By Mark Pukalo
Dick Clark couldn’t have
said it any better.
“Music is the soundtrack of
our lives.”
Working on this project of
rating the best and most influential songs in my lifetime brought back so many great
memories. It was an enjoyable journey, and I learned a lot while researching
the songs and artists listed in the top 350. If I could change anything, I
might go back and redo the bottom 50. Maybe I’ll add 400-351 at some point down
the road for fun.
No one will agree with
everything. Music can be very personal. But I’ve always loved sharing good songs
with others, because that is how my interest grew. So, hopefully, out of the
hundreds of tunes mentioned and displayed on twitter or facebook, a few were added
to ipods of friends or followers.
Now I have to start another
list, eh? LOL. Top 50 albums of all time? Maybe in one blog. Top 100 movie
lines or scenes of all time? Love to do it, but it would be very difficult. We’ll
see.
For now, this is it. Here’s
a reprise of the final 107. Thanks to all that added likes and comments!
107. Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve. … A very well-written and
orchestrated tune from a group that has some un-realized potential. “Try to
make ends meet, you’re a slave to money, then you die.”
106. Train in Vain – The Clash. … The English punk rockers made a lasting influence on music even though
they were not at their peak for very long, especially with this tune.
105. Cruel to be Kind – Nick Lowe. … The operative words are “in the
right measure” to make this song politically correct. The pop-rocker from the
UK co-wrote and released this catchy tune in 1979 while Letters to Cleo did a
nifty cover for the likeable movie “10 Things I Hate About You.”
104. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana. … The late Kurt Cobain
apparently changed his explanation of the lyrics many times, but the song just
rocks no matter how you interpret it.
103. I Don’t Like Mondays – Boomtown Rats. … Bob Geldof reportedly wrote
this song in 1979 after seeing the news of a senseless school shooting in San
Diego by a 16-year-old girl. A sad song with a message that resonates today.
102. Barely Breathing – Duncan Sheik. … The Jersey-born artist, who went
to Brown University, released this melodic tune in 1996 and later won a pair of
Tony Awards to go along with a Grammy.
101. Spread your wings – Queen. … Bassist John Deacon wrote this tune
from the nifty album “News of the World” about a young man named Sammy, who
sweeps the floor at “the Emerald Bar” with an eye toward the future. “Knew it
was time, he’d made up his mind, to leave his dead life behind.”
100. Is She Really Goin’ Out With Him? – Joe Jackson. … The angry, but
humorous and accurate, Single Man’s Anthem from a brilliant English artist who
probably should have had several more songs on the list. “Pretty women out
walking with gorillas down my street.”
99. Follow You, Follow Me – Genesis. … The English group produced many
solid, memorable songs including “Misunderstanding” and this easy-going,
heartfelt tune is my favorite. Could be played at weddings.
98. Rockin’ in the Free World – Neil Young. … The “King of Distortion”
and San Jose Sharks fan’s song is kinda all over the map with a message of
anti-war and social injustice along with Middle East hate toward American
freedom. But it freaking rocks and Trump is not authorized to use it.
97. Goodbye to you – Patty Smyth & Scandal. … John McEnroe’s wife
owns one of my favorite voices and she put out some great music, whether in a
group or solo. This dance number is her most memorable. “Bye Bye Baby.”
96. Message in a Bottle – The Police. … An S.O.S is answered. Sting
told Q Magazine of this song, “I like
the idea that while it's about loneliness and alienation it's also about
finding solace and other people going through the same thing.” One of those
tunes that comes alive, when it is played live.
95. Way Down Now – World Party. … Karl Wallinger is performing again
after suffering an aneurysm that kept him away several years. He produced some
amazing music for what was basically his solo project, including this cheeky,
well-written tune.
94. Undun – The Guess Who. … Lester Bangs said of this band; “. … They
had the courage to be drunken buffoons, which makes them poetic.” Burton
Cummings’ tremendous voice led the way for a group that recorded some great
music, led by this catchy tune.
