Oktoberfest is upon us again and many of you might be searching for the perfect soundtrack to go along with your various festivities. Ol' Johnny is always happy to ablige. Now, not all these are necessarily about drinking, but have that vibe that goes so well with visiting pals and having a few rounds. 10 More Great Drinking Songs.
1. "Shakespeare Road" - The Mahones
What better place to start than with a band that was formed on St. Patrick's Day in Kingston Ontario? It was 1990 and while they were only slated to be a one time thing, their (at the time) unique blend of high energy Celtic music infused with punk rock made them an immediate fan favourite. They've been singing and swiggin' and drinking ever since.
2. "Mari-Mac" - Great Big Sea
This one isn't really about drinking, but rather an old timey east coast song about marriage. Great Big Sea's version is great though and it's fun watching drunk people try to keep up with the increasingly faster vocals.
3. "Have A Drink On Me" - AC/DC
I've made my feelings about AC/DC well known before, so no need to delve into that once again. This song with the right combination of brain lubrication can make for a fun section of an already care free night.
4. "Got Your Money" - Old Dirty Bastard
This one might seem a little out of place, but thinking back to my high school partying days this song was ALWAYS played. So now I can't hear it without craving a rye & coke or a Mike's Hard Lemonade. haha
5. "Chip" - The Real McKenzies
Vancouver's Real McKenzies have crafted a wonderful celtic/punk rock sound and once you hear that signature bagpipe sound you'll agree that having a drink or two with The Real McKenzies is as right as rain.
6. "Pretty Good At Drinkin' Beer" - Billy Currington
Do I really have to explain this one?
7. "You Don't Know How It Feels" - Tom Petty
Almost any Tom Petty song could've been included here, "You Don't Know How It Feels" has that laid back, warm summer's day vibe to it that just goes so well with a few cold ones.
8. "Up The Hill" - Captain Tractor
Captain Tractor are another Canadian band famous for their Celtic inspired sound and are often confused with The Arrogant Worms, likely due to their cover of one of their songs. "Up The Hill" is nothing if not a great drinking song. It's fast paced, great to sing a long to and is actually about being drunk.
9. "Keasby Nights" - Catch 22
I included this one or will include it on my list of songs with great lyrics. Rightfully so, it's got one of the best/catchiest choruses i've ever heard. Incidentally that also qualifies for it for a great drinking song.
10. "I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You" - Tom Waits
Not every drinking song has to be high energy and all about the good times. The night needs to come to an end at some point. Tom Waits is great at capturing moments and emotion in his songs. This one is that perfect song for the end of the night, when the lights come on in the smokey old pub and you gotta go back to face reality again.
Enjoy Oktoberfest and all of October. The best month!
Is there anything better than experiencing a song in it's truest most stripped-down form? The live show, when thought about, could seem like a silly expendinture. Going to SEE a band perform music that is intended for listening? As my fellow music lovers can attest to however, seeing one of your favourite songs blasted out right in front of you is the peak of musical nirvana. It would be nice to do a list of great live show experiences, but how would I share it with all of you? So i'll go with ten great performances of great songs, that were thankfully caught on tape...the audio kind or the video kind. 10 Great Live Versions Of Already Great Songs
1. "Run Like Hell" - Pink Floyd (The Wall Live, 1981)
Pink Floyd's The Wall is always included in discussions about the greatest albums of all time. It is perhaps the most famous concept album of all time and definitely Floyd's most well known effort. In 1981 (great year by the way) they performed the album in it's entirety. Now any Pink Floyd fan would know that the boys wouldn't simply be satisfied with just performing the music, this particular show featured visual and stage theatrics based on the album's continuous narrative. Thankfully it was all recorded and in 2000 the live double album Is Anybody Out There? was released. It was a great gift to a Pink Floyd fan like myself who was too young to enjoy this marvelous band at their peak. I fell of all the songs "Run Like Hell" got the best treatment on this album.
2. "Wolf Like Me" - TV On The Radio (David Letterman, 2006)
Brooklyn's TV On The Radio has yet to really crack the mainstream, but i'm sure if you ask them that's just fine. They've already earned respect among music critics and rabid fans alike. This performance of an already energetic song exemplifies that they're not only gifted musicians but genuinely love the music they perform. I feel like this performance alone made Letterman a fan of the band. Check out his reaction at the end.
