Echo Beach (1980)
Martha & the Muffins
Rating: 4.3
It was nice to revisit this song, as I haven't heard it in a long time. Before I talk about the song as a whole, I'd like to mention that this song isn't about any particular beach, but just a place "far away in time" that the singer would rather be at instead of their job. I thought I would clarify that for you.
This song is wonderful, and the only hit that Martha & the Muffins had. There's something beautiful about the desperation in the lyrics: "From nine to five I have to spend my time at work/My job is very boring, I'm an office clerk/The only thing that helps me pass the time away/Is knowing I'll be back at Echo Beach someday."
Everything about the song (except the vocals) is dreamy, and creates the setting that the singer creates. Though this song isn't monumental (and it's not a part of the main 1001), I would recommens taking some time out of your day to at least listen to it once...just so you can escape to "Echo Beach".
Sunday, January 8, 2012
They Can't Take That Away From Me-Fred Astaire
They Can't Take That Away From Me (1937)
Fred Astaire
Rating: 4.5
I have a soft spot for Fred Astaire, one of the best singers and dancers from the era of movie musicals, and "They Can't Take That Away From Me" is a perfect example of his skill. Yes, he can do a soft-shoe routine on sand, and he can dance with a hatstand, but his voice is quite powerful, and it carries emotion well, especially in this song.
I was happily surprised to see that this is one of the main 1001, as Fred Astaire isn't usually recognized for his vocals. I think they give Gene Kelly a song as well, though, so the scales are balanced once more.
Though this song has been covered by many different artists, this is my favorite version, and is certainly worth listening to.
Fred Astaire
Rating: 4.5
I have a soft spot for Fred Astaire, one of the best singers and dancers from the era of movie musicals, and "They Can't Take That Away From Me" is a perfect example of his skill. Yes, he can do a soft-shoe routine on sand, and he can dance with a hatstand, but his voice is quite powerful, and it carries emotion well, especially in this song.
I was happily surprised to see that this is one of the main 1001, as Fred Astaire isn't usually recognized for his vocals. I think they give Gene Kelly a song as well, though, so the scales are balanced once more.
Though this song has been covered by many different artists, this is my favorite version, and is certainly worth listening to.
I Believe in a Thing Called Love-The Darkness
I Believe in a Thing Called Love (2003)
The Darkness
Rating: 4.9
I have always loved this song, with its upbeat tempo, a lead singer with a wicked falsetto (Justin Hawkins), and wonderful guitar solos. There's something so perfect about this combination, and the chorus will lodge itself in your head. If you don't feel the need to try and attempt the falsetto, then maybe you're not letting yourself enjoy the song properly.
"I Believe in a Thing Called Love" deserves its place as one of the main 1001; I'm not sure if 2003 would have been the same without this song. If you've never heard it, then stop reading this, get on Youtube, and listen to it RIGHT NOW, because you're seriously missing out.
The Darkness
Rating: 4.9
I have always loved this song, with its upbeat tempo, a lead singer with a wicked falsetto (Justin Hawkins), and wonderful guitar solos. There's something so perfect about this combination, and the chorus will lodge itself in your head. If you don't feel the need to try and attempt the falsetto, then maybe you're not letting yourself enjoy the song properly.
"I Believe in a Thing Called Love" deserves its place as one of the main 1001; I'm not sure if 2003 would have been the same without this song. If you've never heard it, then stop reading this, get on Youtube, and listen to it RIGHT NOW, because you're seriously missing out.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Jump Around-House of Pain
Jump Around (1992)
House of Pain
Rating: 4.7
I couldn't tell you what is going on during most of the rap, but I can tell you what will happen every time someone listens to this song: they WILL jump around. It's almost required if you want to listen to this song properly.
I like this song a lot; I've heard it several times, and it still hasn't gotten old to me. The beat is infectious, and the rap is upbeat (even though it's hard to figure out what is being said). This song, oddly enough, isn't a part of the main 1001, but if you want an accurate picture of music in the 90's, this is one of the first songs you should listen to.
