I defy you to name a better First Album/First Song than 'Good Times Bad Times'

[LynneSin]

There isn't a better song out there that had the distinction of being song #1 on a band's debut album than Led Zeppelin's "Good Times Bad Times". To me GTBT is the intro song from LZ that announces that we are going to spend the rest of your lifetime rocking your ass off because we are to become the Superdeities of Rock and Roll.

Go ahead, you can't do it!

[MissMillie]

1. That entire album is the best "first effort" by a band

EVER

In fact, it's my favorite Zep album.

I like the other ones too, but the bluesy quality to this one just far outshines the others, IMHO.


(More Than a Feeling by Boston is a pretty good first album/first song as well.)

[leftyohiolib]

2. i always thought zepIII was underrated

speaking of boston when i heard foreplay i thought it was the greatest song ever, still think it's pretty close

[nomorenomore08]

3. It'd be hard to name a better guitar solo, at least, than the first one on that song...

Page was never a very "technical" player, but much like Neil Young, J Mascis, etc. his greatness lies in the tone and "feel" of what he plays.

The 'Song Remains the Same' version of "Dazed and Confused" was WAAAY too much though. 26 minutes???

[OriginalGeek]

8. lol, I love those indulgent excesses

30something minutes of live No Quarter? sign me up! 20+ minutes of Moby Dick? I like 'em long. There's at least one D&C that stretches out for close to 45 minutes.

but I know a lot of folks that don't like them even within the LZ appreciation community.

Hmm, I got two hours left at least here at work - I think I'll spin up 2/14/75. That's only a 35 minute D&C...

[nomorenomore08]

14. Great song originally, but they tended to stretch it out nearly beyond recognition.

But then I love me a good 20-30-minute "Dark Star" so maybe I'm a tad hypocritical...

If we're talking great Zeppelin jams, though, some of those early versions of "How Many More Times" would certainly qualify IMO. I remember a 25-minute version - not the Royal Albert Hall one though - which, at about 15 minutes in, just rips into some kind of John Lee Hooker/Lonnie Donegan mash-up that just sounds like the coolest fucking thing ever.

[OriginalGeek]

16. Oh yeah , one of my faves!

I even tried to learn that bass line because it's just so cool. I can't keep in time for more than a couple bars though - JPJ is a beast! (And I suck at guitars. lol)

[lame54]

4. Break on through...

By the Doors
they are inviting you to take a journey with them to the other side

[Joe Shlabotnik]

5. +1

Beat me to it by about 3 minutes.

[flying rabbit]

9. Hmm...

A definite contender.

[kwassa]

29. I agree with this, it was absolutely a statement

and the introduction to the unique sound and world of the Doors.

And the voice of the best rock singer ever, Jim Morrison.

[Tom Ripley]

6. "1969" from "The Stooges" and "Purple Haze" from the American issue of "Are You Experienced"

are both better

[taterguy]

7. Done

[antiquie]

15. To my amazement,

you are correct.

[kwassa]

30. Los Lobos is a great band, with the widest range of musical styles ...

and I do love this song. They are really unique in American music, and there are few bands that can say that.

Saw them live, they put on a great show. I love this song, too.

[barnabas63]

10. Astral Weeks - Van Morrison

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astral_Weeks

[nomorenomore08]

18. "To lay me down in silence easy, to be born again..."

Such astonishing, tear-jerking beauty... And he was only 23 for Christ's sake!

[barnabas63]

23. I know...never get tired of this album.

So beautiful.

[flying rabbit]

11. There is this...

[Jetboy]

13. Good one! n/t

[Jetboy]

12. 'Personality Crisis'

Track one from the first New York Dolls album. Fun, straightforward rock-n-roll just like the old days.

How about Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers first record, 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love'? The best uptempo doo wop record ever.

[Ahpook]

17. While I agree

There is quite a few for me

My older brothers were freaking out over this new guitar player. I remember having the same emotion

[flying rabbit]

19. Add that to the list...

[lame54]

24. that's actually the second song on the album...

the first being Runnin' with the devil

[Mr.Bill]

20. This one was pretty good.

[Initech]

21. Three words: Hungry Freaks Daddy

[Throd]

22. "Kill The Poor"

[dawg]

25. From the same year (1969) ...

[pipi_k]

26. Much as I love LZ...

I can't say that was ever one of my favorite songs by them. Although I wouldn't say it's a piece of shit, either.


I do, however, like "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You", and "How Many More Times" on that same album.

I would have to say my absolute favorite LZ album is "The Song Remains The Same".



A nomination I have to offer is the Allman Brothers album, "Beginnings", which was a reissue of their first two albums. First side is (IMO) total awesomeness... Second side I didn't care for that much except for "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed".

[Ptah]

27. Roger Miller - Chug-a-lug - Roger and Out

[TeeYiYi]

28. Beatles - I Saw Her Standing There on the Please Please Me album...

The whole album was good. One of the their best.

TYY

[kwassa]

31. I've got two that are better. "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix ....

the opening chords changed rock music forever. The sound itself blew everyone's minds at the time, it was completely revolutionary.

"I Feel Free" by Cream, the first song on the first album, which I first heard echoing through the woods at summer camp and said "WHAT is THAT?" They really were the greatest band of that era.

[Iggo]

32. Runnin' With The Devil -- Van Halen

For the same reason you gave (announcing their arrival), and because in my opinion it's a way stronger song. (ymmv)

[kwassa]

33. "Route 66" the Rolling Stones

England's Newest Hitmakers!

[kwassa]

34. "Uncontrollable Urge" Devo

start about 1:24 into it

[kwassa]

35. "Planet Claire" B52s

another totally unique band with a unique sound