From the 1950’s:
Howlin’ Wolf: "Smokestack Lightning". Done by many others, not anywhere as wickedly.
Elvis, Scotty, and Bill: "Mystery Train". The Band do a good version on their Moon Dog Matinee album.
The (Johnny Burnette) Rock ’n’ Roll Trio: "Train Kept A-Rollin’" (written by Tiny Bradshaw). Done by a lot of others (the first version I heard was that by The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck on guitar), but not anywhere near as hot. Aerosmith’s version sucks.
The Rock ’n’ Roll Trio: "Lonesome Train (On A Lonesome Track)". Johnny Burnette was a better Rockabilly singer than Elvis imo.
Johnny Cash: "Hey Porter" and "I Walk The Line".
Louis Jordan: "Choo Choo Ch’Boogie". Audiences love to dance to this cool Jump Blues tune. Done by many others, Asleep At The Wheel’s version a good one.
Early 1960’s: Little Eva: "The Loco-Motion" (written by Carole King & Gerry Goffin). Grand Funk Railroad’s version sucks.
Paul Revere & The Raiders: "Night Train". Done by a LOT of people, theirs being the first I heard. For the ultimate Garage version, listen to that by The Sonics. Makes The Ramones sound mellow.
Late 1960’s onward:
The Kinks: "Last Of The Steam Powered Trains", on their fantastic The Village Green Preservation Society album.
Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks: "Waiting On The 103".
Taj Mahal: "She Caught The Katy".
The Band: "Just Another Whistle Stop". Phil Lesh does a version, haven’t heard it.
Dylan: "Slow Train".
Guy Clark: "Desperados Waiting For A Train".
Crazy Horse: "Gone Dead Train".
Bill Frisell: "Gone, Just Like A Train".
