By Mark
Pukalo
Nothing can stand the test of time like music.
Turn on a particular song from the 1970s, 80s or even 90s, and it normally makes me think about a place or an event. I'm sure many of you who are close to my age can relate. Some tunes that bring back memories don't quite make your top 350 of all time but, despite being a bit embarrassed about it, you still love the piece of music. Call them "guilty" pleasures.
Enclosed is a list of some of those songs along with a reprise of the first 150 on my still-changing, imperfect list.
I also made a swap at No. 350 because I had mistakenly deleted a great tune from mention in the final stages of posting the first 50. I switched "She Loves You" to the special category because it is the song that started all of this musical madness in my head.
In addition, I have added some songs to the "Deep Tracks" list at the bottom.
GUILTY, AND SOME EMBARRASSING, PLEASURES
Take On Me – a-ha. … Norwegian one-hit wonder
produced one of the best videos of all time with this song.
Rush, Rush – Paula Abdul. … She could be a cold-hearted
snake, but somehow this slow tune has hooked me. Steve Geltz, too.
Everything I do – Bryan Adams. … Smooth, heartfelt love song that was
in a movie I never saw, “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.”
Put your records on – Corinne Bailey-Rae. … Gotta love the
Brit’s adorable voice. “Just go ahead, let your hair down.”
I’ll Be There – Mariah Carey. … Derek Jeter’s ex did a
tremendous unplugged live version of the Jackson Five tune.
All By Myself – Eric Carmen. … Secretly liked this song,
even before it was played at Amalie Arena when some slobbering Bruins fan was
all alone stuffing his face after the "Kiss Cam."
American City Suite – Cashman & West. …. Terry Cashman,
who also wrote “Talkin’ Baseball,” and Tommy West released this moving pop
song in 1972.
Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson. … Give Kelly credit.
This song did rock a bit.
Such Unlikely Lovers – Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach. …
Terrific collaboration on the “Painted from Memory” CD.
She Blinded Me with Science – Thomas Dolby. … “Good Heavens Miss
Yakamoto, you’re beautiful.” Just some 80s fun.
Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas. … “Those cats were fast as
lightning. In fact, it was a little bit frightening.” No. 1 hit in the mid 70s.
Girls on Film – Duran, Duran. … “Rio” might have been
their best song, but this tune was an under-the-radar gem.
Up, Up and Away – Fifth Dimension. … In my beautiful
balloon!
Angels Would Fall – Melissa Etheridge. … Melissa could rock.
Ariel – Dean Friedman. … “I said, ‘Hi’ She said,
‘Yeah, I guess I am.’” Arrrrrrrrrrriel. Tears on my pillow, and Ave Maria.
Rock and Roll Part 2 – Gary Glitter. … Not a good guy, but a
memorable stadium tune.
Mr. Jaws – Dickie Goodman. … The best of its genre,
when questions were answered by song lyrics. I did one of these for a history
project in seventh grade. Only thing I can remember is asking, “Hey, Columbus,
how high are the waves?” and then Fleetwood Mac’s memorable song replied. “Over
my head. ... oooover my head. ... and it sure feels nice.”
Billy, Don’t Be a Hero – The Heywoods. … War story with a sad
ending.
Rock With You – Michael Jackson. … Soulful number before
MJ got strange.
Physical – Olivia Newton John. … Was a No. 1 hit
for many weeks in 1981.
Chuck E’s in Love – Rickie Lee Jones. … Soulful tune made it
to No. 4 in 1979.
Lost Stars – Adam Levine. … Addicting song from a
great 2014 movie “Begin Again.” Keira Knightley’s stripped-down version of the
tune is good, too.
It’s Over – Lisa Loeb. … Bespectacled beauty had a
captivating voice.
Brand New Key – Melanie. … Billboard ranked it the ninth
best song of 1972 and you might have heard it in the movie “Boogie Nights” when
Roller Girl Heather Graham was on screen.
Freedom – George Michael. … You can laugh, but
George’s album “Listen Without Prejudice” is outstanding. This tremendous dance
song probably should be somewhere between 300-350.
Wildfire – Michael Murphey. … “She ran calling,
‘Wildfire!” Song is apparently about a homesteader obsessed with the ghost of a
woman who died while searching for her pony in a blizzard.
Hip Hop Hooray – Naughty by Nature. … Brings back
memories of a good time in Chapel Hill, N.C. That was the same weekend I made
Mia Hamm cry.
99 Luftballoons – Nena. ..German singer-songwriter
released this odd, but catchy little song in 1984.
Candy Girl – New Edition. … My favorite boy band
song, even before Salma Hayek did a striptease to it in the movie, “Dogma.”
