Saturday, October 2, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (40-1)

40. "Running Down a Dream" (Tom Petty, Full Moon Fever, 1989)
My appreciation for Tom Petty grows with each and every day. For as long as I can remember, this has been my favorite Petty song. I love it when the Cubs use it for day games when the team takes the field. Nothing like an afternoon at Wrigley...

39. "Say It Ain't So" (Weezer, The Blue Album, 1994)
This song has everything. Great riffs, great lyric, perhaps my favorite Rivers Cuomo vocal...."your son is drowning in the flood". The first time I played "Rock Band", my vocal of this song earned a score of 97. Yeah yeah. Yeah yeah....

38. "Don't Let Me Down" (The Beatles, Single, 1969)
This is hands down my favorite Lennon vocal of all time.

37. "Loser" (Beck, Mellow Gold, 1994)
This song is as responsible for my musical tastes branching out in 1994 as weezer is.

36. "Layla" (Derek & the Dominos, 1970)
Both versions are great (the original in 1970, and the acoustic version in the 90's), but this is the one they used in Good Fellas, so I think this was an obvious choice. If I ever kill a guy, I hope the piano instrumental that closes the song is playing in the background.

35. "The Boys of Summer" (Don Henley, Building the Perfect Beast, 1984)
It's so strange how I can love one song by an artist so much, and can't stand really anything else that same artist does (solo). This is Amber's favorite singer, and I think he's got a very unique voice, but for the most part, I don't like any of his solo stuff....with the exception of this song. When Henley played this at the Billy Joel concert at Shea in 2008, I really, really thought the Mets were gonna win the World Series later that year. Would have been great. And I still can't believe that when Henley came out, Amber was three sections away from me. Neither one of us knew he was supposed to be there.

34. "Let It Be" (The Beatles, Let It Be, 1970)
It almost seems sacrilegious that I would rank 33 songs ahead of this one.

33. "Hallelujah" (Jeff Buckley, Grace, 1994)
There have been hundreds of covers of this Leonard Cohen song since 1984. This is the best. End of discussion.

32. "Nowhere Man" (The Beatles, Rubber Soul, 1965)
When I was a kid, my dad made a video of himself drumming to his favorite songs. This was the song he used in the introduction. I'm sure it wasn't the first time I heard that song, but I thought it was a great way to introduce the recording. Every time I hear this song, I think of my dad, doing what he loves to do.

31. (It's Only A) Paper Moon" (James Taylor, 1992)
This song could have been #1 on the list, based on the lyric alone. Written in 1933, this song has been covered by hundreds of artists (I have a good 15 or 20 versions of it myself). This particular version was recorded by James Taylor for the movie "A League of Their Own", which I only bought because Billy Joel recorded "In A Sentimental Mood" for it. To this day, this is my favorite version, which is amazing considering that Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra have also recorded it, not to mention Adam Ant and Johnny Mathis.

30. "Born to Run" (Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run, 1975)
I wonder what Wendy is up to these days.

29. "Unsatisfied" (The Replacements, Let It Be, 1984)
Of all the songs on this list, this may be my favorite vocal of them all. Great song to wail to in the car...

28. "The Boxer" (Simon & Garfunkel, Bridge Over Troubled Water, 1969)
"lie-la-lie.....lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie.....lie-la-lie....lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie"....this song has always been great, but took on a whole new meaning for many when Paul Simon performed 18 days after 9/11 on SNL. "I am leaving, I am leaving, but the fighter still remains".

27. "Baby Grand" (Billy Joel, The Bridge, 1986)
The first song I ever sang to Gracie. Changed the lyrics to "Baby Grace". She always smiles when I sing this to her. My goal is to learn piano and play this for her one day.

26. "I Love a Rainy Night" (Eddie Rabbit, Horizon, 1980)
I don't really like country music, but if you're telling me this is a country song, than maybe I do. Note to country musicians....if you want me to embrace your genre, learn something from Mr Edward Thomas Rabbitt.

25. "Glory Days" (Bruce Springsteen, Born in the USA, 1984)
This has always been my favorite song by the Boss. And it always will be.

24. "You May Be Right" (Billy Joel, Glass Houses, 1980)
Fuck the critics, this is a rock and roll song if I've ever heard one. Glass Houses is my favorite Billy Joel album, and probably the album I've listened to more than any other. When I hear that glass break, I still get chills. This was the song that I used to kick off my box set in 2005 (I won't waste your time, but you can ask if you're curious).

23. "Radio, Radio" (Elvis Costello, This Year's Model, 1978)
The song that got Elvis Costello banned from Saturday Night Live for 14 years.

22. "Do You Want to Be Right, or Do You Want to Be Happy" (Union Pulse, 2005)
The only song on this list that the artist has dedicated to me at a live show. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I've often needed certain songs to get me through tough times. In early 2008, I found myself asking myself the same question that James Redding is asking us in this song. And later that year, I decided that I wanted to be happy. Thank you, James.

21. "The Stranger" (Billy Joel, The Stranger, 1977)
The album made Billy Joel a house hold name, and is one of the best albums of all time, in my opinion. The title track is an incredible recording. This is another Billy Joel song I cannot wait to learn on piano. I've already got the whistling down.

20. "Yesterday" (The Beatles, Help!, 1965)
There are a lot of songs about yesterday and tomorrow, and not a ton about today. I find that fascinating. Richard Roma was right!

19. "Fred Jones, part 2" (Ben Folds, Rockin the Suburbs, 2001)
I've been thinking about this song a lot lately.

18. "The Cornflakes Song" (Dick Prall, Weightless, 2007)
Who ? The what what ? I can pretty much guarantee that none of you have ever heard this song, and I doubt you would like it, at least not right away. I'm not even sure Amber knows this, but this is the song I think most about when I think of her.

17. "In My Life" (The Beatles, Rubber Soul, 1965)
Another song that could have been #1 based on lyrics. Hey, James, are you a Beatles fan? I can totally see you guys playing in uptempo version of this song. Just throwing that out there...

16. "Hell" (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Hot, 1997)
So much fun. I "performed" this song at my weeding in 1998. I hope to God there is no video of that. I pretty much made an ass out of myself, but I had a great time doing it. Tom Maxwell is Lord.

15. "Pressure" (Billy Joel, The Nylon Curtain, 1982)
The reason I'm such a big Billy Joel fan is his use of every color in the crayon box. The fact that the same artist that did "New York State of Mind" and "Just the Way You Are" did a song like this just blows me away.

14. "Undone - The Sweater Song" (Weezer, The Blue Album, 1994)
I will go as far as to say that this is the most important record of my life. Without "The Blue Album", there is no Fugazzi Grand, there is no Paste subscription, and there is far, far less music in my life to love and share with you. This song is an anthem for my people, whatever that means (bankers? baseball nuts?)...

13. "Gracie" (Ben Folds, Songs For Silverman, 2005)
Just for the record, my daughter was named long before we heard this song in the summer of 2005. Had no idea what the song would be about before we listened to it, and we all cried within the first few notes. For obvious reasons, this is the most played song in my iTunes.

12. "Vienna" (Billy Joel, The Stranger, 1977)
This song means so much to me, for many, many reasons. The line, "Vienna waits for you" inspired Heather and I to name our first child Vienna if we were blessed with a girl. We were heartbroken with the news of a miscarriage in March of 2004. I like to think that Vienna is watching over her little sister, Gracie, every day. The song is still beautiful, but brings tears to my eyes every time.

11. "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" (Billy Joel, The Stranger, 1977)
Speaking of children, Anthony is very, very high on our list of boys names as well. A colleague of mine, Kevin Schneider made me belly laugh one time when he said that if he ever met Billy Joel, he would walk up to him, exclaim, "ack ack ack ack ack ack" and then punch him in the stomach.

10. "Imagine" (John Lennon, Imagine, 1971)
By far, the best poem on this list. A great song to close your eyes to and.....imagine.

9. "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues" (Elton John, Too Low For Zero, 1983)
This was my #1 song in 1999. I still love it as much as I did back then, and it's still my favorite song from the decade we like to refer to as "the 80's", but it's time for a new # 1.

8. "Pump It Up" (Elvis Costello, This Year's Model, 1978)
Ironically, the first time I heard this song, it was Mudhoney's cover version at the end of "PCU". Costello is the king of double entendres, and I'll let you decide what he's talking about here. I think I've used this song in more of my playlists than any other in the last 10 years.

7. "The Good Life" (Weezer, Pinkerton, 1996)
This song has helped me out on more than one occasion in my life. And you bet your ass I will be rocking out to it on January 8th at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.

6. "Louie Louie" (The Kingsmen, The Kingsmen, 1963)
This is the highest ranking cover song on the list. Originally recorded by Richard Berry in 1955, the version done by the Kingsmen quickly became a huge hit. I don't know what the hell is being said, and the movie "Coupe de Ville" uses this song in the movie, which each brother having a different interpretation of the lyrics. With that being said, this song embodies everything I love about music.

5. "Buddy Holly" (Weezer, The Blue Album, 1994)
The. Rest. Is. History.

4. "Prelude/Angry Young Man" (Billy Joel, Turnstiles, 1976)
By the way, this and each of the next three songs were at one point going to be my vote for # 1. I changed my mind several times.

3. "Take the Long Way Home" (Supertramp, Breakfast in America, 1979)
There is not another song on this list, or the world for that matter, that can equally make me happy and make me cry like this one, and I really can't explain why. I really can't.

2. "A Day in the Life" (The Beatles, Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967)
Perfect. Genius. Brilliant. Awesome.

1. "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" (Billy Joel, The Stranger, 1977)
Never released as a single, based on side two of "Abbey Road", essentially a medley of three different pieces..."Italian Restaurant", "Things Are OK" and "The Ballad of Brenda and Eddie". My favorite song of all time.

Thank you to all who enjoyed my list !!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (60-41)

60. "I Was Born (A Unicorn)" (The Unicorns, Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone, 2003)
You just know you're getting more lists from me in the near future. Spoiler alert. This is my 2nd favorite album of the last decade.

59. "Rock With You" (Michael Jackson, Off the Wall, 1979)
My mom had this on 8-track. Dad, please explain to the youngsters what 8-tracks are. This is one of the first albums I ever listened to, this and "Glass Houses" by Billy Joel. Coincidentally, the first two cassettes I ever owned were "Thriller" and "An Innocent Man", by Billy Joel. I guess you would say that Michael Jackson and Billy Joel each had a huge hand crafting this list for you.

58. "Runaway" (Del Shannon, Home and Away, 1961)
I could listen to this song all day, every day. When Billy Joel was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, he covered this, and I'd give anything to have an mp3 of it. Kleba?

57. "Oh, Pretty Woman" (Roy Orbison, Essential Roy Orbison, 1964)
I have my eye on a Roy Orbison box set at Exclusive Company. Hey, speaking of box sets....mad, mad props to my sister and niece for surprising me tonight with an early birthday gift.....The Incredible Hulk, complete series on DVD. Awesome! Get well soon !

56. "The Luckiest" (Ben Folds, Rockin the Suburbs, 2001)
When a song is really good, I like to close my eyes, and put myself in the context of the story being told. I think of three people when I close my eyes to this song. I let you into my life with my book, and I've shared a lot with you here, but I will not reveal those three people, so don't try to ask. You would never guess all three, and I interpret the lyrics a little differently than most.

