Tag Archives: Bob Dylan

1975! Bruce, Bohemians, and the Return of Bob

For some, 1975 is a banner year for music. 

It’s the year artists grasp the full capability of the studio recording with monumental tracks like “Born to Run” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s also the year the dance floor heats up with disco standouts from KC & The Sunshine Band and Donna Summer. 

Plus, a familiar face returns with a terrific album, and a new face emerges from the New York streets.

Join Tim and Chris is they discuss this great year, unveiling their top-12 songs from 1975.  Then, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1975, plus tunes from 1974, ’73, ’72, ’71, ’70 and ’69 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on February 11 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1975 nominees:

  • “Tangled Up in Blue” as performed by Bob Dylan
    • Written by Bob Dylan; recorded December 1974; released January 1975
  • “Shining Star” as performed by Earth, Wind & Fire
    • Written by Maurice White, Larry Dunn and Philip Bailey; recorded September 1974; released January 1975
  • “Get Down Tonight” as performed by KC and the Sunshine Band
    • Written by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch; recorded late 1974; released February 1975
  • “I’m Not in Love” as performed by 10cc
    • Written by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman; recorded late 1974; released March 1975
  • “Sweet Emotion” as performed by Aerosmith
    • Written by Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton; recorded March 1975; released April 1975
  • “Thunder Road” as performed by Bruce Springsteen
    • Written by Bruce Springsteen; recorded July 1975; released August 1975
  • “Born to Run'” as performed by Bruce Springsteen
    • Written by Bruce Springsteen; recorded August 1974; released August 1975
  • “Love to Love You Baby” as performed by Donna Summer
    • Written by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte; recorded June 1975; released August 1975
  • “Wish You Were Here” as performed by Pink Floyd
    • Written by Roger Waters and David Gilmour; recorded early 1975; released September 1975
  • “Crazy on You” as performed by Heart
    • Written by Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson; recorded August 1975; released September 1975
  • “Bohemian Rhapsody” as performed by Queen
    • Written by Freddie Mercury; recorded August 1975; released October 1975
  • “Gloria” as performed by Patti Smith
    • Written by Patti Smith and Van Morrison; recorded September 1975; released November 1975

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down to vote. Then, come back on February 11, 2022 to find out the voting results, and February 13, 2022 for our discussion on 1976.

Bonus: The Hall of Songs All-Time Greatest Albums Are … 

In this very special bonus episode, Tim and Chris put their heads together and come up with their shared top-10 albums of all-time, in advance of the WXPN (AAA public radio station 88.5 FM in Philadelphia) 2021 All-Time Greatest Albums countdown. (Tim and Chris are both members of this station, whose 2020 songs countdown led to Hall of Songs.)

Plus, the pair invite Ted Koerth, a friend of the podcast and a pretty knowledgeable guy himself, so they can all reveal their personal top-10 albums. And we’ll talk at length about the XPN countdown – what we expect, predictions, and other thoughts.

It’s a fun conversation that you’ll not want to miss.

13th Election Results! Surprises and Real Debate About a Hall of Songs Contender

Coming into this election we had 29 Hall of Songs inductees. How many more will get in? Well, this is an interesting one.  

Join Tim and Chris as they discuss a wild election concerning songs from 1964 to ’67. Plus, they’ll have a debate about one tune teetering on the brink of induction. Will it get the Golden Vote?

Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.

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Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …

Purple Haze / The Jimi Hendrix Experience – 70.83%
Brown Eyed Girl / Van Morrison – 66.67%
Respect / Aretha Franklin – 66.67%

Continuing to the next round of voting

Light My Fire / The Doors – 62.5% (1st round)
Paint It Black / The Rolling Stones – 50% (2nd round)
A Day in the Life / The Beatles – 50% (1st round)
When a Man Loves a Woman / Percy Sledge – 45.83% (2nd round)
Turn, Turn, Turn / The Byrds – 45.83% (1st round)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough / Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell – 41.66% (1st round)
My Girl / The Temptations – 37.5% (3rd round)
Eleanor Rigby / The Beatles – 37.5% (1st round)
Strawberry Fields Forever / The Beatles – 37.5% (1st round)
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman / Aretha Franklin – 37.5% (1st round)

