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POLL - The WEAKEST LINK of Opening Track/Debut Album - Round 2

MedozKMedozK Posts: 9,209
edited January 2022 in Other Music
Hope everyone is having fun with these WEAKEST LINK polls. With the new poll we will decide the best "Opening Track on a Debut Album". For these artist this was usually the VERY first track anyone heard of them. So with this one I came up with 10 for us to debate about and choose from.

Disclaimer: I know there are thousands of great debut albums with with great opening tracks, I could not include them all and I want to be the first to say I am sorry for not including your favorite. These are just the ones that came to my mind.

Remember you are going to pick the song that you think is the "Weakest Link" after 2 days I remove the 2 songs with the most votes. We will then move on to Round 3.

Thanks again for playing.

R.E.M.: “Radio Free Europe” (Murmur)
N.W.A.: “Straight Outta Compton” (Straight Outta Compton)
Ramones: “Blitzkrieg Bop” (Ramones)
Van Halen: “Runnin’ with the Devil” (Van Halen)
Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl” (Blowin’ Your Mind!)
The Velvet Underground: “Sunday Morning” (The Velvet Underground & Nico)
Boston: “More Than A Feeling” (Boston) - Eliminated in Round 1
Beastie Boys: "Rhymin & Stealin" (Licensed To Ill) - Eliminated in Round 1
Guns N' Roses: "Welcome to the Jungle" (Appetite for Destruction)
Violent Femmes: "Blister in the Sun" (Violent Femmes)

POLL - The WEAKEST LINK of Opening Track/Debut Album - Round 2 46 votes

R.E.M.: “Radio Free Europe”
23%
DukeSpiritjwhjr17DewieCoxRP112579RS151862Abe FromanBLACK35tempo_n_grooveOffSheGoes35PJ_Soulhihobibo 11 votes
N.W.A.: “Straight Outta Compton”
8%
pledgeagrievancePapbrianluxSmallestOceans 4 votes
Ramones: “Blitzkrieg Bop”
10%
YefaKearn5ybrewdog123mrussel11ThoughtKnown 5 votes
Van Halen: “Runnin’ with the Devil”
2%
23scidoo 1 vote
Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
21%
Ponciergoldrushmfc2006tbergsGlowGirldankindeeriepadaveF Me In The BrainHobbesCropduster-80 10 votes
The Velvet Underground: “Sunday Morning”
28%
pjhawksspnooneGibsoncutzBIGDaddyWilmickeyratDC29940jjflasherebusGern BlanstenAsterisk on the StreetHughFreakingDillonrossstothers 13 votes
Guns N' Roses: "Welcome to the Jungle"
2%
ed243421 1 vote
Violent Femmes: "Blister in the Sun"
2%
Johnny Abruzzo 1 vote
Post edited by Sea on
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Comments

  • tempo_n_groovetempo_n_groove Posts: 40,355
    R.E.M.: “Radio Free Europe”
    Squeeze the trigger and bodies are hauled off...
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,027
    edited January 2022
    N.W.A.: “Straight Outta Compton”
    No way can I get into, support, or justify this misogynistic  mind set:


    Post edited by brianlux on
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • GibsonGibson Posts: 2,646
    edited January 2022
    The Velvet Underground: “Sunday Morning”
    While I won't deny the impact that the Velvet Underground has in the musical world, their lead off single just doesn't hit home like the others.
    1998: Barrie  2000: Toronto  2005: Kitchener, London, Hamilton, Toronto  2006: Toronto 1&2, Paris, Milan, Torino, Pistoia  2009: Calgary, Vancouver  2011: Canada  2013: London, Wrigley, Philly 1&2  2014: St. Louis, ACL 1, Detroit  2016: Lexington, Quebec, Ottawa, Toronto 1&2, Fenway 1&2, Wrigley 1&2  2017: EV - Louisville  2018: London 1&2, Milan, Padova, Rome, Prague, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 1&2, Fenway 1&2  2020: Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton  2021: London 1&2  2022: Hamilton, Toronto  2023: Chicago 1&2, Noblesville  2024: Seattle 1&2, Noblesville, Wrigley 1&2

  • Cropduster-80Cropduster-80 Posts: 2,034
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    brianlux said:
    No way can I get into, support, or justify this misogynistic  mind set:


    Not everyone’s cup of tea

    There is no question they changed the music landscape though.  