Without You – Harry Nilsson. … Haunting record from
1971. “I can’t live, if living is without you.”
Nothing Compares to U – Sinead O’Connor. … Yeah, she was a
little weird on SNL. But this is a great vocal performance that almost snuck
into the top 350.
Get Down – Gilbert O’Sullivan. … The Irishman had
big hits “Alone Again, Naturally” and “Clair,” but this song always
grabbed me. “You’re a bad dog baby, but I still want you around.”
Cool Love – Pablo Cruise. … Soulful song from the
pop group that had several hits. “A room full of faceless strangers. Here I am
again. Suddenly my eyes meet yours. Looks like I found a friend.”
Ready to Go – Republica. … Warmup song for the
Whalers. It pumped them up for many big wins at the mall.
The Blower’s Daughter – Damien Rice. … Somewhat strange, but
entrancing tune from a very good under-the-radar artist.
Your Love is King – Sade. … Sexiest voice of all time? Definitely
in the running. Wayne and Garth agree.
Gettin’ Jiggy with it – Will Smith. … You can dance to it. Will
did a great performance of this at Live 8 in Philly.
Toxic -- Britney Spears. … Extremely embarrassed
that I sorta like this tune. But at least I can admit that.
You’re the Best Thing – The Style Council. … Remember seeing
where the group once proclaimed themselves the best band in the world. Give
them credit for confidence. This was a nice little love song, though.
Breakout – Swing out Sister. … Grammy-nominated
song in 1987 from the British one-hit wonder act.
Talk Talk – Talk Talk. … Much better than “Bad
Company” by Bad Company in my opinion. “All you do to me is Talk Talk.”
Reprise of Top 350 songs
of my first 50 years in music (350-201)
350. Go All the
Way – The Raspberries. … Replaces "She Loves You." Eric Carmen was the lead singer for the Cleveland band. Great harmony in this one and it rocks a bit as well.
349. Ramblin Man –
Allman Brothers. … Hall of Famers put out some great music, led by this song.
348. Jesus Walks –
Kanye West. … The guy can be quite annoying at times, but he has produced some
standout tunes with this one at the forefront.
347. Hooked on a
Feeling – Blue Suede. … Oooga, Chaka, Oooga Chaka. Brought to life big
time recently in the movie "Guardians of the Galaxy.”
346. Against the
Wind – Bob Seger. … Easy-listening title track from the 1980 album.
Glenn Frey sings backup on this one.
345. Rapture –
Blondie. … Early “sort of” rap tune from the beautiful and talented Deborah
Harry that you might have heard in a recent car commercial. Remember,
“don’t strain your brain.”
344: Heartbreak
Warfare – John Mayer. … Leads off on a standout recent album named,
“Battle Studies.”
343. So You Want
Be a Rock n Roll Star – The Byrds. … Apparently, it was the super
group’s last big hit. “Turn, Turn, Turn” and “Mr. Tambourine Man,” were
considered for this spot.
342. My Eyes
Adored You – Frankie Valli. … A huge hit in 1974, when I was beginning
to notice that girls were more than just annoying classmates. LOL.
341. School’s
Out – Alice Cooper. … “No more pencils, no more books, no more
teacher’s dirty looks.” Cooper is one heck of a golfer, too.
340. Guitar Man –
Bread. … David Gates has a memorable voice and this is about as hard as this
group rocked after ballads like “If” and “Aubrey.”
339. Happy –
Pharrell Williams. … Overplayed or not, I love this song. Watch his performance
of this at the 2014 Oscars. It’s outstanding. Amy Adams boogies.
338. Amanda –
Boston. … At least one, perhaps two, Amandas I know were named with this song
in mind.
337. Not enough
love in the world – Don Henley. … Solo effort from one of the greatest
voices of all time.
336. Dancing
with myself – Billy Idol. … A staple of many semi-formals and mixers
in college. It made everyone dance like a zombie.
335. Friends in
Low Places – Garth Brooks. … Too bad he had to cancel his Tampa shows.
Hopefully this heavyweight country artist will return.
334. Goody Two
Shoes – Adam Ant. … He was big in the 80s and this was his most
popular effort.
333. Bridge to
Nowhere – Sam Roberts. … Under-rated Canadian artist wrote and
performed this catchy song about a troubled man.
332. Love Shack –
The B-52s. … Bouncy tune brings back memories of the Clam Shack in Wellfleet,
Mass. on the Cape. “Tin roof. … Rusted!”
330 (tie). Do
They Know it’s Christmas? – Band Aid. … English charity song raised
millions for African famine relief in 1984 when it was released.
