12 Great Acoustic Songs (Male Version)

For the most part the first instrument a contemporary musician picks up is the acoustic guitar. Nestled in the corner of a young man's room; Brought out for parties to impress certain ladies or sadly strummed to exorcise the demons within. It's honest and relatable. Here are 10...nah make it 12 Great Acoustic songs by male artists.

1. Dustin Kensrue - "Pistol"

If you're a fan of Thrice then you recognize this name and voice. Dustin Kensrue doubles as the vocals and rhythm guitarist for the Orange County punk group. While "Pistol" features a full backing band it's an acoustic song at it's core that could be just as easily played on the corner of a bed and sung into a microphone plugged into an old desktop computer.

2. William Fitzsimmons - "When You Were Young"

Though his songs have been featured in popular TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, William Fitzsimmons has yet to make a large splash in the music scene. I'm sure if you asked his opinion on that he'd be 100% fine with it.
With a relaxing voice and withdrawn guitar playing "When You Were Young" is a song that can capture you for it's almost 6 minute duration and make you feel like it passed in an eye's blink.

3. Hayden - "Between Us To Hold"

I can't do an acoustic list without including Canada's great Hayden. A song written on an acoustic guitar about teaching your girlfriend to play an acoustic guitar. It's his gift in creating beautiful songs out of seemingly everyday and benign occurrences that makes Hayden one of my favourites.

4. Nick Drake - "Things Behind The Sun"

Except for the brief piano on the title track, Nick Drake's masterpiece Pink Moon was simply his voice and his guitar. It's solemn and dreary atmosphere was a direct reflection of his heightening depression he suffered during his last years. "Things Behind The Sun" is a stream of consciousness that seems to be describing what Drake had taken away from his brief interactions with the outside world in that dark time. Sadly Nick would never live to see his music reach fame as he would die in 1974 after overdosing on sleeping pills. 2 years after Pink Moon was released and almost 25 years before his songs would find a worldwide audience.

5. Dashboard Confessional - "The Best Deceptions"

Dashboard Confessional is Chris Carrabba, his 2001 album The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most is viewed as one of the first emo/acoustic albums. He made a living off of wearing his heart on his sleeve and belting out his pain from the mountain tops in every song. This poor guy. Just listen to some of the lyrics in this one...heart out the asshole I tell ya...heart out the asshole.

6.  Eddie Vedder - "No More"

I don't know much about the history of this song. I first heard it when I watched Vedder's DVD Water On The Road where he performed most of his Into The Wild album and various other one offs at Warner Theatre in Washington DC. It's nice to hear a protest song from time to time.

7. Wyclef Jean - "President"

That last song made me think of other protest songs in recent history and how could I omit this gem? Like most people I first saw Wyclef perform this one on Chappelle's Show. It's an incredible and honest song hypothesizing about the first black president of the United States. It was later released on his fifth album Welcome To Haiti (Creole 101).

8. Tom Gabel - "Harsh Realm"

Sometimes you'll see the lead singer of a group branch off and release their own solo CD. Happens quite often actually and most times the album sounds like just another record of the band they're from. Tom Gabel, front man of Against Me! released Heart Burns in 2008 and it mostly flew under the radar. It only had 7 tracks on it, it cost about 8 bucks and it was outstanding. Each track was different from the last. Tom actually started Against Me as himself. A young punk from Gainesville with an acoustic guitar. I guess Heart Burns could be considered him getting back to his roots.

9. Cat Stevens - "Rubylove"

One of the most prolific and entertaining singer/songwriters of the early 70's was Cat Stevens (real name Steve Georgiou). The things he could do with a guitar and the imagery he could conjure with his word play was unparalleled. "Rubylove" is a lesser known track from his perfect album Teaser & The Firecat. My father had this record I can remember it's cover and it's sounds being played endlessly. Cat Steven's left the musical spotlight just as oddly as he entered. Converted to Islam and changed his name...again...but that's a list for another night

10. Joe Purdy - "I Love The Rain The Most"

Joe Purdy's album Julie Blue has quickly become one of my favourites...and definitely was a difficult one to track down a copy of. The whole album was written and recording in under a week in a house on a river in upstate NY. It's good to know there are artists who are brave enough to try something different. Whether it's successful or not I bet it's an experience and a feeling Purdy will never duplicate. I listen to this song when it rains...it gives me chills...good ones....

