Jobs, bosses, the daily grind. Work. Everybody does it in one shape or another. Whether it's a career you own or merely a place you go for 40 hours a week that pays the bills, there is no reason to feel shame. It's a war that everyone must wage. The war of work. I originally conceived this post as a list of songs that are about telling off your boss and making a huge scene as you quit your job. It eventually morphed into simply a list of songs about working. Here are 10 great ones.
1. "Sons Of Hostage Life" - Hostage Life
"Train took forever at Union Station" haha such a great channeling of the frustration that comes from working the 9 to 5 in a huge city. Hostage Life were an explosive punk group from Toronto. Union Station is the city's Grand Central. This song works as such a great release for those people who countdown the minutes at the end of the work day and just cut loose after five O'clock. Sadly Hostage Life played their last show in 2009, but if you can find a copy of their debut Walking Papers, I highly recommend you pick it up.
2. "Layin' Pipe" - David Wilcox
Wilcox has crafted a great song here about not only following in a family's labouring footsteps, but a man's struggle to keep a gold digging woman by his side. Physically demanding work, night shifts and Union dues are a lyrical diamond here. Hmmm? You say the title "Layin' Pipe" could refer to something a little more blue than an overnight shift on a construction site? Nahhh can't be...
3. "Shove This Jay-Oh-Bee" - Canibus Office Space is perhaps the best film ever made about the American work day. With such a relatable subject it's no surprise that the main theme, provided by rapper Canibus, is an extension of the American dream in a song called "Shove This Jay-Oh-Bee". It's an obvious homage to the David Allen Coe song "Take This Job And Shove It" and lives out the fantasies of a lowly office worker telling off his boss.
4. "Civil Twilight" - The Weakerthans
From Winnipeg here we have The Weakerthans. "Civil Twilight" is a great song that is sung from the perspective of a city transit worker. It makes reference to Confusion Corner which is a well known intersection in Metropolitan Winnipeg that is notoriously difficult to navigate thanks to various ramps and turning lanes.
5. "My Music At Work" - The Tragically Hip
In the 90's and early 2000's The Tragically Hip were on a tear releasing albums. In 2000 they released Music @ Work, and though it only spawned one single (the title track), it has become one of their most well known songs. Bruce McCulloch from the Kids In The Hall directed the video.
6. "Allentown" - Billy Joel
So far 4 of the 5 songs have been by Canadian artists...hmmm think we work too much up here? But that's nothing compared to the struggle many people endured after coming back from the Vietnam war or being children of Second World War veterans and trying to enter the suffering and overcrowded workforce in many parts of the US. To shed a little light on that subject here's sh'boy Bill Joel and "Allentown"
7. "Re-Education Through Labor" - Rise Against
For another jolt of blunt realism here are punk rock commentators Rise Against with an anthem for those who had dreams far beyond the demands of society and their lifestyle afforded them. "Re-Education Through Labor" has some great lines in it like "The engine roars and then it gives, but never dies 'cuz we don't live we just survive on the scraps you throw away". A great testamonial to many people doing the day-in day-out of modern life in the western world.
8. "Boiled Frogs" - Alexisonfire
Alexisonfire's singer George Pettit's father worked for a company that designed refrigerator parts. as he neared retirement the company seemed to be trying to get him to forfeit his pension and constantly reviewing his own position. It reminded the band about an old analogy of the workforce. If you put a frog in boiling water it will jump out immediately, but put that frog in warm water and slowly raise the temperature to boiling the same frog won't jump out. Our lives flash before our eyes before we even realize it.
9. "A Hard Day's Night" - The Beatles
Perhaps the best known song about working is The Beatle's "A Hard Day's Night". Leave it to the Beatles to spin even a song about working a grueling job into one about a girl. Serious one track minds.
10. "She Works Hard For Her Money" - Donna Summer
In what would go down as one of the Disco era's greatest hits, Donna Summer also created an anthem for the women in the workforce movement of the 70's and 80's. She was inspired to write this song after seeing a waitress at a cafe asleep on a table through an open door. When the waitress was startled awake she explained that she worked a day and night job to make ends meet. The exchange made Summer think to herself that the waitress worked really hard for her money. The song practically wrote itself.
STOP READING BLOGS AND GET BACK TO WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Music can be inspired by any number of things: works of fiction, non-fiction, movies and even other songs. It can also be a helpful tool to tell a story, or sometimes a fictional story is about a musician or band. Those fantasy bands live in worlds where their songs have climbed the fictional charts...or maybe they've won Grammys in alternate universes. Whether it's a whole band or a solo artist here are 10 Great Songs By Fictional Acts
1. "Baby On Board" - The Be Sharps
Ahh, back when The Simpsons was filled with unstoppable jokes and genuine moments of heart and joy. So many of my generation owe their senses of humour and even portions of their personality to this animated juggernaut. To kick off the fifth season The Simpsons featured an episode parodying the career of The Beatles, with Homer at the helm of a Barbershop quartet. The actual quartet who penned the songs and provided the singing voices were Disneyland's own Dapper Dans. To this day the Dapper Dans still get the odd request for The Be Sharps hit "Baby On Board"....something something Burt Ward!
