Alright. We're down to the last couple entries here. Feel encouraged to let me know if you want .mp3s of any of this.
And we're off... again:
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
Getting close to home!
020. 11:59 - Blondie (http://is.gd/a9NGn)
And we're back to CBGB! Who would have thought cute little Debbie Harry would have been such a genre-bridging music icon? "11:59" is just a damn fine New Wave track, and (along with #18, as you will see) is just a testament to how diverse the scene at CBGB was in the late 70s. It's a deeper cut off of Parallel Lines, their most well-known album, and it was written by Jimmy Destri, probably their least-known songwriter. I love the transition from the intro to the verse. And the consonace in the opening lines is awesome.
019. Ain't Too Proud to Beg - The Temptations (http://is.gd/a9Oap)
Of course this is the culmination of the "Erik is a pussy" theory. But more importantly, David Ruffin just kills it. I love how the drums are like a little warning before that monster, soulful voice comes in. I also have a special relationship with this song on account of The Temptations made-for-TV movie where Leon as Ruffin steals the mic after quitting the group. Just Perfect.
018. Once in a Lifetime - Talking Heads (http://is.gd/a9Oy3)
AGAIN with the CBGB! This song is so fantastic! The break beat, that funky bassline, the hook, and David Fucking Byrne being totally batshit brilliant. One thing that separates the Talking Heads from someone like Paul Simon (and concordantly, today, Vampire Weekend from Dirty Projectors) is the difference between using a style (like Graceland and Vampire Weekend S/T being essentially afropop albums) and blending influences to create your own style (like Remain in Light and Bitte Orca using afropop and hip-hop and everything else and melding it together). I personally love all of the aforementioned albums, but I admire the latter style a bit more. This track just does it for me. I love the last verse especially.
017. Come On! Feel The Illinoise!: Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition/Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream - Sufjan Stevens (http://is.gd/a9P3K)
It's odd that this set has 3 of the 5 or so songs on the list in different time signatures (this one being 5/4, #17 being 3/4 and #13 being 3/4, I think?). This song goes along with the same reason I love Beirut so much: cultivating an aesthetic. Just the instruments and everything makes me feel like I'm at the Chicago World's Fair. The lyrics are so the reason why Sufjan is an incredibe songwriter: the ability to squeeze emotional meaning and broader signficance out of history and places and things. Then the turn into part 2 is so beautiful. "Are you writing from the heart?"
016. Fake Empire - The National (http://is.gd/a9Pyj)
Once again we have The National. Everything that's good about them is on display here: the slow unfurling culminating with the brilliant horn cacophony at the end, the drums and bass (my god when the drums synch with the groove of the piano!), and the lyrics. The National, like a lot of my favorite bands, write about America. And this song in particular I think captures the jaded-ness (?) and disaffection a lot of us feel about being in this country.
015. Honey In The Sun - Camera Obscura (http://is.gd/a9PYN)
OK! Going along with what I previously said about Camera Obscura: I don't care if you only do one thing if that one thing is write beautiful, catchy pop songs. Now, I heard criticism of this song being too long, which I will refute with my theory of the "Knock-out Verse." One of my favorite musical devices is when an artist loads a song with words (when the words are good, obviously). A knock-out verse is a verse thrown in at an obvious ending point in a song. My favorite example is in "Born to Run" (at 3:00), but this song uses it effectively and wonderfully. I guess my whole love of Camera Obscure is based on "too much of a good thing."
014. Nightswimming - R.E.M. (http://is.gd/a9Qwz)
This song is just so basic and beautiful. That powerful circular piano riff coupled with those gorgeous, nostalgic lyrics. It always enthralls me.
013. The Way Young Lovers Do - Van Morrison (N/A)
I hate how this song isn't available online (aside from my 8tracks list!). Astral Weeks is maybe my favorite album of all time, and this song is my favorite on it. The bass is incredible (interesting side note, the man, Richard Davis, who played bass on this album, also contributed bass on Born to Run. He's also a professor at the University of Wisconsin, which is cool.) The vocals are Van Morrison, so they're nuts. And throw on top of it those championship horns?! This song is unbelievable. My favorite moment(s) is the transition into the "Then we sat on our own star..." So jazzy and funky.
012. Train in Vain - The Clash (http://is.gd/a9Swv)
The Clash are so versatile. And, it may be a bit of a slight to pick one of their most popular songs as a favorite; but, The Clash were as much a pop group as they were a punk band. Sure, they wrote unbelievable songs about the disenfranchised underclasses, but they also wrote excellent pop songs. And their are fewer better pop songs than "Train in Vain." Joe Strummer just sings this song with such passion. "Stand by me/Or not at all."
011. Wait, Wait, Wait - The Format (http://is.gd/a9STp)
Once again, this song is a prime testament to the "Greatest vs. Favorite" list concept. The Format is/was an (now-defunct) underappreciated indie-pop band from the early/middle part of the decade. I don't understand how these guys didn't catch on; Interventions + Lullabies (the album this song is off of) is full of the same type of well-crafted pop songs as the much-praised Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, just with slightly rougher production. "Wait, Wait, Wait" is full of amazing one-liners, a flawless melody, great harmony and an excellent hook. Do yourself a favor and listen to it if you've never heard it. And read the lyrics: http://is.gd/aaSbu
8tracks: External:
Sliding Home,
Erik
Showing posts with label Punk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Punk. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (60-51)
This list concludes the first half of the top 100 favorite tracks project. I hope you're enjoying!
So far we've seen:
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 (http://is.gd/9DW3z)
Thank goodness for that strange Austrian family who clearly can't understand the lyrics to this song for posting the video. So Windmill is essentially Matthew Thomas Dillon. Now yes, I realize he sounds like a muppet. But, man, what a heartbreaking song. I am a huge fan of divorce music (Blood on the Tracks is a Top 5 album for me), and this song just captures everything I imagine divorce to be. Just these heartbreaking little phrases ("Forgot to cut the grass by the baby's things." "Your dad called 'round confirmed the train is running from the tracks.")
