Finally, after 3 months, 36 posts, 156 songs, we are down to the final five. But business to take care of first...
Comment from last post, from Heather, as no one else seems to read this...
"Can't argue with any of your choices (though the Elton john song is not one of my faves by him).
Love love love "A Letter to Elise." Who doesn't love that song?
Do you remember that "In Your Eyes" was our prom song? I don't hold that against the song though. Besides that song, they only played two other good songs at prom, a NIN song, and Beastie Boys. Such a waste of time. And is it sad I remember that? I say yes."
Yeah, over the years, the more I listen to Wish, the more I realize how much I dislike that album. Probably my least favorite Cure album. The only songs I even listen to off of it any more are "Apart" "Trust" "To Wish Impossible Things" and "A Letter To Elise." If it weren't for those 4 songs, that CD would probably just sit on the shelf collecting dust. (Well, OK, the other 2 singles, "Friday I'm In Love" and "High" were OK too, especially "High." And "Elise" would be the third single from that album, but gee, guess which one never got on the radio?)
As far as "In Your Eyes" being the prom song... I remember I was shocked when that was named the song for prom. Really thought it would be some hair band power ballad or some R&B crud. As far as prom itself... Didn't go. I was supposed to, even had a date, but slacked off too much and didn't buy tickets in time. From what I have heard, I didn't miss much.
OK, I'll shut up now.
And now, here they are, my own personal 5 favorite songs ever.
5. "Bad" by U2 (The Unforgettable Fire)
Back before The Joshua Tree came out, "Pride (In the Name Of Love)" was the shit when it came to U2 songs. "Bad," from the same album, blows "Pride" out of the water. Live versions of "Bad" are some of the most memorable performances U2 have done. In the film Rattle and Hum they use bits of "Ruby Tuesday" and "Sympathy For the Devil" at the end, and it ended up being one of the 3 best live performances in the film. On the Wide Awake In America video, the only song that outshone "Bad" was "Sunday Bloody Sunday." The most famous version, though, by far, was at Live Aid in 1985. Other than Queen blowing the crowd away with their awesome performance, U2's performance of "Bad" was pretty much the stand out performance of the entire day. Just phenomenal. Sorry, didn't realize I was rambling so much.
Line: "If I could, you know I would. If I could I would let it go."
Live Aid version: (Man that hair fuckin rules.)
Rattle and Hum version (My favorite, personally.)
4. "To Wish Impossible Things" by The Cure (Wish)
So yeah, my least favorite Cure album has two of my top ten songs. Go figure. This song and the upcoming song in the #2 spot express loss and pain and hope and love all at the same time better than any other songs I've ever heard. The first time I heard this song I was in my Painting 2 class in high school, working on the one painting I worked on that entire year. From then on, it was the only song I listened to when working in that room or on that painting. And yeah, it's been almost 17 years and I still haven't finished that painting.
Line: "And now the sun shines cold, and all the sky is grey. The stars are dimmed by clouds and tears, and all I wish is gone away."
Not the most exciting video ever, but the music's what matters anyway, right?
3. "I Wanna Go Home" by James (Hey Ma)
So, this album came out in 2008. Out of the other 24 songs in the top 25, none is more recent than 1997. That should kind of tell you how much I like this song. I don't even know what it is about it, either. I've just loved it from the first time I heard it. And not only is this song a favorite, but the album's moving up to the top of the list pretty damn quick too.
Line: "Kissing is forbidden, biting leaves marks. Sex is overrated, I need to dance."
2. "With Or Without You" by U2 (The Joshua Tree)
Like there is any explanation necessary. Please.
Line: "On a bed of nails she makes me wait."
And finally, we have arrived...
1. "Pictures Of You" by The Cure (Disintegration)
I used to get beat up in school for listening to The Cure. Like, literally beat up. A few years ago, this song was used in a commercial for Xerox or Kodak or something. Are you kidding me?
Anyway... Yeah, there has never been any doubt that this was going to top this list. The first Cure album I ever heard was Disintegration. At least, it's the first one I remember hearing, although Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me may have been first. At any rate, this is the first song I ever remember truly falling in love with. The first time I heard it I was completely blown away, and it started a love affair with this band that has lasted 20 years. I honestly think if I'd never heard this album, and especially this song, I would have ended up with an immensely different taste in music. Without question the greatest song I've ever heard.
Line: "If only I'd thought of the right words, I could have held on to your heart."
And yeah, this is the shortened single version. The album version's a tad over 7 minutes.
So there you have it. Thank you, Heather H., Heather R. and Matt, for reading this, since you are the only three people I know have read any of this list at all. Hope it kept you somewhat interested and more than a little entertained. I know I enjoyed writing it. I plan on doing a favorite albums list too. Hopefully I'll get everything compiled and sorted and start that one by the end of the month. Until then...
