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.
Song 2-Blur
Song 2 (1997)
Blur
Rating: 4.8
With a wonderful guitar and drum intro, there is no way that "Song 2" could go wrong. Barely reaching 2 minutes, this song, though insanely overplayed, is still one of my favorites from Blur. I'm sure that few people could actually tell you what the chorus actually is, so to clear up the confusion ("whoo-hoo"s have been excluded): "When I feel heavy metal/And I'm pins and I'm needles/Well, I lie and I'm easy/All of the time and I'm never sure why I need you/Pleased to meet you!"
If you have never heard this song...well, I'm not sure what to say about that, but you need to hear it immediately!
(Side note: this IS one of the main 1001, thankfully.)
Blur
Rating: 4.8
With a wonderful guitar and drum intro, there is no way that "Song 2" could go wrong. Barely reaching 2 minutes, this song, though insanely overplayed, is still one of my favorites from Blur. I'm sure that few people could actually tell you what the chorus actually is, so to clear up the confusion ("whoo-hoo"s have been excluded): "When I feel heavy metal/And I'm pins and I'm needles/Well, I lie and I'm easy/All of the time and I'm never sure why I need you/Pleased to meet you!"
If you have never heard this song...well, I'm not sure what to say about that, but you need to hear it immediately!
(Side note: this IS one of the main 1001, thankfully.)
We Are All on Drugs-Weezer
We Are All on Drugs (2005)
Weezer
Rating: 5.0
Though this may seem like an odd choice for a 5.0 rating, seeing as this isn't one of Weezer's more popular singles, I feel that "We Are All on Drugs" truly deserves it. It has everything in perfect amounts: clever lyrics, a great guitar riff, well-written drum parts, and, of course, River Cuomo's amazing vocals.
Another thing that fascinates me is the fact that this song is very rarely recognized for how great it is. Perhaps it has to do with MTV's changing it to "We Are All in Love", which really doesn't have the same effect as the original. Nevertheless, I actually consider this to be Weezer's best song (so far), and I was dismayed to see that it wasn't one of the main 1001.
Weezer
Rating: 5.0
Though this may seem like an odd choice for a 5.0 rating, seeing as this isn't one of Weezer's more popular singles, I feel that "We Are All on Drugs" truly deserves it. It has everything in perfect amounts: clever lyrics, a great guitar riff, well-written drum parts, and, of course, River Cuomo's amazing vocals.
Another thing that fascinates me is the fact that this song is very rarely recognized for how great it is. Perhaps it has to do with MTV's changing it to "We Are All in Love", which really doesn't have the same effect as the original. Nevertheless, I actually consider this to be Weezer's best song (so far), and I was dismayed to see that it wasn't one of the main 1001.
That's the Way (My Love Is)-Smashing Pumpkins
That's the Way (My Love Is) (2007)
Smashing Pumpkins
Rating: 3.6
I'm not really a fan of the Smashing Pumpkins' new sound, so I'm not a fan of this song. However, Billy Corgan has a talent for writing beautiful lyrics, and "That's the Way (My Love Is)" is no exception. The chorus is a perfect example of this: "That's the way my love is/That's the way I care/You should call on me, baby/I'm always there for you/Yeah, I'm always there for you."
The emotion is clear in Corgan's voice, and even though both I and the editors of this book agree that this shouldn't be a part of the main 1001, there's still something magical and gorgeous about the sentiments carefully folded within the lyrics. Even if you choose to simply read the lyrics, you can see the powerful ability that Corgan has, and will hopefully always have throughout the rest of his music career.
Smashing Pumpkins
Rating: 3.6
I'm not really a fan of the Smashing Pumpkins' new sound, so I'm not a fan of this song. However, Billy Corgan has a talent for writing beautiful lyrics, and "That's the Way (My Love Is)" is no exception. The chorus is a perfect example of this: "That's the way my love is/That's the way I care/You should call on me, baby/I'm always there for you/Yeah, I'm always there for you."
