Soundtrack to My Life

     My original idea, tonight, was to create my own celebrity playlist. On the iTunes music store, several movie stars and other musical artists create their own mixes for you to purchase. Each of them have different criteria for their playlist, and after spending about 15 minutes working on my own playlist, I realized that this task is next to impossible, and I too must implement some criteria. There are far too many great songs in my life that it would be a complete travesty to exclude a single one. So here are a few constraints I put on myself. Some of them are ridiculous, but I had no choice in order to narrow this list down.

-These are songs from my life. Anything recorded before my birth is off limits.
-I have removed several genres from the list (Jazz, Country, Opera) - which hurts
-I must personally own a copy of the recorded song
-With a couple of exceptions, I have been familiar with these songs or artists for at least 5 years

The first rule will be the hardest to abide by (no Dylan, Beatles, Marley, etc...), but I will do my best. It will be hard not to include any Zep, but a rule's a rule.

This song-list is by no means the best each artist has to offer necesarily. These are songs that mean something to me for one reason or another, they are my favorite, or they just simply rock and make me feel good (or bad or emotional in one way or another). Some are must-haves for all, some are little known gems, and some are what they are. Even with the above constraints, I was forced to make a 2-disc set. This is NOT a Top 10 list! I list the name of the song, then the artist, then album, then a brief explanation. I like to call it the soundtrack to my life.

"In a Daydream"    The Freddy Jones Band (Waiting for the Night) - Almost certainly my favorite song of all time. The vocals are clean, the crisp quick strumming of the rhythm guitar, with a soaring sweet whine in the background. The drum beat is quick and tight, and by far the best part of the song being the amazingly fantastic sound of the guitar solo; the best use of a delay pedal ever. The entire song crescendos at the end with a culmination of all these sounds intertwined like a silk rainbow. As cheesy as it sounds, I can turn up this song, close my eyes, and get goosebumps every time. The adrenaline rushes smoothly, and I almost feel like I'm flying, as evidenced by the slight tear drop.

"My Morning Song"     The Black Crowes (The Southern Harmony & Musical Companion) - arguably my favorite album of all time all comes together at the end with this amazing song of how music can truly set your soul free. Gritty and dirty, this southern rock monster brings the entire album to a crescendo ending. It represents all that is the greatness of The Black Crowes. Just from the breakdown at the 3-minute mark to the end, it stands on its own. From Chris' unique "poetry," to Rich's rough riffs with the slide, to Marc's rockin' the frets, to the "phat" gospel singers for back-up, it's another one that makes me shudder with that oh so fresh feeling.

"Surfin' USA"    The Beach Boys (back then they were released as singles) - OK, I broke my first rule right away, but this is probably the song that got me into popular music. My parents played The Beach Boys all the time, and I absorbed it quickly and easily. Several different sounds in this song; including the boys' thick multi-layered vocals. The rich sound of that opening guitar riff sucks you in immediately, and dreams of the hot California beach fill your head. "Tell the teacher we're surfin' "...great line.

"Round Here"     Counting Crows (August & Everything After) - I remember hearing this one on a rainy afternoon in a van coming home from a camping trip. It's just so pretty that I couldn't help listen to the entire album. Since that day, it has become a staple of rainy day albums and easily in my top 5 of all time. The warm guitar sounds and Adam Duritz' voice is so bad its great. With so many great songs, this is the one that really got me hooked.

"Three Days"    Jane's Addiction (Ritual de lo Habitual) - Dark, mysterious, sad, bordering on creepy; it slowly blends into a melodic little ditty, which with one huge power chord traverses into a hard Jane's signature rock song. At over 10 minutes long, it could be my favorite Jane's song. Not for everyone, but anyone who loves the Addiction knows this is a fan favorite. Barely audible in the background through approximately the first 3 minutes is a strange poem being read by Ferrel. Adds a little extra something.