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Favorite Songs: 10 - 6
So yeah, I really want to be done with this by this weekend, so I'm doing these five today, then the top 5 probably Saturday, no later than Sunday.
Down to the nitty gritty now, kids.
10. "A Letter To Elise" by The Cure (Wish)
So, yeah, 4 of the top 10 are Cure songs. They aren't my favorite band for nothing, people! I love the music in this song, and love the words even more.
Line: "But I let the dream go. All the promises broke, the make believe ran out."
Full version (Great video! ha)
Single version (Actual video. Cuts off before the end...)
9. "Something I Can Never Have" by Nine Inch Nails (Pretty Hate Machine)
As much as I like this album, this is the only Nine Inch Nails song on this entire list. It's the only song by them that I truly love. The simple piano, the synthesized strings, the not-really drums... And the overwhelming pain in Trent's voice. Stellar.
Line: Everywhere I look, you're all I see. Just a fading fucking reminder of who I used to be."
8. "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" by Elton John (Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy)
Is that the greatest album title in history? Maybe not, but it's up there. I just absolutely love this song. Easily my favorite Elton John song, obviously, and one of my favorite songs ever, obviously... Sorry, this is one of the few songs on this list that I didn't have something pre-written for. I have sung it a few times at karaoke, but the first time was the best, and every successive time has gotten progressively worse, so I probably won't ever try it again. Too bad, too. It's fun to sing.
Anyway, about the song... Back in the day, I guess Elton John was actually unaware that he was gay. Bernie Taupin, the guy who helped write the vast majority of John's good pre-Disney music, pretty much sat him down and said, look, dude, wake the hell up. So Elton broke up with the chicklet he was engaged to, and this song is pretty much about the break up part of the relationship. Good shit.
Line: "I'm strangled by your haunted social scene, just a pawn out-played by a dominating queen."
7. "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel (So)
Is there anyone who doesn't relate this song with John Cusack and Say Anything...? When I was engaged to the ex, this was going to be the song we danced to at the wedding reception. Thank God that didn't happen, because now I can still enjoy this song.
Line: "Love, I get so lost sometimes."
(This version's good, but the version from the P.O.V. concert video is better. Just couldn't find it. And yes, that's Paula Cole with him. This tour was pretty much how she got her start, as her debut CD came out the following year.)
6. "Faith" by The Cure (Faith)
Easily the single most depressing song on this list. A complete cry for help, set to some beautiful atmospheric music. I used to listen to this song repeatedly for hours on end without getting sick of it, before Holley and I met. Glad I'm not that unhappy anymore.
Line: "Catch me if I fall, I'm losing hold. I can't just carry on this way."
(Another performance from the In Orange concert video. Such a great video.)
Down to the nitty gritty now, kids.
10. "A Letter To Elise" by The Cure (Wish)
So, yeah, 4 of the top 10 are Cure songs. They aren't my favorite band for nothing, people! I love the music in this song, and love the words even more.
Line: "But I let the dream go. All the promises broke, the make believe ran out."
Full version (Great video! ha)
Single version (Actual video. Cuts off before the end...)
9. "Something I Can Never Have" by Nine Inch Nails (Pretty Hate Machine)
As much as I like this album, this is the only Nine Inch Nails song on this entire list. It's the only song by them that I truly love. The simple piano, the synthesized strings, the not-really drums... And the overwhelming pain in Trent's voice. Stellar.
Line: Everywhere I look, you're all I see. Just a fading fucking reminder of who I used to be."
8. "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" by Elton John (Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy)
Is that the greatest album title in history? Maybe not, but it's up there. I just absolutely love this song. Easily my favorite Elton John song, obviously, and one of my favorite songs ever, obviously... Sorry, this is one of the few songs on this list that I didn't have something pre-written for. I have sung it a few times at karaoke, but the first time was the best, and every successive time has gotten progressively worse, so I probably won't ever try it again. Too bad, too. It's fun to sing.
Anyway, about the song... Back in the day, I guess Elton John was actually unaware that he was gay. Bernie Taupin, the guy who helped write the vast majority of John's good pre-Disney music, pretty much sat him down and said, look, dude, wake the hell up. So Elton broke up with the chicklet he was engaged to, and this song is pretty much about the break up part of the relationship. Good shit.
Line: "I'm strangled by your haunted social scene, just a pawn out-played by a dominating queen."
7. "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel (So)
Is there anyone who doesn't relate this song with John Cusack and Say Anything...? When I was engaged to the ex, this was going to be the song we danced to at the wedding reception. Thank God that didn't happen, because now I can still enjoy this song.
Line: "Love, I get so lost sometimes."
(This version's good, but the version from the P.O.V. concert video is better. Just couldn't find it. And yes, that's Paula Cole with him. This tour was pretty much how she got her start, as her debut CD came out the following year.)
