This list is in chronological order
of listening experience.
1. You Can't Hurry Love - Diana Ross and the Supremes
In the beginning their was Oldies 104.3. it was the only compromise that could override talk radio in the car. I have 3 older sisters. Naturally, our best sing-a-longs were to all female ensembles.
2. Young at Heart - Jimmy Durante
This song was in a movie that I saw with my Dad’s mother (Grandma June) when I was about 11. It was one of the last times I spent the night at her house. This song stuck out to me back when I was young at everything, and it still does not that I’m young at most things still.
3. I'm Going to Go Back There Someday - The Muppets
This is the first song I put an effort into learning all the words to. It's difficult to try and imagine how different a person I would be without Muppets in my life.
4. On My Own - Les Miserable
A long, long time ago I wanted to be an actress. During my brief affair with children's musical theater my audition song was "Castle on a Cloud" but I always wanted it to be this song.
5. Always Be My Baby - Mariah Carey
Dare I categorize a Mariah Carey song as timeless? Yep, I dare. This is a timeless jam and a timeless video in my book. I miss the days when pigtails and cut off jean shorts is what sold a pop song.
6. Susanne - Weezer
There are no popular songs out there about a Dana. Suzanne is my middle name which is a nice coincidence because I like this song.
7. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
I could and have listened to this song over and over again.
8. Submarine # 3 - Starlight Mints
I really like string instruments in pop songs.
9. Two Headed Boy - Neutral Milk Hotel
I suppose this was the first ‘indie’ song that I fell for. Although, per Dan Tafelski’s list this album was on was all over the place when I was in high school and a lot of things seemed two headed.
10. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
I heart Freddie Mercury.
11. I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston
My junior year of college I studied abroad in Sidney, Australia. It was far away and remote and I made a small group of friends that was a very special little family for my time there. We did everything together, and more than anything else we danced. We danced like it was our job, we danced like nobody and everyone was watching, we danced with somebody.
12. God Only Knows / Sloop John B - Beach Boys
This song was part of the Oldies repertoire in the beginning, but it wasn’t until I heard it later that I realized just what a gem Pet Sounds is.
13. In a Sentimental Mood - Duke Ellington and John Coltrane
This song will always make me think of someone in particular.
14. Us - Regina Spektor
Us is the first I’d heard of Regina Spektor.
15. Celebration Guns - Stars
I love the opening strings.
16. I Wish It Would Rain - The Temptations/ The Cougars
Each version is great. Paired back to back each only gets better. (I couldn't find The Cougars version on youtube, so I'm leaving it up to Nate to fill that in.)
17. These Days - Nico/ Mates of State
There will always be days that feel like these days.
18. Downtown Train - Tom Waits (VH1 Storytellers version)
Tom Waits is a good example of how to grow into yourself.
19. Wake Up - Arcade Fire
It’s difficult to pick one song from this album.
20. Get By - Talib Kweli
This song certainly never lets me ignore what it's saying.
21. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
22. For Good - Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth
This song best captures why I like Wicked.
23. Wrestlers - Hot Chip
24. Thriller - Michael Jackson
25. The Love You Save/ I Want You Back - Jackson 5
Thank you, Michael, for all the sage wisdom from such a young person.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Randi Glass's Top 25 Songs
Note: Randi's first song is her favorite, but the rest are in no particular order. Enjoy.
In the House of Stone and Light - Martin Page
Go Cubs Go - Steve Goodman
Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
Key Largo - Bertie Higgins
Theme from Greatest American Hero - Joey Scarbury
Dance Tonight - Paul McCartney
Make Me Lose Control - Eric Carmen
Something to Talk About - Bonnie Raitt
Viva la Vida - Coldplay
Got My Mind Set On You - George Harrison
Pick Up the Pieces - Average White Band
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Midnight Blue - Melissa Manchester
September - Earth Wind & Fire
Walking On Broken Glass - Annie Lennox
In the House of Stone and Light - Martin Page
Purple People Eater - Sheb Wooley
Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
Easy Lover - Phil Collins
Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
My Girl - The Temptations
In the Jungle - Straight No Chaser
The Banana Boat Song - Harry Belafonte
Shining Star - Earth Wind & Fire
Behind Closed Doors - Charlie Rich
I Fall to Pieces - Patsy Cline
In the House of Stone and Light - Martin Page
Go Cubs Go - Steve Goodman
Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
Key Largo - Bertie Higgins
Theme from Greatest American Hero - Joey Scarbury
Dance Tonight - Paul McCartney
Make Me Lose Control - Eric Carmen
Something to Talk About - Bonnie Raitt
Viva la Vida - Coldplay
Got My Mind Set On You - George Harrison
Pick Up the Pieces - Average White Band
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Midnight Blue - Melissa Manchester
September - Earth Wind & Fire
Walking On Broken Glass - Annie Lennox
In the House of Stone and Light - Martin Page
Purple People Eater - Sheb Wooley
Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
Easy Lover - Phil Collins
Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
My Girl - The Temptations
In the Jungle - Straight No Chaser
The Banana Boat Song - Harry Belafonte
Shining Star - Earth Wind & Fire
Behind Closed Doors - Charlie Rich
I Fall to Pieces - Patsy Cline
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Steve Glass's Top 25 Songs
1. Money for Nothing - Dire Straits
Summer college work crew
2. Red Barchetta - Rush
Evocative lyrics
3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - George Harrison
4. Turn the Page - Bob Seger
This song has pretty much been ruined by karaoke
5. Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress - The Hollies
6. Take Five - Dave Brubeck
Musical definition of cool!
