CRT.com Definition of Classic Rock
I have researched every written Definition of Classic Rock Music to include in my new Website, Classic Rock Turntables.com, and found that NONE of them have got it right!
Many refer to its success to early Rock Radio as the main driver of its popularity… however, it is true that Rock Music Radio in the early 60s definitively helped to “Kick-the-can-down-the-Road”… but, it truly was the Cultural and Social Movements that heard a “Theme and its Words” mixed with evolutionary Music Sounds on TV (the Beetles 1964) plus the Radio Format that was the true Driver!... Radio is not an integral part of what makes a Classic Rock Song what it is today… it is the Listeners for the last 60+ years!
Now, let us discuss Classic Rock Radio Stations… I will use mine in Asheville, NC (105.9 Classic Rock)… well to be honest, they should NOT call themselves a Classic Rock Station as they play a mix of CR plus Alternative Rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Country Rock, and some Songs that I am not sure that I know offhand how to classify them… obviously someone from Marketing chose the moniker!
Therefore, I have undertaken the task of creating a “Strawman” Definition to present to the members of CRT to discuss and refine by their Votes and suggestions… to create it, I divided my Plan into 3 parts
Understand the Evolution from its infancy to 1984 when the Beatles were on TV in 1964 (February 9) with over 70 million watching… their influence on young, striving Bands searching for a niche shifted their focus without knowing the definition of Classic Rock because there wasn’t one… that year there were 26 notable CR Bands formed beginning with the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Dave Clark Five, The Who, The Byrds, and others that formed the British Invasion… American bands who were influenced include Chicago, the Steve Miller Band, The Beach Boys, The Doors, and others captured the Sounds
Listen to every Band on Rolling Stone’s List of all-time Classic Rock Bands and Artists… noting the similarities that blend their Music together coupled with their specific Elements that were adapted through Innovation to make them individually noticeable by Fans… create a List of Categories to test a Ranking System the does not include Personal Bias towards one Group over another (that will come later)… analyze the outcome, refine the categories, and retest until my Team of Participants agrees enough to present it to our Board of Music Aficionados… once through that process, go to the next step
Take the RS List and run the numbers for all 40 evaluating their Base Numbers without the Bias Factors to create a new List… once completed, hold an intensive board meeting to hash out a consensus Ranking, excluding those deemed not worthy of a Top 40 ranking and substituting those worthy… and, most importantly, add the Bias factors… wrap it all up with a final List and Post it on our Site for Members to review and Vote… run the new numbers each month and Vote by rearranging, deleting, and adding until a final consensus is reached… publish it to the World!
The Beginning
The Term Rock n Roll began in the 1950s when Radio DJ, Alan Freed, began his "The Moondog Rock & Roll House Party"… the Program was an instant success and was broadcast from 5-6 pm and 11.15 pm to 2 am held on Monday thru Friday and from 11.15 pm to 3 am on Saturdays… to celebrate its success, Freed teamed with Lew Platt and promoted the “Moondog Coronation Ball”, that was held on March 21, 1952, at the Cleveland Arena…
With an estimated 20,000 individuals trying to crowd into an Arena that held slightly more than half that… the rowdy Crowd became excessive and the Fire marshals closed it down... Freed apologized on his next Radio Show… the most interesting fact that rose out of it was that the majority of the Audience was Black... the process to Integrate was swift!
Well, although the Electric Guitar was first invented in the 30s and used mostly by Jazz Artists, things all changed for Guitar Aficionados when the Fender Stratocaster was first sold in 1954… Chuck Berry released Maybellene in 1955 and it hit #1 on Billboard, then when he released Johnnie B. Goode in 1958, the opening blew the minds of most Musicians and is considered the first true Classic Rock Hit… although the term was not used then, his presentation is one of the main characteristics for deriving our Definition (Music that is “Guitar Driven” with Riffs and Solos).
My first recollection of a Rock song that stuck with me was Rock Around the Clock Rock by Bill Haley and the Comets at a Winter Sock Hop in 1954… it was the first Rock Song to make the Billboard Charts and was introduced to the Youth of America on Ed Sullivan on August 7, 1955.
