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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks a lot for checking this out.

8tracks: External:


Best,
Erik

My 100 Favorite Tracks of All Time (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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8Tracks: External:


Rounding third!
-Erik

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

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

Recaps: 1, 2, 3:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8tracks: External:


Almost half way!
-Erik

Day 101: Fall Mix

This is my mix for Fall. Enjoy!
01. The Byrds - Turn, Turn, Turn
02. ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead - Festival Thyme (N/A)
03. Tarkio - Caroline Ave. (N/A on imeem)
04. The White Stripes - Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground
05. Woods - Rain On
06. Blitzen Trapper - Furr
07. Donovan - Season of the Witch
08. Rolling Stones - Wild Horses
09. Simon & Garfunkel - America
10. The Clientele - Bonfires on the Heath (N/A) (.mp3/stream)
11. Velvet Underground - Stephanie Says
12. The Beatles - Ticket to Ride (N/A on imeem)
13. The National - Fake Empire
14. Neil Young - Harvest Moon
15. Nico - Somewhere There's A Feather
16. Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
17. The Kinks - Nothin' In This World Can Stop Me Worryin' 'Bout That Girl (Feist cover? I'll take it.)
18. White Antelope - Silver Dagger (Baez/Dylan version is available here, but I don't like it on this list.)
19. Smashing Pumpkins - Landslide
20. Norah Jones - Shoot the Moon
21. Zombies - This Will Be Our Year

imeem: external:

Day 101: Fall Mix

Fall!
-Erik

(Image by Adam Barlett, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 99: The Factory

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

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



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

imeem: External:

Day 99: The Factory

Yeah,
Erik

Video!


(Image By Sonia Fantoli, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 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)

Beauty in the Breakdown, Case #2: "Born to Run"

This week's Beauty in the Breakdown highlights Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run," one of the greatest American rock songs of all time (as well as the hallmark of the Heartland Rock Genre).

A Little Background

Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen

Written in 1974, “Born to Run” was the product of The Boss’ youthful desperation (he was 24 at the time). Coming on the heels of 2 critically regarded but commercially feeble albums (Greetings from Asbury Park, New Jersey and The Wild, The Innocent, and The E Street Shuffle), Springsteen set out to write an album (and song) that would reflect his last-chance mentality, as it may have been his last chance at success before getting dropped from his label (Columbia).

The song was composed primarily on guitar (unlike the rest of the album, which was piano-driven), and was produced by Springsteen and Mike Appel. The recording process took place far before that of the rest of the album, and featured two members (drummer Ernest “Boom” Carter and keyboardist David Sancious) who would not be on the rest of the album (being replaced by Max Weinberg and Roy Bittan, respectively).

The production process is emblematic of Springsteen’s perfectionism and unflappable musical vision, which often includes nearly a dozen scrapped guitar tracks in search of the perfect sound. The song also features some odd Heartland Rock instruments (though not uncommon Springsteen instruments) most notably glockenspiel, saxophone and organ.

The album was Springsteen’s commercial breakthrough, peaking at #3 on the Billboard charts in 1975. The song itself reached #23. The critical success of the album has cemented it into the history of rock. Some accolades include being placed on the NPR 100, #21 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll, to name a few.

Fun fact: The first recording of this song was actually credited to Allan Clarke of The Hollies. Thank God we have the Boss’ version (how this happened, I have no idea).



The Breakdown

0:00-0:13 The Intro

The first 13 seconds of this song is basically dominated by rhythm. Boom Carter’s kick drum basically feels like a rapid heartbeat, setting a tone of urgency and tension to the track. Another thing I love about this intro is the uniformity of all the other instruments aside from the drums and bass—the guitar, sax, glockenspiel and piano are all slamming the riff so anthemically; I love it.

0:14-1:02 Verse 1/Chorus 1

In the day we sweat it out in the streets of a runaway American dream
At night we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machines
Sprung from cages on Highway 9,
Chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin’ out over the line
Baby this town rips the bones from your back
Its a death trap, its a suicide rap
We gotta get out while were young
‘cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run

The thing about Springsteen, love him or hate him, is that his songs convey an almost palpable aesthetic. Now, I was never on the New Jersey Shore, specifically during the 60s and 70s. But, through his songs, and his storytelling, I almost feel like I can see and sense it.