55. "Skinny Love" (Bon Iver, For Emma Forever Ago, 2008)
I still haven't fully recovered about the news of Paste Magazine folding. Who knows what will become of the website, and of my beloved Paste samplers, but Bon Iver is one of the many bands I discovered reading Paste. This song, this album, and Justin Vernon are amazing. When he played Letterman, doing this song, wearing a Badger t-shirt, it felt exactly what I've imagined it will feel like when James Redding does the same.

54. "Silver Lining" (Rilo Kiley, Under the Blacklight, 2007)
It's funny how the things in life that I love kind of bleed into each other. Billy Joel plays two historic shows at Shea Stadium, and a documentary that covers the career of Billy Joel, and the Mets history at Shea comes out of it. Well, three years ago, Rilo Kiley was supposed to do SNL with "The Rock" as host. A pro wrestler does my favorite show, and a band I never heard of as musical guest. My curiosity about them peaked, and I heard a few songs. Then I bought a few albums, now I have a pretty unhealthy crush on Jenny Lewis. When she did this song alone and acoustic to start her show last summer, I melted.

53. "I Love Rock n Roll" (Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, I Love Rock n Roll, 1981)
This was one of my earliest radio memories from when I lived in Mauston. This was so much different from what I was hearing on the radio at the time, and at the time, was the catchiest thing I had ever heard. Still sounds great today.

52. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" (The Rolling Stones, Out of Our Heads, 1965)
When Rolling Stone counted down the Top 500 songs of all time in 2004, this was #1. When they did the same this summer, it was #2. I don't place it that high on my own personal list, but there is no mistaking how really good it is.

51. "My Life" (Billy Joel, 52nd Street, 1978)
If you haven't figure it out yet, Billy Joel is my favorite artist. Critics have had their way with him ever since "Glass Houses", but he is a terrific piano player, a great storyteller, and an incredible songwriter. They simply do not write songs as good as this anymore. Lyrically, musically, sonically, this is one of the best songs in popular music of all time.

50. "My Name is Jonas" (Weezer, The Blue Album, 1994)
Ya done created a monster, Scott Radke. This is the first weezer song I ever heard, track one, album one. My friend Scott and I used to go bowling every Friday, and he ran Camelot Music when we were in high school. While he was closing the store, he played this while I waited, and I was instantly hooked. I literally wore out my copy, and bought it twice that year. The rest is history. Oh, by the way.....it was announced today that the Memories Tour is coming to Chicago on January 7 and 8. You bet your ass I'll be there....

49. "Start Me Up" (The Rolling Stones, Tattoo You, 1981)
This record has a raw, unfinished quality to it that gives it charm. This song kicks off that record, and 30 years later, still sounds awesome, and relevant.

48. "Sometimes a Fantasy" (Billy Joel, Glass Houses, 1980)
Some trivia for you....the fantasy baseball league I used to run was called "Sometimes A Fantasy", and this is the only song on the list about phone sex. Sorry if I've ruined the rest of the list for you....

47. "Hash Pipe" (Weezer, The Green Album, 2001)
The 2nd greatest hard rock song of the last decade.

46. "The Pretender" (Foo Fighters, Echoes Silence Patience and Grace, 2007)
The greatest hard rock song of the last decade.

45. "Monkey Gone to Heaven" (Pixies, Doolittle, 1989)
"If man is 5, then the devil is 6, and if the devil is 6, then God is 7"

44. "Slow Show" (The National, Boxer, 2007)
My apologies to Matthew Schewe. I said some childish things about Bears fans. There are a lot of good ones out there. He's one of them. Matt has introduced a lot of great music to me over the 7 years I've known him, and this is my biggest thank you. With that being said, Matt, is it my turn yet to offer the guest playlist on strictlydiscs.com ??

43. "Pride (In the Name of Love)" (U2, The Unforgettable Fire, 1984)
One of my all time favorite vocals.

42. "Baker Street" (Gerry Rafferty, City to City, 1978)
I miss the singer/songwriter. We need more of them. And that fucking sax solo !!!

41. "Jailhouse Rock" (Elvis Presley)
Was there anybody cooler than Elvis? And don't say Scott Baio.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (80-61)

80. "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" (Nirvana, MTV Unplugged, 1994)
This song apparently dates back to the 1870's, and was originally known as "In the Pines", but Nirvana introduced my generation to the song right before Kurt Cobain died. The screaming last verse still sends a chill down my spine. When you watch it now, you can tell something was up.

79. "Here Comes Your Man" (Pixies, Doolittle, 1989)
Dan Lozoff gets full credit for introducing this band and very awesome album to me.

78. "Steven's Last Night in Town" (Ben Folds Five, Whatever and Ever Amen, 1997)
The solo Ben Folds stuff is good, but the long players lack a certain something that the three Ben Folds Five records offered. I would give anything for a one night reunion, playing this album in it's entirety (and some other songs, too!).

77. "Eleanor Rigby" (The Beatles, Revolver, 1966)
This is a perfect recording.

76. "El Scorcho" (Weezer, Pinkerton, 1996)
The only song on Fugazzi Grand to reference ECW...."watching Grunge leg drop New Jack through a press table"....I wish they played this live. I gotta get to that Memories Tour !!!

75. "Every Breath You Take" (The Police, Synchronicity, 1983)
Andy gave me some trivia this week that I wasn't aware of. Stewart Copeland is cousins with Courtney Cox!

74. "Losing My Religion" (R.E.M., Out of Time, 1991)
Not to many monster hits feature the mandolin. I wish I was on the plane that Peter Buck was on when he drunkenly exclaimed, "I AM R.E.M. !!"

73. "The River of Dreams" (Billy Joel, River of Dreams, 1993)
Billy Joel wasn't kidding at the end of this album when he said, "these are the last words I have to say". He hasn't recorded an album since then. 17 years, and this was his last big hit.

72. "Rock Around the Clock" (Bill Haley & the Comets, Rock Around the Clock, 1954)
This is a classic, in every sense of the word.

71. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Nirvana, Nevermind, 1991)
Butch Vig is a genius.

70. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (Simon & Garfunkel, 1970)
What exactly was Paul Simon's contribution to this song?

69. "The Longest Time" (Billy Joel, An Innocent Man, 1983)
We performed this in high school, and it was a lot of fun. I've heard there is video of it out there somewhere....I'd love to see it! One of my all time favorite songs to sing. Sang it on the way home tonight !

68. "Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)" (Elton John, 1982)
This song is about John Lennon. Lennon, Belushi and Farley are the 3 celebrities I miss the most.

67. "The Logical Song" (Supertramp, Breakfast in America, 1979)
First, and most obviously, I think this song is awesome, proof being that it's number 67 on my all time list. Second, I can't help but imagine Jon Hamm's character "Sergio" from SNL doing the sax solo.

66. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (Elton John, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973)
The remastered version of this will be my next CD purchase, so help me God.

65. "No Rain" (Blind Melon, Blind Melon, 1992)
We've all been the bee. We've all been the bee.

64. "Mr Jones" (Counting Crows, August and Everything After, 1993)
This song is so good, I have to take the time and get familiar with the rest of their stuff. I have too...

63. "Hotel California" (Eagles, Hotel California, 1976)
This song is another perfect recording. Make fun if you will, but the musicianship on this recording has rarely been touched in the last 34 years.

62. "Panama" (Van Halen, 1984, 1984)
This could have/should have been one of the biggest rock and roll bands of all time, but sadly, we now just think of the whole "Roth, Hagar, Roth, Cherone, Roth, Hagar, Roth" drama.

61. "Abel" (The National, Alligator, 2005)
Incredible energy, incredible vocal. The crown jewel of my favorite album of the last 10 years.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (100-81)

100. "Great Balls of Fire" (Jerry Lee Lewis, 1957)
This is rock and roll, the very definition.

99. "She Loves You" (The Beatles, The Beatles Second Album, 1964)
The first taste of the Beatles in America was this song.

98. "MMM MMM MMM MMM" (Crash Test Dummies, God Shuffled His Feet, 1993)
Quite possibly the least likely song to make the top 100, a very unique vocal styling, the lyrics are a bit strange, but I connect to it.

97. "Steppin Out" (Joe Jackson, Night and Day, 1982)
I have to get this remastered. This song continues to climb the charts for me personally.

96. "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" (The Beatles, The White Album, 1968)
This was probably the first Beatles song that I really enjoyed.

95. "Island in the Sun" (Weezer, The Green Album, 2001)
I remember when I bought this in 2001, it had been 5 years since their last record. I had just gotten divorced, and I wore the shit out of this album, for almost a year. This is great, and I've heard some great live versions, covers and remixes. Great, great song.

94. "Authority Song" (John Mellencamp, Uh-Huh, 1983)
Kind of looks like a young Brett Favre in the video. Another song that is on a ton of my playlists over the years.

93. "Hey Jude" (The Beatles, 1968)
Get used to seeing a lot of Beatles songs the rest of the way. Obviously, this could have been ranked a lot higher, really, all of the songs from here on out are all time favorites of mine, the order is somewhat trivial when you get this far.

92. "Girls of Wild Strawberries" (Guided By Voices, Half Smiles of the Decomposed, 2004)
This was their last album, and this is the best song off of that album.

91. "Leave a Tender Moment Alone" (Billy Joel, An Innocent Man, 1983)
Goddamn it, I love this song, I guess that's assumed at this point, huh? I sing this at least once a week, be it in the car or shower.

90. "What You Wish For" (Guster, Lost and Gone Forever, 1999)
Get ready to make fun of Joey! This was what I called the first playlist I made for Amber. This was track one.

89. "Magic" (Ben Folds Five, The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner, 1999)
A very sad song, I don't know why, but I feel something personal in these lyrics, but I can't put my finger on it.

88. "Stand By Me" (Ben E King, 1961)
My favorite movie, incredible song, not much more to say.

87. "Billie Jean" (Michael Jackson, Thriller, 1982)
When I hear this song, or see the video, it still feels like an event.

86. "Tired of Sex" (Weezer, Pinkerton, 1996)
For Weezer to sell millions of their self-titled debut, and come back with this is the ballsiest move in the history of popular music. This did not get great reviews, fans rejected it at first, but now 14 years later, they are re-issuing it, and touring to play it in it's entirety. This is my favorite weezer record, and in my top 5 of all time.

85. "Crackerman" (Stone Temple Pilots, Core, 1992)
Mike Moser's favorite STP song, too.

84. "Waiting on a Friend" (The Rolling Stones, Tattoo You, 1981)
The video had like a $300 budget, but this song is just amazing. Not your father's Rolling Stones sound, but it still works.

83. "No One is To Blame" (Howard Jones, 80's Stripped, 2006)
I went with a stripped down, piano version recorded in 2006. When I heard it for the first time, I thought to myself, "Damn, I used to love that song, now I really love it"

82. "I Get Around" (The Beach Boys, Greatest Hits, 1964)
I decided about a year ago that I'm not a fan of "Pet Sounds", but I still love this song a ton.

81. "Sunshine of Your Love" (Cream, Disraeli Gears, 1967)
Completely awesome, and I heard Billy Joel and his band doing this during rehearsal in 1994 at County Stadium.