    I personally can’t stand listening to the Ramones, they still belong near the top of the list though. Same idea I suppose. 
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,027
    N.W.A.: “Straight Outta Compton”
    Cropduster-80 said:
    brianlux said:
    No way can I get into, support, or justify this misogynistic  mind set:


    Not everyone’s cup of tea

    There is no question they changed the music landscape though.  

    I personally can’t stand listening to the Ramones, they still belong near the top of the list though. Same idea I suppose. 

    Admittedly, in this situation I am considering more than just the music.  This is a forum category that is music related so, to be true to that, I probably would do well to only view these choices from a musical standpoint.  This is one of those cases where I find that difficult to do.

    In any case, good point Cropduster!
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • tempo_n_groovetempo_n_groove Posts: 40,355
    R.E.M.: “Radio Free Europe”
    brianlux said:
    Cropduster-80 said:
    brianlux said:
    No way can I get into, support, or justify this misogynistic  mind set:


    Not everyone’s cup of tea

    There is no question they changed the music landscape though.  

    I personally can’t stand listening to the Ramones, they still belong near the top of the list though. Same idea I suppose. 

    Admittedly, in this situation I am considering more than just the music.  This is a forum category that is music related so, to be true to that, I probably would do well to only view these choices from a musical standpoint.  This is one of those cases where I find that difficult to do.

    In any case, good point Cropduster!
    I have always been able to separate the music and the words.  I mean if we really get down to it we shouldn't listen to Johnny Cash because of what he did to that poor ol soul in Reno.  I mean he shot him just to watch him die?
  • 1ThoughtKnown1ThoughtKnown Posts: 6,155
    Ramones: “Blitzkrieg Bop”
    A few options here, but this song isn’t very good. Full disclosure, I don’t particularly like the Ramones. 
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,027
    N.W.A.: “Straight Outta Compton”
    tempo_n_groove said:
    brianlux said:
    Cropduster-80 said:
    brianlux said:
    No way can I get into, support, or justify this misogynistic  mind set:


    Not everyone’s cup of tea

    There is no question they changed the music landscape though.  

    I personally can’t stand listening to the Ramones, they still belong near the top of the list though. Same idea I suppose. 

    Admittedly, in this situation I am considering more than just the music.  This is a forum category that is music related so, to be true to that, I probably would do well to only view these choices from a musical standpoint.  This is one of those cases where I find that difficult to do.

    In any case, good point Cropduster!
    I have always been able to separate the music and the words.  I mean if we really get down to it we shouldn't listen to Johnny Cash because of what he did to that poor ol soul in Reno.  I mean he shot him just to watch him die?

    LOL, Or Bob Dylan for that matter:

    They say I shot a man named Gray
    And took his wife to Italy
    She inherited a million bucks
    And when she died it came to me
    I can't help it if I'm lucky

    ("Idiot Wind")

    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • F Me In The BrainF Me In The Brain Posts: 31,265
    edited January 2022
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    Oh-oh
    Idiot Wind
    @dankind will have bad flashbacks.
    The love he receives is the love that is saved
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,027
    N.W.A.: “Straight Outta Compton”
    F Me In The Brain said:
    Oh-oh
    Idiot Wind
    @dankind will have bad flashbacks.

    Somebody's got it in for Dankind.  They're printing stories in the press.
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • cutzcutz Posts: 11,834
    The Velvet Underground: “Sunday Morning”
    It was this or Van Halen or NWA
  • dankinddankind Posts: 20,839
    edited January 2022
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    This is the one.

    https://youtu.be/EOta1fulN1Y

    Or for thicker yanks, I suppose it's this one.

    https://youtu.be/qmOs9ZJ1Vxc

    Go pound sand, @brianlux
    Post edited by dankind on
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,027
    N.W.A.: “Straight Outta Compton”
    dankind said:
    This is the one.

    https://youtu.be/EOta1fulN1Y

    Or for thicker Yanks, I suppose it's this one.

    https://youtu.be/qmOs9ZJ1Vxc

    Go pound sand, @brianlux
    Sure, why not.  With my head, no less!
    Pound Sand GIFs Tenor


    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • mfc2006mfc2006 Posts: 37,446
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    Flipped a coin. Van lost.
    I LOVE MUSIC.
    www.cluthelee.com
    www.cluthe.com
  • Cropduster-80Cropduster-80 Posts: 2,034
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    brianlux said:
    Cropduster-80 said:
    brianlux said:
    No way can I get into, support, or justify this misogynistic  mind set:


    Not everyone’s cup of tea

    There is no question they changed the music landscape though.  

