Welcome to my first blog for Novusradio.com Usually my work is on the podcasting section of the website, but every now and then I would like to share a random blog with you. So since this is my first blog, I feel that it is appropriate to write about something pertaining to music, since I am such a huge music fan. On a recent edition of The Rough Draft (Season 1 Episode 5) Kevin, Tony, and I had a discussion about music, namely music that we feel is truly important and artistic. So it got me thinking of songs that I think are important and artistic. Below is my list of my favorite 15 songs. Just a warning my list is always changing so please don’t hold me to it.
15. Coldplay: A Rush of Blood to the Head. Off of Coldplay’s 2002 album of the same name, the song describes a man setting fire to a building, starting war, and other violent acts. As I listen to the song, images of George Orwell’s novel 1984 pop into my head. Written after 9/11 and before the US invasion of Iraq, this song captures the unique political attitude of the time period.
14. Johnny Cash: I Walk the Line. A brilliant story about how love helps keep an individual on the right path. Cash was a master storyteller, and this song is one of the best examples of this skill.
13. Muse: Map of the Problematique. The best adjective I can think of to describe this song is epic. It sounds big. From the opening notes to the tremendous drum solo, and Matt Bellamy’s lyrics about fear and panic in the air, there is so much happening. Truly epic song writing.
12. Simon and Garfunkel: Bookends. This is one of those rare songs that perfectly captures the emotion of true sadness. The heartbreaking lyrics of Paul Simon are something everyone can relate to. I just wish this song were longer than 1:24.
11. Arcade Fire: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels). I am an indie rock fan. I believe that this is the best and most interesting genre of music out in the world today. This is the band and this is the song that got me into indie rock. This song tells an interesting story about two individuals running away together in the snow, beginning a new life and forgetting their past lives.
10. Beck: Missing. Beck is one of those artists that reinvents himself with every album he does. From 70s funk to 90s alternative to acoustic, Beck has done it all. This song is one of his best focusing on a search for something you have lost. Beauty in simplicity.
9. The Beatles: In My Life. I don’t need to say anything more. Just go and listen to the song. You can thank me later.
8. The Flaming Lips: Fight Song. I don’t know about you, but whenever I listen to a Flaming Lips song or album, it always feels like a sci-fi novel or a comic book are coming to life. There isn’t another band out there that sounds like them and this is a perfect example. Off of their 2003 masterpiece Yoshmi Battles the Pink Robots, this song perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the album.
7. Radiohead: Idioteque. The best way I can describe this song and the album Kid A, is it’s an album of incomplete thoughts. Yet Radiohead is able to pull you in with a truly unique sound.
6. John Lennon: Watching The Wheels. On Double Fantasy, it describes the state of mind Lennon was in right before he was murdered. Truly content with watching the little things in life happening around him, and how that is were true living is. This song becomes very sad, because of his untimely death.
5. The Beatles: Dear Prudence. Written in 1968 while learning meditation, this song was written to get Mia Farrow’s sister to come out of her room and join the fun. It’s also one of the best illustrations of the genius of Ringo Starr’s drumming. It’s towards the end of the song, just sit back and enjoy.
4. William Elliott Whitmore. If I were asked to put one song in a time capsule to represent American music of the 2000s, I would pick this song. Whitmore describes a visit he had with a blackbird and how it brought him closer to nature. If you are a fan of Johnny Cash, Tom Waits, or Leonard Cohen, you owe it to yourself to check out William Elliott Whitmore.
3. Nirvana: All Apologies. Quiet possibly Nirvana’s best song; it shows how Kurt Cobain’s song writing was evolving. This song takes on a whole another meaning after Cobain’s sudden death.
2. The Beach Boys: Sloop John B. Off of Pet Sounds, this song showcases the amazing harmonizing skills of the Beach Boys. After listening to the song, I realized how harmonizing can enhance a song.
1. The Beatles: Across the Universe. I think this is the greatest song ever written and if you don’t, well those are fighting words. The lyrics discuss the vastness and the spirituality of the universe. Also the way Lennon quietly sings the song, it gives me chills every time I hear it. It’s one of those songs that has changed the world forever.