Eliminated from the ballot

You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ / The Righteous Brothers – 33.33% (4th round)
The Times They Are a-Changin’ / Bob Dylan – 29.16% (4th round)
Ticket to Ride / The Beatles – 29.16% (3rd round)
Ruby Tuesday / The Rolling Stones – 29.16% (1st round)
A Whiter Shade of Pale / Procol Harum – 29.16% (1st round)
Mr. Tambourine Man / The Byrds – 25% (3rd round)
In My Life / The Beatles – 25% (3rd round)
Reach Out I’ll Be There / The Four Tops – 25% (2nd round)
Waterloo Sunset / The Kinks – 25% (1st round)
My Generation / The Who – 20.83% (3rd round)
Ode to Billie Joe / Bobbi Gentry – 20.83% (1st round)
She’s Not There / The Zombies – 16.66% (1st round)
Downtown / Petula Clark – 12.5% (1st round)

12th Class Results! A 2nd Beatles Song is in the Hall of Songs

That’s right: A second Beatles song joins “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in the Hall of Songs. But which is it? “Ticket to Ride”? “Yesterday”? “In My Life”? “Tomorrow Never Knows”? 

Plus, another artist gets its second Hall of Songs inductee, and Tim and Chris also discuss the newest version of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. 

Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.

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Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …

Good Vibrations / The Beach Boys – 78.61%
God Only Knows / The Beach Boys – 74.21%
Yesterday / The Beatles – 70.44%
For What It’s Worth / Buffalo Springfield – 67.92%

Continuing to the next round of voting

In My Life / The Beatles – 64.77% (2nd round)
My Girl / The Temptations – 55.34% (1st round)
When a Man Loves a Woman / Percy Sledge – 53.45% (1st round)
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ / The Righteous Brothers – 52.20% (3rd round)
Paint It Black / The Rolling Stones – 48.42% (1st round)
The Times They Are a-Changin’ / Bob Dylan – 44.02% (3rd round)
Reach Out I’ll Be There / The Four Tops – 41.50% (1st round)
Ticket to Ride / The Beatles – 40.25% (2nd round)
Mr. Tambourine Man / The Byrds – 39.62% (2nd round)
My Generation / The Who – 35.22% (2nd round)

Eliminated from the ballot

Eight Miles High / The Byrds – 33.33% (1st round)
You Keep Me Hangin’ On / The Supremes – 28.93% (1st round)
Louie Louie / The Kingsmen – 25.78% (4th round)
I’m a Believer / The Monkees – 25.78% (1st round)
I Got You (I Feel Good) / James Brown – 22.64% (1st round)
Tomorrow Never Knows / The Beatles – 19.49% (1st round)
River Deep – Mountain High / Ike and Tina Turner – 18.86% (1st round)
Wild Things / The Troggs – 18.23% (1st round)

11th Class Results! Did ‘Satisfaction’ Get Into the Hall of Songs?

Some of the songs regarded by many as the biggest of all-time were on the ballot heading into our 11th round of voting for the Hall of Songs, including “Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones, “Yesterday” by the Beatles, “My Generation” by the Who, “My Girl” by the Temptations, and “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan. 

One of those tracks is Bob Dylan’s seminal 1963 recording “Blowin’ in the Wind.” What’s the other What are those songs? Are the Beatles involved? And what about Did any of these songs get inducted in after this round? If so, how many? Any others? All these questions are answered in this results episode. 

Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.

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Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction / The Rolling Stones – 85.71%
Like a Rolling Stone / Bob Dylan – 82.14%
California Dreamin’ / The Mamas and the Papas – 67.85%

Continuing to the next round of voting

Yesterday / The Beatles – 62.5% (1st round)
My Girl / The Temptations – 58.92% (1st round)
In My Life / The Beatles – 58.92% (1st round)
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ / The Righteous Brothers – 55.35% (2nd round)
My Generation / The Who – 55.35% (1st round)
Ticket to Ride / The Beatles – 53.57% (1st round)
Mr. Tambourine Man – 50% (1st round)
The Times They Are a-Changin’ – 44.64% (2nd round)
Louie Louie / The Kingsmen – 42.85% (3rd round)
I Got You (I Feel Good) / James Brown – 37.5% (1st round)

Eliminated from the ballot

Twist and Shout / The Beatles – 33.92% (3rd round)
A Hard Day’s Night / The Beatles – 33.92% (2nd round)
The Tracks of My Tears / The Miracles – 30.35% (1st round)
Wonderful World / Sam Cooke – 21.42% (6th round)
Where Did Our Love Go / The Supremes – 21.42% (2nd round)
Gloria / Them – 21.42% (2nd round)
Leader of the Pack / The Shangri-Las – 14.28% (2nd round)
Wooly Bully / Sam Sham & The Pharaohs – 8.92% (1st round)

1965 Hall of Songs Nominees: The Beatles, Folk Rock, More Motown, and Huge British Hits!

What a year! 1965 is a year of incredible creativity throughout American and British music.

