Name your three favourite songs by... [Christmas songs]

[Armamike]

Great to see this one.  The Jam - an iconic band!  Paul Wellar's a songwriting genius.


1. That's entertainment
2. Bitterest pill
3. Down a tube station at midnight

Some great album tracks, Man in the corner shop, Ghosts, the place I love etc etc.

[Duine Inteacht Eile]

Looking at the first 5 bands on the list, I'd say that also applies to The Pogues, REM, U2 and the Rolling Stones.
As well as most of the others on the list.

You could just name your top 3 songs by The Jam and move on. Or, alternatively, not bother.

Though Austin Powers does play God on this himself so he does deserve some back. Enya and INXS for crying out loud.

I don't see where you're going in that first paragraph. Stones and U2 are among the top 20 best selling musical acts of all time, and have extraordinary longevity. Their music is everywhere in pop culture. The Jam were a cool band for a few years in the late 70s, who regained popularity for a year or two in the 1990s when Weller did his unplugged album.


We are probably running out of "big hitters" to be fair at this point. Some that might be considered (if not done already): Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sheeran, Phil Collins, Adele, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Paul Simon (inc Garfunkel), Robbie Williams / Take That, Stevie Wonder. Basic criteria for me is a) a catalogue of greatest hits that everyone knows, and b) a back catalogue of album tracks for the music lovers to show off a little.

9 out of 10 people would not be able to name 10 songs by those bands.....is where I am going with it.

[J70]

Town Called Malice is an all time classic.

Honestly don't know much of their stuff outside of their hits like Going Underground or That's Entertainment or Bitterest Pill.

[Captain Obvious]

Looking at the first 5 bands on the list, I'd say that also applies to The Pogues, REM, U2 and the Rolling Stones.
As well as most of the others on the list.

You could just name your top 3 songs by The Jam and move on. Or, alternatively, not bother.

Though Austin Powers does play God on this himself so he does deserve some back. Enya and INXS for crying out loud.

I don't see where you're going in that first paragraph. Stones and U2 are among the top 20 best selling musical acts of all time, and have extraordinary longevity. Their music is everywhere in pop culture. The Jam were a cool band for a few years in the late 70s, who regained popularity for a year or two in the 1990s when Weller did his unplugged album.


We are probably running out of "big hitters" to be fair at this point. Some that might be considered (if not done already): Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sheeran, Phil Collins, Adele, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Paul Simon (inc Garfunkel), Robbie Williams / Take That, Stevie Wonder. Basic criteria for me is a) a catalogue of greatest hits that everyone knows, and b) a back catalogue of album tracks for the music lovers to show off a little.

Same can be said with most of above list. "Ask 10 random people to name 10 of the above bands songs and you'll have 9 people reaching for Google by song 5" 

Lets be honest your head goes wobbly when a band you dont like are listed here. I'm sure its the same for plenty here with the very mention of Adele and Ed Sheeran. 

Good suggestions on Johnny Cash,Phil Collins,Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Diamond though the latter has already fallen on deaf ears for the OP.

[Banks of the Bann]

Looking at the first 5 bands on the list, I'd say that also applies to The Pogues, REM, U2 and the Rolling Stones.
As well as most of the others on the list.

You could just name your top 3 songs by The Jam and move on. Or, alternatively, not bother.

Though Austin Powers does play God on this himself so he does deserve some back. Enya and INXS for crying out loud.

I don't see where you're going in that first paragraph. Stones and U2 are among the top 20 best selling musical acts of all time, and have extraordinary longevity. Their music is everywhere in pop culture. The Jam were a cool band for a few years in the late 70s, who regained popularity for a year or two in the 1990s when Weller did his unplugged album.


We are probably running out of "big hitters" to be fair at this point. Some that might be considered (if not done already): Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sheeran, Phil Collins, Adele, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Paul Simon (inc Garfunkel), Robbie Williams / Take That, Stevie Wonder. Basic criteria for me is a) a catalogue of greatest hits that everyone knows, and b) a back catalogue of album tracks for the music lovers to show off a little.

Same can be said with most of above list. "Ask 10 random people to name 10 of the above bands songs and you'll have 9 people reaching for Google by song 5" 

Lets be honest your head goes wobbly when a band you dont like are listed here. I'm sure its the same for plenty here with the very mention of Adele and Ed Sheeran. 

Good suggestions on Johnny Cash,Phil Collins,Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Diamond though the latter has already fallen on deaf ears for the OP.

I've requested Simple Minds as well. Don't you forget about me.

