The best song in the world

[BenF]

To return to a Hendrix reference, its not a "song" per se, but the best Guitar solo ever IMHO, is the Iinstrumental Solo at the end of the "Woodstock" album, following, The Star Spangled Banner>Purple Haze. It you have the album, give it a listen, or you could find it with video on Youtube.

, can't find it on YouTube though

[Dr.Lee]

, can't find it on YouTube though

Glad you agree, Ben. I could be wrong about the Youtube, but I could swear I saw it there.

         Lee

[Queequeg]

Mark,
"In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" from the "Live at the Filmore" album is one of the greatest numbers ever.
To return to a Hendrix reference, its not a "song" per se, but the best Guitar solo ever IMHO, is the Iinstrumental Solo at the end of the "Woodstock" album, following, The Star Spangled Banner>Purple Haze. It you have the album, give it a listen, or you could find it with video on Youtube.

Thanks, Dr. I'll have to look that up.
Don't know what Hendrix was channeling, but it was other-worldly. I didn't really get it when he was living.

[BenF]

I didn't get it until I started learning to play.  Hendrix is also a hugely underrated singer, and Mitch Mitchell is one of the best drummers who ever lived. I think a lot of their songs stand up there with the very best, but are somewhat overwhelmed by the virtuoso nature of the guitar playing, which is what makes most people listen in the first place. Red House, The Wind Cries Mary, Remember - all outstanding songs. 

[Dr.Lee]

, can't find it on YouTube though

I just searched for it. The instrumental number is called "Villanova Junction". There are several covers and footage from the move.
Check it out. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkhSDj96MRA&feature=related              
 
          Dr.

[BenF]

Nice one! It is ages since I heard that. Your link didn't work for me but the title helped me find it. How does he play chords and then move his thumb about 5 frets without moving the rest of his hand. It's just not right.

[Dr.Lee]

Nice one! It is ages since I heard that. Your link didn't work for me but the title helped me find it. How does he play chords and then move his thumb about 5 frets without moving the rest of his hand. It's just not right.

Giant Freak Hands !!! I wish I had them !!

         Dr.

[canoe65]

I'd like to put in a vote (actually three) for:

- "Last Night Of The World" by Bruce Cockburn
- "Comes A Time" by Neil Young
- "Four Strong Winds" by Ian Tyson
 

[guitom]

I'd like to put in a vote (actually three) for:

- "Last Night Of The World" by Bruce Cockburn
- "Come A Time" by Neil Young
- "Four Strong Winds" by Ian Tyson
 

Nice choices.

But Water is Wide must be the best song ever written. 

[Walkerman]

Was at Borders yesterday...saw the special edition of Rolling Stone.....according to them, and their list of the 500 greatest songs ever....

#3...Imagine
#2...Satisfaction
#1...Like a Rolling Stone

Go figure.....Chuck Berry's "My Ding-A-Ling" didn't even make the list.......

[z-clay]

I'm changing my choice to Alice's Restaurant.

[tuffythepug]

Was at Borders yesterday...saw the special edition of Rolling Stone.....according to them, and their list of the 500 greatest songs ever....

#3...Imagine
#2...Satisfaction
#1...Like a Rolling Stone

Go figure...

..Chuck Berry's "My Ding-A-Ling" didn't even make the list.......

Walkerman
I wouldn't argue with any of those choices but you've got to take Rolling Stone Mag with a grain of salt.    They were also the ones who declared that "Tied to the Whippin' Post" from the Live at Fillmore East album was the "finest live rock performance ever committed to vinyl" in 2002.     Of the three songs you mentioned I'd rank them just as they are ranked by RS.   If any Chuck Berry tune was to be considered I would think it should be Johnny B Goode.       

[JOYCEfromNS]

Was at Borders yesterday...saw the special edition of Rolling Stone.....according to them, and their list of the 500 greatest songs ever....

#3...Imagine
#2...Satisfaction
#1...Like a Rolling Stone

Who's Rolling Stone IMHO 

[Dale_I]

"Star Spangled Banner" Whitney Houston or Marvin Gaye, but many will choose Hendrix instrumental
"America the Beautiful" Either Ray Charles or Keb Mo
"Halleluhjah" written by Cohen, performed by Jeff Buckley
Anyones list should contain something from Mark Knopfler. Maybe Dire Straights "Brothers In Arms"

I could go on, but didn't see these masterpieces mentioned yet.

[Walkerman]

Walkerman
I wouldn't argue with any of those choices but you've got to take Rolling Stone Mag with a grain of salt.    They were also the ones who declared that "Tied to the Whippin' Post" from the Live at Fillmore East album was the "finest live rock performance ever committed to vinyl" in 2002.     Of the three songs you mentioned I'd rank them just as they are ranked by RS.   If any Chuck Berry tune was to be considered I would think it should be Johnny B Goode.       

What was amazing was that while the Beatles didn't get into the top three, they totally dominated the top 100.  There were a number of Chuck Berry songs too.  The highest ranking Beatles songs were not their "rockers" but instead...Hey Jude, Let it Be and Yesterday.  The list makes interesting reading.  Besides garnering #1 for LARS, Dylan scored high for his early songs made famous by others....Blowin in the Wind and the Times they are a Changin, etc.

[Danny]

Sorry for stating the obvious.....Amazing Grace.

[Queequeg]

Humour or no, it is a political statement and invites response in kind, no? Tsk, tsk.

Political? I think that's a stretch.
Nevertheless, I'll remove it lest anyone construe it as such.

[rockstar_not]

Amazing Grace


I don't think there is another song that is so universally known around the world.