6. "Faith" by The Cure (Faith)
Easily the single most depressing song on this list. A complete cry for help, set to some beautiful atmospheric music. I used to listen to this song repeatedly for hours on end without getting sick of it, before Holley and I met. Glad I'm not that unhappy anymore.
Line: "Catch me if I fall, I'm losing hold. I can't just carry on this way."
(Another performance from the In Orange concert video. Such a great video.)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Favorite Songs: 15 - 11
Comment from the last post, from Heather:
"In My Life" was the song I danced to with my dad at my wedding. Love it. Interesting Beatles trivia as well.
One of these days I'll comment on the two posts prior to this one. Maybe before you get to the top 10?!
That's very cool that you danced to that song with your dad. Can't really remember what I danced to with my mom. Oh well.
And if you want to beat the deadline you imposed on yourself, you better get commenting. Ha ha. Of course, that would entail not locking yourself out of the house any more. Kidding. Ha.
And away we go. There are no happy songs left on this list. Just some somber sad shit. Because that's what I like best.
15. "Love Is Blindness" by U2 (Achtung Baby)
People have made the argument that Achtung Baby is a very religious album, and I can see that, to an extent. I'll get into that more when I do the albums list, don't feel like doing it right now. Anyway, this is one of those songs that just tugs on the old heart strings.
Line: "A dangerous idea that almost makes sense."
Pretty good fan made video. (There's no official one. Wasn't a single.)
14. "All I Want Is You" by U2 (Rattle and Hum)
I'm actually surprised there aren't more songs from this album on the list, since it and Achtung Baby are my 2nd and 3rd favorite U2 albums. (A.B. 2nd, R+H 3rd, for the record.) The album version of this song is a lot better than the single version, as it includes somewhere around 4 minutes of instrumental at the end, all violins, cellos, etc.
Line: "All the promises we break from the cradle to the grave, when all I want is you."
13. "Turn My Head" by Live (Secret Samadhi)
This song is just beyond great. "Lightning Crashes" may be Live's most popular song, but for me, this one's the best. If you know it, you know how kick ass it is. If you don't, well, here it is. Enjoy its greatness.
Line: "I've fallen down, drunk on your juices."
12. "Somebody" by Depeche Mode (Some Great Reward)
I wasn't really expecting this song to be this high on the list, because I really don't like much of the old Depeche Mode stuff, pre-Music For the Masses. But as I organized the list, I realized more and more that there are only a small number of songs that I like more than this. Kind of nice when you can surprise yourself on your own tastes like that.
Line: "And when I'm asleep, I want somebody who will put their arms around and kiss me tenderly."
(There is an actual video, but the live version is immensely better than the single version.)
11. "Fretless" by R.E.M. (Until the End Of the World Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
(Yep, I'm that big of a dork.)
This song is about loneliness, depression, anger... you know, all the fun emotions. It was originally recorded for Out Of Time, but got left off for whatever reason. Personally, I can think of three songs off that album that this could replace without even trying, and without even including "Losing My Religion."
Line: "Don't talk to me about being alone."
Top Ten, here we come...
"In My Life" was the song I danced to with my dad at my wedding. Love it. Interesting Beatles trivia as well.
One of these days I'll comment on the two posts prior to this one. Maybe before you get to the top 10?!
That's very cool that you danced to that song with your dad. Can't really remember what I danced to with my mom. Oh well.
And if you want to beat the deadline you imposed on yourself, you better get commenting. Ha ha. Of course, that would entail not locking yourself out of the house any more. Kidding. Ha.
And away we go. There are no happy songs left on this list. Just some somber sad shit. Because that's what I like best.
15. "Love Is Blindness" by U2 (Achtung Baby)
People have made the argument that Achtung Baby is a very religious album, and I can see that, to an extent. I'll get into that more when I do the albums list, don't feel like doing it right now. Anyway, this is one of those songs that just tugs on the old heart strings.
Line: "A dangerous idea that almost makes sense."
Pretty good fan made video. (There's no official one. Wasn't a single.)
14. "All I Want Is You" by U2 (Rattle and Hum)
I'm actually surprised there aren't more songs from this album on the list, since it and Achtung Baby are my 2nd and 3rd favorite U2 albums. (A.B. 2nd, R+H 3rd, for the record.) The album version of this song is a lot better than the single version, as it includes somewhere around 4 minutes of instrumental at the end, all violins, cellos, etc.
Line: "All the promises we break from the cradle to the grave, when all I want is you."
13. "Turn My Head" by Live (Secret Samadhi)
This song is just beyond great. "Lightning Crashes" may be Live's most popular song, but for me, this one's the best. If you know it, you know how kick ass it is. If you don't, well, here it is. Enjoy its greatness.
Line: "I've fallen down, drunk on your juices."
