Perfect Songs

Eric Patterson

Eric Patterson

Moderator
Staff member
I think anyone who enjoys music has in their head songs they consider perfect and the reasons they feel that way about a song. What I consider to be a perfect song is one you never tire of listening and when listening to you enjoy every note, chord, harmony, etc., while simultaneously anticipating the next note, chord, harmony. A song where everything fits together making you turn it up and get into the moment of the song, has lyrics that relate to something you've experienced or inspires you, and makes you stop and think about the point the artist was trying to get across. The below just hit my YouTube feed and to me is a perfect song.

One of my all-time favorite is Day After Day by Badfinger.

Badfinger - Day After Day (1971 - HQ - Restored) - YouTube


So what are your "perfect songs" and why?

Eric
 
At first, I wasn't going to respond, because one of my favorite perfect songs was from the 70's. But so is Eric's, and I'm older than him. So here it is. Jeff Beck, Cause We've Ended as Lovers. Blow By Blow is an album I've listened to since it came out, and actually listened to a couple of songs today before I read this thread. I was fortunate to get to see him perform a couple of years ago. He had a cellist with him as part of the band, they did an instrumental duet that was just phenomenal. Blow by Blow was the real genesis of everything he has done since, it goes in so many directions that instead of that sounding limiting, it is just the opposite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiOPvOBd8IA

Provided to YouTube by Epic Cause We've Ended as Lovers ? Jeff Beck Blow By Blow ℗ 1975 Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment Released on: 1975-03-29 Composer, Lyricist: Stevie Wonder Producer: George Martin Drums, Percussion: Richard Bailey Keyboards: Max Middleton Bass: Phil Chen
 

Saw The Jeff Beck Group, at the Stanley Theater, Pittsburgh, PA August 1, 1972 , $5.50. Still have the ticket stub.

Perfect songs?

Depends on the day, the mood and how deep I wanna dig into my varied collection.

No matter what, I always go back to the Blues from the folks that did it best.


my 2 cents
 
Eric ~


Interesting post! I could not begin to single out even a handful of "bests" from my personal pantheon. Happily, I have found hundreds of "perfect songs" over the years - but with a bias toward the '60s and early 70s - and lots of bluesy rock.


So - a bit off topic - I offer this to our members. I first heard "Along Along the Watchtower" by Dylan (who has given me many perfect songs). When I later heard Jimi Hendrix's take on it I mused: I'll bet Dylan was happily astonished to /hear what he had done with it. Of course, it has become iconic; its use in Apocalypse Now was especially powerful.


Susan introduced me to this version - on Playing for Change - a year or so ago. To my ears, it is a truly amazing feat of production - somehow coordinating all these talents and performances from around the globe that enriches the song in ways unimaginable to my music-less brain. And it ain't too bad visually either.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UHHc7POovg


I love it for all the usual reasons of sound and feel but also because it shows so vividly how music can cross our world's many boundaries.


All the best,


SJS

 
I was paid for my 1st gig at age 15 and my last paid gig was last night. I've been a weekend warrior for 50 years. I play acoustic guitar mainly and lean towards folk, country, country rock, pop and blues. As you can imagine there have been literally hundreds of perfect songs for me. I to prefer songs from the 60's, 70's and 80's although I play songs that are on the current charts. You play for the crowd. If I had to pick, the song that resonates with me is Turn The Page. I've played this song since I saw Bob Seger on stage. View attachment Ed Pic Faithfull Pilot.jpg
 
Ed L. said:
. If I had to pick, the song that resonates with me is Turn The Page. I've played this song since I saw Bob Seger on stage.
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Ed, wish I had been able to hear you play. But most anything Bob Seger talks to me. Especially Turn the Page.

Perfect songs for me depends on my mood. If I am super mellow, I tend to lean towards just listening to Jesse Cook or Dan Gibson. Bob Seger or Jimmy Buffett is good for several moods. But then there is always Elvis, Bette Midler, Reba, Trisha, Garth Brooks, Alabama, Dolly, Brooks and Dunn, or Adelle ....or....or...or....I guess it just depends on my mood...
 
Dani said:
Ed L. said:
. Bob Seger or Jimmy Buffett is good for several moods. But then there is always Elvis, Bette Midler, Reba, Trisha, Garth Brooks, Alabama, Dolly, Brooks and Dunn, or Adelle ....or....or...or....I guess it just depends on my mood...
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Dani, I love Buffet! The minute I started playing Come Monday or Margaritaville I could tell the tourists from the locals. I love the fact that your a Buffet fan. I feel like a pirate over 40....lol. In the vain of your list I play a lot of Garth, Brooks and Dunn, Alabama, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Zack Brown, Toby Keith, Billy Currington and many more.
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One song that is one of my favorites that always speaks to me even though it's not the most played song in my playlist, it is one I frequent to just relax and enjoy. It's called "On God's Front Porch"

This gives the story of the song along with the version of the song that is on some Primos DVDs
https://youtu.be/1bKxTBmZdig

There are several songs that I come to depending on moods like Dani said. Ranges from the 60's to electronic to some rap. Top player artist on my phone playlist is Owl City, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, and Philips, Craig and Dean.

Some of the oldies I love is "He ain't heavy" by the Hollies and "The Cats in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin
 
Good morning, Ed~


I envy you your musical talents - congratulations!


By coincidence, on my ride up here to Lake Champlain ,I stumbled across a classic rock station. Sure enough, Turn the Page came on. It's one of those "perfect songs" that requires that the volume be turned up. I think it was Metallica's cover (?) - but Seger's original remains the best.


All the best,


SJS





 
Steve Sanford said:
Good morning, Ed~


I envy you your musical talents - congratulations!


By coincidence, on my ride up here to Lake Champlain ,I stumbled across a classic rock station. Sure enough, Turn the Page came on. It's one of those "perfect songs" that requires that the volume be turned up. I think it was Metallica's cover (?) - but Seger's original remains the best.


All the best,


SJS




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Aww, thanks Steve. I never tried to make it my vocation as I used my music to escape reality. For those that know the great late John Prine, it was my illegal smile!

We all have our guilty pleasures and strengths. I always envied your abilities in decoy art whether carving or restoring as well as your abilities with water craft restoration. Its your eye for detail and innovation that keeping me watching for the next endeavor. Like the Duckboss 13. Little things like the flapper board stays to maintain the angle. Great idea and so simple!
 
 
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Good morning, Rick~


Thanks so much for the lead on Bonnie Raitt; I had not heard her do this tune (a classic in itself). She has long been in My Personal Pantheon - right on the top tier. Of course, her take on John Prine's Angel from Montgomery is true perfection.


All the best,


SJS

 
RL

I had never heard the Bonnie Raitt version until now. I have Steve Winwood's live version on my regular playlist and her's is just as enjoyable.

Eric
 
Steve and Eric, her voice is so clear it lends to the song's lyrics, why I opted to post it over her cover of Prine's epic song. Steve, Dylan's song also was 'perfected' by Hendrix. Dave Mason does a good cover as well, to one of my favorites.

Speaking of Dylan and his influences:

Bob Dylan - Shelter from the Storm (Audio) - Bing video

Joan Baez - Diamonds and Rust (With Lyrics) - Bing video

Evangeline-The Band - Bing video

Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm, Emmylou Harris - "Evangeline" (Live, 1996) - Bing video

Last Train-Arlo Guthrie - Bing video
 
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