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
Showing posts with label RnB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RnB. Show all posts
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (20-11)
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
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
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (30-21)
Once again, no pithy snark for you.
Recapitulation:
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 (http://is.gd/a5Gee)
This song is Bright Eyes in 9:00. The crash course. It breaks up pretty much all of his themes and distills them verse by verse: human commentary, political ire, personal tragedy and tied all together with love. The scene of him and his father in the hospital is some of the most moving words put to music. This is also probably as close to a Bob Dylan song that's ever been produced. Musically, just a solid rebel country song. But the centerpiece here are the lyrics. The fact that they can take a riff, run with it for 9 minutes and keep me completely enthralled is a testament to how great the words are.
029. Throwing It All Away - Genesis (http://is.gd/a5LJK)
Phil Collins: the fucking melody man. There's a definite schism in the history of Genesis, from prog to pop. And for me, I favor the latter incarnation, mostly because of Phil Collins. The melody on this song is remarkable; and it never gets old for me.
028. Street Fighting Man - Rolling Stones (http://is.gd/a5M6v)
This song is just pure rock and roll. Whenever I hear the guitar riff I get wild-eyed like Zack Attack. I can't really say much more. Rock and roll, man.
027. Disney Girls (1957) - Beach Boys (http://is.gd/a5Mzr)
"All my life I've spent the night with dreams of you." This is just a gorgeous love song with a fantastic melody. This is the kind of love I think everyone aspires to find one day. Even if you don't realize it now, growing old with someone is something to revere and covet.
026. Incident On 57th Street - Bruce Springsteen (http://is.gd/a5MUG)
This is the first cut on my favorite record side of all time (Side 2 of The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle). This song is everything I love about the Boss: great lyrics, tight and deceptively complex instrumentation, and a great narrative. Bruce just captures the sights, sounds and mood of his place and time so well.
025. This Will Be Our Year - The Zombies (http://is.gd/a5N84)
Oddessey and Oracle is a brilliant album on par with Sgt. Pepper's and Pet Sounds, and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. This is pretty much a flawless pop song, and one of the best love songs ever written. This block of tracks has been pretty stacked with awesome melodies, and this song is no different.
024. Life on Mars? - David Bowie (http://is.gd/a5Nks)
Looking back, I think "Queen Bitch" would have been on this list. My bad. But "Life On Mars?" is my favorite Bowie song. If you've ever partied in Madison you can relate to the lyrics, and the chorus is just a monster. I love this song.
023. Don't Mug Yourself - The Streets (http://is.gd/a5NAS)
What up Mike Skinner?! The Streets is one of, if not the, most original thing to come out in hip-hop in the 2000s. This song is the only straight-up funny track on this list, and it doesn't disppoint. Probably my favorite song to throw on at a party. "Oi oi oi oi!"
022. I'm A Cuckoo - Belle & Sebastian (http://is.gd/a5O9k)
Just like "July, July!" and The Decemberists, there are a dozen Belle & Sebastian songs that could be on this list. But I always come back to "I'm A Cuckoo." How can you hear this song and not fall in love with it? I'm finding my descriptions getting less and less expository as we get closer to #1, but it makes sense; it's hard to explain why we specifically love something that we feel strong connection to.
021. Mama's Pearl - Jackson 5 (http://is.gd/a5OuT)
If you haven't noticed, I'm a sucker for great pop songs. And, really, there was no better time and place than 60s/70s Motown for pop music. I look at this song and "I Want You Back" as long-lost twins born two years apart. Once again, no great explanation for this track: I just always love to hear it. Funny story, the demo version of this song was hilariously called "Guess Who's Making Whoopie (With Your Girlfriend)" but was changed to keep with Michael's child-like image. OK, now I know Michael had a lot in his life to screw him up; but has anyone thought he had messed up sexual issues because he was singing about nailing girls since he was born, basically? Think about it.
8tracks: External:
Woah we're close!
Erik
Recapitulation:
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 (http://is.gd/a5Gee)
This song is Bright Eyes in 9:00. The crash course. It breaks up pretty much all of his themes and distills them verse by verse: human commentary, political ire, personal tragedy and tied all together with love. The scene of him and his father in the hospital is some of the most moving words put to music. This is also probably as close to a Bob Dylan song that's ever been produced. Musically, just a solid rebel country song. But the centerpiece here are the lyrics. The fact that they can take a riff, run with it for 9 minutes and keep me completely enthralled is a testament to how great the words are.