11. Joshua James - "Dangerous"

Here's another up and comer...though he's already got a few albums under his belt. "Dangerous" can play in my head all day and it's stillness and isolation almost make me rethink every action i've ever done or contemplate doing. It's a beautiful song in it's simplicity and honesty. I look forward to more from Mr. James.

12. Damien Rice - "Delicate"

Damien Rice is a man that must have experienced or been hit by love that few men have seen. His album O is art pure and simple. "Delicate" builds to it's passionate nadir effortlessly and really exemplifies not only the relationship in the song, but the relationship between Rice and his guitar. I was lucky to see Damien Rice on his farewell tour in 2007. An experience i will never forget.

Thanks for reading again!!

It's the ladies' turn next!

10 Great Second Part Songs

We've all seen it occasionally at the end of a song "Part 2". Huh? Where was part one? Will this second part not make sense to me anymore? What kind of uncreative bullshit is this? Whatever your reaction is, these songs are out there. Whether they are remixes, continuations and part of a longer story or just a version the artist liked better i give you 10 great second part songs

1. "Vermillion, pt. 2" - Slipknot

Taken from their third album Volume 3: The Subliminal Verses where the first "Vermillion" is also found. The two songs seem to be describing an obsessed man describing the target of his desire. The first part is more metal infused, more typical of Slipknot. "Vermillion, pt 2" is softer, more sombre and acoustic. Perhaps the protagonist is mourning a loss...great track.

2. "Synchronicity II" - The Police

Perhaps my favourite Police song. The album this delight is off of is also called Synchronicity. It describes the coincidences between two separate occurrances, and deals with a few paranormal themes...like the Loch Ness Monster. "Synchronicity I" was the first track on the album and is a completely different song.

3. "The Seed 2.0" - The Roots

Another Roots sighting! "The Seed" was originally a song by soul musician Cody Chesnutt. The Roots added their own flair to it but also included Cody on vocals and guitar, making it a perfect blend of hip-hop and soulful rock n' roll. To this day it's one of The Roots most well known songs since being released in 2001.

4. "Empire State Of Mind pt. 2" - Alicia Keys

I have a feeling I may be alone on this one, but I enjoy "Empire State Of Mind pt. 2" much better than part one.  I know the version with Jay-Z was much more popular and became a quasi-anthem to New York City, but there's a sheltered beauty in Keys' solo offering. They say that New York is the city that never sleeps, but i'm sure you can still find a place where it feels quiet and alone. Take a minute to absorb this one.

5. "The Unforgiven II" - Metallica

This one was not actually intended to be a sequel. When James Hetfield was writing songs for the upcoming double disc to be released in 1996, he realized he had plagarized the intro of 1991's "The Unforgiven" on one track. Then he realized that he can't really plagarize himself, so he tweaked the and "The Unforgiven II" was born. Other similarities were done intentionally like the trumpet swell intro, several lyrics and even hiring the same director for the music video. It doesn't end there though kids 2008's Death Magnetic brought us the awesome "Unforgiven III" but that's another entry on another list....

6. "Helena 2" - Misfits

This is just an alternate mix of the song "Helena" by the Graves-era Misfits. The intro was altered in post to sound like it's being transmitted through a radio. The idea was the listener would crank the volume and have your speakers blown out by the sudden surge of instruments at the halfway mark. Awesome prank guys, my fuckin' stereo is blown to shit now...

7. "Why, pt. 2" - Collective Soul

Released in 2000 on the album Blender this song came when Collective Soul were starting to drift out of the center stage position they definitely held in the 90's. Great song, don't get me wrong, just didn't hold the same water that some of their earlier songs did. Not sure what became of "Why, pt.1" maybe this song should have been called "Where's pt. 1?" ahaha...maybe that comment made you just say 'What?".....part 2

8. "Midnight Show" - The Killers

This is the first song on the list that part of a continuing story. The Killer's Murder Trilogy is a story about the murder of a cheating girlfriend. Brandon Flowers has hinted that the death had something to do with water, but he's not saying exactly what. The other songs in the trilogy are "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine" (part 3) and "Leave The Bourbon On The Shelf" (part 1) which was actually released in 2007, three years after parts 2 & 3.