059. Rose Parade - Elliott Smith (http://is.gd/9E2IG)
I could probably make a list of my 100 favorite Elliott Smith songs. It was tough limiting my picks to 2 because all of his stuff is so stellar. And he was consistently amazing on every album he made (my favorite is XO). This song is especially great because, while is of course a little depressing, it's not just a blatant suicide note like a lot of his music was (which makes his later work really tough to listen to, I think). Instead it's just his observations, which are simultaneously disarming and funny and sad. This is how I like to remember him.
058. Into the Mystic - Van Morrison (N/A, covers only)
This is probably my favorite love song of all time. The lyrics, that groove, those horns. Everything just makes me amorous. Plus, when I was in England I was pretty much listening to Van Morrison nonstop, so I have this personal connection with that specific place and time, which makes me simultaneously nostalgic and happy.
057. You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon (http://is.gd/9E5vc)
I get into arguments all the time about what was the worsst decade for music. Everyone always says the 1980s. Well, I disagree. I think you show me almost any great act from the 1990s, I'll show you their analogue from the 1980s that was better (with the exception of hip-hop, which I think peaked in the 90s). I think the main this that separated the decades, however, was pop music. In the 80s it was beginning to wane in quality, but in the 90s and 00s it just became wretched. But I look back on these simple pop songs like "You Can Call Me Al" that are so upbeat and catchy, yet manage to smash in some of the most incredible lyrics every to receive mass radio play. Listen to the last verse of this song and not be impressed and moved.
056. Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks (http://is.gd/9E8zM)
This song is just plain beautiful. I don't have much to say about it that you wouldn't know by hearing it. The concept of a love song from the perspective of a lonely outsider looking in is so imaginative; and the execution on "Waterloo Sunset" is devastating and lovely.
055. Losing Out - Black Milk (feat. Royce Da 5'9") (http://is.gd/9EcZ1)
Haha. Detroit stand UP! This is the only way Allen Parson's Project is ever going to make it onto anyone's 100 greatest songs list. Man, the drums on this song just BANG. How can you listen to this and not just slam your head up and down? It also helps that the verses, while not completely game changing, are just solid and enjoyable. Front to back this is just an amazing track.
054. The Boy with the Thorn in His Side - The Smiths (http://is.gd/9EA30)
Oh man do I love The Queen is Dead. These songs are just so witty and lovely and the melodies are incredible. I take this song as an attack on anyone who has doubted me and been proven wrong. "And if they don't believe us now, will they ever believe us?"
053. Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)? - Buzzcocks (http://is.gd/9EArN)
I think Singles Going Steady is one of the best punk albums ever. Just awesome, frustrated songs about love. This song also falls into the "Erik is a pussy" category. Because, of course, the answer is Yes to the question posed in the title. But then again, who hasn't?
052. All I Need - The Temptations (http://is.gd/9EAIe)
What up David Ruffin?! I love The Temptations so much, and this track is definitely one of my favorites of theirs. I don't know if there's a name for the type of rhythm the bassist is playing (the same as "You Can't Hurry Love" by the Supremes and a million other songs) but I love it. Just an awesome, soulful song.
051. God Only Knows - Beach Boys (http://is.gd/9EAYO)
This song has been written about ad nauseum so I'll spare you. I'll just take this opportunity to justify why it isn't higher on the list. And it's because of the "Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-bap-ba" halfway through. It just sounds kind of corny, and it frustrates me everytime I hear it. But I love everything else about the song so much I can excuse it.
8tracks: External:
Peace and Love,
Erik
So far we've seen:
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 (http://is.gd/9DW3z)
Thank goodness for that strange Austrian family who clearly can't understand the lyrics to this song for posting the video. So Windmill is essentially Matthew Thomas Dillon. Now yes, I realize he sounds like a muppet. But, man, what a heartbreaking song. I am a huge fan of divorce music (Blood on the Tracks is a Top 5 album for me), and this song just captures everything I imagine divorce to be. Just these heartbreaking little phrases ("Forgot to cut the grass by the baby's things." "Your dad called 'round confirmed the train is running from the tracks.")
059. Rose Parade - Elliott Smith (http://is.gd/9E2IG)
I could probably make a list of my 100 favorite Elliott Smith songs. It was tough limiting my picks to 2 because all of his stuff is so stellar. And he was consistently amazing on every album he made (my favorite is XO). This song is especially great because, while is of course a little depressing, it's not just a blatant suicide note like a lot of his music was (which makes his later work really tough to listen to, I think). Instead it's just his observations, which are simultaneously disarming and funny and sad. This is how I like to remember him.
058. Into the Mystic - Van Morrison (N/A, covers only)
This is probably my favorite love song of all time. The lyrics, that groove, those horns. Everything just makes me amorous. Plus, when I was in England I was pretty much listening to Van Morrison nonstop, so I have this personal connection with that specific place and time, which makes me simultaneously nostalgic and happy.
057. You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon (http://is.gd/9E5vc)
I get into arguments all the time about what was the worsst decade for music. Everyone always says the 1980s. Well, I disagree. I think you show me almost any great act from the 1990s, I'll show you their analogue from the 1980s that was better (with the exception of hip-hop, which I think peaked in the 90s). I think the main this that separated the decades, however, was pop music. In the 80s it was beginning to wane in quality, but in the 90s and 00s it just became wretched. But I look back on these simple pop songs like "You Can Call Me Al" that are so upbeat and catchy, yet manage to smash in some of the most incredible lyrics every to receive mass radio play. Listen to the last verse of this song and not be impressed and moved.
056. Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks (http://is.gd/9E8zM)
This song is just plain beautiful. I don't have much to say about it that you wouldn't know by hearing it. The concept of a love song from the perspective of a lonely outsider looking in is so imaginative; and the execution on "Waterloo Sunset" is devastating and lovely.
055. Losing Out - Black Milk (feat. Royce Da 5'9") (http://is.gd/9EcZ1)
Haha. Detroit stand UP! This is the only way Allen Parson's Project is ever going to make it onto anyone's 100 greatest songs list. Man, the drums on this song just BANG. How can you listen to this and not just slam your head up and down? It also helps that the verses, while not completely game changing, are just solid and enjoyable. Front to back this is just an amazing track.
