Rain King by Counting Crows
I'm not sure there is a song out there that makes me feel better and love life more... I mean everything about it is happy (well maybe not the lyrics), but the chords... so happy. So carefree. You can hear the band having fun playing this song.
I love that. When others are having fun, it rubs off on everyone... if most of us are having a good time then all of us are having a good time.
I guess you could call this song A Fun Drunk. You know, the guy or girl who you always love to see and hang out with when they've had a few drunks (amazingly, it was "Friends" that first tapped into this way back when with "Fun Bobby").
Rain King, the fun drunk song, the song you love to hear in almost any situation... which come to think of it is unlike the fun drunk (face it, you only want to see them on a Friday or Saturday night... and never ever during the day).
And sadly, I've been call a fun drunk (or Fun Bobby)... this is heartbreaking. Was I now fun to these people sober? Was I only worth a few drinks and a Friday night to them? I want more meaning than that damn it...
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dry The Rain
Dry The Rain by The Beta Band
The songs I listened to the most in 2008:
1) Mansard Roof by Vampire Weekend
2) Cinderella's Daydream by Zuzu's Petals
3) 11:11 by Andrew Bird
4) Walcott by Vampire Weekend
5) Don't Forget Sister by Low vs Diamond
6) Queen of Everything by Haley Bonar
7) Dry the Rain by The Beta Band
Had to go all the way to #7 to find a song I hadn't blogged about yet... wow or yikes?
Let me just put it this way—this is one of the best songs ever. I mean, there is nothing wrong with this song:
* It's got cool lines "This is the definition of my life/Lying in bed in the sunlight..." and "Spray on dust is the greatest thing/Sure is the greatest thing/Since the last, since the last"
* The opening with the acoustic guitar and pleasant chorus—some what slow and methodical—that slowly builds but never gives itself away until after the second time they bang out the chorus.
* And what happens after the second time though the chorus? The song goes to another level, drums kick in, the bass turns it up, the guitar becomes sort of harder...
* Now you nodding your head in that cool, perfect beat kind of way... electric guitars making even cooler sounds cascading over the ever present acoustic... and that perfect beat still is moving your head isn't it?
* Then all of a sudden the bass line goes to a whole new level (yes that's right this is the 3rd new level thus far)... and now your head and body are swaying to that beat.
* "If there's something inside that you wanna say/say alright it will be okay/I will be your light, I will be your light"
* And eventually you fade out...
Okay go find me a cooler, more chill, more awesome song out there? Sure "Something" and "Maps" are more beautiful... but this song is so effin' good. Love it.
The songs I listened to the most in 2008:
1) Mansard Roof by Vampire Weekend
2) Cinderella's Daydream by Zuzu's Petals
3) 11:11 by Andrew Bird
4) Walcott by Vampire Weekend
5) Don't Forget Sister by Low vs Diamond
6) Queen of Everything by Haley Bonar
7) Dry the Rain by The Beta Band
Had to go all the way to #7 to find a song I hadn't blogged about yet... wow or yikes?
Let me just put it this way—this is one of the best songs ever. I mean, there is nothing wrong with this song:
* It's got cool lines "This is the definition of my life/Lying in bed in the sunlight..." and "Spray on dust is the greatest thing/Sure is the greatest thing/Since the last, since the last"
* The opening with the acoustic guitar and pleasant chorus—some what slow and methodical—that slowly builds but never gives itself away until after the second time they bang out the chorus.
* And what happens after the second time though the chorus? The song goes to another level, drums kick in, the bass turns it up, the guitar becomes sort of harder...
* Now you nodding your head in that cool, perfect beat kind of way... electric guitars making even cooler sounds cascading over the ever present acoustic... and that perfect beat still is moving your head isn't it?
* Then all of a sudden the bass line goes to a whole new level (yes that's right this is the 3rd new level thus far)... and now your head and body are swaying to that beat.
* "If there's something inside that you wanna say/say alright it will be okay/I will be your light, I will be your light"
* And eventually you fade out...
Okay go find me a cooler, more chill, more awesome song out there? Sure "Something" and "Maps" are more beautiful... but this song is so effin' good. Love it.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Ready or Not
Ready or Not by the Fugees
I'd never choose this as my favorite song... but the President of the United States did back in August. Hey, I'm not going to argue with him since his taste doesn't appear to be horrible (forced, but not horrible). I guess in a way it's good that he isn't obsessing over his favorite song list ala Rob Gordon until there isn't even a list...