3. "Surrender" - Cheap Trick (Live At Budokan, 1978)
It's funny when a greatest hits record or live album is a band's most successful release for a band. That's exactly what happened to Cheap Trick in 1978 when they released a live album of 2 shows performed in Japan. For some reason Japanese music lovers were nuts about Cheap Trick and they let it known as the crowd's screams get so loud on some tracks it drowns out the band. Probably best known for "I Want You To Want Me" I became a fan of this group after I heard this album's version of "Surrender".
4. "Apollo I: The Writing Writer" - Coheed & Cambria (Neverender: Night 3, 2008)
Coheed & Cambria are notorious for their live shows. Full of energy, packing each playlist to the brim with crowd pleasers and standing to shoulder to shoulder with fellow fans in what has come to be known as "praise pools". In 2008 Co&Ca announced they'd be playing their 4 studio albums start to finish in a series of live shows known as Neverender with each album getting it's own night to shine. There are almost too many songs to pick from this catalog and this performance. "Apollo I" has always held a soft spot in my heart and for that reason it gets the nod here.
5. "All Apologies" - Nirvana (MTV Unplugged, 1994)
One of my favourite Nirvana songs. Here's my thoughts on the Unplugged album. Those who were in attendance i'm sure were a little let down at the time. They paid to see Nirvana live and while yes they got a very intimate performance of the band 6 of the 14 songs performed were covers and the most popular Nirvana song performed was "Come As You Are". "All Apologies" wasn't a hit until after this album was released. I'm sure if I ask those same people now how they feel about experiencing it live and I guarantee they say that they wouldn't have traded it for the world.
6. "Fuckin' Up" - Neil Young (unknown)
For a long time this was the only version of this song that I knew. And looking back it's still my favourite. I don't know where it was recorded or when, but you can tell it's live. Listen around the 2:24 mark when Neil Says "Hey, wait a minute" the guy operating the recording equipment chuckles. Good little moment there.
7. "We Laugh At Danger And Break All The Rules" - Against Me! (unknown)
Again the when/where of this version is unknown to me and I would never of even heard it if it wasn't for Youtube. In all honesty this could be any Against Me! concert in any city. The crowds are very often louder than the band and everybody is there to enjoy the music. This song does feature some of Against Me's most sing-a-long-able lyrics. Enjoy!
8. "Live Forever" - Oasis (Late Show, circa 1996?)
I say Oasis but it's actually just Noel with an acoustic guitar belting this one out. I really prefer his version of the song. I'm not sure what show this is off or even what year, but it's likely a British talk show around the mid 90's. Maybe he was the sole guest or maybe Liam stormed off again. No matter Noel here nailed it.
9. "Runaway" - Jamiroquai (Abbey Road Sessions, 2006)
Daaamnnnn check out that bass! I know this isn't exactly a raw live performance as there is some sound engineering and production here, but the performances they recorded were all live and done in one take. Jamiroquai is really one of those bands that you can't describe. You can't compare to them to anyone else. Very unique....hmmm that gives me an idea about another list.
10. "For Whom The Bell Tolls" - Metallica (Day At The Green, 1985)
Definitely saved this one for last on purpose. It is well documented that Metallica are my favourite band but a small piece of me is dead because of the fact I will never get to witness them live in their original form. In 1986 Cliff Burton, the original bass player, was killed in a bus crash. This video really highlights his abilities and justifies many claims that he was the best metal bass player to grace the stage. Keep in mind this was before Metallica really exploded. After this they would embark on a European tour to open for Ozzy Osbourne and literally stole the show. It was during that tour that Metallica would lose Cliff Burton. Take a few minutes and enjoy his beauty.
Ever hear a song by a popular artist and for some reason it sounds a little off? You can't place it, but the style of song is right, however the vocals are completely different. Maybe the singer was tired that day or they used a different mic. It's not far off that other members of the group are talented singers as well, not just the one designated as the "lead singer". Here's 10 songs where the lead singer stepped aside to give someone else a shot at the chops.
1. "Mankind" - Pearl Jam No Code has always been given a bad rap. Largely ignored by radio and slammed by critics. It's one of my favourite Pearl Jam albums though. It's got a wide variety of musical styles and influences that makes Pearl Jam great and it's a true testament to their longevity. "Mankind" perhaps is the stand out bizarre track as not only does it sound like it was written in the 1950's, it features guitarist Stone Gossard on lead vocals.
