My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (10-1)

Alright everyone!! Here's the final installment of my 100 favorite tracks project. Thanks a bunch for checking this out.

Where we've been:
100. Stuck in America - Sugarcult
099. History Lesson - Part II - Minutemen
098. To Clean (Acoustic) - Woods
097. Furr - Blitzen Trapper
096. At the Chime of a City Clock - Nick Drake
095. Search and Destroy - The Stooges
094. Scott Farcas Takes It On The Chin - Less Than Jake
093. Ruby Soho - Rancid
092. B.O.B. - Outkast
091. Monk Time - The Monks
090. Waiting Room - Fugazi
089. Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye
088. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone - Minor Threat
087. Daylight - Aesop Rock
086. In the New Year - The Walkmen
085. Judy is a Punk - Ramones
084. I'm the Man Who Loves You - Wilco
083. My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg) - Ramones
082. White Riot - The Clash
081. Many Rivers to Cross - Jimmy Cliff
080. Lived In Bars - Cat Power
079. Venus - Television
078. In The Neighborhood - Tom Waits
077. Losing My Edge - LCD Soundsystem
076. Vitamin C - Can
075. International Player's Anthem - UGK (feat. Outkast)
074. Someday - The Strokes
073. These Days - Nico
072. All Falls Down - Kanye West
071. Debaser - Pixies
070. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
069. Goodbye Stranger - Supertramp
068. For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder
067. Leaves That Are Green - Simon & Garfunkel
066. Mr. Pitiful - Otis Redding
065. Four Winds - Bright Eyes
064. Forks and Knives (La Fete) - Beirut
063. If Looks Could Kill - Camera Obscura
062. People Got A Lotta Nerve - Neko Case
061. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb - Spoon
060. Newsflash - Windmill
059. Rose Parade - Elliott Smith
058. Into the Mystic - Van Morrison
057. You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon
056. Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
055. Losing Out - Black Milk (feat. Royce Da 5'9")
054. The Boy with the Thorn in His Side - The Smiths
053. Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)? - Buzzcocks
052. All I Need - The Temptations
051. God Only Knows - Beach Boys
050. Elephant Gun - Beirut
049. Skating Away - Jethro Tull
048. Man Out Of Time - Elvis Costello
047. Brother Run Them Down - Constantines
046. M79 - Vampire Weekend
045. The Wind - Cat Stevens
044. Constructive Summer - The Hold Steady
043. Reinventing the Wheel to Run Myself Over - Fall Out Boy
042. I'll Be Your Man - The Black Keys
041. A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
040. Landslide - Smashing Pumpkins
039. Here Should Be My Home - No Age
038. Metal Firecracker - Lucinda Williams
037. So Far Around the Bend - The National
036. Shakey Dog - Ghostface Killah
035. I Only Want to Be With You - Dusty Springfield
034. July, July! - The Decemberists
033. I Want You - Bob Dylan
032. No Rain - Blind Melon
031. Answering Machine - The Replacements
030. Let's Not Shit Ourselves (To Love and Be Loved) - Bright Eyes
029. Throwing It All Away - Genesis
028. Street Fighting Man - Rolling Stones
027. Disney Girls (1957) - Beach Boys
026. Incident On 57th Street - Bruce Springsteen
025. This Will Be Our Year - The Zombies
024. Life on Mars? - David Bowie
023. Don't Mug Yourself - The Streets
022. I'm A Cuckoo - Belle & Sebastian
021. Mama's Pearl - Jackson 5
020. 11:59 - Blondie
019. Ain't Too Proud to Beg - The Temptations
018. Once in a Lifetime - Talking Heads
017. Come On! Feel The Illinoise!: Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition/Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream - Sufjan Stevens
016. Fake Empire - The National
015. Honey In The Sun - Camera Obscura
014. Nightswimming - R.E.M.
013. The Way Young Lovers Do - Van Morrison
012. Train in Vain - The Clash
011. Wait, Wait, Wait - The Format

010. Skyway - The Replacements (http://is.gd/ag3ku)
As a sidenote, Paul Westerberg looks exactly like Thomas Jane in that video. This track is just gorgeous. I love how Westerberg takes such a mundane act of waiting for a ride in downtown Minneapolis and finds this song. Just perfect, tight, and excellent.

009. See You Later - Elliott Smith (http://is.gd/ag58B)
This is kind of an unknown Elliott Smith song. He wrote it when he was with the band Heatmiser, but always played it live solo. It found remastered home on the poorly-named New Moon. This track is, of course, a heartbreaking look at Elliott's addictions and depression. I wish I could say, you know, "I love this song!" but hearing Elliott's pain is devastating to me. But, the fact that he can draw these visceral emotions out of me makes me realize what I love about music. I listen to music to feel something, anything. Just the fact that such beauty can come out of such sadness is the sign of true art.

008. Cemetry Gates - The Smiths (http://is.gd/ag6Lj)
This is the only album, The Queen is Dead, that has two tracks on this list. This song is so clever, and a testament to how great of a songwriter Morrissey is. I love the allusions and the little bits of philosophy he imparts in a catchy pop song. I just realized how pretty evenly divided this top 10 list is among the decades. This track is perfect example of why the 80s produced some of the best pop music of all time; better than the 90s and 00s and debatable to the 70s

007. Rock and Roll - Velvet Underground (http://is.gd/ag7BB)
This track has it all: the great rhythm and guitar, Lou Reed showing that he doesn't have to be completely abrasive and maybe, just maybe, he can write a straight solid rock and roll song, an incredible hook and blistering guitar solos. Looking back on Minutemen's "History Lesson - Part II," ("Punk rock changed our lives") this song, released in 1970, has the exact same mentality. Times and sensibilities change, but the power of music as an outlet for rebellion and escape is constant.