330. We are the
World – USA for Africa. … Counter to Band Aid in 1985. My fraternity
brothers and I all dressed up as the stars and did a lip synch of the now
30-year-old song for a Greek “talent show.” I was James Ingram. Don’t laugh.
One of my facebook friends was Tina Turner.
329. Soul Man –
Blues Brothers. … Penned by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, originally sung by
Sam & Dave, but never more alive than when John and Dan performed it on
SNL.
328. Like to get
to know you well – Howard Jones. … Diane Franklin (Monique) fixes John
Cusack’s car while this tune is playing in the comedy classic, “Better Off
Dead.”
327. I’m a
Believer – The Monkees. … Davy Jones and the boys had a great TV show,
too.
326. I Still
Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2. … “I have climbed the highest
mountains. I have run through the fields. Only to be with you.”
325. Torn –
Natalie Imbruglia. … The gorgeous Aussie recorded this haunting song about
being torn over a relationship.
324. Lithium –
Nirvana. … There is something to be said about a band that bursts on the scene
and is so different it causes a craze. That’s what Kurt Cobain and the boys did
for a short time and this is one of their best efforts, apparently “an ode to
finding religion.”
323. Respect –
Aretha Franklin. … Important song on so many levels, from the Queen of Soul.
322. Pinball
Wizard – The Who. … He’s got such a supple wrist.
321. Ohio –
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. … Two words: Kent State. “Tin soldiers and
Nixon coming. We’re finally on our own. This summer I hear the drumming. Four
dead in O-hio.”
320. Me and
Julio Down by the Schoolyard – Paul Simon. … Tremendous artist that
never disappoints and this is another iconic, fun number. Edged out “50 ways to
leave your lover.”
319. Love will
come to you – Indigo Girls. … Saw them at the Tennis Center in New
Haven. Great show. Amazing harmony. This song is very heartfelt.
318. Get down on
it – Kool & the Gang. … Yeah, right, you wouldn’t dance to this if
it was playing. Sure. Liked the group. Lots of smooth, cool songs.
317. Where Did
Our Love Go? – J Geils Band and The Supremes. … Both versions of the
song are tremendous in their own way.
316. You see me
crying – Aerosmith. … Edges “Sweet Emotion” as the Boston group’s
second best tune. From one of the first rock albums I purchased, “Toys in the
Attic.”
315. Refugee –
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. … “Baby we ain’t the first. I’m sure a lot
of other lovers been burned. Right now it seems real to you, but it’s one of
those things you gotta feel to be true.” From the classic vinyl, “Damn the
Torpedoes.”
314. Come Sail
Away – Styx. … Group produced some tremendous songs. Modern Family’s
Phil Dunphy does a great cover of this song. LOL.
313. Ordinary
People – John Legend. … The guy has a tremendous voice.
312. Redemption
Song – Bob Marley. … The story I read said that Bob wrote this song as
he was dying from cancer.
311. Brass
Bonanza – Jack Say. … Greatest fight song of all time. Go Whale! It
has to be hat trick followed by Kevin Dineen’s number, right?
310. A Whiter
Shade of Pale – Procol Harum. … “We skipped the light fandango, turned
cartwheels cross the floor. I was feeling kinda seasick. But the crowd called
out for more.” Have no clue what it means, but pretty nifty lyrics.
309. Baby Boom
Baby – James Taylor. … Listened to JT’s “Never Die Young,” over and
over and over when it came out and this was the best song from it.
308. Changes –
David Bowie. … “Time may change me, but I can’t trace time.”
307. Me Around –
Michael Penn. … Sean Penn’s bro did a great take on this song during a concert
at Toad’s Place in New Haven when performing on a tour with his wife and one of
my favorite artists Aimee Mann.
306. Here and
Now – Luther Vandross. … Luther had one of my favorite voices of all
time, whatever weight he was at.
305. Back to you –
Bryan Adams…. The Canadian rocker has a great library of songs and this one
edges in front of the rest.
304. Jojo –
Bozz Scaggs. … Bozz was under-rated, especially with this jazzy, soul number.
303. Beth –
Kiss. … Perhaps the best ballad by a rocking “hair” band ever. It was either
this or much-harder edged “Love Gun,” from this group.
302. Cheeseburger
in Paradise – Jimmy Buffet. … What can I say? I love cheeseburgers. I
identify with, “Heaven on earth with an onion slice.”
301. Brilliant
Disguise – Bruce Springsteen. … A smooth, sad song about the Boss’
divorce. “Is it you, baby, or just a brilliant disguise.”
SPECIAL CATEGORY
2112 – Rush (Every bit of the 20:33 is tremendous)
She Loves You – The Beatles. … First fave has been
passed by 350, but is still unforgettable.