7. Further On Up the Road - Eric Clapton
8. City of New Orleans - Arlo Guthrie
9. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart
10. Radar Love - Golden Earring
11. We've Got Tonight - Bob Seger
12. Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
13. Night Train - Oscar Peterson
14. Ashokan Farewell - Jay Ungar
15. Witch Hunt - Rush
Great lyrics
16. Ba Ba O'Riley - The Who
17. Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot
THE american shipwreck dirge
18. Kashmir - E Muzeki
(Thanks for pointing me in the right direction with the video, Steve. -ed)
19. Middle of the Road - The Pretenders
Great when in college, still meaningful as I get older.
20. Eruption/ You Really Got Me - Van Halen
OK its a remake, but this represents the high water mark of Eddie Vanhalen, after this he becomes hard to work with and David Lee Roth never matures:)
21. The Trees - Rush
More great lyrics
22. Star of the County Down - The Burly Minstrels
23. Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2
24. I Don't Care Anymore - Phil Collins
25. Sailing - Christopher Cross
Summer college work crew
2. Red Barchetta - Rush
Evocative lyrics
3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - George Harrison
4. Turn the Page - Bob Seger
This song has pretty much been ruined by karaoke
5. Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress - The Hollies
6. Take Five - Dave Brubeck
Musical definition of cool!
7. Further On Up the Road - Eric Clapton
8. City of New Orleans - Arlo Guthrie
9. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart
10. Radar Love - Golden Earring
11. We've Got Tonight - Bob Seger
12. Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
13. Night Train - Oscar Peterson
14. Ashokan Farewell - Jay Ungar
15. Witch Hunt - Rush
Great lyrics
16. Ba Ba O'Riley - The Who
17. Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot
THE american shipwreck dirge
18. Kashmir - E Muzeki
(Thanks for pointing me in the right direction with the video, Steve. -ed)
19. Middle of the Road - The Pretenders
Great when in college, still meaningful as I get older.
20. Eruption/ You Really Got Me - Van Halen
OK its a remake, but this represents the high water mark of Eddie Vanhalen, after this he becomes hard to work with and David Lee Roth never matures:)
21. The Trees - Rush
More great lyrics
22. Star of the County Down - The Burly Minstrels
23. Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2
24. I Don't Care Anymore - Phil Collins
25. Sailing - Christopher Cross
Monday, June 29, 2009
Patrick Lighthall's Top 25 Songs
1. Club Oslo - Detholz!
2. I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar - Jonathan Richman
I heard this song and fell in love with it (as well as the other songs on the album). It is part of the shift in my musical interests Junior year of college; also, it contains only a few things I witnessed at a gay/lesbian bar.
3. Stalin Malone (Vocal Version) - Elvis Costello
The instrumental version is also good, but there is a beauty in Costello’s mainly successful attempts to sing in a spooky- yet attractive- harmony with the horn section.
4. Midnight Confessions - Grass Roots
5. I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues - Elton John
See also: Pinball Wizard (though I was mainly off-put by the movie “Tommy”)
6. Surfin' USA - The Beach Boys
Basically listening to all of their songs with Dad growing up
7. The Tears of a Clown - Smokey Robinson
Again, Dad's influence
8. Shot With His Own Gun - Elvis Costello
It’s often melodramatic, but I think it’s a great song.
9. Still Alive - Jonathan Coulton
Featured in the video game “Portal”, song writer/artist/programmer Coulton has several songs out that are simply awesome. I sung this song for a long time.
10. Head Over Heels - Tears for Fears
11. No Cigar - Millencolin
The first song I ever heard from this band, it holds an authentic rock feel that their early albums never possessed (because they weren’t really a rock band)
12. The Bell Tower - Mad Caddies
13. PS Shock the World - Less Than Jake
14. Dear Sergio - Catch 22
While playing Perfect Dark for Nintendo 64, that CD eventually broke from being overplayed and I had to get a new one.
15. Electric Version - The New Pornographers
16. A Moment of Violence - Streetlight Manifesto
They have a fast-paced style of music I can’t get enough of, and I’m not sure if that album or their newest is my favorite.
17. East Side Beat - The Toasters
18. It's Tricky - Run DMC
This song will also stand as my small foray/interest in hip-hop and other similar styles of music.
19. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots - The Flaming Lips
20. Golden Brown - The Stranglers
21. Giants - Five Iron Frenzy
22. North - Elvis Costello
My all-time favorite Costello song, it doesn’t appear on the album, only as one of the songs on the DVD that came with the CD.
23. Snails - The Format
24. Please Forgive Me - Westbound Train
25. Santeria - Sublime
2. I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar - Jonathan Richman
I heard this song and fell in love with it (as well as the other songs on the album). It is part of the shift in my musical interests Junior year of college; also, it contains only a few things I witnessed at a gay/lesbian bar.
3. Stalin Malone (Vocal Version) - Elvis Costello
The instrumental version is also good, but there is a beauty in Costello’s mainly successful attempts to sing in a spooky- yet attractive- harmony with the horn section.
4. Midnight Confessions - Grass Roots
5. I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues - Elton John
See also: Pinball Wizard (though I was mainly off-put by the movie “Tommy”)
6. Surfin' USA - The Beach Boys
Basically listening to all of their songs with Dad growing up
7. The Tears of a Clown - Smokey Robinson
Again, Dad's influence
8. Shot With His Own Gun - Elvis Costello
It’s often melodramatic, but I think it’s a great song.