006. Stuck Between Stations - The Hold Steady (http://is.gd/ag9rL)
Just like what I said about The National, The Hold Steady's Craig Finn writes about America. This song, I think, is his masterpiece in that regard; full of literary allusions, colloquial references and common threads that tie us all together as Americans. Finn delivers these intelligent lines with so much vitriol; chocked full of piss, vinegar & Pabst. I don't think I could pick a favorite line if I tried. And on top of everything this track rips and roars, and then hits you with that smooth, almost Bruce Hornsby-esque bridge.

005. Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen (http://is.gd/aga5i)
Springsteen is incredible for a lot of reasons, but what I love him most for is his overabundance of incredible lyrics. This song clocks in at about 5:00, and throughout most of it the Boss is singing (lyrics: http://is.gd/ahDgh). I'm sure you've heard this song, so I don't need to give you a play-by-play. Some of my favorite parts: "Come take my hand/We're riding out tonight to case the promise land," "Your graduation gown lies in rags at their feet," and the hopelessly "triumphant" end.

004. For No One - The Beatles (http://is.gd/agauv)
This is my favorite Beatles song, which is sort of odd, because it was recorded solely by Ringo and Paul, who are not my favorite Beatles. But, this song is emblematic of why the Beatles are incredible: even deeper cuts on their records were perfectly crafted pop music. They couldn't write bad pop songs. It just didn't happen. The French Horn in this song is perfect, too.

003. Holland, 1945 - Neutral Milk Hotel (http://is.gd/aiA)
THE song of the 1990s. Where to begin with this one? I'll start with just general attitude and work backwards: this song is manic. Everything about this song sounds like it belongs in a schizophrenic's head. Musically, to this day I've never heard a guitar song like that fuzzy, raucous acoustic monster Jeff Mangum's playing. The drums and rhythm are powerful and officious. The vocals are just all over the map and furious. The horns just fan the flames that is this song. The lyrics are completely obsurd: basically a historial account/sympathy letter to Anne Frank. I don't think there has been a more powerful song written in the "indie" canon to this day.

002. I Want You Back - Jackson 5 (http://is.gd/agegM)
OK! So this is my favorite pop song ever written. Simply enough. If you've heard this song and not liked it, excuse me, but there is something seriously wrong with you. I could pick out dozens of things I love about this song, but it really boils down to 1 thing: the chord progression. Flawless, unapologetic, up-beat, brilliant pop music.

001. Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan (http://is.gd/aggXd)
I don't care if this is cliche. This song is the culmination of everything I love in a song. As I discussed in the intro, I think a good critic has to draw lines between what's good and what they like. But, for me, when I listen to music, the historical significance of the song or album plays into my enjoyment. Like, "Like A Rolling Stone" wasn't created in a vaccuum. It's important to see where/when the song was born to understand its creation. I don't even know where to begin with this one either. It's the ultimate triumph of iconoclastic songwriting, both sonically and lyrically. The words are the voice of the changing guard of every era. And the voice of changing ways. I constantly find myself in a state of transition, and this song screams into that void of uncertainty.

I recently heard this song back-to-back with "The Times They Are A-Changing." "Like A Rolling Stone" is the next step in the percieved peaceful revolution. Like, instead of changing times it's, "Times have changed. Learn to live in the new world or die. And PS. Go fuck yourself." This changing attitude also coincided with Dylan going electric. Listen to this track closely and acoustic instruments (guitar and piano) are isolated to one channel and electric (organ and guitar) are isolated to the other. Dude was battling himself and his changing musical ways in his own song!

I also spoke of the "Knock out" verse earlier. This entire song is a knockout verse. It could end at any time, but just when you think it could end he comes right back, "Awwwwww! Princess on the steeple..." And every verse is perfect.

What else. The chorus. "HOW DOES IT FEEL?!" The way those words are sung just cuts through everything with a hot knife of disdain and anger. Please, I impore you, if you've never seen the video I posted for this song, watch it. He's literally screaming into the mic as these passive folk-fucks stare blankly into this typhoon of protest. When the so-called forces of change aren't forceful enough you have to be bigger than they are. This song is why Bob Dylan is revolutionary. And why this is my favorite song of all time.

Thanks a lot for checking this out.

8tracks: External:


Best,
Erik

My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (40-31)

I don't have any clever lead-in.

Recap:
100. Stuck in America - Sugarcult
099. History Lesson - Part II - Minutemen
098. To Clean (Acoustic) - Woods
097. Furr - Blitzen Trapper
096. At the Chime of a City Clock - Nick Drake
095. Search and Destroy - The Stooges
094. Scott Farcas Takes It On The Chin - Less Than Jake
093. Ruby Soho - Rancid
092. B.O.B. - Outkast
091. Monk Time - The Monks
090. Waiting Room - Fugazi
089. Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye
088. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone - Minor Threat
087. Daylight - Aesop Rock
086. In the New Year - The Walkmen
085. Judy is a Punk - Ramones
084. I'm the Man Who Loves You - Wilco
083. My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg) - Ramones
082. White Riot - The Clash
081. Many Rivers to Cross - Jimmy Cliff
080. Lived In Bars - Cat Power
079. Venus - Television
078. In The Neighborhood - Tom Waits
077. Losing My Edge - LCD Soundsystem
076. Vitamin C - Can
075. International Player's Anthem - UGK (feat. Outkast)
074. Someday - The Strokes
073. These Days - Nico
072. All Falls Down - Kanye West
071. Debaser - Pixies
070. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
069. Goodbye Stranger - Supertramp
068. For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder
067. Leaves That Are Green - Simon & Garfunkel
066. Mr. Pitiful - Otis Redding
065. Four Winds - Bright Eyes
064. Forks and Knives (La Fete) - Beirut
063. If Looks Could Kill - Camera Obscura
062. People Got A Lotta Nerve - Neko Case
061. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb - Spoon
060. Newsflash - Windmill
059. Rose Parade - Elliott Smith
058. Into the Mystic - Van Morrison
057. You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon
056. Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
055. Losing Out - Black Milk (feat. Royce Da 5'9")
054. The Boy with the Thorn in His Side - The Smiths
053. Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)? - Buzzcocks
052. All I Need - The Temptations
051. God Only Knows - Beach Boys
050. Elephant Gun - Beirut
049. Skating Away - Jethro Tull
048. Man Out Of Time - Elvis Costello
047. Brother Run Them Down - Constantines
046. M79 - Vampire Weekend
045. The Wind - Cat Stevens
044. Constructive Summer - The Hold Steady
043. Reinventing the Wheel to Run Myself Over - Fall Out Boy
042. I'll Be Your Man - The Black Keys
041. A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke

040-031:
040. Landslide - Smashing Pumpkins (http://is.gd/a0blC)
I have always admired this song more than my significant distaste for Stevie Nicks. It's such a perfect expression of transition ("I climbed a mountain and I turned around.") I like this version so much more than the original, because I think Corgan's voice just nails it. And he sings these lyrics so emphatically he may as well have written them.

039. Here Should Be My Home - No Age (http://is.gd/a0bSj)
This is a newer track by lo-fi duo No Age. Songs like this are the beauty of the "greatest vs. favorite" debate. Now, I know this probably isn't the 39th greatest song ever written, but there are few musical moments that I love more than when the drums open up halfway through this song; just, so much attitude and energy. And I am always struck by the delivery on the line "If I'm around here, then here should be my home/But it's not at all."

038. Metal Firecracker - Lucinda Williams (BAD covers only on YouTube)
My two favorite country albums of all time are Johnny Cash as Folsom and Lucinda Williams' Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. The whole album is full of raw emotion, which is what I look for with country music. I mean there's always a place for a clever turn of phrase like a Neko Case song, but my heart just melts for simple country girls. The sentiment on the chorus of this song is so devastatingly self-deprecating. "All I ask is don't tell anybody the secrets/Don't tell anybody the secrets I told you." Like, you can do whatever you want to me and it's fine, just please keep what we had between us. And delivered in the drawl, Lucinda, I'm yours.

037. So Far Around the Bend - The National (http://is.gd/a0dy1)
Woah this song and band snuck up on me. I don't know what took me so long. Like, I heard Boxer, and thought it was good. And I heard this song on Dark Was The Night, and must have just overlooked it. But after rediscovering it via Tim Kringle's 2009 review I went back and looked at the National's catalog. And now they are one of my favorite bands. OK. This song. Things I intensely love about this song: 1. Patience. The National is as good as they are because of their rhythm section; the backbone. This song doesn't rush. It unfolds wonderfully. If you need any evidence of their great rhythm section just look at 2:00 into this song. 2. The lyrics (especially the unnecessary and brilliant second chorus). 3. Nico Muhly's whimsical and lovely orchestration. Such a great song.

036. Shakey Dog - Ghostface Killah (http://is.gd/a0dTe)
No chorus. No need for a chorus. This song is straight fire from the beginning to end. One thing I noticed the last time I heard this song: well, obviously, the beat samples "I Can Sing A Rainbow/Love Is Blue" by the Dells, and the song begins with the word "Green" over and over. How did I miss this? Well either way, Ghost comes out firing. This may be narratively the most engaging rap song of all time. At a little after 3:00 the story peaks pretty hard and Ghost is "on the floor like, 'Holy Shit!'" and I pretty much feel the same way. I am in awe of this song.

035. I Only Want to Be With You - Dusty Springfield (http://is.gd/a0evo)
This is as close to a perfect pop song as you can get. There really isn't a whole lot of conmplicated justification for why I love it. I just don't think I've ever been in a room where "I Only Want to Be With You" has come on and not been cheered up.

034. July, July! - The Decemberists (http://is.gd/a0f0g)
There are a lot of Decemberists tracks that could have been on this list. But, like the previous track, I don't think "July, July!" has ever come on and not been welcomed. And, of course it's just emblematic of Colin Meloy's hyper-literate and imaginative songwriting and great pop sensibilities.

033. I Want You - Bob Dylan (http://is.gd/a0fvg)
As I said in the intro, this list could have contained most of sides A and B of Blonde on Blonde (specifically "Visions of Johanna," "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again," "I Want You" and "One of Us Must Know [Sooner or Later]"). But I settled on "I Want You," because I tend to associate songs with movie scenes. And this song I associate this this scene (NSFW) http://is.gd/a0Opw, which is my favorite love/sex scene of all time. "The cracked bells and washed out horns blow into my face with scorn/But it's not that way; I wasn't born to lose you."

032. No Rain - Blind Melon (http://is.gd/a0fJL)
This song is possibly the catchiest song about horrible depression of all time. Just heartbreaking lyrics and peppy, pretty music. That's my kind of track. I also like this song for the same reason I like "So Far Around the Bend": its patience. No rush. Just relax and enjoy the late Mr. Hoon's sadness.

031. Answering Machine - The Replacements (http://is.gd/a0g7r)
Let It Be is such an amazing album. I was really close to putting "Unsatisfied" on here, but went with "Answering Machine." I love how it's like an acoustic folk song, but with that tough guitar sound and Paul Westerberg's punk vocals. "Try and free and slave of ignorance/Try and teach a whore about romance." The lyrics to this song are just unbelievable.

8tracks: External:


Woot,
Erik

My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (50-41)

Alright! We're into the second half. This is like marathon blogging for me. Deep breath. OK.