"Taking Us Home"    The Samples (No Room) - With a little reggae mixed with a beach
boy-esqe fun-in-the-sun attitude, The Samples are one of those truly unique sounding bands. Taking Us Home is the final song of one of two albums that encompassed my senior year of high school. Another track from the album was actually my class' graduation song. It must be heard to be understood and appreciated. An absolute must album for cruising the lakes of Minneapolis in the heat of summer when I was 18. With one of my favorite drummers ever, it's simply just a great tune, and I ended many mixes with "Taking Us Home."

"Pass the Mic"    The Beastie Boys (Check Your Head) - Bringing out a new sound that ultimately became their signature, The Beastie Boys brought down the proverbial house with this kick-ass beat, deep gangsta bass, turnin-the-tables, rhyme scheme. After a successful preceding album, they finally had the money to do what they wanted, without the "rules" from the record company. It shows in this fun album that broke boundaries in the hip-hop world. Just the fact that I generally can't stand the hip-hop genre, and this is the only song on my list from that genre says boatloads about this song, album, and artist. Word!

"Life Loves a Tragedy"     Poison (Flesh & Blood) - If you're done laughing, I had to include a Posion song in this list. Poison got me through junior high. Easily the worst and most difficult time in my life. Everybody's heard the radio hits from Poison; like "Every Rose has its Thorn," "Talk Dirty to Me," etc.. But I wanted to include a lesser known song that is actually really good, and that I can still sit down and enjoy. Another good one is "Ride the Wind" (if you know where to look I'm in the video). But I chose this one because it reminds me of tough times, and how I felt so much better after ingesting a little Poison.

"Pour Some Sugar on Me"     Def Leppard (Hysteria) - Easily the best hair band album of all time that went I don't know how many times platinum. One of those rare albums in which every song is great. Catchy, melodic, flowing, rockin, everything that was the 80's was epitomized in Hysteria, and "Sugar" epitomized the album. Turn it up to 10 and rip the knob off as MTV would say. I could never get enough of this song. It was also the only thing that made "Coyote Ugly" worth seeing (well, almost the only thing). All of this done with only one arm on drums... simply stunning.

"Shot Shot"    Gomez (In Our Gun) - Nothing overly special really. Just a great band that has changed me musically recently. I started listening to these guys about 3 years ago, (rule break #2...sorry) and really got into them within the last year or so after seeing them live. They have easily been my favorite band of the past year, and I have been listening to them constantly. I'm upset that this particular song recently appeared in a car commercial, but hey, we all gotta pay the rent. Fantastic band with a unique and melodic sound of various instruments and electronic usage. Two distinct vocal leaders converge to create UK harmony of the sweetest kind. Check this out if you're tired of the same old same old.

"Grace, Too"    The Tragically Hip (Day for Night) - The best thing to ever come down the pipe from Canadasince LaBatts. I can't say enough about the enormity of this band. Gord Downie's vocals are on par with Bono. The lyrics (I usually could care less) could be the equivalent of a bible for a world religion they are so stunning and unique. Straight up power chords, with killer bass riffs and these amazing vocals will astound you. I admit it took me a while to warm up to these guys, but I honestly don't know what took me so long. They almost single handedly burst First Avenue into flames they were so warm. Literally. It was almost 400 degrees kelvin in that place, and everyone was moving. "Grace, Too" would easily be on my top ten list of track #1's.

"Fields of Gold"     Sting (Ten Summoner's Tales) - Soft and smooth. Sting is the man. Everything he sings is easy to picture in your head, and it is all good. Once named sexiest man alive by People magazine, Sting shows why through his music. Great make-out song, but you have to be on a hand-sewn quilt out in a field with the sun slightly down in the horizon. An easy 70 degrees, and small bundles of cotton from the cotton trees are floating around aimlessly, and in the distance, a loon calls from the nearby lake. All of this goes through my mind only from about 10 seconds of this song.