So in honor of President Barack Obama, today's song is his favorite song—the Fugees stellar "Ready or Not".
Congrats President Obama. You've brought change. You've brought hope. And you've done so in a poised and peaceful manner.
I'm proud to call you my President.
I'd never choose this as my favorite song... but the President of the United States did back in August. Hey, I'm not going to argue with him since his taste doesn't appear to be horrible (forced, but not horrible). I guess in a way it's good that he isn't obsessing over his favorite song list ala Rob Gordon until there isn't even a list...
So in honor of President Barack Obama, today's song is his favorite song—the Fugees stellar "Ready or Not".
Congrats President Obama. You've brought change. You've brought hope. And you've done so in a poised and peaceful manner.
I'm proud to call you my President.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Hit the Road Jack
Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles
This is a gimme I know... but as GOB would say... COME ON!
Today is the last full day that George W. Bush will be President. Tomorrow morning, he'll be a former President, about 39 people in this country will be upset. The other 300 million of us will be happy. George is gone. Ding dong*... yada, yada, yada.
However, if nothing else, Bush will always have this moment:
It's one of the best moments of his Presidency—maybe THE best moment—not only does he not freak, he gets out of the way with ease both times. After I saw this, I thought for a few seconds that maybe I totally misjudged him. But then I reminded myself that his domestic policy has been a total disaster... and his foreign policy appears to be as bad.
But back to my real point: hit the road George, and don't you come back no more no more no more no more. And don't let the door hit you on the way out. And we're going to miss you like Poot missed The Clap. Only less. And no, we don't want you're advise ever again except when it comes to what NOT to do. And I look forward to watching "Frost/Bush" in 2033.
Hit.
The.
Road.
God, it feels good to be an American again. No more Canadian flags on backpacks when we go to Europe`! George W. Bush's time as President is over. And some how most of us lived to tell... but sadly we're all worse off than we were 8 years ago. That bums me out no matter what.
But he gone. A new day will come tomorrow, and George W. Bush won't be apart of it when the sun sets. That feels good. Really good.
* Can you imagine Hollywood remaking the Wizard of Oz?^
`Never did this.
^ Yes I realize they've already done this with Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.
This is a gimme I know... but as GOB would say... COME ON!
Today is the last full day that George W. Bush will be President. Tomorrow morning, he'll be a former President, about 39 people in this country will be upset. The other 300 million of us will be happy. George is gone. Ding dong*... yada, yada, yada.
However, if nothing else, Bush will always have this moment:
It's one of the best moments of his Presidency—maybe THE best moment—not only does he not freak, he gets out of the way with ease both times. After I saw this, I thought for a few seconds that maybe I totally misjudged him. But then I reminded myself that his domestic policy has been a total disaster... and his foreign policy appears to be as bad.
But back to my real point: hit the road George, and don't you come back no more no more no more no more. And don't let the door hit you on the way out. And we're going to miss you like Poot missed The Clap. Only less. And no, we don't want you're advise ever again except when it comes to what NOT to do. And I look forward to watching "Frost/Bush" in 2033.
Hit.
The.
Road.
God, it feels good to be an American again. No more Canadian flags on backpacks when we go to Europe`! George W. Bush's time as President is over. And some how most of us lived to tell... but sadly we're all worse off than we were 8 years ago. That bums me out no matter what.
But he gone. A new day will come tomorrow, and George W. Bush won't be apart of it when the sun sets. That feels good. Really good.
* Can you imagine Hollywood remaking the Wizard of Oz?^
`Never did this.
^ Yes I realize they've already done this with Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Lovefool
Lovefool by The Cardigans
I dare you to find me a catchier chorus. Dare you.
There really isn't anything wrong with this song. The opening keyboards(?), the vocal performance, the smooth and sweet sort of Afro-pop guitar, a solid bass line, and the structure of the song are all very pleasant, cute, and catchy as hell. As unsophisticated as the song may be, it's a fun song and it's a lovely song. It's one of those songs that hits home not when you're in love, but rather when you're seeking love. Going after the crush... the girl across the room who just happens to say the most interesting things in the world.
Okay fine, this song tends to be more about the girl/guy who doesn't love you any more—about above... whatever.