Recap:
100. Stuck in America - Sugarcult
099. History Lesson - Part II - Minutemen
098. To Clean (Acoustic) - Woods
097. Furr - Blitzen Trapper
096. At the Chime of a City Clock - Nick Drake
095. Search and Destroy - The Stooges
094. Scott Farcas Takes It On The Chin - Less Than Jake
093. Ruby Soho - Rancid
092. B.O.B. - Outkast
091. Monk Time - The Monks
090. Waiting Room - Fugazi
089. Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye
088. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone - Minor Threat
087. Daylight - Aesop Rock
086. In the New Year - The Walkmen
085. Judy is a Punk - Ramones
084. I'm the Man Who Loves You - Wilco
083. My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg) - Ramones
082. White Riot - The Clash
081. Many Rivers to Cross - Jimmy Cliff
080. Lived In Bars - Cat Power
079. Venus - Television
078. In The Neighborhood - Tom Waits
077. Losing My Edge - LCD Soundsystem
076. Vitamin C - Can
075. International Player's Anthem - UGK (feat. Outkast)
074. Someday - The Strokes
073. These Days - Nico
072. All Falls Down - Kanye West
071. Debaser - Pixies
070. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
069. Goodbye Stranger - Supertramp
068. For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder
067. Leaves That Are Green - Simon & Garfunkel
066. Mr. Pitiful - Otis Redding
065. Four Winds - Bright Eyes
064. Forks and Knives (La Fete) - Beirut
063. If Looks Could Kill - Camera Obscura
062. People Got A Lotta Nerve - Neko Case
061. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb - Spoon
060. Newsflash - Windmill
059. Rose Parade - Elliott Smith
058. Into the Mystic - Van Morrison
057. You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon
056. Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
055. Losing Out - Black Milk (feat. Royce Da 5'9")
054. The Boy with the Thorn in His Side - The Smiths
053. Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)? - Buzzcocks
052. All I Need - The Temptations
051. God Only Knows - Beach Boys

050. Elephant Gun - Beirut (http://is.gd/9MHDq)
This track further proves my theory on "cultivating an aesthetic." This song is about big game hunting; yet still manages to remain un-corny. I also love the instrumental outro, it reminds me of "Layla," or "Video Killed the Radio Star."

049. Skating Away - Jethro Tull (http://is.gd/9MHQf)
If I understand this song correctly, it's basically a second-person letter to Jesus, which is pretty goddamn awesome. And it's about how if Jesus comes back, how removed he'll feel from us. Cool right? Throw in a great melody and you've got an excellent song. I also love how the song builds, gradually adding pieces until the finish.

048. Man Out Of Time - Elvis Costello (http://is.gd/9MJnX)
If you know me, you know I'm a huge Elvis Costello fan. And I celebrate the man's entire catalog. But I still think Imperial Bedroom may be his most accomplished album. And "Man Out of Time" might be the best song on the album. Amazing lyrics ("Love is always scarpering or cowering or fawning /You drink yourself insensitive and hate yourself in the morning"). I also love the melodic bassline; which is one of the most underappreciated aspects of Costello's songs. But the highlight here is the hook; just fantastic.

047. Brother Run Them Down - Constantines (http://is.gd/9MJER)
This is another track that I am not sure has the same gravitas as a lot of the rest of the tracks and artists. But I contend it's one of the best post-punk songs I've ever heard. "You are not your generation" is just an awesome line. This was the 2nd track on my "Best of 2008" CD, so I listened to it pretty constantly for a couple months and never grew tired of it. Now going back I really just savor it.

046. M79 - Vampire Weekend (http://is.gd/9MJWY)
This song has pretty much everything I like about Vampire Weekend: awesome orchestration, clever/creative lyrics, up-beat, and, mostly, Ezra's voice just wailing. I guess I don't see what people's beef is with them. It's just music, man. Either you like it or you don't.

045. The Wind - Cat Stevens (http://is.gd/9MKa3)
Mr. Cat Stevens-Islam. This is a flawless folk song. Such a gorgeous, soulful voice sing gorgeous, soulful words. Follow your heart, everyone.

044. Constructive Summer - The Hold Steady (http://is.gd/9MKwB)
This song, and just the Hold Steady in general, rock. So hard. "Our psalms are singalong songs." This track has pretty much been go-to summer music since I first heard it. I automatically connect it with my best friends, so it'd hard not to have a special meaning for me.

043. Reinventing the Wheel to Run Myself Over - Fall Out Boy (http://is.gd/9MKOw)
Say what you will about Fall Out Boy you'd probably be right; on pretty much all accounts. Yes they are kind of douchey. And their followers are pretty much all morons as a general rule. But I am a fan of pop punk. I don't see why you have to sacrifice melody for speed, or edge or attitude. And call Pete Wentz a cock; lord knows I do. But dude writes some clever, heartfelt lyrics.

042. I'll Be Your Man - The Black Keys (http://is.gd/9ML83)
I'll be honest. I first this song as the theme song for the HBO series Hung. And I was never impressed enough by the Black Keys enough to go back into their catalog and listen to everything they put out. But this song is just perfect. Do you ever listen to music and strut? I do. And this song is amazing for that. It's just so soulful and warm (and simultaneously cool).

041. A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke (http://is.gd/9MLkF)
I feel like I've thrown the word "soul" around a lot in this round, but it is no more pertinent than this song. Just a gloriously gorgeous song born out of so much oppression and heartbreak. I think this might be the most important song on this list, even if it isn't my personal favorite. Man, Sam Cooke's voice is larger than life on this song.