12. "Somebody" by Depeche Mode (Some Great Reward)
I wasn't really expecting this song to be this high on the list, because I really don't like much of the old Depeche Mode stuff, pre-Music For the Masses. But as I organized the list, I realized more and more that there are only a small number of songs that I like more than this. Kind of nice when you can surprise yourself on your own tastes like that.
Line: "And when I'm asleep, I want somebody who will put their arms around and kiss me tenderly."
(There is an actual video, but the live version is immensely better than the single version.)
11. "Fretless" by R.E.M. (Until the End Of the World Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
(Yep, I'm that big of a dork.)
This song is about loneliness, depression, anger... you know, all the fun emotions. It was originally recorded for Out Of Time, but got left off for whatever reason. Personally, I can think of three songs off that album that this could replace without even trying, and without even including "Losing My Religion."
Line: "Don't talk to me about being alone."
Top Ten, here we come...
Friday, January 29, 2010
Favorite Songs: 20 - 16
20: "Tomorrow" by James (Wah Wah)
Wah Wah was an interesting album. It was recorded at the same time as Laid, but in a different studio. There weren't many songs that actually got completed, as it was mostly just jam sessions and experiments, some of which ended up being songs on later James albums. One of the completed songs was "Tomorrow," which Tim Booth (lead singer) has said was written to keep a friend from jumping off a roof. Turns out it's a pretty nifty song. The version on Wah Wah was kind of rough and unpolished, then a few years later it was cleaned up and included on the album Whiplash. Both versions are good, but I like the Wah Wah one a tad bit more.
Line: "Gotta keep faith that your path will change, gotta keep faith that your luck will change tomorrow."
First time I've ever seen this video... It's the more refined version off Whiplash.
19. "In My Life" by The Beatles (Rubber Soul)
My all time favorite Beatles song. It still amazes me what this band was able to accomplish in 7 years. 27 #1 singles. (20 in the U.S., 17 in the U.K., 7 of them different.) For the week of April 11, 1964, the Beatles had fourteen singles on the Billboard Hot 100. They held the number 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 14, 38, 48, 50, 52, 61, 74, 78 and 81 slots. One week earlier, five Beatles singles had filled the entire top five. (Both of those would be records.) 8 consecutive #1 albums. And, oh yeah, a cultural revolution. All from 1964-1971. Fucking astounding. This song, for me personally, is the ultimate achievement of that 7 years of chaos.
Line: "Though I often stop and think about them, in my life I've loved you more."
18. "Only In Dreams" by Weezer (Weezer)
I've just always loved this song. I like how the instruments fade in one by one, then the two quick verses, then the fade out fade in fade out thing with each instrument to end the song (and album).
Line: "You walk up to her, ask her to dance. She says, 'Hey, maybe I just might take a chance.'"
17. "The Dance" by Garth Brooks (Garth Brooks)
The only country song on this entire list ranks this high because of what it means to me personally. It talks about how avoiding a situation would have resulted in missing out on a lot of pain, but that the joy that was also involved was worth not avoiding the situation. Like you couldn't figure that out for yourself. Ha ha.
Line: "Holding you, I held everything."
16. "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS (Kick)
The (synthesized) violin intro... The silent pauses between verses... Michael Hutchence's fucking voice... Kick was INXS at their best, and this was, without question, the best song off that album. A song of complete, absolute devotion.
Line: "If I hurt you, I'd make wine from your tears."
Wah Wah was an interesting album. It was recorded at the same time as Laid, but in a different studio. There weren't many songs that actually got completed, as it was mostly just jam sessions and experiments, some of which ended up being songs on later James albums. One of the completed songs was "Tomorrow," which Tim Booth (lead singer) has said was written to keep a friend from jumping off a roof. Turns out it's a pretty nifty song. The version on Wah Wah was kind of rough and unpolished, then a few years later it was cleaned up and included on the album Whiplash. Both versions are good, but I like the Wah Wah one a tad bit more.
Line: "Gotta keep faith that your path will change, gotta keep faith that your luck will change tomorrow."
First time I've ever seen this video... It's the more refined version off Whiplash.
19. "In My Life" by The Beatles (Rubber Soul)
My all time favorite Beatles song. It still amazes me what this band was able to accomplish in 7 years. 27 #1 singles. (20 in the U.S., 17 in the U.K., 7 of them different.) For the week of April 11, 1964, the Beatles had fourteen singles on the Billboard Hot 100. They held the number 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 14, 38, 48, 50, 52, 61, 74, 78 and 81 slots. One week earlier, five Beatles singles had filled the entire top five. (Both of those would be records.) 8 consecutive #1 albums. And, oh yeah, a cultural revolution. All from 1964-1971. Fucking astounding. This song, for me personally, is the ultimate achievement of that 7 years of chaos.
Line: "Though I often stop and think about them, in my life I've loved you more."