054. The Boy with the Thorn in His Side - The Smiths (http://is.gd/9EA30)
Oh man do I love The Queen is Dead. These songs are just so witty and lovely and the melodies are incredible. I take this song as an attack on anyone who has doubted me and been proven wrong. "And if they don't believe us now, will they ever believe us?"
053. Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)? - Buzzcocks (http://is.gd/9EArN)
I think Singles Going Steady is one of the best punk albums ever. Just awesome, frustrated songs about love. This song also falls into the "Erik is a pussy" category. Because, of course, the answer is Yes to the question posed in the title. But then again, who hasn't?
052. All I Need - The Temptations (http://is.gd/9EAIe)
What up David Ruffin?! I love The Temptations so much, and this track is definitely one of my favorites of theirs. I don't know if there's a name for the type of rhythm the bassist is playing (the same as "You Can't Hurry Love" by the Supremes and a million other songs) but I love it. Just an awesome, soulful song.
051. God Only Knows - Beach Boys (http://is.gd/9EAYO)
This song has been written about ad nauseum so I'll spare you. I'll just take this opportunity to justify why it isn't higher on the list. And it's because of the "Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-bap-ba" halfway through. It just sounds kind of corny, and it frustrates me everytime I hear it. But I love everything else about the song so much I can excuse it.
8tracks: External:
Peace and Love,
Erik
Monday, March 1, 2010
My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (80-71)
I really should restrict myself to a more consistent regiment of when I post these. I have no firm schedule. But my goal is to have it all available by the end of next week.
Alright. Part three!! Definitely out of the 70s and 80s punk realm for a while, I believe. I think the list will bring a little bit more variety from here on on (though, for the record, it has been pretty eclectic thus far, in my opinion). Note: I encourage all of you who check this out to make a similar list! It's a fun exercise if you're serious about the music you love. I also encourage you to discuss/judge this list.
A recap of parts ONE and TWO:
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 (http://is.gd/9uaOC)
Chan Marshall turns me to putty. Ugh. It's not fair to have a voice so velvety and sultry (and to also look like she looks!? So mean.). This song just puts me outside on a warm summer night drinking with friends underneath stars and moons and tiki torches. And then that turn at 2:30 just seals the deal. Check your pulse if your toe isn't tapping.
079. Venus - Television (http://is.gd/9ucOO)
And we're back to CBGB in the 70s (you were warned!). For those of you who have listened to Marquee Moon in it's entirety you know it is just unbelievable. For those of you who haven't; please get with the program. There are a lot of songs on this list that offer little snapshots of a given time or place; I like to think of this song as a little picture of New York in '76-'77, complete with references to Richard Hell. But the highlight of this track are the guitars. The technique and interplay is fantastic. I prefer this track to the more notable title track just for length. I get tired in most 10-minute songs. But the whole album is sellar.
078. In The Neighborhood - Tom Waits (http://is.gd/9ugaH)
"With Swordfishtrombones, The Black Rider was thrown out of the nightclub into the alley and, finding himself in his true element, he made its trashcan residents and urine stink the genetic code of the rest of his career." -Rob Mitchum, Pitchfork. "In the Neighborhood" is like a cartoon sketch of any inner city. It's simultaneously playful and depressing, sugar and spice, and, of course, it's Tom Wait's as the ringmaster, drunkenly spewing concrete on a piano somewhere dirty. And oh how I love it so.
077. Losing My Edge - LCD Soundsystem (http://is.gd/9ukZA)
What is the point in doing anything if you take yourself so seriously? I love the music video, because I feel with every reference he throws out that I understand I'm catching a slap in the face. And it's totally fine. I can relate to a lot of the sentiment in this track ("the kids are coming up from behind.") And you can dance to it too, which is always nice. And because I'm the master of meta (ugh I feel like an asshole right now):
076. Vitamin C - Can (http://is.gd/9uqpz)
Krautrock was a bizarre, bizarre movement in Germany in the late 60s and 70s. I think what made it so fascinating, to me, was how disjointed everything was. From early electronic experiments to crazy jam rock, it encompassed nearly everything. But my personal favorite of the entire "genre" is, and always will be, Can. Those drums! Do you breakdance? Well you do now! I love this track so much because it doesn't sound like it belongs anywhere. It just mysteriously came from this crazy nebula of jazz, funk, rock and punk and burrowed into our ears.
075. International Player's Anthem - UGK (feat. Outkast) (http://is.gd/9urYY)
Andre 3000's verse.
074. Someday - The Strokes (http://is.gd/9utTp)
There are some songs on this list that I can't even fully explain. They just hit me. "Someday" is one of those songs. Maybe it's Julian Casablancas' voice, or the simple yet perfect guitar riff, or the lovely nostalgic lyrics, or the consistent and effortlessly excellent rhythm section, or the, shit, it's obviously all of the above and more.
073. These Days - Nico (http://is.gd/9uvLD)
I think in order to really appreciate the Nico version you have to know the original Jackson Browne version. Her version is completely turned on its ear. Instead of being one of the millions of songs about regret after a relationship, little twists in the words made her version about regret at the end of life. This song just levels me. Especially Nico's haunting voice and the orchestration. Just beautiful.
072. All Falls Down - Kanye West (http://is.gd/9uwYt)
This track comes from notorious doucher Kanye West. I want to hate him so much (and in many ways I do), but then I go back and listen to his old albums when he had shreds of sincerity and get completely blown away. The beat is so soulful and the lyrics are such a refreshing change of pace from the kind of rap that populated manstream hip-hop for the majority of the decade. I guess this song is also bittersweet to me, because I see what happened to Kanye, who I sort of regarded as a bastion of honesty in the world of rap, and see what's become of him. "When it falls down, who you gonna call now," indeed.
071. Debaser - Pixies (http://is.gd/9uAcD)
This song is a sort of late edition. Originally I had "Here Comes Your Man," but then I went back and listened to the Pixies a bit more. And I realized "Here Comes Your Man" doesn't really capture what I really love about the Pixies, or what they do best: and that is rock. "Debaser" fuckin' rocks, man. And as a film student, I was forcefed "Un Chien Andalou" like a billion times.
8Tracks: External:
OK! You know where we're headed from here.