9. "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" - The Arcade Fire

Most Arcade Fire songs can weave multiple tales effortlessly which require multiple hearings to be fully respected and enjoyed. "Sprawl II" is about the similarity of the hometowns of the band members. Houston and Montreal. Wherever in the world you go you can't get away from the rising skylines along almost every continent's shores. "Sprawl I (Flatland)" is similar but tells of how people can make a location stay in your memory, not necessarily the place.

10. "Another Brick In The Wall part 2" - Pink Floyd

Perhaps the most famous part 2 ever, potentially the most famous Pink Floyd song as well. Granted 1980's The Wall was one long story of a man's rise and fall in super stardom and his depression and haunted past slowly bricking him off from the rest of the world. The 3 "brick in the wall segments are all worth a listen as the whole album is a revolution, but none gained as much fame as part 2. If you don't eat your meat you can't have any pudding...

Thanks for reading....watch for part 2 of this list!

Just kidding...

JZ

Living Legends: 10 Great Tom Waits Songs

Tom Waits has been one of my favourites for a long time. It's been difficult to share my enjoyment of his music with many others however, one does not simply bump into a fan of the King of the Fringe on the road. Waits has been making music since the 70's and has had many of his songs covered and recorded by other reknown artists. He's been an actor, an artist, an activist and a humanitarian. Here now in the 2nd installment of the Living Legends. 10 great Tom Waits songs.

1. "I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You"

From Tom's first album Closing Time this simple yet beautiful piece is a shining example of Waits' style. While he had yet to develop his trademark bourbon growl, the isolated, timid and heartstrong hero of "I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You" is the kind of audience his music would attract and i'm sure most of his songs' origins are rooted in similar situations that he describes here.

2. "Hold On"

Tom Waits sometimes seems like he is a mere chamber, a holding place for beautiful music to be kept. Songs written by angels and a placed inside of him until the proper time to be released. "Hold On" was kept inside Tom until 1999's Mule Variations, a song everyone enjoys...unless they're lying.

3. "Clap Hands"

Rain Dogs is perhaps Tom Waits' best known album. It's part 2 of 3 of an ongoing story with his other albums Swordfishtrombones and Frank's Wild Years. It features songs of all types and styles and the lyrics flow like a murder of crows. "Clap Hands" itself is almost like a nursery rhyme for lost souls. Lovely.

4. "Hell Broke Luce"

Waits was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. The same year he released Bad As Me. He was inducted by Neil Young, and obviously has the respect of artists of all walks of life. "Hell Broke Luce" features Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers on bass and Keith Richards from The Rolling Stones on guitar.

5. "Big In Japan"

Just a straight up great track by the man. Kick off song on Mule Variations. Speaks to his courage to not be married to one type of music. Tom Waits has acted in several movies as well "Mystery Men", "The Book Of Eli", "Bram Stoker's Dracula" and "The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus" where he played the devil. He could very well be big in Japan.

6. "I Don't Wanna Grow Up"

This could be his most well known song...if only for the strange music video accompanying it. It was covered by The Ramones on their farewell album Adios Amigos.

7.  "Step Right Up"

Waits is notorious for not allowing his music to be used in commercials or programs without his permission. He has won many lawsuits against companies that have used his songs or sound-a-likes to promote their products. Frito Lay used a song that borrowed from Waits' song "Step Right Up". Waits sued and won. Like usual he donated his winnings to charity.

8. "The Piano Has Been Drinking"

This song has been called the archetypal Waits song and praised for it's depiction of life on the road and the toll it takes. The staggering piano playing is intentional and weaves the tale of a drunkard slinging insults at all the other patrons and blaming his intoxicated state on everyone and everything else. Even the inanimate objects aren't safe in this one, like the piano in it's title.

9. "Jockey Full Of Bourbon"

Another great track off of Rain Dogs. The jockey refers to a cabdriver, in this case a drunken one.