18. "Only In Dreams" by Weezer (Weezer)
I've just always loved this song. I like how the instruments fade in one by one, then the two quick verses, then the fade out fade in fade out thing with each instrument to end the song (and album).
Line: "You walk up to her, ask her to dance. She says, 'Hey, maybe I just might take a chance.'"
17. "The Dance" by Garth Brooks (Garth Brooks)
The only country song on this entire list ranks this high because of what it means to me personally. It talks about how avoiding a situation would have resulted in missing out on a lot of pain, but that the joy that was also involved was worth not avoiding the situation. Like you couldn't figure that out for yourself. Ha ha.
Line: "Holding you, I held everything."
16. "Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS (Kick)
The (synthesized) violin intro... The silent pauses between verses... Michael Hutchence's fucking voice... Kick was INXS at their best, and this was, without question, the best song off that album. A song of complete, absolute devotion.
Line: "If I hurt you, I'd make wine from your tears."
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Favorite Songs: 25 - 21
Wow. Has this really taken me nearly three months to finish? I didn't think it would take me nearly that long. Guess I didn't add in the having a 7 month old child distracting me and keeping me occupied factor. Oh well. We're almost done.
25. "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd (Wish You Were Here)
If anyone dare question the greatness of this song, they need a fucking lobotomy. I'm just saying.
Line: "We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year."
24. "P.S." by James (Laid)
This song is the reason I love James. The first James song I heard was "Born Of Frustration" off Seven. While I liked the song, I wasn't intrigued enough to buy the CD (and actually, I didn't finally get it until last summer. And regret waiting so long, as I've already said at some point.) A couple years later they release the CD Laid, as well as the single "Laid" (you know, the one song by James that anybody knows.) Still wasn't sure about buying the album. Then one night I was watching 120 Minutes on MTV (back when they still had shows about music), and James is in studio. They play "Laid" predictably enough. Later, though, they played this song, and I was absolutely hooked. Actually, more accurately, I was blown away. If I had missed that show, I probably wouldn't have ever bought Laid, because even though there were a couple more singles off it, none of them got any air play whatsoever around here, and in turn, this list would have been a whole lot different because what is now one of my favorite bands ever would not have been included a single time. And there are still a few songs coming from them. Thank God I didn't have a life in high school and was home on Saturday nights (or Friday, can't remember which now. Or was it Sunday? Damned memory) so I could watch 120 Minutes.
Line: "You liar. You liar. All your hope and trust is misplaced."
23. "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper (She's So Unusual)
Cyndi Lauper really was the shit back in the day. I've bought this album probably 5 different times over the years, and it's been stolen every single time. Finally bought it on cassette, and, surprise surprise, nobody has stolen it.
Line: "Watching through windows, you're wondering if I'm OK."
22. "Country Feedback" by R.E.M. (Out Of Time)
In my humble (ha ha) opinion, Out Of Time is one of the most overrated albums ever. It is consistently called R.E.M.'s best album (nope... Document or Green), one of the best albums of the '90s (not really) etc. etc. etc., mostly because of "Losing My Religion." And don't even get me started on how bad that song sucks. Anyway... "Country Feedback" is one of the few songs off that album that's actually worth a fuck. On several tours, R.E.M. had a fan poll up asking what song the fans wanted to hear at each show. It was no mistake that "Country Feedback" was consistently in the top 5, and usually one of the top 2. Such a great song.
Line: "I was central, I had control, I lost my head. I need this."
21. "So Cruel" by U2 (Achtung Baby)
My second-favorite song off my second-favorite U2 album. It's about a woman who knows a guy is in love with her, so she takes advantage of him as much as possible while giving nothing in return. Sounds like every girl I dated before Holley (except one). And yet, these guys make all this suffering sound like a love song. Crafty bastards. For whatever reason, this song has only been played live 3 times. Ever.
Line: "The men who love you you hate the most."
25. "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd (Wish You Were Here)
If anyone dare question the greatness of this song, they need a fucking lobotomy. I'm just saying.
Line: "We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year."
24. "P.S." by James (Laid)
This song is the reason I love James. The first James song I heard was "Born Of Frustration" off Seven. While I liked the song, I wasn't intrigued enough to buy the CD (and actually, I didn't finally get it until last summer. And regret waiting so long, as I've already said at some point.) A couple years later they release the CD Laid, as well as the single "Laid" (you know, the one song by James that anybody knows.) Still wasn't sure about buying the album. Then one night I was watching 120 Minutes on MTV (back when they still had shows about music), and James is in studio. They play "Laid" predictably enough. Later, though, they played this song, and I was absolutely hooked. Actually, more accurately, I was blown away. If I had missed that show, I probably wouldn't have ever bought Laid, because even though there were a couple more singles off it, none of them got any air play whatsoever around here, and in turn, this list would have been a whole lot different because what is now one of my favorite bands ever would not have been included a single time. And there are still a few songs coming from them. Thank God I didn't have a life in high school and was home on Saturday nights (or Friday, can't remember which now. Or was it Sunday? Damned memory) so I could watch 120 Minutes.