TOP 300
300. All Shook
Up – Elvis Presley. … Never a huge Elvis fan, for some reason. But
this one definitely deserves a spot on the list as his best single.
299. X-Ray Man –
Liz Phair -- Very hard to pick this talented, mostly unfiltered, artist’s
best song - whether it is from her critically-acclaimed debut album “Exile in
Guyville,” the women’s anthem “Extraordinary,” or the catchy “Got my own
thing.” But this is such a nifty tune from “Whip-Smart.” … “He’s an X-Ray Man,
he’s got secret plans … for me.”
298. Little
Jeannie – Elton John. … The tune brings back memories of high school days.
“Stepped into my life from a bad dream. Making the life that I had seem,
suddenly shiny and new.”
297. Before He
Cheats – Carrie Underwood. … One day she was singing “Jesus Take the
Wheel,” and soon after she was slashing some dude’s tires in this song. I’ll
give Carrie a pass though. She’s a hockey wife.
296. Born to be
Wild – Steppenwolf. … Hard-rocking song from 1968, which has become an
anthem for bikers.
295. Wanted Dead
or Alive – Bon Jovi. … “I walk the streets with a guitar on my back.
…” Jersey boy did a great version of this at Live Earth in Giants Stadium.
294. Somebody
Like You – Keith Urban. … Mix of country and rock at its best.
293. Party
Town – Glenn Frey. … Can you say monster? From Glenn’s first and best
solo effort, “No Fun Aloud,” which also includes a beautiful song with a latin
flavor, “She can’t let go.”
292. She’s Mine –
Steve Perry. … Steve’s solo album “Street Talk” is a guilty pleasure of mine. “Oh
Sherrie” is on that one and this soulful tune was the best in my opinion.
291. Slit Skirts –
Pete Townshend. … From an album with a weird name -- “All the Best Cowboys have
Chinese Eyes.” Another great solo effort from Pete, “Let my love open the door,”
deserves mention as well.
290. Run
Around – Blues Traveler. … Top-10 hit in the mid 90s from the
versatile band, originally formed in Princeton, New Jersey.
289. Something
So Strong – Crowded House. … The somewhat under-appreciated group,
formed in Australia and led by New Zealander Neil Finn, has become one of my
favorites over time. This is their second-biggest hit on the U.S. charts behind
“Don’t Dream It’s Over.”
288. Centerfield –
John Fogarty. … “Put me coach, I’m ready to play, today.”
287. Walking on
Sunshine – Katrina & the Waves. … Everybody’s favorite Monday
morning song!
286. Aqualung –
Jethro Tull. … Rocking many-layered tune about a lonely homeless man, who is
mostly misperceived.
285. Rapper’s
Delight – The Sugarhill Gang. … “I got a color tv, so I can watch, the
Knicks play basketball.” Don’t forget this was written when the Knickerbockers
were watchable. That might change with Kristaps!
284. Fool in the
Rain – Led Zeppelin. … From a great album with a cool name – “In
Through the Out Door.” Drummer John Bonham displays his masterful skills in
this song – working on the last Zep album before his death in 1980.
283. Dreamgirl –
Dave Matthews Band. … Friends who love Dave might disagree with this choice,
but I think it’s a great piece of music. Maybe “. … if I could steal the wind
from the sails of the greedy men that will rule the world,” pulls me in deeper.
282. Good People –
Jack Johnson. … The former surfer has graced us with some strong music, led by
this tune.
281. Talk to ya
Later – The Tubes. … Unique San Francisco-based band that debuted in
the 70s was never better than when this song was released from “The Completion
Backward Principle” album.
280. Get Ready –
Rare Earth. … Smokey Robinson wrote this song for the Temptations, but I prefer
the rocking version of it that reached No. 4 on the charts in 1970.
279. Takin’ Care
of Business – Bachman Turner Overdrive. … Randy and the boys from
Winnipeg were workin’ overtime.
278. Ain’t Even
Done With the Night – John Cougar Mellencamp. … Mr. Mellencamp is more
known for epic songs such as “Jack & Diane” and “Pink Houses,” but I liked
this soulful piece best from him along with “Justice and Independence.”
277. Dancing
with tears in my eyes – Ultravox. … “Dancing with tears in my eyes,
weeping for the memory of life gone by. Dancing with tears in my eyes, living
out the memory of love that died.” Electric rock from the band led by the
under-appreciated Midge Ure, who played a big part in Live Aid along with Bob
Geldof.
276. Saturday in
the Park – Chicago. … I can dig it. The band’s early stuff was
outstanding, including “Beginnings,” “Colour My World,” and “Just You and Me,”
along with another much later on the list.