Then, in 1957, there appeared on the scene, one Buddy Guy, whose masterful Blues Vibes and innovative Electric Guitar would influence the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Cream with Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers Duane Allman, John Mayer, and others
So, along came the likes of: Chuck Berry, Elvis, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, and Jerry Lee Lewis that changed the Sounds played on Radio forever… on August 5, 1967, one Dick Clark went national at 3 pm in Philadelphia, things stepped up another notch… the final Straw was on Sunday, February 9, 1964 when the Beatles, who were influenced by Cliff Richards, sent a “Shock-wave" through the Youth of America and the British Invasion spurned what was to become known as “Classic Rock”…
Summary of the Beginning:
Many feared that TV would significantly affect the Audience for Radio (by 1954, 70% of American Households had 2 Radios and about one-third had 3)… but one could not watch TV in a car and most only had 1 TV… so when the Transistor was invented by Bell Laboratories in 1947 and the first Transistor Radio was made by Regency called the TR-1 selling over 100,000 units in 1954 for $49.95… and a Teen (estimated at 6 million) could take their radio to Bed and to the Beach!
Teens, forced to listen to their Folks Music (Frank and Dean), now had a new outlet to solve their “Starving” need for a Sound to identify themselves beyond the Living Room… the new sound evolved from Black Artist’s Rhythm and Blues that by 1960 was called Rock n Roll
Alan Freed is credited as the first Evangelist of Rock n Roll, along with other DJs in the 50s who were influenced by him and his antics… these include:
Cleveland DJ Bill Randle created “Randle Romps” to gauge the reactions of Teens (Payola?)
Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips became the first to play Elvis Tunes and interviewed him on the Radio
LA DJ Wolfman Jack evolved his crazy antics and secured a nightly show for a Mexican Station across the border from del Rio, Texas and was strong enough to reach most Cities and became syndicated
Smilin’ Ed McConnell had a Children’s Show in New York City sponsored by Buster Brown Shoes and heavily influenced Youth Kids
Philadelphia DJ Jocko Henderson was a Hip Hop Pioneer
Chicago DJ Dick Biondi on WLS was known for his “Screaming Delivery” and became one of the Top RnR DJs
Detroit DJ Casey Kasem hosted the “American Top 40” live starting in 1970… it was syndicated Nationally and he went on to be the best-known advocate for RnR
New York DJ Murray the K was one of the first to tout the Beatles and was certainly one of the most influential promoters of RnR
LA DJ The Real Don Steel did radio and TV hosting his version of the Top 40
The term “Rock” was first used in print in 1938 by the Metronome magazine
The first Tune recorded that is considered Classic Rock was probably That’s All Right, Mama by Arthur “Big Boy” Grudup in 1946
Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats Rocket 88 had a distorted guitar and a heavy beat… it was considered Brash and Sexy and a symbol of Freedom and Rebellion that had its origin in 1951… so, the Friday night school dance undertook the transformation to a “Sock Hop” in the School’s Gym and Shoes had to be removed so a not to hurt the Floor… what fun!
CR music is most definitely linked to the generation of what we call “Boomers”, those born between 1946 and 1964, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, a total 76 million and their offspring, the Millennials, totaled about the same number… that implies that over 150 million Us Citizens were exposed to Classic Rock Music and its Sub-genres (over 100)
CR Music does not include many of early Elvis Tunes as they are considered “Rockabilly” which is considered the first Sub-genre (although Elvis did make many Songs that are considered CR) that was a blend of Country, Rhythm, and Blues, combined with a driving Rhythm… However, That’s All Right, his first single in 1954, is considered CR… Carl Perkins’ hit Song Blue Suede Shoes was considered Rockabilly but Elvis’ re-release was a magnet for Dancers… when Elvis got out of the Army in ’56, he let loose on the CBS “Stage Show” and caused hysteria on Ed Sullivan… and there was a low budget Movie “Rock Around the Clock”
In 1958, Ricky Nelson showed his talents and the Charts on “The Adventure of Ozzie and Harriet” TV Show where he played his first #1 hit Poor Little Fool… Elvis released his first Movie “Jail House Rock”… and the Stroll was introduced on American Bandstand played by The Diamonds.
After that; Buddy Holly (That’ll Be the Day), the Everly Brothers (Cathy’s Clown), Chubby Checker (The Twist), The Marcels (Blue Moon), Roy Orbison (Dream Baby), and Jay and the Americans (She Cried), made the lists.
The Beatle's initial two releases, Love Me Do and Please Please Me were released in the United Kingdom on March 22, 1963, and in the US before the Ed Sullivan Show… bootleg copies made it over and every Wannabee Band had copies for a year before the British revolution took hold
The direction that “Classic Rock” Music would take for the next 40 years all started to come together in America in 1964…
All right, let us get into the Meat of what happened after Ed...
