SONG #60
Shrykespeare
Lush, “Last Night” (1996)
I don’t know how many bands between the late 80’s and mid 90’s fall under the “shoegazers” umbrella, but however many there are, my favorite of these bands in undeniably Lush. This is the first of two songs of theirs on my list (and the other will probably be in my top FIVE). You know my love affair with jangly alternative guitars combined with female vocals, and Miki Berenyi (yes, another sexy redhead, sue me) delivers in spades on this stripped-down, beautiful track from their fourth (and final) studio album, “Lovelife”. You know, it’s sad, Lush probably is my favorite group of all time that I never got to see perform live.
NSpan
Pink Floyd, "San Tropez” (1971)
I'm a sucker for this faux-tropical vibe. "Sleep Walk" (written by Santo & Johnny, but I'd go with the California Guitar Trio performance) almost made my list. Perhaps it's cliched, but it reminds me of the dreamscape-quality of Terry Gilliam's best films--and this Floyd song in particular has made its way into a few of my own psychedelic experiences, so it has a special place in my heart--and in the rest of my, now internally-damaged, organs. Considering that it's such aurally light fare, some might say it's out-of-place on one of the all-time great psychedelic records of all-time, Meddle. The question itself ("What is this jazzy beach-shuffle doing on an album next to 'Echoes?'") is reasonable, until you hear the record from start to finish. Suddenly it clicks. This is one of the most memorable "throwaway" tracks I've ever heard. I usually try to downplay the fact that Pink Floyd was always Roger Waters' band (I am always happy to hear that Gilmour and Wright contributed even on songs they're uncredited), but this is a Waters song through-and-through. Sure, Dave's slide guitar and Rick's piano carry the song, but this proves that "Biding My Time" wasn't a fluke--and (the supposedly tone-deaf) Waters actually did have an ear for melody.
Numbersix
Nina Simone, "Please Don't Let me Be Misunderstood" (1964)
This isn’t the version that made me fall in love with the song. The version I love was from some cheap box-set I bought years ago that compiled a few live performances. But Nina was always about live performances. It’s where she thrived, appreciating her audience and always getting them to participate by singing backing vocals etc. Nevertheless, this version demonstrates not just her unique, passionate voice but also her ability to either write great accompanying music or at least find the right person to compose great music around her stunning pianist skills.
Geezer
Blink-182, "Going Away to College"
A song that I can really relate to by a band that I adore. The second from them on my list, I'm sure the haters will hate and the lovers will love. I love it because it captures a really emotional time for teens and a feeling that I'm sure a lot of us have experienced. and Blink was the perfect band to convey it for their teen fans, which I was at the time I fell in love with the song. It has only gotten better with time and the lyrics still ring true for me personally.
becs
The Beatles, “I Want to Hold Your Hand”
My first exposure to these guys was with this very early music of theirs. It is so simplistic and innocent, I absolutely love this style of pop rock that became so prevalant at that time. Sometimes I wish they would have stuck with this style and not experimented, but they changed with the times I suppose... and if they hadn't I wouldn't have some of my upcoming selections
This as their very first #1 hit has continued to age very well, and remains musicallly relevant even today.undeadmonkey
Smash Mouth “All Star”
Just another fun classic song, that, even though it's been really overplayed, I like to jam out to.
leestu
The Pogues, “Dirty Old Town” (1985)
I don’t expect much love for this one as punk-folk can be an acquired taste, although it grabbed my attention straight away and I love it. It’s the song that introduced me to the Pogues, and possibly the song that made me aware I have a soft spot for (some) folk music. However it is not the song I would choose if I was going to introduce someone to them. I would go for anything off the “If I Should Fall from Grace with God” album or “The Sick Bed of Chuchulainn” from this album.
Buscemi
Manfred Mann's Earth Band, “Blinded By The Light”
Though this is a cover of a Bruce Springsteen song, I happen to like the cover more since I'm more familiar with it. Also, the instrumentals simply kick ass.
silversurfer
Jeff Buckley, “Mojo Pin”
A beautifully sorrowful song which Buckley wrote from the perspective of someone who has lost their only love and replaced it with drugs. The perfect introduction to his classic Grace record, it highlights all that made Buckley great; shimmering vocals, soothing acoustics and wailing guitars.
transformers
Weezer, “Hash Pipe”
A really infectious, fun and overall killer song. Weezer is really fun band that just makes really enjoyable (well, except for their last 2 records which sucked really hard).
W
Aerosmith, “Last Child”
My favorite Aerosmith song (one or two others got cut). It starts off with slow guitar-heavy intro and soon gets into this funky bluesy rock tune. It's like a Joe Perry vs. Brad Whitford guitar battle with Steven Tyler doing his thing throughout. If you liked "Dream On" and this track, you should probably stop bashing Aerosmith and check out their work from their first decade of music.
Banks
She & Him, “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here”
This is from the collaboration of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, they met on the set of one of her movies and somehow they ended up recording a whole album of songs written by her and played by him. It’s got a real quirky vibe to it, and to be honest, I have to really be in the mood to listen to She & Him. It’s not an everyday kind of song, but I do like to bust it out every now and then.
englishozzy
Lost Prophets, “Last Train Home”
There could have been a few songs from these guys on my list and if you like this I highly recommend trying out 'Rooftops' and 'Wake Up'. First saw these guys at a Download festival in the UK and fell in love with the Welsh band straightaway.
BarcaRulz
Silverchair, "Tomorrow"
One of my favorite Aussie bands. Sure, their newer stuff has been a little disappointing, but their debut album was great, and this is the best of the bunch in my opinion. Always nice when a brand new band breaks through with quality like this.
Ron Burgundy
(no selection submitted)
