My process started with 10,000+ songs that I rated from 1-5 stars. Using a bell curve, there were a lot fewer 5's than there are 3's or 4's so I ended up with 527 (5)-stars. From there, I used a series of elimination techniques to arrive at a seemingly uncuttable list of 124 songs that I LOVE! From there, I began picking groups of 10-20 that seemed to be at a similar level. Now, I'm not so egocentric that I think you actually care about my list (oh really?), but as my tastes are varied (particularly by era), so I'd recommend you read the list just to be reminded of old songs you used to love, or awesome songs that you've never heard. If you see a song you don't know, YouTube it, you'll thank me 3 out of 4 times. An (*) denotes that I've heard the band play the song live. The last 24 songs did not make the cut and are as follows:
Dream On - Aerosmith (1973) Video - This might be the defining "Aerosmith" single and it was their first. That's a good sign that you're going to be great when you lead off with this level of material. The defining single of a band that, at times, has been my favorite, why not on the Top 100? Well, I had to make some difficult decisions, and this song just doesn't rock by Aerosmith standards. For a treat, check out the live version where Steven Tyler leads off with, "Good evening, Boston." It's hard to explain, but there's man-crush material there. Lead singer coming home singing their original single. Classic!
Mama Kin - Aerosmith (1973) Video - Another staple off Aerosmith's self-titled debut. This song totally rocks and probably should've made the Top 100. Joe Perry doing his best Keith Richards impersonation. If Guns n' Roses deemed this coverworthy then the song must rock. Steven Tyler once said that every last song of theirs was about sex, so negative points for a potentially twisted oedipian meaning.
Melissa - Allman Brothers Band (1967) Video - The defining Southern Rock band, that's right, Skynyrd fans, with a beautiful, simple love song. Gregg played it for his brother Duane's (who Free Bird was written about) funeral. He also occasionally plays it with Dave Matthews Band live. Negative points for being featured in Brokeback Mountain (read it on Wikipedia, didn't see the movie, ok I saw a little bit of the movie on HBO, but I changed it very quickly).
No Woman, No Cry - Bob Marley & The Wailers (1974) Video - The defining reggae song by the defining reggae artist is best known by its live version released in 1975. Frequently covered, but never improved, this song takes me back to Jamaica, though I've never visited.
One Love - Bob Marley & The Wailers (1977) Video - I don't know Jamaica's national anthem, but it might as well be this song. Nothing puts a boat drink in your hand quite like One Love. The song actually includes an interpolation of a Curtis Mayfield song, "People Get Ready." Video If you want to make a Jamaican smile, throw this on and feel al'right.
Foreplay/Long Time - Boston (1976) Video - This was one of 4-5 songs that began my love affair with rock music. The many styles and transitions are not unlike Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven, except this rocks harder. When I first heard this on the radio, I was so desperate to know who it was that I hummed it to a guitar player at church to see if he could tell me who sung it. He did and I've loved Boston, the most technically sound rock group of all-time, ever since. "Time doesn't wait for me, it keeps on rolling."
Born On The Bayou - Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)* Video - One of a very short list of songs that my dad and I agree on and the B-Side to "Proud Mary", Video an amazing record in itself, this conjures up images of cruising through Louisiana swampland, which was odd because CCR was from California, but the image stuck. Younger fans were exposed to the genius of CCR on The Waterboy.
Seven Nation Army - The Flaming Lips (2005) Video - An awesome and unique cover of a 2003 White Stripes hit (Video) that is sung through a megaphone into a microphone. What else would you expect from probably the single weirdest band on this list? Surprising fact - they're from Oklahoma. I think that would have been my 51st guess, right after Puerto Rico. They actually only stole the title and basic riff, the words and speed are dramatically altered. If you like the single, don't make the mistake of buying the album Late Night Tales. This is the only Flaming Lips song on it, the rest are crummy DJ mixes, an abomination to rock 'n roll. "I'm goin' to Florida, I'm gonna bowl me a perfect gaaaaaame. I'm goin' to Florida, I'm gonna cut off both my legs." Do they even know what they're talking about?
Yesterdays - Guns N' Roses (1992) Video - One of the best howling Axl Rose tracks, if you're into that (I am) off the megahit Use Your Illusion II, which is far better than Use Your Illusion I. "Suddenly this time I found, I'm on the streets and I'm all alone."
Piece Of My Heart - Janis Joplin (1968) Video - Originally recorded by Emma Franklin (Aretha's older sister) before it was stolen by the louder and whiter Janis (extremely common in those days, see Led Zeppelin/Blues for a more complete guide to plagiarism). Covered awesomely (Video) by Joss Stone and Melissa Etheridge, who subs "man" for "woman" in the line "didn't I make you feel like you were the only man" and then winks and smiles at Joss Stone and shakes her head (2:38 mark). I know, Melissa, Joss Stone IS hot. There are only a few women that can harness the power, passion and primal scream of a Robert Plant/Axl Rose. I've mentioned 3 of them already in this paragraph.
The Wind Cries Mary - Jimi Hendrix (1967) Video - For those who thought Hendrix could only rock, he was also an expert bluesman. The riff was heavily influenced by Curtis Mayfield, of whom Hendrix was a huge fan. I think a lot of younger fans sell themselves short by only listening to 3-4 of Jimi's most well-known hits. His catalogue is deep, varied, and poetic. He essentially crammed an entire careeer's worth of A Material into 4 glorious years with very limited filler. An NBA analogy would be a player leading the league in points, assists, and 3-pt % for his 1st 4 years in the league, then dying in a heroine overdose. Tragic. This man changed music and broke so many racial lines, it's a shame he didn't have more time. Unfortunately, white people have only been able to return the favor with Eminem, which is the
greater tragedy, I think.
Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix - (1967) Video - Another Hendrix original, this song has been covered Eric Clapton (Video), Sting (Video), Stevie Ray Vaughn (Video), and Pearl Jam (Video), a testament to Hendrix's song-writing ability and innovative playing styles. One look at the lyrics can tell you all you need to know about the effects of psychedelic drugs, "Well she's walking through the clouds With a circus mind that's running round Butterflies and zebras And moonbeams and fairy tales That's all she ever thinks about Riding with the wind."
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban (2002) Video - In 8 years, this song has been covered 125 times. Yes, your church music coordinator has worn it out and no, it does not make a good karaoke song, but it is inspirational and beautiful. Of the versions I've heard, I like Josh Groban the best, but there are 124 other versions if you'd care to take a gander. It shares the melody with Danny Boy.
Nookie - Limp Bizkit (1999) Video - In music lists, sometimes the unintentional neighbors are hilarious, such as "Nookie" and "You Raise Me Up." Beyond it being the best F-U breakup song of all-time, in case she thought you were dating her for her brains, it also represents a high point for an otherwise dry-heave of a band. This is one of those songs that screams "based on a true story." So was this the girl that turned Fred Durst gay? We'll never know because thankfully he hasn't been heard of in several years. One parting thought, this is generally a good song to have on your MP3 player when meeting your girlfriend's parents. Trust me!
Nobody's Fault But Mine - Otis Redding (1968) Video - No relation to the Led Zeppelin song of the same name. This, along with most of his best material (Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay, anyone?) was released after his death in a plane crash at age 26. For someone to be named the King of Soul at such a young age speaks volumes about his ability. This song is particularly underappreciated by the masses, but not by me, it's #1 on my iPod play count list. With 99% certainty, I can guarantee that you don't know this song. That is a travesty! You can't help but shake with the opening chords.
No More Tears - Ozzy Osbourne (1991) Video - An absolutely rockin' track recorded well after Ozzy's prime with Black Sabbath, No More Tears' opening heavy bass line lets you know he's all business with this track. The usual Ozzy creep factor is here, "Your momma told you that you're not supposed to talk to strangers Look in the mirror tell me do you think your life's in danger, ya No More Tears", but Zakk Wylde's guitar work is inscendiary and Ozzy's voice is on full display.
Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd (1979) Video - A particular high point on Pink Floyd's most overrated album (The Wall), Comfortably Numb describes the journey of a man into complete insanity, which is exactly how you will feel if you listen to the entire album. Heavily themed albums only work if there's consistently great music, which is why Dark Side of the Moon is the greatest complete album ever made, but The Wall is only as good as its best 5 tracks. The piercing guitar solo at 2:03 is among my favorite moments on any record.
Kiss - Prince (1986) Video - One of the most overtly sexual songs by probably the most overtly sexual artist of all-time. Prince originally wrote the song for a funk band called Mazarati, but after they reworked the song to perfection, he took it back. Sadly, this was sung by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, detracting from the overall sex appeal, but it still rocks. What 80s chick could resist these lyrics? "You don't have to be beautiful to turn me on I just need your body baby From dusk till dawn."
Under The Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers (1992) Video - Hard to believe this song is almost 20 years old and still the high point for the Peppers. Anthony Kiedis wrote the lyrics to describe his feelings of loneliness and despondency associated with his dependence on narcotics and the overall affect on his life. Initially, it was intended to be a solo project, but the band begged him to record it with them.
Jungle Love - Steve Miller Band (1977)* Video - The only rock song I know of to use the word the 'papaya', all you need to know about this song is summed up with these lyrics, "Jungle love in the surf in the pouring rain Everything's better when wet." Steve Miller Band's high points may not rank with the best of all-time, but they have a deep catalogue of enjoyable, energetic late 70s rock. They're also an absolutely fantastic live act.
Burning Down the House - Talking Heads (1983) Video - Extra points awarded for songs featured in Revenge of the Nerds. It's also
frequently covered by Dave Matthews Band (Video). If you were throwing an 80s kegger, this song
was bumpin' and I'm not mad at you if you throw it on today. A rare 80s pop song that ages
like wine.
Possum Kingdom - The Toadies (1994) Video - The song that so urgently asks the question, "Do you waaaaaannnnnaaaaa diiiiiiiiiiiiie? The Toadies may not be viewed on the same plane as their other early 90s counterparts, but this song is easily top-10 material for the era. The lyrics have a delicious and honest creepiness "I'm not gonna lie I'll not be a gentleman Behind the boathouse I'll show you my dark secret." Thank you, Mr. Toad, but I'll have to politely decline your offer of a walk around the lake tonight, but I'll gladly blast this song with regularity in my cubicle.
One - U2 (1991)* Video - I imagine Bono fighting with or getting dumped by a girl in this song and being really whiny about it, but the lyrics are truly beautiful, "You gave me nothing Now it's all I got We're one But we're not the same Well we Hurt each other Then we do it again." You feel the hurt of two people, in love, but unable to coexist. It's beautiful, but I still think Bono is a tool.
You Don't Know What Love Is - The White Stripes (2007) Video - This former couple, Jack and Meg White, produce simple pounding rock music. As they have mostly toiled in the underground scene, many music fans are just starting to appreciate their catalogue. Their best album is Elephant, but their best moments are evenly scattered across the whole discography. This is one of their more advanced pieces, bringing a heavily Zeppelinish sound. I suspect that Jack wrote this song to Meg as a final frustrated message directed at Meg's emotional immaturity and their failed romance a la Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album. "You don't know what love is You do as you're told Just as a child at ten might act But you're far too old You're not hopeless or helpless and I hate to sound cold But you dont know what love is...You just do as you're told."
Tune in tomorrow for No. 100!
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