2. "Dharma Lady" - Geronimo Jackson
If you were a fan of ABC's hit show Lost, you know how packed full of mysteries and hidden gems each episode was. The producers and writers were all on board about keeping the secrets of the show safe and even got involved in some of the smoke screens. Geronimo Jackson were mentioned in one episode in Season 2 of Lost and were only mentioned a few more times throughout the series. The producers swore they were a real band that never really took off. One of their songs, "Dharma Lady" ,was even found on iTunes. It wasn't until after the show had ended that they admitted the band was made up for the show to add some mystique and Hippie-culture around the island-science fair that was the Dharma Initiative. California natives The Donkeys got the credit for performing the song.
3. "Pina Coladaburg" - Coconut Pete
Broken Lizard is a comedy troupe who have made the jump to the big screen with such cult favourites as The Slammin' Salmon, Beerfest and Super Troopers. Their foray into the slasher-flick mix was the ill-received Club Dread released in 2004. It's a shame really as it features Bill Paxton in a hilarious role: the tired, washed out, former gulf & western musician Coconut Pete. An obvious riff on Jimmy Buffett, Coconut Pete's biggest hit was "Pina Coladaburg" a song he claims to have written 7 years before Buffett release d "Margaritaville". In real life Jimmy Buffett was so amused by the homage he asked permission to perform several Coconut Pete tracks on tour.
4. "I Ejaculate Fire" - Dethklok
Dethklok are the fictional death metal group from the Adult Swim cartoon Metalocaplypse. Their style, background and even names are all plays on cliches from the metal world and obvious homages to such groups as Megadeth, Mayhem, and Mastodon. This track "I Ejaculate Fire" is an obvious nod to the Cannibal Corpse song "I Cum Blood". Dethklok have also come to life and have toured songs from the show with various players from the genre's history taking on performing duties.
5. "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight" - Spinal Tap
Perhaps the biggest fictional band of all time. This Is Spinal Tap was a 1984 mockumentary that was revolutionary in being one of the first of it's kind, and one of the first major tongue-in-cheek jabs at the rock scene. Spinal Tap was the made up aging, hard rock group looking back on their times as a band and taking a hard look at their current place in rock revelance. If you've not seen it and consider yourself a fan of music, film and comedy or all three, make this one a priority. The songs aren't bad either.
6. "Soul Man" - The Blues Brothers
Though this song is not an original recording, Jake and Elwood Blues' version of "Soul Man" peaked in the US at #14. The Blues Brothers first saw the light of the day on Saturday Night Live. Cast members John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd bonded over their shared love of the blues and would spend nights at a rented hall jamming on old blues tunes with the many musicians who would come and go in the SNL family. A few sketches on SNL and it became clear that the Blues Brothers were a hit. A movie was made in 1980 directed by John Landis as well as several albums. Belushi's death in 1982 put a damper on the Blues Brother's legacy, though Aykroyd continues to make appearances as Elwood Blues to this day.
7. "Mad About Me" - Figrin D'an & The Modal Nodes
George Lucas' classic 1977 film Star Wars was known for it's impressive effects, captivating story and universal appeal. The music in the film was also a notable point of interest. John Williams composed the score of the film though within the confines of the Star Wars universe one of the most memorable songs from one of the movies best scenes is the Catina Band's little ditty "Mad About Me". The song wasn't named until years later, but the alien band in the strange spaceport juke joint was known as Figrin D'an & The Modal Nodes. Next to the Darth Vader's "Imperial March", the Cantina Band's catchy little song, might be the best known song from the Star Wars galaxy.
8. "That Thing You Do" - The Oneders
The Wonders (who were sick of their name being pronounced "Oh-nee-ders", hence the change) were the subject of the 1996 film That Thing You Do! Written, directed and starring Tom Hanks it told the story of many young musical acts of the 50's, 60's and 70's through the fictional 4 piece pop act The Wonders. It dealt with the excitement of having a meteoric rise in the music industry and then the realization that you're only ever known for one song. In this case this film's title song "That Thing You Do" was written by Fountains Of Wayne frontman Adam Schlesinger and the single itself was only released on cassette tape and vinyl.
9. "U + Me = Us (Calculus)" - 2Gether
2Gether were a stab at the resurgence of Boy Bands such as N'Sync, BackStreet Boys and 98 Degrees of the late 90's early 00's. They had the all the archetypal members that every boy band needs to succeed from the "Bad Boy" to the "Cute One" to the "Older Brother Figure". Their television series 2Gether lasted 2 seasons, when Michael Cuccione (the Cute One) succumbed to cancer, the band and show disbanded.
10. "Who The Hell Do You Think You Are?" - Hard Core Logo
Canadians love their Mockumentaries. Fubar, Fubar II and Trailer Park Boys all come to mind as successful Canadian contributions to the genre. In 1996, though, before all those there was Hard Core Logo a fake documentary taking a look at the lives of those within the punk industry. It tells the story of Hard Core Logo a tempermental Canadian punk band's reunion and deconstruction and is actually the film were Toronto band Billy Talent took their name. Though a proper soundtrack was never released, in 1998 a tribute to the songs of Hard Core Logo came out featuring other acts performing the film's famous songs. Hard Core Logo is often viewed as one of the best films to come out of Canada and is highly recommended.
