Whip It Good - Devo

So, are they saying "Tattoed Detective"? Or "Try to Detect It"?

This question plagued my college roommate and I for months when we became obsessed with this song. Granted it was over 20 years after it was released, but one can discover and appreciate awesome 80's music during any decade, right?

Devo was formed in 1973 in Ohio, and has developed somewhat of a cult following since then. Their band name comes from the concept of "de-evolution" meaning that instead of evolving, human kind has regressed. But wherever their name comes from, their song "Whip It" is freaking amazing.

"Whip It" was released in 1980 and was Devo's most successful song. Reaching #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, "Whip It" was also named #63 on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s.

But it's the music video and the red hats that make this song the best. Just watch and find out.

Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi

The famous story of Tommy and Gina - struggling to make ends meet, and still working at their relationship to keep it going - is a fantastic story behind the killer beats and amazing guitar playing of Bon Jovi's song "Livin' On A Prayer"

The second single by the incredibly popular band, "Livin' On A Prayer" almost didn't make it on Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet". Imaging if it hadn't - what a sad world it would be.

Named by VH1 as the #1 Rock Song of the 80's, "Livin' On A Prayer" has rocked the faces of millions of people since its debut in 1987.

Alyssa, be sure to crank this song up the next time you hear it, belt out the lyrics, and become a part of one of the greatest songs of all time.

Watch the Video on YouTube, and be sure to turn up the speakers :)

Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd

"If I leave here tomorrow

Would you still remember me?

For I must be traveling on, now

'Cause there's too many places I've gotta see.

But if I stayed here with you, girl

Things just couldn't be the same

'Cause I'm as free as a bird now

And this bird you cannot change."

"Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of those kick-ass rock songs that everyone loves. The song brings up so many different memories for me from so many different experiences, or even when it's been used in movies. I love this song.

Released in late 1974 - following the release of their Southern rock anthem "Sweet Home Alabama" - "Free Bird" peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also later given the #3 spot on Guitar World's 100 Greatest Guitar Solos.

Other recognitions for this powerful song include:

• 26th Best Hard Rock Song of All Time (VH1)
• #191 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time
• Included on The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll

Perhaps when you get a bit older and you realize how awesome it is to drive around with your friends in your cars late at night, you can blast this song on your radio. But until then, enjoy the clip below. And be amazed.

Dream On - Aerosmith

With recent news that Steven Tyler has quit the band Aerosmith, I thought this would be an appropriate post to get up right away.

Aerosmith - sometimes referred to as America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band - has been rocking the world for almost 40 years. The band has scored 21 Top 40 Hits since their debut album was released in 1973 and was named the best selling American rock band of all time.

The song chosen here for my cousin Alyssa is their first single "Dream On". Long before Steven Tyler's voice became the distinct sound it is now, he recorded this song, and it has always stood out as one of my favorites. VH1 also ranked "Dream On" #47 on their list of the 100 Greatest Rock Songs

So, Alyssa, travel back to when your mom was still in elementary school and enjoy "Dream On" like everyone else has.

And let's hope that Steven Tyler hasn't really quit - or that they reconcile again. We need them to keep rocking.