93. Speed of Sound – Coldplay. … Unless your list of musical geniuses
is very small, Chris Martin belongs on it. Martin said this smooth tune with
some great piano work was inspired by his daughter Apple, the first of his two
children with actress Gwyneth Paltrow, and artist Kate Bush’s sound.
92. No Such Thing – John Mayer. … The debut single in 2002 for the
versatile Bridgeport, Connecticut-born, Fairfield-raised, artist takes on high
school guidance counselors. “They love to tell you, stay inside the lines. But
something’s better, on the other side.” He has certainly showed them.
91. For You – The Outfield. … The Manchester, England-based trio,
originally called the Baseball Boys, was actually more popular in the U.S. than
in their homeland and Tony Lewis’ distinctive voice is their signature. This
one stands out to me among their many solid pop/rock tunes.
90. Space Oddity – David Bowie. … “Ground Control to Major Tom.” The
unique rock classic about a fictional astronaut floating in a most peculiar
way, “far above the moon” was released nine days before Apollo 11 landed in
1969.
89. Sara Smile – Hall & Oates. … Daryl Hall wrote this moving,
soulful tune about his long-time girlfriend, or perhaps my first crush? It was
ranked No. 11 on the Billboard chart for the year 1976.
88. I want to hold your hand – The Beatles. … Paul and John wrote this
classic in 1963 and it became the Fab Four’s first No. 1 hit in America just
after my first birthday. “And when I touch you I feel happy inside. It’s such a
feeling that my love, I can’t hide.” Always thought it was “I get high.”
87. Betcha By Golly, Wow – The Stylistics. … The Philadelphia group is
my favorite from this genre, led by the magical voice of the great Russell
Thompkins Jr. The beautiful love song was apparently first recorded by Connie
Stevens, but never sounded better than when Russell sang, “If I could, I’d
catch a falling star. To shine on you, so I’ll know where you are.”
86. Rhiannon – Fleetwood Mac. … Stevie Nicks displays her powerful
voice and Lindsey Buckingham jams in a song about an old Welsh Witch. “Taken by
the sky. Dreams unwind. Love’s a state of mind.”
85. Asking for Flowers – Kathleen Edwards. … This likeable and talented
Canadian singer-songwriter, who spent time growing up overseas as the daughter
of a diplomat, is taking a break from the music business to own a coffee shop
outside Ottawa. She said this tune, about a friend going through depression, is
her best writing effort. I agree.
84. Doctor My Eyes – Jackson Browne. … The first hit for the Los
Angeles native came from his self-named debut album and is about a man battling
life’s hardships. “I have done all that I could, to see the evil and the good
without hiding, you must help me if you can.”
83. Part of the Plan – Dan Fogelberg. … My cousin Joe introduced me to
“Souvenirs” in the mid 70s and it is still among my favorite easy-listening,
mellow albums. This nifty tune batted leadoff on the CD which was produced by
Joe Walsh, and became the first hit for the Illinois native who later died of
cancer at 56 in 2007.
82. Venus – Shocking Blue. … The Dutch group took this 1969 tune --
written by guitarist Robbie van Leeuwen and sung by Mariska Veres -- to No. 1
in nine different countries. Bananarama later returned it the top spot on the
charts in 1986. “Her weapon were here crystal eyes. Making every man, mad.”
81. Heart of Gold – Neil Young. … The acoustic classic, written about a
young man searching for meaning in his life, was named the third greatest
Canadian song of all time by a CBC Radio series. The Toronto native took to it
to No. 1 on the Billboard chart in 1972. Dedicated to old friend Chip Doucette
– a huge fan of the artist.
80. My Sweet Lord -- George Harrison. … The most under-rated artist
from the Fab Four apparently intended to fuse different religious thoughts into
this song to encourage people to “abandon sectarianism.” This is definitely one
of the most memorable tunes from my early childhood in 1970 and one of my first
45s.
79. Back in the High Life Again – Steve Winwood. … An uplifting,
optimistic tune that displays the soothing voice of the former lead singer from
the group Traffic. “It used to seem to me, that my life ran on too fast. And I
had to take it slowly, just to make the good parts last.”