2. "Off My Line" - Spin Doctors
Along your musical journey when someone brings up the Spin Doctors there is typically only one song that gets mentioned: "Two Princes" or if they are a seasoned music adventurer they'll also discuss "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong". Such a shame as Pocket Full Of Kryptonite has so much more to offer, but couldn't shine out from behind the massive success of that one song. "Off My Line" is a funky track that I always felt sounded different from typical Spin Doctors songs...which is because as I recently found out, guitarist, pianist Eric Shenkman handles the lead vocals. You can still hear the familiar voice of Chris Barron doing the background "Yeah YEAHs"
3. "Absolutely Anytime" - The Watchmen
The Watchmen were one of Canada's most popular acts throughout the 90's. Their album Silent Radar was certified gold in 1998 and produced the hits "Stereo" and "Any Day Now" which are still played on mainstream radio. Different musical aspirations brought the group to an end in 2001, but not before they rewarded fans with a double disc of old favourites and new songs that had never seen the light of day. Among them was "Absolutely Anytime" which was not only written soley by guitarist Joey Serlin but also featured him on lead vocal duty.
4. "Shackled" - Vertical Horizon
On previous albums from Vertical Horizon Keith Kane and Matt Scannell would typically share songwriting and singing vocals, but on 1999's Everything You Want Scannell handled lead vocal duties on all but the last track on the album. "Shackled" features Kane as the singer and was written by him and in my opinion is the album's best track.
5. "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" - Blue Oyster Cult
I always wonder was the deal with those parenthesis in the title of this song. Just call it "Don't Fear The Reaper" nobody calls it just "The Reaper". Perhaps BOC's most popular song, if not only for that SNL skit with Christopher Walken, yet how many listeners knew that Blue Oyster Cult's guitarist wrote and sang lead on this song instead of usual vocalist Eric Bloom? Donald Roeser, also known as Buck Dharma sang a handful of BOC's songs yet most of them ended up being hits. See also "Godzilla" and "Burning For You"
6. "Bloodcot" - Rancid
The first single from 1998's Life Won't Wait featured Rancid guitarist Lars Frederiksen on lead vocals. Diehard Rancid fans will tell you that he and Tim Armstrong typically alternated lead vocal duties on previous albums, but most of their well known hits featured Armstrong on the mic. This was the first Rancid single and video that had Lars front and center.
7. "The Lines You Amend" - Sloan
While it's true all four members of Sloan are capable vocalists, the majority of their songs and hits in particular were sung by bassist Chris Murphy or guitarist Patrick Pentland. "The Lines You Amend" from 1996's fantastic album From One Chord To Another features Jay Ferguson on the lead. It's always been my favourite Sloan song. Don't worry Murphy and Pentland couldn't stay away, they sing the bridge on this song.
8. "I'm One" - The Who
I love how this song starts out mellow and eventually becomes a rock anthem of the dejected and solidarity. We know now that Pete Townsend had no problem stepping in front of the mic, but hearing The Who without Roger Daltry just brings another great aspect to an already great group.
9. "Don't Look Back In Anger" - Oasis
During the recording session of What's The Story Morning Glory? Noel Gallagher told his brother Liam that he wanted to sing vocals on either "Wonderwall" or "Don't Look Back In Anger". He was hoping he'd get to do "Wonderwall" as he wrote it as a love song for his girlfriend, of course Liam chose that one in an act of spite and Noel sang the lead on this track. I actually prefer Noel's voice to Liam's and this song ended up one of my favourite Oasis tunes. Noel would take over on lead vocals often as Liam would notoriously no-show concerts or simply storm off stage and refuse to perform.
10. "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" - The Arcade Fire
Montreal's now world famous Arcade Fire boasts a line up of 9 musicians and are known for their diverse style and intricate performances. Typically group founder Win Butler handles lead vocal duties, but slowly Regine Chassagne has been taking the charge on various songs. Firstly the song "Haiti" on Arcade Fire's smash debut Funeral and more recently "Sprawl 2 (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" on 2010's The Suburbs.
Thanks for reading as always!