Fugazzi Grand (120-101)

120. "Sailing" (Christopher Cross, Christopher Cross, 1983)
I think this has been officially documented....video killed the radio star. MTV ruined this guy's career. Go ahead and call me names, throw your stones, this is a great song, and this should have been a great career.

119. "(Just Like) Starting Over" (John Lennon, 1980)
The re-issues will find there way into my home, by hook or by crook, and dad, you bet I'll take care of you as well.

118. "Pink Houses" (John Mellencamp, Words & Music, 1983)
I remember MTV gave actually gave away a pink house, that's how big this song was in 1983.

117. "Cadillac Ranch" (Bruce Springsteen, The River, 1980)
We all go nuts when he mentions Wisconsin at the live shows. We do. We do....

116. "Call and Answer" (Barenaked Ladies, Stunt, 1998)
"if you call, I will answer. if you fall, I'll pick you up".

115. "Love Me Do" (The Beatles, Please Please Me, 1963)
This is not opinion. This is fact. There will never be another Beatles. There may be another Michael Jordan. There may be another Brett Favre (i hope not), but there will never be another Beatles.

114. "Light My Fire" (The Doors, The Doors, 1967)
I will add an album or two of theirs in the next six months. Which ones should I get? Jamie? Adam? The James I call dad? The James I call James?

113. "Only the Good Die Young" (Billy Joel, The Stranger, 1977)
The fact that this song is at 113 means that this list just got really, really good. This song was banned in Boston in 1978. Think of how the industry has changed that this song was banned, and think of what artists get away with now.

112. "Don't You Forget About Me" (Simple Minds, 1985)
"hey, hey, Hey, HEY !!"

111. "What's Going On" (Marvin Gaye)
One of the best vocals of all time.

110. "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" (Billy Joel, River of Dreams, 1993)
About 3 years ago, I feared that I was going to become a single father, and when that became reality, this song became very real to me. I still can't sing it to Gracie without shedding a tear. It's songs like this that make Billy Joel the most important artist in the jukebox that is my conscience.

109. "Flume" (Bon Iver, For Emma Forever Ago, 2008)
This guy went from being an unknown to having Peter Gabriel cover his songs within about 18 months. I have to check out Gayngs. Reviews are good...

108. "Don't Stop Believin'" (Journey, Greatest Hits, 1981)
And it has nothing to do with The Sopranos or the 2005 Chicago White Sox. You wouldn't guess this, but I've only seen about 3 episodes of the Sopranos. This song has been great since day one. I wouldn't pay a nickel to see Journey with the youtube sensation that is currently touring with them, but the minute Steve Perry and Neil Schon bury the hatchet, I'm there.

107. "I Love You" (Climax Blues Band, 1982)
Adam Kleba. Adam Kleba. Adam Kleba. From the first day of crafting this list, this is the one song that I loved that I couldn't find anywhere. The only way to get it on iTunes was to buy the entire soundtrack for "Zach and Miri Make a Porno", and while I love the movie, I'm not dropping $13.99 for the soundtrack. Threw this out on facebook one day, "Does anybody have this song?", and Adam came through in less than 10 minutes. Adam, you made the list whole! Thank you !!

106. "Goodbye Stranger" (Supertramp, Breakfast in America, 1979)
This album is in my top 5 of all time. Just bought it remastered, and the sound was so much better than my copy from high school. There are three songs on this record that are in my Top 106, as it were.

105. "New York State of Mind" (Billy Joel, Turnstiles, 1976)
If I'm not mistaken, this is the most covered Billy Joel song of all time. Even Sinatra covered it. When I heard this done at Shea Stadium in 2008, one of the musical highlights of my life.

104. "Speedo" (The Cadillacs, 1955)
Of course, when I start that vinyl collection, I'm gonna need some 45's as well. This would be the first 45 I look for.

103. "Lean on Me" (Bill Withers, Lean On Me, 1972)
I taught myself how to play this on piano. Don't be impressed, I do it with one finger. I look mildly retarded when I do it.

102. "Beautiful Day" (U2, All That You Can't Leave Behind, 2000)
"touch me.....take me to that other place.....teach me......I know I'm not a hopeless case"

101. "Fake Plastic Trees" (Radiohead, The Bends, 1995)
Tiffany, did you see this coming? There's not a ton of Radiohead on this list, but the fact that there is any can be attributed to Tiffany, who tried so hard to get me to be a fan. I only hope that when she does Herrera Grand, that weezer will be represented at least once.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (140-121)

140. "Alison" (Elvis Costello, My Aim is True, 1978)
Quite possibly the first song that the common man thinks of when Elvis Costello is mentioned.

139. "An Innocent Man" (Billy Joel, An Innocent Man, 1983)
This entire album pays homage to 50's and 60's pop music, and this song in particular lends from The Drifters' "Under the Boardwalk".

138. "Lollipop" (The Chordettes, Mister Sandman, 1958)
For me personally, I can't help but think of Verne and Teddy when I hear this song.

137. "Sexx Laws" (Beck, Midnite Vultures, 1999)
This album is every bit as good as "Odelay", and I can only name about 136 more songs I'd rather hear than this one.

136. "Glad Girls" (Guided By Voices, Isolation Drills, 2001)
GBV trivia....this is the very first GBV song that I liked. This is the first album of their's I ever heard, and this was one of the song's I kept coming back to. It really wasn't until I discovered "Alien Lanes" and "Bee Thousand" that I came back to this record.

135. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" (Bruce Springsteen, 1973)
Do you remember when MTV played music videos? This used to be on all the time!

134. "Grace" (Jeff Buckley, Grace, 1994)
It is a family name, yes, but I also had this song/album in mind when my daughter was named.

133. "The Golden Age" (Beck, Sea Change, 2002)
They are all so good, but this is my favorite Beck album.

132. "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore" (Elton John, 2001)
I think about these lyrics a lot.

131. "Too Little Too Late" (Barenaked Ladies, Maroon, 2000)
Sonically pleasing and very fun to sing.

130. "Big Bang Baby" (Stone Temple Pilots, Tiny Music, 1996)
This song is probably included in about 50 mixtapes/playlists I've made over the past 14 years.

129. "Rock the Casbah" (The Clash, Combat Rock, 1982)
OK, Clash fans. I have, and love "London Calling". Is this record worth getting? If it's anything like this song, I believe the answer is yes...

128. "I Can't Tell You Why" (Eagles, 1980)
I make fun of the Eagles a lot, especially the men who make them up, but I've always really loved this song. Timothy B Schmidt, doing what Timothy B Schmidt does. Just get a haircut, already.

127. "Everlong" (Foo Fighters, The Colour and the Shape, 1997)
"the only thing I'll ever ask of you.....you gotta promise not to stop when I say when"

126. "The Wanderer" (Dion, Runaround Sue, 1961)
My mom had a huge crush on Dion. What a great song...

125. "Kokomo" (The Beach Boys, Greatest Hits, 1988)
Phil always loved this song, and used it in his new youtube video, which made me and family cry tears of joy !

124. "Come Together" (The Beatles, Abbey Road, 1969)
Track one of a masterpiece.

123. "Big Man on Mulberry Street" (Billy Joel, The Bridge, 1986)
I have a hard time hitting the high notes these days, but damnit, I keep trying...

122. "Guys and Dolls" (Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra, Boys Night Out, 1955)
I love the song so much, I named my new fantasy football league after it. It's called "Guy and Dolls". I'm the guy.

121. "Don't Know Why" (Norah Jones, Come Away With Me, 2002)
In 2002, my crush on Norah Jones consumed my days. Her second album wasn't good, and I haven't heard her fourth, but I will always have time for her debut...

Friday, September 24, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (160-141)

160. "Ball and Biscuit" (The White Stripes, Elephant, 2003)
"it's quite possible that I'm your third man, girl....but it's a fact that I'm the seventh son"

159. "Conduit For Sale!" (Pavement, Slanted and Enchanted, 1992)
A sincere thank you to Todd Kemper for introducing this band to me in 2003. I now have, and enjoy all their records, and saw them for the first time on Fallon last night.

158. "Barrel of a Gun" (Guster, Lost and Gone Forever, 1999)
Great, great album, the first five songs would have made up one of the best E.P.'s of all time.

157. "Bennie and the Jets" (Elton John, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973)
I always thought this was a live version, and for years, I looked for the proper studio version on disc. Ya got me, Elton. Ya got me...

156. "Acid Tongue" (Jenny Lewis, Acid Tongue, 2008)
Sadly, Rilo Kiley was supposed to be on SNL with The Rock, but the writer's strike forced that show to be cancelled. Right after that, I did some reading on the band, listened to a few records, and now Jenny Lewis is on my mount rushmore of current artists I love.

155. "Jeremy" (Pearl Jam, Ten, 1991)
"seemed a harmless little fuck"

154. "Hey Joe" (Jimi Hendrix, Are You Experienced, 1967)
James, I haven't heard you cover a Hendrix song yet, have I?

153. "Stairway to Heaven" (Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin IV, 1971)
"Does anyone remember laughter?"

152. "A Slow Song" (Joe Jackson, Night and Day, 1982)
One of my favorite all time Joe Jackson vocals.

151. "Jungleland" (Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run, 1975)
Tomorrow night, my sister and I will finally watch the MSG show that I taped about 6 months ago, featuring, I'm sure, a 40 minute version of this song.

150. "And I Love Her" (The Beatles, Something New, 1964)
The first song I ever sang after I lost my "innocence". Sue me.

149. "That Look You Gave That Guy" (Eels, Hombre Lobo, 2009)
I will not be seeing Eels on my birthday, but I will see him soon, this is a guarantee.

148. "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" (B.J. Thomas, 1969)
I also have a pretty cool cover version by Ben Folds Five. This is one of my earliest musical memories.

147. "Here Comes the Big Parade" (Harry Connick Jr, She, 1994)
Another song that was really, really high in my Top 100 in 1999. I still perform my "air drum solo" to this song every time I hear it.

146. "It's Not Unusual" (Tom Jones, 1965)
I sing this song at least once a week in the shower.

145. "Less Than Zero" (Elvis Costello, My Aim is True, 1978)
I met Elvis Costello in 1999 at the airport. A big thrill for me, I'm sure he doesn't remember it. It was around midnight, he was waiting for his limo, I was waiting for my wife. A quick handshake, and a "wish I could have seen the show". A gentlemanly nod from Mr Costello, and a small story I can share forever.

144. "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" (Elton John, Capt Fantastic, 1975)
This was another one of the songs that I became attached to when I was getting into Elton John back in 1994. After the Billy Joel/Elton John show was announced for County Stadium, I bought a box set of his, and became a huge fan overnight.

143. "Missing the War" (Ben Folds Five, Whatever and Ever Amen, 1997)
A desert island disc, for sure.

142. "Blonde Over Blue" (Billy Joel, River of Dreams, 1993)
I'm not sure if Phil remembers this, but he and I sang this at Jennifer Shukoski's house in 1994 for about 15 people. I think we nailed it.

141. "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" (Hank Williams, 1950)
Not a huge country fan, but there are a handful of country songs that I really enjoy. I became familiar with this song about 20 years ago, when I first saw my all time favorite baseball movie, "Long Gone". Kyle and I would sing this at the top of our lungs on the bus on the way to our high school baseball games. Great memories, this song will always be special to me.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (180-161)

180. "And Your Bird Can Sing" (The Beatles, Revolver, 1966)
This is where the list gets really, really good.

