This is my list, not based on fame or fortune...I know in sometime I will look back and regret some choices, but as of now I stand by these. Sometimes thereis more than a song than amazing solos or powerful meanings, sometimes a good song can just make you feel right.Jesus of Suburbia-Green Day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3fjjomRGD0
The rock ballad of my generation, well ya…this was released in 2004, so I would have been in grade 10. This 9 minute power jam sometimes finds it self on loop and max volume when I am alone in the house, yes…LOOP. I want to feel like I understand the song, but I was never the angsty teenage type, but I want to believe.
Everything is Automatic-Matthew Good Band http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij_Dg1KWDvc
The description says it all, the best song of 1997, what can I say. I remember watching MuchMusic as a youth and hearing the great tracks like this, then coming back years later hear them again (on the radio or what have you) and just to know you loved them all along.
99 Luftballons-Nena http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQYQTFudrqc
The 80’s to end all 80’s, this is a powerful jam indeed. First heard it when I bought this best of the 80’s collection (don’t ask, I was probably born in the wrong decade). I love this song, I dunno what is it…there is an English version so I do know what it’s about.
Lithium-Nirvana http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x698XNiV6T8
It was a toss between this and teen spirit, but this one came out on top. Spirit always seemed a lot more commercial to me (I do own a Kurt Cobain circa Teen Spirit action figure btw). This song seems so emotional, so powerful, it’s like I really get what he is saying…and knowing the end result, it doesn’t feel good. It’s like the whole song is a big lie.
I Won't Love 사랑안해 – Baek Ji Young http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWZ9nxqv_v4
Beautiful voice, I cannot stress that enough, I first heard this via live version, so check that out if you believe her voice is the product of the wonders of technology. I actually found this song via Youtube’s “you may also enjoy…” I have never been more grateful. The song is obviously sad in nature and Baek Ji Young needs no help in conveying the powerful message…whatever it may be. Korean is just really pretty to listen to.
In the air tonight-Phil Collins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDhf_0QtM10
Two words. DRUM SOLO. The very best Phil Collins has to offer. I own ‘No Jacket Required’ tape deck by the way. Rumours regarding the song’s meaning stretch farther than your large intestine. My understanding it is about his divorce, you really get that vibe. At first it’s hard, it’s a struggle, it’s depressing and you feel like there is nothing. This is conveyed via the essential LACK of any form of music. But when it is all said and done you are free, you can get on with your life and you feel the power that is liberation and freedom. Que drum solo. DADA ADADA ADA DAAAAAAAAAAA.
Orange Crush-R.E.M. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToVIlrfpBAA
It’s R.E.M. no one knows what its about half the time, you can thank Michael Stipe’s thesaurus and lyrical genius. Still this is definitely one of my pump up songs. Running hard? Throw on this bad boy and get jacked up. Either way the song is probably about the Vietnam conflict…ahh whatever it is just a really great track.
Earth Angel-Cover by Marvin Berry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGuUM6LMadw&feature=related
I know what you are thinking, what the fuck? This is a great song, a great great song. As a fresh faced youth watching ‘Back to the Future’ I fell in love. It is so beautiful, I do enjoy the Berry version over the original Penguins version just because of the added ending part. Makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Makes me wanna set up my mother and father to fall in love, you know because no King has ever amounted to anything in the history of Toronto, well history is gonna change. (Yes I had to).
38 years old-The Tragically Hip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbIZ1IuqCzU
The best part of a Hip track is the story often included. From beginning to the end you are submerged into another world and held there by the powerful band and dare I say even great vocals of Gordon Downie. “…they still stare at their shoes when they pass our place”. I know this part all too well.
With or Without You-U2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKdUQD4EBAQ
How could U2 not make a list like this? Come on. On the surface it seems like Bono sings about the love of a woman. I was always of a different stroke, to me he is singing about his religion and faith. Sometimes I guess he just can’t do it, with or without. Not to mention, BASELINE…the drums are pretty sick to, nice 8ths on the toms.
White Houses-Vanessa Carlton http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXNfpa-kc80&feature=related
Ah, the college experience I will never get. I love this song, since the day it came out and I saw it on Much More Music, to this day. Let’s not forget that beautiful piano…so much so even I learned how to play it.
She-Green Day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgumG6Oeg1w
Now this is Green Day, a quick power jam, fast and hard like punk was meant to be. Ya they may not be punk punk, but they are a pseudo if not like, semi-punk…at least they were. Look at this energy of this performance, it is amazing…true artists they are. Enough said.