The emotion is clear in Corgan's voice, and even though both I and the editors of this book agree that this shouldn't be a part of the main 1001, there's still something magical and gorgeous about the sentiments carefully folded within the lyrics. Even if you choose to simply read the lyrics, you can see the powerful ability that Corgan has, and will hopefully always have throughout the rest of his music career.
Daft Punk is Playing at My House-LCD Soundsystem
Daft Punk is Playing at My House (2005)
LCD Soundsystem
Rating: 4.6
I prefer earlier LCD Soundsystem to the more recent music they have been releasing, and this song is a perfect example of what I love about them. There's a wonderful rock sound, the tempo is upbeat, and the lyrics, though repetitive, are catchy. Also, there's a cowbell solo that Christopher Walken would be proud of, and it simply fits the whole tone of fun and lightheartedness that flies throughout the song.
Though I'm not sure I would want Daft Punk to play at my house, this song makes me want to see LCD Soundsystem play here. This is definitely a song that you should listen to, if you haven't already.
(Side note: this song is not part of the main 1001.)
LCD Soundsystem
Rating: 4.6
I prefer earlier LCD Soundsystem to the more recent music they have been releasing, and this song is a perfect example of what I love about them. There's a wonderful rock sound, the tempo is upbeat, and the lyrics, though repetitive, are catchy. Also, there's a cowbell solo that Christopher Walken would be proud of, and it simply fits the whole tone of fun and lightheartedness that flies throughout the song.
Though I'm not sure I would want Daft Punk to play at my house, this song makes me want to see LCD Soundsystem play here. This is definitely a song that you should listen to, if you haven't already.
(Side note: this song is not part of the main 1001.)
I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked-Ida Maria
I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked (2008)
Ida Maria
Rating: 4.3
The only reason I decided to listen to this song right now is because I was intrigued by the song title; I didn't think I would end up liking the song as much as I did. Ida Maria has raw vocals that grind against the lyrics, and make the whole situation ridiculously clever as it is boldly honest.
The chorus alone is wonderful: "I like you so much better when you're naked/I like me so much better when you're naked/Yeah!" The simplicity fits the lyrics, and the rock beat makes everything that much better. I'm glad that this book introduced me to this song, and it made me laugh.
(Side note: this song is not one of the main 1001.)
Ida Maria
Rating: 4.3
The only reason I decided to listen to this song right now is because I was intrigued by the song title; I didn't think I would end up liking the song as much as I did. Ida Maria has raw vocals that grind against the lyrics, and make the whole situation ridiculously clever as it is boldly honest.
The chorus alone is wonderful: "I like you so much better when you're naked/I like me so much better when you're naked/Yeah!" The simplicity fits the lyrics, and the rock beat makes everything that much better. I'm glad that this book introduced me to this song, and it made me laugh.
(Side note: this song is not one of the main 1001.)
The High Road-Broken Bells
The High Road (2009)
Broken Bells
Rating: 4.1
Let me insert a small thank you to satellite radio for introducing me to amazing bands like Broken Bells. "The High Road" was the first song that I had ever heard by them, and though it isn't their best, there's something about it that's truly beautiful and perfect. The vocals are spot-on, the instruments parts are well-planned: everything just seems to work here.
Surprisingly, this song is not a part of the main 1001, though songs like "Crank That" are. (I'm really not looking forward to listening to that.) All complaining aside, though, this song is worth listening to, and so is "The Ghost Inside" (not in this book).
Broken Bells
Rating: 4.1
Let me insert a small thank you to satellite radio for introducing me to amazing bands like Broken Bells. "The High Road" was the first song that I had ever heard by them, and though it isn't their best, there's something about it that's truly beautiful and perfect. The vocals are spot-on, the instruments parts are well-planned: everything just seems to work here.
Surprisingly, this song is not a part of the main 1001, though songs like "Crank That" are. (I'm really not looking forward to listening to that.) All complaining aside, though, this song is worth listening to, and so is "The Ghost Inside" (not in this book).
Rock This Town-Stray Cats
Rock This Town (1981)
Stray Cats
Rating: 4.4
There's something about a mix of swing and rock that fascinates me, and "Rock This Town" is a perfect example of this. With a wonderful beat that you can't help but dance to, a captivating guitar part, and wonderful lead vocals, this song contains everything that I look for.