Thanks again for reading!!!
Remember life is a bed of roses...watch out for the pricks!
Great violent songs. Now i'm not encouraging going out and whipping up a fury of uppercuts on people around you. The freedom to swing your arm ends at the tip of my nose. Remember that. Always love, but sometimes emotions run red and they run high. That's where a great violent song comes in. Turn it up loud and let that frustration out by banging your head to a song that is singing about what you're feeling inside. Here are 10 Great Violent songs.
1. "The Fight Song" - Marilyn Manson
Controversy champion from the late 90's and 00's, Marilyn Manson is a good place to kick this list off. "The Fight Song" is a high energy anthem for those who feel the world is against them. Since it is a song by Marilyn Manson, many media outlets analyzed it for offensive content and figured it was glorifying the shootings at Columbine. Poppycock, merely grasping at straws, as Manson was simply trying to exemplify that sports can be seen just as violent as anything.
2. "Little Black Backpack" - Stroke 9
Stroke 9 were a Californian band that had it's first major hit in 1999 with "Little Black Backpack". Quite the mouthful. The song is right on that verge between 90's grunge rock and 00's nu-metal and it seems to be about pummeling someone with their girlfriend's napsack. Stroke 9 are probably best known for their only other single the less ambiguous but equally as violent "Kick Some Ass". These guys had some anger issues.
3. "Believer" - Chantal Kreviazuk
Kreviazuk appeared on the Canadian music scene in 1997 with her debut album Under These Rocks & Stones. The album was great and spawned numerous singles. To this day she is known for her songwriting ability, piano playing and distinct voice. She is also one half of a Canadian music power couple since marrying Our Lady Peace's Raine Maida in 1999. So it's easy to forget that she once was so angry that she wrote a song about smashing some guy in the face with her microphone stand.
4. "Stranglehold" - Ted Nugent
Known as one of the best arena-shaking hard rock tracks of all time, "Stranglehold" is perhaps Nugent's best known song. He didn't sing lead on the track though and left that duty to Derek St. Holmes who also played rhythm guitar. Nugent so resented the attention St. Holmes got when this song was performed that he insisted on singing on every hit since. To quote Nugent "There's only one alpha wolf, and that's me".
5."Break Stuff" - Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit had a meteoric rise in the late 90's with their album 3 Dollar Bill Y'all. That success would continue into the 2000s with releases Significant Other and to a lesser extent Chocolate Starfish & The Hotdog Flavored Water. I feel kind of odd typing that. Majority of their success was from easily accessible, angry-youth targeted rap metal. "Break Stuff" was a perfect song for a generation that just had no clue what they were doing. This song's big claim to fame came at Woodstock '99 when Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst urged the crowd to let loose during this song. The crowd responded by tearing down barricades, scaling TV towers and creating plenty of meaty headlines for the wary press to broadcast to the world.
6. "Punching In A Dream" - The Naked and Famous
Hailing from Aukland, New Zealand, The Naked and Famous' first hit was 2010's "Punching In A Dream". They've since released their second album and have had their music featured in such shows as The Vampire Diaries, World of Jenks and several video games as well. While the song isn't inherently violent, it still conjures up a violent (and relatable) image of punching in slow motion.
7. "Beat On The Brat" - The Ramones
One of the biggest punk acts to come of New York City was the Ramones. Throw a rock and you'll hit a band that was inspired by them. Living in Queens, a suburb of NYC, Joey Ramone remembers seeing many upper class, snooty women with little pissant kids. The type that you just want to be 'beat on with a baseball bat'. A classic song is born.
8. "Smack My Bitch Up" - The Prodigy
Though The Prodigy maintain that the song's title refers to doing something with vigor and intensity, when you name a song "Smack My Bitch Up" and give it a hot techno beat, it's going to cause a stir. Just like in most cases of a song creating controversy, the "bad press" around "Smack My Bitch Up" actually helped boost the sales of their album The Fat Of The Land and The Prodigy decided to make an equally controversial video to accompany the song.
9. "Fightstarter Karaoke" - Dropkick Murphys
It might be drunken brawling inspired by a night of competitive whiskey shooting, but let's hope the heroes described in this song by The Dropkick Murphys could still pat each other on the back after the fight and share a pint or two.
10. "Cop Killer" - Body Count
Perhaps the most controversial song on this list. Now this list wasn't about controversial songs, though I should do that one of these days, but I felt I should do both ends of the arc on the violent song scale. The front man of Body Count was Ice-T who grew up running with many gangs and got the idea for the song by seeing the police force as his opponent. Not aiming the song towards police in general, but a view point from someone taking an extreme stand against the brutal and unjust cops who felt they were above the law. Obviously when it was released there was a public outcry. Many organizations called for a boycott, Body Count's own label pulled the song from the record in fear of government ramifications and Tipper Gore herself compared the song to Nazi propaganda. Ice T felt the controversy had overshadowed the song's merit and agreed to re-release the album without "Cop Killer" and instead gave it away as a free single. In an interesting twist Ice-T can now be seen on TV's Law & Order SVU playing a detective.