Gonna try to update more often....pesky life keeps getting in the way
Been hearing some good music lately and reliving great songs from years ago that I had forgotten about. There is no correlation between these songs other than the fact that I think they are great. And I didn't just close my eyes and picked 10. I picked them deliberately. So they're kind of random...but not really. You get it.
1. "Mykonos" - Fleet Foxes
How do I describe Fleet Foxes? Borque/pop? Indie/folk? Perhaps no description is necessary, because about 10 seconds into "Mykonos" the question you'll find yourself asking isn't "What is this?" it's "Why am I only hearing this now?" Get on the ground floor before everyone including your bratty 12 year old neighbour is talking about Fleet Foxes, wearing their shirts...
2. "Hail To The King" - Avenged Sevenfold
Guess who's back? Avenged Sevenfold, or AVX7 as they're sometimes referred to online, have had a rough go of sorts. After playing on the Warped Tour in 2003 vocalist M. Shadows underwent throat surgery which many fans felt affected his ability to scream in the metalcore style that they were accustomed to. Though Shadows denied this, stating it was a conscious effort to sing more melodies, a large portion of their fanbase lost interest. Then at the end of 2009 their drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan was found dead of an overdose. Hearing a song like "Hail To The King" on the radio brought a smile to my face. The band hasn't caved or given in....and it sounds like they're having just as much fun as ever
3. "Cities In Dust" - Siouxsie & The Banshees
Siouxsie & The Banshees were one of the fore runners of the goth-punk scene in the 70's. They rose out of the London punk scene and became fast allies with groups like The Sex Pistols and The Misfits. "Cities in Dust" is off their 1985 album Tinderbox. By then they had already garnered a world wide following and reputation. Even to this Siouxsie & The Banshees are still known among music circles...all without mainstream attention. Heck, one of my cars is named after them.
4. "Royals" - Lorde
Lorde is the stage name of New Zealander Ella O'Connor. This another song that has taken off this year. It may be easy to breeze by on first listening but it eventually sticks in your head. It's almost like a hip-hop song slowed down to a crawl. There's something about her voice though that makes you want more...
5. "Easy To Tame" - Kim Mitchell
We're really going all over the place now, but if you've read these lists before...you cannot be questioning it. Lately my fellow countryman Kim Mitchell has been living on the airwaves of a radio station in downton Toronto, as an afternoon host. There was a time when he was one of our brightest stars. I was not fully aware at the time, but in my later years people would talk about Kim Mitchell "How can anyone not like him?" they'd say "He wrote 'Patio Lanterns'" "Yes" i'd reply "But he also wrote "Might As Well Go For A Soda'" and there the conversation would stalemate...if my opponent had at the time brought up "Easy To Tame" I would have gladly conceded the battle. Never mind the video......the 80's...
6. "Escape Artist" - Sage Francis
Sage Francis is a hip-hop artist/rapper/slam poet who I just cannot get enough of. I close my eyes and point to any song in his library and put it on. Turns out...it's amazing! Such is the story of how I discovered "Escape Artist". Enjoy
7. "Sex" - The 1975
If you've been to YouTube at all lately you may have noticed a pop up ad promoting a new single by a band called The 1975. Unless you use adBlock, in which case here is your heads up that this song is great. Their a young band out of England and i'm pretty sure they weren't alive in 1985...let alone 1975...so their name may be a tinge perplexing, but if they keep pumping out rock like this....i'll forgive them.
8. "Shout Me Out" - TV On The Radio
TV On The Radio are a great band from Brooklyn, one of my favourites. They always have high and energy and bring a new sound to the table with every album. "Shout Me Out" is off their 2008 release Dear Science which landed near the top of almost every top ten list that was created that year. They last released an album in 2011 shortly before the death of their bassist/pianist Gerard Smith. They currently have no plans for a 5th album.
9. "Mister Vesselin" - Krisko
Was recently overseas and during my time in Bulgaria there was this catchy track being played on the radio, and every niteclub and pub played it at least once a night. Through crude hand signals and dispersing what little Bulgarian I learned I was able to get a waitress to tell me the artist's name. She scribbled some letters from her alphabet on a cocktail napkin along with six letters that I recognized from mine: "Krisko".