179. "Wasted and Ready" (Ben Kweller, Sha Sha, 2002)
Discovered Kweller by accident while living in Minnesota. This song kicks all sorts of ass.

178. "Living Loving Maid (She's Just a Woman)" (Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II, 1969)
A favorite of one Andy Gilson. What a great riff...

177. "Hound Dog" (Elvis Presley)
Totally unrelated, but goddamn is my keyboard dirty. Classic Elvis ...

176. "Hit the Road Jack" (Ray Charles, Genius, 1961)
This album, basically a career retrospective, has been a steady play in my car for the past 2 years.

175. "Always" (Distrails, Virginia Creeper, 2009)
The last song I cried to. Men cry. You don't think I'm a man? I'm eating five sausages tomorrow night at the Brewers game. I'm a manly man, damnit!

174. "Tractor Rape Chain" (Guided By Voices, Bee Thousand, 1994)
My friends Todd and Greg swear by this record. I think it's awesome, too. Pollard is in a class by himself.

173. "Man on the Moon" (R.E.M., Automatic for the People, 1992)
I read that this is one of Bono's favorite albums. I miss Andy Kaufman.

172. "I Alone" (Live, Throwing Copper, 1994)
Awesome song, awesome video, and when Amber cuts my hair, I mimic Ed Kowalczyk in that video.

171. "My Sharona" (The Knack, Get the Knack, 1979)
Unless you're a hater like Todd Kemper (just giving you a hard time, buddy), I think this is on everyone's top 1000.

170. "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" (Weezer, The Red Album, 2008)
The most unique Weezer song on record. My good friend Brian Hancock heard it, and said, "Bohemian Rhapsody - esque". I instantly concurred.

169. "With a Little Help from My Friends" (Joe Cocker, 1968)
I prefer the Cocker version to Ringo's. This was another song that really could have appeared twice, but I wanted to represent as many actual songs as possible. One of my favorite shows ever is "The Wonder Years". I hope it's released on DVD soon. Gonna be hard to clear all the music they used. It took MTV about 15 years to release "The State" on DVD for the same reason, and they had to re-score a ton of it.

168. "I'll Buy" (The Replacements, Tim, 1985)
Holy shit, is this a great rock and roll song. Great album, in my personal top 20, for sure.

167. "Karen" (The National, Alligator, 2005)
If I'm told tomorrow that I have 24 hours left to live, I will spend most of that time with my family, and 48 minutes with this record.

166. "You Shook Me All Night Long" (AC/DC, Back in Black, 1980)
When I was younger, I was led to believe these guys were satanic. It turns out, they are just a great rock and roll band.

165. "And So I Know" (Stone Temple Pilots, Tiny Music, 1996)
This is another one of my top 20 albums ever. Don't like much of what they've done since, though.

164. "Something" (The Beatles, Abbey Road, 1969)
Jamie and I had a nice, long talk about "favorites vs best" about a year ago. This album is both for a lot of people. One of the best ever made, and one of my favorite.

163. "If I Had $1,000,000" (Barenaked Ladies, Gordon, 1992)
I love how at the end, they don't tell you that you'll be happy, they just tell you that you'll be rich. They're right!

162. "Brown Eyed Girl" (Van Morrison, Blowin Your Mind, 1967)
One of the best voices on the planet.

161. "Walking Home Again" (Union Pulse, I Hate You. You Always Do This., 2005)
I don't think Thor Bremer knows who I am, I've met him three times, and always seems bored talking to me, but the first time I saw James perform, Thor was filling in as drummer, and immediately after, I told James that he should consider Thor as the new drummer......and it happened. He did this "thing" after "tick tock and it's half past once again", that I now do when listening to the song at home. And I know that James is doing it right now as he reads this. By the way, buy Thor's album, "Altitudes and Catari Ariyasaccani" and check out Union Pulse at at Linneman's River West Inn on Locust on Saturday night, October 16th. I will be there, rockin' out...

Monday, September 20, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (200-181)

200. "Nobody Told Me" (John Lennon, Working Class Hero)
"Most peculiar, momma - ROLL !"

199. "Ghost of Stephen Foster" (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Perrenial Favorites, 1998)
This was #13 on my all time list when I ranked my top 100 in 1999, but being at 199 now doesn't mean I like it any less.

198. "Mixed Bizness" (Beck, Midnite Vultures, 1999)
Beck is one of my all time favorite artists, and as you will come to find out in the next 10 days, this is not my #1 favorite Beck song, but is definitely one of the first songs that comes to mind when I think of Beck.

197. "Twist and Shout" (The Beatles, Please Please Me, 1963)
This isn't even an original Beatles song, but it feels like it should be.

196. "That'll Be the Day" (Buddy Holly, Greatest Hits, 1957)
There is a tasty Buddy Holly box set at Exclusive Co. is all I'm saying...

195. "Interstate Love Song" (Stone Temple Pilots, Purple, 1994)
This was the first STP song that I loved. Wasn't a huge fan of Core until after I heard this song, then went back to see what the fuss was about.

194. "Dazed and Confused" (Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin, 1969)
I don't listen to the records as much as I should, but my Zepp "best of" playlist gets a good workout at least once a week.

193. "When Doves Cry" (Prince, The Hits, 1984)
Jamie, what are your desert island Prince records? I will sit down with them one weekend and try to figure out what kind of fan of his I am. Some incredibly awesome songs, he almost seems too fashionable for someone like me.

192. "Wrapped Around Your Finger" (The Police, Synchronicity, 1983)
Never got a chance to see the Police on the reunion tour, I regret that. They played a show in Milwaukee with Elvis Costello in 2008, and I'd give anything to go back in time and see it.

191. "For Emma" (Bon Iver, For Emma Forever Ago, 2008)
This is not a novelty record, or me throwing a bone at a Wisconsin guy. This is the first of 3 entries in the top 200 from this record, and I highly anticipate his next full length album.

190. "One" (U2, Achtung Baby, 1991)
Did anybody think I would put this at "one" on the list, because of what I did with Tommy Tutone earlier?

189. "Gimme Shelter" (The Rolling Stones, Let It Bleed, 1969)
This is one awesome song, not much more to say.

188. "Pork and Beans" (Weezer, The Red Album, 2008)
This came out 3 years after "Make Believe", which is their worst album, by far. Because of that, I was pretty excited to see how they would bounce back. This is the first weezer song that my daughter ever sang to me, I believe I have video of it somewhere. So much fun to sing....

187. "Creep" (Radiohead, Pablo Honey, 1992)
I am not as crazy about Radiohead as some of my friends are, but I do recognize a great song when I hear it. This is a great song.

186. "All Apologies" (Nirvana, In Utero, 1993)
The thing I miss most about Cobain was his vocals. Especially in songs like this.

185. "Pink Moon" (Nick Drake, Pink Moon, 1972)
When I'm blue, it's Nick Drake on the stereo, a glove in my left hand, a ball in the right.

184. "Like A Rolling Stone" (Bob Dylan)
This is what Rolling Stone magazine had listed as their #1 song of all time this summer. Almost sounds like they were trying to toot their own horn.

183. "Beat It" (Michael Jackson, Thriller, 1982)
For a moment in 1982, I thought this was going to take over the planet. Then "Weird Al" put out "Eat It", and all innocence was lost...

182. "The Long and Winding Road" (The Beatles, Let It Be, 1970)
Although "Let It Be" was the last album released by the Beatles, it was actually recorded before "Abbey Road", so I, and the millions of fans, think of "Abbey Road" as the last album. Still an interesting listen, and this is one of the crown jewels of that record.

181. "All For Leyna" (Billy Joel, Glass Houses, 1980)
If you take all the songs in the top 200, this could be towards the top of the least known songs by you, the reader of this blog. Never released as a single, but one of my favorite songs to sing, and take a moment to watch the video on youtube. This was my look in high school.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (220-201)

220. "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" (Elvis Costello, 1979)
Bill Murray's rendition in "Lost in Translation" is pretty good, too.

219. "Selling the Drama" (Live, Throwing Copper, 1994)
Still love this album as much as I did when it first came out.

218. "Satellite" (Dave Matthews Band, Under the Table and Dreaming, 1994)
For me personally, the first three DMB records were great, and I haven't really liked much since. I've been finding myself deleting some newer stuff as of late, but the first three records are great.

217. "I'm Tore Down" (Eric Clapton, From the Cradle, 1994)
Hey, how 'bout that? Three songs in a row from 1994. This album is unique in that it wasn't recorded in a studio, but rather on stage, with the exception of "Motherless Child". Great album...

216. "Fell in Love with A Girl" (The White Stripes, White Blood Cells, 2001)
So did I. Her name? Meg White!

215. "Steppin' Out With My Baby" (Tony Bennett, Steppin' Out, 1993)
This was the song that introduced Tony Bennett to the MTV generation.

214. "Lonesome Day" (Bruce Springsteen, The Rising, 2002)
A triumphant return for the E Street Band.

213. "Smoke" (Ben Folds Five, Whatever and Ever Amen, 1997)
This album has 7 or 8 entries on this list, a solid listen from top to bottom.

212. "Blessed" (Elton John, Made in England, 1995)
Used to sing this to Heather's belly when she was pregnant with Gracie.

211. "Two-Headed Boy" (Neutral Milk Hotel, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, 1998)
"CATCHING SIGNALS THAT SOUND IN THE DARK !!!! CATCHING SIGNALS THAT SOUND IN THE DARK ......"

210. "Purple Haze" (Jimi Hendrix, Are You Experienced?, 1967)
This is probably the artist that I regret the most not having more entries for.

209. "Hard to Handle" (The Black Crowes, Shake Your Money Maker, 1990)
Tom Jones does an awesome version of this song. Would love to find it.

208. "Tears in Heaven" (Eric Clapton, Rush, 1992)
Maybe the saddest song on the list.

207. "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" (Elton John, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973)
The longest song on the list. It's about time I bought the remastered version, my copy is old and crappy.

206. "The Times They Are A-Changin'" (Bob Dylan)
Billy Joel actually released a cover version of this in 1987 from his tour of Russia. I think he messed up the words a few times.

205. "London Calling" (The Clash, London Calling, 1979)
Such a great album, most definitely a vinyl purchase of the future.

204. "Stayin' Alive" (Bee Gees, 1977)
Yes, disco sucked, but like all genres of music, some songs stand out as great.

203. "Art School Girl" (Stone Temple Pilots, Tiny Music..., 1996)
"I told you five or four times, I told you five or four times, I told you five or times, I told you five or four times, I told you five or four times, I told you five or four times, I told you five or four times, I told you five or four times"

202. "All Along the Watchtower" (Jimi Hendrix, Electric Ladyland, 1968)
A Bob Dylan song that has been covered by a million recording artists, obviously, I'm going with the best version out there. No reason to get excited....

201. "Luck Be a Lady" (Frank Sinatra)
"stick with me baby, I'm the fella you came in with...."

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (240-221)

240. "Rock and Roll" (Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin IV, 1971)
Rock and Roll, played the way it should be played.

239. "Welcome Back" (John Sebastian, 1976)
The sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter" was supposed to be called "Kotter", but the producers liked this song so much, they changed the title last minute.

