Top Ten Saturday Night Live Musical Performances on YouTube

While Saturday Night Live is often cited for its groundbreaking comedic performances and for launching many a career, one its contributions to American pop culture that is often overlooked is the musical performances. With that in mind, I have compiled a list of my "top ten" favorite SNL performances:

(Tie) No. 10 - "Don't Look Back" - Peter Tosh featuring Mick Jagger and "Casey Jones" - The Grateful Dead

The Peter Tosh/Mick Jagger performance originally aired December 16, 1978, The Grateful Dead performed on November 11, 1978. I included these two performances because they demonstrate how SNL has always showcased music that was not necessarily Top 40 or "flavor of the month." Featuring a reggae artist and a successful, yet void of top-40 hits jam band shows the variety of artists that are often featured on the show.

No. 9 - "The Boxer" - Simon & Garfunkel

This performance originally aired on October 18, 1975. This performance, on only the second episode of the show, really speaks to what kind of cultural significance the show would ultimately have. Being able to get the off-again, on-again duo to reunite really says something about the power of the show. The fact that the performance is outstanding doesn't hurt, either. I love the wry, subtle interaction between the two artists on this performance.

No. 8 - "Refugee" - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

This performance originally aired on November 10, 1979, and features a young Tom Petty, who would go on to be one one of the most oft-appearing artists on the show.

No. 7 - "Daughter" - Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam's performance of "Daughter" on April 16, 1994, occurred just days after Kurt Cobain's suicide, lending even more poignancy to the performance. Throughout the performance, Vedder seems conscious of the left side of his chest; if you look closely, you can see a "K" on Eddie Vedder's undershirt, a tribute to Cobain. The band also weaves a few bars of "Hey Hey, My My" by Neil Young, one of the best's biggest influence.

No. 6 - "Beast of Burden" - The Rolling Stones

Originally airing on October 7, 1978, this performance came as the band was just wrapping up a tour at Madison Square Garden. Jagger's voice is a little raw, but it just adds to the power of the song. Once again, SNL achieves a cultural milestone, coaxing an appearance by "the world's greatest rock band."

No. 5 - "The Man Who Sold The World" - David Bowie

Originally airing on December 15, 1979, this performance showcases David Bowie's use of music as performance art. Bowie appears in an outfit that renders him immobile; he must be carried to the microphone. A very strange, yet satisfying performance - typical Bowie.

No. 4 - "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" - Queen

Originally aired on September 25, 1982. Though the show was beginning to go through some low points creatively in the 80's, some of the musical performances from the decade are among its strongest. This clip of Queen performing an energized version of "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is among my favorites.

No. 3 - "I Will Follow" - U2

U2 performed this one over the closing credits on November 20, 2004. The cool thing about this performance of U2's first hit single is the spontaneity involved. It occurs at the end of the show after the traditional thank-yous and goodbyes. Not only is the surprise of the moment appealing, but we also get the opportunity to see the transformation of the cast from performers to fans. A favorite moment of mine, and one I actually witnessed live.

No. 2 - "Here Comes The Sun/Homeward Bound" - George Harrison and Paul Simon

This performance originally aired on November 20, 1976. This episode is often remembered more for the skit featuring Harrison and Lorne Michaels, haggling over whether Harrison should receive one-fourth of the promised check for a Beatles reunion on the show. However, this performance, featuring two of pop music's most revered and influential stars, should be remembered just as fondly.

No. 1 - "Radio, Radio" - Elvis Costello

This performance, originally airing on December 17, 1977, features a young Elvis Costello performing his hit, the controversial "Radio, Radio." Told by someone (the story is a little cloudy) he couldn't perform the song on the show, he was schedule to perform "Less Than Zero." A few bars into the song, Costello stops everything, says "I'm sorry ladies and gentleman, there's no reason to do this song tonight" and rips into and enthusiastic and blistering performance of "Radio, Radio." On the show's 25th anniversary show, airing September 26, 1999, The Beastie Boys began a performance when Costello suddenly appears, stops the music and re-enacts the original performance.