275. Thinking of
you – Loggins & Messina. … One of the great short tunes (2:19) of
all time and a big hit in 1972 for Kenny and Jimmy. “This is it” from Kenny was
also the best intro music for an NCAA Tournament ever (1980).
274. Like a
Hurricane – Neil Young. … One of the most versatile artists ever could
produce such wonderful songs with the acoustic guitar and record epic pieces
like this with the electric flowing. “You are like a hurricane. There’s calm in
your eyes.”
273. Save
Me – Aimee Mann. … This song ends the compelling, but sometimes crazy
go nuts, movie “Magnolia.”
272. You Might
Think – The Cars. … One of the greatest videos of all time, especially
when Ric Ocasek knocks the guy out of the prom photo. “You might think I’m
crazy. All I want is you.”
271. Sweet
Caroline – Neil Diamond. … This one is dedicated to Mike Corcoran and
A.J. Calabro, who absolutely love this song. LOL. The tune was featured on a
terrific live album called “Hot August Night.”
270. Luka –
Suzanne Vega. … Sad song, somewhat ahead of its time, about a woman hiding
domestic abuse. Made it to No. 3 on the billboard chart in 1987.
269. Fight the
Power – Public Enemy. … Released in 1989, the song still resonates
today. Sometimes we don’t fight the right power in this country.
268. Gonna Fly
Now – Bill Conti. … Makes you want to drink an egg and run for miles
and miles like Rocky.
267. Magic
Man -- Heart. … Classic, hard-rocking tune from the wonderfully
talented Wilson sisters.
266. Bitch –
Meredith Brooks. … One-hit wonder Brooksie belted it way out of the park with
this memorable grammy-nominated tune that reached No. 2 on the billboard chart
in 1997.
265. Down to the
Waterline – Dire Straits. … Magnificent guitar work here from Mark
Knopfler and the boys. Second only to Sultans.
264. You Better
You Bet – The Who. … From one of their best albums in my opinion,
“Face Dances.”
263. Dig Down
Deep – Marc Cohn. … He walked in Memphis, but this acoustic number
resonated with me more. “I don’t wanna go up the mountain. I don’t need to go
down to the sea. I’m gonna sit right here till we unravel, this mystery.”
262. Times Like
These – Foo Fighters. … “It’s times like these you learn to live
again. It’s times like these you give and give again. It’s times like these,
you learn to love again. It’s times like these, time and time again.”
261. Sweet Home
Alabama – Lynard Skynard. … The guy at the turn table played this song
as Alabama-Huntsville was finishing up a victory in the UConn Hockey Classic
final many years ago. While the Chargers tapped their sticks on the ice in
approval, Huskies coach Bruce Marshall had steam coming out of his ears. LOL.
260. I Love You
Suzanne – Lou Reed. …. This tune isn’t much on deep lyrics, but I
think it’s much more fun than the iconic “Walk on the Wild Side.”
259. American
Idiot – Green Day. … Might be a little premature to put these guys in
the Hall of Fame, but this song is a head banger.
258. Brandy –
Looking Glass. … Was a No. 1 hit in the early 70s. “The sailors say, ‘Brandy,
you’re a fine girl, what a good wife you would be.’”
257. Photograph –
Def Leppard. … Hard-rocking hair band did it right with this melodic piece of
music.
256. Against All
Odds – Phil Collins. … Memorable, heart-felt song from a dreadful 1984
movie by the same name.
255. Superman –
Five for Fighting. … Originally written about, “trying to fit in.” Took on
special meaning after 9/11 when John Ondrasik sang it at the “Concert for New
York,” in honor of the rescue workers.
254. She Moves
On – Paul Simon. … From the terrific, latin-styled music of the 1990
Grammy-nominated album, “The Rhythm of the Saints.”
253. At this
moment – Billy Vera & the Beaters. .. Michael J. Fox dances with
his girlfriend to this in a memorable “Family Ties” episode.
252. Manic
Monday – The Bangles. … Still have that crush on Susanna Hoffs.
251. Lyin Eyes –
The Eagles. … Glenn Frey introduced this song at a concert in Tampa by saying,
“This is dedicated to my ex-wife. … Plaintiff.” Such an impeccably-written song
by Don and Glenn.
250. Jessie’s
Girl – Rick Springfield. … A No. 1 hit and Grammy-Award winning song
in 1981 from “Working Class Dog” for the Aussie.
249. Do What You
Like – Foreigner. … Deep track from “Head Games.” Group provided a lot
of memorable singles, but this is the one I have listened to the most – led by
Lou Gramm’s soothing voice.