House of Pain
Rating: 4.7
I couldn't tell you what is going on during most of the rap, but I can tell you what will happen every time someone listens to this song: they WILL jump around. It's almost required if you want to listen to this song properly.
I like this song a lot; I've heard it several times, and it still hasn't gotten old to me. The beat is infectious, and the rap is upbeat (even though it's hard to figure out what is being said). This song, oddly enough, isn't a part of the main 1001, but if you want an accurate picture of music in the 90's, this is one of the first songs you should listen to.
Three or Four-The New Pornographers
Three or Four (2005)
The New Pornographers
Rating: 4.8
I was introduced to The New Pornographers by my boyfriend several months ago (quick pause to thank him very much!), and their music has captivated me ever since. This is actually the first time that I've listened to this song, "Three or Four", in particular, and I find myself liking it a lot. It carries the distinctive sound that makes the band sound as they do: the amazing vocals, the disjuncted guitars, and the drums. Everything blends together rather well, creating a beautiful song that will most likely be stuck in my head for the rest of the day.
This song, though not one of the main 1001, is definitely worth listening to, and so is the album that it's from (Twin Cinema).
The New Pornographers
Rating: 4.8
I was introduced to The New Pornographers by my boyfriend several months ago (quick pause to thank him very much!), and their music has captivated me ever since. This is actually the first time that I've listened to this song, "Three or Four", in particular, and I find myself liking it a lot. It carries the distinctive sound that makes the band sound as they do: the amazing vocals, the disjuncted guitars, and the drums. Everything blends together rather well, creating a beautiful song that will most likely be stuck in my head for the rest of the day.
This song, though not one of the main 1001, is definitely worth listening to, and so is the album that it's from (Twin Cinema).
I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry-Hank Williams
I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry (1949)
Hank Williams
Rating: 2.5
Maybe this is my prejudice against country music speaking, but I can barely make it through this song without shivering in distaste. Not only is this song boring and dreadfully slow, but Hank Williams' voice is the country music stereotype: drawling, off-pitch, and with a horrible Southern accent. I can't really find many redeeming qualities in anything, although the guitar is played rather well, slow as the tempo is.
I am sad to say that this is indeed one of the main 1001. I wouldn't recommend this song to anyone, not even to a country music fan.
Hank Williams
Rating: 2.5
Maybe this is my prejudice against country music speaking, but I can barely make it through this song without shivering in distaste. Not only is this song boring and dreadfully slow, but Hank Williams' voice is the country music stereotype: drawling, off-pitch, and with a horrible Southern accent. I can't really find many redeeming qualities in anything, although the guitar is played rather well, slow as the tempo is.
I am sad to say that this is indeed one of the main 1001. I wouldn't recommend this song to anyone, not even to a country music fan.
So What-Pink
So What (2008)
Pink
Rating: 4.6
I suppose I underestimated Pink when I believed that she would get no higher than "Get This Party Started". This song throws everything in your face and forces you to deal with it, and I can't help but admire that. It takes a lot of bravery and talent to do something like that, and Pink has plenty of both.
However, neither this nor any of Pink's songs are in the main 1001, which just seems wrong. Pink was more important to pop than Christina Aguilera, and I like both artists' work equally. The more I go through these song choices, the more tempted I feel to write a book of my own-but that, as they say, is a different story.
For now, let me just say that this song is worth listening to.
Pink
Rating: 4.6
I suppose I underestimated Pink when I believed that she would get no higher than "Get This Party Started". This song throws everything in your face and forces you to deal with it, and I can't help but admire that. It takes a lot of bravery and talent to do something like that, and Pink has plenty of both.
However, neither this nor any of Pink's songs are in the main 1001, which just seems wrong. Pink was more important to pop than Christina Aguilera, and I like both artists' work equally. The more I go through these song choices, the more tempted I feel to write a book of my own-but that, as they say, is a different story.
For now, let me just say that this song is worth listening to.
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