10. "Downtown Train"

"Downtown Train" has been covered many times over by multiple artists including Patty Smyth, Rod Stewart and Bob Seger. These versions have overshadowed the original in many cases, but I feel they lack the desperation and lunacy that made Waits' song so endearing. It's about more than just a train, it's about one in a million. It's about being betrayed by your surroundings and your own mind. Someone once asked me when I became a Tom Waits fan, I told her "When I first heard "Downtown Train" and was reduced to tears"

Thank you Tom

JZ

10 More Great Sex Songs

Given the raging success of my first list about sex I figured i'd whip out another one. Whether they're about bonin', a good soundtrack whilst boning or something to get you in the mood to bone, these are songs about sex. You horny beasts...

1. "Abused" - J. Englishman

This song takes little time to get to it's point. Clearly Englishman is not interested in getting to know the woman (or man I suppose) he's about to ravage and sometimes that emotion gets the best of all of us. Fun artist fact, Englishman's sister is Canadian renown songstress Esthero (hottie limbed lovely).

2. "Swimming In Your Ocean" - Crash Test Dummies

When I was younger I didn't quite get this song's meaning, but still thought it was cool. Brad Roberts has a way with obscure lyrics also his baritone vocals make hearing them clearly sometimes difficult. Hearing it these days it's clear that it's about the way his mind wanders as he's pleasuring his woman. The video is a representation of the way a man has sex too. Notice how he rushes in, performs and rushes out? The disinterested and bored look on Ellen Reid's face...yeah seen that before..

3. "Stroker Ace" - Lovage

Two songs from Canadian artists so here's one of American origins but with a hazy history. Lovage was a side project of Japanese hip hop producer Dan Nakamura. Joined by such notable acts as Mike Patton (Faith No More), Jennifer Charles (Elysian Fields) and Kid Koala, he only made one record under the Lovage banner and it produced this sex charged track amongst others.

4. "Beat Your Heart Out" - The Distillers

Some songs on this list are undeniably about sex with their lyrical subject matter, others are by artists known for their passion and love of the opposite sex. Some songs on here are based on my opinion along. "Beat Your Heart Out" is one of them. It's got great energy and a nice beat that I have watched many fine ladies use their bodies too. Feel free to try this one on..

5. "Fingertips" - Poe

From her debut album "Fingertips" is a sensual offering from Poe. Just the way she seems to slink through a song about the human connection with that throaty drawl of hers. Love or hate Poe...this one is a great addition to any soul squeezin' compilation.

6. "#1 Crush" - Garbage

I cannot believe I omitted this one from the first list. Anyone from my generation who was infatuated with the Romeo + Juliet rehash from Baz Luhrman had this song etched into their psyche. From the first sounds of gasping for air to Shirley Manson's undeniably sex-charged performance "#1 Crush" was part of every coming of age story's soundtrack in the 90's.

7. "Caress Me Down" - Sublime

How does one describe Sublime? Seriously, they've got songs for all occasions and is there any other band of their ilk? Has one ever existed? Will one ever exist again? "Caress Me Down" is a fantastic track that is fun and sexy at the same time. Now I don't speak Spanish, but I can't help to assume that there are some dirty things going on in there. Someone once told me that he says "Take of your panties and mail them to me" within the Spanish part. I think thats enough said right there.

8. "Shove It" - Santogold

This song's got a great sexy vibe to it, haven't put it to the test yet, but I can only assume a girl can find a way to use her body to this one. It's been used in a great sex scene in a certain movie. I'll leave that to the readers to discover which one.

9. "3" - Britney Spears

A song about threesomes sung by Britney Spears? Need I say more?

10. "A Sorta Fairytale" - Tori Amos

Tori Amos is gorgeous. Yup. I've always had a thing for women who sing and play the piano, I think it was Tori's fault. On the surface this one kind of seems like a typical poetic and introspective song. Upon closer detection Amos' clever wordcraft is evident. "Pulled back the hood" "I rode along side until the honey spread" delicious...

Go forth and be fruitful!
Comment Request Conquer!
JZ

10 Great Rap Songs

People often ask me why I don't like rap. False. Nothing could be further from the truth. I just dislike any form of music where content and substance takes a back seat to imaging and materialism. And it's not even that I don't like all songs like that, there is a place for fun, light-hearted party songs, but those are already being constantly thrust into the public's eye. There are many rap artists making important and intellegent lyrics that don't get the recognition that their peers do. Here are 10 Great Rap Songs.