238. "The Weight" (The Band, 1968)
There is a weezer cover of this song out there, and I must find it.

237. "Title and Registration" (Death Cab For Cutie, Transatlanticism, 2003)
"the glove compartment isn't accurately named....cause behind it's door there's nothing to keep my fingers warm"

236. "Tonight" (Elton John, Blue Moves, 1976)
A masterpiece from Reginald Dwight.

235. "Breaking Us in Two" (Joe Jackson, Night and Day, 1982)
Would really love to see Joe Jackson do a show at the Pabst or the Riverside. Underrated songwriter. Should be bigger than he is.

234. "Go" (The Apples in Stereo, The Discovery of a World Inside the Moone, 2000)
A big thank you Tiffany Herrera for introducing this to me, and a big thank you to Dan Lozoff for re-introducing this to me.

233. "Trou Macacq" (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Perennial Favorites, 1998)
Tom Maxwell. I was sad to see him leave the Zippers, and they haven't had a hit since that day. Let's kiss and make up and do this again, guys. You dominated my CD player for about 3 years in the late 90's, when weezer was taking a break.

232. "It's All Been Done" (Barenaked Ladies, Stunt, 1998)
"will I cry, will I smile, as you run down the aisle !!! "

231. "Roxanne" (The Police, Outlandos D'Amour, 1978)
Eddie Murphy and Dave Briere have great versions as well. This song is still awesome.

230. "Song 2" (Blur, 1997)
Danny Forst, I've got your attention ! Weezer covers this now, but this makes the list either way.

229. "Halloween" (Dave Matthews Band, Before These Crowded Streets, 1998)
I sometimes refer to this LP as Dave Matthews "Pinkerton". These songs come from a darker place....this may be my favorite Dave Matthews vocal ever recorded.

228. "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" (Michael Jackson, Off the Wall, 1979)
The only reason "Thriller" out sold this record was MTV. This is the better record, but did not have MTV to promote it.

227. "It's Good To Be King" (Tom Petty, Wildflowers, 1994)
This is Tom Petty's magnum opus. Every single song is great, one of favorite records from start to finish.

226. "Two Thousand Years" (Billy Joel, River of Dreams, 1993)
Sadly for me, this was the last album Billy Joel ever recorded. Not gonna lie to you, I check Google news almost daily to find out if he's in the studio again. It's funny, nine months later, Weezer's first album came out. It almost feels like the baton was passed from Billy Joel to Rivers Cuomo as far as my favorite recording artist.

225. "Sister Christian" (Night Ranger, Midnight Madness, 1984)
In hindsight, maybe I listed this a little higher than I should have. It is one of those songs that I always keep on if I stumble upon it on the radio.

224. "Handle With Care" (Traveling Wilburys, Vol 1, 1988)
This song, and band almost never happened. George Harrison wanted to record a B-side for one of his solo albums, and this song came out of it. The sessions went so well, they decided to cut an entire album, and this was the first single from their first album. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins cover this, and it too is really good.

223. "Mind Eraser, No Chaser" (Them Crooked Vultures, 2009)
Another incredible supergroup. This performance on SNL last year was the best in years, and this song will be in heavy rotation on my ipod for a long, long time.

222. "Your Song" (Elton John, Elton John, 1970)
The songwriting duo of Bernie Taupin and Elton John is incredible and somewhat unusual. Taupin writes poems, then sends them to Elton John, and he puts music to them. Backwards, but it has worked for 40 years.

221. "Butterfly" (Weezer, Pinkerton, 1996)
I think I've misinterpreted these lyrics since day one, but whatever the meaning, it is awesome, and the closer from my favorite weezer record.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (260-241)

260. "Pop's Love Suicide" (Stone Temple Pilots, Tiny Music, 1996)
In my opinion, their best, and last great album. Saw them live once, wasn't blown away, but this record will always be a favorite.

259. "Neighbours" (The Rolling Stones, Tattoo You, 1981)
This will definitely, definitely be a vinyl purchase.

258. "The Old Apartment" (Barenaked Ladies, Born on a Pirate Ship, 1996)
"broken glass, broke and hungry, broken hearts and broken bones"

257. "Recipe For Love" (Harry Connick Jr, We Are In Love, 1990)
M'lady hates Connick. They can't all be as talented as Bob Richie.

256. "Just Kiss Me" (Harry Connick Jr, Blue Light Red Light, 1991)
Bob Richie is affectionately known as "Kid Rock" to the kids. Amber likes Kid Rock.

255. "So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)" (R.E.M., Reckoning, 1984)
Been wearing the hell out of this album lately.

254. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" (Elton John, 1974)
When I really started to get into Elton John in 1994, this was one of the first songs that I really liked. Bought a greatest hits package of some sort, and always found myself fast forwarding to this one.

253. "Under My Thumb" (The Rolling Stones, Aftermath, 1966)
Andy and I do something when we're feeling silly called "de-rocking". We change the lyrics of songs that essentially take the attitude completely out of the song. When doing this song, Andy says, "Beneath the opposable appendage nearest my wrist". We have a ton of them.....

252. "Accidents Will Happen" (Elvis Costello, Armed Forces, 1979)
There is also a great version of this on his "Live from Hollywood" album, slowed down and at a piano. Great song...

251. "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen, Classic Queen, 1975)
This song came out 8 days after I was born. I will sometimes refer to this song, Saturday Night Live and myself as triplets. My birthday is October 2, 1975, and SNL debuted October 11, 1975.

250. "It's Alright With Me" (Harry Connick Jr, We Are In Love, 1990)
Clearly this is Amber's least favorite entry in my blog. Connick 3, Kid Rock 0.

249. "Sunshine (Go Away Today)" (Jonathan Edwards, 1971)
Yes, this is that one song from "Anchorman", and no, I wasn't familiar with it until I saw "Anchorman".

248. "What a Fool Believes" (The Doobie Brothers, Minute by Minute, 1979)
If you've never checked out "Yacht Rock" on the world wide interwebs, it is a must see. Features all of your softsational hits of the 70's, and is really funny. You will find Milwaukee's own Dan Harmon in an episode or two, he of the hit show "Community".

247. "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)" (Billy Joel, 1976)
The lyrics take on a whole new meaning since 9/11. He opened with this when we saw him at Shea in 2008.

246. "Summer Wind" (Frank Sinatra, 1960)
Interesting side note. Was first recorded by Wayne Newton.

245. "In A Little While" (U2, All That You Can't Leave Behind, 2000)
U2 and Wilco are very similar to me in this way. I either love or don't connect at all to their songs. There is very little gray area with either band. This is a song I loved from the very first listen.

244. "Jack and Diane" (John Mellencamp, Words and Music, 1982)
A jukebox staple.

243. "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" (John Lennon, Working Class Hero, 1971)
Obviously, this song has a deeper meaning than the reason I love it. I was at Lambeau in late 2002 when the Packers beat the Bills to clinch a home playoff game, and this song played immediately after the game. The whole stadium sang together, I was in tears, three days before Christmas. One of the neatest days of my life.

242. "Sweet Child O Mine" (Guns n Roses, Appetite for Destruction, 1987)
Many say this is the finest debut album of all time. I can't agree, but I will tip my cap to this particular song.

241. "Purple Rain" (Prince, Purple Rain, 1984)
I cannot help but to think of Pat Butler playing hockey when I hear this song. Ask him, he'll tell you the story behind it...

Fugazzi Grand (280-261)

280. "The Word" (The Beatles, Rubber Soul, 1965)
George Harrison doesn't get enough credit for his contributions to the Beatles. Lennon and McCartney wrote most the Beatles stuff, and Harrison and George Martin created a lot of the sound.

279. "Best of You" (Foo Fighters, In Your Honor, 2005)
If you haven't seen the Foo Fighters live, please do so.

278. "Adhesive" (Stone Temple Pilots, Tiny Music...., 1996)
A few weeks back, I was asked by TV's Dave Holmes on facebook to come up with my essential 15 albums. Looking back, I wish I would have included this one.

277. "A Change is Gonna Come" (Sam Cooke, 1960)
This is the song that got Taylor Hicks to Hollywood. I had a feeling he may do well, I never thought he'd win it all.

276. "What It Is" (Mark Knopfler, Sailing to Philadelphia, 2000)
I don't listen to this album as much as I should.

275. "Goodnight Rose" (Ryan Adams, Easy Tiger, 2007)
I think I'm gonna make a Ryan Adams playlist tonight. I will play it the next time Todd and I play Madden's at my place....

274. "Song for the Dumped" (Ben Folds Five, Whatever and Ever Amen, 1997)
"I want my money back, and don't forget, to give me back my black t-shirt"

273. "Mr November" (The National, Alligator, 2005)
This song is not about Derek Jeter. Have I mentioned that this is my favorite album of the 2000's ?

272. "Jealous Again" (The Black Crowes, Shake Your Money Maker, 1990)
The Black Crowes are simply a great rock n roll band. I need to embrace the long players more.

271. "Summer Breeze" (Seals & Crofts, 1972)
I will forever refer to this song as the Dave Holmes kickball song.

270. "Hornets! Hornets!" (The Hold Steady, Separation Sunday, 2005)
Garage rock at his finest.

269. "Darlington County" (Bruce Springsteen, Born in the USA, 1984)
Was there anyone who didn't own this album in 1984 ?

268. "Yellow Ledbetter" (Pearl Jam, Rearviewmirror, 1992)
Not sure if this ever made an album, but this was the first Pearl Jam song that I really embraced, although, I don't know what the hell Eddie Vedder is saying.

267. "Zanzibar" (Billy Joel, 52nd Street, 1978)
The setting for this song is a sports bar. Muhammad Ali and Pete Rose are referenced. Great track, not really well known by casual fans, as this was never released as a single.

266. "Radio Free Europe" (R.E.M., Murmur, 1983)
These early R.E.M. records are amazing.

265. "Watching the Detectives" (Elvis Costello, My Aim is True, 1978)
Let me take a moment to clear up an urban myth about this record. Huey Lewis did not play on it. His former band, Clover, were used on it, but not Huey.

264. "On and On" (Stephen Bishop, On and On, 1977)
My apologies to The Jam. I recently said that they were the only artist on the list that I could not name a second song for. Stephen Bishop. There are a few others too.....

263. "Mary Jane's Last Dance" (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, 1993)
Great song, great video, and Union Pulse does a great cover of it, too.

262. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" (Tears for Fears, 1985)
An 80's classic that we can all agree upon at the water cooler.

261. "This Love" (Maroon 5, Songs for Jane, 2002)
Frank Crivello singing this at the top of his lungs at a Brewers game is still one of the best moments of my life. Birth of my daughter, release of my book, Crivello sings Maroon 5 are the top three....

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (300-281)

300. "Lover, You Should Have Come Over" (Jeff Buckley, Grace, 1994)
I started buying CD's in 1994, and this was the first non Billy Joel CD I ever bought. Up until then.....cassettes. Remember cassettes ?

299. "Thriller" (Michael Jackson, Thriller, 1982)
This video really did kill the radio star. After "Thriller", guys like Christopher Cross never really had a chance again.

298. "Sabotage" (Beastie Boys, Ill Communication, 1994)
One of the best videos of all time.

