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.

[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.

[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]

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.

[Boner M]

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.

Oh god, I'd be here forever. Quick faves in two categories:

Canonical: "Wild Horses"
Non-canonical: "Ventilator Blues"

[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.

[Spinal]

I was actually going to do this list, but I'll wait until you finish before I even think about doing mine.

I'll try to go quick.

[Spinal]

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

*sheds single tear*

[MacGuffin]

I'll try to go quick.

No way man, no rush. I'm actually looking forward to see this list. It looks good so far.

[Spinal]

94.


Song: "She Wanted"
Artist: Exene Cervenka
Album: Old Wives' Tales
Year: 1989

No video available.

You'll have to find this one yourself using your method of choice. It's one of the more obscure songs on my list, I suppose. I don't even remember why I have this Exene album, since I wasn't really into X, but it's pretty good. This is a pretty simple folk song that ranks this high for me mostly because I really enjoy the weary, pessimistic lyrics and nice, gentle melody

[Spinal]

93.


Song: "One"
Artist: Metallica
Album: ... And Justice For All
Year: 1988

Gloomy video.

I have a hard time relating to Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield. I doubt that we would have much in common. Indeed, I am not really all that into metal. Most of it is pretty silly, I think, although it does allow teenage boys to feel badass in their black tour t-shirts. For some reason, though, this song totally works for me. What I like about the song is that it creates a vivid mood and is successful at musically expressing the inner turmoil suggested by the lyrics. The song feels genuinely dangerous (particularly when heard within the context of the creepy video) and the instrumental section manages to not only sustain, but build on the intensity of what proceeds it.

[Spinal]

92.


Song: "Tar Kissers"
Artist: Throwing Muses
Album: Limbo
Year: 1996

Casual video.

So many great Muses songs to choose from, but this one is a pretty good representation of their musicianship and Kristin's songwriting wit. "On my knees, I can see/All your better qualities." Compliment or insult? You decide. Low-key acoustic performance is captured on the video with sketchy audio.

[Spinal]

91.


Song: "Missionary Man"
Artist: Eurythmics
Album: Revenge
Year: 1986

Stop-motion video.

The extent of Annie Lennox's coolness during the 80s cannot be overstated. Soulful voice, piercing looks, loads of artistic integrity. Though certainly one of the more masculine female artists of the era, she was able to find an on-screen persona during the MTV era that complimented the aggressive style of her band's music. This song is, for me, their peak.

[ledfloyd]

i only like one of these songs so far! and like boner said, ruby tuesday is not top tier stones IMO. not criticizing your taste, just surprised there's not much i like here.

[Benny Profane]

The Devil Inside is a great song. That album "Kick" was one of my favorites growing up. I also don't love Ruby Tuesday. To me it's a trite Stones song, plenty of better choices. I love that video for One by Metallica. I don't think I've ever heard the song without the video.

[Spinal]

i only like one of these songs so far! and like boner said, ruby tuesday is not top tier stones IMO. not criticizing your taste, just surprised there's not much i like here.

Hang in there. We'll get to the GWAR eventually.