10. "A Bar In Amsterdam" - Katzenjammer
Here's another band from Europe. Formed in Oslo, Norway Katzenjammer sing in English, so their music is more accessible to Western audiences. "A Bar in Amsterdam" actually comes off their 2008 debut Le Pop. It's a fun little drinking tune with lightning quick trumpets and a very sing-a-long-able chorus.
There ya go. You may not have enjoyed all of them, but I hope you found a new band to check out.
What song are you jamming to right now? Drop me a line, let me know
Y'know when a long surviving band releases one of those Greatest Hits albums? We've all seen 'em. First off, some might say that greatest hits records are for housewives and little girls, a cheater's guide to some of the best artists out there. Us true fans of bands deemed worthy enough for Best Of albums had to sift through the sand of debut and concept releases to find those cherished gems nestled between the lead off single and a ten minute experimental piano solo. Why suffer though when you can just wait ten years and pick up all an artist's most popular songs in one spot. When you do there's always that one new song that wasn't never released or written specifically for the compilation. I always wondered how they knew that song would be a greatest hit one day. Well here's ten songs released in just that way...some lived up to the hype, others....not so much.
1. "Get Born Again" - Alice In Chains
Greatest Hits albums are a good way for a band to fulfill their contractual obligations to a record company without putting too much effort into the release. Maybe a group signed a bad deal and grew weary after studio album 4 on a 7 album deal. Knock out a few "Best Of" discs and look for greener pastures to play music from. "Get Born Again" was a new single featured on the 1999 release Nothing Safe: The Best Of The Box. The song was originally written by Alice guitarist Jerry Cantrell for his solo career but after Layne Staley heard it they decided to make it an AIC song. Staley would never be featured on a full length Alice In Chains album again due to his increasing struggles with drugs. Perhaps the band was waiting for him to clean himself up and was keeping the record deal at bay by putting out compilation discs. He never would as he was found dead of an overdose in 2002.
2. "Mary Jane's Last Dance" - Tom Petty
This is an example of a new song featured on a "Best Of" album that did live up to it's hype. It was recorded in 1993 and released on Petty's Greatest Hits album that year. It skyrocketed up the charts and became his first top 20 hit peaking at #14. The video won the Best Male Video category at the MTV music awards in 1994 and was a memorable one in which Petty played a mortician who becomes infatuated with and eventually brings home the corpse of Kim Basinger.
3. "Again" - Lenny Kravitz
Kravitz released his Greatest Hits record in 2000 and it featured two new singles. "Black Velveteen" which saw moderate success but the album's first single "Again" garnered the most attention. It earned him a Grammy in 2001 and was also his first top ten hit since 1991's "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over"
4. "Man Overboard" - Blink 182
Alright, bending the rules slightly for this one as The Mark, Tom & Travis Show album wasn't actually a greatest hits release but a live album. A new song was tacked on the end though and was the studio version of "Man Overboard" a song purportedly about ex-drummer Scott Raynor's departure from the group.
5. "Can't Repeat" - The Offspring
There are some bands and artists with a longevity who have yet to release a Greatest Hits record but could totally fill a quadruple album's worth of songs. Metallica is the first one that comes to mind. The Offspring you'd might think would be a band uninterested in a Best Of album but they released one in 2005. Though it was actually just a collection of their singles, the one new song "Can't Repeat" failed to gain any significant attention and is the one song on the disc that deserves an asterisk when the words Greatest Hits are involved. Bonus fact! The hidden track on The Offspring's album is a great cover of The Police's "Next To You".
6. "Tonight She Comes" - The Cars
The Cars were a force to be reckoned with in the 70's and 80's. At the time they released their Greatest Hits in 1985 they had 3 top ten hits. The new single off the album "Tonight She Comes" became #4 to do so. 3 years later The Cars would call it quits due to dwindling interest and the band members' desires to pursue solo careers. Though their bassist and founding member Benjamin Orr passed in 2000 from cancer, the band reunited in 2010.
7. "You're The World To Me" - David Gray
While we over here in North America might not think David Gray is worthy of a greatest hits album in his native UK he is an absolute monster. Three number 1 albums, 4 international smash singles and multiple Brit Award nominations. The new track off of his Greatest Hits album was "You're The World To Me" and he described the song as a "Joyous tune amongst a bag of happy shit"
8. "Bad Day" - R.E.M
REM are another of those bands who's career has spanned multiple decades, had a band member leave the group and who have jumped from record label to record label. As such they've release a few Best Of albums. The Best Of REM released in 1991, REM In The Attic in 1997 and Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage in 2011 to name a few. "Bad Day" came off the 2003 Best Of album In Time.