78. Lola – The Kinks. … Ray Davies reportedly claims the song was
primarily about the band’s manager dancing with a “possible” transvestite one
night in Paris, but others say it’s from a blend of different inspirations.
Regardless, it is a classic from the English band and sounds best when played
live.
77. If I Had a Rocket Launcher – Bruce Cockburn… The Canadian
jazz/folk/rock artist wrote this emotional, angry, political song about his visit
to Guatemalan refugee camps in Mexico during the 1980s. “I want to raise every
voice. At least I’ve got to try. Every time I think about it, water rises to my
eyes.”
76. I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones. … Joey Ramone apparently wrote
this song about a boring night in London and it became a classic for the Hall
of Fame punk/rock band. Saw this group on spring weekend at UConn one year and
all I can remember is two guitarists playing while standing atop huge speakers.
75. I’ll Be You – The Replacements. … Lead singer, guitarist and
Minnesota native Paul Westerberg wrote the band’s only single that reached the
Billboard charts. “I could purge my soul perhaps, for the imminent collapse. Oh
yeah, I’ll tell you what we could do. You be me for a while. I’ll be you.”
74. You are the Sunshine – Stevie Wonder. … The all-time great has
several other songs that probably should have been on the list like “My Cherie
Amour” or “Superstition,” but this is his best and most memorable in my
opinion. “I feel like this is the beginning, though I’ve loved you for a
million years.”
73. Don’t let me be misunderstood – Santa Esmeralda. … The Animals
released it as a rock tune in 1965 before the latin -- and best version --
became a hit in the 70s while NBC Sports used it as outro music for baseball
and football games. It was also background for one of the best fight scenes in
modern cinema.
72. Amie – Pure Prairie League. … This is one of the best sing-a-long songs of all time from a
country-rock group with roots in Ohio. It was written about an on-and-off
relationship. "Don't
know what I'm gonna do. I keep, fallin' in and out of love with you."
Released as a single in 1973 after getting big play on college radio.
71. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
– Rolling Stones. … Mick and Keith wrote this classic tune that was apparently
only played on pirate radio stations originally in Great Britain because of its
suggestive lyrics. The song became the group’s first No. 1 hit in America and
was rated No. 2 all time by Rolling Stone magazine.
70. Rock Lobster – The B 52s. … There are not many, if any, party dance
songs better than this one with some crazy lyrics from lead singer Fred
Schneider and guitarist Ricky Wilson. It brings back memories of Friday night
mixers from college and some great times in the 80s. “He was in a jam, said a
giant clam!”
69. Sister Golden Hair – America. … No. 1 hit from 1975 by a group that
graced us with a lot of great easy-listening music. “I ain’t ready for the
altar, but I do agree there’s times when a woman sure can be a friend of mine.”
68. Mercy, Mercy Me (The
Ecology) – Marvin Gaye. … What great music we missed out on when Marvin passed
away in 1984. The Washington D.C. native wrote this simple, beautiful, but sad
tune about concerns over the environment. “What about this overcrowded land.
How much more abuse from man can she stand?”
67. Love is the drug – Roxy Music. … Catch that Buzz. Bryan Ferry said
the lyrics came to him while he was walking one day in London’s Hyde Park and
it later became the group’s signature tune. “I say go, she say yes. Dim the
lights, you can guess the rest.”
66. My Best Friend’s Girl – The Cars. … Ric Ocasek wrote this cheeky
tune about frustration over a woman – no doubt before he met wife Paulina
Porizkova. Something about this simple tune makes it my favorite from the
Boston-based group, which will make the Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame some day.
65. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd. … Roger Waters and David Gilmour
co-wrote this brilliant short song from 1975, reportedly about feelings of
alienation and mistrust. “We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,
year after year. Running over the same old ground. What have we found? The same
old fears.”
64. Good Girls Don’t – The Knack. … This controversial, borderline
inappropriate tune brings one of the great debut albums of all time “Get the
Knack” to life more than Sharona did. The late Doug Fieger reportedly penned
the song with naughty lyrics from the perspective of a teenage boy.
