Or songs that define their genres. But the point is you have to pick one song per genre that you think defines it best.
So for my first, and as asker of the question, correct, answer I'll say that "Metal Guru" by T.Rex is THE defining glam rock song. It has everything glam rock is supposed to, the big sound, the fun/happy atmosphere, and the great, simple rock 'n' roll. Fantastic.
Then I have to say that "Loose" by the Stooges is THE proto-punk song. I don't really have to explain. But I will. It has the awesome riff, the distorted guitars, the confrontational lyrics, and of course the attitude.
And "Nothin'" by the Ugly Ducklings is the garage rock song. It's seriously the rawest roughest song to come out of the 60's (before the Stooges) and it's probably the coolest song ever. But since it's also extremely rare I'll put a better known one, "Boss Hoss" by the Sonics. Practically perfect and it's rock 'n' roll in spades, and by god that man can howl!
So what are yours?
I have to agree with you about "Metal Guru"- it really does sum up the era for me, although "King of the Rumbling Spires" is just so weird that it's just as good for me. I first heard it when I was about 8, and I still listen to it now(25 years later).
I can't disagree with you about "Loose" either, although Blue Cheer's version of "Summertime Blues" fits the proto-punk idea just as well for me...that was late 1967 and totally out there.
As far as garage rock goes, I've always loved The Moving Sidewalks...which I think was ZZ Top before they became ZZ Top strangely enough. Although it was recorded and released in the mid/late eighties "The Mummies play their own records" by The Mummies(surprisingly) is probably my favourite Garage Rock album. Not sure if it's availiable on Cd or anything though...they deliberately only released it on vinyl originally
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