I actually enjoy the music video for this, and I would recommend watching it first before you enjoy the song alone; it'll give you an idea of how fun the Stray Cats are. This is one of my favorite songs by this band (the other song, not in this book, is "Stray Cat Strut"); however, it's not one of the main 1001, but in this case, I understand the exclusion. Nevertheless, this song is perfect if you need something to cheer (or wake) you up.
Stray Cats
Rating: 4.4
There's something about a mix of swing and rock that fascinates me, and "Rock This Town" is a perfect example of this. With a wonderful beat that you can't help but dance to, a captivating guitar part, and wonderful lead vocals, this song contains everything that I look for.
I actually enjoy the music video for this, and I would recommend watching it first before you enjoy the song alone; it'll give you an idea of how fun the Stray Cats are. This is one of my favorite songs by this band (the other song, not in this book, is "Stray Cat Strut"); however, it's not one of the main 1001, but in this case, I understand the exclusion. Nevertheless, this song is perfect if you need something to cheer (or wake) you up.
Criminal-Fiona Apple
Criminal (1997)
Fiona Apple
Rating: 4.9
This is the only song I've ever heard by Fiona Apple, and I'm truly captivated by it. Her voice is so haunting, carrying the weight of her lyrics straight to your heart. This is one of the times when I gladly agree with the editors; "Criminal" is one of the main 1001.
I love the entire song (except how long it takes to end-the instruments drag on for a while), but I love the chorus the most: "What I need is a good defense/'Cause I'm feeling like a criminal/And I need to be redeemed to the one I've sinned against/Because he's all I ever knew of love."
Though most of the attention is directed towards the music video for this song, I recommend avoiding it, as it takes away from the beauty of the song itself. "Criminal" is definitely worth listening to if you've never heard it before; it's also worth reevaluating if you think you don't like it.
Fiona Apple
Rating: 4.9
This is the only song I've ever heard by Fiona Apple, and I'm truly captivated by it. Her voice is so haunting, carrying the weight of her lyrics straight to your heart. This is one of the times when I gladly agree with the editors; "Criminal" is one of the main 1001.
I love the entire song (except how long it takes to end-the instruments drag on for a while), but I love the chorus the most: "What I need is a good defense/'Cause I'm feeling like a criminal/And I need to be redeemed to the one I've sinned against/Because he's all I ever knew of love."
Though most of the attention is directed towards the music video for this song, I recommend avoiding it, as it takes away from the beauty of the song itself. "Criminal" is definitely worth listening to if you've never heard it before; it's also worth reevaluating if you think you don't like it.
Dancing Queen-Abba
Dancing Queen (1976)
Abba
Rating: 3.1
This is one of the songs I instantly identify with weddings, and I will probably only hear this song voluntarily during those events. I'm not a huge fan of either Abba or disco, but I can admire their ability to create a catchy song, which they certainly accomplished here with "Dancing Queen". Apparently, so did the editors of this book, as this is one of the main 1001.
The vocals aren't very powerful (or very skilled, either) but just imagine being caught up in dancing and happiness while listening, and it's not hard to see why this song was so popular, reaching #1 in 14 countries, including the US and the UK. With a good dance beat, and an insanely catchy tune, this song will become lodged inside your head for days; this doesn't necessarily mean "Dancing Queen" is a good song, but it certainly is unforgettable.
Abba
Rating: 3.1
This is one of the songs I instantly identify with weddings, and I will probably only hear this song voluntarily during those events. I'm not a huge fan of either Abba or disco, but I can admire their ability to create a catchy song, which they certainly accomplished here with "Dancing Queen". Apparently, so did the editors of this book, as this is one of the main 1001.
The vocals aren't very powerful (or very skilled, either) but just imagine being caught up in dancing and happiness while listening, and it's not hard to see why this song was so popular, reaching #1 in 14 countries, including the US and the UK. With a good dance beat, and an insanely catchy tune, this song will become lodged inside your head for days; this doesn't necessarily mean "Dancing Queen" is a good song, but it certainly is unforgettable.
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