8Tracks: External:


Rounding third!
-Erik

My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (70-61)

Alright! So begins the fourth installment of my 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time. What have we seen so far? We've been all over; from mid-1960s folk to modern-day indie rock to old soul to hip-hop. This list does not get any more focused, so be warned. You are in for more unexpectedness:

Recaps: 1, 2, 3:

100. Stuck in America - Sugarcult
099. History Lesson - Part II - Minutemen
098. To Clean (Acoustic) - Woods
097. Furr - Blitzen Trapper
096. At the Chime of a City Clock - Nick Drake
095. Search and Destroy - The Stooges
094. Scott Farcas Takes It On The Chin - Less Than Jake
093. Ruby Soho - Rancid
092. B.O.B. - Outkast
091. Monk Time - The Monks
090. Waiting Room - Fugazi
089. Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye
088. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone - Minor Threat
087. Daylight - Aesop Rock
086. In the New Year - The Walkmen
085. Judy is a Punk - Ramones
084. I'm the Man Who Loves You - Wilco
083. My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg) - Ramones
082. White Riot - The Clash
081. Many Rivers to Cross - Jimmy Cliff
080. Lived In Bars - Cat Power
079. Venus - Television
078. In The Neighborhood - Tom Waits
077. Losing My Edge - LCD Soundsystem
076. Vitamin C - Can
075. International Player's Anthem - UGK (feat. Outkast)
074. Someday - The Strokes
073. These Days - Nico
072. All Falls Down - Kanye West
071. Debaser - Pixies

070. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley (http://is.gd/9yxtM)
I know a lot of Elvis fans are more into his early rock and roll career, but I personally lean towards his '70s big band/Vegas show era; especially "Suspicious Minds." Trust, man. Trust is the key to any adult relationship. Without it you've really got nothing. Because if you don't have it you're constantly thinking about what the other person is doing, and that's not constructive. It just makes you resentful. This song just also feeds into me being a total wuss, too. ("I can't walk out/Because I love you too much, baby.") And the ochestration is awesome, as are the background vocals.

069. Goodbye Stranger - Supertramp (http://is.gd/9yA7I)
This track sort of seems like an odd pick as I look at it amongst these other ones. I am just a sucker for that electric piano sound. Put that in pretty much anything and I'm in (I'm looking at you, "You're My Best Friend."). And I love how it builds. It starts basic with just Rodger Hodgeson and those keys, then guitar, then bass, then drums. And I always smile when I hear the hook. Just a solid, solid song.

068. For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder (http://is.gd/9yBO7)
Stevie!!! Woah is his voice just an absolute monster. This song is of course no exception. If this song doesn't bring a smile to your face there is something weird going on between your ears, man. Just a beautiful, positive, happy love song meant to be revered forever.

067. Leaves That Are Green - Simon & Garfunkel (http://is.gd/9yD8h)
So we go from one of the most optimistic songs ever written to an earth-shatteringly bleak one. I guess that's how it goes sometimes. "Hello Hello Hello Hello/Goodbye Goodbye Goodbye Goodbye/That's all there is/And the leaves that are green turn to brown." This song is off of their second album, Sounds of Silence. I pretty much celebrate Paul Simon's entire catalogue, so it was tough for me to reduce his songbook down to 2. This song just does it for me. I guess partly because not many people know it, so I feel like it's something I own. I also like how it sounds like it should be in a Wes Anderson movie but just hasn't yet.

066. Mr. Pitiful - Otis Redding (http://is.gd/9yGIt)
I apologize there isn't a full video online. It's a shame, mostly, because watching Otis perform is the best way to experience his music. I've said this a million times, but I consider Otis Redding to be the biggest tragedy in music history. The man died at 26 (and I will forever blame the city of Madison for it). The reason he is such a tragedy is because I think he could have been the true bridge between rock and r&b. He and the Rolling Stones already had sort of a back and forth relationship covering each other's songs, but I think it could have been more. And I hear "Mr. Pitiful" and I just hear raw soul. Such a powerful voice. Dammit. So good.

065. Four Winds - Bright Eyes (http://is.gd/9yIQ6)
What's great about this song are the lyrics. Please read them: http://is.gd/9yK2H. But, what really makes the song unbelievable is the fact that these lyrics are put to, I contend, a pop country track. Like, this could be a Keith Urban song if Keith Urban wrote complex songs about obscure mysticism. And the harmonies are key.

064. Forks and Knives (La Fete) - Beirut (http://is.gd/9yLhk)
I lovelovelove Beirut. And here's why: above all else, Zach Condon has cultivated an aesthetic. Through his voice, instrument selection, influence and song subject matter he has created a sound that reflects a place and time without being gimmicky. When I hear "Forks and Knives" I think of wealth. You know how you hear rap and they talk about a new car or designer clothes or money and it sounds rich, right? But (and of course I am referring to Chris Rock's "Wealthy vs. Rich" bit) it's not wealthy. I hear this song and I think about a kid who has never worked a day in his life, probably had an au pair, and then coincidentally slept with that au pair, and now summers for years on end in various luxury locales in Europe. And all of that from some kid from New Mexico. Fantastic.

063. If Looks Could Kill - Camera Obscura (http://is.gd/9yOXc)
Tracyanne Campbell's voice just knocks me out. I hear the argument pretty frequently that all of their stuff sounds the same. Well, perhaps you're right. But when the one thing you do is perfectly constructed pop music about love and heartbreak, why switch up the formula?

062. People Got A Lotta Nerve - Neko Case (http://is.gd/9yQG3)
LOL. "You know/They call them killer whales/But you seem surprised/When it pinned you down to the bottom of the tank/Where you can't turn around." In light of everything that's happened recently this song has taken on new meaning. But, in all cases, Neko Case's voice is a force of nature. I don't understand how people can listen to only radio country. I mean, sure, if that's one thing you listen to, whatever. But there are people out there like Neko Case or the Drive-By Truckers or Bright Eyes or Lucinda Williams or etc. etc. who are doing essentially the same thing just a million times better. Anyway, this song is brilliant.

061. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb - Spoon (http://is.gd/9ySup)
Now, I'm not the hugest Spoon fan. I don't take everything they do to be the greatest thing ever. But man was I a huge fan of Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga; mostly because of this song and "The Underdog." I love the arrangements and I love the way Britt Daniel's voice sounds, but I think what I love most is the unrelenting snare from start to finish. "Let it go on and on," indeed.