63. Peace, Love And Understanding – Elvis Costello. … This is something
America needs a whole lot more of right now, and there is nothing funny about
it. “As I walk on through this wicked world, searching for light in the
darkness of insanity. I ask myself, is all hope lost? Is there only pain, and
hatred, and misery?”
62. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green. … The Reverend! co-wrote and
performed this soulful, moving tune that became a No. 1 hit in 1971. “Loving
you whether, whether, times are good or bad, happy or sad.”
61. Smoking Gun – Robert Cray Band. … The five-time Grammy-winning
blues guitarist has been somewhat under the radar, but he hit it big
commercially in the mid 80s with this rocking tune about infidelity and
irrational behavior that turns to disaster.
60. Angie – Rolling Stones. … Whether it is really about a woman or
Keith trying to quit heroin, the 1973 No. 1 hit is my favorite from the super
group. “With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats, you can’t say
we’re satisfied. But Angie, Angie, you can’t say we never tried.”
59. Brian Wilson – Barenaked Ladies. … Still steamed the Canadians
didn’t perform this cheeky tune the last time they visited Tampa. Former band
member Steven Page wrote and sang the song about a man who suffered from mental
illness like the Beach Boys’ talented leader. “So, I’m lying here, just staring
at the ceiling tiles, and I’m thinking about, oh what to think about.”
58. Indian Summer – Poco. … The under-appreciated Southern California
country-rock band produced some terrific songs and none better than this title
track from a 1977 album. It reminds me of my favorite time of year in New
England. “Cool at night – and hot all day.”
57. Life’s Been Good – Joe Walsh. … Joe wrote this epic tune about rock
stardom, with a nod toward his partying and room demolition days with Keith
Moon and others. “I live in hotels, tear out the walls. I have accountants pay
for it all.”
56. Never can say goodbye – Jackson Five. … Clifton Davis wrote this
beautiful song that was originally slated to be performed by The Supremes.
Michael, in the innocent days of the early 1970s, took the lead at age 12 while
backed by the amazing Tito along with Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie.
55. Walk On – U2. … The song was dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi, a
Burmese academic who was put under house arrest for 11 years due to her
pro-democracy activism. Bono said he wrote it as an uplifting anthem, praising
the work she did. “You could have flown away, a singing bird in an open cage,
who will only fly, only fly for freedom.”
54. Operator – Jim Croce. … The South Philadelphia native sang about
guys named Leroy and Jim, who you shouldn’t mess around with, before he
tragically died in a plane crash at age 30 in 1973. His incredible work will
live on, led by this tune, “and you can keep the dime.”
53. Friday, I’m in Love – The Cure. … The British alternative rock
band’s best tune, and you can dance to it. “I don’t care if Monday’s blue,
Tuesday’s grey and Wednesday, too. Thursday I don’t care about you, it’s
Friday, I’m in love.”
52. Mexico – James Taylor. … JT writes and sings about fun and a
“sleepy senorita with the eyes on fire,” in a Mexican border town while Graham
Nash and David Crosby add backing vocals on this 1975 tune.
51. Distant Sun – Crowded House. … Seven Worlds did collide when this
tune graced one of my favorite albums entitled “Together Alone.” The
under-rated band was formed in Australia and led by New Zealander Neil Finn,
who wrote this one. “I can’t pretend to know what you want, but I offer love.”
50. Tequila Sunrise – The Eagles. … Don Henley and Glenn Frey co-wrote
this beautiful, short song from the under-rated album, “Desperado.” “Take
another shot of courage. Wonder why the right words never come. … You just get
numb.”
49. Under the Milky Way – The Church. … Bass guitarist and lead
vocalist Steve Kilbey said the song just came to him and then-girlfriend Karin
Jansson while smoking a joint one day. The Australian band did not quite
fulfill its potential, but this late 80s masterpiece will live on.
48. I saw her standing there – The Beatles. … The first track on the
Fab Four’s debut album “Please, Please Me” in 1963 is my choice as their top
tune. “We danced through the night, and we held each other tight. And before
too long, I fell in love with her.”