[weareros]

Even if a band is before your time, a person could do worse than give a few tracks a listen. My young teenage daughter somehow got into Falco (RIP) - had forgotten what a musical genius he was. I myself learned about 60s music when I used to listen to Radio Luxenbourg which used to have a show in the 1980s that replayed the charts from the 60s and 70s. This was pre-internet, pre YouTube and Spotify, so the auld wireless was the only way you could discover music and I had to attach it to a wire (makeshift aerial) that I hung out the bedroom window, that was wrapped around the wireless itself to try and get good reception of stations like Radio Caroline and RL. It's so easy discover the music of yesteryear now thanks to Spotify and YT, and even watching old Top of the Pops on BBC4. As for The Jam, I remember watching TOTP and it was announced Beat Surrender was their final ever single. Couldn't believe it. Was way before their time to do that.

[thewobbler]

I do like the Jam funnily enough. Weller can definitely match a mood.

But I don't think they've had the ongoing popular culture impact of the acts mentioned above. Which could change with a few song placements on tv / film of course. I just don't think they've got the catalogue of crowd pleasing songs to sustain it. Like Clapton, I suppose, who I was giving off about on here not so long ago. 

[AustinPowers]

Looking at the first 5 bands on the list, I'd say that also applies to The Pogues, REM, U2 and the Rolling Stones.
As well as most of the others on the list.

You could just name your top 3 songs by The Jam and move on. Or, alternatively, not bother.

Though Austin Powers does play God on this himself so he does deserve some back. Enya and INXS for crying out loud.

I don't see where you're going in that first paragraph. Stones and U2 are among the top 20 best selling musical acts of all time, and have extraordinary longevity. Their music is everywhere in pop culture. The Jam were a cool band for a few years in the late 70s, who regained popularity for a year or two in the 1990s when Weller did his unplugged album.


We are probably running out of "big hitters" to be fair at this point. Some that might be considered (if not done already): Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sheeran, Phil Collins, Adele, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Paul Simon (inc Garfunkel), Robbie Williams / Take That, Stevie Wonder. Basic criteria for me is a) a catalogue of greatest hits that everyone knows, and b) a back catalogue of album tracks for the music lovers to show off a little.

Same can be said with most of above list. "Ask 10 random people to name 10 of the above bands songs and you'll have 9 people reaching for Google by song 5" 

Lets be honest your head goes wobbly when a band you dont like are listed here. I'm sure its the same for plenty here with the very mention of Adele and Ed Sheeran. 

Good suggestions on Johnny Cash,Phil Collins,Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Diamond though the latter has already fallen on deaf ears for the OP.

The latter was suggested as a wind up , but since  a couple have asked , I'll add... oh crap, it to the list 

Along with the above three

[AustinPowers]

Looking at the first 5 bands on the list, I'd say that also applies to The Pogues, REM, U2 and the Rolling Stones.
As well as most of the others on the list.

You could just name your top 3 songs by The Jam and move on. Or, alternatively, not bother.

Though Austin Powers does play God on this himself so he does deserve some back. Enya and INXS for crying out loud.

I don't see where you're going in that first paragraph. Stones and U2 are among the top 20 best selling musical acts of all time, and have extraordinary longevity. Their music is everywhere in pop culture. The Jam were a cool band for a few years in the late 70s, who regained popularity for a year or two in the 1990s when Weller did his unplugged album.


We are probably running out of "big hitters" to be fair at this point. Some that might be considered (if not done already): Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sheeran, Phil Collins, Adele, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Paul Simon (inc Garfunkel), Robbie Williams / Take That, Stevie Wonder. Basic criteria for me is a) a catalogue of greatest hits that everyone knows, and b) a back catalogue of album tracks for the music lovers to show off a little.

Same can be said with most of above list. "Ask 10 random people to name 10 of the above bands songs and you'll have 9 people reaching for Google by song 5" 

Lets be honest your head goes wobbly when a band you dont like are listed here. I'm sure its the same for plenty here with the very mention of Adele and Ed Sheeran. 

Good suggestions on Johnny Cash,Phil Collins,Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Diamond though the latter has already fallen on deaf ears for the OP.

I've requested Simple Minds as well. Don't you forget about me.

They're on the list

[Keyser soze]

FS this is supposed to be a fun thread and some PWs* are on spouting about the cultural impact of pop acts. GAFL.

* P stands for pretentious

[Blowitupref]

Even if a band is before your time, a person could do worse than give a few tracks a listen. My young teenage daughter somehow got into Falco (RIP) - had forgotten what a musical genius he was. I myself learned about 60s music when I used to listen to Radio Luxenbourg which used to have a show in the 1980s that replayed the charts from the 60s and 70s. This was pre-internet, pre YouTube and Spotify, so the auld wireless was the only way you could discover music and I had to attach it to a wire (makeshift aerial) that I hung out the bedroom window, that was wrapped around the wireless itself to try and get good reception of stations like Radio Caroline and RL. It's so easy discover the music of yesteryear now thanks to Spotify and YT, and even watching old Top of the Pops on BBC4. As for The Jam, I remember watching TOTP and it was announced Beat Surrender was their final ever single. Couldn't believe it. Was way before their time to do that.