Of course this song also works the other way—it can be the last song that anyone wants to hear along with being most annoying song in the world—depending on the situation. But I'm not in that type of mood right now, nor do I want to go there, so I'm just going to pretend that the ugly side of this song exists.
I dare you to find me a catchier chorus. Dare you.
There really isn't anything wrong with this song. The opening keyboards(?), the vocal performance, the smooth and sweet sort of Afro-pop guitar, a solid bass line, and the structure of the song are all very pleasant, cute, and catchy as hell. As unsophisticated as the song may be, it's a fun song and it's a lovely song. It's one of those songs that hits home not when you're in love, but rather when you're seeking love. Going after the crush... the girl across the room who just happens to say the most interesting things in the world.
Okay fine, this song tends to be more about the girl/guy who doesn't love you any more—about above... whatever.
Of course this song also works the other way—it can be the last song that anyone wants to hear along with being most annoying song in the world—depending on the situation. But I'm not in that type of mood right now, nor do I want to go there, so I'm just going to pretend that the ugly side of this song exists.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
C'mon C'mon
C'mon C'mon by The Von Bondies
Bass lines are underrated. It's a simple fact in pop music. People get hung up on the rifts and solos and melodies... and they're nice. They can make and break songs. People who put too much faith in music (or those people who are annoying in general) love to talk about great drumming as being important in song writing, but c'mon.
It's the bass line. A good bass line is fantastic. A great bass line is mind blowing.
This song only features a good bass line. And it is fantastic. It's the perfect opening for this song, which then explodes and is all about the rocking out and good fun.
All in all, this is a very good pop-punk song from five years ago. Who knows, maybe it's even one of the fifty best songs of the decade. It's short, sweet, and hard not to like. And there is nothing wrong with this—I'm looking at you indie freaks, hipsters, and music snobs—remember.
Bass lines are underrated. It's a simple fact in pop music. People get hung up on the rifts and solos and melodies... and they're nice. They can make and break songs. People who put too much faith in music (or those people who are annoying in general) love to talk about great drumming as being important in song writing, but c'mon.
It's the bass line. A good bass line is fantastic. A great bass line is mind blowing.
This song only features a good bass line. And it is fantastic. It's the perfect opening for this song, which then explodes and is all about the rocking out and good fun.
All in all, this is a very good pop-punk song from five years ago. Who knows, maybe it's even one of the fifty best songs of the decade. It's short, sweet, and hard not to like. And there is nothing wrong with this—I'm looking at you indie freaks, hipsters, and music snobs—remember.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Be Here Now
Be Here Now by Oasis
No no, not the Mason version... which is awesome and better, but whatever.
As far as Oasis songs go, this one is just aiight, but you know what? This song sounds so friggin' huge. I mean, listen to this bad boy... it's just big. Everything about it—guitar, Noel's voice, the drums, that weird bird sounding thingie—sounds bigger than all the holes in the Royal Albert Hall.
Which leads me to this... why do we like things that are big? Sure their are exceptions (white men tend to like/claim they like smaller women... but they also like bigger boobs and there also seems to be a rejection of girls who are too skinny). ANYWAYS, why do we assume that bigger is better? Is it because as little kids when we open presents we always want to open the big one first? Why are we programed that bigger is better?
And is bigger really better? Case and point: TEXAS.
So maybe bigger isn't better... but then again, small isn't really that good either.
I have no clue what I was listening to when I started this and I can't imagine this rambling is interesting... so I'm out.
No no, not the Mason version... which is awesome and better, but whatever.
As far as Oasis songs go, this one is just aiight, but you know what? This song sounds so friggin' huge. I mean, listen to this bad boy... it's just big. Everything about it—guitar, Noel's voice, the drums, that weird bird sounding thingie—sounds bigger than all the holes in the Royal Albert Hall.
Which leads me to this... why do we like things that are big? Sure their are exceptions (white men tend to like/claim they like smaller women... but they also like bigger boobs and there also seems to be a rejection of girls who are too skinny). ANYWAYS, why do we assume that bigger is better? Is it because as little kids when we open presents we always want to open the big one first? Why are we programed that bigger is better?
And is bigger really better? Case and point: TEXAS.
So maybe bigger isn't better... but then again, small isn't really that good either.
