OK, let's get serious. I haven't run one of these for a while, and now is the right time for it. I'm talking about a new poll. True, there was the pundit thingie for the election in November and, before that, the ranking of Shakespeare's tragedies in August. But measured against the grand tradition of normblog polls, these were both picayune events. Remember the greats of rock n roll; and the best-loved Dylan songs. Remember the all-time favourite movies poll and the alternative big read (old site, November 26 2003). There were also the more modest precursors - the jazz albums (October 13 2003), and the country music stars (August 19 2003). That, anyway, is the grand tradition I'm referring to, or to which I am referring even; and today I announce its continuation.
I'm asking you all to send me your ten (10) choices for the greatest songs of rock and pop music. The background to this is that, for his fiftieth birthday, my friend Drew compiled his top 50 of same, and a formidable list it is. Being prone to this kind of thing myself, I am in the process of compiling my own list - of which more in due course. The exercise is what inspired this poll.
Definition of rock and pop? Forget it. I repeat what I said here for the 'greats of' poll: personally, I won't be including country music (or jazz, blues etc.), but I will count up your submissions, whatever they are. You want Tammy or Dolly, Ella or Billie or Louis? You got it. You're free to define your own boundaries. Your songs may be either singles or tracks off albums. However, here's one restriction. I'm asking for versions or renditions - not just titles. So for example, if you were going for 'Mr Tambourine Man', you would need to specify whether it's a version by Bob Dylan, by The Byrds, or whoever.
Don't let me down, people. You know you want to do this. And you've got a good lot of holiday time to do it in: to hone, polish and indeed tweak your list, to compare it with your mom's, dad's, lover's or other significant other's - and, of course, to spread the word. I may, from time to time, issue additional encouragements. Please start thinking about it today. Closing date: Sunday, January 16.