Good post.  If anything a thread like this makes people discover or rediscover the golden oldies.  Many good hits are a piece of art work and don't age. 

[AustinPowers]

Even if a band is before your time, a person could do worse than give a few tracks a listen. My young teenage daughter somehow got into Falco (RIP) - had forgotten what a musical genius he was. I myself learned about 60s music when I used to listen to Radio Luxenbourg which used to have a show in the 1980s that replayed the charts from the 60s and 70s. This was pre-internet, pre YouTube and Spotify, so the auld wireless was the only way you could discover music and I had to attach it to a wire (makeshift aerial) that I hung out the bedroom window, that was wrapped around the wireless itself to try and get good reception of stations like Radio Caroline and RL. It's so easy discover the music of yesteryear now thanks to Spotify and YT, and even watching old Top of the Pops on BBC4. As for The Jam, I remember watching TOTP and it was announced Beat Surrender was their final ever single. Couldn't believe it. Was way before their time to do that.

Good post.  If anything a thread like this makes people discover or rediscover the golden oldies.  Many good hits are a piece of art work and don't age. 

Yes , exactly

[Banks of the Bann]

FS this is supposed to be a fun thread and some PWs* are on spouting about the cultural impact of pop acts. GAFL.

* P stands for pretentious

Well said, way too much strife on this thread. Let there be love.

[Captain Obvious]

Looking at the first 5 bands on the list, I'd say that also applies to The Pogues, REM, U2 and the Rolling Stones.
As well as most of the others on the list.

You could just name your top 3 songs by The Jam and move on. Or, alternatively, not bother.

Though Austin Powers does play God on this himself so he does deserve some back. Enya and INXS for crying out loud.

I don't see where you're going in that first paragraph. Stones and U2 are among the top 20 best selling musical acts of all time, and have extraordinary longevity. Their music is everywhere in pop culture. The Jam were a cool band for a few years in the late 70s, who regained popularity for a year or two in the 1990s when Weller did his unplugged album.


We are probably running out of "big hitters" to be fair at this point. Some that might be considered (if not done already): Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sheeran, Phil Collins, Adele, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Paul Simon (inc Garfunkel), Robbie Williams / Take That, Stevie Wonder. Basic criteria for me is a) a catalogue of greatest hits that everyone knows, and b) a back catalogue of album tracks for the music lovers to show off a little.

Same can be said with most of above list. "Ask 10 random people to name 10 of the above bands songs and you'll have 9 people reaching for Google by song 5" 

Lets be honest your head goes wobbly when a band you dont like are listed here. I'm sure its the same for plenty here with the very mention of Adele and Ed Sheeran. 

Good suggestions on Johnny Cash,Phil Collins,Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Diamond though the latter has already fallen on deaf ears for the OP.

The latter was suggested as a wind up , but since  a couple have asked , I'll add... oh crap, it to the list 

Along with the above three

Common sense finally prevailed.

[Tony Baloney]

Looking at the first 5 bands on the list, I'd say that also applies to The Pogues, REM, U2 and the Rolling Stones.
As well as most of the others on the list.

You could just name your top 3 songs by The Jam and move on. Or, alternatively, not bother.

Though Austin Powers does play God on this himself so he does deserve some back. Enya and INXS for crying out loud.

I don't see where you're going in that first paragraph. Stones and U2 are among the top 20 best selling musical acts of all time, and have extraordinary longevity. Their music is everywhere in pop culture. The Jam were a cool band for a few years in the late 70s, who regained popularity for a year or two in the 1990s when Weller did his unplugged album.


We are probably running out of "big hitters" to be fair at this point. Some that might be considered (if not done already): Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sheeran, Phil Collins, Adele, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Paul Simon (inc Garfunkel), Robbie Williams / Take That, Stevie Wonder. Basic criteria for me is a) a catalogue of greatest hits that everyone knows, and b) a back catalogue of album tracks for the music lovers to show off a little.

Same can be said with most of above list. "Ask 10 random people to name 10 of the above bands songs and you'll have 9 people reaching for Google by song 5" 

Lets be honest your head goes wobbly when a band you dont like are listed here. I'm sure its the same for plenty here with the very mention of Adele and Ed Sheeran. 

Good suggestions on Johnny Cash,Phil Collins,Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Diamond though the latter has already fallen on deaf ears for the OP.

The latter was suggested as a wind up , but since  a couple have asked , I'll add... oh crap, it to the list 

Along with the above three

I see Bowie is on the to do list - was he definitely not done previously? How the f**k did Ocean Colour Scene get done before Bowie?!

Also, are we including Genesis in the Phil Collins selection?