Line: "You liar. You liar. All your hope and trust is misplaced."
23. "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper (She's So Unusual)
Cyndi Lauper really was the shit back in the day. I've bought this album probably 5 different times over the years, and it's been stolen every single time. Finally bought it on cassette, and, surprise surprise, nobody has stolen it.
Line: "Watching through windows, you're wondering if I'm OK."
22. "Country Feedback" by R.E.M. (Out Of Time)
In my humble (ha ha) opinion, Out Of Time is one of the most overrated albums ever. It is consistently called R.E.M.'s best album (nope... Document or Green), one of the best albums of the '90s (not really) etc. etc. etc., mostly because of "Losing My Religion." And don't even get me started on how bad that song sucks. Anyway... "Country Feedback" is one of the few songs off that album that's actually worth a fuck. On several tours, R.E.M. had a fan poll up asking what song the fans wanted to hear at each show. It was no mistake that "Country Feedback" was consistently in the top 5, and usually one of the top 2. Such a great song.
Line: "I was central, I had control, I lost my head. I need this."
21. "So Cruel" by U2 (Achtung Baby)
My second-favorite song off my second-favorite U2 album. It's about a woman who knows a guy is in love with her, so she takes advantage of him as much as possible while giving nothing in return. Sounds like every girl I dated before Holley (except one). And yet, these guys make all this suffering sound like a love song. Crafty bastards. For whatever reason, this song has only been played live 3 times. Ever.
Line: "The men who love you you hate the most."
Monday, January 25, 2010
Intermission Number 3
Sorry, just wanted to do another quick intermission post. And these are just totally random, just kind of doing it on the fly. (Believe it or not, the rest of this stuff has been pretty pre-meditated and, in a lot of cases, completely written out before hand.)
Top 5 TV Theme Songs:
5. Jeopardy! Try getting it out of your head now...
4. Love Boat. Come on, you love it and you know it.
3. Greatest American Hero. ("Believe it or not, I'm walking on air...")
2. Malcolm In the Middle. ("Boss Of Me" by They Might Be Giants) Can't have a list like this without They Might Be Giants being listed.
1. Wonder Years. All time favorite TV show. Too bad it'll never be on DVD. There's no way they could figure out how to pay for the rights to all the music they used in that show, which is the absolute only reason the series has never been released on DVD.
Top 5 Cover Songs Of All Time:
5. "Hurt" by Johnny Cash (Nine Inch Nails original)
Amazing amazing song.
4. "With a Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker (Beatles)
Did you really not see that coming after Wonder Years was my favorite theme song ever?
3. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" by Marilyn Manson (Eurythmics)
One of the few cover versions of a song that I like as much or more than the original. In this case, more.
2. "Always On My Mind" by Pet Shop Boys (Willie Nelson)
Not sure if Willie Nelson was actually the original singer, but I think so, so he gets credit. Even if he wasn't, his is still the most popular version.
1. "Bring It On Home To Me" by The Animals (Sam Cooke)
Sam Cooke's version is good, but the version done by The Animals is great. It's actually my favorite Animals song overall. Just a bad ass tune.
The video's cheesy as piss, but it's the actual album version instead of live, thus it got picked.
Top 5 Songs That I Forgot To Put In the List (in no particular order):
5. "Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash
Obvious Cash song, yes, but that's OK. It still rules.
4. "Beers Steers + Queers" by Revolting Cocks
Basically just a rant about red necks, to some throbbing techno music. Good angry song.
3. "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga
Yeah, I'm queer, I know. I love this song for some reason.
2. "Need You Tonight/Mediate" by INXS
Yeah, I know, it's actually two songs. Pretty much the song and video that made INXS huge in the States.
1. "This Is the New Shit" by Marilyn Manson
Only reason it's not on the list is because I don't own a copy of it. Love this friggin song.
Top 10 Weird Al Yankovic Songs:
Yeah, 10. You heard me. Ha ha. Not getting into detail, just putting the videos. 3 parodies (#s 10 8 and 2), 7 originals. (4 parodies counting the honorable mention.)
Honorable mention:
"Whatever You Like" (Internet Leaks)
This is going to be on his next album, should be out this year some time.
10. "Yoda" (Dare To Be Stupid)
"I know Darth Vader's really got you annoyed, but remember if you kill him then you'll be unemployed." One of my favorite lines from any song ever.
9. "The Biggest Ball Of Twine In Minnesota" (UHF)
8. "White and Nerdy" (Straight Outta Lynwood)
Donny Osmond rules in this video.
