Bill and Tony are officially SideTracked.

For this special offshoot episode, we put the album format on pause and take a hard left turn into one of rock’s most dangerous debates: What are the Top 20 Classic Rock Songs of All Time?

Inspired by SiriusXM’s year-end Classic Rock countdown and armed with decades of listening, arguing, and rewinding cassette tapes, we did what we always do when a list doesn’t quite sit right. We made our own.

We enlisted friends and family, gathered rankings, combined the results, and then debated the fine points until the list finally felt right. The final list spans 1965–1999 and is revealed five songs at a time, counting down to number one.

You’ll agree with some picks. You’ll question others. You’ll definitely have opinions.

Which is exactly the point.

• Why this list needed to exist
• Countdown discussion:
  • #20–16
  • #15–11
  • #10–6
  • #5–1
• Final thoughts

🎸 Another excellent adventure

• Website: https://billandtonypod.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billandtonypod/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/BillandTonypod
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod
• Email: bill@bntexcellent.com | tony@bntexcellent.com

Spotify – Top 20 Classic Rock Songs (1965–1999): https://bit.ly/4jOKyV0

Apple Music – Top 20 Classic Rock Songs (1965–1999): https://apple.co/4t0Wur0

• SiriusXM Top 1000 Classic Rock Songs: https://bit.ly/4r1wfyJ
• Rolling Stone: The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: https://bit.ly/3YOuB7A
• Collider Top 25 Classic Rock Songs: https://bit.ly/4qZg1WX
• Ultimate Classic Rock Top 100 Songs: https://bit.ly/3YKhWm8

Exile in Guyville by Liz Phair – Album Review

Bill & Tony head back to the ‘90s to unpack Exile in Guyville, Liz Phair’s raw, fearless, and game-changing 1993 debut. Part confessional, part confrontation, and all attitude, this album shook up indie rock, challenged expectations, and made some guys in “Guyville” squirm.

Was this a track-by-track response to Exile on Main St. or something even bolder? How did a lo-fi demo from a Chicago bedroom become one of the most celebrated albums of the decade? And does this brutally honest record still hit as hard in 2025?

In this episode:

• Our personal memories of discovering Liz Phair
• A look at what else was happening in music and culture in ’93
• The making of Exile, 4-track tapes, Matador Records, and indie DIY energy
• Track-by-track breakdown and the Song Draft
• Final thoughts: Is Guyville still a must-listen?

🎙️ Candid, clever, and completely unfiltered, Liz Phair kicked the door open with Exile in Guyville, and we’re here to celebrate every gritty, glorious minute of it.

📱 Connect with Bill & Tony: Website: https://billandtonypod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billandtonypod/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/BillandTonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod Email: bill@bntexcellent.com | tony@bntexcellent.com

🎧 Listen to the album: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/exile-in-guyville-2018-remaster/1589236833 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7sCpW2cLGcRk1zf9zi0Yqd

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B07BFKHYHW

🔗 Bonus Links for Liz Phair Fans:

1993 in History: https://www.history.com/a-year-in-history/1993

Exile in Guyville Album Page: https://www.lizphair.net/discography/albums/exile-in-guyville/

Pitchfork’s Review Retrospective: https://bit.ly/4kIRTo7

Liz Phair Look-Back Interview: https://bit.ly/3HirGyx

Girly Show: The History of Exile in Guyville: https://bit.ly/43NM4PM

The Story of Exile in Guyville: https://bit.ly/3SZHUyX

Guns N' Roses – Appetite for Destruction Welcome to the jungle, baby! Bill & Tony are diving headfirst into Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction — the 1987 debut that exploded onto the scene with grit, swagger, and some of the most unforgettable riffs in rock history.

We’re talking Paradise City dreams, Nightrain rides, and the firestorm behind a band that made chaos look cool. What made Appetite such a game-changer? And does this album still hold up after nearly four decades?

In this episode:

• Our teenage memories of discovering Appetite
• What else was everyone playing on repeat in 1987
• Behind-the-scenes madness, trivia & GNR lore
• Track-by-track breakdown and our epic song draft
• Final thoughts: Is this still the most dangerous debut in rock?

🎸 Big guitars. Big attitude. Big trouble. Join us as we revisit the album that made the Sunset Strip shake and gave rock its edge back.

📱 Connect with Bill & Tony: Website: https://billandtonypod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billandtonypod/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/BillandTonypod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod Email: bill@bntexcellent.com | tony@bntexcellent.com

🎧 Listen to the album: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/appetite-for-destruction/1377813284 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/28yHV3Gdg30AiB8h8em1eW Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B07CQ8B47B

🔗 Bonus Links for GNR Fans: 1987 in History: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/year/1987 16 Appetite Facts: https://bit.ly/3EbHWQu 30 More Appetite Facts: https://ihr.fm/3DZkB4w Axl ‘Out Ta Get Me’: https://bit.ly/3DU0yod Erin Everly Story: https://bit.ly/3Rr5zYo Original Cover Art: https://bit.ly/3ZAD9zw Vocal Ranges: https://www.concerthotels.com/worlds-greatest-vocal-ranges “It’s So Easy” Video: https://youtu.be/FMbl1ntpIXQ?si=wGaUTbqj0ooO3Wih

Bill and Tony are ready to pour some sugar on Def Leppard's Hysteria! It's not just another album review; it's a 'Rocket' ride through the 1987 masterpiece that defined an era. We're sharing our 'Animal' instincts, uncovering long-forgotten stories, and exploring if this album truly deserves 'Love and Affection'. From the dueling guitar magic of Phil Collen and Steve Clark to the 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' tales, we're unpacking the album that topped the charts and rocked the world. Join Bill and Tony as they crank up the volume to explore the Hysteria album legacy. Another rockin' adventure awaits!

