My Choice was a popular feature on Bang a Gong in 2024, where Bangers submitted 30 of their favourite 60s/70s songs. At the time, there was some curiosity about which songs BaG creator Greg Allen would choose. So here is a hugely whittled-down list that includes the answer to an often-asked question, what is Greg’s favourite song…?
Greg says:
Sticking to the ‘My Choice’ rules about a maximum of 30 songs, staying within the ’60s and ’70s, and having an Aussie/international mix, here are a few favourites. But believe me, I am barely scratching the surface!
The song title is a link to that song on the Bang a Gong website
Greg’s comments in italics
While My Guitar Gently Weeps – The Beatles, with guest Eric Clapton
My #1 all-time favourite song.
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
One of theirs that I always come back to.
Sacha – Hank B Marvin
Hank was a ’60s guitar virtuoso.
Sara Smile – Daryl Hall & John Oates
How to create a musical mood in a song. The masters of blue-eyed soul.
If you click the title to see/hear it, it’s a bonus song on that page, so scroll down and check out the extended live version.
I Saw the Light – Todd Rundgren
See the 2nd clip on our web page for this song with Darryl Hall, live – boys having fun in an idyllic setting!
If Loving You is Wrong – Renée Geyer
Renée at her bluesy best. Another bonus song, so scroll down.
Captain Straightman – Thump’n Pig & Puff’n Billy
Warren Morgan and Billy Thorpe just having fun. This one puts a smile on my face.
Coz I Luv You – Slade
Call Slade for a good time.
Saw a New Morning – The Bee Gees
I like story songs, this one from the 1973 Bee Gees album ‘Life in a Tin Can’. Maurice Gibb played the bass part through electric piano, with Jim Keltner’s drums providing a thump.
12lb Toothbrush – Madder Lake
A fine example of early ’70s progressive Australian rock.
Golden Miles – Healing Force
Charlie Tumahai’s vocals, mixed with the song’s superb organ-based rhythm, caused this song to leap out of the radio and grab your ears. More quality Aussie ’70s prog rock.
A Little Ray of Sunshine – Axiom
Axiom was probably Australia’s first supergroup, in that it brought together a who’s-who of talented Aussie musos. Don’t let its radio over-exposure diminish your appreciation of this group and this song.
Superstar – Colleen Hewett
For me, the superior version of this song thanks to Colleen’s raw edge.
Cocaine – JJ Cale
A good guitar song from Cale. Eric’s version is good too.
Shambala – Three Dog Night
This band’s music and vocals combine in an interesting and creative way.
You Haven’t Done Nothin’ – Stevie Wonder
Stevie dived deep into some funk with this angry 1974 song from his album Fulfillingness’ First Finale, featuring backing vocals by the Jackson 5. In his songs, Wonder often addressed matters of race, spirituality and society in general. This song was heavily political, giving Richard Nixon a massive kick in the nuts. Two days after its US release, Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal.
Heroes – David Bowie
I have always loved this song, but I adored it even more when it had a dominant presence in one of my favourite movies, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The film has an excellent soundtrack.
The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II) – Rod Stewart
A bit of a ballsy move by Rod to record this song back in 1976, but it was important that he did.
Where Do You Go To (My Lovely) – Peter Sarstedt
So many pop culture references of the era in one record! One music critic called it “an exquisite piece of Baroque pop.”
I’ve Got to Have You – Carly Simon
The music and vocals combine beautifully to set the right mood for this song.
Your Song – Elton John
Bernie wrote the lyrics when he was 17 and “inexperienced with love”. That was an early hint that this guy would quickly become an extraordinary songwriter.
Get it On (Bang a Gong) – T.Rex
Of course.
Many songs by the following artists could have made my list… so I will select one song by each of these artists:
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) – George Harrison
My favourite Beatle who soared musically after they split. George had so much to say through the medium in which he excelled, once he had the freedom to say it.
America – Simon & Garfunkel
Always intelligent lyrics and music, and lovely harmonies that perfectly blend two quite distinct voices.
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
From pop to rock, Fleetwood Mac gave us very few duds.
The Boy with a Moon and Star on His Head – Cat Stevens
The Cat’s spiritual journey and penchant for storytelling produced some intriguing and soul-searching songs.
The Air That I Breathe – The Hollies
A band that knew how to tell a variety of stories in musically interesting pop songs.
Previous lists: BaG My Choice
Find more songs to enjoy: Bang a Gong song finder
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