7. "Frank's 2000" TV" (Alapalooza)
6. "Your Horoscope For Today" (Running With Scissors)
5. "Albuquerque" (Running With Scissors)
Only video I could find with all 11 minutes and 20 seconds.
4. "You Don't Love Me Anymore" (Off the Deep End)
The original video is good, but that new VEVO thing YouTube is using to post original music videos decided that the first minute or so of the song was unnecessary. Nice.
3. "Everything You Know Is Wrong" (Bad Hair Day)
2. "Trapped In the Drive-Thru" (Straight Outta Lynnwood)
1. "One More Minute" (Dare To Be Stupid)
Yes, I was just joking about the first three TV theme songs. The last two, however, really are my favorite theme songs ever.
And there you have it. No more intermissions, no more screwing around. From here on out, it will only be posts of the last 25 songs. Next 5 coming soon.
Top 5 TV Theme Songs:
5. Jeopardy! Try getting it out of your head now...
4. Love Boat. Come on, you love it and you know it.
3. Greatest American Hero. ("Believe it or not, I'm walking on air...")
2. Malcolm In the Middle. ("Boss Of Me" by They Might Be Giants) Can't have a list like this without They Might Be Giants being listed.
1. Wonder Years. All time favorite TV show. Too bad it'll never be on DVD. There's no way they could figure out how to pay for the rights to all the music they used in that show, which is the absolute only reason the series has never been released on DVD.
Top 5 Cover Songs Of All Time:
5. "Hurt" by Johnny Cash (Nine Inch Nails original)
Amazing amazing song.
4. "With a Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker (Beatles)
Did you really not see that coming after Wonder Years was my favorite theme song ever?
3. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" by Marilyn Manson (Eurythmics)
One of the few cover versions of a song that I like as much or more than the original. In this case, more.
2. "Always On My Mind" by Pet Shop Boys (Willie Nelson)
Not sure if Willie Nelson was actually the original singer, but I think so, so he gets credit. Even if he wasn't, his is still the most popular version.
1. "Bring It On Home To Me" by The Animals (Sam Cooke)
Sam Cooke's version is good, but the version done by The Animals is great. It's actually my favorite Animals song overall. Just a bad ass tune.
The video's cheesy as piss, but it's the actual album version instead of live, thus it got picked.
Top 5 Songs That I Forgot To Put In the List (in no particular order):
5. "Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash
Obvious Cash song, yes, but that's OK. It still rules.
4. "Beers Steers + Queers" by Revolting Cocks
Basically just a rant about red necks, to some throbbing techno music. Good angry song.
3. "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga
Yeah, I'm queer, I know. I love this song for some reason.
2. "Need You Tonight/Mediate" by INXS
Yeah, I know, it's actually two songs. Pretty much the song and video that made INXS huge in the States.
1. "This Is the New Shit" by Marilyn Manson
Only reason it's not on the list is because I don't own a copy of it. Love this friggin song.
Top 10 Weird Al Yankovic Songs:
Yeah, 10. You heard me. Ha ha. Not getting into detail, just putting the videos. 3 parodies (#s 10 8 and 2), 7 originals. (4 parodies counting the honorable mention.)
Honorable mention:
"Whatever You Like" (Internet Leaks)
This is going to be on his next album, should be out this year some time.
10. "Yoda" (Dare To Be Stupid)
"I know Darth Vader's really got you annoyed, but remember if you kill him then you'll be unemployed." One of my favorite lines from any song ever.
9. "The Biggest Ball Of Twine In Minnesota" (UHF)
8. "White and Nerdy" (Straight Outta Lynwood)
Donny Osmond rules in this video.
7. "Frank's 2000" TV" (Alapalooza)
6. "Your Horoscope For Today" (Running With Scissors)
5. "Albuquerque" (Running With Scissors)
Only video I could find with all 11 minutes and 20 seconds.
4. "You Don't Love Me Anymore" (Off the Deep End)
The original video is good, but that new VEVO thing YouTube is using to post original music videos decided that the first minute or so of the song was unnecessary. Nice.
3. "Everything You Know Is Wrong" (Bad Hair Day)
2. "Trapped In the Drive-Thru" (Straight Outta Lynnwood)
1. "One More Minute" (Dare To Be Stupid)
Yes, I was just joking about the first three TV theme songs. The last two, however, really are my favorite theme songs ever.
And there you have it. No more intermissions, no more screwing around. From here on out, it will only be posts of the last 25 songs. Next 5 coming soon.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Favorite Songs: 30 - 26
30. "Star Sign" by Teenage Fanclub (Bandwagonesque)
I think the intro to this song, which is mostly feedback and random noise, is longer than the actual song itself. Or damned close, anyway. This was another band that hit it big really quickly (4 singles that got considerable airplay on this album, including this song) then faded away almost as quickly, although they did continue to release albums up until 2005. (Bandwagonesque was released in '91.) This is my favorite by them, though. Pretty much makes fun of people who base their lives around the Zodiac and horoscopes and all that fun stuff. And I was just kidding. The song is about 5 minutes, the intro is about a minute and a half.
