How can you not include the Beatles?
By Chuck Doud
The Madera Tribune
I just finished the thriller “Invisible Prey,” by John Sandford, and in a subplot the hero, Det. Lucas Davenport, prepares a list of the 100 greatest rock ’n’ roll songs of all time — at least in his opinion. He does this because he has been given an iPod and a gift certificate for 100 songs.
He purposely leaves a lot of great songs off his list. He includes none by the Beatles, and none by Elton John. He only includes one by Elvis Presley, “Jailhouse Rock.”
I like reading about Lucas Davenport’s adventures, but I don’t think I’d like to listen to the radio with him for very long. He does include many songs on his list that I like, but I don’t think I could get along very long without hearing Beatles stuff or some of Elton John’s music. Also, Elvis has many more than just one great song.
To Davenport’s credit, he does include “Louie, Louie,” by the Kingsmen. I never get tired of listening to “Louie, Louie.” My oldest stepson Kurt used to have a recording of “Louie, Louie” being performed by several groups — about a dozen, as I remember. And all the versions were terrific. I could listen to “Louie, Louie” every day and never grow tired of it.
Is “Louie, Louie” the greatest rock song of all time? Well, it’s up there, believe you me.”
Also, I think Davenport was wrong to overlook “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” both great Elvis classics among many.
“Crocodile Rock” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” both by Elton John are right up there, too, but Davenport didn’t think so. What’s wrong with him?
And the Beatles? Well, where do you start? They are the Mozarts of rock.
What would be on your list of the 100 greatest rock songs?