8tracks: External:


Almost half way!
-Erik

My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (100-91) [and intro]

Alright. This was a massive undertaking. Putting together a list of 100 favorite tracks? No time/genre boundaries? Ugh. I also kicked myself more in the ass by ranking everything. So the #1 on here is my #1.

A note/intro: I've been thinking a lot recently about the nature of criticism and what makes a good critic. Is it purely having good taste? What defines good taste? My personal belief is that a good critic can remove himself from what he likes and look at the subject in the context of the music and artist's history. Does it progress the art form? Does it say something new or significant? Or, if not, does it say something old in a significant way? There are so many considerations. And, of course, it's a bit pompous to think one's beliefs are any more relevant than anyone else's; but there's a certain level of commitment involved in order to define oneself as a critic. You have to sort of have a little pretention to think that your opinion matters. And it's not a pretention I take lightly. I do my best to not blindly like or dislike anything, and I encourage anyone who takes criticism sincerely to do the same.

Having said that, this list is MY FAVORITE 100 SONGS OF ALL TIME. This list is not the "100 Greatest Songs of All-Time." Not to say that some of the greatest songs ever written aren't on here; but this list is my personal 100. These are songs that have touched me in a significant way, and stuck with me over the years. My friend Tim (whose musical opinions I regard) undertook a similar list, and one of his main criteria was that the song could be listened to at any time and he wouldn't want to skip it. That's a great way to approach the list, but unfortunately, for me, sometimes different moods (angry, lovesick, confused) influence my desire to hear a song/artist. I tried to adhere to the "No Skip" rule, but it just couldn't be done for me.

So here it is. The beginning. Tracks 100-91.

100. Stuck in America - Sugarcult (http://is.gd/97H8T)
THIS track. Is underrated. THIS album. Is one of the best commentaries on suburban life put out in the 2000s. Just great pop punk songs about really dark subjects (violence, drug abuse, et al)

99. History Lesson - Part II - Minutemen (http://is.gd/97IqZ)
Haha. This song is so great. I love D. Boon's delivery of one of the most iconic lines of the punk movement ("Our band could be your life.") The whole song is just so casual about somethings that people turn into lifestyles: "Punk rock changed our lives."

98. To Clean (Acoustic) - Woods (http://is.gd/97JH7)
Nice. I am so happy that the video is the actual video of this recording! This song came out in 2009 and was listened to constantly. I am really big into the lo-fi aesthetic, but a lot of times it feels like the band uses rough production to cover up lack of talent. This song is just so beautiful. Great lyrics, smooth riffs and that voice. Damn.

97. Furr - Blitzen Trapper (http://is.gd/97KRN)
The title track off of their 2008 album. I love this song. Great melody and such imagination in the lyrics. It also brings me back to a great night I had with my good friend Matty at Palomino in Milwaukee's Bay View. This track came on and soundtracked a really nice chat.

96. At the Chime of a City Clock - Nick Drake (http://is.gd/97LBY)
Nick Drake is just so heartbreaking. His voice is like a vice on my heart. The ochestration on this song is beautiful, especially the haunting saxophone that duets with Nick a couple minutes in. This song is essential for me in wintertime.

95. Search & Destroy - The Stooges (http://is.gd/97MaU)
Raw Power, baby. God. If this song isn't just the powderkeg of frustration over everything ('Nam in particular) that it took to ignite punk, I don't know what is. And that riff! Ah!

94. Scott Farcas Takes It On The Chin - Less Than Jake (http://is.gd/97N5H)
I, like many others my age, went through a ska phase in high school. I don't regret it. But I did outgrow it in a lot of ways. But Less Than Jake has been a constant. I've said this before and I'll say it again, Vinny Fiorello is as close to Bruce Springsteen lyrically that's come along. These universal themes of discontent and wanting more out of life pop up all the time. "When I think of how I'm feeling right now, I still remember how I felt 4 years ago." The more things seem to change, the more human emotions remain a constant.

93. Ruby Soho - Rancid (http://is.gd/97OBZ)
I just realized how pop-punk/punk heavy these first 10 tracks are. Not really reflective of the rest of the list. ...And Out Come The Wolves is one of the greatest punk albums ever made. And this song is a great reflection. Just throw it on, have a drink with your friends as Tim Armstrong slurs through your speakers.

92. B.O.B. - OutKast (http://is.gd/97Pwq)
Woah. Just a shot of adrenaline directly to your heart. Andre 3000 is my #3 all-time rapper (behind Ghostface Killah and Black Thought of the Roots). But he's so much more than that. Man, has there been anything like this song since? Was there anything like it before it? The rhythm! The flow! The content! There is just so much to digest, and yet it's a pop song. A great, great pop song.

91. Monk Time - The Monks (http://is.gd/97QPO)
1966. This album came out the same year as Pet Sounds. How nuts is that? If you haven't seen this documentary I highly recommend it. Just the raw intensity of the lyrics and vocals. And the simplicity of the music. This was the foundation of punk, slammed into under 3 minutes. Simply brilliant.

8tracks: External:


More to come! Thanks for listening to my babel.

-Erik

Valentine's 2010

Woah. OK. SO I should have posted this on Valentine's Day. But I put together a pretty great list of love/loveish songs from 1959-2009. I'm pretty proud of the project because it's so all over the map (punk/r&b/rap/indie/etc.). It's divided into 2 lists, so yeah. Enjoy!