Naveed-Our Lady Peace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mYQfrEe5iI
The nasally falsetto that made them famous. This is THE track which spawned it all, from a Criminology student at U of T (yeah) to the front man of an amazing band, Raine Maida forever remains in my mind a beacon of hope. Dare to dream. Oh ya, the song fucking rocks…what can I say, another day is gone.
One-Metallica http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXPkmIwwobA
Fuck yes, Justice for all…a SICK album, and I don’t use that word too often. This song starts amazing and gets even more amazing, is that even possible? Do you know how many times I have cranked my speakers to max and blasted this mother fucker? How many times my friends and I have done the same except driving in a car. Do you know the beating my floor has taken as I kick away to the double bass. Do you understand the plight of my thighs as I slap away to the snares. DO YOU? Listen, listen LOUD and if you don’t start rocking out…I am sorry, you aren’t human.
Jeremy-Pearl Jam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS91knuzoOA
Ahh man, I have sung this song at karaoke in a Fox and the Fiddle before at the top of my lungs, and I would do it again. This is probably Pearl Jam’s most known song, arguable for sure, but at least one of them. The message is clean and true. The vocals, that baritone gift from God we call Eddie Vedder. The band? Just as good. Based on a true story.
Bullet with Butterfly Wings- The Smashing Pumpkins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktff3bZpux8
Man, how I miss old pumpkins, it was either this or 1979, I am still unsure whether I made the right choice but both are powerful tracks. The drums in this? Top notch, they echo the fury, nay the rage, (get it) of Billy Corgan’s vocals. To be honest…the song has a strong message, often when I am angry I think about this, and I realized more than not, it’s futile and senseless.
Hungry like the wolf-Duran Duran http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJRCE6e2xIg
Another blast from the past. Even the Queen likes Duran Duran.
The rock ballad of my generation, well ya…this was released in 2004, so I would have been in grade 10. This 9 minute power jam sometimes finds it self on loop and max volume when I am alone in the house, yes…LOOP. I want to feel like I understand the song, but I was never the angsty teenage type, but I want to believe.
Everything is Automatic-Matthew Good Band http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij_Dg1KWDvc
The description says it all, the best song of 1997, what can I say. I remember watching MuchMusic as a youth and hearing the great tracks like this, then coming back years later hear them again (on the radio or what have you) and just to know you loved them all along.
99 Luftballons-Nena http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQYQTFudrqc
The 80’s to end all 80’s, this is a powerful jam indeed. First heard it when I bought this best of the 80’s collection (don’t ask, I was probably born in the wrong decade). I love this song, I dunno what is it…there is an English version so I do know what it’s about.
Lithium-Nirvana http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x698XNiV6T8
It was a toss between this and teen spirit, but this one came out on top. Spirit always seemed a lot more commercial to me (I do own a Kurt Cobain circa Teen Spirit action figure btw). This song seems so emotional, so powerful, it’s like I really get what he is saying…and knowing the end result, it doesn’t feel good. It’s like the whole song is a big lie.
I Won't Love 사랑안해 – Baek Ji Young http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWZ9nxqv_v4
Beautiful voice, I cannot stress that enough, I first heard this via live version, so check that out if you believe her voice is the product of the wonders of technology. I actually found this song via Youtube’s “you may also enjoy…” I have never been more grateful. The song is obviously sad in nature and Baek Ji Young needs no help in conveying the powerful message…whatever it may be. Korean is just really pretty to listen to.
In the air tonight-Phil Collins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDhf_0QtM10
Two words. DRUM SOLO. The very best Phil Collins has to offer. I own ‘No Jacket Required’ tape deck by the way. Rumours regarding the song’s meaning stretch farther than your large intestine. My understanding it is about his divorce, you really get that vibe. At first it’s hard, it’s a struggle, it’s depressing and you feel like there is nothing. This is conveyed via the essential LACK of any form of music. But when it is all said and done you are free, you can get on with your life and you feel the power that is liberation and freedom. Que drum solo. DADA ADADA ADA DAAAAAAAAAAA.
Orange Crush-R.E.M. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToVIlrfpBAA
It’s R.E.M. no one knows what its about half the time, you can thank Michael Stipe’s thesaurus and lyrical genius. Still this is definitely one of my pump up songs. Running hard? Throw on this bad boy and get jacked up. Either way the song is probably about the Vietnam conflict…ahh whatever it is just a really great track.
