My Favorite 100 Songs

[Spinal]

I had no idea what this list would look like before I compiled it. There are so many damn songs that I don't know if this is exactly comprehensive or not. It's quite possible that I've forgotten something, but it looks pretty good to me. Commentary will be minimal as I am not a music critic. Video will be provided when possible.

100.


Song: "500 (Shake Baby Shake)"
Artist: Lush
Album: Lovelife
Year: 1996

Peppy video

After years of being a shoegazer band, Lush went for a more pop sound on their final album, succeeding in picking up new fans like me. There is even an ironic nod to this shift in the video as you can see the word 'Britpop' on a parking boot. In fact, with the exaggerated head-bops and goofy grins, the whole video seems to be ironic, as if they were dragged to this new sound kicking and screaming. Don't worry Miki. No shame in going pop when you do it this well.

[Boner M]

Might be too much testosterone on this list for my tastes.

[Boner M]

I kid, btw. Like both choices so far. Looking forward to the rest.

[Spinal]

Might be too much testosterone on this list for my tastes.

The top ten is comprised entirely of GWAR songs.

[Boner M]

The top ten is comprised entirely of GWAR songs.

From their little-known riot grrl period?

[Spinal]

99.


Song: "Devil Inside"
Artist: INXS
Album: Kick
Year: 1987

Satanic video

Ooooo, man, I hear that opening guitar lick and, in the words of Ralph Wiggum, I like boys now. I was never a huge fan of the band, but I find this song to be relentlessly cool and seductive. Every single one of us ... the devil inside. It's an inclusive song too, as Michael urges us to tap into that inner devil.

[Spinal]

98.


Song: "Bye Bye Love"
Artist: The Everly Brothers
Album: The Everly Brothers
Year: 1957

Sing-a-long video

I like how straightforward this song is. I loved someone. She left me. I would like to die. Awesome. So many rock songs are variations on the same feeling, but I like simplicity and earnestness of this one. This is one of the few songs that would probably also be on my mom's top 100 list. Maybe also my Grandmother's.

[Spinal]

97.


Song: "Ruby Tuesday"
Artist: The Rolling Stones
Album: Between the Buttons
Year: 1967

Groovy video

The Stones are sort of reminiscent of "(Listen to the) Flower People"-era Spinal Tap in the video above. Who influenced who is a question for the music historians. I dare not speculate. All I know is that while I find watching the Stones these days a wee bit awkward, I do enjoy seeing them in their prime. Their unabashed smarminess seems so far ahead of its time and this song has a great melody I always have to sing along with.

[Boner M]

Have to say, "Ruby Tuesday" is one of my least favorite 'classic' Stones songs. Dunno why, I guess the melody's just never done it for me. I prefer the cover of it in Children of Men; can't remember the artist now.

"Bye Bye Love" is great, though.

[Spinal]

Have to say, "Ruby Tuesday" is one of my least favorite 'classic' Stones songs.

That's all right. Can't win 'em all. What are some of your faves?

I'm sure I'll have many more entries that will be offensive to your sensibilities.

[Horbgorbler]

I prefer the cover of it in Children of Men; can't remember the artist now.

Franco Battiato, FWIW. Fetus is a great album.

Huh, "19/2000" is one of those songs I know but didn't know I knew. Still like "Clinton Eastwood" best, though.

[Spinal]

96.


Song: "Shameless"
Artist: Ani Difranco
Album: Dilate
Year: 1996

Bootleg video

Back to the estrogen. I'm kind of over Ani Difranco now. I bought a few albums back in college. Went to a couple of live shows. Eventually, I decided that I didn't want to spend the effort keeping up with the cult following. But, looking at the video above, I am reminded what a charismatic performer she is. She's got some great songs, but this one's my favorite, as it captures her bubbling energy and sly, sexy sense of humor. Love that chorus.

[MacGuffin]

Yeah, I love the song Ruby Tuesday. I saw the Stones live a few years ago, and it was great. I was actually going to do this list, but I'll wait until you finish before I even think about doing mine.

[Kurious Jorge v3.1]

Spinal, you should have used this video for 'Ruby Tuesday'!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgPHm...eature=related


My mind has just been blown by a little girl and a bunch of balloons.

[Spinal]

95.


Song: "I'm on Fire"
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Born in the USA
Year: 1984

Sultry video

Born in the USA was one of the first albums (or rather, cassettes) that I owned, given to me as a gift from my parents. The album was huge in those days and Bruce's videos were on all the time. A lot of the singles from that album sound kind of overwrought and corny these days to me; but, this one has aged very well. When I was a kid, my brother and I would giggle about Bruce waking up "with the sheets soaking wet." But now, I find this song focused, intense and insistent. I get it now. Haunting falsetto outro is glorious.