When the Single 45, I Want to Hold Your Hand and on the back, I Saw Her Standing There, was released in the U.S. in January and by February went to #1… the live performances (20 Songs) in D.C., Carnegie Hall, and on Ed Sullivan’s Show on February 9 that was reportedly watched by 73 million… that Event gave the Audience at least some release of the tension caused by Kennedy’s assassination 11 weeks before and the pending War… they appeared again 2 weeks later and only 70 million watched (go figure)… their World Tour began in the Fall and encompassed 32 Shows in 25 Cities in 31 days earning over $1 million…
Now that we have established that the term “Rock n Roll” is the “Umbrella” for Rock Music's main Sub-genres, including Art Rock, Punk Rock, Jazz Fusion, Psychedelic Rock, Space Rock, Symphonic Rock, Christian Rock, and Progressive and Non-Progressive Rock… and that ”Classic Rock” is the Umbrella for its own group of Sub-Sub Genres, including the main ones: Blues Rock, Folk Rock, Country Rock, Southern Rock, Raga Rock, Jazz Rock, Grunge Rock, Glam Rock, Arena Rock, and Christian Rock
One American Rocker who admitted that he felt great about the Beatles recording Cover versions of his Hits was one Chuck Berry who had released Roll Over Beethoven (‘56 - #29) and Rock and Roll Music(’57 - Top 10)… the Beatles versions of his Songs never reached the ranking that CB’s achieved but times were different… they both, to this day, are part of the Group of Songs that influenced the “First Wave” of the evolution of Classic Rock.
Notable Classic Rockers of the First Wave are: Dave Clark Five, the Kinks, the Moody Blues, The Rolling stones, The Who, and the Yardbirds… all of whom are in our Top 100 all-time CR bands
The “Second Wave” in the late 60s includes Joe Cocker, Cream, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Van Morrison, and Elton John…
Finally, the Third Wave in the early 70s includes Bad Company, Electric Light Orchestra, Emerson Lake and Palmer, yes, and Wings
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Notable American Classic Rockers of the 60s include The Beach Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane, The Righteous Brothers, Santana, Sly and the Family Stone, the Doors, and the Jimi Hendricks Experience
The 70s brought forth the Eagles, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, Journey, ZZ Top, Van Halen, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Aerosmith
The 80s brought forth Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Heart, The Police, U2, AC/DC, and The Cars
So let us begin to take all of the main Publications and Website definitions and, after reviewing them, create a “Straw Man” , a living Definition that will be voted on by all Members of our Site, classicrockturntables.com to create a consensus version that truly represents CR Music!...
B ut, before it is Scribed, facts need to be gathered and an understanding of why there is a definite List of Bands and Songs that most Critics call Classic Rock…
Rock On!!!
Part II Classic Rock Song Definition Analysis
General Characteristics:
1. Bands that have been most Revered since the 60s, 70s, and 80s - Songs that resonate one’s Youth to their past, especially Baby Boomers (1946-1962) and Gen X (Millennials) whose Parents had a passion for CR Music… those that have Mass Appeal and a large Fan Base
2. Songs that were influenced by Rhythm and Blues using Pentatonic Scales, and/or elements of Blues, Folk and Country Rock to create a recognizable Sound unique to a Band by using catchy and memorable Hooks that created a full and extensive Discography
3. Songs that have a Band specific Introductory Theme using Guitar Overdrive or Fuzz, Riffs, Drum Solos, or Solo Vocals
4. Songs that deal with the Personal Life of Humans on Earth; their Family and School, Political Issues, and Rebellion against Societal Norms (especially the Vietnam era, Abortion, and Family evolution)
5. Songs that spin a Tale about one’s Life experiences; its Problems, Confessionals, and Failures… and listening to most CR Songs, one can hear the Lyrics more clearly than some other Rock Sub-genres