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Being in a band for a prolonged period of time allows someone to make some great friendships and connections from around the music industry. Sure it's a job to these people, but the love of their craft i'm sure still exists within them. So when these musicians get together for a few drinks and start chatting about being on each other's recordings the results of that are often times great. That's how I picture it going down in my head anyway. Here are 10 great songs that feature special guest artists.
1. "Don't Drink The Water" - Dave Matthews Band Special Guest: Alanis Morrisette
From Dave Matthews Band fantastic album Before These Crowded Streets. The song is about the slaughter of the Native American people during the colonization of the Americas by European settlers. Listen for Morrisette's trademark vocals at the end of the song, highlighting Matthews' own passionate wail.
2. "Money For Nothing" - Dire Straits Special Guest: Sting
Perhaps Dire Straits' most well known song "Money For Nothing" features guest vocals by The Police frontman Sting. Sting was visiting the recording studio at the time and was asked to lay down some backing vocals. He was also granted writing credit on the song because near the end of it he can be heard singing "I want my MTV" which he did the tune of his own song 'Don't Stand So Close To Me'. Sting was embarrassed that his own Record Company demanded writing credit for the song just so they would receive royalties.
3. "The Widow" - The Mars Volta Special Guest: Flea
The only song suitable for pop-oriented radio off of The Mars Volta's Frances The Mute is "The Widow". That is not the only interesting thing about the song though as Flea, bass player for the Red Hot Chili Peppers performs on the track. He puts down his bass here in favour of a trumpet solo at the peak of the song. In Flea's younger days he was something of a trumpet prodigy. Flea has been known to contribute to many artists' works over the years including Alanis Morrisette, Jewel, Warren Zevon and Tom Waits.
4. "Don't Cry" - Guns n' Roses Special Guest: Shannon Hoon
Guns N' Roses' juggernaut double album Use Your Illusion I & II had a vast array of musical guests on the tracks. I singled out Shannon Hoon because when he contributed his backing vocals it was before he had made it big with Blind Melon. Shannon's sister at the time was friends with Axl Rose in California and Axl was impressed with Hoon's vocal range. Not only did Axl invite him to sing backup on a few tracks, Hoon was also asked to be in the video for "Don't Cry".
5. "Somebody's Watching Me" - Rockwell Special Guest: Michael Jackson
I know what you're thinking, who the hell is Rockwell and how did he get the King of Pop to sing on his track? Especially when this was released at the height of Michael's popularity. Well, Rockwell was the son of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, so of course he is going to have the means to make a record. Rockwell's sister at the time was married to Jermaine Jackson, Michael's brother. With both those connections he knew if he could get MJ on the track it would be a hit. It was. It hit #2 in 1984. Rockwell did little else after the buzz of this track died down.
6. "The Memory Remains" - Metallica Special Guest: Marianne Faithful
Metallica has always been known as an iron-clad fortress. It's 4 guys and 4 guys only. No one else in charge or demand of their destiny but themselves. Which is why it is a notable occurrence that in 1997 they invited Marianne Faithful to add vocals to the lead off Reload single "The Memory Remains". Faithful's lines near the end of the song "Say yes...atleast say hello" were Marilyn Monroe's final onscreen words taken from her last movie The Misfits. The song is about an aging Hollywood starlet fading into obscurity and slowly losing her mind.
7. "Tranquilize" - TheKillers Special Guest: Lou Reed Sawdust is an album of b-sides, rarities and cover songs released by The Killers in 2007. "Tranquilize" was a song taken from the Sam's Town sessions and features the legendary Lou Reed. Reed has a reputation for being difficult to work with and the band reportedly had a 'respectable fear' of him. It took a day for Lou Reed to warm up to The Killers, but the energy that was created with him being there ended up helping the song considerably.
8. "Province" - TV On The Radio Special Guest: David Bowie
TV On The Radio is a rock group from Brooklyn, NY. They don't tend to limit themselves to any one style of music, which is a trait I adore in bands in artists. The more i've heard from these guys the more i've enjoyed. Definitely one of my favourite groups at the moment. I'm not quite sure how David Bowie came to be on this track, probably one of those 'ask and ye shall receive' situations.
9. "I Will Buy You A New Life" - Everclear Special Guest: Rami Jaffee
Rami Jaffee is probably best known for being the keyboard/organ player for The Wallflowers, but he is quite the sought after session musician. He's been on albums by artists like Foo Fighters, Coheed & Cambria, Stone Sour and Soul Asylum. I singled out his contribution to Everclear's "I Will Buy You A New Life" because he also appears in the video for the song. The guy on the accordion.