Earth Angel-Cover by Marvin Berry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGuUM6LMadw&feature=related
I know what you are thinking, what the fuck? This is a great song, a great great song. As a fresh faced youth watching ‘Back to the Future’ I fell in love. It is so beautiful, I do enjoy the Berry version over the original Penguins version just because of the added ending part. Makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Makes me wanna set up my mother and father to fall in love, you know because no King has ever amounted to anything in the history of Toronto, well history is gonna change. (Yes I had to).
38 years old-The Tragically Hip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbIZ1IuqCzU
The best part of a Hip track is the story often included. From beginning to the end you are submerged into another world and held there by the powerful band and dare I say even great vocals of Gordon Downie. “…they still stare at their shoes when they pass our place”. I know this part all too well.
With or Without You-U2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKdUQD4EBAQ
How could U2 not make a list like this? Come on. On the surface it seems like Bono sings about the love of a woman. I was always of a different stroke, to me he is singing about his religion and faith. Sometimes I guess he just can’t do it, with or without. Not to mention, BASELINE…the drums are pretty sick to, nice 8ths on the toms.
White Houses-Vanessa Carlton http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXNfpa-kc80&feature=related
Ah, the college experience I will never get. I love this song, since the day it came out and I saw it on Much More Music, to this day. Let’s not forget that beautiful piano…so much so even I learned how to play it.
She-Green Day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgumG6Oeg1w
Now this is Green Day, a quick power jam, fast and hard like punk was meant to be. Ya they may not be punk punk, but they are a pseudo if not like, semi-punk…at least they were. Look at this energy of this performance, it is amazing…true artists they are. Enough said.
Naveed-Our Lady Peace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mYQfrEe5iI
The nasally falsetto that made them famous. This is THE track which spawned it all, from a Criminology student at U of T (yeah) to the front man of an amazing band, Raine Maida forever remains in my mind a beacon of hope. Dare to dream. Oh ya, the song fucking rocks…what can I say, another day is gone.
One-Metallica http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXPkmIwwobA
Fuck yes, Justice for all…a SICK album, and I don’t use that word too often. This song starts amazing and gets even more amazing, is that even possible? Do you know how many times I have cranked my speakers to max and blasted this mother fucker? How many times my friends and I have done the same except driving in a car. Do you know the beating my floor has taken as I kick away to the double bass. Do you understand the plight of my thighs as I slap away to the snares. DO YOU? Listen, listen LOUD and if you don’t start rocking out…I am sorry, you aren’t human.
Jeremy-Pearl Jam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS91knuzoOA
Ahh man, I have sung this song at karaoke in a Fox and the Fiddle before at the top of my lungs, and I would do it again. This is probably Pearl Jam’s most known song, arguable for sure, but at least one of them. The message is clean and true. The vocals, that baritone gift from God we call Eddie Vedder. The band? Just as good. Based on a true story.
Bullet with Butterfly Wings- The Smashing Pumpkins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktff3bZpux8
Man, how I miss old pumpkins, it was either this or 1979, I am still unsure whether I made the right choice but both are powerful tracks. The drums in this? Top notch, they echo the fury, nay the rage, (get it) of Billy Corgan’s vocals. To be honest…the song has a strong message, often when I am angry I think about this, and I realized more than not, it’s futile and senseless.
Hungry like the wolf-Duran Duran http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJRCE6e2xIg
Another blast from the past. Even the Queen likes Duran Duran.
馬德里不思議-Jolin Tsai http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd-MCDOj6oM&feature=related
Come on…this is a fun song, probably one of the only good memories of I have of that ex. Being the Chinese fob she was, she uploaded many Chinese songs to my Ipod, in fact I blame her for my now wide appreciation of the genre. I digress, I can’t help but listen to this mando-pop piece and smile the whole way through. The intro? Priceless, I love the up and down effect she does with her voice, it like builds up to something, then brings it back down…love it. Funny story about this song actually, it involves me, Calculus, and humming this song in front of my entire class. Awkward.
チャットモンチー - ヒラヒラヒラク秘密ノ扉http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxFmfj00R6s
So much energy from three girls. Props. Instrumentals, great…namely the drums for this track, but the back up vocals certainly add a lot I cannot lie. What sells it is the lead vocals, her voice is powerful, commanding, and maybe even intimidating at times…not to mention it sounds great. I have no clue, none, what this song about. I always assumed it was about her car. I honestly from the bottom of my heart believe that.