6. Songs that drew Inspiration from the media; Books and Movies, Mythology, and Events that happening were now, i.e., about War, World Leaders, Drugs, and fictional Characters
7. Use of Creative Instrumentation:
Guitar and Bass
Percussion
Keyboards
Background Guitar driven and Vocal Solos
Four-Four Timing with heavy Beats falling on the 2nd and 4th counts
8. Recognizable Vocalization:
Wailing… powerful and intense expressing emotion and energy (Robert Plant and Axl Rose)
Falsetto… using a higher range combined with a lighter and more airy tone (Prince and Freddy Mercury)
Gritty… rough and raspy with added distortion and/or growling (Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison)
Breathy… a soft and airy sound that is intimate and emotional (Stevie Nicks and John Mayer)
Raspy… a more smooth and controlled form of Gritty (Joe Cocker and Rod Stewart)
Emotional… a voice with an expressive interpretation of a story (Mick Jagger and Ronnie Van Zant)
Distortion… using Screams, Growls, and moans (Eddie Vedder and Axl Rose)
Diaphragmatic… voice control, power and endurance in their songs (Steven Tyler and Bruce Springsteen)
Innovation… (The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull, Peter Gabriel)
Note: This Section will be expanded to explain the justification of those on the List and why… that does not mean that there are not others that should be included… they will be decided on by Members of CRT.com
9. Impact on the Audience… The Top Bands with the most influence and longevity (not ranked)
AC/DC
The Beatles
Cream
The Eagles
Jimi Hendrix
Led Zeppelin
The Rolling Stones
Pink Floyd
Queen
10. Impact and Influence on other Bands and Artists (not ranked)
The Beatles
Rush
Queen
Led Zeppelin
The Doors
The Who
AC/DC
The Eagles
Bob Seeger & the Silver Bullet Band
Fleetwood Mack
Eric Clapton
The Beach Boys
The Steve Miller Band
Styx
Chuck Berry
11. Songs by Bands and Artists that are the best for Slower Dancing (not ranked)
Eric Clapton… Wonderful Night… Layla
The Eagles… Hotel California… Desperado… Love Will Keep us Alive
Fleetwood Mac… Landsli
Led Zeppelin… Stairway to Heaven… Thank You
The Rolling Stones… Wild Horses… (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Queen… Bohemian Rhapsody… Somebody to Love
Bon Jovi… Always… Bed of Roses… Thank You for loving Me
Guns N’ Roses… Sweet Child of Mine… November Rain
Van Morrison… Tupelo Honey
Styx… Lady
REO Speedwagon… Keep on loving You
Bryan Adams… Heaven
Journey… Faithfully
The Beatles… Something
12. Songs by Bands and Artists that are the best for Faster Dancing (not ranked)
AC/DC - You Shook Me All Night Long
The Rolling Stones… Start me Up
The Who… My Generation
The Eagles… Life in the Fast Lane
Van Halen… Jump… Runnin’ With The Devil
The Kinks… You Really Got Me
BTO… Takin’ care of Business
Steppenwolf… Magic Carpet Ride
Queen… We Will Rock You
The Knack… My Sharona
Bon Jovi… Livin
Billy Idol… Mony, Mony
ZZ Top… Sharp Dressed Man
Joan Jett… I Love Rock and Roll
Billy Joel… Uptown Girl… Tell Her About Me
Aerosmith… Walk his Way
The Beatles… Saw Her Standing Th
We at CRT believe the above Rating Criteria cover a cross-section of a Band/Artist's Capabilities, Content, Innovation, Evolution, Relevance, Longevity, and Appeal…
Note: These Criteria and Characteristics are not cast in stone and will be discussed and debated in their own Foru
The next step is to create a Test Spreadsheet for Artists and Bands that will be used to give a Ranking from 1-10 for each of the 12 Categories… the goal of this System in to minimize the Personal Bias one might have for a particular Band or Song and to be more objective in the decision Process to create a Consensus List
Here are 12 diverse Bands to analyze from the Rolling Stone List of the Top 40 Classic Rock Bands and Artists to be Ranked:
1. Led Zeppelin
A Pioneer of early Rock Music in 1969 with a Bottom-heavy, Loud, Raw, powerful Electric Style… their aggressive Guitar Riffs, and high-pitched Wails, coupled with a thundering Backbeat Sound make them easily identified by CR Fans… their Live Performances are Energetic and Powerful using extended Improvisational ad-hoc twists to Songs creating a unique experience for the Audience… their Innovation would heavily influence their transition incorporating Elements of Funk, Reggae, and Hard Rock… definitely in our Top 10 CR Bands