029. Throwing It All Away - Genesis (http://is.gd/a5LJK)
Phil Collins: the fucking melody man. There's a definite schism in the history of Genesis, from prog to pop. And for me, I favor the latter incarnation, mostly because of Phil Collins. The melody on this song is remarkable; and it never gets old for me.
028. Street Fighting Man - Rolling Stones (http://is.gd/a5M6v)
This song is just pure rock and roll. Whenever I hear the guitar riff I get wild-eyed like Zack Attack. I can't really say much more. Rock and roll, man.
027. Disney Girls (1957) - Beach Boys (http://is.gd/a5Mzr)
"All my life I've spent the night with dreams of you." This is just a gorgeous love song with a fantastic melody. This is the kind of love I think everyone aspires to find one day. Even if you don't realize it now, growing old with someone is something to revere and covet.
026. Incident On 57th Street - Bruce Springsteen (http://is.gd/a5MUG)
This is the first cut on my favorite record side of all time (Side 2 of The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle). This song is everything I love about the Boss: great lyrics, tight and deceptively complex instrumentation, and a great narrative. Bruce just captures the sights, sounds and mood of his place and time so well.
025. This Will Be Our Year - The Zombies (http://is.gd/a5N84)
Oddessey and Oracle is a brilliant album on par with Sgt. Pepper's and Pet Sounds, and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath. This is pretty much a flawless pop song, and one of the best love songs ever written. This block of tracks has been pretty stacked with awesome melodies, and this song is no different.
024. Life on Mars? - David Bowie (http://is.gd/a5Nks)
Looking back, I think "Queen Bitch" would have been on this list. My bad. But "Life On Mars?" is my favorite Bowie song. If you've ever partied in Madison you can relate to the lyrics, and the chorus is just a monster. I love this song.
023. Don't Mug Yourself - The Streets (http://is.gd/a5NAS)
What up Mike Skinner?! The Streets is one of, if not the, most original thing to come out in hip-hop in the 2000s. This song is the only straight-up funny track on this list, and it doesn't disppoint. Probably my favorite song to throw on at a party. "Oi oi oi oi!"
022. I'm A Cuckoo - Belle & Sebastian (http://is.gd/a5O9k)
Just like "July, July!" and The Decemberists, there are a dozen Belle & Sebastian songs that could be on this list. But I always come back to "I'm A Cuckoo." How can you hear this song and not fall in love with it? I'm finding my descriptions getting less and less expository as we get closer to #1, but it makes sense; it's hard to explain why we specifically love something that we feel strong connection to.
021. Mama's Pearl - Jackson 5 (http://is.gd/a5OuT)
If you haven't noticed, I'm a sucker for great pop songs. And, really, there was no better time and place than 60s/70s Motown for pop music. I look at this song and "I Want You Back" as long-lost twins born two years apart. Once again, no great explanation for this track: I just always love to hear it. Funny story, the demo version of this song was hilariously called "Guess Who's Making Whoopie (With Your Girlfriend)" but was changed to keep with Michael's child-like image. OK, now I know Michael had a lot in his life to screw him up; but has anyone thought he had messed up sexual issues because he was singing about nailing girls since he was born, basically? Think about it.
8tracks: External:
Woah we're close!
Erik
Friday, March 5, 2010
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
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
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
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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
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
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, July 29, 2009
Day 96: Wildcard (21)
This week's Wildcard is a compilation of the past 20 weeks of Wildcards. I chose 1 song from each list. And one bonus video. Enjoy! (Note: I'm not assembling anything else this week [vacation]) Take it easy!