47. What I like about you – The Romantics. … The Detroit band’s “power
pop” tune brings back memories of UConn days. It only made No. 49 on the
billboard charts in 1980, but has become much more popular as a party dance
song since. “Keep on whispering in my ear, tell me all the things that I wanna
hear.”
46. Comfortably Numb – Pink Floyd. … The best song from a masterpiece
concept album named, “The Wall.” Roger Waters and David Gilmour wrote about a
troubled rock star and end the tune with some amazing guitar work.
45. Feelin’ Stronger Every Day – Chicago. … The “rock and roll band
with horns” will finally be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. The group
was at its best in the first half of the 70s, led by this powerful tune.
44. (Just like) Starting Over – John Lennon. … Some songs bring back
vivid memories. The lights went on to end a concert at Jorgensen Auditorium
when I was at UConn and this tune blared through the big speakers. It never
sounded better and I remember people dancing, arm and arm out of the building.
It was released as a single less than two months before John was murdered and
reached No. 1 after his death.
43. Put the Message in the Box – World Party. … Maybe a reach, but this
likeable sing-along tune, from a brilliant album named “Goodbye Jumbo,” sounds
the call for saving the environment. “See the world in just one grain of sand.
You better take a closer look. Don’t let it slip right through your hand.”
42. Every little thing she does is magic – The Police. … Sting and the
boys have fun with this nifty little tune that mixes a little dance, reggae and
rock from the album, “Ghost in the Machine.” “I resolve to call her up, a
thousand times a day, and ask her if she’ll marry me, in some old fashion way.”
41. Voices Carry – Til Tuesday. … Aimee Mann calls out her boyfriend
triumphantly at the end of one of the best videos of all time. Mann penned the
song, reportedly, about one of her own bad relationships. “When I’m in the dark, I’d
like to read his mind. But I’m frightened of the things I might find.”
40. American Girl – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. … **Casey Kasem
takes over from here!**. … Named one of the top 100 “guitar songs” of all time
by Rolling Stone magazine, Tom wrote about standing on the balcony near a
California freeway and basically watching life go by while, “waves crashed on
the beach.”
39. Taxi – Harry Chapin. … The late, great storyteller and
humanitarian from New York wrote and performed perhaps the ultimate story song,
about Harry and Sue’s chance meeting. “Through the too many miles and the two
little smiles, I still remember you.” The artist died in a car crash on the LIE
in 1981. Hey Harry, keep the change.
38. Long Cool Woman – The Hollies. … The Hall of Fame band from England
made it to No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard chart in 1972 with this old-school rock
tune about a “5-foot-9, tall, beautiful” woman, after Graham Nash had left the
group. “With just one look I was a bad mess. ‘Cause that long cool woman had it
all.”
37. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen. … One of the most powerful songs
ever, whether you are listening in the car or at a concert. The Boss wrote
about a street-wise rebel urging a young woman to take off with him. “Together
Wendy we can live with the sadness, I’ll love you with all the madness in my
soul.”
36. Tempted – Squeeze. … Soulful number from a British band which
released several catchy tunes. The song, basically about infidelity, was never
a hit single in the U.S. but has been used in several commercials and became
more popular later in the 1980s. “Tempted by the fruit of another. Tempted but
the truth is discovered.”
35. You’ve got a friend – James Taylor – The great Carole King wrote
this moving tune and performed it on “Tapestry” before JT’s magical version won
both a Grammy in 1971. “Close your eyes and think of me, and soon I will be
there, to brighten up even your darkest night.”
34. Won’t get fooled again – The Who. … The epic tune was originally
supposed to be the conclusion of a rock opera, but ended up on “Who’s Next?”
Pete reportedly said the song “screams defiance at those who feel any cause is
better than no cause,” but it wasn’t only an anti-revolution song because
“revolution could be unpredictable.” Now, it works perfectly as entrance music
at NHL games.
33. No Myth – Michael Penn. … Sean’s brother and Aimee Mann’s husband
wrote this song about a relationship that fell apart at an early stage. It reached
No. 13 on the billboard chart in 1989 as his debut single. “What if I were
Romeo in black jeans. What if I was Heathcliff, it’s no myth. Maybe she’s just
looking for. … someone to dance with.”