9. Still Alive - Jonathan Coulton
Featured in the video game “Portal”, song writer/artist/programmer Coulton has several songs out that are simply awesome. I sung this song for a long time.
10. Head Over Heels - Tears for Fears
11. No Cigar - Millencolin
The first song I ever heard from this band, it holds an authentic rock feel that their early albums never possessed (because they weren’t really a rock band)
12. The Bell Tower - Mad Caddies
13. PS Shock the World - Less Than Jake
14. Dear Sergio - Catch 22
While playing Perfect Dark for Nintendo 64, that CD eventually broke from being overplayed and I had to get a new one.
15. Electric Version - The New Pornographers
16. A Moment of Violence - Streetlight Manifesto
They have a fast-paced style of music I can’t get enough of, and I’m not sure if that album or their newest is my favorite.
17. East Side Beat - The Toasters
18. It's Tricky - Run DMC
This song will also stand as my small foray/interest in hip-hop and other similar styles of music.
19. Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots - The Flaming Lips
20. Golden Brown - The Stranglers
21. Giants - Five Iron Frenzy
22. North - Elvis Costello
My all-time favorite Costello song, it doesn’t appear on the album, only as one of the songs on the DVD that came with the CD.
23. Snails - The Format
24. Please Forgive Me - Westbound Train
25. Santeria - Sublime
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Jessyca Malina's Top 25 Songs
1. Since I Left You - The Avalanches
2. Birdhouse in Your Soul - They Might Be Giants
3. Yekermo Sew - Mulatu Astatke
4. Aht Uh Mi Hed - Shuggie Otis
5. This is the Dream of Evan and Chan - DNTEL
6. God Only Knows - Beach Boys
7. No Cars Go - Arcade Fire
8. Water from the Same Source - Rachel's
9. Chans/ 400 Slag/ 747 - Kent
10. On Reflection/ Innocent Vigilant Ordinary/ Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets - Appleseed Cast
11. Bennie and the Jets - Elton John
12. No No No - Dawn Penn
13. Band of Gold - Freda Payne
14. Sweet Talkin' Woman - Electric Light Orchestra
15. Don't Fear the Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
16. Crayon - Caribou
17. Untitled 3 - Sigur Ros
18. Stay Home - American Football
19. Snow Day - Matt Pond PA
20. The Equalizer - Junior Boys
21. Become One Anything One Time - Promise Ring
22. Tearing Up the Oxygen - Maritime
23. Diamond Sea - Sonic Youth
24. Pretty Pathetic/ Let's Hear It for Love - Smoking Popes
25. One More Time / Digital Love - Daft Punk
2. Birdhouse in Your Soul - They Might Be Giants
3. Yekermo Sew - Mulatu Astatke
4. Aht Uh Mi Hed - Shuggie Otis
5. This is the Dream of Evan and Chan - DNTEL
6. God Only Knows - Beach Boys
7. No Cars Go - Arcade Fire
8. Water from the Same Source - Rachel's
9. Chans/ 400 Slag/ 747 - Kent
10. On Reflection/ Innocent Vigilant Ordinary/ Forever Longing the Golden Sunsets - Appleseed Cast
11. Bennie and the Jets - Elton John
12. No No No - Dawn Penn
13. Band of Gold - Freda Payne
14. Sweet Talkin' Woman - Electric Light Orchestra
15. Don't Fear the Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
16. Crayon - Caribou
17. Untitled 3 - Sigur Ros
18. Stay Home - American Football
19. Snow Day - Matt Pond PA
20. The Equalizer - Junior Boys
21. Become One Anything One Time - Promise Ring
22. Tearing Up the Oxygen - Maritime
23. Diamond Sea - Sonic Youth
24. Pretty Pathetic/ Let's Hear It for Love - Smoking Popes
25. One More Time / Digital Love - Daft Punk
Monday, May 4, 2009
Dan Tafelski's Top 25 Songs
1. Once In A Lifetime - Talking Heads
Great song, great band, great performance. I watched a VHS copy of “Stop Making Sense” almost weekly for the first five years of my life and I identify it as the source for my love of music. (Also, this version is pretty great).
2. Birdhouse In Your Soul - They Might Be Giants
I was always disappointed that Tiny Toons didn’t make a cartoon video for this song like they did for “Istanbul” and “ Particle Man”. I don’t know what else to say about this one...how can you not love it?
3. Catamaran - Bear Vs. Shark
I don’t know what the hell “post-hardcore” means, but that’s what BVS has been labeled. All I know is that they were one of the best live acts I’ve ever seen and according to my iTunes, I’ve played this song waaaaay too many times.
4. This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads
Another great song and performance. Best love song about a building ever written.
5. Gumboots - Paul Simon
I grew up with Paul Simon because my Dad is a huge fan. For a long time, I found Simon to be really boring because of the quality of his vocal delivery. But for some reason, this song has always stuck with me. I really love all of Graceland these days, but if I have to pick one song, it’s this one.
6. Polegnala e Tordora - Bulgarian folk song
Another song I’ve heard most of life and I still think it’s very beautiful. It was used in a car commercial at one point when I was around twelve. I remember being incredibly furious at that.
7. Mother Popcorn - James Brown
Clyde Stubblefield is a drumming god! I was tempted to just put “Funky Drummer” on here, but this song won out because it’s perfect. Who wants to make a pilgrimage to Madison, WI to see Clyde perform with his band? Also, I highly recommend you watch this video till the end so you can see Maceo Parker cut loose.
8. Heartbeats - The Knife
I loved it from the first time I heard it. Accept no imitators.