My Music at Work- The Tragically Hip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSQbLYz_Gtk&feature=fvw
I have fond memories of listening to this song with Steve Cawthorne in his car on the way to their cottage. I never decided whether it was his music at work, that is to say the music as he works/does his job. Or is it some action or outcome the result of the music he has created. Watch the video, when he returns to sit as his desk…that’s what a man looks like. The look on his face. Priceless.
Nautical Disaster-The Tragically Hip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8Fi46BFAF0
One word, intro…powerful shit…scratch that, two words, intro and end…they both rock…fuck that, the whole thing is great. It starts calm, mellow, you really get into it, then just like a disaster can strike out of the blue, the track gets a lot harder, a lot faster…it carries you through, until the end when there is nothing, nothing but the sound of the band playing in harmony, a beautifully crafted piece. There are no words, no need for words…some things, like an accident, disaster or break up just cannot be explained away.
Cars-Gary Numan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ldyx3KHOFXw
This is the song which inspired me to finally go out and get my licence. I mean this is how I always pictured driving, the truth is much less glamorous, much more dangerous, and a lot less catchy. Some might say Gary Numan was ahead of his time, a piece like this in 1979? I don’t know, I’m not a math surgeon. What I do know is this song has solid vocals which hook you in and then amazing synth to close. Synth was new at the time and essentially revolutionary, with that in mind you have to consider just how powerful the track is. Gary creates vivid images for the listener, it’s how I imagined being a driver would always be. Youth.
銀色ドレスGin'Iro No Dress- Hiroko Moriguchi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkc5RNH8AHs
I am surprised as you to see a song from an anime here, (well I don’t think it was originally from one but who cares, that is where I heard it) but I must be true to my feelings and report what I feel our my favourite songs. This was the title track on the special edition Zeta Gundam DVD releases. I can tell you with honesty there were times where I would just leave that DVD menu up to hear it over and over again. I am happy to say Moriguchi’s vocals have stood the test of time, considering the piece was made in the 80’s and this video is from the 2000’s. From what I can gather from the credits the song is called ‘Silver Coloured Dress’ and like the numerous other non-English pieces on this list I have no idea what is said, part of the fun I think, let’s you really appreciate vocals and music in general over some message or convoluted meaning. I digress, the only time I can think of anyone wearing a silver dress, or even close…a white dress? Would be their wedding day, and how can that be anything but magical and beautiful?
Cum on Feel the noise-Quiet Riot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW2J_UZ8lQU&feature=PlayList&p=D592FA16892669A4&index=0
I was sitting in Calculus in my first year of university reading the Metro when I heard of Kevin DuBrow’s passing. It’s hard to explain how I felt, I had no connection with this man be it personal or spiritual, the only bond we shared was a song, this song. That night I went home and I must have listened to this 10 times, at least. This is 80’s hair metal at its finest. No contest. The track is powerful, pumps you up, and really makes you want to feel the noise.
Yellow Ledbetter-Pearl Jam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs8y3kneqrs
The quintessential Pearl Jam track, hard to believe it was on Jeremy B-side…This is hands down my favourite Peal Jam song, no contest, no debate, no second thoughts, nothing…this is it. There are more versions of this than I can remember, the lyrics change and evolve with the times as does the band and the man who delivers them. Overall the meaning is this: A man name Tim Ledbetter has a brother who goes to war, Gulf war at the time of recording and dies. Tim receives a letter notifying him of his death, it’s a yellow coloured letter. Tim is devastated, he still sees his brother everyday, he doesn’t even want to feel this way again. One day him and Eddie go for a walk and pass by an American flag on a porch with some eldery people present. Tim salutes the flag, but due to his unkempt appearance (it was the 90’s and it was grunge) the people disregard him. They will never know what Tim gave for the country.
Eddie powerfully captures the emotions of the whole ordeal, you really feel like it is you who lost someone close to you, you know that pain. On those days when I think about the people no longer in my life, I listen to this song, it reminds me that there are others out there who know what it’s like…who know that they’ll ‘never see their brother alive again, oh no…’. I can tell you this, many is the day I am sitting on an empty(for the most part) bus/subway and I will just belt out this song, sometimes I just don’t care what people think of me, it’s rare but it happens.
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