-Erik
Alright. Part three!! Definitely out of the 70s and 80s punk realm for a while, I believe. I think the list will bring a little bit more variety from here on on (though, for the record, it has been pretty eclectic thus far, in my opinion). Note: I encourage all of you who check this out to make a similar list! It's a fun exercise if you're serious about the music you love. I also encourage you to discuss/judge this list.
A recap of parts ONE and TWO:
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 (http://is.gd/9uaOC)
Chan Marshall turns me to putty. Ugh. It's not fair to have a voice so velvety and sultry (and to also look like she looks!? So mean.). This song just puts me outside on a warm summer night drinking with friends underneath stars and moons and tiki torches. And then that turn at 2:30 just seals the deal. Check your pulse if your toe isn't tapping.
079. Venus - Television (http://is.gd/9ucOO)
And we're back to CBGB in the 70s (you were warned!). For those of you who have listened to Marquee Moon in it's entirety you know it is just unbelievable. For those of you who haven't; please get with the program. There are a lot of songs on this list that offer little snapshots of a given time or place; I like to think of this song as a little picture of New York in '76-'77, complete with references to Richard Hell. But the highlight of this track are the guitars. The technique and interplay is fantastic. I prefer this track to the more notable title track just for length. I get tired in most 10-minute songs. But the whole album is sellar.
078. In The Neighborhood - Tom Waits (http://is.gd/9ugaH)
"With Swordfishtrombones, The Black Rider was thrown out of the nightclub into the alley and, finding himself in his true element, he made its trashcan residents and urine stink the genetic code of the rest of his career." -Rob Mitchum, Pitchfork. "In the Neighborhood" is like a cartoon sketch of any inner city. It's simultaneously playful and depressing, sugar and spice, and, of course, it's Tom Wait's as the ringmaster, drunkenly spewing concrete on a piano somewhere dirty. And oh how I love it so.
077. Losing My Edge - LCD Soundsystem (http://is.gd/9ukZA)
What is the point in doing anything if you take yourself so seriously? I love the music video, because I feel with every reference he throws out that I understand I'm catching a slap in the face. And it's totally fine. I can relate to a lot of the sentiment in this track ("the kids are coming up from behind.") And you can dance to it too, which is always nice. And because I'm the master of meta (ugh I feel like an asshole right now):
076. Vitamin C - Can (http://is.gd/9uqpz)
Krautrock was a bizarre, bizarre movement in Germany in the late 60s and 70s. I think what made it so fascinating, to me, was how disjointed everything was. From early electronic experiments to crazy jam rock, it encompassed nearly everything. But my personal favorite of the entire "genre" is, and always will be, Can. Those drums! Do you breakdance? Well you do now! I love this track so much because it doesn't sound like it belongs anywhere. It just mysteriously came from this crazy nebula of jazz, funk, rock and punk and burrowed into our ears.
075. International Player's Anthem - UGK (feat. Outkast) (http://is.gd/9urYY)
Andre 3000's verse.
074. Someday - The Strokes (http://is.gd/9utTp)
There are some songs on this list that I can't even fully explain. They just hit me. "Someday" is one of those songs. Maybe it's Julian Casablancas' voice, or the simple yet perfect guitar riff, or the lovely nostalgic lyrics, or the consistent and effortlessly excellent rhythm section, or the, shit, it's obviously all of the above and more.
073. These Days - Nico (http://is.gd/9uvLD)
I think in order to really appreciate the Nico version you have to know the original Jackson Browne version. Her version is completely turned on its ear. Instead of being one of the millions of songs about regret after a relationship, little twists in the words made her version about regret at the end of life. This song just levels me. Especially Nico's haunting voice and the orchestration. Just beautiful.
072. All Falls Down - Kanye West (http://is.gd/9uwYt)
This track comes from notorious doucher Kanye West. I want to hate him so much (and in many ways I do), but then I go back and listen to his old albums when he had shreds of sincerity and get completely blown away. The beat is so soulful and the lyrics are such a refreshing change of pace from the kind of rap that populated manstream hip-hop for the majority of the decade. I guess this song is also bittersweet to me, because I see what happened to Kanye, who I sort of regarded as a bastion of honesty in the world of rap, and see what's become of him. "When it falls down, who you gonna call now," indeed.
071. Debaser - Pixies (http://is.gd/9uAcD)
This song is a sort of late edition. Originally I had "Here Comes Your Man," but then I went back and listened to the Pixies a bit more. And I realized "Here Comes Your Man" doesn't really capture what I really love about the Pixies, or what they do best: and that is rock. "Debaser" fuckin' rocks, man. And as a film student, I was forcefed "Un Chien Andalou" like a billion times.
8Tracks: External:
OK! You know where we're headed from here.
-Erik
Thursday, February 25, 2010
My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (90-81)
So continues my 100 favorite tracks list. One thing I forgot to note in the intro, is, just to make things a bit more interesting and diverse, I limited myself to 2 tracks per artist. I know that sort of contradicts what I'm going for with a 100 greatest tracks list. But, then again, where's the fun in listening to 10 Springsteen tracks or the entire first side of Blonde on Blonde. I personally think this is a more challenging and rewarding way to look at the list.
Recap of part 1:
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
90. Waiting Room - Fugazi (http://is.gd/9cbdu)
I got into a discussion recently about what "punk" is. And when I define it, sure I look at classic examples of when punk was first becoming a movement (Sex Pistols, Ramones, etc.). But when I think of punk I think of Fugazi and Minor Threat. These were bands that didn't need buttons on their shirts (or shirts in general) to express themselves. They looked at punk as a lifestyle, not a fashion choice. And for them, punk was not being destructive or counter-productive, but actually meant going out and creating positive change that may or may not be anti-establishment. "Waiting Room" is a perfect example of what it means to want change, which so many punks claim, but don't do anything about except shave a mohawk and pin their jeans. "And I won't make the same mistakes/Because I know how much time that wastes." And did you hear that bass riff? Forget about it!
89. Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye (http://is.gd/9cdeu)
By the end of the list you'll know this, so I may as well tell you now: I am a pussy. And I don't know what it is, but man, Marvin, I can relate: "Every chance you get you seem to hurt me more and more/But each hurt makes my love stronger than before." What is it about the opposite sex that makes us so stupid? This song was (of course) written by Smokey Robinson, who Bob Dylan once called "America's greatest living poet." I love this song so much, because Marvin's in the moment. He knows exactly what's happening and how ridiculous it is, and yet can't pull himself out of it because of love. And, you know, the melody is great, the tune rules, and Marvin's voice is always fantastic.
88. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone - Minor Threat (http://is.gd/9cgRx)
This song was originally by Paul Revere and the Raiders, and then made famous by the Monkees. But, come on, this was always a punk song. The best incarnation was by Minor Threat, a predecessor to Fugazi (see #90 for ramblings on that whole thing). I am a huge fan of the production on this song. It starts out like you're hearing this band practice through the phone. And then you're magically sucked through the phone into this sweaty club where these punks are thrashing to a song made famous by the fucking Monkees. How great is that?!
87. Daylight - Aesop Rock (http://is.gd/9cihY)
"I'll hang my boots to rest when I'm impressed/So I triple-knot 'em and forgot 'em." Cerebral hip-hop has a rightful bad reputation. Most of the time it's just some wannabe intellectual jerking off to a thesaurus and thinking that passes for impressive lyrics or wordplay. "Daylight" is a poetic marvel. The syntax and meter and delivery of these insanely complex lines are something that can only be digested after multiple listens. It also doesn't hurt that Blockhead's beat is beautiful and soulful, and everything that underground hip-hop should be but isn't, because it's usually too busy telling you about how underground it is.
86. In the New Year - The Walkmen (http://is.gd/9ckDo)
I first heard this song on Mr. Tim Kringle's year in review 2008, and man, I was hooked. I can't hear the chorus without just nodding my head like a moron. I love this song because the verses are so subdued, yet filled with this tension, which erupts into this absolute monster of a chorus.
85. Judy is a Punk - Ramones (http://is.gd/9cmfb)
"Second verse, same as the first." This song is everything I love about the Ramones. Raw energy and attitude packed into 1:30. Is there anything else you really need to hear to justify this track? You are going to get a taste of almost everything that was happening in CBGB in the 70s during the course of these 100 tracks, and the Ramones were just a small sliver. But my God was that sliver significant and awesome.
84. I'm the Man Who Loves You - Wilco (http://is.gd/9cnpH)
This track comes from Wilco's brilliant 2002 album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. There is only so much one can say in a letter or a song. Sometimes all it takes is a hug or a kiss or a glance to know how someone truly feels. Jeff Tweedy just perfectly captures how frustrating it can be staring down at a page and wishing those words could just bring the person to you so you can say everything you can't articulate in words. And the melody/harmony is beautiful. I also love how the intro completely leads you with a totally different impression of what the song is going to be.
83. My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg) - Ramones (http://is.gd/9cp6W)
The Ramones were not a political band. But they were also not completely apolitical. This song has a fascinating backstory behind it. Long story short: Ronald Reagan is a dickhead. The hook on this song is so amazing. I just can't get enough of Joey's delivery on it: "My brain is hanging UP!side-down." It's also awesome to see how the Ramones evolved as a serious rock and roll band. Not just 3-chord punk.
82. White Riot - The Clash (http://is.gd/9cq5G)
Oh Joe Strummer. This song is essentially, "Hey whitey, stop being a pussy and get mad!" It just shows how The Clash were always champions of the disenfranchised, pretty much regardless of race or creed or anything else. And it's just a great, iconic, loud and angry punk song.
81. Many Rivers to Cross - Jimmy Cliff (http://is.gd/9crgQ)
Above my bed I have a series of posters taken from the Robert Frost poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" that say "I have promises to keep/And miles to go/Before I sleep." This song is essentially that sentiment in brilliant song form. Jimmy Cliff's voice just soars. Life is such a hard, lonely journey, but you have to endure: what a powerful message sung even more powerfully. This song is on The Harder They Come, which is probaby the greatest reggae album ever made. It really inspires me to push even when everything seems hopeless.
8tracks: External:
Next up 80-71!
-Erik
Recap of part 1:
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
90. Waiting Room - Fugazi (http://is.gd/9cbdu)
I got into a discussion recently about what "punk" is. And when I define it, sure I look at classic examples of when punk was first becoming a movement (Sex Pistols, Ramones, etc.). But when I think of punk I think of Fugazi and Minor Threat. These were bands that didn't need buttons on their shirts (or shirts in general) to express themselves. They looked at punk as a lifestyle, not a fashion choice. And for them, punk was not being destructive or counter-productive, but actually meant going out and creating positive change that may or may not be anti-establishment. "Waiting Room" is a perfect example of what it means to want change, which so many punks claim, but don't do anything about except shave a mohawk and pin their jeans. "And I won't make the same mistakes/Because I know how much time that wastes." And did you hear that bass riff? Forget about it!
89. Ain't That Peculiar - Marvin Gaye (http://is.gd/9cdeu)
By the end of the list you'll know this, so I may as well tell you now: I am a pussy. And I don't know what it is, but man, Marvin, I can relate: "Every chance you get you seem to hurt me more and more/But each hurt makes my love stronger than before." What is it about the opposite sex that makes us so stupid? This song was (of course) written by Smokey Robinson, who Bob Dylan once called "America's greatest living poet." I love this song so much, because Marvin's in the moment. He knows exactly what's happening and how ridiculous it is, and yet can't pull himself out of it because of love. And, you know, the melody is great, the tune rules, and Marvin's voice is always fantastic.
88. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone - Minor Threat (http://is.gd/9cgRx)
This song was originally by Paul Revere and the Raiders, and then made famous by the Monkees. But, come on, this was always a punk song. The best incarnation was by Minor Threat, a predecessor to Fugazi (see #90 for ramblings on that whole thing). I am a huge fan of the production on this song. It starts out like you're hearing this band practice through the phone. And then you're magically sucked through the phone into this sweaty club where these punks are thrashing to a song made famous by the fucking Monkees. How great is that?!