297. "That's Entertainment" (The Jam, 1981)
This is the only artist on the list that I cannot name another song of.

296. "Cut Your Hair" (Pavement, Crooked Rain Crooked Rain, 1994)
I still can't figure out if "Pardon the Interruption" is sampling this song.

295. "Hey Ya!" (Outkast, 2003)
One word: fun.

294. "Piano Man" (Billy Joel, Piano Man, 1973)
My guess is that some of you thought this would be #1, or close to the top. It's a great song, don't get me wrong, but I can think of around, I don't know, 293 other songs that I would say I like more....

293. "Thunder Road" (Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run, 1975)
James, I'm sorry I missed your post-Springsteen acoustic show. Did you play this ?

292. "Hate It Here" (Wilco, Sky Blue Sky, 2007)
I either like or don't like Wilco's stuff. This......I like.

291. "Working for the Weekend" (Loverboy, Mullets Rock!, 1981)
Cheesy? Yes. But as I've said before. I love nachos.

290. "Help Yourself" (Tom Jones, 1968)
Tom Jones is Lord. I sing this song all the damn time.

289. "Hit" (Guided By Voices, Alien Lanes, 1995)
At 23 seconds long, easily the shortest song on the list. This is my favorite album of all time.

288. "The Way" (Fastball, All the Pain Money Can Buy, 1998)
Great, great song to drive to. I'm surprised these guys didn't have more hits.

287. "Diecast Aeroplane" (Union Pulse, Angel on a Wire, 2007)
I requested that James play this at Summerfest with the band, they did it on the fly, and it kicked ass. Then he plugged my book! Now that's a friend.... let's grab a pizza when you get back from the East Coast. I'm enjoying the E.P. .......

286. "Runaway Train" (Soul Asylum, Black Gold, 1993)
James, you're gonna laugh. I used to think this was a Tom Petty song. I'm sorry, am I being rude, having this conversation with James Redding, lead singer of my favorite band, Union Pulse....I feel like I'm leaving the rest of you out. Maybe I'll include you more once you've put out four rock records...."Eine Kleine Rockmusik", "I Hate You. You Always Do This.", "Angel on a Wire" and "Between Love and Addiction". Buy them on iTunes, and see them live !

285. "The Way You Look Tonight" (Frank Sinatra, Best of, 1960)
Timeless.

284. "I Will Dare" (The Replacements, Let It Be, 1984)
It's about time I added to my Replacements collection.

283. "Why Bother?" (Weezer, Pinkerton, 1996)
Blinkerton is coming ! Weezer is playing 2 shows in each city they hit, starting in November, and will be playing "Blue" the first night, and "Pinkerton" the second night. You can bet your ass I will be ....... somewhere.

282. "Kashmir" (Led Zeppelin, Physical Graffiti, 1975)
"you called his niece a whore - a cheap one"

281. "Superstition" (Stevie Wonder, 1972)
Great song, great great song. Heard Harry Connick Jr cover this in concert, that was awesome, too.

Fugazzi Grand (320-301)

320. "My Head Is in the Sun" (The Rentals, Seven More Minutes, 1999)
I'm not a songwriter, but this is the type of song I wish I had written.

319. "Under the Bridge" (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, 1991)
You know what he was doing under the bridge, right? Smoking drugs, that's what...still a great song.

318. "You Don't Know How It Feels" (Tom Petty, Wildflowers, 1994)
I have made time for this record at least once a month since the day I bought it.

317. "The Next Messiah" (Jenny Lewis, Acid Tongue, 2008)
My birthday is October 2nd. If you're looking for a birthday gift for me, how's about picking up the new Jenny and Johnny record. I will act surprised....by the way.....fuckin' love this song.

316. "Let Me Tell You About Her" (Elvis Costello, North, 2003)
This album is one of the many reasons that I love Declan MacManus. Such a departure from his other stuff, but it works.

315. "Skyline Pigeon" (Elton John, 1967)
I think this was written before "Your Song" became a hit. Wonderful combination of lyric and melody, and I love the vocal.

314. "Good Times Bad Times" (Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin, 1969)
"In the days of my youth, I was told what it means to be a man...."

313. "Bastards of Young" (The Replacements, Tim, 1985)
Tim is my favorite Replacements record. I think I may buy it on vinyl for when I one day own a record player. Gonna buy all the favorites....

312. "Cat's in the Cradle" (Harry Chapin, Verities & Balderdash, 1974)
This is probably on everyone's top 1000 list. It just feels like home.

311. "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher" (Jackie Wilson, 1967)
I've always loved this song, was thrilled when the Boss performed it at his last Milwaukee show. When I say the Boss, I'm referring to Bruce Springsteen, not Joe Dahms.

310. "Night" (Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run, 1975)
Every song on this record seems epic.

309. "I'm So Tired" (The Beatles, The White Album, 1968)
When I was married to Suzy, this was her favorite Beatles album. I couldn't get into it then, but I think it was because she had an older copy, because I love it now. That, and oh yeah, I hated living with Suzy, and that made music sound poor, and food taste bad.

308. "Family Tree" (Ben Kweller, Sha Sha, 2002)
I guess I've soured a bit on Kweller, but I still really like his first record.

307. "We Laugh Indoors" (Death Cab For Cutie, The Photo Album, 2001)
I've heard these guys aren't crazy about this album, and I can't figure out why.

306. "Badlands" (Bruce Springsteen, Darkness on the Edge of Town, 1978)
I hear this is getting the "deluxe reissue" treatment. I'm there.

305. "It's Now or Never" (Elvis Presley)
Even when Rob Schneider sang this on SNL, it was awesome.

304. "Laura" (Billy Joel, The Nylon Curtain, 1982)
There are a few songs on this record that pay homage to the Beatles, and this is one of them. Just a brilliant recording.

303. "I Saw Her Standing There" (Paul McCartney, Good Evening New York City, 2009)
Yes, this is a Beatles song, I know. I took the live version from Citi Field last year, featuring Billy Joel. Damn, I wish I could have been there...

302. "Money For Nothing" (Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms, 1985)
This is the only song on the list that features the word "faggot" three times, which clearly kept them out of the top 300.

301. "Captain Jack" (Billy Joel, Piano Man, 1973)
Matthew Schewe's favorite Billy Joel song, no ?

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (340-321)

340. "So What'cha Want" (Beastie Boys, Check Your Head, 1992)
One of my favorite songs to drive to. Love the bass...

339. "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" (Rooney, Calling the World, 2007)
Definitely need to pick this up. Eureka is all sorts of good, I bet this is too.

338. "Range Life" (Pavement, Crooked Rain Crooked Rain, 1994)
Mr Kemper has got me hooked on Pavement. Just heard Watery, Domestic for the first time this week. Nice little E.P.

337. "Heavenly" (Harry Connick Jr, We Are in Love, 1990)
One of my all time favorite songs to sing. If only I shared bills with someone who liked Connick, I'd sing it way more.

336. "Let's Stay Together" (Al Green, Greatest Hits, 1972)
Really cool moment at the 25th anniversary special of SNL, Al Green sang this as all the living cast members in attendance reunited on stage.

335. "Strawberry Fields Forever" (The Beatles, 1967)
My daughter's current favorite Beatles song.

334. "What'd I Say (Part 1)" (Ray Charles, Genius)
Was there a part 2?

333. "I'm A Believer" (The Monkees, Best of, 1966)
Another song that will always remind me of Brewers baseball, especially the 1987 team. Weezer covered this as well this year for the final Shrek flick.

332. "Let's Get It On" (Marvin Gaye, 1's, 1973)
I almost went with Jack Black's version from "High Fidelity".

331. "My Funny Valentine" (Matt Giraud, American Idol, 2009)
You may snicker at this, but this was the guy I wanted to win in 2009. All respect to Danny Gokey, but I was a Matt Giraud guy, much like my boy Phil Hohlweck was a Clay Aiken and Chris Daughtry guy...

330. "Another Day" (Jamie Lidell, Jim, 2008)
Another must have. Great vocalist, and a really good sound.

329. "Linus & Lucy" (Vince Guaraldi Trio, 1965)
Perhaps the most played song in my head on this entire list. I am a huge Peanuts fan, I am passing it down to my daughter, and the strip and TV specials will always be a huge part of my life.

328. "Keeping the Faith" (Billy Joel, An Innocent Man, 1983)
This album is just fun to listen to. Such a thrill when I got this for Christmas in 1983.

327. "Maggie's Farm" (Bob Dylan)
Another artist that I've started to really appreciate the older I get.

326. "Woman" (John Lennon, Working Class Hero, 1980)
One of Lennon's last gifts to the world. I'm furious that he was taken from us.

325. "My Hometown" (Bruce Springsteen, Born in the USA, 1984)
I look forward to playing this for Gracie and my unborn children when I take them back to Brown Deer.

324. "Gone Away" (The Offspring, Ixnay on the Hombre, 1997)
This song is a departure from what we're all used to with the Offspring. The video is pretty haunting, too.

323. "My Way" (Frank Sinatra, Best of, 1960)
Go ahead, make your fun, but I remember when they played this over a Roddy Piper montage right before he retired. I cried. I was 11, people.

322. "Goodnight Goodnight" (Hot Hot Heat, Elevator, 2005)
Much like Modest Mouse and Snow Patrol, I grew tired of these guys over time, but this song is hella-catchy.

321. "The Other Side of Summer" (Elvis Costello, Mighty Like a Rose, 1991)
"Was it a millionaire....who said imagine no possessions? A poor little schoolboy who said we don't need no lessons"

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (360-341)

360. "Open Arms" (Journey, Greatest Hits, 1982)
Don't pretend you don't like Journey.

359. "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay" (Otis Redding, 1967)
A classic.

358. "Back in the USSR" (The Beatles, The White Album, 1968)
Billy Joel covered this in the 80's, but of course, I went with the White Album opener for the list.

357. "Hackensack" (Fountains of Wayne, Welcome Interstate Managers, 2003)
I like this song more and more each time I hear it.

356. "You Can't Judge a Book By It's Cover" (Bo Diddley)
Didn't Dusty Rhodes use this for a bit?

355. "Heartbreak Hotel" (Elvis Presley)
Billy Joel covered this as well, for that Nick Cage movie, but again, going with the original. This is also the name of my mom's first fantasy football team.

354. "Too Much" (Dave Matthews Band, Crash, 1996)
I really enjoy singing this song, and doing that Dave Matthews foot thing when I do.

353. "Over Now" (Alice in Chains, Alice in Chains, 1995)
The only reason I didn't go with the Unplugged version is because that version includes about 2 and a half minutes of dialogue that kills my boner.

352. "Time After Time" (Cyndi Lauper, She's So Unusual, 1983)
When I sing this song, I do it with an exaggerated Elmer Fudd voice. The kids love it!

351. "Soul Man" (Sam & Dave, Soul Men, 1967)
Could maybe be a little bit higher, I suppose. A staple of the Blues Brothers, back in "the day".

350. "Carry On Wayward Son" (Kansas, Best of Kansas, 1976)
The song makes the list either way, but the reason it's this high is that it's the song that plays during the closing credits of "Anchorman".

349. "Here, There and Everywhere" (The Beatles, Revolver, 1966)
Beautiful song.

348. "More Than Words" (Extreme, 20th Century Masters, 1991)
Andy and I sing this at work at least once a week.