9. What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love & Understanding - Elvis Costello
It was Elvis Costello that led me to get really into hardcore bands like Minor Threat, Articles of Faith, and Bad Brains. But now that I look back on it, none of them did it as well as him.
10. Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson
I liked this song before Ghostbusters II but the movie solidyfied my love for it.
11. We Were N’t Put Together - David E. Sugar
Gameboy masterpiece.
12. Storm - Godspeed You, Black Emperor!
You know you really like music when you’re willing to sit quietly in your room with borrowed headphones and listen to a track that’s over twenty minutes long over and over and over again. Unfortunately to some, GSYBE! was the gateway drug for me getting into bands like Earth and Sunn O))). Sorry.
13. Step Into A World - KRS-One
I spent a high school summer with my best friend taking classes at Columbia and listening to “I Got Next.” Good memories with this one.
14. Stand By Me - Ben E. King
The first time I ever really heard and felt a groove. Since I’m assuming everyone knows this song, the link goes to a FANTASTIC rendition. Everyone should watch it. (And once you’re done watching it...can someone tell me who the hell is Clarence Bekker??).
15. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
As M. Armstrong will attest, this is a good song, plain and simple. But what makes it stand out for me is Brian Chase, YYY’s drummer. I don’t know if other people hear it, but Chase is able to make his drum part feel just as yearnful as the lyrics, an impressive feat for a fundamentally atonal instrument.
16. It’s a Squirrel-D World - George Tafelski
A song written by my Dad for my brother.
17. Ghost - Neutral Milk Hotel
In Aeroplane Over the Sea is one of those incredibly unique albums where almost everyone in my generation feels a proprietary claim to the music, as if we all want to plant our flag on it and declare “This was meant for me.” If I could put the whole album on here I would.
18. My Name is Jonas (but I’ll link you to “Buddy Holly”) - Weezer
When I was first learning to play drums I spent many hours playing along with Weezer’s Blue album. Another case where I’d put the whole album on the list if there was room.
19. Under Pressure - David Bowie and Queen
Not to sound cruel, but if you and your group of friends and acquaintances know somebody who prefers not to listen to this song, they really shouldn't be your friend.
20. St. Rosa And The Swallows - The Thermals
A real good rock song. I dunno...it speaks to me.
21. Dr. Worm - They Might Be Giants
Whenever I hear this song I start air drumming. I can't help it.
22. Psycho Killer - Talking Heads
Say something once, why say it again?
23. Cold Cold Ground - Tom Waits
Sometimes being doomed can still sound good.
24. Missa Luba, an African Mass - Muungano National Choir Kenya
If all church choirs were this pretty I might’ve stayed in church.
25. Welcome 2 Hell - Brendon Small & They Might Be Giants
OK, I really need to explain this one and it may take a bit: I occasionally listen to metal. I won’t apologize for this because metal has always been present in my life in the same way West Coast hip-hop has been, by which I mean it’s always been there on the periphery, the result of where I grew up and who I grew up with. The kids in my neighborhood who weren’t listening to “Keep Their Heads Ringin” were the kids who were (and probably still are) fanatical in their love for bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Terrorizer, Misfits, and Black Flag. That being the case, I know the lyrics to songs like “Hybrid Moments” and “Painkiller” (or “I Ain’t The 1”, for that matter) without them being even remotely close to showing up on this list. But I’ve always enjoyed the ridiculous aspect to metal. People like Glenn Danzig who preach about how freaking evil they are make me happy in the same way a viewing of “Dead Alive” or “Army of Darkness” makes me happy. GWAR, for instance, exemplifies my kind of love for metal. Even though GWAR has technically good musicians in their ranks (and I will argue that point with anyone) they throw on massive suits of foamcore spikes and sing about the state of their slave pits and then feed audience members to the World Maggot. In this sense, metal is just dumb fun and I like it. Brendon Small knows this too and that’s why this song is here. Also, I have fond memories of singing along to this song in the car with my brother. (On reading this over, I think I should send this in to NPR’s “This I Believe”).
Great song, great band, great performance. I watched a VHS copy of “Stop Making Sense” almost weekly for the first five years of my life and I identify it as the source for my love of music. (Also, this version is pretty great).
2. Birdhouse In Your Soul - They Might Be Giants
I was always disappointed that Tiny Toons didn’t make a cartoon video for this song like they did for “Istanbul” and “ Particle Man”. I don’t know what else to say about this one...how can you not love it?
3. Catamaran - Bear Vs. Shark
I don’t know what the hell “post-hardcore” means, but that’s what BVS has been labeled. All I know is that they were one of the best live acts I’ve ever seen and according to my iTunes, I’ve played this song waaaaay too many times.
4. This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads
Another great song and performance. Best love song about a building ever written.
5. Gumboots - Paul Simon
I grew up with Paul Simon because my Dad is a huge fan. For a long time, I found Simon to be really boring because of the quality of his vocal delivery. But for some reason, this song has always stuck with me. I really love all of Graceland these days, but if I have to pick one song, it’s this one.
6. Polegnala e Tordora - Bulgarian folk song
Another song I’ve heard most of life and I still think it’s very beautiful. It was used in a car commercial at one point when I was around twelve. I remember being incredibly furious at that.
7. Mother Popcorn - James Brown
Clyde Stubblefield is a drumming god! I was tempted to just put “Funky Drummer” on here, but this song won out because it’s perfect. Who wants to make a pilgrimage to Madison, WI to see Clyde perform with his band? Also, I highly recommend you watch this video till the end so you can see Maceo Parker cut loose.
8. Heartbeats - The Knife
I loved it from the first time I heard it. Accept no imitators.