87. Daylight - Aesop Rock (http://is.gd/9cihY)
"I'll hang my boots to rest when I'm impressed/So I triple-knot 'em and forgot 'em." Cerebral hip-hop has a rightful bad reputation. Most of the time it's just some wannabe intellectual jerking off to a thesaurus and thinking that passes for impressive lyrics or wordplay. "Daylight" is a poetic marvel. The syntax and meter and delivery of these insanely complex lines are something that can only be digested after multiple listens. It also doesn't hurt that Blockhead's beat is beautiful and soulful, and everything that underground hip-hop should be but isn't, because it's usually too busy telling you about how underground it is.
86. In the New Year - The Walkmen (http://is.gd/9ckDo)
I first heard this song on Mr. Tim Kringle's year in review 2008, and man, I was hooked. I can't hear the chorus without just nodding my head like a moron. I love this song because the verses are so subdued, yet filled with this tension, which erupts into this absolute monster of a chorus.
85. Judy is a Punk - Ramones (http://is.gd/9cmfb)
"Second verse, same as the first." This song is everything I love about the Ramones. Raw energy and attitude packed into 1:30. Is there anything else you really need to hear to justify this track? You are going to get a taste of almost everything that was happening in CBGB in the 70s during the course of these 100 tracks, and the Ramones were just a small sliver. But my God was that sliver significant and awesome.
84. I'm the Man Who Loves You - Wilco (http://is.gd/9cnpH)
This track comes from Wilco's brilliant 2002 album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. There is only so much one can say in a letter or a song. Sometimes all it takes is a hug or a kiss or a glance to know how someone truly feels. Jeff Tweedy just perfectly captures how frustrating it can be staring down at a page and wishing those words could just bring the person to you so you can say everything you can't articulate in words. And the melody/harmony is beautiful. I also love how the intro completely leads you with a totally different impression of what the song is going to be.
83. My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg) - Ramones (http://is.gd/9cp6W)
The Ramones were not a political band. But they were also not completely apolitical. This song has a fascinating backstory behind it. Long story short: Ronald Reagan is a dickhead. The hook on this song is so amazing. I just can't get enough of Joey's delivery on it: "My brain is hanging UP!side-down." It's also awesome to see how the Ramones evolved as a serious rock and roll band. Not just 3-chord punk.
82. White Riot - The Clash (http://is.gd/9cq5G)
Oh Joe Strummer. This song is essentially, "Hey whitey, stop being a pussy and get mad!" It just shows how The Clash were always champions of the disenfranchised, pretty much regardless of race or creed or anything else. And it's just a great, iconic, loud and angry punk song.
81. Many Rivers to Cross - Jimmy Cliff (http://is.gd/9crgQ)
Above my bed I have a series of posters taken from the Robert Frost poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" that say "I have promises to keep/And miles to go/Before I sleep." This song is essentially that sentiment in brilliant song form. Jimmy Cliff's voice just soars. Life is such a hard, lonely journey, but you have to endure: what a powerful message sung even more powerfully. This song is on The Harder They Come, which is probaby the greatest reggae album ever made. It really inspires me to push even when everything seems hopeless.
8tracks: External:
Next up 80-71!
-Erik
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
2009 Discs 1 and 2: The Singles and The Calm
As noted, this (last) year's end of year mix came in 3 parts. The first was the cassette (2009 in Lo-Fi), the second was Disc 1: The Singles and the last was Disc 2: The Calm.
Disc 1: The Singles is meant to play at random. None of the songs are meant to flow into each other. It was designed to be listened to on an iPod, in a playlist on shuffle. The first and last tracks are designed as opener/closer, respectively to bookend the list, but they still function anywhere else in playing order. The track list is as follows:
01. Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - Optimist vs. The Silent Alarm (When the Saints Go Marching In)
02. Girls - Lust for Life
03. Camera Obscura - Honey in the Sun
04. Passion Pit - Moth's Wings
05. Delorean - Seasun
06. Sleigh Bells - Crown on the Ground
07. Raekwon - Kiss the Ring (feat. Inspectah Deck & Masta Killa)
08. The Very Best - Chalo
09. Foreign Born - Early Warnings
10. Double Dagger - The Lie/The Truth
11. Cymbals Eat Guitars - Some Trees (Merritt Moon)
12. The Shaky Hands - Allison and the Ancient Eyes
13. Dirty Projectors & David Byrne - Knotty Pine
14. Animal Collective - My Girls
15. The Mountain Goats - Deuteronomy 2:10
Disc 2: The Calm is meant to play like a standard album, front-to-back. It's much more folky/acoustic. Generally speaking, throw on some headphones, lay back and relax and listen. Track list:
01. Mazes - Laid in the Darkness
02. Neko Case - This Tornado Loves You
03. White Antelope - Silver Dagger
04. Mumford & Sons - Sister
05. Bowerbirds - Northern Lights
06. The Tallest Man on Earth - Pistol Dreams
07. Telekinesis - I Saw Lightning
08. Beirut - Mimizan
09. Dirty Projectors - Two Doves
10. Woods - To Clean (Acoustic)
11. The Clientele - Bonfires on the Heath
12. Grizzly Bear - While You Wait for the Others
13. Pink Mountaintops - Vampire
14. Antony and the Johnsons - Dust and Water
That's all!
Erik
Next lists will be my 100 favorite tracks of all time. Stay tuned!
(Special thanks to Matty [SS# 386-05-1812] for album art!)
2009 in Lo-Fi
Here is the first of 3 end of year mixes I put together. This is 2009 in Lo-Fi. Originally presented as a cassette, this mix showcases my favorite in lo-fi from throughout 2009.