248. Crazy
Little Thing Called Love – Queen. … Freddie Mercury reportedly wrote
this Elvis-like tune in a very short time one day. He plays guitar on the
record as well.
247. (Wearin Down)
Like a Wheel – Elliot Easton. … The left-handed guitarist of The Cars
put out a solo album named “Change No Change” with this tune that includes a
nifty solo.
246. Dreamboat
Annie – Heart. … A great blend of voices and wonderful acoustic guitar
work on the live version make this song memorable.
245. You Learn –
Alanis Morissette. … Best song from an amazing album called, “Jagged Little
Pill.” “You live, you learn, you love, you learn, you cry, you learn, you lose,
you learn.”
244. Tangled Up
in Blue – Bob Dylan. … The legend only had one better than this one in
my estimation.
243. It’s Not
Safe – Aimee Mann. … “All you wanna do is something good. So get ready
to be ridiculed and misunderstood.” From a terrific album, cheekily named “I’m
With Stupid.”
242. Two Tickets
to Paradise – Eddie Money. … Long before he was starring in a Geico commercial,
Eddie was rocking and this tune edges “Shakin” as his best. Saw him at a
nightclub in New Britain and he looked out of it when the show started, but
what a performance he produced.
241. My City of
Ruins – Bruce Springsteen. … The Boss originally wrote this for an
Asbury Park, N.J. benefit and it ended up on his terrific CD, “The Rising.”
Come on Rise up!
240. Locked Out –
Crowded House. … Always thought this was a perfect song to play when the home
team’s player heads to the penalty box. “Been locked out. Been locked in. But I
always seem to come back again. When you’re in that room, what do you do? I
know that I will have you in the end.” From a terrific album named “Together
Alone.”
239. Maggie May –
Rod Stewart. … Originally released as a B-side to the single “Reason to
Believe” before it became a No. 1 hit in 1971.
238. Every
Little Kiss – Bruce Hornsby & the Range. … His son Keith has great
range as a shooter for LSU as well. “What I wouldn’t give for only one night.”
237. More than a
woman – The Bee Gees. … You want Stayin’ Alive. You’re not gonna get
it. John Travolta and Karen Lynn Gorney danced to this moving tune by the Gibb
brothers in “Saturday Night Fever.”
236. Runnin’
down a dream – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. … “Workin’ on a
mystery. Going wherever it leads.”
235. Bad Time –
Grand Funk Railroad. … A top-four hit in 1975 when Grand Funk picked “a bad
time to fall in love.”
234. A Certain
Girl – Warren Zevon. … “What’s her name?” He couldn’t tell ya!!
Warren, who died of cancer in 2003 after producing lots of unique and memorable
music, sits last on my itunes list behind Frank Zappa.
233. Every
Breath You Take – The Police. … Haunting song from 1983 about a
possessive lover. Elevates one of the group’s better albums -- “Synchronicity.”
232. Ol’
55 – The Eagles. … Tom Waits wrote this classic that enhances the
group’s second-best album in my opinion, “On the Border.”
231. Baba
O’Riley – The Who. … Inaccurately called it “Teenage Wasteland” for
many, many years.
230. Bennie and
the Jets – Elton John. … BBBBBennie. Electric Boots. Classic released
in 1974 from the “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” album.
229. You Get
What You Give – New Radicals. … A great motto to live by. Never turn
this vibrant, somewhat political song off when it comes on the ipod. The Edge
reportedly loved this tune.
228. Brass in
Pocket – The Pretenders. … Man, could Chrissie Hynde sing. This is the
first big hit for the band in the year 1980. Scarlett Johansson does a great
karaoke version in “Lost in Translation.”
227. Overkill –
Colin Hay. … Hay appeared on an episode of “Scrubs” and did an acoustic version
of his Men At Work song and it just blew me away. It will be on my playlist
when I form my band.
226. Veronica –
Elvis Costello. … Elvis wrote this unique song from “Spike” with inspiration
from his grandmother, who was stricken with Alzheimer’s.
225. All Right
Now – Free. … English rock band, led by eventual Bad Company lead
singer Paul Rodgers, had this one big hit in 1970. Always a toughie in Name
that Tune competitions.
224. The way
love goes – Janet Jackson. … There really is nothing wrong with a
wardrobe malfunction. Liked a lot of Janet’s music. I challenge you not to move
your shoulders while listening to this tune.
223. White
Room – Cream. … Eric Clapton rocks out on lead guitar while Ginger
Baker drums and Jack Bruce sings this iconic song from the amazing 60s band.
222. New York,
New York – Frank Sinatra. … Brings back some great memories. No, not
of Yankees victories.