"Thriller"   Michael Jackson (Thriller) - Regardless of how you feel about MJ, this album set the bar for pop music. Still #1 in sales, it is considered to be the greatest album of all time by many people. The video is still easily the best ever, and the song is what it is: a masterpiece. Oow!

"Bouncin' Round the Room"    Phish (Lawn Boy) - Although I originally heard this song on their "A Live One" (obviously live) album, it was what originally got me into the only jam band I still really love...Phish. The name alone demands respect. I chose this song cause it's an earlier tune that showcases all of the bands strengths. The sweet melodies they are capable of, their dynamic sound, and their obvious devotion and creative intuitivness that makes them what they are... astounding. Although I recommend the live version of this song (and all of Phish's songs for that matter), this is a personal favorite, and like I said, it was what originally showed me their sound and appeal.

"November Rain"    Guns n' Roses (Use Your Illusion vol. I) - Though there are so many great GnR songs, I chose this one for it's difference. The true bad boys of rock tone it down a notch to create what I think, is the most beautiful hard rock song ever. Examine: the strangely well done piano work of Rose, the full symphony orchestra highlighted by the flute soloist. A beautiful choir providing back-up. And quite possibly my favorite guitar solo of all time. Slash literally makes his guitar sound as though it is weeping. The tones are so magnificently ear-soothing that I can hardly describe it with words. It is sheer emotion pouring out of my speakers. I can't listen to this song in my car, because I can't help but close my eyes to enjoy the pure energy that I derive from this song. Power chords, an orchestrated score worthy of a Spielberg film, and that devilishly sad and angry ending. Without this song, I doubt the Use Your Illusion albums would have done half as well as they did. Another masterpiece.

"Comfortably Numb"    Pink Floyd (The Wall) - This is my favorite band of all time. There isn't a song I like the most, so I just picked the most obvious. One of the things that I like best about Pink Floyd is the arangement of so many of their songs. They start a tune with darkness, dread, even discombobulation. Just when you think you're not really into the song, and are about to switch CDs or change the radio station, they break loose with this nothing short of amazing, melodic chorus that literally sweeps the crowd off their collective feet. Comfortably Numb is no exception. When those violins kick in, you know you're in for something special. Although "The Wall" is easily one of my favorite albums of all time, I recommend hearing this song on one of their live albums like "Delicate Sound of Thunder" or "Pulse." Did I mention David Gimour's guitar sound? No? Well, let me mention it. David Gilmour's solo in this song is one of his best. I would kiss the man's feet in exchange for the pleasure of hearing only 1 minute of his live performance. P.S. I'd love to include "Echoes," but it's so long, it would take up the whole CD.

"Ants Marching"    Dave Matthews Band (Under the Table and Dreaming) - The DMB is one of my top 5 bands of all time. At their concerts, I was always pissed at the stupid teenie-bopper girls for yelling "play Ants Marching!" We all knew it was their signature song and they would play it at the end, but secretly, I wanted to hear it too. Anyway, I was introduced to these guys my first year at college. The drummer quickly became my hero. If I'm not mistaken, it was the first band that I truly loved that didn't include an electric guitar, but did include a fiddle player. I would play this song four or more times in a row driving back and forth from college to home (to steal food) and sing til my throat hurt. This is only one of two really big bands that I've seen live multiple times. Although there are many great songs by DMB, this is their signature song, and the track I always went to first.

"Mayonaise"     Smashing Pumpkins (Siamese Dream) - Mayonaise shows what The Smashing Pumpkins are all about. Distortion free guitar picking intros, then their awesomely mixed to perfection distortion-laden power chords slammed at you just at the right moment. Possibly the coolest use of feedback ever, and another one of my favorite drummers. I can never pick my favorite song on this album, but Mayonaise is always part of the silent discussion in my head. Again, if you don't own this album, you're sick. But don't worry, just call me and I'll cure you by sending you a copy. I've made back-ups.