1. "Sea Lion" - Sage Francis

I've talked about this one before, but it would be a sin not include it on a list about Rap. Sage Francis is from Providence, RI and has won many emcee battles and regularly participates in spoken word competitions. His skill is evident in "Sea Lion", I use this song to convert many "Rap is Crap" activists. You can't help but pay attention when Francis lights this one up

2. "The Waitress" - Atmosphere

Atmosphere is a duo from Minnesota. Ant and Slug. They've been getting alot of attention lately with their 2011 release The Family Sign. One of my favourites from Atmosphere is a song called "The Waitress" about the strange relationship between a homeless man who frequents a downtown diner and the waitress that works there. It juxtaposes their lives in a way that makes it obvious that although their always butting heads, they need each other. It's quite brilliant actually.

3. "Fire" - Joe Buddens w/ Busta Rymes

This is a great song, a double-edged sword if you will. It's a perfect party song, because let's face it...life is too long to take it 100% seriously all the time. Also underneath the infectious beats are some incredibly clever lyrics...especially the final verse which blasts other so-called artists who are merely a cardboard cut out with someone else doing all the work.

4. "We Don't Play" - GRITS

Going another direction here, GRITS is actually a Christian Rap group with their name being an acronym for Grammatical Revolution In The Spirit. Whether the message of the content reaches you or not, this song is impossible to ignore. I feel it would make a great background song for a basketball video of thunderous jams and amazing plays. Did I mention i'm a basketball fan? Of course rap and hoops go hand in hand.

5. "Triumph" - Wu-Tang Clan

Perhaps one of the most influential and important groups in the world of hip-hop was the Wu-Tang Clan. Originally featuring only 3 members it quickly rose to 9 with members including Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, RZA, GZA, U-God, Inspecta Deck, Masta Killa, Raekwon and The Ghostface Killah. "Triumph" came from their second album in 1997 Wu-Tang Forever. It's a perfect introduction to the group as each member gets to showcase their unique styles. The song itself doesn't even feature any hooks, just words spit at you methodically and precisely.

6. "Let's Push Things Forward" - The Streets

The Streets are a rap/beats group from Birmingham, England. Mike Skinner is at the center of it all with various other musicians coming and going. The music is usually intriguingly simple while the lyrics can range from such topics as romance, the politics of drinking vs smoking and even the stagnation of the music industry. Which is where "Let's Push Things Forward" falls.

7. "December 4th" - Danger Mouse

Danger Mouse is one half of Gnarls Barkley, the other half being Cee-Lo Green. The Grey Album was a mash up album of Jay-Z's (that's zee not zed....i'm Jay-Z...zed) Black Album and The Beatle's White Album.
It actually turned out well...this track was my favourite mixing "December 4th" with "Mother Nature's Son".
Beautiful.

8. "Northern Touch" - The Rascalz

The Rascalz were one of Canada's foremost hip-hop groups consisting of Red One and Misfit. They gained even more recognition in 1998 when they won the Juno (Canada's Grammy) award for their album Cash Crop. They declined the award based on it not being presented during the televised portion of the show and even suggested that maybe racism was a factor. Since then the award for best hip-hop group has been moved to the main ceremony and Canadian rap got the respect many felt it deserved. "Northern Touch" is a who's who of Canadian Hip-Hop featuring names like Kardinall Offishall, Choclair, Thrust and Checkmate all close friends of The Rascalz.

9. "You Got Me" - The Roots & Eykah Badu

The Roots are a great hip-hop group and they actually play all the instruments on their records and live performances which is refreshing. "You Got Me" showcases vocalist's Black Logic's sheer talent in word play even when it comes to a subject so universal as dating. He makes it seem brand new...like no one ever wrote a love song before. Erykah Badu's addition to the song is perfect as well...the perfect female voice to go back and forth with. Sadly The Roots have been relegated to Jimmy Fallon's studio band on his lackluster talk show. Great video here too.

10.  "Fett's Vette" - MC Chris

Hailing from Illinois MC Chris is known for rapping, being an improv comedian, voice actor, writer and evidently a Star Wars fan. "Fett's Vette" is a fun song about one of the saga's most cult characters Boba Fett.
After this song was used in Kevin Smith's flick 'Zack and Miri Make A Porno' a friendship was developed between the filmmakers and Chris and he has since gone on to other projects with them.