347. "Burn On" (Randy Newman, Sail Away, 1972)
As featured in the opening credits of "Major League". Don't worry, not every song on this list is featured in a film I enjoy. Just a couple.

346. "Wonderful Tonight" (Eric Clapton, The Cream of Clapton, 1977)
I acknowledge that this song has been beat to death, but I still enjoy it.

345. "My Sweet Lord" (George Harrison, All Things Must Pass, 1970)
I read recently that Harrison lost a suit against the songwriters of "He's So Fine", saying that Harrison stole the melody from that song, and used it in this one. Interesting.

344. "Baby Learns to Crawl" (Paul Westerberg, Stereo, 2002)
This album pisses me off, but this song is awesome, and I used to sing it to my daughter.

343. "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" (Green Day, 2001)
My very good friend, Phil Hohlweck, put this song to a bunch of old Brewers highlights, and now this song will always remind me of Easter Sunday, 1987, Robin's 3000th hit and the '82 American League Champions.

342. "Kiss" (Prince, Parade, 1986)
This song was very close to being the only song on the list to make it twice. I really, really wanted to put the Tom Jones cover version on the list, but I don't own it (not sure why).

341. "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" (Jimi Hendrix, Electric Ladyland, 1968)
What of the best guitar licks of all time. James, is that the right phrase? Guitar lick?

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (380-361)

380. "Crazy" (Gnarls Barkley, St Elsewhere, 2006)
This song pretty much owned the year 2006.

379. "Keep the Car Running" (Arcade Fire, Neon Bible, 2007)
Foo Fighters also have a great cover version of this song. Go and get the new LP, too. Thanks, Greg!

378. "Killing Me Softly" (The Fugees, The Score, 1996)
I really could have gone with the original or this one, both very good.

377. "Believe in Life" (Eric Clapton, Reptile, 2001)
This album has like 3 or 4 really good songs, not into the rest of it, but this I love.

376. "This Night" (Billy Joel, An Innocent Man, 1983)
"tomorrow.....is such a long time away. This night.......can last forever."

375. "The Great Beyond" (R.E.M., In Time, 1999)
From the "Man on the Moon" soundtrack, one of their best songs of the last 15 years.

374. "Cannonball" (The Breeders, Last Splash, 1993)
"That's ok for him, but I'm still alone." Old reference from "The State".

373. "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" (Paul Simon, 1972)
Have you seen the video with Mickey Mantle?

372. "Jenny Wren" (Paul McCartney, Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, 2005)
My favorite McCartney solo album. Can't wait for these reissues to come out.

371. "At This Moment" (Billy Vera & the Beaters, 1982)
Yeah, that one song from that one episode of that one show with that one guy from Midnight Madness and Teen Wolf.

370. "The Beauty of Who You Are" (Marc Broussard, Carencro, 2004)
This is unofficially our song (Amber and I).

369. "I Will Possess Your Heart" (Death Cab For Cutie, Narrow Stairs, 2008)
Competent mo-fos, never disappointing.

368. "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" (Nicks & Petty, Bella Donna, 1983)
I like this song better than any Fleetwood Mac song.

367. "Jump" (Van Halen, 1984, 1984)
It's ironic that the most recognizable Van Halen song features a synthesizer.

366. "Shattered" (The Rolling Stones, Some Girls, 1978)
Definitely need to pick this album up.

365. "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" (Cake, Comfort Eagle, 2001)
At some point for me, all the Cake songs started to sound alike, but this song, and a few others stand out.

364. "Like I Love You" (Justin Timberlake, Justified, 2002)
No denying that this is a hot track. I'm not sure what Justin Timberlake is anymore. Musician? Actor? Either way, a great SNL host.

363. "Baba O'Riley" (The Who, Ultimate Collection, 1971)
Affectionately known as "Teenage Wasteland" by Lisa Elskamp.

362. "(Don't Go Back To) Rockville" (R.E.M. , Reckoning, 1984)
I don't mean to curse, but such a fucking good album.

361. "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" (Neutral Milk Hotel, 1998)
Title track for one of the best albums of all time. Jeff Mangum, please come out play for a bit....

Friday, September 10, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (400-381)

400. "I've Got a Woman" (Ray Charles, Genius, 2009)
This is my favorite artist's favorite artist.

399. "Right Hand Man" (Joan Osborne, Relish, 1995)
The crown jewel of Relish.

398. "Barfruit Blues" (The Hold Steady, Almost Killed Me, 2004)
"She said it's good to see you back in a bar band, baby. I said it's great to see you're still in the bars".

397. "Clint Eastwood" (Gorillaz, Gorillaz, 2001)
The greatest animated band of all time.

396. "The Future Freaks Me Out" (Motion City Soundtrack, 2003)
This song beats Weezer at their own game.

395. "Island Girl" (Elton John, Rock of the Westies, 1975)
Just a very fun song that I've always enjoyed.

394. "You Are So Beautiful" (Joe Cocker, 1974)
A simple sentiment, a great song.

393. "Black" (Pearl Jam, Ten, 1991)
Up until a few months ago, this song was called "Meyer". This is for you, Terri. Just checking to see if you're still paying attention.

392. "The Funeral" (Band of Horses, Everything All the Time, 2006)
I believe Kevin Schneider got me into this record.

391. "Walk This Way" (Run DMC & Aerosmith, Raising Hell, 1986)
Shit. I promised no Aerosmith on the list. I guess I was wrong, but I assure you, no Kiss, Nickelback, Richard Marx, Train or Creed.

390. "An American Girl" (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers)
The Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Greatest Hits album is my favorite Greatest Hits album of all time. It is perfect for a jukebox.

389. "The Sound of Settling" (Death Cab For Cutie, Transatlanticism, 2003)
Saw these guys at the Rave with Ben Kweller opening after this record came out, and I've been a huge, huge fan ever since.

388. "Seven Nation Army" (The White Stripes, Elephant, 2003)
Wait a minute. Is that a bass guitar I hear???

387. "Freedom of '76" (Ween, Chocolate and Cheese, 1994)
Awesome album art, and a really fun song.

386. "New Sensation" (INXS, Kick, 1987)
This. Is. The. 80's.

385. "One Week" (Barenaked Ladies, Stunt, 1998)
The Barenaked Ladies always seem to have one song on each album that features rapping. This one, "Pinch Me", that one postcards song. The last 3 or 4 albums have been disappointing, and I stopped being a huge fan after Maroon (which I love), but I will always make time for this song.

384. "Wildflowers" (Tom Petty, Wildflowers, 1994)
Rick Rubin and Tom Petty made a masterpiece.

383. "We're Going to Be Friends" (The White Stripes, White Blood Cells, 2001)
One of my favorite SNL musical performances ever was this song.

382. "A Room of Our Own" (Billy Joel, The Nylon Curtain, 1982)
One of my favorite songs to sing in the shower.

381. "The Weather" (Built to Spill, Ancient Melodies of the Future, 2001)
"As long as it's talking with you.....talk of the weather will do"

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (420-401)

420. "Rocket Man" (Elton John, Honky Chateau, 1972)
Has anyone seen the footage of Bill Shatner singing this? What about Stewie??

419. "Brandy Alexander" (Ron Sexsmith, Exit Strategy of the Soul, 2008)
One of the better artists on this list you've never heard of.

418. "In My Dreams" (Eels, Hombre Lobo, 2009)
"Hombre Lobo" is the first in a trilogy of records, along with "End Times" and "Tomorrow Morning" that you simply have to own.

417. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" (The Rolling Stones, 1969)
Was the choir at the beginning of the song the same one the Peanuts used for "Christmas Time is Here"?

416. "All Over You" (Live, Throwing Copper, 1994)
Hard to explain......everything before and everything since this album have been "blah". But I still come back to this album.

415. "The Ballad of John and Yoko" (The Beatles, 1969)
"Christ, you know it ain't easy...."

414. "What's New Pussycat?" (Tom Jones, 1965)
This guy was born to sing. A lot of his songs may have been considered "gimmicks", but this guy was born to sing.

413. "I Feel Free" (Cream, The Cream of Clapton, 1966)
Not to give too much away, but when I did my Top 100 in 1999, this was number 100.

412. "I'll Never Fall in Love" (Costello & Bacharach, 1999)
As featured in "Austin Powers 2"

411. "Clocks" (Coldplay, A Rush of Blood to the Head, 2002)
I'm not buying these guys as the next "best band in the world", but I do enjoy this song.

410. "Hopelessly Devoted To You" (Olivia Newton-John, Grease, 1978)
My Grandma's favorite movie. I love it, too, as well as the soundtrack.

409. "Sulphur to Sugarcane" (Elvis Costello, 2009)
New album drops in November. This was from his last one (my daughter's favorite LP).

408. "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" (The White Stripes, 2001)
Who's playing bass? What? No bass!

407. "Devil Baby" (Mark Knopfler, The Ragpicker's Dream, 2002)
One of my favorite guitar players around.

406. "I Don't Want to Be Alone" (Billy Joel, Glass Houses, 1980)
Have I mentioned that Glass Houses is the album I've heard more than any other in my life. Thank you , Auntie Carol !

405. "Brick" (Ben Folds Five, Whatever and Ever Amen, 1997)
Sad song, but sad songs make good songs sometimes.

404. "Boy With A Coin" (Iron & Wine, The Shepherd's Dog, 2007)
These lyrics are too deep for a dipshit like me to comment on. All I know is that I'm moved.

403. "That Thing You Do!" (The Wonders, 1996)
The mystery has since been solved as to who was really playing on this record. Great song, great movie...

402. "One Thing Real" (Dan Bern, Fifty Eggs, 1998)
A genuine thank you to Howard Goldstein for introducing me to Dan Bern's music.

401. "Lotta Love" (Neil Young, Live Rust, 1979)
Speaking of Howard.....he has also introduced me to Neil Young's stuff as of late. One of the live albums he gave me had this song. Never knew this was a Neil Young song! Was ready to put the version I know on the list, but hell, I like this better !

Fugazzi Grand (440-421)

440. "You Can't Get What You Want" (Joe Jackson, Body & Soul, 1984)
Not to be confused with the Rolling Stones song "You Can't Always Get What You Want", (which is currently backstage, waiting to be announced on the list itself).

439. "These Eyes" (The Guess Who, Best of, 1968)
Michael Cera in SuperBad. Brilliant...

438. "Stand" (R.E.M., Green, 1988)
Why were they crucified for this song?

437. "The Girl is Mine" (Jackson & McCartney, Thriller, 1982)
Think about what a historic collaboration this was for a minute.

436. "True" (Spandau Ballet, Gold, 1983)
The idea of the ipod was created for songs like this.

435. "Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe" (Okkervil River, The Stage Names, 2007)
Put this band at or near the top of the list of bands I'm stickin' with for the long haul.

434. "Like A Star" (Corinne Bailey Rae, 2006)
An incredible voice, this song will continue to rise the charts if I continue to make these lists.

433. "My Girls" (Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion, 2009)
Why, oh why, Todd are you not feeling this band ?

432. "Junk Bond Trader" (Elliott Smith, Figure 8, 2000)
This is the one long player of his I've stood by over the years.

