I have heard that a survey’s results recently came out that said “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” was the most popular song of the century. After hearing of these results, I must admit I was a little disappointed, due mainly to the fact that the song blows. So I have decided to conduct my own little survey to prove that Americans can do a better job of selecting music. My personal pick would have to be “Black in Back” by AC/DC or “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, both of which may seem as stupid of a pick as “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” to some , but I am always open for everyone’s personal ideas. I would greatly appreciate it if everyone would reply so that I can finally again become content with the musical tastes of this fine nation. Thanks.
Hello, and welcome. This really belongs over in IMHO, but it’s not a big mistake. Just ask a friendly mod to move it for you, if they don’t move it on their own. To answer your question, I would have to say either “Free Bird” by Skynyrd, or maybe “Happy Birthday” by the Hill sisters.
-Brianjedi
Stupid me. I actually realized I posted in the wrong place just a few minutes before your reply, but as you know, I couldn’t move it myself. I just joined SDMB a few days ago, so you’ll have to forgive me for this rookie mistake. I will make sure to avoid this error in the future.
Ask, and ye shall receive.
Off to IMHO.
By record sales it is “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby, but by number of times sung by the average person it is easily “Happy Birthday.”
I think it’s a toss-up between Seasons In The Sun and One Tin Soldier, although Kung Fu Fighting has got to be right up there.
Billy of “Billy Don’t Be A Hero” could kick all their asses. . . well, if he wasn’t dead, and why did that ho throw the letter away, anyway?
I sorta liked that “American Pie” was so high up the list. Say what you will, I love the song for all it’s pop melodrama and overblown half-indecipherable imagery.
So, that’s my vote for #1.
And Daddy who was a cop on the East Side of Chicago could kick Billy’s ass. Tick-tock-tick-tock-tick-tock.
Sir Rhosis
“The Night Chicago Died!” Awesome,Sir!
AMM, your picks blow. No offense. And welcome to the SDMB.
I think SOTR got picked largely because of the popularity of the source, and AC/DC and Skynyrd just can’t compare in that regard.
Remember, these picks have gotta cover a lot of diverse eras. You need to take yourself out of your own particular mind-set and try to be objective. I do recall having seen this survey (linky-linky?) but I don’t know what the exact criteria were.
Bear in mind, also, that no one would care to hear either of your picks covered, and still say that it’s the same song. Those songs are signatory to the original artists, and the songs do not stand alone. However, there are some exceedingly awesome versions of SOTR floating around out there. Mandy Patinkin’s is my personal favorite.
Anyway, my vote is for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the single greatest work of music ever conceived by the mind of man.
Damn, Farmer, you beat me to it.
That’s as may be, but it’s not a song. Songs can be sung. That can’t.
I’ll put my chips on “Yesterday,” by the Beatles (which was at one time IIRC the most-covered song ever), or “Stardust,” music by Hoagy Carmichael and lyrics by the incomparable Mitchell Parish.
The first song that always comes to my head is “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zepplin.
A very close second - which most will probably not agree with - would be “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvanna
One Tin Soldier was a good pick too by Czarcasm. Never thought of it myself but it’s always been one of my favorites.
I am going to continue under the assumption that the gentleman moderator was being czarcstic.
Right? Otherwise, I will nominate “Shannon” by Henry Gross. And Shannon could kick Daddy who was a cop on the East Side of Chicago’s butt.
Sir Rhosis
Easy, no contest.
Macarthur Park, as ably sung by Richard Harris.
Of course the thread title didn’t say WHAT song of the century.
Wasn’t Shannon a dog? At least, when I first heard that song, years ago, that was the best interpretation I could make out of the admittedly obscure lyrics.
Obligatory (random) nomination: **Radar Love[/r] by Golden Earring
– Bob