10. "Borne On The FM Waves Of The Heart" - Against Me! Special Guest: Tegan Quinn
"Borne On The FM Waves Of The Heart" was Against Me!'s front woman's song to her wife. Laura Jane Grace was Tom Gabel at the time and was against falling in love. Tegan Quinn (from Tegan and Sara) was brought in to give the song a back and forth. A Conversational feel. Against Me!'s first song to feature a guest vocalist.
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Jesus...a month. Sorry folks. I'll be really trying to update this more often. TALKING! Almost every single one of us do it on a daily basis. Some of us should probably try to do a little less, but it's when we hear talking in places we aren't accustomed to it is when it really gets our attention. Like in a movie theatre or when you're somewhere and you are positive you're alone. Talking in these situations can strike a chord. How about in a song? Some songs have a bit of talking at the beginning or the end, but then there are others that feature spoken words almost exclusively. Now some people say rap music is basically just talking, but I disagree. Rapping has a certain flow and cadence and rhythm to it that speaking does not. Here are Ten Great Songs With Spoken Lyrics.
1. "If A Tree Falls" - Bruce Cockburn
Bruce Cockburn was one of Canada's biggest and brightest in the 70's and 80's and while he has released music as recently as 2011, his songs are definitely not as prominent as they once were. While his songs were acclaimed for their artistry Cockburn was also widely known for his strong support of human rights and various political issues. One listen to "If A Tree Falls" off his 1989 album Big Circumstance and that becomes remarkably clear. His outspoken plea against over-forestation and awareness for endangered species.
2. "Lullaby" - Shawn Mullins
Most youth from the 90's will remember this one. Mullins' longevity was threatened as "Lullaby" would become his only major hit and he would fall under the umbrella of one hit wonders. This song deals with people growing up in the fame-obsessed and substance-lacking environment of Hollywood. Though Soul's Core wasn't Mullins first (or last) album it's the only one that yielding a Top 40 hit. "Lullaby" his #1 in 1998.
3. "Parklife" - Blur
When it came time to record the title track for their 1994 album Parklife, Blur called upon British actor Phil Daniels to provide the spoken word vocals of the verses. Daniels was an established voice actor who also done some television and film work, most notably as Jimmy in Quadrophenia.
4. "E-Bow The Letter" - R.E.M
Most of the songs on this list feature spoken lyrics during the verses and then a singing part in the chorus. REM's "E-Bow The Letter" features a spoken chorus by lead man Michael Stipe, which does rhyme, but the sung background vocals are by punk legend Patti Smith. It is widely believed that some of the lyrics here were part of an unsent letter from Stipe to River Phoenix. New Adventures In Hi-Fi is actually a very underrated album by R.E.M. Check it out.
5. "Somewhere Down That Crazy River" - Robbie Robertson
Robertson was the lead guitarist and main songwriter from the Canadian group The Band. His debut solo album was released in 1987 and produced by fellow Canadian legend Daniel Lanois, known for his work with Peter Gabriel and U2. This song came out of Robertson telling stories of hot Arkansas nights from his time on the road and messing around with dreamlike chord sequences.
6. "Invalid Letter Dept." - At The Drive-In
I've mentioned At The Drive-In before on this list, in fact Relationship Of Command which this song comes off of was included in my Top 50 Favourite Albums list which can be read here. "Invalid Letter Dept" is about factories in Mexico in which many young women are forced to work and make pathetic wages. Due to the harsh conditions and the dangerous locales in which the factories are built many the workers go missing on their long way home and are never seen again.
7. "Institutionalized" - Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Tendencies were one of the first bands to crossover from thrash in the early 1980's. Mike Muir is the band's founder and lead singer and has been the only permanent member during their long tenure. Metallica's current bass player Robert Trujillo got his big break in Suicidal Tendencies. "Institutionalized" is a great song that truly encapsulates what it's like to be a typical teenager, with typical teenager problems and everyone around you thinking they know whats best for you. And for the love of God....would someone get this kid a Pepsi?
8. "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" - Baz Luhrmann
Man I remember when this song came out in 1999. I was in the graduating class of 1999 and many of my classmates that this song addresses would rage almost immediately when it came on the radio, because "this guy is just talking. It's not a song!" I'm not sure why this song is credited to Baz Luhrmann, the guy speaking on this track is not Baz. Maybe it's because the music is a remix of a track form the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack that Luhrmann directed.
9. "Spill The Wine" - Eric Burdon & War
One of the first tracks that Burdon sang the lead on for War. And most of the time he's spends it jammering on about gnomes and drinking with beautiful women. It's a great song and a classic party anthem. The kind that would be expected out of War for years to come.
10. "Fire Coming Out Of A Monkey's Head" - Gorillaz
Damon Albarn appeares again on this list as he provides the voice for Gorillaz fictional singer 2-D and is also the lead man of Blur. Demon Days is perhaps the Gorillaz' finest album to date and one of the most interesting tracks is "Fire Coming Out Of A Monkey's Head" which has a spoken story of 2 fictional races living together and the eventual downfall of a peaceful society. Many feel this is an analogy of slavery or immigration. Either way cool song and cool video.