431. "Ocean Breathes Salty" (Modest Mouse, 2004)
I am completely done with this band as far as new stuff, but I still really like this song. I still remember when they played SNL. It felt at the time like seeing your little brother make it.

430. "Hotel Yorba" (The White Stripes, White Blood Cells, 2001)
Discovered the White Stripes in my MTV2 phase of 2001-02. Have been a huge fan ever since, especially of Meg.

429. "Border Song" (Elton John, Elton John, 1970)
I've decided that I'm going to rip Rolling Stone magazine off again in the future, and count down my top songs of particualar artists. Gonna do Elton John first.....please act surprised when I get to the top 25-30 or so songs.

428. "Help!" (The Beatles, Help!, 1965)
This is my favorite of the Beatles movie soundtracks.

427. "Centerfield" (John Fogerty, 1985)
The only thing keeping this song out of the top 100 is the fact that I made a huge, huge mistake.

426. "Better Things" (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, 2010)
I can't believe she's 55 years old!

425. "With Imagination" (Harry Connick Jr, Blue Light Red Light, 1991)
These early 90's Connick records will be huge staples in my record collection for as long as I'm around.

424. "Suits are Picking Up the Bill" (Squirrel Nut Zippers, 1998)
I love singing the Zippers .... DEAL WITH IT, SUZY ....first ex-wife, I think her name was Suzy. Sounds familiar. I just remember she hated the Zippers, and that her name may or may not have been Suzy.

423. "Being With You" (Smokey Robinson, My World, 1981)
I believe this is my mom's favorite song.

422. "With or Without You" (U2, The Joshua Tree, 1987)
What a great lyric...."I can't live...with or without you". Who hasn't felt this at least once.

421. "The River" (Bruce Springsteen, The River, 1980)
Bought this at Exclusive Co for $7.99. Incredible deal!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (460-441)

460. "Mama's Room" (Under the Influence of Giants, 2006)
This was the first ever free song I downloaded from iTunes. No free song that I've downloaded from iTunes since has been as good as this.

459. "Hungry Heart" (Bruce Springsteen, The River, 1980)
The River is a great double album, and this is one of the many highlights.

458. "Lord Only Knows" (Beck, Odelay, 1996)
"you only got one finger left, and it's pointing at the door"

457. "Crumblin' Down" (John Mellencamp, Words & Music, 1983)
Nobody did two guitars, bass and drums in the 80's like Johnny Cougar.

456. "Soul Meets Body" (Death Cab For Cutie, Plans, 2005)
A great band, great musicians, very good record.

455. "Still the One" (Orleans, Still the One, 1976)
When I want to make Gilly laugh, I replace "still the one" with "for the kids", which completely changes the dynamic of the lyric.

454. "Heartbreaker" (Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II, 1969)
I think this is my favorite Zepp album. Nirvana used to cover this at their shows, too.

453. "Message in a Bottle" (The Police, Reggatta De Blanc, 1979)
Why did a lot of the Police albums have such funky titles? Great song...

452. "Hurt" (Johnny Cash, Legend, 2005)
A Nine Inch Nails cover. I had a brief NIN fascination about a year ago, which did not last long. This version is way better.

451. "Head Over Heels" (Go-Go's, Talk Show, 1984)
Which one did you want to bang?

450. "When a Man Loves a Woman" (Percy Sledge, 1966)
Simply a classic.

449. "Dilemma" (Kelly Rowland & Nelly, Simply Deep, 2001)
Has kind of an old school feel to it. I'll always dig this.

448. "Getting Better" (The Beatles, Sgt Peppers, 1967)
Critics and fans agree that this is one of the greatest albums of all time, definitely in my top 10.

447. "Sundown" (Gordon Lightfoot, Sundown, 1974)
A timeless song.

446. "No One Else" (Weezer, The Blue Album, 1994)
I'm going with the acoustic version that was included on the deluxe reissue a few year's back. This version was one of the first song's I ever downloaded on kaazaa (sp?)

445. "Sequestered in Memphis" (The Hold Steady, Stay Positive, 2008)
I look forward to seeing these guys play great shows for a long, long time. Might even have to pick up some Lifter Puller records soon.

444. "We Both Go Down Together" (The Decemberists, Picaresque, 2005)
I believe this is the only song to be used on the paste samplers twice. This version, and an acoustic version that Colin Meloy did alone.

443. "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" (Rupert Holmes, 1979)
What a dirty song ! Sounds innocent, but it's dirty!

442. "Rosanna" (Toto, Essential Toto, 1982)
Another staple of early 80's radio. Still sounds great today.

441. "Le Ruse" (Tapes n Tapes, Walk It Off, 2008)
One of my favorite records of the last few years. Cannot wait for the next album.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Fugazzi Grand (480-461)

480. "Against All Odds" (Phil Collins, Hits, 1984)
As a whole, I'm not a fan of Phil Collins, but he does have a handful of songs I really enjoy.

479. "Danny's Song" (Kenny Loggins, Essential Loggins, 1972)
I honestly didn't realize this was a Kenny Loggins song until about 5 years ago.

478. "Don't Worry Baby" (Billy Joel, My Lives, 2005)
This is obviously a very popular Beach Boys song, but this live cover by Billy Joel is the one that I'm "charting".

477. "Celebration" (Kool & the Gang, Celebrate, 1980)
Just a really fun song.

476. " '03 Bonnie & Clyde" (Jay Z & Beyonce, The Blueprint, 2002)
In three years, Amber and I will record this as the " '13 Bonnie & Clyde", and nobody will buy it.

475. "Last Nite" (The Strokes, Is This It?, 2001)
When this first came out, I wasn't sure it would have staying power, but it has.

474. "Five Long Years" (Eric Clapton, From the Cradle, 1994)
This is by far by favorite Clapton record.

473. "Boxing" (Ben Folds Five, Ben Folds Five, 1995)
The lyrics depict a fictional conversation between Mohammed Ali and Howard Cosell.

472. "Genie in a Bottle" (Christina Aguilera, Christina Aguilera, 1999)
Funny story. Moser and I were trying to get "Tall" Rita to go bowling with us one night, and Moser said, "C'mon, Rita. You're a genie in a GODDAMN bottle". I guess you had to be there.

471. "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" (Eve & Gwen Stefani, Scorpion, 2001)
I don't care how old I become, this will always be on heavy rotation on the ipod.

470. "Stupid Girl" (Garbage, Garbage, 1995)
Very cool, I'm really surprised I don't own this entire album.

469. "Lump" (PUSA, PUSA, 1995)
I guess, in the end, this became more of a novelty record, but I don't care, I still think it's great.

468. "Eye of the Tiger" (Survivor, Survivor, 1982)
Don't tell me you don't get pumped up when you hear this. I still do.

467. "Twilight Campfighter" (Guided By Voices, Isolation Drills, 2001)
This is actually the first GBV album I ever heard. Didn't dig it at first, and only came back to it after hearing Alien Lanes and Bee Thousand about a year later.

466. "I Go To Extremes" (Billy Joel, Storm Front, 1989)
I think this song was written for me.

465. "Bette Davis Eyes" (Kim Carnes, 1981)
It should bother me more how obvious of a chain smoker Kim Carnes was with those vocals, but it worked on this track.

464. "Trouble With Dreams" (Eels, Blinking Lights, 2005)
I saw Mark Oliver Everett perform this song on Letterman in his pajamas, and thought at the time that it was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

463. "Say Say Say" (McCartney & Jackson, All the Best, 1983)
When we were kids, me and my friend Sean would sing this song and pretend to re-enact the video. He was Michael. I was Paul.

462. "What Would You Say" (Dave Matthews Band, Under the Table..., 1994)
The first time I heard this song on the radio, I thought it was the most unique record on the radio at the time, and instantly loved it.

461. "Hate To Say I Told You So" (The Hives, Veni Vidi Vicious, 2000)
What energy, these guys never disappoint.

Fugazzi Grand (500-481)

500. "Mother" (Christina Aguilera, Instant Karma, 2007)
When picking these songs, I wrestled back and forth with whether I wanted to credit the songwriter or the recording. This is a John Lennon song, but the Aguilera version is such a great vocal, that I had to go with it. The Lennon version could have made the list, but I prefer this one.

499. "Daniel" (Elton John, Don't Shoot Me..., 1973)
This has always been one of my favorite Elton John albums, and this is such a beautiful song.

498. "Scar Tissue" (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Greatest Hits, 1999)
"sarcasm, Mister Know It All"

497. "Nasty" (Janet Jackson, Control, 1986)
This was one of the handful of songs that I always loved, but never owned. The rule I made for myself was that for the song to make the list, I had to own it (after all, if I didn't own it, do I really love it? ). But there were a couple that slippped through the cracks over the years.

496. "Rockit" (Herbie Hancock, Herbie Hancock Box, 1983)
Another one of my earlier MTV memories.

495. "We Are In Love" (Harry Connick Jr, We Are In Love, 1990)
I sing this song in the shower at least once a week.

494. "Hello" (Lionel Richie, Can't Slow Down, 1983)
I'm pretty sure this song was in my Top 20 when I made my Top 100 list in 1999. As a bonus, as soon as this list is complete, I will get you that Top 100 list from yesteryear.

493. "She's Out of My Life" (Michael Jackson, Off the Wall, 1979)
I've always preferred "Off the Wall" to "Thriller".

492. "Radio Nowhere" (Bruce Springsteen, Magic, 2007)
This album has been growing on me as of late.

491. "Fair" (Ben Folds Five, Whatever and Ever Amen, 1997)
One of my all time favorite albums, there is a ton from this record on the list.

490. "Friends of P." (The Rentals, Return of the Rentals, 1995)
The first time I saw this on MTV, I thought it was a weezer song, but I couldn't find Rivers or Brian. When I saw that it was "The Rentals", I panicked, thinking Weezer broke up. About a year later, Matt Sharp left the band to focus on "The Rentals" exclusively.

489. "A Visit to the Creep Doctor" (Guided By Voices, Sandbox, 1987)
I am fascinated with Robert Pollard. Just fascinated.

488. "Straight Street" (The Fiery Furnaces, Blueberry Boat, 2004)
To this day, I still haven't listened to this entire record, all the way through, in one sitting. But as my iTunes play count indicator will tell me, I've listened to this song about 150 times.

487. "The Good Old Days" (The Lodger, Life is Sweet, 2008)
Another goodie from Paste. Very sad to hear that Paste has folded it's publication. Let's see what that means for the website and samplers, too.

486. "Hang Me Up to Dry" (Cold War Kids, Robbers & Cowards, 2007)
The best of the Stephanie Awe file transfers...

485. "I've Got You Under My Skin" (Frank Sinatra, Best of, 1960)
Classic Sinatra.

484. "Firecracker" (Ryan Adams, Gold, 2001)
I'm calling you out, Todd. Why no love for Ryan Adams ?

483. "Kissing the Lipless" (The Shins, Chutes Too Narrow, 2003)
Awesome indie record.

482. "Leave the Memories Alone" (Fuel, Angels & Devils, 2007)
I'll admit it. Never heard this song until the WWE used it in the Flair retirement angle. Now whenever I hear it, I think of Starrcade, Bash and War Games.

481. "Tired of Being Sorry" (Ringside, Ringside, 2005)
Saw them open for Weezer in 2005. If memory serves me, Brian Bell sat in with them.