    I personally can’t stand listening to the Ramones, they still belong near the top of the list though. Same idea I suppose. 

    Admittedly, in this situation I am considering more than just the music.  This is a forum category that is music related so, to be true to that, I probably would do well to only view these choices from a musical standpoint.  This is one of those cases where I find that difficult to do.

    In any case, good point Cropduster!
    I’m not the biggest N.W.A. fan compared to what came after.  But without  N.W.A. there is no Dr Dre, Ice Cube and  probably no Biggie, Nas, Tupac, snoop, etc etc etc 

    That opening track just happens to probably be their best song.  

    I’m not sure anyone else on the list was that influential.  

  • MedozKMedozK Posts: 9,209
    Cropduster-80 said:
    brianlux said:
    Cropduster-80 said:
    brianlux said:
    No way can I get into, support, or justify this misogynistic  mind set:


    Not everyone’s cup of tea

    There is no question they changed the music landscape though.  

    I personally can’t stand listening to the Ramones, they still belong near the top of the list though. Same idea I suppose. 

    Admittedly, in this situation I am considering more than just the music.  This is a forum category that is music related so, to be true to that, I probably would do well to only view these choices from a musical standpoint.  This is one of those cases where I find that difficult to do.

    In any case, good point Cropduster!
    I’m not the biggest N.W.A. fan compared to what came after.  But without  N.W.A. there is no Dr Dre, Ice Cube and  probably no Biggie, Nas, Tupac, snoop, etc etc etc 

    That opening track just happens to probably be their best song.  

    I’m not sure anyone else on the list was that influential.  

    "You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge" could be the most iconic opening line of a debut (or for that matter any) album of ALL-TIME.
  • Cropduster-80Cropduster-80 Posts: 2,034
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    MedozK said:
    Cropduster-80 said:
    brianlux said:
    Cropduster-80 said:
    brianlux said:
    No way can I get into, support, or justify this misogynistic  mind set:


    Not everyone’s cup of tea

    There is no question they changed the music landscape though.  

    I personally can’t stand listening to the Ramones, they still belong near the top of the list though. Same idea I suppose. 

    Admittedly, in this situation I am considering more than just the music.  This is a forum category that is music related so, to be true to that, I probably would do well to only view these choices from a musical standpoint.  This is one of those cases where I find that difficult to do.

    In any case, good point Cropduster!
    I’m not the biggest N.W.A. fan compared to what came after.  But without  N.W.A. there is no Dr Dre, Ice Cube and  probably no Biggie, Nas, Tupac, snoop, etc etc etc 

    That opening track just happens to probably be their best song.  

    I’m not sure anyone else on the list was that influential.  

    "You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge" could be the most iconic opening line of a debut (or for that matter any) album of ALL-TIME.
    Indeed. 

    Powerful and in retrospect quite prophetic 
  • ed243421ed243421 Posts: 7,659
    Guns N' Roses: "Welcome to the Jungle"
    How I vote in these pools: I decide which song/album I would listen to after all of the others on the list.

    I see others considering how it changed the musical landscape and it’s impact on society, and such.

    What’s up with that?

    The whole world will be different soon... - EV
    RED ROCKS 6-19-95
    AUGUSTA 9-26-96
    MANSFIELD 9-15-98
    BOSTON 9-29-04
    BOSTON 5-25-06
    MANSFIELD 6-30-08
    EV SOLO BOSTON 8-01-08
    BOSTON 5-17-10
    EV SOLO BOSTON 6-16-11
    PJ20 9-3-11
    PJ20 9-4-11
    WRIGLEY 7-19-13
    WORCESTER 10-15-13
    WORCESTER 10-16-13
    HARTFORD 10-25-13









  • dankinddankind Posts: 20,839
    edited January 2022
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    ed243421 said:
    How I vote in these pools: I decide which song/album I would listen to after all of the others on the list.

    I see others considering how it changed the musical landscape and it’s impact on society, and such.

    What’s up with that?

    Some people are trying to seem as though they’re being objective about why “Brown Eyed Girl” is the absolute fucking worst. 
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • Cropduster-80Cropduster-80 Posts: 2,034
    edited January 2022
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    ed243421 said:
    How I vote in these pools: I decide which song/album I would listen to after all of the others on the list.

