Mountain Songs: Tribute to the Late Climber John Bachar

Renown rock climber John Bachar died on Sunday, July 4 at age 51. According to the obituary in The New York Times, Bachar fell to his death from a rock formation near his home in Mono County, California.

Bachar was one of the pioneers of free climbing, a style that minimized the gear used to climb. Often the only equipment used was a pair of climbing boots. Ropes were used only for protection. Though Bachar's fame peaked in the late 70s, his exploits gained new appreciation in the 90s. Climbers became more aware that free style did less damage to the rocks and mountains.

In honor of Bachar I offer this list of ten songs that mention mountain in their titles.

10. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Diana Ross: Many artists have recorded this classic, but I think Ross delivers it with all the determination Ashford and Simpson's lyrics require.

9. "Misty Mountain Hop" by Led Zeppelin: It may not be as easily recognized as other cuts from Led Zeppelin IV ("Stairway" and "Black Dog"), but it's my favorite. I like the explosive transitions from the hymn-like verses to Robert Plant's near rants.

8. "The Mountains Win Again" by Blues Traveler: The song became forever associated with a beer commercial, but it reinforced the unique blues-folk-rock style of John Popper and his band.

7. "There Is a Mountain" by Donovan: The lyrics seem kind of repetitive, but you have to love the swirling psychedelic music that epitomizes Donovan's flower child stage of the late 60s and early 70s.

6. "Thunder on the Mountain" by Bob Dylan: I think Modern Times has been overrated by music critics, but this track certainly one of the best recordings Dylan has made in the last two decades.

5. "Wild Mountain Honey" by Steve Miller Band: This country-tinged tune, though overlooked during Miller's heyday in the 70s, is undoubtedly the best track from the pop band's hit album Fly Like an Eagle.

4. "Fire on the Mountain" by The Marshall Tucker Band: The lyrics describe a man who moves his family west for the gold rush, only to be shot down over a claim. The country-rock music is much more upbeat, helping the song to become one of the band's biggest hits.

3. "Rocky Mountain Way" by Joe Walsh: On this 70s rock track Walsh showcases the electric guitar work that years later would help transform the Eagles from a soft country-pop band into a rock behemoth. The weirdest thing about the song is the name of the album it comes from: The Smoker You Drink the Player You Get. Huh?

2. "Sugar Mountain" by Neil Young: The lyrics reveal Young's introspective side, as he describes his childhood attraction to the fair. Musically it is also among Young's best work, since it features mainly acoustic guitar.

1. "Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver: The lyrics are a bit mystical, but they're filled with rich imagery that Denver never came close to capturing again. His high tenor delivery seems to be the perfect fit for the acoustic guitar that backs the lyrics, and the echo in the chorus gives the song a mountain-like quality.