Ok, music world? Fuck yourself. We’re down to the point that we’re swallowing Ke$ha? I keep thinking of the heavy metal revolution where warrants cherry pie finally kicked out a Curt Cobains Nirvana (and I’ve got some thoughts on that too) or when the beatles finally hit america. What the fuck happened to music? I get it. Christopher cross was too ugly for MTV, even though that prick could sing. We’re eating packaged foods here. Its like McNuggets that arent chicken, but the market needs conveneience and packaging. Is anyone else noticing this too?
So heres 10 of my songs, with reasons why. It’s bullshit that I have to post them. These are in no particular order, they’re just the songs that have seemed to last, even if I listen to them once every few years or more. Some more.
One:
Thats right. Its not teenage wasteland, its Baba O’ Reily for those in the know. What a great song for crossing a desert on a harley, or sitting in your living room when you just need some Rock N’ Roll. I always come back to it. Listen to what Pete is trying to do here, with a synthesizer, years before they became popular. Roger is slinging it out of his soul. He knows, and you do too. It’s why you mistake it for teenage wasteland instead of Baba O’ Reily. Hot damn, this is good.
Two:
Amy grant. I used to be a christian, and as uncomfortable as I know that may make a lot of people, using the word “I used to be”, I cant deny that this is a great song or the value of used-to-being. I didn’t throw it all away. The video is campy and a bit too easy, but it makes a connection, at least for me. Also, a lot of good memories of living in Maryland. The bitch can sing. Stay for a while.
Three:
Led Zeppelin. This for me, is the best of the best. I listen to this, when the fire grows low. Beethoven or bach had shit on a jimmy page in stride. Wow. I really love this song. helped me kick through a few tough times in college. “it isnt hard to feel me glowing, I’ve watched the fires that grew so low…” I don’t know who wrote the lyric, but the guitar in this is just beautiful, and I don’t know shit from shinola. Wow Jimmy, I want to stand up and applaud.
Four:
If you can’t feel that, your wick is wet. Hendrix originally played this, but SRV made this bitch cry and sing. Wow. It might be what jimmy page was trying to say with his guitar the whole time. I really love this song. It twists my mind and head around its so good. SRV did something with a guitar here that makes a prick like me, who’s only taste is in his mouth, notice. whoah, I’m listening to it as I type, and it’s blowing my mind.
Five:
This is pretty honest. “you’re asking me if my love grows, I don’t know, I don’t know”. When I take into account all that was happening with the Beatles: they made one last album, knowing it was going to be their last. Like a tribute to 10 years of friendship, and parting ways afterward. The irony…. of a McCartney/Lennon songwriting duo that may never be challenged ever, and George harrison whipping out this beautiful harmony and lyric. More wow. What a great song.
Six:
Another favorite. Reminds me of living in a 15 foot trailer in Long Beach California in 1988, before I donned the responsibilty that I craved and still shoulder to this day, and will till I die. Happily. This was the song that made Sgt Pepper. Brian Wilson had no idea that he owned the music world and inspired a revolution that the beatles got all the credit for. It raised the bar, and I’m not being all that dramatic about this. Ask Paul McCartney, he’ll tell you about the most beautiful song ever written.
Seven:
I was a few years late in 1979 listening to Rocket to russia, it came out three years earlier. Mark Stevens bedroom. The clash and the sex pistols as well. When I heard it, I knew shit hand changed for me. I spent the next 10 years listening to punk rock. Thank you ramones.
Eight:
Thats right, Xanadu. I’m not trying to be tough here, because no matter how I twist it It won’t get pulled off. I love ELO. Always really loved ELO. They’d peaked by this point, adding Cellos to rock and roll, and found a synthesizer, but this movie about olivia newton John as one of Zeus’s muses giving a guy inspiration, well… it inspires me. Lots of good ELO. They had a great run. I just kinda dig this song, and always seem to find it again over the years.
Nine:
After the ramones, I found black flag. Jason neighbors, who turned out to be one of the best guys I’ve ever known had this in VHS and we used to watch it and drink Mickey big mouths hanging out in his trailer. Try and stop us, its no use. This song represents an era.
Ten:
Roxette. Something about these guys I like. Passionate lyrics and pop hooks. Always liked em. Reminds me so much of doing road trips with Robyn when we were first married across deserts at night in our red mercury lynx, and being in brand new love. I still follow these guys, even if the albums arent released in the US now. The guy can write music, and this chick has pipes. I love roxette.
Just 10 songs. I’m sure i’m missing some, like boston’s “more than a feeling” and the who’s “behind blue eyes” or some punk song etc etc, but these are the ones off the top o’ my head tonight.