9. "Thanks, That Was Fun" - Barenaked Ladies
With a title like that it's no wonder many fans thought the Barenaked Ladies were calling it quits and saying good bye in 2001 when they released a Greatest Hits album with "Thanks, That Was Fun" being the last track. To add to the wonder the video featured clips sewn together of all their past music videos. Like flipping endearingly through and old yearbook and remembering when.
10. "The Sweetest Thing" - U2
U2 released two greatest hits albums The Best Of 1980-1990 in 1998 and The Best Of 1990 - 2000 in 2002. "The Sweetest Thing" came off of the former. While the song was originally released as a b-side to an earlier single, it was retooled and rerecorded for the compilation album and acted as a new single in 1998. As the story goes Bono wrote the song as an apology to his wife (who appears in the early moments of the video) as he had missed her birthday while recording The Joshua Tree in 1986. As part of the deal she donated all profits from the single to her favourite charity. Chernobyl Children's Project International.
Thanks again for reading! Hoping to do this more often!
I just got back from Europe and I was really deep sixed by that tricky fucker jet lag. It got me thinking about how time can have such an effect on our day to day lives and our relationships. Obviously i'm not the only one who thought about it because there are many artists who have written songs about time. Whether it's wishing they could stop it or travel it or they're singing about how it's a friend or foe. Here are 10 Great Songs Involving Time.
1. Pink Floyd - "Time"
This list could really begin and end here. "Time" comes off Pink Floyd's legendary breakthrough album Dark Side Of The Moon. Roger Waters got the idea for the song after he had turned 28 and realized he was no longer preparing for anything in life, he was living it. Life waits for no one....so get on with it
2. John Lennon - "Watching The Wheels"
One of Lennon's more famous quotes is "Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted" and his song "Watching The Wheels" seems to speak directly to that. This album Double Fantasy was released 6 years after Walls And Bridges which came out in 1974, and people wondered what he'd been doing during that time. The answer is also in the lyrics to this song.
3. Aqua - "Turn Back Time"
One of my favourite guilty pleasure songs. Though "Turn Back Time" is of a different vein from the style of songs that Aqua became known for in the late 90's. It touches on a very common theme in art such as music and movies. It ponders that eternal and universally relatable question: "What If?"
4. The New Meanies - "Letting Time Pass"
Originally called The Blue Meanies this quartet from Winnipeg switched names due to confusion with other bands recording at the time and the fact that people mistook them for a Beatles tribute group. "Letting Time Pass" was off their only major label release Three Seeds. The have since returned to the indie scene.
5. Muse - "Time Is Running Out"
This one topped my list of Best Songs From 2003. In this case the time which is expiring is the perverbial ticking clock of a relationship. Great video and I love that bass line, just drips raw animalistic power and sexual energy.
6. Rolling Stones - "Time Is On My Side"
I'm not sure Mick Jagger feels the same nowadays, but when he recorded this back in 1964 time most certainly was on his side. How good were The Rolling Stones? So many great songs of varying styles and themes. I'm sure they have the record of appearing on more of these lists than any other artist.
7. Goldfinger - "Counting The Days"
An often forgotten band from the 90's Goldfinger had many great songs and always brought a high energy to their live shows, but somehow managed to avoid the mess that comes with being in the mainstream. "Counting The Days" relates those painful moments we've all been through when a relationship dissolves were the majority of the time after is spent reliving mistakes.
8. Mudmen - "5 O'Clock"
Ok this one isn't about time so to say, but rather a specific time of day, yet it touches on what brought this theme into my mind: Time zones. Also it's a great drinking song and as Canada's Mudmen explain here, it's never too early to have a jar of beer because it's 5 O'Clock somewhere!
9. Hawksley Workman - "We'll Make Time (Even When There Ain't No Time)"
Another Canadian artist here dispenses some wise knowledge about our little friend time. You've got to make time for those things that are important to you. Even in this modern world where every little, mundane task seems so large and important, taking time for little things and those close to you is just as important. If not the most important.