"Pride (In the Name of Love)"     U2 (Rattle & Hum) - Uh... it's U2 silly. Of course they're on the list. I can't say much more. Bono rocks. Hear the music we all know in your head and let's remember this piece of greatness:

"One man caught on a barbed wire fence, one man he resists...
One man washed on an empty beach, one man betrayed with a kiss...
In the name of love

Early morning, April four, shot rings out in the Memphis sky...
Free at last! The took your life, they could not take your pride...

In the name of love...."

"Alive"    Pearl Jam (Ten) - The other aforementioned album that helped make my senior year. To hell with over-rated Nirvana. They don't even compare. In my mind, it was Pearl Jam that brought out everyhting that was good about the seattle sound. A truly original sound that helped bring the world up from its knees of the soul-lessness of which we now call hairband rock. I won't prattle, cause everyone knows this song. That's why it's here. It charges me up still, and everyone loves it. If you don't own this album, I don't know you.

"Fade into You"     Mazzy Star (So Tonight that I Might See) - Hauntingly beautiful and soft. Helped me sleep soundly many a cold winter night. Slightly goth without the edge, almost a whisper of a song. Just a strumming acoustic guitar, a tamborine beat, and the occasional sighing slide guitar in the background. The title really emphasizes the feel of the song. It something different that I can listen to curled up in bed at night.

"Eat It"    "Weird" Al Yankovic (In 3-D) - A parody of Michael Jackson's "Beat It," I hesitated to include it in the list, but I own 9 of Al's albums for a reason. The man is simply a genius. He may not be "cool," but he makes more money than anyone reading this blog, and he probably has more fun at his job than you too. Without words, you'd never be able to tell the difference between the original and Al's parodies. The lyrics are hilarious, and only a genius could come up with them. Unbeknownst to many, half of his albums are all original songs that Al wrote himself. His concerts are a full production. Costumes, dancers, even a hearing impaired sign language interpreter. To top it off, he's earned 2 grammy's and 8 nominations (not easy to come by). Notoriously, most geniuses are also insane, and fortunately Al is no exception.

"Scenes From An Italian Restaurant"     Billy Joel (The Stranger) - Arguably the best Billy Joel album, this song showcases Joel's amazing ability on the keys, and gives off an Italian red wine aroma. With the use of an accordian to give it that mama mia sound. Which then gives way for a rag-time romp complete with the trombone and clarinet. The song also tells a great story. Winds down with the same arrangement as the beginning. My favorite song from a living legend. Saw him with Elton John. I was expecting a lot form John, but Billy blew him away. Doing backflips off of a grand-piano at age 50 is pretty impressive.

"Flutes of Chi"    Ween (White Pepper) - This is not for everybody, but the first time I heard Ween I was hooked. This album made my summer that year, and "Flutes of Chi" is one of the best. You either love em or hate em. Even if you love 'em, not all their songs are great. But there are many that are. It's a tough band to explain. Weird, psychodelic, sometimes bright, sometimes nonsensical, sometimes, poppy, sometimes heavy metal, sometimes country, always entertaining.

"For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)"     AC/DC (Who Made Who) - Although they definitely went down-hill after Bon Scott died, this is a band that truly rocks. No friggin make-up. No big hair. Just straight up old-school, raw rock n roll that really kicks large amounts of ass. I actually considered buying some Coors light just because this song was in the commercial. I've recently rekindled my relationship with AC/DC, and I've realized what I've been missing for years. The scratchier, Australian Robert Plant voice adds so much to the lost art of hard-rock ass-kicking. "Stand up and be counted. For what you are about to receive!"


Well, that's it. I love feedback, but ripping me apart would suck because these kinds of things are very difficult to put together. It's all opinion anyway. Again, there are so many songs that are "better" than many of these, but many of these are situational in nature and depend on mood. When I'm not so tired, I will provide links to download these songs later.

Keep on rockin' in the free world!