Connect with Bill & Tony:

• Website: https://billandtonypod.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billandtonypod/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/BillandTonypod
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod
• Email: bill@bntexcellent.com | tony@bntexcellent.com

Interesting Links:

• 1987 - This Year in History: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/year/1987
• Def Leppard’s ‘Hysteria’: 10 Things You Didn’t Know: http://bit.ly/4hLEdXD
• Def Leopard Seekis Enlightenment on Hysteria: https://bit.ly/43PNaw3
• 7 Facts About Def Leppard You May Not Have Known: https://bit.ly/4hU7nnM
• Beavis and Butthead - Animal: https://youtu.be/UndLd9hbGRI?si=gCga9gR0cygCKKgd
• Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott: My Life in 15 Songs: https://bit.ly/4caELFf

Album Links

• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/hysteria/1440903625
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ja2qzCrh6bZykcojbZs82
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B078VS76QV

Bill and Tony are ready to find out 'Why Can't This Be Love' for Van Halen's '5150'! It's not just another album review; it's a 'Best of Both Worlds' deep dive into the Hagar era. We're sharing our 'Dreams' of 1986, uncovering studio secrets, and exploring if this was truly a 'Summer Nights' triumph. Did the shift to Sammy Hagar 'Get Up' and redefine Van Halen, or was it a natural evolution? From Eddie's guitar magic to the 'Love Walks In' stories, we're unpacking the album that topped the charts. Join Bill and Tony as they crank up the volume to explore the '5150' album legacy. Another rockin' adventure awaits!

Connect with Bill & Tony:

• Website: https://billandtonypod.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billandtonypod/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/BillandTonypod
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod
• Email: bill@bntexcellent.com | tony@bntexcellent.com

Interesting Links:

• 1986 - This Year in History: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/year/1986
• Van Halen: How Millions United, Then Destroyed: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammorganstern/2017/07/21/van-halen-how-millions-united-then-destroyed-americas-biggest-rock-band/
• 20 Interesting Facts about Van Halen’s 5150: https://933theeagle.iheart.com/content/2017-03-24-20-facts-to-celebrate-31-years-of-van-halens-5150/
• Van Halen Sammy Hagar Era Begins: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/van-halen-5150/
• Replacing David Lee Roth: https://www.loudersound.com/features/van-halen-sammy-hagar-5150
• Daryl Hall Turned Down Van Halen: https://loudwire.com/daryl-hall-turned-down-van-halen-david-lee-roth-replacement/
• Tonechaser Book: https://www.tonechaserbook.com/

Album Links

• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/5150-remastered/1708662989
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1HzO2LvKXM5xnLbACyZ0EO
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CJMWR5X4

Bill and Tony take it to the IMAX for 'Becoming Led Zeppelin'! Did the legendary band's early days truly come to life on the giant screen? From the band interviews to the early concert footage to the behind-the-scenes glimpses, Bill and Tony are digging deep. They're exploring the raw energy and musical magic that fueled Zeppelin's rise. Did the IMAX format amplify the experience, or was it the music itself that truly commanded the room? Join Bill and Tony as they discuss the movie that tells the story of this iconic band's journey. Another cinematic adventure awaits!

Email Us:

bill@bntexcellent.com

tony@bntexcellent.com

Social Media:

Instagram: billandtonypod

Twitter: @billandtonypod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod

Bill & Tony Led Zeppelin IV Podcast: click here

Interesting Links

Becoming Led Zeppelin web page: click here

Rotten Tomatoes for Becoming Led Zeppelin: click here

Bill and Tony had so much fun at the movies with “A Complete Unknown”, but are happy to be back with the first album review show of the season. The Bob Dylan trend continues with a move from the big screen to the record store for a deep dive into Dylan’s classic, “Highway 61 Revisited”. There is plenty of room in the back of the “Buick 6”, and Bill and Tony have no “secrets to conceal”. Don’t worry - that’s an Acme slide whistle you hear behind you - not a police siren. Why not join Bill and Tony as they seek to discover: “How does it feel?”. We invite you on another excellent music adventure with Bill and Tony!

Email Us:

bill@bntexcellent.com

tony@bntexcellent.com

Social Media:

Instagram: billandtonypod

Twitter: @billandtonypod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billndtonypod

Interesting Links

How Bob Dylan Made Rock History on ‘Highway 61 Revisited’: click here

'Is It Rolling, Bob?': Remembering Producer Bob Johnston: click here

The story of Elston Gunnn, Bob Dylan’s unknown alter-ego: click here

Behind the Meaning of “Ballad of a Thin Man” by Bob Dylan: click here

Album Links

Apple Music: click here

Spotify: click here

Amazon Music: click here

Bill and Tony kicked off season 3 with a road trip to discuss the concerts they saw in 2024. Before they get back to their album review shows, they made a pit stop at the movies to see the Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown”, nominated for 8 Oscars this year. “Don’t think twice, it’s alright”, they’re not “Blowing in the Wind”, they are putting the finishing touches on “Highway 61 Revisited”, the first true album show of season 3. Grab some popcorn and your favorite movie candy and join Bill and Tony for an excellent adventure in movies!

Email Us:

bill@bntexcellent.com

tony@bntexcellent.com

Social Media:

Instagram: billandtonypod

Twitter: @billandtonypod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bntexcellent