9. What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love & Understanding - Elvis Costello
It was Elvis Costello that led me to get really into hardcore bands like Minor Threat, Articles of Faith, and Bad Brains. But now that I look back on it, none of them did it as well as him.
10. Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson
I liked this song before Ghostbusters II but the movie solidyfied my love for it.
11. We Were N’t Put Together - David E. Sugar
Gameboy masterpiece.
12. Storm - Godspeed You, Black Emperor!
You know you really like music when you’re willing to sit quietly in your room with borrowed headphones and listen to a track that’s over twenty minutes long over and over and over again. Unfortunately to some, GSYBE! was the gateway drug for me getting into bands like Earth and Sunn O))). Sorry.
13. Step Into A World - KRS-One
I spent a high school summer with my best friend taking classes at Columbia and listening to “I Got Next.” Good memories with this one.
14. Stand By Me - Ben E. King
The first time I ever really heard and felt a groove. Since I’m assuming everyone knows this song, the link goes to a FANTASTIC rendition. Everyone should watch it. (And once you’re done watching it...can someone tell me who the hell is Clarence Bekker??).
15. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
As M. Armstrong will attest, this is a good song, plain and simple. But what makes it stand out for me is Brian Chase, YYY’s drummer. I don’t know if other people hear it, but Chase is able to make his drum part feel just as yearnful as the lyrics, an impressive feat for a fundamentally atonal instrument.
16. It’s a Squirrel-D World - George Tafelski
A song written by my Dad for my brother.
17. Ghost - Neutral Milk Hotel
In Aeroplane Over the Sea is one of those incredibly unique albums where almost everyone in my generation feels a proprietary claim to the music, as if we all want to plant our flag on it and declare “This was meant for me.” If I could put the whole album on here I would.
18. My Name is Jonas (but I’ll link you to “Buddy Holly”) - Weezer
When I was first learning to play drums I spent many hours playing along with Weezer’s Blue album. Another case where I’d put the whole album on the list if there was room.
19. Under Pressure - David Bowie and Queen
Not to sound cruel, but if you and your group of friends and acquaintances know somebody who prefers not to listen to this song, they really shouldn't be your friend.
20. St. Rosa And The Swallows - The Thermals
A real good rock song. I dunno...it speaks to me.
21. Dr. Worm - They Might Be Giants
Whenever I hear this song I start air drumming. I can't help it.
22. Psycho Killer - Talking Heads
Say something once, why say it again?
23. Cold Cold Ground - Tom Waits
Sometimes being doomed can still sound good.
24. Missa Luba, an African Mass - Muungano National Choir Kenya
If all church choirs were this pretty I might’ve stayed in church.
25. Welcome 2 Hell - Brendon Small & They Might Be Giants
OK, I really need to explain this one and it may take a bit: I occasionally listen to metal. I won’t apologize for this because metal has always been present in my life in the same way West Coast hip-hop has been, by which I mean it’s always been there on the periphery, the result of where I grew up and who I grew up with. The kids in my neighborhood who weren’t listening to “Keep Their Heads Ringin” were the kids who were (and probably still are) fanatical in their love for bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Terrorizer, Misfits, and Black Flag. That being the case, I know the lyrics to songs like “Hybrid Moments” and “Painkiller” (or “I Ain’t The 1”, for that matter) without them being even remotely close to showing up on this list. But I’ve always enjoyed the ridiculous aspect to metal. People like Glenn Danzig who preach about how freaking evil they are make me happy in the same way a viewing of “Dead Alive” or “Army of Darkness” makes me happy. GWAR, for instance, exemplifies my kind of love for metal. Even though GWAR has technically good musicians in their ranks (and I will argue that point with anyone) they throw on massive suits of foamcore spikes and sing about the state of their slave pits and then feed audience members to the World Maggot. In this sense, metal is just dumb fun and I like it. Brendon Small knows this too and that’s why this song is here. Also, I have fond memories of singing along to this song in the car with my brother. (On reading this over, I think I should send this in to NPR’s “This I Believe”).
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tammy McBeth's Top 25 Songs
1. Minor Detail - Sondre Lerche and the Faces Down Quartet
My favorite band. Hard to limit myself to two from them. This is from their jazzy album and is one of my favorite songs to start the day with.
2. Sway - Bic Runga
3. Fidelity - Regina Spektor
4. Make It With You - Bread
This song marked the beginning of my venture into more laid-back acoustic music, which led to the discovery of much of the music on this list.
5. More Adventurous - Rilo Kiley
6. Sunnyroad - Emiliana Torrini
Such a sweet, simple song that reminds me of lazy hot days of summer. Also really fun and easy to play.
7. Amame - Juanes
Literally translated, "love me." We listened to this song in Spanish class senior year of high school, and I've been hooked on Juanes since.
8. My Favorite Book - Stars
A really sweet song, made sweeter by being "ours"
9. Crunchy Granola Suite - Neil Diamond
If I could put entire albums on this list, I would have just put "Hot August Night" in this slot. That album was such a big part of my childhood. I will love Neil Diamond til the day I die.
10. Nessun Dorma - Puccini
Heartbreakingly beautiful. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nessun_dorma for more about the opera, if you're interested.
11. Two-Way Monologue - Sondre Lerche
12. Empty Spaces - SR-71
13. Who Needs Shelter - Jason Mraz
14. Four-Eyed Girl - Rhett Miller
Yay glasses
15. Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional
16. Harder Better Faster Stronger - Daft Punk
For the techno geek in all of us
17. Witchcraft - Frank Sinatra
Hard to pick just one. Probably should be higher on the list.