221. It don’t
come easy – Ringo Starr. … “Gotta pay your dues, if you wanna to play
the blues.” Ringo rocks. His great solo library also includes songs like
“Photograph,” “You’re Sixteen” and “The No No Song.”
220. Empire
State of Mind – Jay Z and Alicia Keys. .. Two tremendous artists
collaborate. Keys can sing with anybody. Yes, even Beyonce.
219. All of the
good ones are taken – Ian Hunter. … Ian kills it in one of the
greatest videos of all time. This is the title track from the former Mott the
Hoople lead singer’s sixth solo album, which was released in 1983.
218. I’m Mandy,
Fly Me – 10 CC. … Story song about a man falling asleep near one of
those old airline posters and dreaming he was saved by a mythical stewardess
named Mandy. This innovative British band was under-rated.
217. The Boxer –
Simon & Garfunkel. … There might never have been a better singing duo than
these two.
216. Signed
Sealed Delivered – Stevie Wonder. … “Here I am baby…” Michael McDonald
did a solid cover of this song as well.
215. Money –
Pink Floyd. … The band’s first hit in America from the legendary album “Dark
Side of the Moon” was written by Roger Waters.
214. Steer –
Missy Higgins. … “Steeeah,” as she calls it in her pure Australian accent, is a
wonderfully-written tune from her best album, “On a Clear Night.” Saw Missy
four times and her show at a little jazz club in Providence was one of the best
I have ever attended.
213. Vida La
Vida – Coldplay. … “I used to rule the world, seas would rise when I
gave the word. Now in the morning I sleep alone, sweep the streets I used to
own.”
212. Baby, I
love your way – Peter Frampton. … Tremendous artist that I would have
loved to see when he came “Alive.” This song made it to No. 12 in the mid 70s.
211. Heaven –
Los Lonely Boys. … Might be a bit of a chick song, but the soulful, jazzy
number gets the toe tapping.
210. Come on
Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners. … Long-distance dedication to the
former (probably) Eileen O’Brien, who I met at UConn in 1982. I was such an
idiot. Still am.
209. I Heard it
through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye. … Even before “The Big Chill”
this was a classic song.
208. Just the
way you are – Billy Joel. … Simple, meaningful tune from Billy’s best
work, “The Stranger.”
207. Get Together –
The Youngbloods. … “Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get
together, try to love one another, right now.” Masterpiece from the 1960s.
206. The
Promised Land – Bruce Springsteen. … Often on the list of songs that
open his epic concerts. “Mister I ain’t a boy, no, I’m a man and I believe in a
promised land.”
205. You can
never tell – Chuck Berry. … Uma and Travolta dance to this in “Pulp
Fiction” during one of the greatest scenes in modern cinema.
204. I Can’t
Tell You Why -- The Eagles…. Timothy B. Schmidt takes the lead in this
moving soul number. Second best song I sing in the car. … Alone.
203. Man in the
Wilderness – Styx. … Deep track from the group’s best album, “The
Grand Illusion.”
202. Borderline –
Madonna. … Way! Madonna made a lot of great music and, in my opinion, that
first album was her best with this track leading the way. Edges “Into the
Groove,” as her top tune.
201. Rock the
Casbah – The Clash. … Biggest hit for the English punk band in America
was inspired, apparently, by the banning of Western music in Iran in 1979.
HONORABLE
MENTION "DEEP TRACKS" (Some other favorites that could have easily
been in the top 350 and deserve their own category -- *new additions)
Spaced – Aerosmith. … From their
best album, “Get Your Wings.”
Jane – Barenaked Ladies. …
Very melodic song from the Canadians.
I’ll Be
On My Way –
The Beatles. … “As the June light turns to moonlight, I’ll be on my way.” From Live
at BBC CD.
Putting
out Fire –
David Bowie. … Originally from the movie “Cat People,” but never sounded better
than when Michelle Laurent was putting on her war paint before killing Nazis in
“Inglourious Basterds.”
The
Load Out –
Jackson Browne. … JB’s ode to the roadies, which plays nicely right into
“Stay.”
Moving
in Stereo –
The Cars. … Unique song that leads into “All Mixed Up,” which ends their
brilliant first album.
I Can’t
Take It –
Cheap Trick. … Easy-listening tune that is overlooked among the group’s best.
Lonely
Stranger –
Eric Clapton. .. Under-appreciated piece from his Unplugged album.
Ink – Coldplay. … Nice little
tune on their most-recent CD, “Ghost Stories.”
Another
Horsedreamer’s Blues –
Counting Crows. … Haunting song from “Recovering the Satelites.” … “So she
takes her pills, careful and round. One of these days she’s gonna throw the
whole bottle down. But she’s trying to be a good girl and give’em what they
want.”