Line: "Hey - Do you know where you belong? And say - Is your star sign ever wrong?"
29. "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John (Madman Across the Water)
Elton John was so much better back before he started writing songs for Disney movies. There are so many songs I could have put on this list by him up through the late '80s. Been all downhill since then. This song rules.
Line: "Hold me closer tiny dancer. Count the headlights on the highway."
28. "Tomorrow, Wendy" by Concrete Blonde (Bloodletting)
This song was written for a friend of the lead singer of the band Wall of Voodoo (who actually wrote the song) who was dying of AIDS (thus the chorus: "Hey hey, goodbye. Tomorrow, Wendy, You're going to die.") Kind of grim? Sure. But at the same time it's kind of not.
Line: "I told the priest, don't count on any second coming. God got His ass kicked the first time he came down here slumming."
27. Bela Lugosi's Dead" by Bauhaus
This song was originally only released as a single, thus no album listed, even though it's been on every compilation album of theirs since. It's about 9 minutes long, and all 9 minutes are great. The drums sound like bone smacking bone, the guitars are almost non-existent, the bass line is simple yet wonderful, and Peter Murphy's voice never sounded so haunting or haunted. It's all a tribute to Bela Lugosi's portrayal of Dracula, basically. Just a great song. And yeah, this was the band that really created "Goth." Not The Church, not Echo and the Bunnymen, not even The Cure. It was all Bauhaus.
Line: "Poor Bela. Bela's undead."
Full 9-plus minute version.
"Short" 7 minute version.
26. "City Of Blinding Lights" by U2 (How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)
This is one of the few remaining upbeat songs. Just giving you a heads up. It's gonna get downright somber in this mother for the final 25. For whatever reason, Holley and I have pretty much adopted this as "our song" even though there's no real reason to have done so. Just kind of happened. Even if that wasn't the case it would still be on here.
Line: "What happened to the beauty I had inside of me?"
This was how they started the shows on the Vertigo tour. It was pretty bad ass in person. Still one of my favorite shows. The light curtains were cool as shit.
I think the intro to this song, which is mostly feedback and random noise, is longer than the actual song itself. Or damned close, anyway. This was another band that hit it big really quickly (4 singles that got considerable airplay on this album, including this song) then faded away almost as quickly, although they did continue to release albums up until 2005. (Bandwagonesque was released in '91.) This is my favorite by them, though. Pretty much makes fun of people who base their lives around the Zodiac and horoscopes and all that fun stuff. And I was just kidding. The song is about 5 minutes, the intro is about a minute and a half.
Line: "Hey - Do you know where you belong? And say - Is your star sign ever wrong?"
29. "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John (Madman Across the Water)
Elton John was so much better back before he started writing songs for Disney movies. There are so many songs I could have put on this list by him up through the late '80s. Been all downhill since then. This song rules.
Line: "Hold me closer tiny dancer. Count the headlights on the highway."
28. "Tomorrow, Wendy" by Concrete Blonde (Bloodletting)
This song was written for a friend of the lead singer of the band Wall of Voodoo (who actually wrote the song) who was dying of AIDS (thus the chorus: "Hey hey, goodbye. Tomorrow, Wendy, You're going to die.") Kind of grim? Sure. But at the same time it's kind of not.
Line: "I told the priest, don't count on any second coming. God got His ass kicked the first time he came down here slumming."
27. Bela Lugosi's Dead" by Bauhaus
This song was originally only released as a single, thus no album listed, even though it's been on every compilation album of theirs since. It's about 9 minutes long, and all 9 minutes are great. The drums sound like bone smacking bone, the guitars are almost non-existent, the bass line is simple yet wonderful, and Peter Murphy's voice never sounded so haunting or haunted. It's all a tribute to Bela Lugosi's portrayal of Dracula, basically. Just a great song. And yeah, this was the band that really created "Goth." Not The Church, not Echo and the Bunnymen, not even The Cure. It was all Bauhaus.
Line: "Poor Bela. Bela's undead."
Full 9-plus minute version.
"Short" 7 minute version.
26. "City Of Blinding Lights" by U2 (How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)
This is one of the few remaining upbeat songs. Just giving you a heads up. It's gonna get downright somber in this mother for the final 25. For whatever reason, Holley and I have pretty much adopted this as "our song" even though there's no real reason to have done so. Just kind of happened. Even if that wasn't the case it would still be on here.
Line: "What happened to the beauty I had inside of me?"
This was how they started the shows on the Vertigo tour. It was pretty bad ass in person. Still one of my favorite shows. The light curtains were cool as shit.
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