Top 30 songs of 1988: #11-20

11. Mine All Mine- Van Halen
12. Sweet Child O Mine- GnR
13. Handle Me With Care- Travelin' Wilburys
14. Spare Parts- Bruce Springsteen
15. Got My Mind Set On You- George Harrison
16. When We Was Fab- George Harrison
17. When It's Love- Van Halen
18. Ragdoll- Aerosmith
19. Heatseeker- AC/DC
20. Hawkmoon 269-U2

Aerosmith: Cryin' (1993)

"Cryin'" went gold for Aerosmith, but the video might have been even more popular. It received heavy MTV play when MTV played music. The video featured Alicia Silverstone before she became a star. It was one of three Aerosmith videos to feature Silverstone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfNmyxV2Ncw

Top 10 songs of 1993

My faves anyway

1. Cherub Rock- The Smashing Pumpkins
2. Plush- STP
3. The Wanderer- U2 w/Johnny Cash
4. Rearview Mirror- Pearl Jam
5. Dreams (Live)- Van Halen
6. Low- Cracker
7. Pieces of the Night- The Gin Blossoms
8. Numb- U2
9. Go- Pearl Jam
10. Cryin'- Aerosmith

Aerosmith: Rag Doll (1988)

Aerosmith completed their comback with their final single off Permanent Vacation. The band appeared dead until resuscitated by Run DMC. The comeback album featured four hit singles including "Rag Doll", which recounts a hedonistic man's conquests.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv2vx57BYi8

Top 10 songs of 2001

My favorites.

1. WALK ON- U2

2. IMITATION OF LIFE- REM

3. JADED- AEROSMITH

4. HASH PIPE- WEEZER

5. SCHISM- TOOL

6. HOLLYWOOD BITCH- STP

7. ISLAND IN THE SUN- WEEZER

8. SOMEDAY- THE STROKES

9. ELEVATION- U2

10. STUCK IN THE MOMENT- U2 

Run DMC: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Run DMC was a hip hop trio from Queens, New York. They are the greatest, most influential rap/hip hop acts in history. Joseph "Run" Simmons, Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, and Darryl (DMC) McDaniels grew up in Hollis, Queens. The act signed with Profile Records and released their first single in 1983.

It's Like That (1983): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hN1SKVx31s


They quickly ascended the Hip Hop echelon and whisked away the Old School Hip Hip artists.

King of Rock (1985): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXzWlPL_TKw

My Adidas (1986): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA8DsUN6g_k


Then, they broke into the mainstream. Their cover of "Walk this Way" was a pivotal moment in music history.

Walk This Way w/Aerosmith (1986): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_UYYPb-Gk

You Be Illin' (1986): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5yaK7xHWmU

It's Tricky (1987): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-O5IHVhWj0

Christmas in Hollis (1987): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR07r0ZMFb8

Mary, Mary (1988): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgmyVLheqkQ

Down with the King (1993): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUXpNMMqW1A


The band did little after their last hit. Substance abuse, creative differences, and personal issues held Run DMC back. In 2002, Jam Master Jay was murdered and Run DMC retired.

Aerosmith: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2001

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/aerosmith/bio/

Official Site: http://aerosmith.com/#3

Aerosmith is a contender for greatest American rock band of all time. They have incorporated blues, hard rock, and pop to create a unique sound that has since been copied ad nausea by other acts.

Steven Tyler formed a band in 1964 while Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton formed their own band. The pair moved to Boston, met Joey Kramer and Tyler and formed what became Aerosmith. Brad Whitford joined in 1971 completing the classic lineup.

Mama Kin (1973): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_A4JXV8puo

Groundbreaking, considered the first power ballad,

Dream On (1973): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd6F8XKZ-WM

Same Old Song and Dance (1974): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzdWPwVTWsI

Train Kept-A-Rollin’ (1974): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxXI2BPRzaA

Sweet Emotion (1975): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82cJgPXU-ik

Walk This Way (1975): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6HDsPzdHC0

Toys in the Attic (1975): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9suQV31jTI

Back in the Saddle (1977): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj3p59T69hA

Chip Away the Stone (1978): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X9UZhr5Lwc

Drugs and infighting led Perry and Whitford to leave the band in 1979. Aerosmith entered a lost period.

Lightning Strikes (1982): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-TSvxZ40RQ

Perry and Whitford eventually rejoined the band. However, it looked like Aerosmith’s best days were behind them.

