Top 25

So my last post got me thinking about how important music is in my life, like a soundtrack to a movie. In fact, life is like a movie, filled with a cast and characters, directors, scenes, acts, sets, and props. If you ever get a chance, imagine a scene playing out in front of you and a camera is filming it all…probably be better than any sitcom on TV today. Why do you think reality TV shows do so well? You know, besides the poorly written scripts and untrained actors. News outlets always focus on the stories that provide the best stories. American Idol somehow keeps getting viewers even on the verge of mockery.

So I’ve been going through my iPod, looking at different playlists I have created, checking out my top 25 most played songs, and, here’s something fun to do if you haven’t already, the oldest listened-to songs. If you are like me, there are a bunch of songs that are on my 40G iPod that I’ve never listened to completely, but if you sort by ‘Last Played’ you can scroll down to see which ones you listened to complete and when that occurred. Pretty interesting to see how long ago you listened to some of those songs. And music says a lot about a person, let me run down my top 25 most played (on this iPod, keep in mind) and make a few comments about why they are on there. Alright, maybe I’ll only comment on the top 10:

‘One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces’ – Ben Folds Five
Opening track off of BFF’s Whatever and Ever Amen, this was my first Ben Folds album after a reference was made about them in a Counting Crows song of all places. I am pretty sure this would have been the first complete song I heard from BFF and it completely blew me away, and you will see repeat appearances by Ben Folds on this list. Probably the best live shows I have ever seen.

‘Coconut Skin’ – Damien Rice
I will be writing more on Damien Rice in the future, but for now, be prepared to see several songs by him from his new album 9 on this list. It has only been out a short time but has gotten constant repeat play on my iPod, excellent album top to bottom. I first heard this song off of a youtube video of a live performance and it is the ideal example of how much a singer and a guitar can speak volumes.

‘Every You Every Me’ – Placebo
I had the Cruel Intentions soundtrack lying around for years, not really sure why I even got it in the first place, but this song is worth the price and I rediscovered it while trying to find tunes to put on my work computer so that I wasn’t listening to the same thing I listen to every where else. (Wow, that was a long sentence) I don’t really recall the movie except that it was a poor remake of a good French movie, and it got a young Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe together. Ever since hearing this song, I have been meaning to check out Placebo but only recently purchased their Sleeping With Ghosts album…which rocks. I must be making a turn to emo-rock now that I have also discovered Muse. Anyway, check out this song, and this band, if you get a chance.

‘Fair’ – Ben Folds Five
I’m not sure how this is on the list since the last time I listened to it was February of ’06, but another track off of Whatever and Ever Amen. This tune displays the true brilliance of the band, incorporating harmony vocals, a unique blend of the 3 piece ensemble (piano, bass, and drums) to produce a toe taping and up-beat (literally) lighthearted affair, all the while implementing a melancholy lyrical story that are the epitome of Ben Folds’ songs.

‘Son’s Gonna Rise’ – Citizen Cope & Santana
I’m not sure what it is about this song that makes it so intoxicating, but I’m leaning toward the wa-wa induced acoustic guitar rhythm. Not much in the way of lyrics but the Santana backing and dark bass line carries this tune to multiple replays.

‘Wolves’ – Josh Ritter
Wolves are a reoccurring theme for Ritter, I heard that in an interview so I know it is on purpose. The music is catchy, the lyrics relatable, and the album unbelievable. I’ve covered the works of Josh Ritter here, so to find out more, follow that link.

‘You’re All I Have’ – Snow Patrol
My one shameful entry of modern pop-rock balladeers. In my defense, they write some catchy tunes, using the staple guitar and drum beats that are time tested. Not much stands out lyrically or musically, but the driving beats and traditional song-writing is pulled off well in most of Snow Patrol’s songs. Listen to this one and you’ll see what I mean, and basically you’ll be listening to all their songs at one time.

‘Kate’ – Ben Folds Five
I warned you, another entry by BFF off of Whatever and Ever Amen. This tune follows the typical personal story-telling of Ben Folds. If you know anyone named Kate, you must play her this song, unless she’s the wife of a Hell’s Angel or something. The staccato piano beats sets the pace for this lively number and manages to a few “oh, la, la, las” in there. Dandelions, butterflies, and all those other things that make girls nice.

‘9 Crimes’ – Damien Rice
Damien Rice’s 9 album provides two versions of this opening track tune, both very different products of the same ingredients. The piano and female vocal opening of 9 Crimes is both beautiful and eerie, and sets the tone for the studio track that delves in personal conflict and regret. The acoustic (demo) version is the darker and heavier older brother of the former. Both are beautifully tragic and pull at the strings of your soul, like our next song…

‘Freezing Car’ – AJ Roach
AJ is a friend of a friend but I am not trying to be bias on this one. Roach’s second studio album, Revelations, is due out any time now and this song is quickly moving up my top 25. Roach’s unique knack of storytelling and Appalachian roots, transposed into big city life blends powerful vocals and poetic observational lyrics. Look for his album, go get his first album, Dogwood Winter, and check out his website here. You will not be disappointed.