Great Scott!

Remember that scene in Back to the Future II where Doc explains the time paradox? Biff used the almanac to change his own destiny, and create an alternate reality, referred to as 1985a. He only made one small change in 1955, but the consequences of that change sent shock waves across Hill Valley for the next 30 years.

Suppose we revisit the rock n roll time line and make one slightly different pick in the 1950's. What effect would that have on all future song selections?

Perhaps the reason it was so difficult for me to select a rock song to represent the 2000's is; rock is no longer the dominant genre, and the best songs being made right now do not feature the electric guitar. After all, rock is not the only valid form of expression.

Over the next few days I would like to draw an alternate musical timeline for you. A list of the most significant hip hop songs from each decade. Ready? Okay. We'd better back up or we'll never get this thing up to 88 miles per hour.

2000's

It was difficult to pick the song that had the most effect of the world since Y2K. Arguably, because there hasn't been one. Already, at 29 years old, I catch myself starting a sentence with "these damn kids today..." Many Gen Xers feel that rock died with Kurt. Could that be true? Isn't anyone making music that shows respect to the blues of the 30's and 40's , without getting bogged down by grunge and alt rock?

Jack White - almost single handedly carrying the rock torch into the new millennium. In the limited release film "It might get loud" Jimmy Page totally passes him the baton. Fell in love with a girl was a breakout for the Stripes, but it doesn't end there. Icky Thump rocks harder then anything else on the radio. My Doorbell is my personal fave. You Don't Know What Love Is might bring you to tears, and the video for Denial Twist will blow your mind!

Honorable mention should go to Blink 182; the young folks seem to identify with them. Wolfmother can lock into a sweet groove that is sure to make you bob your head. Coheed and Cambria are taking "concept album" to a new dimension. Yes, rumors of rock n rolls death have been greatly exaggerated.

So, my friends, never doubt that four chords can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. Although, Margaret Mead would disagree.

1990's

This list is not about favorites. This list is about cultural impact. Todays song embodies everything we've been discussing; a catchy melody, senseless lyrics, and a strait 4/4 beat played with the passion and intensity that can (and did) change the world. Take a moment here to watch that video, even if you've seen it a million times before. Right click "open in new tab" and watch it, it's ok, I'll wait...

Teen Spirit changed us. We started wearing flannel and Chuck Taylors. Alienation was the new identity. Alternative was the new mainstream. Teen Spirit was the Louie Louie of the nineties - it wasn't ABOUT anything, but some how it spoke to us. At the same time, however, it was destroying us. After Nevermind, anyone who played a pop melody on a fuzzy guitar, was just a Nirvana copy cat. Kurt took a cliché to the top of the charts. Who could fill his Doc Martins?

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" has to be THE song of the 1990's. Beck's "Loser" was good. White Zombie's "More Human Then Human" was good. "Enter Sandman" was all over the MTV. Not owning a copy of Weezer's "Blue Album" was up there with covetousness and idolatry. The Smashing Pumpkins were a force to be reckoned with. But battle cry of Generation X is

"a mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido."

For the comments: Where were you, who were you with when you first heard this song?

1980's

AC/DC - the name means raw power. The Young brothers, Malcolm and Angus had already been making music under that name for almost a decade when this song hit the charts. (Sorry that it has to be a link, embedding is turned off for some reason.) I really feel that this song is in line with the 12 bar strophic roots of rock.

AC/DC is still churning out 4/4 rock songs with provocative titles, their sound hasn't changed much in 36 years.

Runner up: Van Halen - Hot for Teacher

Tomorrow we explore the decade when I was a teenager; the 1990's. What do you think the song will be?

1970's

One band totally pwnd the 70's.

One song totally dominated the airwaves.

This is not my personal favorite Led Zeppelin song. It is, however, the most requested song in FM radio history.Plus it made THIS possible.

1960's

A lot, I mean, a lot of great music came out in the 60's. The Beatles, the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Aretha, Ike & Tina... but if I had to pick one song to carry the rock & roll torch, to bridge the gap between the 50's and the 70's I choose Satisfaction. "He can't be a man cause he don't smoke the same cigarettes as me." Mick's strut, Keith's fuzz tone - guitars were starting to get distorted now thanks to Link Wray.

It really was a close call between this and the Who - My Generation. Of course the Beatles were important and influential, but just try to pick just ONE Beatles song to represent the decade of the Kennedy assassination, the moon landing, civil rights, and the war in Vietnam. Go ahead try, I tried, and I tried, and I tried, but I can't get no satisfaction.

1950's

I picked this song because it was so influential, not to say that other songs weren't important. Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins; all important rock stars of the 50's. But Link Wray took four chords and played them with such attitude, such conviction, that this song was banned from some radio stations! That's right, banned, even though it's and instrumental, the name "Rumble" implied gang violence and the sound was just too wild. So, who was influenced by this song? Well for starters...

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

1940's

1930's

It all started here:

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

Four chords can change the world.

Margaret Mead said "Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Musicians would disagree. About once per decade, when the music scene is getting stale, something new comes along BOOM blows the barn doors open. These are pivotal moments when the course of rock and roll, indeed, "the world" is forever changed. Often the song itself is very simple; four chords, very sparse lyrics, but infectious, unforgettable, and unlike everything around it. Over the next few days I'd like to post what I think have been the most influential moments in rock and roll for each decade. Feel free to disagree, or comment, or flame. But don't get yourself too worked up "I know it's only rock and roll...but I like it."