32. Radar Love – Golden Earring. … The Dutch rock band hit a home run
with this epic tune about lovers sending telepathic messages. “When I get
lonely, and I’m sure I’ve had enough. She sends her comfort, comin’ in from
above. Don’t need a letter at all.”
31. Alison – Elvis Costello. … I’ve often been told that Alisons –
those who have just the one L -- are trouble. The particular one that Elvis
sang about let his little friend take off her party dress. But seriously folks,
this catchy little tune graces one of the best albums ever made – “My Aim is
True.”
30. All These Things That I’ve Done – The Killers. … Lead singer
Brandon Flowers wrote this moving song apparently when he was a bellman at a
Casino in Las Vegas. Can’t find a definite explanation of the lyrics from
Flowers, but reportedly it is basically about trying to make yourself a better
person. “I got soul, but I’m not a soldier” has become a sing-along line and
their performance of the tune at Live 8 was epic.
29. In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel. … The Englishman wrote this memorable
love song and performs it with Youssou N’Dour. It was at its peak of popularity
when Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) hoisted a boom box above his head to play it
for Diane Court (Ione Skye) in the movie “Say Anything.” “Love I get so lost,
sometimes. Days pass and this emptiness fills my heart. When I want to run
away, I drive off in my car. But whichever way I go, I come back to the place
you are.”
28. Working Man – Rush. … The song received major play on a Cleveland
radio station and became popular in 1974, which introduced the Canadian group
to America. The trio - including Geddy Lee, the master Neil Peart and Alex
Lifeson - built a Hall of Fame career from there and this is their most iconic
tune. “They call me the working man. I guess that’s what I am.”
27. Scenes from an Italian Restaurant – Billy Joel. … The song was
never released as a single, but remains one of the New Yorker’s most popular
efforts with its mix of jazz, rock and pop. It runs 7:37 on the late 70s
masterpiece, “The Stranger.” “A bottle of red, a bottle of white, whatever kind
of mood you’re in tonight. I’ll meet you anytime you want – in our Italian
restaurant.”
26. Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits. … Mark Knopfler reportedly wrote
the song about a jazz band performing in a small pub in South London and
proclaiming itself the Sultans of Swing. It reached the top 10 in both England
and the U.S. in the late 1970s from the group’s debut album. “You check out
Guitar George. He knows all the chords.”
25. The Story in Your Eyes – The Moody Blues. … I first heard this song
on our old 8-track player, which was later stolen when our house was robbed.
The under-rated English band took the smooth song with nifty lyrics to No. 23
in the early 70s. “Listen to the tide slowly turning. Wash all our heartaches
away. We’re part of the fire that is burning. And from the ashes we can build
another day.”
24. Bad – U2. … Bono wrote this song about heroin addiction for the
album “The Unforgettable Fire,” and it is at its best when played live. The
most memorable performance came at Live Aid when the Irishman
jumped from the stage and took women out of the crowd to dance with. “This
desperation, dislocation, separation, condemnation, revelation in temptation,
isolation, desolation. Let it go, and so fade away.”
23. Band on the run – Paul McCartney & Wings. … Paul wrote the song
basically about freedom and escape, that we were all prisoners in different
ways. It was the title track from Paul’s fifth solo album since leaving the
Beatles and it reached No. 1 in the U.S. “Thought of giving it all away. To a
registered charity. All I need is a pint a day.”
22. Round Here – Counting Crows. … Look up how lead singer Adam Duritz
describes the complicated, unique, brilliant song he wrote. It is basically
about making decisions on what your life is going to be without the lessons you
learned as a kid. “Maria came from Nashville with a suitcase in her hand, she
said she’d like to meet a boy who looked like Elvis. And she walks along the
edge of where the ocean meets the land, just like she’s walking on a wire in
the circus.”
21. Layla – Derrick & the Dominos. … Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon
wrote this love song for the short-lived group, inspired by a poem from a
Persian poet about a man who went crazy when he could not marry a woman, well,
who was out of his league. It lasts more than seven minutes and Clapton won a Grammy
for the acoustic version in 1993.