Until Run DMC…

Walk This Way (1986): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_UYYPb-Gk

Rehabbed and reinvigorated, Aerosmith returned triumphant.

Dude Looks Like a Lady (1987): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf0oXY4nDxE

Angel (1988): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBTOGVb_cQg

Rag Doll (1988): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgRJ81hTFG0

Janie’s Got A Gun (1989): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqQn2ADZE1A

Love in an Elevator (1989): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3Yrhv33Zb8

What It Takes (1990): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSnuQcFgvDo

The LA Riots inspired…

Livin’ On the Edge (1993): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nqcL0mjMjw

Alicia Silverstone’s video appearances became iconic.

Cryin’ (1993): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfNmyxV2Ncw

Amazing (1993): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSmOvYzSeaQ

Crazy (1994):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMNgbISmF4I

From Armageddon:

I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing (1998): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo_0UXRY_rY

Their last major radio hit…with Mila Kunis

Jaded (2001): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=705LEH3j2g0Since 2001, they have released albums, Steven Tyler became an American Idol Judge, and rumors of drug abuse filled the rock rumor mill.

Can’t Stop Lovin’ You w/Carrie Underwood (2013): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrYbh9g3Pw0

Top 10 Aerosmith Songs

Here is my own list of top 10 Aerosmith songs….these are my own favorites….and not in any order

Dream On

Sweet Emotion

Back in the Saddle

Jaded

Cryin’

Hangman’s Jury

Toys in the Attic

Mama Kin

Chip Away the Stone

Rag Doll

Aerosmith: Jaded (2000)

Although released in December 2000, this song reminds me of spring as it was on the radio constantly was the weather warmed. Sony told Aerosmith that if they did not release "Jaded" as a single, they would be dropped from the label. The note continues to provide inspiration to lead singer Steven Tyler. That is when Tyler is not hosting karaoke contests...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=705LEH3j2g0

807. Walk This Way by Aerosmith (1975)

"Walk This Way" was a hit for Aerosmith in 1975 and then reinvigorated their career in 1986. The band fell on hard times due to excessive drug use. In fact, Run DMC never heard of Aerosmith before covering the song. Their version resurrected Aerosmith who went on to a enjoy a second run.

Aerosmith:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKttENbsoyk

Run DMC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_UYYPb-Gk

837. Seasons of Wither by Aerosmith (1974)

"Seasons of Wither" was inspired by a Massachusetts winter. Although never released as a single, the ode to the cold miser managed to become a staple of rock radio. People seemed to identify with it. In fact, looking out the window right now, I can completely understand the song.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9_-VpIVGnc

863. Back in the Saddle by Aerosmith (1977)

"Back in the Saddle" might be Aerosmith's heaviest single. Originally, the song was about cowboys and sex. After the band disintegrated and reunited, the song took on a different meaning. Perhaps it will recapture that feeling in the future if Steven Tyler stops judging karoke contests.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDKxUt9UkmU

Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 Songs #151-175

151. Eight Miles High: The Byrds- Can birds go eight miles high? Actually, this is a drug song

152. Earth Angel: The Penguins- Actually recorded in a garage; For me, defines the 50s.

153. Foxey Lady: The Jimi Hendrix Experience- I think of Wayne’s World whenever I hear this

154. A Hard Day’s Night: The Beatles- The title came from a Ringoism. A Ringoism is a malapropism.

155. Rave On: Buddy Holly- Under 2 minutes long, later covered by Mellencamp

156. Proud Mary: CCR- Rollin! Rollin! Rollin down the river…

157. The Sound of Silence: Simon and Garfunkel- Getting harder to rank some of these…

158. I Only Have Eyes for You: The Flamingos- Another defining song from the 50s.

159. Rock Around the Clock: Bill Haley and the Comets- Probably should be higher. First Rock song people rioted to.

160. Moment of Surrender: U2- Some of Bono’s greatest vocals

161. I’m Waiting for the Man: The Velvet Underground- Waiting for the drug dealer. Quite edgy even today.

162. Bring the Noise: Public Enemy- This is better with Anthrax

163. Folsom Prison Blues: Johnny Cash- Greatest line ever: I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die.

164. I Can’t Stop Loving You: Ray Charles- Completely forgot about this song.

165. Nothing Compares 2 U: Sinead O’Connor- When she pitched this to record execs, they cried. She thought she was doomed, but they loved the song.