We naturally hear from the Beatles a few times in this episode of Hall of Songs, but we also nominate some massive tracks from fellow Brits the Rolling Stones and the Who. Also, Motown raises the game once again, and Bob Dylan and others help usher in an entirely new genre.

After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1965, plus tunes from 1964, ’63 and ’60, are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on September 3 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1965 nominees:

  • “My Girl'” as performed by The Temptations
    • Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White; recorded fall 1964; released January 1965
  • “Wooly Bully” as performed by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
    • Written by Domingo Samudio; recorded January 1965; released March 1965
  • “Ticket to Ride” as performed by The Beatles
    • Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded February 1965; released April 1965
  • “Mr. Tambourine Man” as performed by The Byrds
    • Written by Bob Dylan; recorded January 1965; released April 1965
  • “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” as performed by The Rolling Stones
    • Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards; recorded May 1965; released June 1965
  • “The Tracks of My Tears” as performed by The Miracles
    • Written by Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, and Marvin Tarplin; recorded spring 1965; released June 1965
  • “Like a Rolling Stone” as performed by Bob Dylan
    • Written by Bob Dylan; recorded June 1965; released July 1965
  • “Yesterday” as performed by The Beatles
    • Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded June 1965; released August 1965
  • “My Generation” as performed by The Who
    • Written by Pete Townshend; recorded October 1965; released October 1965
  • “I Got You (I Feel Good)” as performed by James Brown
    • Written by James Brown; recorded May 1965; released October 1965
  • “In My Life” as performed by The Beatles
    • Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded October 1965; released December 1965
  • “California Dreamin'” as performed by The Mamas and the Papas
    • Written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips; recorded November 1965; released December 1965

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on September 3, 2021 to find out the voting results, and September 5, 2021 for our discussion on 1966.

1964 Hall of Songs Nominees: The Supremes, Sam Cooke, the British Invasion, and the ‘Be My Baby’ Influence

In 1964, everyone in popular music was trying to raise their game.

In this episode of Hall of Songs, we present our nominees from ’64, a year with a lot of sounds pushing rock ‘n’ roll and pop music in many directions … and also together.

Many artists were chasing the “Be My Baby” sound that Phil Spector mastered with his 1963 Hall of Songs inductee. A number of top songs either built upon the producer’s Wall of Sound or simply copied Hal Blaine’s iconic drum beat. Meanwhile, some songwriters decided to comment on the changes that felt possible as the Civil Rights movement continued onward. And of course, the Beatles hit America in early 1964; after their highly publicized arrival, other British artists were given a chance to shine across the pond.

After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1964, plus tunes from 1963, 61, ’60 and ’55, are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on August 20 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1964 nominees:

  • “The Times They Are-A Changin'” as performed by Bob Dylan
    • Written by Bob Dylan; recorded October 1963; released January 1964
  • “A Change is Gonna Come” as performed by Sam Cooke
    • Written by Sam Cooke; recorded January 1964; released February 1964
  • “Don’t Worry Baby” as performed by The Beach Boys
    • Written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian; recorded January 1964; released May 1964
  • “Rag Doll” as performed by The Four Seasons
    • Written by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe; recorded spring 1964; released June 1964
  • “Where Did Our Love Go” as performed by The Supremes
    • Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; recorded April 1964; released June 1964
  • “House of the Rising Sun” as performed by The Animals
    • Traditional song, arrangement by Alan Price; recorded May 1964; released June 1964
  • “A Hard Day’s Night” as performed by The Beatles
    • Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded April 1964; released July 1964
  • “Dancing in the Street” as performed by Martha and the Vandellas
    • Written by Marvin Gaye, William Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter; recorded June 1964; released July 1964
  • “You Really Got Me” as performed by The Kinks
    • Written by Ray Davies; recorded July 1964; released August 1964
  • “Leader of the Pack” as performed by The Shangri-Las
    • Written by George Morton, Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich; recorded July 1964; released September 1964
  • “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” as performed by The Righteous Brothers
    • Written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector; recorded October 1964; released November 1964
  • “Gloria” as performed by Them
    • Written by Van Morrison; recorded April 1964; released December 1964

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on August 20, 2021 to find out the voting results, and August 22, 2021 for our discussion on 1965.

9th Class Results! Bob Dylan is in the Hall of Songs. Who Else?

Two songs have been inducted into the Hall of Songs after our ninth round of voting, putting the grand total at 17.

One of those tracks is Bob Dylan’s seminal 1963 recording “Blowin’ in the Wind.” What’s the other inductee? Was it a Motown song? Did the Beatles get in? What about the Beach Boys? The Wall of Sound? Or did Bobby Darin finally break through? 