18. Never My Love - The Association
Beautiful harmonies
19. I'm Stupid - Prime STH
20. Sparks - Coldplay
Love the bass line
21. The Middle - Jimmy Eat World
22. Rhapsody in Blue - Glenn Miller
Another band we listened to a lot as kids.
23. Naima - John Coltrane
24. Bad Sneakers - Steely Dan
25. I'm Just a Girl - No Doubt
My favorite band. Hard to limit myself to two from them. This is from their jazzy album and is one of my favorite songs to start the day with.
2. Sway - Bic Runga
3. Fidelity - Regina Spektor
4. Make It With You - Bread
This song marked the beginning of my venture into more laid-back acoustic music, which led to the discovery of much of the music on this list.
5. More Adventurous - Rilo Kiley
6. Sunnyroad - Emiliana Torrini
Such a sweet, simple song that reminds me of lazy hot days of summer. Also really fun and easy to play.
7. Amame - Juanes
Literally translated, "love me." We listened to this song in Spanish class senior year of high school, and I've been hooked on Juanes since.
8. My Favorite Book - Stars
A really sweet song, made sweeter by being "ours"
9. Crunchy Granola Suite - Neil Diamond
If I could put entire albums on this list, I would have just put "Hot August Night" in this slot. That album was such a big part of my childhood. I will love Neil Diamond til the day I die.
10. Nessun Dorma - Puccini
Heartbreakingly beautiful. See http://en.wikipedia.org/
11. Two-Way Monologue - Sondre Lerche
12. Empty Spaces - SR-71
13. Who Needs Shelter - Jason Mraz
Another good song for a morning drive or a rainy day
14. Four-Eyed Girl - Rhett Miller
Yay glasses
15. Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional
16. Harder Better Faster Stronger - Daft Punk
For the techno geek in all of us
17. Witchcraft - Frank Sinatra
Hard to pick just one. Probably should be higher on the list.
18. Never My Love - The Association
Beautiful harmonies
19. I'm Stupid - Prime STH
20. Sparks - Coldplay
Love the bass line
21. The Middle - Jimmy Eat World
My theme song in 10th grade
22. Rhapsody in Blue - Glenn Miller
Another band we listened to a lot as kids.
23. Naima - John Coltrane
24. Bad Sneakers - Steely Dan
25. I'm Just a Girl - No Doubt
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Dave Lighthall's Top 25 Songs
1. 25 or 6 to 4 - Chicago
Favorite song from my favorite group
2. Does Anybody Know What Time It Is - Chicago
Another favorite song from my favorite group
3. No Tell Lover - Chicago
Nice ballad, a dramatic change from the usual Chicago, smooth, mellow
4. My Girl - The Temptations
5. Surfer Girl - Beach Boys
Loved beach and car music in Jr. High
6. Up, Up, and Away - Fifth Dimension
Love most of their stuff-Marilyn McCoo-the best voice
7. Lines and Circles - Fifth Dimension
Marilyn McCoo
8. Celebrate - Kool and the Gang
9. Standing in the Shadows of Love - The Four Tops
10. Bernadette - The Four Tops
11. I Am...I Said - Neil Diamond
College coffee house memories
12. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show - Neil Diamond
College coffee house memories
13. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkle
College coffee house memories
14. At the Zoo - Simon and Garfunkle
College coffee house memories
15. Thriller - Michael Jackson
Cool song, cool video- lots to choose from from this artist
16. Windy - The Association
Close harmonies
17. Never My Love - The Association
Close harmonies
18. Conga - Miami Sound Machine
Start the party with this group- Gloria Estefan great vocals
19. September - Earth, Wind, and Fire
Funky!!
20. Superstitious - Stevie Wonder
Songs in the Key of Life- One of the best albums ever
21. Close to You - The Carpenters
Karen Carpenter's fabulous voice
22. Tuxedo Junction - Manhattan Transfer
a capella- very smooth, great harmonies
23. Birdland - Manhattan Transfer
a capella- very smooth, great harmonies
24. Susan - The Buckinghams
Music "Lite" but good harmonies and easy to karaoke
25. Little Old Lady from Pasadena - Jan and Dean
Same as Beach boys- sooooo jr. high
OTHERS
Kind of a Drag - The Buckinghams
Music Lite but good harmonies and easy to karaoke
Be True to Your School - Jan and Dean
Same as Beach Boys
National Anthem - Jimi Hendrix
Unbelievable guitar version
I'll Take You There - Pointer Sisters
Start the party with this group
Born to be Wild - Steppenwolf
Pinball Wizard - The Who
Theme from Vegas
Don't know why but always one of my favorites
Theme from MASH
For some reason it sticks in my head and is hard to get rid of
Man, I Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain
Very sexy song
Think - Aretha Franklin
"Blues Brothers" classic
Silhouettes on the Shade - Herman's Hermits
Classic funny 1950's doo-wop song
NO WAY, JOSE
I wouldn't take a cd from these groups if they were free:
The Rolling Stones
Cher
Elvis
Madonna
Any Heavy Metal
Favorite song from my favorite group
2. Does Anybody Know What Time It Is - Chicago
Another favorite song from my favorite group
3. No Tell Lover - Chicago
Nice ballad, a dramatic change from the usual Chicago, smooth, mellow
4. My Girl - The Temptations
5. Surfer Girl - Beach Boys
Loved beach and car music in Jr. High
6. Up, Up, and Away - Fifth Dimension
Love most of their stuff-Marilyn McCoo-the best voice
7. Lines and Circles - Fifth Dimension
Marilyn McCoo
8. Celebrate - Kool and the Gang
9. Standing in the Shadows of Love - The Four Tops
10. Bernadette - The Four Tops
11. I Am...I Said - Neil Diamond
College coffee house memories
12. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show - Neil Diamond
College coffee house memories
13. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkle
College coffee house memories
14. At the Zoo - Simon and Garfunkle
College coffee house memories
15. Thriller - Michael Jackson
Cool song, cool video- lots to choose from from this artist
16. Windy - The Association
Close harmonies
17. Never My Love - The Association
Close harmonies
18. Conga - Miami Sound Machine
Start the party with this group- Gloria Estefan great vocals
19. September - Earth, Wind, and Fire
Funky!!