Don’t
Stop Now –
Crowded House. … From the group’s return album, “Time on Earth.” It just pulls
you into a journey.
Twisting
by the Pool –
Dire Straits. … Different kind of song from this group, with a great video.
Open
Your Eyes –
Doobie Brothers. … Michael McDonald’s voice soars in this little-known tune
from “Minute By Minute.”
Wasted
Time –
The Eagles. … “You can get on with your search baby, and I can get on with
mine, and maybe someday we will find, that it wasn’t really wasted time.” A
classic from “Hotel California.”
*Pretty
Maids -- The
Eagles. ... Written as a melancholy look at life so far and Joe Walsh's voice
works perfectly with the song that also graces "Hotel California." Walsh
sings, "Heroes they come and they go."
*You
Get the Glory -- Kathleen Edwards. ... "You're the Great one;
I'm Marty McSorley." Tremendous video.
*Summerlong -- Kathleen
Edwards. ... Probably should be in the top 300. Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst
shop for an urn for Mitch while this song plays in "Elizabethtown."
Honey
Hi –
Fleetwood Mac. … Nifty little piece of music from an inventive album, “Tusk.”
*All I
want to be is by your side – Peter Frampton. … A simple tune that graces probably
the greatest live album of all time – “Frampton Comes Alive.”
Look
Sharp –
Joe Jackson. … Kickass title track from a kickass album.
Rosalinda’s
Eyes –
Billy Joel. … Wonderful latin-flavored song from “52nd Street.”
Mona
Lisa and Mad Hatters –
Elton John. … From the master work, “Honky Chateau.”
Your
number or your name –
The Knack. … Another great tune from “Get the Knack.”
4th of
July –
Aimee Mann. … From her amazing first solo effort, “Whatever.”
Daughters – John Mayer. … Moving
song with the acoustic guitar -- for the ladies.
Crawling
Back to You –
Tom Petty. … From the under-rated solo album named “Wildflowers,” which also
had the catchy “It’s Good to be King.”
Got my
own thing –
Liz Phair. … From a wonderful CD called “Somebody’s Miracle.” “I know you’re
not like other guys. I don’t expect you to normalize. I won’t get into what you
do, because I’m bettin’, bettin’, bettin’ all my money on you.”
Little Darlin – Poco. .. From a
dynamite album named “Legend.” “You’re the sun, the moon, the stars shining.
You’re the one, there’s no denying.”
*When
will I see you? --
The Pretenders. ... "Demand the impossible. Everyone will be free."
From an under-rated album, "Packed!."
Don’t
Stop Me Now –
Queen. .. Sounded best on “Live Killers.”
Subterranean
Homesick Alien –
Radiohead. … Unique band, unique song from “OK Computer,” – which was loved by
the critics.
Electrolite – REM. … Just a smooth,
under-rated classic from “New Adventures in Hi-Fi.”
How it
Is –
Rush. … From perhaps their best under-the-radar album, “Vapor Trails.”
Winding
Road –
Bonnie Somerville. … Heard this song on the “Garden State” soundtrack and it
blew me away how good it was. Bonnie is an actress who has been on several TV
shows.
Out in
the Street – Bruce
Springsteen. … Follows “Hungry Heart” on Bruce’s classic double album “The
River.”
Janey
don’t you lose heart –
Bruce Springsteen. … Never was a single. You can catch it on the “The Essential
Bruce Springsteen” CD. Just love the smoothness of this song. … Na na na na.
Black
Cow –
Steely Dan. … “Aja” was such a great album and this might be the best on that
one along with “Deacon Blues.”
*I’m so
happy I can’t stop crying – Sting. …. Stinnnng, Sting a ling, Stinnnnng!… with a
sad divorce song about Sunday fathers.
White
Horse –
Taylor Swift. … Secretly, it’s my favorite from her. Oh wait.
Shed a
Little Light –
James Taylor. .. Hopeful song, seemingly about world peace.
The
Other End of the Telescope – Til Tuesday. … Aimee Mann performed this song at a
concert in a Providence club I attended and stopped after a few lines to start
over. “There’s too many damn words in this song,” she joked, shaking her head.
“I didn’t write it.” Elvis Costello did.
Wild
Honey –
U2. … Bono and the boys had fun with the different-style tune from “All That
You Can’t Leave Behind.”
Hard
Sun –
Eddie Vedder. .. From his brilliant work on the soundtrack of “Into the Wild.”
Sunshine – World Party. … Maybe
they are all deep tracks from this under-appreciated pop-rock band. They sound
a little like the Stones in this one.
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