The List:
01. Jackie Wilson - I'll Be Satisfied (1959)
02. Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs - Stay (1960)
03. Beach Boys - Don't Worry Baby (1964)
04. The Beatles - I've Just Seen A Face (1965)
05. Bob Dylan - I Want You (1966)
06. Wilson Pickett - I'm In Love (1967)
07. Zombies - This Will Be Our Year (1968)
08. Van Morrison - Into The Mystic (1970)
09. Al Green - I'm Still In Love With You (1972)
10. Ramones - I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend (1976)
11. Buzzcocks - Love You More (1979)
12. Michael Jackson - The Girl is Mine w/ Paul McCartney (1982)
13. Prince - I Would Die 4 You (1984)
14. Paul Simon - Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (1986)
15. Pixies - Here Comes Your Man (1989)
16. R.E.M. - Nightswimming (1992)
17. Weezer - Falling For Your (1996)
18. Elliott Smith - Say Yes (1997)
19. Wilco - I'm the Man Who Loves You (2002)
20. OutKast - Hey Ya! (2003)
21. The Perceptionists - Love Letters (2005)
22. The Hold Steady - Citrus (2006)
23. Jens Lekman - Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig (Maybe I Am In Love With You) (2007)
24. Neko Case - This Tornado Loves You (2009)

Heart 1:


Melissa Joan Hart 2:


Love,
Erik

Day 99: The Factory

Today, August 6th saw the birth of artist and icon Andy Warhol. I'm sure you all know as much about him as anyone else.

In honor of his birth-date, I put together a shortish-list of artists known to have hung out in The Factory, Warhol's infamous studio, which really flourished during the mid-1960s. Now The Factory was rumored to have seen the likes of dozens upon dozen of some prolific musicians of the era. But, I'm just going to to go with ones that were infamous for their association with the studio.



YouTube:
01. Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side
02. John Cale - Paris 1919
03. Nico - The Fairest of the Seasons (Cover Only)
04. Velvet Undergound - White Light/White Heat
05. Rolling Stones - Sister Morphine
06. David Bowie - Space Oddity
07. Bob Dylan - One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)
08. The Doors - Break on Through (To the Other Side)
09. Jackson Browne - Song For Adam
10. Blondie - X Offender

imeem: External:

Day 99: The Factory

Yeah,
Erik

Video!


(Image By Sonia Fantoli, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 93: Yeah It's Me, Neil

Today, in honor of Neil Armstrong and his famous lunar trek, I've put together a little potpourri of Neil. There aren't a lot of famous Neil's, says Nic Cage.



So basically this is going to be a compilation of Neil Young, Neil Sedaka, Neil Finn, Neil Zaza, Neil Halstead, Neil Diamond and Neil Peart. Enjoy all this Neil.

YouTube:
01. Rush - Closer to the Heart
02. Neil Zaza - I'm Alright
03. Slowdive - Alison
04. Split Enz - Another Great Divide
05. Neil Diamond - Heartlight
06. Neil Sedaka - Breaking Up is Hard to Do
07. Neil Young - Thrasher

imeem: External:

Day 93: Year of the Neil

Neil,
Erik

Bonus Videos!!!


and


(Image by Anton Gurevich, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 79: Adventure

Today is a special day! On this day in 1944 and 1952, respectively, acclaimed directors George Lucas and Robert Zemeckis were born. What I feel connects these two filmmakers is their sense of fantasy and adventure; Zemeckis being responsible for Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Forrest Gump; and Lucas obviously being responsible for Star Wars.

In honor of these two movie men I've put together a list of 15 songs that encapsulate a sense of adventure. It was a tough list to whittle down because, believe it or not, there are a lot of adventurous songs; mostly because adventures can be fantastic or commonplace. I tried to assemble a list that included some of the many types of adventures out there. If you have any suggestions, feel free to drop me a line.

(Note: This list probably could have been entirely prog rock and power metal, but where's the fun in that?)

YouTube:
01. Europe - The Final Countdown
02. Elton John - Rocket Man
03. Deep Purple - Space Truckin'
04. Styx - Come Sail Away
05. The Aquabats - The Wild Sea!
06. Crosby, Stills & Nash - Marrakesh Express
07. Simon & Garfunkel - America
08. America - Horse With No Name
09. Tom Waits - Hold On
10. The Decemberists - Mariner's Revenge Song
11. Beach Boys - Sloop John B
12. Genesis - One For The Vine
13. Led Zeppelin - Kashmir
14. Metallica - Wherever I May Roam
15. Dragonforce - Through the Fire and Flames

imeem: External:

Day 79: Adventure

Travellin',
Erik

Videos!


and


(Image by Nik Jones, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 75: Bob Dylan

This week's artist spotlight needs little introduction. Bob Dylan has been regarded as the greatest songwriter of all time more times than he hasn't. I could go on all day about his genius or whatever, but the truth is, if you're a music fan, there's probably a song of his that's touched you. Maybe the chorus of "Like A Rolling Stone" hit you in a moment of uncertainty or "Tangled Up In Blue" caught you in a down period of your life. His songs can be autopsied, diagnosed, deduced and analyzed; but the fact is they're meant to be listened to and felt.

YouTube:
(All Songs by Bob Dylan)
01. Like A Rolling Stone
02. Visions of Johanna
03. When I Paint My Masterpiece
04. Bob Dylan's 115th Dream
05. Changing Of The Guards
06. Don't Think Twice, It's Alright
07. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
08. Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again
09. Groom's Still Waiting At The Altar
10. It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
11. It Ain't Me Babe
12. Angelina (N/A on imeem, "Wigwam" instead)
13. Girl From The North Country
14. Moonshiner
15. The Times They Are A-Changin'
16. Slow Train
17. To Ramona
18. God Knows
19. Shelter From The Storm
20. Desolation Row (Part 1) (Part 2)

imeem: External:

Day 75: Bob Dylan

How Does It Feel,
Erik

Videos


and


and finally


(Image by m.caimary, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 60: Colin Meloy

I'm gonna have to start doing some older artists to spotlight. I appear to have a theme going with newer artists. But, I guess you write about what you know.

This week's artist spotlight is Colin Meloy, frontman of The Decemberists and Tarkio and well-documented logophile. His songs are wordy and often times head-shakingly obscure, but somehow they manage to resonate on a deeper level than the surface story. Part of that has to do with his vocals, which really emote the emotional depth to the yarns he spins.

