symphony that Brian Wilson fit into three and a half minutes”, but you’ve probably heard it a million times already.
“No Good To Cry” by the WildWeeds got national airplay out of Connecticut on nothing but raw merit. Just a simple tune, played experty, and a great voice.
“Just Dropped In” by Kenny Rogers is as close as anyone else ever got to sounding like Jimi Hendrix. I’m assuming you’ve got at least the major albums by Hendrix, right?
“Funky Nassau” by The Beginning Of The End is unusual for a rock recording that nothing’s blurred, muddied, or faded into everything else - any component stands up as its own solo.
“Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress” by the Hollies is what I’d use to explain the features of a rock’n’roll recording to someone who was unsure on the concept. It’s all there.
“Heatwave” by Martha and the Vandellas is exciting and beautiful.
When I was online dating, and spending a lot of time emailing strange women, one of my ice-breaker questions was just this – your top all time song list. So I’ve got mine handy:
Knock On Wood – Eddie Floyd
Shaking the Tree – Peter Gabriel
Rip This Joint – Rolling Stones
Whipping Post – Allman Brothers
What Is and What Should Never Be – Led Zeppelin
Do Your Thing – Basement Jaxx
Southern Cross – CSN&Y
Burning Down the House (live) – Talking Heads
Thank you for Stay, Novelty Bobble. I loved this song in my previous life, and clicking through your youtube link has brought me back to that time in my headphones right now
However, the best song ever in Springsteens* Thunder Road*. And his duet with Melissa Ethridge is heaven on earth, sweet sweet music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQpyxh3xpv8