In just two lines the Boss conjures that image—the working-class (probably) uneducated finding escape through machinery. This image isn’t specific to New Jersey, of course. You can look anywhere in the country and find hard-working folks sweating it out on the streets.

I also find connection in the line “we gotta get out while we’re young.” So often in these tough-as-nails towns even the most monotonous and unrewarding life can become a comfortable routine. Springsteen hits the nail on the head; we have to leave early, or we’re bound to be trapped here for the rest of our lives.

1:03-1:50 Verse II

Wendy let me in I wanna be your friend
I want to guard your dreams and visions
Just wrap your legs ‘round these velvet rims
And strap your hands ‘cross my engines
Together we could break this trap
Well run ‘til we drop, baby well never go back
Will you walk with me out on the wire?
‘cause baby I’m just a scared and lonely rider
But I gotta know how it feels
I want to know if love is wild, babe, I want to know if love is real
Can you show me?

This song can pretty much be looked at in four parts. The first part we’re introduced to our protagonist, the second his girl, the third the general scene of the shore and the forth the triumph over a world against you.

With that said, in the second verse we meet Wendy, the love interest of our tragic hero. I think this verse was pretty much written to get the Boss laid. It’s a stereotypical outlaw romantic fantasy—a lonely character looking to run away with his woman, just to feel something; to try and prove that love exists. Because, maybe if escape isn’t physical, it can be an emotional escape into the soul of someone else.

Sonically, this verse (1:10) brings in some powerful chords slammed on the organ, and (1:16) a more manic interplay between the glockenspiel and the piano, which really fleshes out the music and melody.

1:52-2:10 Clarence Clemons…

Last week I talked about how even the best songs have divisive moments. One of the main criticisms of Springsteen (aside from his voice) is the hokey-sounding saxophone. I am inclined to agree. I’ve never been a big fan of the growl technique of embouchure on a saxophone. I think it just sounds a bit tacky; and Clarence Clemons uses it often. With that said, the solo is only 17 seconds, and it doesn’t not fit in with the song. But still…

2:11-2:37 Bridge and Setting

Beyond the palace hemi-powered drones scream down the boulevard
Girls comb their hair in rearview mirrors
And the boys try to look so hard
The amusement park rises bold and stark
Kids are huddled on the beach in the mist
I wanna die with you Wendy on the streets tonight
In an everlasting kiss

As previously stated, the third part of this song would be considered, to me, where the environment in which this escapist love story is taking place. We’re in a summer night on the New Jersey shoreline with the roar of engines surrounding cigarette-smoking kids with Ferris Wheels and observation decks silhouetted against a setting sun.

In the midst of this chaos we have our hero and Wendy, stuck in eternity in each other’s arms as the motorcycles and muscle cars drag up and down the strip.

2:38-3:02 Instruments

The instrumental bridge to this song really showcases the Boss and Boom Carter. Both men just rip fast, manic rhythms that build the tension to the breaking point.

3:03-3:56 The Breaking Point

To me, the final verse of this song is the most epic moment in rock and roll history. With the bridge building up and then letting off in a cathartic sigh, Springsteen puts us on the ropes. Then, instead of letting us down easily, he comes at us harder than ever:

The highway’s jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive
Everybody’s out on the run tonight but there’s no place left to hide
Together Wendy we can live with the sadness
I’ll love you with all the madness in my soul
Someday girl I don’t know when were gonna get to that place
Where we really want to go and we’ll walk in the sun
But ‘til then tramps like us baby we were born to run

The characters, in spite of everything negative about the place they are, have an unshakeable optimism towards everything. Our hero, perhaps out of fear to stay in the same place (both physically and emotionally) is giving himself completely to the new prospects in the love of someone else. Maybe the road is going to lead to happiness. Maybe the road will be neverending and unfulfilling, but without question the optimism is there that one day the darkness will end and the light of optimism will permeate our hero’s loneliness.