    I see others considering how it changed the musical landscape and it’s impact on society, and such.

    What’s up with that?

    Wouldn’t you need to determine the importance of the album overall to determine the best one?

    it’s a list of great songs and albums.  If I picked based on popular appeal or how catchy it is, I suppose Boston wins. To me it’s a way to counteract the impulse to vote for pop music because it’s arguably more fun to listen to. 

    To me a great album has to have multiple qualities since they all are good in their own way. How one album affects artists that follow is as good a differentiator as any. 
    Post edited by Cropduster-80 on
  • ed243421ed243421 Posts: 7,659
    Guns N' Roses: "Welcome to the Jungle"
    Importance of an album?

    i thought I was asked to vote for “my” weakest link on the list
    The whole world will be different soon... - EV
    RED ROCKS 6-19-95
    AUGUSTA 9-26-96
    MANSFIELD 9-15-98
    BOSTON 9-29-04
    BOSTON 5-25-06
    MANSFIELD 6-30-08
    EV SOLO BOSTON 8-01-08
    BOSTON 5-17-10
    EV SOLO BOSTON 6-16-11
    PJ20 9-3-11
    PJ20 9-4-11
    WRIGLEY 7-19-13
    WORCESTER 10-15-13
    WORCESTER 10-16-13
    HARTFORD 10-25-13









  • 1ThoughtKnown1ThoughtKnown Posts: 6,155
    Ramones: “Blitzkrieg Bop”
    ed243421 said:
    Importance of an album?

    i thought I was asked to vote for “my” weakest link on the list
    There is no wrong answer here. If it is your vote you can use whatever criteria you want. Some people see influence and importance of an album as their criteria, others don’t. 

    The depth you want to go to determine the weakest link is your own, which supports your argument. In an essence you were arguing against yourself.
  • 1ThoughtKnown1ThoughtKnown Posts: 6,155
    Ramones: “Blitzkrieg Bop”

  • tbergstbergs Posts: 9,810
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    I can't believe this song survived round 1.
    It's a hopeless situation...
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,027
    N.W.A.: “Straight Outta Compton”
    tbergs said:
    I can't believe this song survived round 1.

    In this context, I'm slightly surprised as well.  But I think it's a terrific song!  It's easily the oldest song on the list.  I guess it's just too old for this crowd. 
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • Cropduster-80Cropduster-80 Posts: 2,034
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    brianlux said:
    tbergs said:
    I can't believe this song survived round 1.

    In this context, I'm slightly surprised as well.  But I think it's a terrific song!  It's easily the oldest song on the list.  I guess it's just too old for this crowd. 
    I’ve heard it a lot. Not sure how it ends though as I really don’t think I have ever heard it all the way through as I’ve never not changed the station or skipped over it

    It’s not the age, as the Beach Boys debut track Surfin’ Safari I would have kept on the list that’s also from the 60’s
  • 1ThoughtKnown1ThoughtKnown Posts: 6,155
    Ramones: “Blitzkrieg Bop”
    brianlux said:
    tbergs said:
    I can't believe this song survived round 1.

    In this context, I'm slightly surprised as well.  But I think it's a terrific song!  It's easily the oldest song on the list.  I guess it's just too old for this crowd. 
    I’m not a huge Van Morrison fan, but it’s a great song. 
  • dankinddankind Posts: 20,839
    Van Morrison: “Brown Eyed Girl”
    Every brown-eyed girl I've ever known hates that song.

    Mainly, because every lame ex-boyfriend they ever had put it on a mixtape for them.
    I SAW PEARL JAM
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,027
    N.W.A.: “Straight Outta Compton”
    Van-the-man slam fest here.  Well, gang, he will be dumped soon enough. 
    Movin' on!
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • YefaYefa Posts: 1,133
    Ramones: “Blitzkrieg Bop”
    brianlux said:
    tbergs said:
    I can't believe this song survived round 1.

    In this context, I'm slightly surprised as well.  But I think it's a terrific song!  It's easily the oldest song on the list.  I guess it's just too old for this crowd. 
    Sunday Morning is the oldest song in this poll.  It was recorded in the fall of 1966.  Brown Eyed Girl was recorded in March 1967.
    You see me empty, Sir, do not pause and inquire, simply assume and refill.
    - Al Swearengen

    http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com
This discussion has been closed.