2. Lynyrd Skynyrd
Founded in 1964, the Band My Backyard became Lynyrd Skynyrd (pronounced “Leh-nerd Skin-nerd”) in 1969 but they did not play at Woodstock… LS is considered the Father of “Southern Rock” which was popularized by the #14 All-time hit Sweet Home Alabama It is a blend of Rock, Country, and Blues… it incorporates Bluesy Guitar Riffs, Freewheeling Jams, and a “Tight” Bass Guitar creating their uniquely identifiable Sound… although there was some controversy over the Rebel Flag in the early years, LS definitely in the Top 40 CR Bands
3. The Doors
Founded in 1967, The Doors Songs’ Themes and Lyrics embraced facets of Hedonism, Violence, Revolt, and Chaos as a counter to Rock’s emerging positive approach to Rock Music… after a period of being average, when the film Apocalypse Now (1979) emphasized their effects, they were revitalized and their influence to aspire new Generations continues today… the Bands Sound and Style may not be everyone’s “Cup-Of-Tea, they definitely fit the Criteria for inclusion in the Top 40 CRs Bands
4. Queen
Founded in 1970, Queen’s diverse and innovative Sounds coupled with their flamboyant and theatrical Performances led by Freddie Mercury’s charismatic Stage presence created massive Hype for the Band… their Sound is characterized by using layered Guitars, overdubbed Vocals, and complex arrangements making their Songs totally recognizable by the average Rock listener… the Bands Sound and Style may not be everyone’s “Cup-Of-Tea, they definitely are one of CRs Top 10 Bands
5. The Who
Founded in 1964, the Who revolutionized the boundaries of the Sounds from the combination of Guitar Riffs, thundering Bass and aggressive Drums… they introduced innovative Power Cords, Stack Amps, and the “Concept of Volume” to create a uniquely identifiable Sound… their Stage prescience is also unique with the willingness to take risks and explore new Territories… plus, their timeless Tracks have stood the test-of-time and are a strong Candidate for our CRs Top 10 Bands
6. Fleetwood Mac
Founded in 1967, FM created a distinctive “California Sound” with their evolution from a Blues oriented Sound to a more Pop oriented one… they created a unique blend of peppy and breezy Rock whose Melodic Style became their signature… after a slow start, the Band added Members to create a solid Team that has endured time… they are definitely in our CRs Top 40
7. Jethro Tull
Founded in 1967, JT Music drew from Jazz, Folk, Avant-garde, and some Hard Rock to create a truly unique Sound coupled with the Voice of Frontman Ian Anderson’s soulful and Bluesy Style definitely make them a candidate for CRs Top 40… their use of the Flute and experimental Guitar Riffs coupled with complex Song structures and polished Musicianship pushed the Boundaries of Prog Rock heavily influencing the Classic Rock Genre… they are definitely in our CRs Top 40
8. The Eagles
Formed in 1971, The Eagles self-titled Album released in 72 showcased their unique Style of combining elements of Rock, Country and Folk that resonated with a wide and diverse Cult following… their California Songs are well-constructed, toe-tapping, and have an easy listening Tone using their incredible Vocal Harmonies… “Their Greatest Hits” Album became the top selling of the 20th Century making them a Top 10 CR Band
9. Credence Clearwater Revival
After CCR's appearance at Woodstock in 69, the mostly unheard-of band went straight UP… using a blend of Blues, Country, and Folk coupled with John Fogerty’s distinctive Vocals is one of the hallmarks of Classic Rock… John’s version of Proud Mary inspired Tina Turner and her version helped to propel her Stardom… CCR's straightforward and energetic approach to Rock Music heavily influenced others such as Tom Petty and definitely is a Top 40 CR Band
10. Jefferson Airplane