20. Superstitious - Stevie Wonder
Songs in the Key of Life- One of the best albums ever
21. Close to You - The Carpenters
Karen Carpenter's fabulous voice
22. Tuxedo Junction - Manhattan Transfer
a capella- very smooth, great harmonies
23. Birdland - Manhattan Transfer
a capella- very smooth, great harmonies
24. Susan - The Buckinghams
Music "Lite" but good harmonies and easy to karaoke
25. Little Old Lady from Pasadena - Jan and Dean
Same as Beach boys- sooooo jr. high
OTHERS
Kind of a Drag - The Buckinghams
Music Lite but good harmonies and easy to karaoke
Be True to Your School - Jan and Dean
Same as Beach Boys
National Anthem - Jimi Hendrix
Unbelievable guitar version
I'll Take You There - Pointer Sisters
Start the party with this group
Born to be Wild - Steppenwolf
Pinball Wizard - The Who
Theme from Vegas
Don't know why but always one of my favorites
Theme from MASH
For some reason it sticks in my head and is hard to get rid of
Man, I Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain
Very sexy song
Think - Aretha Franklin
"Blues Brothers" classic
Silhouettes on the Shade - Herman's Hermits
Classic funny 1950's doo-wop song
NO WAY, JOSE
I wouldn't take a cd from these groups if they were free:
The Rolling Stones
Cher
Elvis
Madonna
Any Heavy Metal
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mike Armstrong's Top 25 Songs
1. Gold Sounds - Pavement
Makes me think of Summers back home, staying up all night into the next day, eating breakfast in a beach chair on the back deck
2. Someday - The Strokes
My favorite Strokes song, a song for dancing
3. Hounds of Love - The Futureheads
I absolutely love singing this song as loud as possible
4. Maps - The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5. Hybrid Rainbow - The Pillows
I get chills when it kicks in about a minute in
6. Hey Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had a Deal - They Might Be Giants
7. Returning to the Fold - The Thermals
8. Your English is Good - Tokyo Police Club
This song gets me up and going
9. Portions for Foxes - Rilo Kiley
This song was fantastic live
10. Samson - Regina Spektor
I love this story
11. My Favourite Book - The Stars
Our song
12. Parentheses - The Blow
13. The Underdog - Spoon
Maybe my favorite song thematically, never stop learning
14. Rebellion (Lies) - The Arcade Fire
Hard to choose one from this album, but the line "sleeping is giving in" resonates
15. The Crane Wife 3 - The Crane Wife
16. Kc Accidental - Broken Social Scene
The surprise on this list, I did not expect to put this song so high
17. Back When I Was 4 - Jeffrey Lewis
18. Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig - Jens Lekman
19. For No One's Better Sake - Little Joy
20. There's a Metalhead in the Parking Lot - Slapstick
This meant a lot when I was in middle/high school
21. Impression That I Get - Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Favorite album for a long time
22. I'm a Cuckoo - Belle and Sebastian
23. Those Who Fight Further (Final Fantasy 7) - Black Mages
24. Dandelions - Five Iron Frenzy
It never left me
25. The Sun Lights Strong - Matty Popchart
26. Good Enough - Westbound Train
It could have been any one of their songs
Makes me think of Summers back home, staying up all night into the next day, eating breakfast in a beach chair on the back deck
2. Someday - The Strokes
My favorite Strokes song, a song for dancing
3. Hounds of Love - The Futureheads
I absolutely love singing this song as loud as possible
4. Maps - The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5. Hybrid Rainbow - The Pillows
I get chills when it kicks in about a minute in
6. Hey Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had a Deal - They Might Be Giants
7. Returning to the Fold - The Thermals
8. Your English is Good - Tokyo Police Club
This song gets me up and going
9. Portions for Foxes - Rilo Kiley
This song was fantastic live
10. Samson - Regina Spektor
I love this story
11. My Favourite Book - The Stars
Our song
12. Parentheses - The Blow
13. The Underdog - Spoon
Maybe my favorite song thematically, never stop learning
14. Rebellion (Lies) - The Arcade Fire
Hard to choose one from this album, but the line "sleeping is giving in" resonates
15. The Crane Wife 3 - The Crane Wife
16. Kc Accidental - Broken Social Scene
The surprise on this list, I did not expect to put this song so high
17. Back When I Was 4 - Jeffrey Lewis
18. Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig - Jens Lekman
19. For No One's Better Sake - Little Joy
20. There's a Metalhead in the Parking Lot - Slapstick
This meant a lot when I was in middle/high school
21. Impression That I Get - Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Favorite album for a long time
22. I'm a Cuckoo - Belle and Sebastian
23. Those Who Fight Further (Final Fantasy 7) - Black Mages
24. Dandelions - Five Iron Frenzy
It never left me
25. The Sun Lights Strong - Matty Popchart
26. Good Enough - Westbound Train
It could have been any one of their songs
Monday, April 20, 2009
John Armstrong's Top 25 Songs
1. Good Old Accapella - The Nylons
For us high school and college choir types
2. Lake Shore Drive - Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah
For everyone who loves Chicago
3. No Fair at All - The Association
4. People Get Ready - Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions
5. Sometimes in Winter - Blood Sweat and Tears
First rock concert I ever went to
6. A Summer Song - Chad and Jeremy
7. Canon in D Major - English Chamber Orchestra
8. Come Sail Away - Styx
9. Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copland