Thanks for reading! Go out and rap today!
And comment! and request!
Jay-Z (zed)

10 Great David Bowie Songs

Death is an inevitable part of life. With the recent loss of Whitney Houston and the reaction it garnered from the public it got me thinking. Every time one of our beloved music icon passes they are remembered so lovingly and so gracefully you'd think they hung the moon. However we rarely honour them thusly during their lives. So a new feature on Void Drops, the Living Legend Lists. Honouring great artists who are still with us. Who deserve praise and attention. First up.....David Bowie...


1. "Rebel, Rebel" (1974)"

Born David Jones he changed his last name to Bowie to avoid confusion with Davy Jones from the Monkees. Bowie was originally known for being a pillar in the glam rock movement. His album Diamond Dogs saw a departure from the glam though and into a more focused direction. "Rebel, Rebel" is a great song from 1974, about a girl who struggles with a gender identity...something many early fans were struggling with about Bowie

2. "Moonage Daydream (1971)"

Bowie liked creating characters and often sung his songs through these personas...which is why his music spans multiple genres and has withstood the test of time. He was always able to stay fresh and reinvent himself. "Moonage Daydream" was originally released as being by the band Arnold Corns, being one of Bowie's side projects. It would later be included on another character's album in 1972. The Rise & Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars.

3. "The Man Who Sold The World (1970)"

Though his personal life, sexuality and eccentricities usually took the media's attention during the 70's, Bowie should be best remembered as a remarkable songwriter. To this day his songs are still being recorded and covered by modern artists. Perhaps one of the best known cover versions of his songs was done in 1994 when Nirvana performed "The Man Who Sold The World" for their MTV Unplugged performance.

4. "Little Wonder (1997)"

During the confused 90's when no one was sure what they liked and artists were trying anything and everything to make a few bucks, David Bowie released the left-of-centre Earthling. It was critically acclaimed and highly electronic. It's first single "Little Wonder" clearly plays on the techno remixing and sonic instruments that were becoming more prominent at the time. Bowie fit in to it seamlessly however and for a long time it was one of my favourites.

5. "Queen Bitch (1971)"

Back to the 70's for my favourite David Bowie track. "Queen Bitch" from the album Hunky Dory.  It's actually a tribute to Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground, a group that Bowie was very fond of. A simple rock song with simple lyrics...but it's got that Bowie charm which makes sure you pay attention. It was used swimmingly at the end of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou a wonderful movie and a great fit.

6. "Suffragate City (1972)"

If you haven't heard Ziggy Stardust I recommend you go and give it a listen. If you consider yourself a fan of great music then you won't be disappointed. Every track is worth a listen and it inspired many, MANY artists for years to come. Still considered Bowie's best. 'Suffragate City' is a fun song with catchy piano licks and guitar chords. It even references A Clockwork Orange. Delightful.

7. "Starman (1973)"

Another track from Ziggy Stardust, and it was a late addition apparently, but a solid one. It continues the concept of the album as Ziggy brings a message from an alien messiah to Earth.

8. "Modern Love (1983)"

Into the 80's we go where Bowie is usually hailed as an artist from. His album Let's Dance was definitely more accessible, easier to listen to for a casual fan. Which is fine, it just meant more people were noticing him and the things he was performing rather than giving 2 shits about his personal life.

9. Mott The Hoople - "All The Young Dudes"

I know it isn't a David Bowie song but he wrote this song specifically for the band Mott The Hoople. It's definitely got his flavour all over it. Lyrically, slow drawn out choruses and even a hint of the theatrics that Bowie's songs usually encompass. Apparently he first offered them "Suffragate City" but the band rejected it. Who the hell are they to reject a song David FUCKING Bowie writes for them? Friggin' one hit wonders.
Still good song.

10.  "TVC15 (1976)"

This song was from the 1976 album Station To Station, which apparently Bowie remembers very little from the recording session as drugs were very available to him at the time. Iggy Pop once told Bowie of a story of himself being so high that we hallucinated his television set eating his girlfriend. Bowie used that story as his basis for "TVC15". Cool, quirky song.

Hope you enjoyed the first of many Living Legend Lists. I'll have regular themed lists on the go as well.
Comment! Sign Up! Request!!