Formed in 1965, JA was in the forefront of the San Francisco, “Haight-Asbury” Scene and the “Summer of Love”… they provided a wide range of Styles including dream-like Reverb, Fuzzy Guitar Riffs, and combined Folk-inspired melodies with Pop oriented electric sounds… Grace Slick’s powerful Vocals and Stage prescience coupled with their lead Guitarist, Jorma Kaukonen, created a unique sound that was well received at Woodstock and Monterey gave them an enduring Legacy, and was considered in the Top 100 CR Bands
11. The Pretenders
Although The Pretenders are not on the RS List, I decided to Rate them to see why, or why not, they should be… their Unique and innovative sound, a blend of some Punk, New Wave, and Pop Music that embraces an energy truly identifiable to them… their Sound plus Chrissie Hynde’s powerful “Contralto” Vocals makes them a Top 10 candidate for Female Bands
12. Chuck Berry
CB is our choice at CRT to be revealed as the “Father of Rock n Roll” but, along with other outstanding Rock clearly helped establish the genre of Classic Rock… he is surely regarded as one of the greatest Guitarists along with: Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, David Gilmour, and others… CB was ranked as the 6th greatest Guitarist by Rolling Stone… his innovative Guitar Style combined with Blues and Country influence became one of the main Characteristics of Classic Rock… his Stage prescience did not hurt his Fame either,,, we feel he is in the Top 40 of our CR List
Well, there you have it… we feel the above List has enough diversity to run a Test on our Ranking System so we can eventually compare our new List of the Top 40 all-time best Classic Rock Bands with Rolling Stones… after we first Rate the Bands objectively, we will consider the Band’s Fan Base separately, these include:
Posers… those who listen to Classic Rock Radio and recognize a Song but cannot remember the band… except a few Notables like the Beatles and Rolling Stones
Mainstreamers… Radio Listeners and MTV do not care about the Individual members except the leads
Stoners... Crave Psychedelic Songs… even without getting Stoned
Dedicated or Cult… Those who take a narrow view of Lists and put their Favs ahead of all others
Groupies… Mostly younger Girls who have the ability to follow a band… watch Almost Famous
Discreet Listeners… Those who listen with their own version level of Passion but without Fanfare
Overthinkers… Those who look deeper into the meaning of a Songs Content and its Implications on Society
The Melodramatic… Those who like to reminisce about their Past and often feel nostalgic about the Songs they love… remind them of where they were when heard or Danced to it… in “The Good Ol’ Days |
Musicians… Those who appreciate the Technical aspects and the Innovative ways CR bands and artists have evolved may import some effects into their playing
Purists… Anything outside their Definition of Classic Rock is TRASH!
The “Classic Rock Junkie”… those that, when they hear a Tune on the Radio, easily recognize it as CR and know the Name of the Band... also, are Collectors and have extensive Play Lists that dissect the whole Shebang into their Personae (of which, I, WW.N, am one!)
Ok, so you are asking why I went to this level of detail of Fans?... it is because I recognize that the first category of our System, the Most Revered, can tilt a Rating most heavily … I say this as our System gives that category Equal Weight as the other 11 and will mostly be challenged by many who do not care about the intricacies of a Band’s Persona, Innovative Instrumental Techniques, and Lyrics… it shall be most interesting how out List when completed by Members of CRT Votes (sometime in 2024) will compare to Rolling Stones List… it will most certainly be different…
Rock On!!!
Note: A Tip-o-the Hat to the Society of Rock for letting us be a Partner to their great Site
Part III Where do we go from here?
Phase I - Complete the initial Test and document its findings… revising, if needed, the Criteria to ensure a thorough evaluation of their Rating… then, add 2 categories of Appeal; Critics and Fan Base
Phase II - After refining the Test case, complete an Analysis of the Top 40 Classic Rock Bands that are on UltimateClassicRock.com’s Ranking of All Time Top 40 Classic Rock List...