166. Bohemian Rhapsody: Queen- Oh mama mia let me go! Another one that reminds me of Wayne's World.

167. Fast Car: Tracy Chapman- Old school folk song hits it big in 1988.

168. Let’s Get it On: Marvin Gaye- I detect a theme with some of Gaye’s stuff…

169. Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone: The Temptations- The Temps go to funky town.

170. Losing My Religion: R.E.M.- A mandolin as a lead instrument? When folk goes pop. Right song at the right time.

171. Both Sides Now: Joni Mitchell- I have absolutely no feelings toward this song…that probably says all there is to say.

172. 99 Problems: Jay Z- Is anyone more overrated than this guy?

173. Dream On: Aerosmith- ESPN did a video showing clips of the 20th century to this song. It brought several grown men to tears.

174. Dancing Queen: Abba- Knew this would be here somewhere.

175. God Save the Queen: The Sex Pistols- Nihilism at its best. Banned in Britain for “bad taste.”

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #341-350

341. Spirit in the Sky: Norman Greenbaum- One of the most bizarre songs ever…

342. Sweet Jane: The Velvet Underground- A rock gospel song is back to back with the Velvet Underground? Now that is funny.

343. Wild Horses: The Rolling Stones- I saw Bob Saget make fun of this song once. He is not funny.

344. Beat It: Michael Jackson- Eddie Van Halen on guitar. The one great thing about eighties music is its ability to crossover. Nowadays, it’s extremely compartmentalized and segregated.

345. Beautiful Day: U2- The world is falling apart, but it’s a beautiful day. Dark lyrics about someone whose life is falling apart. Despite this, they are happy.

346. Walk This Way: Aerosmith- Great riff, great lyrics, great song.

347. Maybe I’m Amazed: Paul McCartney- Recorded as the Beatles broke up, Paul was holding back.

348. You Keep Me Hangin’ On: The Supremes- Morse Code in a song?

349. Baba O’Riley: The Who- This is about 300 spots too low.

350. The Harder They Come: Jimmy Cliff- In between puffs of ganja, reggae artists sang happy songs of oppression and revolution.

RS Mag Top 500 Songs #401-420

401. Summer in the City: Lovin’ Spoonful- Another moment in time song. The song captures urban America and makes a good soundtrack to the sixties riots.

402. O-o-h Child: The Five Stairsteps- A nicely crafted song. It out Jacksoned the Jackson Five.

403. Can’t Help Falling in Love: Elvis- Of course this is here. While working at Harmony House, I once had someone come in looking for “Wise Man Said.”

404. Remember (Walking in the Sand): The Shangri-Las- Aerosmith later covered this. It’s a classic.

405. (Don’t Fear the Reaper): Blue Oyster Cult- I have a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!

406. Thirteen: Big Star- Instead of irony and angst, Alex Chilton wrote a song celebrating adolescence.

407. Sweet Home Alabama: Lynyrd Skynyrd- Skynyrd’s response to Neil Young’s “Southern Man.”

408. Enter Sandman: Metallica- The only Metallica song to make it. They could replace some of the Hip Hop crapola with a couple of early Metallica works.

409. Tonight’s the Night: The Shirelles- The Shirelles like to flirt with censors with their stuff. This is an example.

410. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin): Sly and the Family Stone- The first of six Sly songs. Everyone has heard this one.

411. C’mon Everybody: Eddie Cochrane- Nice guitar on this. Cochrane continues to play the bad boy.

412. Umbrella: Rihanna- She has little talent, but great handlers. They find her stuff that works with her non-existent singing voice. This is a perfect mid-2000s pop song, but does not belong on a best of list.

413. Visions of Johanna: Bob Dylan- Dylan examines loneliness.

414. We’ve Only Just Begun: The Carpenters- Another perfect pop song. A good example of the easy listening/soft rock genre.

415. In Bloom: Nirvana- Nirvana criticizes rednecks and some of their own fans.

416. Sweet Emotion: Aerosmith- Aerosmith’s first hit was an all-time classic. Growing up in Detroit, it grew omnipresent.

417. Monkey Gone to Heaven: The Pixies- Here’s one from left field. Have not heard this in at least a decade.

418. I Feel Love: Donna Summer- If you like dance music, this is one of the most important dance songs ever. If not, then it’s just WTF?

419. Ode to Billie Joe: Bobbie Gentry- BORING!

420. The Girl Can’t Help It: Little Richard- Little Richard is singing about Jayne Mansfield. This song accompanied the first rock n roll movie.