10. Glad - Traffic
The title is exactly right
11. Just the Two of Us - Grover Washington & Bill Withers
12. Marrakesh Express - Crosby, Stills, and Nash
13. Never My Love - The Association
Favorite band in college
14. Summer Breeze - Seals and Crofts
15. The Sounds of Silence (Live) - Simon and Garfunkel
16. Wasted on the Way - Crosby, Stills, and Nash
17. Angela - Bob James
Makes me think of reverend Jim
18. Centerfield - John Fogerty
19. Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
20. Early Morning Rain - Gordon Lightfoot
21. Knights in White Satin - Moody Blues
22. Hello It's Me - Todd Rundgren
23. Honey Wind Blows - Glenn Yarbrough
Saw him at Golf Mill with the Limelighters
24. I'd Really Love to See You Tonight - England Dan and John Ford Coley
25. Outside of a Small Circle of Friends - Phil Ochs
26. Scotch and Soda - The Kingston Trio
27. Up On the Roof - The Nylons
I'd kill for his voice
28. You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
29. Children of Sanchez Theme - Chuck Mangione
My brother played the flugelhorn in high school
30. Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Makes me smile
31. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
32. Louisiana 1927 - Randy Newman
Best blues song ever
For us high school and college choir types
2. Lake Shore Drive - Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah
For everyone who loves Chicago
3. No Fair at All - The Association
4. People Get Ready - Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions
5. Sometimes in Winter - Blood Sweat and Tears
First rock concert I ever went to
6. A Summer Song - Chad and Jeremy
7. Canon in D Major - English Chamber Orchestra
8. Come Sail Away - Styx
9. Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copland
10. Glad - Traffic
The title is exactly right
11. Just the Two of Us - Grover Washington & Bill Withers
12. Marrakesh Express - Crosby, Stills, and Nash
13. Never My Love - The Association
Favorite band in college
14. Summer Breeze - Seals and Crofts
15. The Sounds of Silence (Live) - Simon and Garfunkel
16. Wasted on the Way - Crosby, Stills, and Nash
17. Angela - Bob James
Makes me think of reverend Jim
18. Centerfield - John Fogerty
19. Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
20. Early Morning Rain - Gordon Lightfoot
21. Knights in White Satin - Moody Blues
22. Hello It's Me - Todd Rundgren
23. Honey Wind Blows - Glenn Yarbrough
Saw him at Golf Mill with the Limelighters
24. I'd Really Love to See You Tonight - England Dan and John Ford Coley
25. Outside of a Small Circle of Friends - Phil Ochs
26. Scotch and Soda - The Kingston Trio
27. Up On the Roof - The Nylons
I'd kill for his voice
28. You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
29. Children of Sanchez Theme - Chuck Mangione
My brother played the flugelhorn in high school
30. Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Makes me smile
31. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
32. Louisiana 1927 - Randy Newman
Best blues song ever
Saturday, April 4, 2009
What is Marshmallow Fight's Deal, Anyway?
"You are loved,
you are missed,
nothing joins our hearts
like lists."
Cornelius "Wendigo" Rumpsack, IV.
Finer words were never written on the subject of lists, especially by this poet, who I just made up. Welcome to Marshmallow Fight, where we're going to make a bunch of lists. For example, we're starting with 25 Favorite Songs, and you, whoever you may be, can peruse the lists we put up, and then send me your own. The rules are loose, you can make your own criteria, and feel free to submit whatever extras you like. That's it, really. For ease of navigation, I will tag all of our posts with a word (song, for instance), and then you can search all of the lists of that type by clicking the links to the right. We'll be tinkering, probably, with the layout and the format, but don't let that stop you from acting like you own the place. Commenting is encouraged, of course. Special thanks are due to Dana C., for giving the site an early makeover and a thorough tidying; before she got here, everything was oatmeal and dirty laundry. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to me at nathan.a.armstrong@gmail.com, or just cram them in the comments. We can't wait to see your lists, so get to work.
Nate
you are missed,
nothing joins our hearts
like lists."
Cornelius "Wendigo" Rumpsack, IV.
Finer words were never written on the subject of lists, especially by this poet, who I just made up. Welcome to Marshmallow Fight, where we're going to make a bunch of lists. For example, we're starting with 25 Favorite Songs, and you, whoever you may be, can peruse the lists we put up, and then send me your own. The rules are loose, you can make your own criteria, and feel free to submit whatever extras you like. That's it, really. For ease of navigation, I will tag all of our posts with a word (song, for instance), and then you can search all of the lists of that type by clicking the links to the right. We'll be tinkering, probably, with the layout and the format, but don't let that stop you from acting like you own the place. Commenting is encouraged, of course. Special thanks are due to Dana C., for giving the site an early makeover and a thorough tidying; before she got here, everything was oatmeal and dirty laundry. If you have any questions, feel free to direct them to me at nathan.a.armstrong@gmail.com, or just cram them in the comments. We can't wait to see your lists, so get to work.
Nate
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