3:57-4:30 Outro

The outro reprises the opening riff, and lets us off on the same optimistic note started in the breaking point.

The Analysis

Springsteen once called the song “The dividing line between adolescence and adulthood.” Maybe that’s why the song speaks so plainly and vividly to me. Being on this cusp myself I see so clearly where he’s coming from. But, in an even broader sense, this song is about rejecting settling. It’s about pushing the boundaries of this life. And, if you’re trapped in a place, or a relationship, or an age, or a certain situation, instead of sticking around waiting for change, sometimes you just have to run. You have to break down the walls of mediocrity in search of your own fulfillment—whatever that may be.

Thanks, Boss.
Erik

Videos (The Many Incarnations of "Born to Run"):
1975


1987 (Acoustic)


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Day 94: Wildcard (20)

Wildcard time!!!

YouTube:
01. Iron Maiden - Invaders
02. Death From Above, 1979 - Romantic Rights
03. Naked City - Bonehead
04. Bobby Darin - Beyond the Sea
05. Gary Wright - Dreamweaver
06. Stealers Wheel - Stuck in the Middle With You
07. Eddie Cochoran - Summertime Blues
08. Cherry Poppin' Daddies - Zoot Suit Riot
09. Westbound Train - I'm No Different
10. The Doors - Light My Fire
11. The Jam - That's Entertainment
12. Bill Callahan - Jim Cain
13. Cold War Kids - We Used to Vacation
14. The Flaming Lips - The W.A.N.D.
15. Ice T - Colors
16. Parliament - Flashlight
17. Fiona Apple - Criminal
18. Hüsker Dü - Celebrated Summer
19. Everly Brothers - All I Have to Do is Dream
20. Andrea Bocelli - Con te Partiro

imeem: External:

Day 94: Wildcard (20)

Mix It Up,
Erik

(Image by John Goodridge, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 93: Yeah It's Me, Neil

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



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

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

imeem: External:

Day 93: Year of the Neil

Neil,
Erik

Bonus Videos!!!


and


(Image by Anton Gurevich, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 89: Rolling Stones

This week's artist spotlight is the Rolling Stones, arguably the greatest rock 'n' roll band of all time. The Stones are awesome, because people can typically be divided into two categories: Stones or Beatles; delineating whether a person favors harder rock or more poppy rock (for the record, I never know how to answer this question. I like them equally, I think).

I've put together a 20-track list of some of my favorite Stones songs. It'd be pretty easy to get bogged down in their greatest hits ("Gimme Shelter" and "Satisfaction" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Start Me Up" are alright, but I'm a little burned out on them [there's a great quote from David Hinckley at the NY Daily News about his best of the Stones list: "The exclusion of 'Satisfaction,' by the way, is not an accident. I know it is to 1960s rock ‘n' roll what a good radio is to a car. I love the story of Keith waking up in the middle of the night, strumming a few chords into his tape recorder and falling back to sleep. I also don't care if I never hear it again."])

I do have some of their biggest songs ("Sympathy..." and "Ruby Tuesday" and "Under My Thumb") because I think it's important to pay some homage to their whole catalog. I've included some deeper cuts, some forgotten gems, that I think you'll like if you've never hear 'em before. Enjoy!

(2 notes: 1.) I apologize for using so many Wes Anderson Rolling Stones songs. He just picks such winners! and 2.) If you have "Start Me Up" on a best of the Stones list, you're a dumb person.)

YouTube:
(All songs by the Rolling Stones)
01. Street Fighting Man
02. Under My Thumb
03. When the Whip Comes Down
04. 19th Nervous Breakdown
05. She's A Rainbow
06. I Am Waiting
07. Sympathy For The Devil
08. Tumbling Dice
09. Brown Sugar
10. Some Girls
11. 2000 Man
12. Sway
13. Blue Turns To Grey
14. She Smiled Sweetly
15. Paint It, Black
16. Rocks Off
17. Play With Fire
18. Citadel (cover)
19. Prodigal Son
20. Ruby Tuesday

imeem: External:

Day 89: Rolling Stones

Just Like A Young Girl Should? ...idk Mick
Erik

Videos!


and


(Image by Alessio, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

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 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)