Guys, this series has just started. And I am getting all sorts of interesting messages already. Am glad, because it shows that people are seeing the stuff. What’s interesting: I have been inundated with thoughts and suggestions on which bands to include, why, and so on.
Thanks for your advice, guys. Hopefully, I will be able to find space for your preferences as I go along. Just in case you think that ten thousand songs is a hell of a lot, well, the fact is, it is not. So, what you think is an inevitable addition might be left out, this series being governed by personal likes and dislikes to a great extent.
Some more stuff. That is, ten more songs.
Watching the wheels, John Lennon: This song was inspired by John Lennon’s experience as a ‘house husband’ when he stayed away from work to look after Sean, his son. And, it was released after Lennon’s assassination. All of us know that the ex-Beatle had written innumerable memorable tracks by then. But hear this if you haven’t. It might make you rewrite your list of Lennon favourites.
Rude awakening, Bill Medley: He is one half of The Righteous Brothers. And, he did this track for the motion picture by the same name. To be heard because of solid performance, and of course, great lyrics.
Voodoo Chile, The Jimi Hendrix Experience: This song emerged from Catfish Blues, Hendrix’s homage to Muddy Waters. It is the longest ever studio recording by Hendrix, and must be heard for the various styles of blues (right from BB King to Delta Blues) that Hendrix incorporates in the performance. I am aware that the critics of Hendrix have problems with his musical pomposity. But I love him for that. Just that.
Watching TV, Roger Waters (with Don Henley): How did the media make an impact on the Chinese protests for democracy in Tiananmen Square? Through his concept album titled Amused to Death, Waters sought to address this question with this particular song. The lyrics may not be great, but the overall feel of the song shook me up alright.
Candle in the wind, Elton John: This one, a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, should be on anybody’s list. Or, so I would like to believe. Great singing, good writing by Bernie Taupin, lovely melody: what more can you ask for? What I did not like, however, is the way John tinkered with the track to offer a tribute to Princess Diana. Simply not done.
Imagine, John Lennon: Philosophical, straight from the heart. Lennon inhabited a dreamer’s world when he came up with this one. Won’t be surprised if the song outlives many Beatles classics.
What’s up, 4 Non Blondes: The only studio album released by this alternative rock band, and it was called Bigger, Better, Faster, More. What’s up, a track from BBFM, is a classic example of how good these girls were, and suggests what all they could have achieved had they stayed together.
Two princes, Spin Doctors: When I heard this track for the first time, the rhythms swept me off my feet. It took me several days before the reality sunk in. Yes, these ‘docs’ were outstanding in this particular alternative rock track. Deserves to be in your list if it isn’t there already.
Song Sung Blue, Neil Diamond: What vocal depth, and how adorably simple songwriting. What is special about this one is that Diamond didn’t try too hard. But what he did, he did most brilliantly.
Jailhouse rock, Elvis Presley: The first Elvis entry and, I must confess, possibly a much delayed one. The song has been recorded by everyone right from Motley Crue to John Cougar Mellencamp. But the version by Elvis is certainly the best of them all. And, even now, this rock and roll cut continues to rule.
Wrapped Around Your Finger, The Police: A song from Synchronicity, the last studio album recorded by the band. To be heard for the literary references, if you give a damn, and for sheer compositional genius if you don’t. The video, honestly, is almost as good.
Songs are meant to be enjoyed, aren’t they? That is why I have decided to break all genre-specific boundaries as I work on this series.
Hope you are liking it. I certainly am.
4 comments:
I think Time was the best thing Floyd did. Are you going to include that? Other songs from Floyd will be appreciated. Cheers
Did not know Motley Crue sang Jailhouse Rock. Thanks for the info.
some of them were available in my iTunes....rest are certainly going into it asap....
enjoy:)
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