10. Cyndi Lauper - "Time After Time"
End on a sweet note. One of the 80's biggest names and certainly music's brightest female star was Cyndi Lauper. "Time After Time" was a late inclusion to her debut album and even though it was written quickly and didn't get a demo it became an instant hit. Her first #1 song. And speaking of time this song has definitely stood the test of it. Hip Hop group INOJ released a version in 1998 and was a modest hit of it's own. Though Lauper's career has cooled since the 80's she'll always be a key member of an important time for music.
Gray first made his mark on the western music world when "Babylon" became a hit in 2000, mainly because of it's use in Serendipity. The lad from Cheshire has been making melodies since the early 90's however. "Caroline" comes off the 2002 record A New Day At Midnight. Caroline seems to be a very inspirational name as other artists have written songs about such a girl, Neil Diamond and Old Crow Medicine Show come to mind.
2. "Miss Amanda Jones" - The Rolling Stones
Yep the Stones were featured on my first list of songs with girls' names. Can't blame me for adding them again they have many songs to pick from. I guess Jagger and Richards' long tenure in the rock world gave passage to them meeting plenty of museful women. See also "Angie", "Claudine", "Cherry Oh Baby" and "Sweet Virginia".
3. "Omabolasire" - Prozzak
Before the Gorillaz appeared on the scene another "virtual" band was stepping onto the pop scene in Canada. Cartoon duo Milo and Simon were Prozzak, though the true artists behind the band were never scene in videos they were revealed to be two former members of The Philosopher Kings Jay Levine and James McCollum. "Omabolasire" was their first (and best) single about meeting your love while on tour and yearning to get back to her, even if that love happens to be the Princess of Nigeria.
4. "Waiting For My Ruca" - Sublime
Going with some less than common women's names this time around. "Waiting For My Ruca" was the first track off of 40 oz To Freedom the breakthrough release for Sublime. The track kicks off with Bradley Nowell's dalmation Lou Dog giving some backing vocals. It's a chill slow paced song, sort of different from what later Sublime songs would be known for.
5. "Oh, Ellen!" - Gob
I've warmed up to Gob over the years. I have a theory that people typically steer away from artists who are younger than them, I think that's what I was experiencing with Gob. It doesn't hurt that their music also seemed to mature as they did. "Oh, Ellen!" Great tune.
6. "Song For Zula" - Phosphorescent
This was my pick for top track of 2012 and 7 months later I still love it. Phosphorescent is the stage name for Matthew Houck who writes, records and even produces most of his own work. 2013's Muchacho was no exception as he recorded the album in his own home. I take this song as someone desperately trying to be strong, even if they're tearing up inside. The singer likens himself to a wild or caged animal. He claims to be different by swearing off love, but there is a hint of recoil in the tune that makes me believe he'll be drawn back in.
7. "Debra" - Beck
Though it was intended for 1996's Odelay "Debra" was kept off the album, yet was frequently played during concerts. The song grew as a fan favourite among audiences and it finally saw the light of release on 1999's Midnite Vultures. All the cheekiness and eccentricities one would expect from a Beck song are fully intact here in "Debra".
8. "Ramona" - Guster
The more I hear about Guster the more they climb the ranks of my favourite bands. The 4 members are multi-instrumentalists and live concerts are a thing to behold. They usually switch instruments and vocal duties during the sets. "Ramona" features lead vocals by Adam Gardner who is the featured lead guitarist instead of lead vocalist Ryan Miller. Seriously if you ever get a chance to take in a Guster show, do it!
9. "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt. 1" - The Flaming Lips
Perhaps one of The Flaming Lips' best known songs, Flaming Lips front man Wayne Coyne took the name Yoshimi from a friend of his, she actually contributes some backing vocals to the track as well. Although the song sounds like its about giant monsters destroying a city, the character Yoshimi is dying of cancer and the pink robots are manifestations of the disease. You'll have to listen to part 2 to see who wins.
10. "Ilona" - See Spot Run
Shit, remember these guys? Short lived Canadian group See Spot Run most known for "Au Naturel" and "Terrified". "Ilona" is a solid track, best remembered for perhaps being the first song to have "email" in the lyrics. I wonder if i'll even be able to find a video for it...
NOPE
BUT! They have a song called "Lucy" which fits the format...so i'll link that one...but im gonna right this wrong and get 'Ilona' on youtube like it deserves