YouTube:
01. Andrew Gold - Lonely Boy
02. MF Doom - Rhymes Like Dimes
03. Bedouin Soundclash - St. Andrews
04. Can - Vitamin C
05. Lucinda Williams - Right in Time
06. Television - Venus
07. Black Milk (feat. Royce Da 5'9") - Losing Out
08. Butthole Surfers - Pepper
09. Blondie - 11:59
10. Bobby Womack - Across 110th Street
11. The Streets - Don't Mug Yourself
12. EPMD - Richter Scale
13. Phil Collins - Take Me Home
14. The Ronettes - Be My Baby
15. Warren Zevon - Acidentally Like A Martyr
16. Pharrell - Angel
17. LCD Soundsystem - Losing My Edge
18. The Zombies - This Will Be Our Year
19. Belle & Sebastian - I'm A Cuckoo
20. Hüsker Dü - Celebrated Summer
imeem: External:
Day 96: Wildcard (21)
-Erik
(Image by Art G., Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Day 88: Left Eye
Today, May 28, 2009, would have been the 38th birthday of Lisa Lopes of popular music group TLC. She was the "L," which stood for "Left Eye" (though it could have just as easily stood for "Loved setting Andre Rison's house on fire").Left Eye died tragically in 2002 in a car crash in Honduras. To commemorate Ms. Lopes, I've put together a list of 15 songs about eyes.
YouTube:
01. Debbie Gibson - Lost In Your Eyes
02. Eric Clapton - My Father's Eyes
03. Jackson Browne - Doctor My Eyes
04. Guess Who - These Eyes
05. The Eagles - Lyin' Eyes
06. The Who - Behind Blue Eyes
07. Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
08. The dB's - Big Brown Eyes
09. Pogues - Pair of Brown Eyes
10. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
11. Sinead O'Connor - Damn Your Eyes
12. Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes
13. Velvet Underground - Pale Blue Eyes
14. The Beta Band - Needles In My Eyes
15. Van Morrison - Brown-Eyed Girl
imeem: External:
Day 88: Left Eye
The Light The Heat,
Erik
Video!
(Image by zoethustra, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Day 87: Wildcard (18)
Yay! A new Wildcard! Just so you know, I'm probably going to take next week off. I'm moving, and keeping this baby up might be a bit hard with the commotion and lack of Internet. Enjoy!YouTube:
01. Monkees - Daydream Believer
02. Mary Wells - My Guy
03. The Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Loving Feeling
04. Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Where Have All The Rudeboys Gone?
05. The Walkmen - In The New Year
06. The Avalanches - Since I Left You
07. Coolio - I'll C U When U Get There
08. Dr. Dre - Bad Intentions
09. Phoenix - Countdown (Sick For The Big Sun) (N/A on imeem, "Lisztomania" instead)
10. Black Sabbath - Die Young
11. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Love Comes In Spurts
12. Don McLean - American Pie (Our national anthem)
13. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - The Carny
14. Eminem - Like Toy Soldiers
15. Nina Simone - To Love Somebody
16. Q-Tip - Vivrant Thing
17. The Human League - Open Your Heart
18. Tim Buckley - Song to the Siren
19. The Zombies - This Will Be Our Year (Great song/video!)
20. Ducktails - Beach Point Pleasant (N/A on imeem, "No Hope Kids" by Wavves instead)
imeem: External:
Day 87: Wildcard (18)
$$$$$$,
Erik
Videos!!!
Milwaukee, represent!
and
(Image by Kevin Law, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Day 84: Michael Jackson
(No reason this can't be fun, right?)From his introduction by Diana Ross and the rise of the Jackson 5 to his peak in the early 80s, then his inevitable downfall throughout the 90s, MJ brought us hit after hit after hit. In fact, the hardest part about making this list was trying not to just make it his #1s. Just look at the track list of Thriller, there isn't a deep cut on it. What I wanted to accomplish with this list was to try and encompass his career, while trying not to be too obvious, and use some of my favorite tracks.
YouTube:
(All songs by Michael Jackson unless otherwise noted)
01. Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
02. Jackson 5 - The Love You Save
03. Jackson 5 - Mama's Pearl
04. The Jacksons - Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)
05. Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye
06. Childhood (Explains everything you'll ever need to know about why he is the way he is)
07. Human Nature
08. The Way You Make Me Feel
09. Rock With You
10. Billie Jean
11. Bad
12. Black Or White
13. Another Part Of Me
14. Man In The Mirror
15. Ben
16. Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough
17. Thriller
18. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
19. One Day In Your Life
20. Heal the World
(Honorable Mentions: ABC, Doctor My Eyes, Maybe Tomorrow, I'll Be There, All I Do Is Think of You (Dilla!), Blame It On The Boogie, Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Leave Me Alone, You Are Not Alone, and Remember The Time)
imeem: External:
Day 84: Michael Jackson
Oooh!