Track List:
01. Jookabox - You Cried Me
02. The Fresh & Onlys - Peacock and Wing
03. Real Estate - Green River (7" Version)
04. Woods - Rain On
05. Smith Westerns - My Heart
06. The Beatles - I Need You (Bad)
07. Young Governor - Virginia Creeper
08. Tonstartssbandht - Midnite Cobras
09. Das Cassette Robot - The End of Side A
10. Wavves - No Hope Kids
11. Fergus & Geronimo - Harder Than It's Ever Been
12. So Cow - Casablanca
13. The Babies - Meet Me in the City
14. railcars - Bohemia is Without a Sea
15. Flight - My Business
16. Eat Skull - Stick to the Formula
17. Tortoise - Yinxianghechengqi
18. Wet Hair - Saturn
19. Das Cassette Robot - The End of the Cassette
8Tracks! External Link
More to Come,
Erik
Track List:
01. Jookabox - You Cried Me
02. The Fresh & Onlys - Peacock and Wing
03. Real Estate - Green River (7" Version)
04. Woods - Rain On
05. Smith Westerns - My Heart
06. The Beatles - I Need You (Bad)
07. Young Governor - Virginia Creeper
08. Tonstartssbandht - Midnite Cobras
09. Das Cassette Robot - The End of Side A
10. Wavves - No Hope Kids
11. Fergus & Geronimo - Harder Than It's Ever Been
12. So Cow - Casablanca
13. The Babies - Meet Me in the City
14. railcars - Bohemia is Without a Sea
15. Flight - My Business
16. Eat Skull - Stick to the Formula
17. Tortoise - Yinxianghechengqi
18. Wet Hair - Saturn
19. Das Cassette Robot - The End of the Cassette
8Tracks! External Link
More to Come,
Erik
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
2009 Part 1: Orphans
This play-list is the first of 4 parts to the 2009 mix. It's songs that, while still sweet, just didn't quite have a home on the three real mixes. Also note: there were a few songs not included on this list (though I really wanted to!) that I first came to appreciate after hearing other people's '09 mixes. But it felt like cheating, so I didn't. Either way:
External Link: http://8tracks.com/bubblewolf/2009-part-1-orphans
Best,
Erik
External Link: http://8tracks.com/bubblewolf/2009-part-1-orphans
Best,
Erik
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Day 94: Wildcard (20)
Wildcard time!!!YouTube:
01. Iron Maiden - Invaders
02. Death From Above, 1979 - Romantic Rights
03. Naked City - Bonehead
04. Bobby Darin - Beyond the Sea
05. Gary Wright - Dreamweaver
06. Stealers Wheel - Stuck in the Middle With You
07. Eddie Cochoran - Summertime Blues
08. Cherry Poppin' Daddies - Zoot Suit Riot
09. Westbound Train - I'm No Different
10. The Doors - Light My Fire
11. The Jam - That's Entertainment
12. Bill Callahan - Jim Cain
13. Cold War Kids - We Used to Vacation
14. The Flaming Lips - The W.A.N.D.
15. Ice T - Colors
16. Parliament - Flashlight
17. Fiona Apple - Criminal
18. Hüsker Dü - Celebrated Summer
19. Everly Brothers - All I Have to Do is Dream
20. Andrea Bocelli - Con te Partiro
imeem: External:
Day 94: Wildcard (20)
Mix It Up,
Erik
(Image by John Goodridge, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Monday, July 20, 2009
Day 92: New Music Monday (4)
This week brings the latest installment of New Music Monday. Got a nice, diverse selection, I hope you enjoy.http://8tracks.com/bubblewolf/new-music-monday-4-http-thedailyplay-list-blogspot-com
Track-List:
01. Jay Reatard - Wounded (MySpace/.mp3)
02. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Cardinal Rules (MySpace/.mp3) [Gotta love a stadium anthem written for a minor league baseball team]
03. The Very Best - Chalo (MySpace/.mp3)
04. The Tallest Man On Earth - Pistol Dreams (MySpace/.mp3)
05. Mission Of Burma - 1, 2, 3, Partyy!!! (MySpace/.mp3)
06. PENS - Networking (MySpace/.mp3)
07. Fergus & Geronimo - Harder Than It's Ever Been (MySpace/.mp3)
08. Ganglians - Voodoo (MySpace/.mp3)
09. Tonstartssbandht - Midnight Cobras (MySpace/.mp3)
10. The Fresh & Onlys - Peacock and Wing (MySpace/.mp3)
11. The Wooden Sky - Something Hiding For Us In The Night (MySpace/.mp3)
12. Blue Roses - Doubtful Comforts (MySpace/.mp3)
Have a good one,
Erik
(Image by Genny, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Day 90: Wildcard (19)
Hey folks!!! I know, it's been a while. Hopefully you missed me as much as I missed you. I finally have Internet and some free time, so I am actually able to get back to this a little bit. Today is a Wildcard day.YouTube:
01. Rakim - Guess Who's Back
02. Michael Jackson - Dapper Dan
03. Huey Lewis & the News - I Never Walk Alone
04. Elvis Presley - Suspicious Minds
05. Charlie Rich - Behind Closed Doors
06. Youngblood Brass Band - Human Nature pt. 2
07. Black Crowes - Kickin' My Heart Around
08. AC/DC - Hells Bells
09. The Future of the Left - Arming Eritrea
10. Exhorder - Into the Void
11. Minor Threat - Out of Step
12. The Kinks - All Day and All of the Night
13. Little Richard - Tutti Frutti
14. Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks
15. Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes
16. J Dilla - Milk Money
17. The Bird & The Bee - Birthday
18. Belle & Sebastian - I'm A Cuckoo
19. Regina Spektor - Dance Anthem of the 80s
20. Dashboard Confessional - Stolen
imeem: External:
Day 90: Wildcard (19)
RIP MJ
Erik
(Image by Javier Sanchez, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Day 86: New Music Monday (3) (Part 2 of 2)
Today concludes the second part of New Music Monday (on a Tuesday?!?!?). Yesterday's 8tracks list can be found here. Enjoy.YouTube:
01. Grizzly Bear - Southern Point (This song reminds me of Steely Dan covering America) [MySpace]
02. Foreign Born - Early Warning (N/A) [MySpace]
03. Passion Pit - Moth's Wings [MySpace]
04. Royal City - Can't You Hear Me Calling (N/A) [MySpace]
05. The Rural Alberta Advantage - Don't Haunt This Place [MySpace]
06. Tortoise - Prepare Your Coffin [MySpace]
07. Meercaz - Troubled Hand (N/A) [MySpace]
08. Bon Iver - Your Love (Live) [MySpace]
8tracks: external:
Yay Music!