20. American Pie – Don McClean. … The folk artist from New York penned
this epic tune basically about the tragic death of Buddy Holly – the day the
music died – and the declining civilization. Was No. 1 on the billboard chart
for several weeks in 1972. “Now the halftime air was sweet perfume, while the
sergeants played a marching tune. We all got up to dance, oh, but we never got
the chance.”
19. Ridin’ In My Car – NRBQ. … The New Rhythm and Blues Quartet
(previously Quintet) became a concert favorite in the Northeast during my youth
with their blend of many styles and fun lyrics. Paul McCartney, Keith Richards
and Bob Dylan reportedly were fans. Al Anderson wrote this nifty little love
song in the mid 1970s. “It’s been a year and a day since I talked to you. I
don’t know how I made it, but I sure have been blue.”
18. Any Major Dude Will Tell You – Steely Dan. … Donald Fagen and
Walter Becker produced some amazing songs and may not have been any better than
on “Pretzel Logic,” which was released in 1974. This smooth tune was released
as a B-side from that album and references a mythical creature from Northern
Pennsylvania called a squonk. “Any major dude with half a heart surely will
tell you my friend. Any minor world that breaks apart falls together again.”
17. A Man I’ll Never Be – Boston.
… Never been a huge fan of Wall-of-Sound songs, but this band did it better
than anyone and was on the top of its game with this emotional top-40 hit. The
“power ballad” is basically about how difficult it is to live up to
expectations. “If only I could find a way, I’d feel like I’m the man you
believe I am. And it gets harder every day for me, to hide behind this dream
you see.”
16. The Boys of Summer – Don Henley. … The Eagle with a golden voice
wrote this tune reportedly about “questioning the past” and it recounts the
time he saw a “dead head sticker on a Cadillac.” He won a Grammy for his vocal
performance on the song in 1986 that came from perhaps his best solo effort,
“Building the Perfect Beast.” “I can tell you my love for you will still be
strong, after the boys of summer have gone.”
15. Tiny Dancer – Elton John. … Some songs don’t just work perfectly in
a movie scene, they make you recognize how really good they are. That is the
category this gem, written by Bernie Taupin about California girls, falls into
from a great album named “Madman Across the Water.” “Pretty eyed, pirate smile,
you’ll marry a music man. Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the
sand.”
14. Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin. … Not a big fan of Jimmy Page
and Robert Plant, but you have to appreciate their talent and work writing one
of the most iconic, powerful songs of all time. Plant once described the lyrics
as about “a woman getting everything she wanted without giving back,” and not
finding meaning to her life in a way.
13. Hello It’s Me – Todd Rundgren. … If I would ever do Karaoke (fat
chance), this would be the song I would perform. There’s not a better tune I
sing in the car. Really. Todd is a tremendous musician, who I saw later in his
career at the Wolf Den for free!, and this song has always moved me.
12. Hurricane – Bob Dylan. … Some 17 years after Bob’s brilliant and
controversial protest song, I read a captivating story by William Nack in
Sports Illustrated on Rubin “Hurricane” Carter in 1992 that made me appreciate
it even more. The tune tackled racism and privilege like few others.
Unfortunately, racial hate is still way too prominent in our society. In some
ways, it’s more disgusting than ever. “Now all the criminals in their suits and
their ties, are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise. While Rubin sits
like Buddha in a 10-foot cell, an innocent man in a living hell.”
11. Jungleland – Bruce Springsteen. … The Boss’ near 10-minute epic
story of love and gang violence on the mean streets closes one of the best
albums ever made, “Born to Run.” The late, great Clarence Clemons provided the
best saxophone solo of all time to top it off. “The street’s alive as secret
debts are paid, contracts made, they vanish unseen. Kids flash guitars just
like switch-blades. Hustling for the record machine.”
10. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac. … Stevie Nicks reportedly wrote this
beautiful song in Aspen while contemplating the challenges of life and her
relationship with Lindsey Buckingham. “Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love? Can
the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changing ocean
tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?”
9. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen. … Freddie Mercury once said of the epic
and diverse tune he wrote, “It’s one of those songs which has such a fantasy
feel about it. I think people should just listen to it, think about it, and
then make up their minds as to what it says to them.” It was No. 1 in England
for several weeks in 1976 and reached No. 2 in the U.S. after “Wayne’s World”
brought it back to the radio in 1992.
8. Imagine – John Lennon. … John said he used the inspiration of
Yoko’s poems to imagine a world at peace, without the need for material
possessions or fighting over religion. Sounds like a mighty nice place that
we should strive for, doesn’t it? “You may say I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the
only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will be as one.”
7. Take it Easy – The Eagles. … Jackson Browne was stuck on the second
verse. He had, “I’m standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.” His former
California housemate Glenn Frey stepped in and finished it with, “and such a
fine sight to see. It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford. Slowin’ down to
take a look at me.” The debut single on the first album by the greatest
American Rock & Roll band was born. RIP Glenn.
6. I Melt With You – Modern English. … When asked what my favorite
song is, I have often answered with this melodic one-hit wonder that was
popular in the early MTV days. Lead singer Robbie Grey of the on-again,
off-again British new wave band, reportedly said the song was about a couple
making love while nuclear bombs are falling. “Dream of better lives the kind
which never hate, trapped in a state of imaginary grace. I made a pilgrimage to
save this human’s race, never comprehending a race that’s long gone by.”
5. Losing My Religion – REM. … The 1991 song has nothing to do about
religion itself. The title is apparently a Southern phrase that means losing
your temper, civility. Lead singer Michael Stipe basically said that it was
about wanting someone so bad you lose yourself – obsession -- something we have
all felt at one time or another. Peter Buck’s mandolin riff makes it unique and
special.
4. Dream On – Aerosmith. … Steven Tyler has often told the story that
he used to lay under the piano when he was a child while his
classically-trained father played, and claims he got some of the chords for
this power ballad. The song, which Tyler said is about “the hunger to be
somebody,” evolved over time and made it to the group’s debut album in 1973.
According to Wikipedia, it was first performed live at the The Shaboo Inn near
UConn and graces the end of the movie “Miracle.”
3. Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen. … The Boss wrote this
masterpiece, that apparently evolved lyrically over time, basically about
taking Mary out for a wild date. Not sure you can use, “Show a little faith,
there’s magic in the night. You ain’t a beauty, but hey you’re alright,” as a
pickup line, but man, does it work in this epic song. The classic leads off on
one of the best albums of all time, “Born to Run.”
2. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye. … Renaldo Benson from the Four Topps
and songwriter Al Cleveland started the process of this amazing work of art --
which touches on police brutality, social unrest, love and family. Marvin took
over, after Benson’s group mates reportedly thought it was too much of a
protest song, molding the tune the way he wanted it to sound. "War is not the answer. For only love can
conquer hate." Detroit Lions’ players Mel Farr and Lem Barney
are used in the background. Natalie Merchant and Sarah McLachlan led an amazing
cover of the song at the end of a Lilith Fair concert in Hartford that I will
always remember as one of my favorite live music moments.
1. Hotel
California – The Eagles. …
Dedicated to Jeannie, Shannon, Cheryl and Scott, who can check-out any time
they like, but they can never leave. And Dad, who believe it or not, loved this
song.
Don Felder started with a unique melody and Don
Henley wrote most of the edgy lyrics, with help from Glenn Frey. The tune took
on a mythic nature with wild interpretations, including some Christian
Evangelists who claim it was about the Church of Satan. Henley denied that and said
it is simply about “a journey from innocence to experience.” It was their take
on the high life in LA and the “dark underbelly of the American Dream.” “There
she stood in the doorway, I heard the mission bell. And I was thinking to
myself, this could be Heaven or this could be Hell.” The transcendent guitar
work of “Fingers” Felder and Joe Walsh ends the song that was released in 1977, won
Record of the Year and provides the perfect backdrop to run the credits on my
list.