-JZ

10 Great Love Songs

Yes it's that time of year once again. Valentine's Day. Whether you're on board with it's themes of romance or think it should be abolished for it's greedy commercialization of one of man's purest emotions, there is no avoiding it. And while I won't be spending it with anyone in particular, i'm sure there are those out there who may need a hand finding a soundtrack for your special night. Jonny's got you covered. 10 Great Love Songs.

1. Joseph Arthur - "Honey & The Moon"

Kick it off with a sweet acoustic ditty. This one sounds like Arthur just had a realization one day, picked up his guitar and let it flow through him. It's got some great lyrics like "If you weren't real I'd make you up...now" and "You're the honey and the moon that lights up my night" Solid.

2. Nick Drake - "Northern Sky"

I feel I haven't really talked about Nick Drake that much on this blog. He's been very influential and meaningful to me, and to be honest...i fear my words wouldn't do his impact on this music world during his short time on this earth justice. "Northern Sky" is a great example of his brilliance. Though most of his songs were a darker reflection of his mental state in 2005 NME called "Northern Sky" the greatest English love song of modern times.

3. Alicia Keys - "No One"

I always dreamt that some day some beautiful woman would write a song like this about me. I have a soft spot for female musicians that sing and play the piano, not quite sure why that is. This song is a great testament to having that one person no matter how many factors or adversaries try to stand between you. Trust. Faith. Love.

4. Dave Matthews Band - "Crush"

Another one of my favourites that hasn't gotten much attention on Void Drops. I hate the stigma that the Dave Matthews Band has gotten of being only for college kids and stoners. I think most people are intimidated by their diverse instruments and length of their songs. "Crush" comes in at 8 minutes and 8 seconds, and Dave admits that he wrote it with his wife on his mind. Crash seems to get most of the attention as DMB's greatest album, but I think Before These Crowded Streets edges it out slightly with masterfully crafted songs such as "Crush".

5. U2 - "All I Want Is You"

The eighties were known for it's over the top, highly produced ballads proclaiming everlasting love. Artists like Peter Cetera, Chris DeBurgh and Kenny Loggins made good careers out of the theme. U2 went the opposite way with this gem. Flying so low under the radar it usually gets forgotten when talking about the great U2 singles. "All I Want Is You" has a certain stillness...reminiscent of the chills and short,quick breaths one takes when seeing that one person that you burn so painfully for. It's desire...I pity anyone who has never felt that. Hopelessness and excitement going to war on the fringes of your brain as your body is powerless to react. Amazing.

6. Damien Rice - "Cannonball"

This was once my song. It will always remind me of someone. In fact i'm not sure theres much I could write about this song...the lyrics kind of speak for themselves. Damien Rice has many great songs to pick from for a list like this "Delicate", "The Blower's Daughter", "Cheers Darlin'" but this one is my favourite...for the memories that flood my mind upon hearing the opening guitar riffs.

7. Peter Gabriel - "In Your Eyes"

This one is almost an automatic add. Especially with it's involvement in a pivotal scene in the romantic 80's movie "Say Anything". I will say that people's eyes tell you almost anything you need to know about somebody. At the end of the day, sometimes you don't need words. Just look in their eyes.

8. Bruno Mars - "Marry You"

I know. Odd right? I first heard this one in Iceland and brushed it off as another 'Bruno Mars' song. It got stuck in my head though...a silly little love song, which sometimes, are just as important and meaningful as those about love everlasting. It comes in all styles.

9.  Method Man - "You're All I Need To Get By" feat. Mary J. Blige

Love doesn't care what kind of music you play or what your reputation is. It will find you. Method Man was known as one of the masterminds behind the gangsta rap group Wu-Tang Clan. This song was featured on his solo 1995 album Tical, and it showed his soft side and his lyrical genius. Mary J. Blige added a "thug-love" vibe with her perfect delivery of the chorus.

10. Ryan Adams - "Desire"

One of the better singer/songwriters active right now is Ryan Adams...no not Bryan Adams. Ryan is from North Carolina. "Desire" is a straight forward song about loving one single person. It's short and sweet and you'll know it complete. A great way to finish off the list and kick off Valentine's Day.

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JZ