Erik
(Image by Cayusa, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Day 85: New Music Monday (3) (Part 1 of 2)
I've assembled a new New Music list for this week. I've come across a fair amount of good stuff recently, so I've decided to make it two lists (the second of which will run tomorrow). The other New Music lists can be found here.YouTube:
01. Liechtenstein - Roses in the Park (N/A) [MySpace]
02. Bowerbirds - Northern Lights [MySpace]
03. Here We Go Magic - Only Pieces [MySpace]
04. Mouthful of Bees - Please and Thank You (N/A) [MySpace]
05. Nurses - Caterpillar Playground [MySpace]
06. Eat Skull - Stick to the Formula (N/A) [MySpace]
07. White Antelope - Silver Dagger (N/A) [MySpace]
08. Sharon Van Etten - Consolation Prize [MySpace] (she's lovely!!)
8tracks: External:
Happy Memorial Day,
Erik
(Image by Valerie, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Day 80: Ramones
Today's artist spotlight is the Ramones. Not much to say, other than the fact that the Ramones were on the forefront of the New York punk scene. Their 2-minute explosions of sound came to define the movement, paving the way for hundreds of future artists. On topics ranging from subversive political statements and social commentary to "Bird" being the "word," the Ramones looked right into the downtrodden but changing face of New York City; and then spit into it.Hey ho, let's go.
YouTube:
(All songs by the Ramones)
01. Blitzkrieg Bop
02. Sheena Is A Punk Rocker
03. Danny Says
04. I'm Against It
05. I Wanna Be Sedated
06. Judy Is A Punk
07. The KKK Took My Baby Away
08. I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
09. Poison Heart
10. Rockaway Beach
11. Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment
12. Cretin Hop
13. Teenage Lobotomy
14. Howling At The Moon (Sha La La)
15. My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg)
16. Something To Believe In
17. I Can't Give You Anything
18. Pet Sematary
19. I Can't Make It On Time
20. Street Fighting Man
imeem: External:
Day 80: Ramones
1-2-3-4!!
Erik
Videos!
And... :-(
(Image by Okada Shinoda, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Day 78: Wildcard (16)
It's beat time! It's hop time! It's Wildcard time!!YouTube:
01. The Monks - Monk Time
02. Spencer Davis Group - Gimme Some Lovin'
03. Kenny Loggins - Mr. Night
04. Black Crowes - Kickin' My Heart Around
05. Five Iron Frenzy - Pre Ex-Girlfriend
06. Public Image Ltd. - Swan Lake
07. Dirty Projectors - Stillness Is The Move
08. Junior Senior - Move Your Feet
09. M.I.A. - Galang
10. Pharrell - Angel
11. Aceyalone - I Think I Know Too Much
12. Blondie - Rapture
13. The Tubes - She's A Beauty
14. Interpol - NYC
15. Beach House - Apple Orchard
16. Coldplay - Don't Panic (I can't seem to escape this song; so I figured I'd just throw it on a list.)
17. The Beach Boys - Don't Worry Baby
18. Willie Nelson - Whiskey River
19. Tommy James & The Shondells - Crimson & Clover
20. Roy Orbison - In Dreams
imeem: External:
Day 78: Wildcard (16)
A Candy-Colored Clown,
Erik
Bonus!
(Image by Josh Harper, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Day 73: Wildcard (15)
Alright, Wildcard time!!!YouTube:
01. 13th Floor Elevators - You're Gonna Miss Me
02. Redman & Method Man - Da Rockwilder
03. Cannibal Ox - Raspberry Fields
04. The Notwist - Boneless
05. The Offspring - Not the One
06. The Fall - Spoilt Victorian Child
07. Vetiver - Everyday
08. The Carpenters - Close to You
09. Fleetwood Mac - Hypnotized
10. The Fratellis - The Gutterati?
11. Pras feat. Mya & O.D.B. - Ghetto Superstar
12. L.T.D. - (Every Time I Turn Around) Back In Love Again
13. U2 - With or Without You
14. Television Personalities - This Angry Silence
15. Eddie Money - Two Tickets to Paradise
16. Rod Stewart - Maggie May
17. Warren Zevon - Accidentally Like A Martyr
18. Taken By Trees - Open Field
19. Kurt Vile - My Best Friends (Don't Even Pass This) (N/A)
20. Her Space Holiday - Sleepy Tigers
imeem: External:
Day 73: Wildcard (15)
Yowza,
Erik
Vidi-ideo
(Image by Tony Case, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Day 70: Elvis Costello
This week's artist spotlight is Mr. Elvis Costello, a man for whom I have the utmost respect. Like Lou Reed and Joe Strummer, Costello was both simultaneously more punk than the punks and more intelligent than the... well everyone. Lyrically he always comes through with a profound message on pretty much every topic. Unlike a lot of punk music, he doesn't fall back on the primitive "Fuck you" to the government message. Instead he describes why we can't truth those in power. Musically, his explorations have ventured from rock to jazz to reggae to punk and nearly everything else, and he's done them all well. Also, like a Van Morrison, his music has aged really well (and so has his voice).I've put together a 20-track list of some of my favorite Costello songs (though it could easily be 50). I've spanned the majority of his career, from his more punkish roots to his recent dabblings in jazz and classical. Enjoy!!!
YouTube:
(All songs by Elvis Costello and one of his many back-up groups [The Attractions, The Imposters, and the Brodsky Quartet])
01. (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea
02. Bedlam
03. Welcome to the Working Week (Note: This song was going to go on the May Day list, but I knew it was going on this list so I decided not to use it, though it deserves to be)
04. Man Out Of Time (I've used this song on a previous list, but I'm sorry, I love it so)
05. Little Palaces
06. I Almost Had A Weakness (Cover Only)
07. Little Triggers
08. Couldn't Call It Unexpected (Cover Only)
09. Tokyo Storm Warning (N/A)
10. White Knuckles (N/A)
11. Everyday I Write The Book
12. Watching the Detectives
13. ...And In Every Home (N/A)
14. Shipbuilding
15. Soul For Hire (Cover Only)
16. Goon Squad (N/A)
17. 13 Steps Lead Down
18. Man Called Uncle (N/A)
19. Clubland
20. Alison
imeem: External:
Day 70: Elvis Costello
Get Happy!!
Erik
Vids!
And
And epically
(Image by Bruno Bollaert, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
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