Erik
Videos!
and
and
(Image by Håkon H, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Day 83: Flying
Today's a pretty epic day in the history of flight. On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh completed the first transatlantic, nonstop solo flight. Then, in 1932 (the same year Lindbergh, like a dickhead, lost his kid) Amelia Earhart became the first broad to accomplish the same feat (though she did it far less impressively, landing in Ireland, whereas Chuck landed in France).For today I put together a list of songs about flight. There are a lot of them.
YouTube:
01. Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
02. Mr. Mister - Broken Wings
03. REO Speedwagon - Time For Me To Fly
04. Led Zeppelin - Night Flight
05. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Learning to Fly
06. Rolling Stones - Flight 505 (clip @ 2:44)
07. Steve Miller Band - Jet Airliner
08. Bill Conti - Gonna Fly Now
09. R. Kelly - I Believe I Can Fly
10. Frank Sinatra - Come Fly With Me
11. Rush - Fly By Night
12. The Animals - Sky Pilot
13. The Kinks - This Time Tomorrow
14. Foo Fighters - Learn to Fly
15. Lenny Kravitz - Fly Away
imeem: External:
Day 83: Flying
Up and Away,
Erik
Videos!!!
and
and finally (really interesting)
(Image by Joe Penniston, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Day 82: Wildcard (17)
It's Wednesday, babay. You know the drill. And, as always, old Wildcards can be found here.YouTube:
01. Public Enemy - Welcome to the Terrordome
02. Aerosmith - Love In An Elevator
03. Cream - Strange Brew
04. The Hives - Hate To Say I Told You So
05. The Creation - Making Time
06. Boards of Canada - Roygbiv
07. Cocteau Twins - Lorelei
08. School of Seven Bells - Half Asleep
09. The Pop Group - We Are Time
10. Berlin - Take My Breath Away
11. Jefferson Starship - Jane
12. Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood
13. DangerDoom - Sofa King
14. All-4-One - I Can Love You Like That
15. The Charade - Keeping Up Appearances (N/A)
16. Rilo Kiley - Execution of All Things
17. Madness - One Step Beyond
18. Neko Case - This Tornado Loves You (N/A on imeem, "Middle Cyclone" instead)
19. Times New Viking - The Early '80s (N/A)
20. LCD Soundsystem - Losing My Edge (Burn!)
imeem: External:
Day 82: Wildcard (17)
5-Laced,
Erik
(Image by Art G., Licensed Under Creative Commons)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Day 81: Doo-Wop
Today's genre tour is Doo-Wop, an American pop genre in the 50s and 60s. It's a cool genre because it served as a bridge between gospel and the more stylized R&B that defined the 60s. It's also pretty cool because it was really only commercially viable between 1955 and 1960. I put together a list of songs that weren't all about holding hands and milkshakes and shit (though almost every song in the genre is about walking someone home).YouTube:
01. Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers - Why Do Fools Fall In Love?
002. The Visions - A Teenagers Life
003. Nicky & The Nobles - School Bells
04. Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs - Stay
005. The Videos - Moonglow You Know
06. The Kodaks - Make Believe World (N/A)
007. The Clickettes - Because Of My Best Friend
008. The Matadors - Vengeance
09. The Willows - Church Bells May Ring
10. The Marcels - Blue Moon
11. The Dell Kings - Come Go With Me
012. The Bluenotes - She Is Mine
13. Gene Chandler - Duke of Earl (what a bizarre persona...)
014. The Monotones - Who Wrote The Book of Love?
015. The Bop-Chords - So Why
016. The Corsairs - Smokey Places
017. The Heartbeats - Tormented
018. The Keynotes - I Don't Know
019. The Pelicans - Aurelia
20. The Penguins - Earth Angel
imeem: External:
(Note: There were way too many songs that had to be uploaded for this list to work. There were only 8 songs on imeem. If you'd like to check the songs out, I suggest sessioning the YouTube videos)
Day 81: Doo-Wop
Sh-Bop, Sh-Bop,
Erik
Videos!
and.
(Image by Svadilfari, Licensed Under Creative Commons)
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