Okay. Don’t scroll if you want to be spoiled.

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Alright. Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …

Blowin’ in the Wind / Bob Dylan – 71.42%
Be My Baby / The Ronettes – 67.85%

Continuing to the next round of voting

She Loves You / The Beatles – 60.71% (1st round)
I Want to Hold Your Hand / The Beatles – 57.14% (1st round)
Louie Louie / The Kingsmen – 50% (1st round)
Runaway / Del Shannon – 46.42% (3rd round)
Surfin’ USA / The Beach Boys – 46.42% (1st round)
Twist and Shout / The Beatles – 42.85% (1st round)
In My Room / The Beach Boys – 42.85% (1st round)
Only the Lonely / Roy Orbison – 39.28% (4th round)
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) / Darlene Love – 39.28% (1st round)
Tutti Frutti / Little Richard – 35.71% (9th round)
Wonderful World / Sam Cooke – 35.71% (4th round)
Heat Wave / Martha and the Vandellas – 35.71% (1st round)

Eliminated from the ballot

Wake Up Little Susie / The Everly Brothers – 28.57% (7th round)
Green Onions / Booker T & The M.G.’s – 28.57% (2nd round)
Georgia on My Mind / Ray Charles – 25% (4th round)
I Fall to Pieces / Patsy Cline – 25% (3rd round)
Up on the Roof / The Drifters – 25% (1st round)
That’ll Be the Day / The Crickets – 21.42% (7th round)
The Wanderer / Dion – 21.42% (3rd round)
Love Me Do / The Beatles – 21.42% (2nd round)
You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me / The Miracles – 17.85% (2nd round)
Sherry / The Four Seasons – 14.28% (2nd round)
Fingertips Pts. 1 & 2 (Live) / Stevie Wonder – 14.28% (1st round)
It’s All Right / The Impressions – 14.28% (1st round)
You Don’t Know Me / Ray Charles – 10.71% (2nd round)
She Thinks I Still Care / George Jones – 10.71% (1st round)
Mack the Knife / Bobby Darin – 7.14% (5th round)
Think / James Brown and the Famous Flames – 7.14% (1st round)
Turn on Your Lovelight / Bobby Bland – 7.14% (1st round)

1963 Hall of Songs Nominees: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Motown, Wall of Sound, Bob Dylan!

Welcome to Season Two of Hall of Songs. And welcome to an explosion of creativity.

This is the year when music changes throughout the world. Early rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues gets pushed aside for an even louder, more exciting sound. Whether it’s impeccable studio polish or, finally, really good young musicians who sing and write their own tunes, what comes out from the radio speakers is truly wondrous.

Of course, you’ll hear the Beatles in this episode, as 1963 marks the first year of their dominance (though most of it is spent in Britain). We’ll also hear from the Beach Boys, the Wall of Sound, and Motown, along with a young folk musician whose lyricism sets a high bar.

After listening, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1963, plus tunes from 1962, 61, ’60, ’59, ’57, and ’55, are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on August 6 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1963 nominees:

  • “Surfin’ USA” as performed by The Beach Boys
    • Written by Brian Wilson and Chuck Berry; recorded January 1963; released March 1963
  • “Twist and Shout” as performed by The Beatles
    • Written by Bert Berns and Phil Medley; recorded February 1963; released March 1963
  • “Louie Louie” as performed by The Kingsmen
    • Written by Richard Berry; recorded April 1963; released May 1963
  • “Fingertips – Parts 1/2 (Live)” as performed by Stevie Wonder
    • Written by Clarence Paul and Henry Cosby; recorded May 1963; released May 1963
  • “Heat Wave” as performed by Martha and the Vandellas
    • Written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; recorded June 1963; released July 1963
  • “Be My Baby” as performed by The Ronettes
    • Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector; recorded July 1963; released August 1963
  • “Blowin’ in the Wind” as performed by Bob Dylan
    • Written by Bob Dylan; recorded July 1962; released August 1963
  • “She Loves You” as performed by The Beatles
    • Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded July 1963; released August 1963
  • “In My Room” as credited to by The Beach Boys
    • Written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher; recorded July 1963; released October 1963
  • “It’s All Right” as performed by The Impressions
    • Written by Curtis Mayfield; recorded summer 1963; released October 1963
  • “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” as performed by Darlene Love
    • Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector; recorded September 1963; released November 1963
  • “I Want to Hold Your Hand” as performed by The Beatles
    • Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; recorded October 1963; released November 1963

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on August 8, 2021, for our discussion on 1964.