Music, Sports, Clips, Bacon and the Funny (maybe not so much bacon)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
2011 MLB Predictions
Hi, there. How are ya? It's been a long time...
I start my first blog entry in five months with a fuckin' Joe Walsh lyric? No wonder I didn't sell any books.
Here are my 2011 MLB predictions ...
AL East
1. Boston
2. New York
3. Tampa Bay
4. Baltimore
5. Toronto
This division bores me. Boston is solid across the board. New York, I believe lacks pitching depth. TB could either be really good or take a step back. Baltimore is going in the right direction, but they are a few years away, and Toronto, I believe is in Canada.
AL Central
1. Chicago
2. Minnesota
3. Kansas City
4. Detroit
5. Cleveland
The AL Central is always interesting to me. Two years ago, I had Detroit and Cleveland at the top of this division. I think Chicago and Minnesota will have a great race until the end. KC is on their way up. Baseball needs the Royals, Pirates and Orioles to be good again....
AL West
1. Texas
2. Oakland
3. Los Angeles
4. Seattle
I don't watch a lot of AL ball, and I certainly don't watch a lot of AL West ball. Texas will repeat in the division, and blah blah blah ....
NL East
1. Philadelphia
2. Atlanta
3. Washington
4. Florida
5. New York
It pains me to say it. I've never picked the Mets for last. I hope I'm wrong. Washington is still a few years away from making a push.
NL Central
1. Milwaukee
2. Cincinnati
3. St Louis
4. Chicago
5. Houston
6. Pittsburgh
You heard it here first. First division crown in 29 years for the Brewers.
NL West
1. San Francisco
2. Colorado
3. Arizona
4. Los Angeles
5. San Diego
San Francisco will be better in 2011 than they were in 2010. Colorado is solid. The rest of the division isn't that good.
My two wild card teams are ....
Minnesota and Atlanta
AL Playoffs
Boston over Minnesota in 5
Chicago over Texas in 5
Boston over Chicago in 6
NL Playoffs
San Francisco over Atlanta in 5
Philadelphia over Milwaukee in 5
Philadelphia over San Francisco in 7
World Series
Boston over Philadelphia in 6
AL MVP - Joe Mauer (Twins)
AL Cy Young - Jon Lester (Red Sox)
AL Rookie of the Year - Tsuyoshi Nishioka (Twins)
NL MVP - Ryan Braun (Brewers)
NL Cy Young - Roy Halladay (Phillies)
NL Rookie of the Year - Mike Minor (Braves)
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 !!
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.
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.
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.
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