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.
Music, Sports, Clips, Bacon and the Funny (maybe not so much bacon)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)