25. Boston - Boston
Often viewed as one of the best debut albums of all time Boston's self-titled album is one of those records that simply refuses to come off the turn tables. I remember going to buy this album for my dad for his birthday or Christmas and just ended up keeping it for myself. Being chalk full of classic Rock & Roll tracks Boston cemented themselves among the great American groups of the '70's with catchy riffs, blazing guitar solos and mind-boggling vocal range from lead man Brad Delp.
24. Searching For A Former Clarity - Against Me!
Against Me!'s first take at a concept album of sorts ...Former Clarity was the album that set up my standing order to pick up any Against Me! album even if I hadn't heard one song from it yet. Where their 2nd album was an obvious shift from their debut Reinventing Axl Rose, on Searching For A Former Clarity the band goes even deeper. Longer, more melodic songs become the norm while blitzkrieg-esque punk anthems are in short supply, however by the time the final track....the title track...clicks by a short breath is all you need before you need to listen to it again.
23. Led Zeppelin IV - Led Zeppelin
Black Dog. Rock and Roll. The Battle Of Evermore. Stairway To Heaven. Misty Mountain Hop. Four Sticks. Going To California. When The Levee Breaks.
Need I really say more?
22. The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me - Brand New
Brand New's departure album. It continued down the path that their previous album Deja Entendu set them on and away from their emo/pop punk origins. It is widely viewed as Brand New's best...and it almost turned out completely different. Being released in 2006 the band started recording the album in 2005. Soon after the tracks they were working on were leaked on to the internet and spread around via p2p websites. At the time it affected some members of the band and they scrapped the demos and began work on new material which would eventually become the album. When I got this CD I was excited for the content but also the booklet to maybe get some insight as to what some of the songs are about, only to find that there is no booklet. Just the album cover and a picture of a young lad with an explorer guitar. The title and band name does not appear anywhere on the album cover either.
21. Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
When people talk about Pink Floyd and their albums it's usually The Wall or Dark Side Of The Moon that get the nod for their best. 1975's Wish You Were Here has always been the one for me. Those other 2 are great for sure, but there is something about Wish You Were Here. Maybe it's that there are only 5 tracks on the album (with 2 being the "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" opus). Maybe it's the obvious references to former Floyd member Syd Barrett, and how most of the words are almost a lament for him. This album has always resonated well with me. And here it sits at 22
20. Static Age - Misfits
It's dirty, it's raw, it's brutal, it's fucking bad-ass. The songs that would be released on 1997's Static Age were actually recorded back in 1978 and should have been released as their debut. Though the band couldn't find a label to release it, the quick and explosive tracks would be released as B-sides and live recordings over the early years of The Misfits. They won 30 hours of studio time with a major label recording studio in exchange for the use of the name of Glenn Danzig's Blank records. Sid Vicious' mother would visit the studio during the midnight sessions, invited by Danzig himself. Her son had OD'd the night before and Glenn didn't want her to be alone....pretty compassionate for the guy who wrote "Bullet". This is the one album on this list that I do own on vinyl.
19. Silver - Moist
For a long time I considered Moist my second favourite band. They broke up in 2001 and have since fallen down the list, but it was albums like 1996's Creature and 1994's Silver that put them on the radar and keep them there still to this day. It's one of those albums that every song could have been a single and every week I had a new favourite track from it. Since they were from Canada there were many opportunities for me to see them live. They came to my home town a bunch of times. One of my first trips to a music festival was to see them at Edgefest in Ottawa (my first crowd surfing experience) and I saw a few members at a McDonald's on the 400 Highway. Don't think I haven't retold those stories again and again.
18. Iowa - Slipknot
Big time Slipknot fan and please believe it was a task to only have one album on the list, but Iowa came around at a very musically rich time of my life and I still associate many of the songs from it with some very happy memories. That is a great feature that music can have, maybe the songs weren't ultra successful or the band never won any accolades, but if the songs awaken something inside and are powerful enough to invoke real feelings then they've done their job. And those moments become more for you. Strange to associate songs off of Iowa with happy memories as much of the subject material is definitely from a dark place in Corey Taylor's life. Thats his gift to his listeners and I thank him for it.
17. Absolution - Muse
I've said it before and i'll say it again 2003 was a great year for music. Muse's Absolution felt like it was from the future and here now in 2014 I still think these songs hold up as good as any. "Time Is Running Out" was my pick for song of the year back in 2003. It blew my away with it's hard hitting bass and body-moving grooves. Almost sexual. Kind of like Radiohead after chugging a val love potion number 9. Thankfully the rest of the album was just as amazing and diverse. Songs raging from James Bond-esque spy themes to downright hard rock. Absolution was Muse's launching pad. Plain and simple.
16. O - Damien Rice
Definitely the shortest album title on this list, but Damien Rice's O is rich and full of joyous melodies, and acoustic treasures. Another album where many of it's songs whisk me back to a wet, hot Canadian summer. Rice actually produced this album himself and wished to release it without the aid of a major record label. Insert a joke about Irish stubborness if you will but when the songs are as good as they are here, who needs the help?
