Examples of great songwriting.

[Reverend MacManus]

Sure we can cover lots of songs in several genres, but in this first post I'm going to share some music that I think is quintessential to rock 'n roll history. They're great songs, and I don't care how much someone may think I'm "not brutal" for listening to this stuff. I'm a musician, and knowing what's good music to me and what I like is important. Check some of these classics out, but mind you, these first few are mostly 60's tunes.

Joe Cocker's live, Woodstock version of A Little Help From My Friends, originally a Beatles classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQYDvQ1HH-E

Scott McKenzie - If You're Going to San Francisco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdvCqUguIh8

Dion - Abraham, Martin and John (sometimes credited as with The Belmonts)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUn0vvgEvBc

Barry McGuire - Eve of Destruction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntLsElbW9Xo

Mamas and the Papas - California Dreamin'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0UcQDUR-fU

There are really many greats to come from around this time. Some better known groups have their hits too, and I'm sure many of you know them. If you haven't heard some of these, and think you could stomach a little retro sound of at least what I think to be good music; take the challenge and give 'em a listen. Let me know what you think, and share some of your own examples of what you truly believe to be superb songwriting.  

[Reverend MacManus]

Angel by Tears of Passion

German band, so the lyrics aren't perfect, but the song is really tight and atmospheric; strong bass and bearing a semblance to Type O Negative. Their other songs don't sound this way, but this is a gem I think.