1. The Beatles
2. The Rolling Stones
3. Led Zeppelin
4. The Jimi Hendrix Experience
5. Bob Dylan
6. Pink Floyd
7. Van Halen
8. David Bowie
9. Elton John
10. Bruce Springsteen
11. Neil Young
12. The Who
13. Credence Clearwater Revival
14. Black Sabbath (?)
15. The Kinks
16. The Doors
17. AC/DC
18. The Police (?)
19. The Clash
20. Metallica (?)
21. Aerosmith
22. The Band (?)
23. Fleetwood Mac
24. Tom Petty
25. Cream
26. Queen
27. Guns N’ Roses
28. John Lennon
ZZ Top
Billy Joe
31. Eric Clapton
32. Lynyrd Skynyrd
33. The Grateful Dead
34. John Lennon
35. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
36. The Eagles
37. The Allman Brothers Band
38. Steely Dan
39. Deep Purple
40. Paul McCartney
Note: The Bands (?) have a CR Track but it is in the Minor of their Releases… we will present the Top 100 list to Members to choose Wannabee's as the Top 40 replacements through our Voting process
Now let us get one thing clear, the List definitely needs updating and revising by Members of the CRT Community… but that is the point of the System in that we can gain insight, shuffle around the List, and Vote until a Consensus is reached… but, anyway, this Evaluation should give us new Incite on how the properly make rankings of all Lists on CRT… and we shall see…
Ok, let us get Tactical and analyze our Test List using our System to determine its Viability… List of 12 Bands to be rated
1. Led Zeppelin 7. Jethro Tull
2. Lynryrd Skynyrd 8. The Eagles
3. The Doors 9. Credence Clearwater Revival
4. Queen 10. Jefferson Airplane
5. The Who 11. The Pretenders
6. Fleetwood Mac 12. Chuck Berry
Note: We have been debating on which side a 5 Rating (average) tilts… we have taken the initial position that a 5 does not connotate a Negative aspect to a Ranking… what I mean is that, as compared to others, a 5 Rating meets the Standard of a Good Rating and a higher number means they are better than average
Here is what we feel each Number means:
1, The Lowest possible rating - Band should not be included in a CR List
2..Extremely unsatisfactory - the Band should definitely be considered to be removed from the list
Significantly below our Norm - should be considered to be removed from the list
One step away from being the Norm
The Norm for our Definition
The Band shows it has a definite grasp of the Category
The Band more than meets the criteria
The Band excels in this Category
The band is just shy of perfection
The Band, without question, is at the Top
Note: The most important thing I see here is that our System does not take into account the Weighted Subjective Bias of the many Lists of the Top Classic Rock Bands… one Crazy example is The Eagles whose Ratings on some Lists we examined are: 13, 54, 26, 12, 6, 36, 18, 27, and 88… go figure?
Interestingly, in our Base Test case, the Eagles were the top objective Band… what is wrong here?
Obviously, List Maker’s Ratings are based on the Raters who were chosen to Vote… that Group is probably made up of Critics and Music Aficionados who carry the heaviest Personal Bias… overlooking the other Characteristics that make a Band great!… we found that on a list of best Rock Albums Hotel California was #38… point made?
All of this means that to be more clearly representing the different ways to judge CR Bands, we need 2 Lists; one based on fitting the true definition of CR Bands' Qualities and one based upon the overall Draw of Bias or “Curb Appeal”… the “Wow” factor that will be divided into 2 Votes; Critics plus Musicians and the Public (starting with CRT Members)
To that end, we have decided to add 2 additional Rating Categories (Wow factor)... Critics and Fans... each worth 10 points... they are based on the following:
1. There Discography
2. Record and Album Sales
3. Reaction to their Live Performances
4. Concerts and their Attendance
5. Fan Base, Stage Presence
6. Social Media Activity and MTV-type Videos
Note: After much debate, we settled, as a starting point, to use 5, 10, 15, and 20 points to see how it tips the Scales meaningfully...:
5... The Band has a good Discography with the ability to draw Audiences to smaller Venues (2,500+) across the States and rarely travels outside North America... mainly performs as an "Opening Act to a Headlining Band and has a minimal Fan Base and it may be hard to find Monogrammed Clothing at a Mall but sells out of Trinkets and Clothing st a Concert
10... a 5-plus it plays in larger Venues (5,000+) usually at a multi-band Concert... has a decent Fan Base but still a fFn may need to buy Trinkets and Clothing online... but still does not play outside of North America
15... a 10-plus it plays a larger Venues (20,000+) with a small Cult Fan base... they may play outside of NA as a Complimentary Band to a Headliner... and sells their Goods everywhere
20... a 15-plus is a True Headliner with an opening Act of a 5 or 10 in front of 50,000 plus on a regular basis... it signifies the Pinnacle of Admiration and has a Cult following selling Goods at premium prices... they travel the Planet Eart having 20-50 Concerts on a Tour... gives the Audience a profound and enduring impact Captivating its Fans consistently with unpredictable Sensat
Here is my Proposal to make a Consensus Rating System:
1. Have the Board individually Rate the Rolling Stone’s Top 40 List using our 12 point Criteria without adding the Curb Appeal numbers…
Review the Ratings at a full Board Meeting noting some that should not be on the list at all and should be replaced based on their Ratings… and some that are not properly listed in number