15. Everything I Long For - Hayden
A wonderful piece of Canadiana and a great debut from an at the time, up and coming musician. Though some of the songs from the album were written and released on an independent EP "In September" Hayden's major label debut Everything I Long For opened the door for many acoustic artists and got Hayden widespread attention. Especially the song "Bad As They Seem" which even got played on MTV at the time.
14. The '59 Sound - The Gaslight Anthem
When i'm about to go on an epic drive through the city or a long roadtrip with a few companions and I need a good driving album to go along with the journey I don't look much farther than The '59 Sound by The Gaslight Anthem. I got lucky with this one. Bought it on a whim as I caught the end of one of their sets and was midly impressed. Also a few people I knew talked about them or rather I recognized the name because they threw it around now and then and finally I was curious if the song "High Lonesome" was a cover of the song by the same name by Avail. Still to this day one of the best random purchase albums. Through and through, start to end it's a fantastic album. One of the best from that decade (2000s) and timeless songs inspired by girls, cars, Jersey nights, Springsteen and Seger.
13. Julie Blue - Joe Purdy
Some albums are not only enjoyable because all the music on it is fantastic, but the circumstances under which they were written and recorded is just plain cool. Joe Purdy's river record Julie Blue was written and recorded over the period of a weeks while he rented out a small cabin on a river in upstate New York. Nothing but himself, some equipment and the nature around him to be inspired by. Thats something I would love to do, find something to be inspired by and just surround yourself by it and see what comes out.
12. Yield - Pearl Jam Yield was kind of the resurgence of Pearl Jam in the 90's. Sure Vs and Vitalogy had some classic PJ tunes on them, but Yield was promoted and featured heavily on radio. They even made a video for "Do The Evolution" something band hadn't done since 1992's "Oceans". Again, this one reminds me of a certain time in my life when my and a buddy were too young for bars and niteclubs, but old enough to be restless and obsessed with girls. With precious else to do with all of our awkwardness and teen angst we'd cruise around on hot summer nights and blast songs like "No Way", "Brain Of J" and "Given To Fly" into the ether. It was a simpler time in some respects. I hope kids nowadays can still connect to moments like that.
11. Master Of Puppets - Metallica
Maybe you thought i'd forget about Metallica. Never! My boys!! The very birth of Thrash Metal when Master Of Puppets hit in 1986 every other metal band in the world knew they'd be competing to be #2. Even Ozzy noticed the crowd got smaller after Metallica left the stage when they opened for him. Not a misstep anywhere on this flawless piece of music. A staple on almost any greatest album list ever done. It also invokes a little sadness as it would be Metallica's proto-typical bass player Cliff Burton's final work. He would be killed in a bus crash during their European leg of the Master Of Puppets tour. Listen for his swan song on the album entitled "Orion".
10. The Bends - Radiohead
Here we go the top ten! This is not going to be easy, but I knew The Bends had to be in there, one of the quintessential albums from the 1990's. Even if you aren't a fan of the direction Radiohead would go in shortly after this album's release there is a song on it for you. Guaranteed. I picked it up for the same reason most people did, because I liked "High and Dry" or "Street Spirit" but as the tracks continue it becomes impossible to skip them and you realize you just listened to 48 minutes of Radiohead and enjoyed it.
9. Violence Has Arrived - Gwar
Many of you might just scoff at this, but I meant it when I say i'm a Gwar fan. Not just trying to be ironic or hipsterific. Violence Has Arrived has impressed me on many levels. Maybe Gwar was trying to make a tongue in cheek album and yes there are those moments to be found here, but they also pulled together some of the most impressively written and cohesive metal songs in recent history. "Immortal Corruptor" is just that: immortal, it stood strong against other hard rock and metal songs of it's era and still does. "Biledriver", "Beauteous Rot" and "Licksore" are other speedy and thrashy gems to bang along too. Gwar's best album and one Dave Brockie should be proud to be remembered for.
8. Ride The Lightning - Metallica
Can't keep them down! While Master Of Puppets was more critically acclaimed I always like Ride The Lightning a little more. It has more of my favourite Metallica songs on it ("For Whom The Bell Tolls", "Trapped Under Ice") and it's got some intense moments. Like James' screeching in the title track where it seems he's still trying to find his ranges in his singing voice. The hyper-fast "Fight Fire With Fire" and of course "Fade To Black" which is a staple of Metallica shows to this day. I will say that I prefer the instrumental track on Puppets more than "Call of Ktulu" on Ride The Lightning. This is the album from where they got their perfect album making formula. Many bands did. This is also the Metallica album that I have the most shirts from....three I believe and I saw them play this one live in it's entirety. That's right it may have been the first time (only time?) in history that they'll ever play the dreaded song "Escape"
7. Creature - Moist
The more I thought about this one the higher I wanted to put it. This is definitely the album every Moist fan should have, I know many people still favour Silver but for me this is where Moist showed their brilliant song writing prowess. From the high energy beginnings of "Hate" and "Resurrection" to the gloomy piano track "Disco Days" there is not a dull moment. Maybe a few moments where David Usher and co. allow the chance to wipe the sweat from your brow before drilling "Shotgun"'s bassline into your head. Every tracked is placed perfectly and performed with energy on the track which you can feel. This album is a huge reason why Moist still holds a dear place in my heart.
