I haven’t thought about this. On a whim, I decided to write about ten songs I love, ten that really reach me in whatever way. At random. Whichever ten came to mind. So here they be;
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, 1981 – The Waiting – I’ve never been entirely sure what this song is about and I don’t want to find out because I already know the feeling… waiting… for whatever… and Tom owns that feeling in this song from “Hard Promises”. He’s never been better.
The Streets, 2004 – Dry Your Eyes – This one brings me as close to tears as any song ever has. If you’re wondering if hip-hop can be tender and affecting, here’s the answer. Mike Skinner’s desperate plea sounds so real that it’s scary. Devastating.
Dion, 1963 – This Little Girl – This groovin’ 45 fits right in with Dion’s early 60s string of self-penned “put down” singles, aimed at no-good women who’ve invariably done him wrong. Except for one thing – Carole King wrote it, after Dion, high as a kite, dared her to write him a song. Runaround Sue would be proud.
The Beach Boys, 1972 – Cuddle Up – Dennis Wilson had intended to use this bare love song for a solo project. The Boys were hard up for new material in light of Brian’s preference for eating cheeseburgers over writing songs, so they confiscated it for their “Carl And The Passions” album. Lucky us. Romance, elevated to musical euphoria. Glorious and timeless. Try cuddling up to it. The Ramones, 1977 – I Don’t Care -
The Ramones always put me in a good mood. They often get accused of being dumb, which they weren’t, and repetitive, which they were, but their spirit defined everything that’s great about rock & roll. Check these lyrics.
The verses;
“I don’t care I don’t care I don’t care about this world I don’t care about that girl I don’t care”
The bridge;
“I don’t care I don’t care I don’t care I don’t care I don’t care I don’t care”
And they get away with it! And Johnny never missed a down stroke.
Elvis Presley, 1966 – Tomorrow Is A Long Time – When Bob Dylan was asked which was his favourite interpretation of one of his songs, this was his answer. Elvis nails it with restraint and impeccable taste. Beautiful singing, without making a point of it. And The Colonel buried it on a cheesy movie soundtrack! This recording should have heralded Elvis’ ‘comeback’ three years before the Memphis sessions. Oh, what could have been…
Mary Gauthier, 2005 – I Drink – Abuse, fear, resignation. If it’s scary, it’s here. “Fish swim, birds fly, lovers leave by and by, old men sit and think… I drink”. This, friends, is the blues.
The Byrds, 1966 – Set You Free This Time – My favourite Byrds song, hands down. Gene Clark had a way with words, a style all his own, and a voice like no other. This failed single was released between “Turn Turn Turn” and “Eight Miles High”, and it didn’t stand a chance. It’s just too damn real. Someone was thinking WAY outside the box.
Jimmie Dale Gilmore, 1996 – Come Fly Away; “I saw you yonder, where soon the snows will cover there, where the columbine will grow then I saw something makes me know that I know nothing while high upon a steady wing, the wild geese make their way” …need I say more? And you should HEAR it!
Tish Hinojosa, 1992 – Closer Still – This one makes me MELT. It flows and flows. What a thoughtful and thought out arrangement. So brilliantly quiet. And that voice! Easily the sexiest song on this list. Meet me in San Antonio, Tish?
Source:
http://comeundonerecords.com/?p=176