I've assembled a list of songs he's done from Tarkio to The Decemberists. I was debating whether or not to include his cover series (Morrissey, Sam Cooke and Shirley Collins) but decided against it. With so many good songs that he wrote, why pick ones he didn't?

YouTube:
(All songs by The Decemberists unless otherwise noted)
01. July, July!
02. Tarkio - Keeping Me Awake
03. Valerie Plame
04. California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade
05. Sons and Daughters
06. On the Bus Mall
07. Tarkio - Tristan and Iseult
08. Red Right Ankle
09. Won't Want for Love (Margaret in the Taiga)
10. O Valencia
11. The Bagman's Gambit
12. The Rake's Song
13. Raincoat Song
14. The Crane Wife 1 and 2
15. Song for Myla Goldberg
16. Apology Song
17. Tarkio - Caroline Avenue (N/A on imeem, "I Know Very Well How I Got My Name" instead)
18. Margaret in Captivity
19. The Sporting Life
20. Tarkio - Better Half

imeem: External:

Day 60: Colin Meloy

Fondly,
Erik

Bonus Vids!


And I know I said no covers, but:


(Image by Matthew Hickey, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 39: Boxing

On this day in 1954, Joey Giardello knocked out Willie Tory in round 7 at Madison Square Garden. This was the first televised boxing fight shown in color. In honor of this event, I've compiled a short list of my favorite songs about boxing. Enjoy.

YouTube:
01. Who Killed Davey Moore? (Bob Dylan Re-Vox) - Colin Munroe
02. Bruce Springsteen - The Hitter
03. Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer
04. Ben Folds - Boxing
05. Warren Zevon - Boom Boom Mancini
06. Mark Knopfler - Song for Sonny Liston
07. Sun Kil Moon- Salvador Sanchez
08. Bob Dylan - Hurricane

imeem: External:

Day 39: Boxing

KO,
Erik

And!


(Image by John Perivolaris, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 34: On The Road

On this day in 1922, novelist and poet Jack Kerouac was born in Lowell, MA. His masterwork On the Road is cited as generation-defining and one of the greatest pieces of American literature. It happens to be one of my favorite books ever. So, in honor of Mr. Kerouac's legacy (he passed in 1969) I've assembled a list of driving songs, perfect for being on the road. Enjoy, maybe they can end up in your ear on your next road trip.

YouTube:
01. Led Zeppelin - Ramble On (crummy live version)
02. Pavement - Range Life
03. Tom Petty - Runnin' Down A Dream
04. Crosby, Stills & Nash - Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
05. Jackson Browne - Running On Empty
06. Paul Simon & Willie Nelson - Graceland
07. Bright Eyes - Another Travelin' Song
08. The Allman Brothers Band - Jessica
09. The Band - The Weight
10. Drive-By Truckers - Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife (Incredible Song)
11. Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
12. Death Cab For Cutie - Company Calls
13. Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
14. America - Ventura Highway
15. Bob Seger - Hollywood Nights
16. The Kinks - Powerman (Cover Only)
17. Iggy Pop - The Passenger
18. ZZ Top - La Grange
19. Sniff 'n' the Tears - Driver's Seat
20. Supertramp - Take the Long Way Home

imeem: External:

Day 34: On The Road

(Note: Because Led Zeppelin are apparently Internet proof, their song has been replaced by "Life is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts on the imeem list.)

Keep on Truckin',
Erik

Bonus Vid!


(Image By Ron Reiring, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 27: Time

On this day in 1923, Time Magazine printed its premier issue. Since then it has been one of the most respected publications in the country, opening windows to worlds everyday Americans might never be able see. In honor of Time, I've put together a list of songs about... time. Initially the list was just going to be songs called "Time" which would have been shorter and a little easier (though admittedly there are a few songs called "Time" on this list). Either way, I've compiled what I think are some great songs about the nature of time.

YouTube:
01. Chicago - Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
02. Pink Floyd - Time
03. Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin'
04. Dave Matthews Band - Stay (Wasting Time)
05. Nick Drake - Time of No Reply
06. The Morning Benders - Wasted Time
07. Talk Talk - Time It's Time
08. The Jacksons - Time Waits For No One
09. Boston - Foreplay/Long Time
10. Jim Croce - Time in a Bottle
11. Fountains of Wayne - All Kinds of Time
12. Ben Folds - Time
13. Hootie and the Blowfish - Time
14. Tom Waits - Time
15. Common - Time Travelin' (A Tribute to Fela)

imeem: External:

Day 27: Time

-Erik

Bonus Vid!


and!


(Image by ViteVu, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 20: Paul Simon

Today's Artist Spotlight is Mr. Paul Simon. I don't know what else to say. In my opinion he is the best American songwriter. This list contains a lot of popular songs; but that's a testament to how great his songwriting is. Not only could he write incredible lyrics, but his music was radio-friendly and easily accessible for everyone. Enjoy!

YouTube!
(All songs by Paul Simon, Some performed by Simon & Garfunkel, noted with "*")
01. American Tune
02. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
03. Cecilia*
04. Something So Right
05. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
06. Kodachrome
07. Mrs. Robinson*
08. Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard
09. The Boy in the Bubble
10. The Only Living Boy in New York*
11. Still Crazy After All These Years
12. America*
13. Rene and Georgette Magritte with their Dog After the War (N/A)
14. 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)*
15. The Boxer*
16. At the Zoo*
17. April Come She Will*
18. You Can Call Me Al (Maybe the best lyrical pop song of all time)
19. Late in the Evening
20. Slip Sliding Away
21. Adios Hermanos (N/A)

imeem: External:

Day 20: Paul Simon

Adios Hermanos,
Erik

Bonus Videos!:


AND!


(Image by Evert-Jan Hielema, Licensed Under Creative Commons)