6. Pink Moon - Nick Drake
Sadly Nick Drake never got to see the heights of popularity his albums would eventually get to as they only started to gain an audience almost twenty years after his death. Pink Moon was his final, haunting recording. He'd go into the studio with just his guitar (unlike previous albums which featured full bands) and put shear heaven on to tape. He was not interested in marketing his work and was shy and not very confident on stage which led to little awareness of his albums. It's a shame really. Has there been such a beautiful combination of finger plucked guitar and piercing yet familiar vocals? I say not. It's the album I had in mind when I recorded an album with merely a guitar in hand....not that mine came any where close to this perfect.
5. The Closer I Get - Hayden
I love the album cover artwork for The Closer I Get. Combined with the songs it's a masterpiece of Canadian music. If Hayden stopped after this album was released I truly believe he'd still be viewed as a folk hero of Canadian music. A great mix of songs with a full band backing him up and chilling tunes with Hayden left alone with his guitar. This is Hayden's Pink Moon. His Harvest. His heart and soul.
4. Ten - Pearl Jam
Speaking of perfect albums. This is an album that PhDs could be written on, clocks could be set to and disputes could be settled over. Ten really stands alone among the other Pearl Jam albums. It's like they burned the studio and salted the earth after they released it. Forcing them to not try and duplicate it's blueprint. It blew audiences and critics away alike and was truly a musical manifesto for a young generation. Ten was named after Mookie Blaylock's jersey number a former NBA player who Pearl Jam was a fan of and in turn Blaylock became a fan of the band. Man, I really should just post the whole album here...
3. Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV - Coheed & Cambria The Afterman: Part 1 gets an honourable mention as does In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3, but for me Coheed and Cambria's best album is their third. Good, Apollo. The full title is much longer than even the one I have high lighted up there. It's got sweet songs ("Wake Up", "Always & Never"), dark songs ("Welcome Home", "Once Upon Your Dead Body") and straight up rock tunes ("The Suffering", "Ten Speed" and "Apollo I"). It showcases every cool aspect about the band: Musical proficiency man, check out the solos on this thing. The continuing story line of all Coheed's work, though the story takes an odd twist here, it definitely keeps things fresh. I think i'm going to go listen to it now.
2. As The Eternal Cowboy - Against Me!
When I got this album it stayed in my car for a whole summer. It would play in it's entirety once a day on my commute to and from work. I couldn't get enough. It blew me away. Here's a band known for there out of control and in your face hardcore music and it this album ends with one of the best acoustic songs ever written. Early on I decided this would be one of my desert island albums and it's one that I lend out to fellow music appreciators the most. As The Eternal Cowboy made me an Against Me! fan and that i'll always be.
Alright before I get to the number one album I have to list off some albums that almost made the cut. Here are some honourable mentions!
- Clumsy, Our Lady Peace
- Evil Empire, Rage Against The Machine - Folklore, Nelly Furtado
- Lateralus, Tool
- Harvest, Neil Young
- Pinkerton, Weezer
- Automatic Midnight, Hot Snakes
- Aesop Rock, None Shall Pass
- American Pie, Don McLean
Alright I could go on forever...but let's find out what my favourite album of all time is...
1. Load - Metallica
Is it any wonder? A little history here. I came from a small town in Northern Canada. We had 3 radio stations, 2 easy listening and 1 country. My family had no cable and i only really heard interesting music when my friends would lend me a tape or something. Then came 1996. We finally got a rock radio station and my parents had cable installed so I was able to tune into Much Music! I was surrounded and bombarded by new music for a whole Summer...I could finally join in the discussion and be up to speed. For my birthday my parents got me a CD player and told me to pick one CD to go with it. "Until It Sleeps" had caught my attention so I chose Load. And thus began my musical journey. I lucked out that every song was incredible. I wanted to get a guitar and play along. I wanted to be James Hetfield. I wanted to see if all music was as awe-inspiring as this. I was hooked and there was no turning back. Now, I know some purists...hell even some casual readers might be lol-ing their heads off at the Metallica and Load of all albums, but it still stands the test of time. Songs like "Outlaw Torn", "Bleeding Me" and "Mama Said" are pure emotion. Something modern music often lacks. "Until It Sleeps" and "King Nothing" should be right up there as 90's staples with Nirvana and Pearl Jam. And personally without this album I never would have taken the musical journey I did. I wouldn't be aware of all these fantastic songs on all these albums. And I definitely wouldn't be sharing them with all of you. Do not be afraid to let your preferences be known. Stand with them and be proud. They are more a part of you than you might realize.
Thanks again as always for reading!
It was quite a journey! I hear my old friend Rob Reid has seen this list and is about to let us know what his Top 50 albums are! I'll keep ya posted on that!
Until then...grab an album you haven't listened to in a while, put it on and disconnect for a bit. If at least for an hour. You've got plenty to spare.