I have no clue what I was listening to when I started this and I can't imagine this rambling is interesting... so I'm out.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Where the Streets Have No Name
Where the Streets Have No Name by U2
1) The first minute or so of this song is effing amazing. I will not argue this. If it doesn't get you pumped up, then you also hate the Beatles AND little kids. There are a lot of ways to describe 'breaking through' but that intro sounds like an individual shaking off the shackles and then bursting though a wall—the synthesizers set the scene perfectly... and then the guitar, drums, and bass all come in and the drums (off all instruments in this song?!?!) do the breaking though... just great song writing and craftsmanship.
2) I have no clue where to place "The Joshua Tree" in pop culture. In 2009 the album sounds obvious, pretentious, good, fresh, boring, clean, inspiring, non experimental, run of the mill, tired, lost, and awesome all at the same time. I'd put the first two songs up against any songs as the greatest opening songs on any album ever. I also have no clue what happens to the second half of the album. Maybe I'm alone, but I think everyone can relate to "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "I Still Have Found What I'm Looking For".
3) Not only is the Edge at the top of his game here, but Bono's vocal performance is out of this world. I'm not sure this is the best U2 song, I still think Sunday, Bloody Sunday takes the cake, but this is a close second.
4) When Bono sings/begs "Burning down love" ... well that's one of the great moments in all of music.
5) This video is amazing. I love it. U2 playing in downtown L.A.—I mean it's too perfect. It's so U2 and it's so L.A. I love Ireland.
1) The first minute or so of this song is effing amazing. I will not argue this. If it doesn't get you pumped up, then you also hate the Beatles AND little kids. There are a lot of ways to describe 'breaking through' but that intro sounds like an individual shaking off the shackles and then bursting though a wall—the synthesizers set the scene perfectly... and then the guitar, drums, and bass all come in and the drums (off all instruments in this song?!?!) do the breaking though... just great song writing and craftsmanship.
2) I have no clue where to place "The Joshua Tree" in pop culture. In 2009 the album sounds obvious, pretentious, good, fresh, boring, clean, inspiring, non experimental, run of the mill, tired, lost, and awesome all at the same time. I'd put the first two songs up against any songs as the greatest opening songs on any album ever. I also have no clue what happens to the second half of the album. Maybe I'm alone, but I think everyone can relate to "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "I Still Have Found What I'm Looking For".
3) Not only is the Edge at the top of his game here, but Bono's vocal performance is out of this world. I'm not sure this is the best U2 song, I still think Sunday, Bloody Sunday takes the cake, but this is a close second.
4) When Bono sings/begs "Burning down love" ... well that's one of the great moments in all of music.
5) This video is amazing. I love it. U2 playing in downtown L.A.—I mean it's too perfect. It's so U2 and it's so L.A. I love Ireland.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Glorified G
Glorified G by Pearl Jam
Of all the songs to get me hooked on the alternative movement... it was Glorified G. I can't tell you why it was this song—I was 12 years old after all. But Tim played it for me and I fell for it. I loved it. I couldn't get enough of the song. It's got a nice rift and the bridge is pretty good. But why this over Rearviewmirror or Daughter? I'll never know.
I liked the song so much that I went out and bought the album. But first I asked my mom. The conversation took place in the kitchen and went like this:
Me: Mom, I like this band and want to buy their CD.
Mom: Okay, you have to spend your own money you know.
Me: That's fine. But one of the songs is about guns.
Mom: Guns? What kind?
Me: A pelt gun, so it's not that bad right?
Mom: Songs about pelt guns are fine.
I then went out and bought the album.
Of all the songs to get me hooked on the alternative movement... it was Glorified G. I can't tell you why it was this song—I was 12 years old after all. But Tim played it for me and I fell for it. I loved it. I couldn't get enough of the song. It's got a nice rift and the bridge is pretty good. But why this over Rearviewmirror or Daughter? I'll never know.
I liked the song so much that I went out and bought the album. But first I asked my mom. The conversation took place in the kitchen and went like this:
Me: Mom, I like this band and want to buy their CD.
Mom: Okay, you have to spend your own money you know.
Me: That's fine. But one of the songs is about guns.
Mom: Guns? What kind?
Me: A pelt gun, so it's not that bad right?
Mom: Songs about pelt guns are fine.
I then went out and bought the album.
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