Assemble a CRT List the Board present to Members asking the to Vote Objectively without the Wow Factor
2. After Assessing the Member’s Votes, make a Final decision on a new list… the Board will make an independent view of the Critics Wow Factor but will withhold it from the form so as not to influence the Member’s Vote on the second Wow Factor
3. After assessing their Votes, revise the List to include the Critics… the Board will then Certify the List… they need to make a decision to Post the results on Facebook immediately to get the Public’s reaction… that will certainly draw some interesting attention by the Critics… or schedule subsequent Votes as new Members are registered
4. It has always been my objective to find Innovative ways to increase Membership and this should definitely help out!... as we plan to become Members of every other Classic Rock oriented Site, we will make a Post to gain their Members reactions
5. During the time of this test period, I will be creating the following Lists for the Board’s consideration using a modified
System for Songs that will subsequently follow the same procedure for formalization:
- Top 10, 40, and 100 CR Bands and Artists Combined
- Top 20 Combined Wannabees
- Top 10 and 40 CR Artists (both Male and Female)
- Top 10 Wannabees
- Top 10 Female CR Artists
- Top 10 Wannabees
- Top 10 Backup Artists
- Top 10 Wannabees
- Top 10, 40, and 100 CR Songs
- Top 20 Wannabees outside the Top 100
- Top 10 Slow Dance CR Songs
- Top 10 Wannabees
- Top 10 Fast Dance CR Songs
- Top 10 Wannabees
- Top 10 and 40 CR Guitarists (all types)
- Top 10 Wannabees
- Top 10 and 40 CR Drummers
- Top 10 Wannabees
- Top 10 CR Percussionists
- Top 10 Wannabees
- Top 40 CR Concerts
- Top 10 Concert Venues for CR Music
- Top 10 CR Radio Stations (Top 10 Cities)
- Top 10 Wannabees (all Cities)
I am now convinced that our Team and I have done enough Research to take a Crack at creating a Draft Version to present to the Board… who, along with their Constitutes, create Consensus “Definition” of Classic Rock Music to be posted on our Website first… then on Facebook at a time to be decided by the Board
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Note from Willie: I would personally like to thank our first member of the CRT Board, Bill Neill, for his support and dedication to our main cause at CRT to establish the Asheville School of Classic Rock… and how much I appreciate the many hours spent helping to build the Theme and Content of our CRT Website… classicrockturntable.com… come join our Journey… Kudos Riff00
Definition of Classic Rock - Draft #1
Classic Rock is a major Genre under the Umbrella of Rock n Roll Music that began in earnest in 1964 when the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9… at the forefront of the British Invasion, the Beatles influence on the many emerging Rock Bands in Britain and the U.S. was to follow their Lead of a modified Jazzy, Blues-based approach Band… including the Rolling Stones whose relationship caused them to evolve from a Cover Band to an instant success and to write their own tunes.
What distinguishes Classic Rock Songs from other Rock Genres?
1. It has a warmer Sound quality of Guitar-led “Simple Chord Progressions” that can vary but generally characterized by a strong sense of Rhythm and catchy “Earworm” Vocals that create memorable “Melodic Lines”, that are sometimes “Haunting”
2. Its Sounds are accompanied by unique Drum Patterns coupled with a background of Percussion, Woodwind, Keyboard, and/or light Vocals that are influenced by Jazzy, Rhythm and Blues… all that are easily modified by Instrumental Innovation and creative Lyrics
3. Has an extremely large, and loyal, Fan Base that began in earnest after the Beatles kicked off the first Wave in 1964 on Ed Sullivan… it includes Boomers, their Children and Grandchildren, and those who find other Rock Genres not their main choice of listening, especially on the Radio Streams
4. Tracks have a “Balanced and Dynamic” Mix of Elements that are clear and upfront, but not overwhelming
5. Tracks that Balance the Frequency Spectrum to shape the Tones for Instruments and produce Sounds unique to a band
6. Tracks that vary the range of Sounds from soft, introspective Moments balance with sometimes Loud and Explosive Choruses
7. Generally implore Songs that draw Inspiration form Jazzy Blues and Folk Music
8. Songs that cover a wide range of Topics relevant to the Youth of the 60s and 70s Period including Love’s ups and downs, Political Issues and Criticism of Government’s actions that help to motivate Listeners into taking action
9. Songs that directly Spin a Tale around Love Interests and Lust, Family Matters, Rebellion, Social Issues, and Incarceration that are Well-crafted and capable of telling the meaning of it
10. Have an Authenticity factor and consistently reflect a Bands Style that push the Boundaries of Sounds reflecting their unique Style
11. Songs that have the ability to hold a listener’s Attention to the underlying, steady Beat that makes one’s Foot tap or to Clap along
12. Songs that have a Beat and catchy Melody that make them suitable for dancing, either Slow or Fast… or both
Well, there you have… my first cut of a definition that will surely be debated by Music Enthusiasts… and through our unique voting System at Classic Rock Turntables.com will help refine it over time… Rock On!!!
