Insomnia hits again, it’s 2:36 as I start this blog. There isn’t much to do at this time, so I decided to have some fun. These are my top 10 songs. The songs that if I was going to be sent to a desert island, for the rest of my life, with a mini ipod that holds only 10 songs, I would choose.
Rules:
#1 Only 1 song per band allowed.
#2 Intros to songs that are listed as separate tracks can be counted as one entire song, as well as songs that are broken up into mini songs, but form one big ass song.
#3 If you disagree with me, you can go fuck yourself, unless you provide your own top 10.
Obviously I haven’t heard every song in existence, but of the songs I’ve heard, these are the greatest. In my humble opinion of course. In no particular order……….
#10 Tool – Parabol/Parabola (9:04)
I put the only “one song per band” rule for a few bands that will appear on this list, Tool being one of them. It was hard to whittle the songs I love from Tool down to just one. But I did, and the result is Parabol/Parabola.
Parabol makes up the first half of the song. Slow, calculated notes make you anticipate the inevitable thunder of drums that you can expect from Danny Carey. The song erupts into the second half, Parabola. It’s one of those knock you on your ass songs. The lyrics are refreshing and positive. Maynard finishes off his lyrical masterpiece with:
Embrace this moment. Remember, we are eternal.
All this pain is an illusion.
The instruments play out the last 1:25, bringing you down from the journey you just went through.
Honorable Mentions: Ænema, Wings For Marie/10,000 days, Vicarious.
#9 The Mars Volta – Cassandra Gemini I-VIII (32:32)
I don’t know how many times I’ve listened to this song, regardless of it’s length. I don’t think I’ve met anyone else that actually likes The Mars Volta. It’s one of those love them or hate them bands. They are definitely not one of the bands I can listen to every song of. Regardless, this song is fucking epic. Grab some headphones, crank this track up as loud as it can go, and enjoy.
And one day you’ll remember
Behind the melting cones, you always had a family
In the burial of your home.
Honorable Mentions: Roulette Dares, Eriatarka
#8 Led Zeppelin – When the Levee Breaks (7:07)
I know a lot of people would ask, “wtf, what about Stairway to Heaven?” It’s my list. It was hard to narrow down Led Zeppelin to just one song as well. I’ve been listening to this song since High School. I remember playing it almost every night while mopping the floors at the Alfred Sub Shop at 1-2 am. I love everything about this song. <– period.
Honorable Mentions: Stairway to Heaven, Hats off to Roy Harper, No Quarter.
#7 Pink Floyd – Time (7:06)
This was actually the hardest band to narrow down to one song. Pink Floyd has more amazing songs then most bands have one. The lyrics to this song rip right down to the core. The guitar solo is lengthy, and perfection, every note.
And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun
Honorable Mentions: When the Tigers Broke Free, Shine on you Crazy Diamond, High Hopes, I could write a pretty long list…
#6 Bob Dylan – Masters of War (4:30)
Bob Dylan cuts right to the chase in this song. It’s simple, but effective. It has to be one of the greatest anti-war songs ever. It’s a rally cry that few can hear, or want to hear.
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul.
Honorable Mentions: Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright, The Times They Are A-Changin, Like a Rolling Stone
#5 The Doors – The End (11:42)
Jeez, how do you even describe this song? Like a lot of The Doors songs, it’s poetry, lyrically and musically. It’s another one of those songs that takes you on a journey as you listen to it. I’m not even going to try describing it any furthur.
No safety or surprise, the end
I’ll never look into your eyes…again
Honorable Mentions: The Crystal Ship, Maggi M’Gill, When the Music’s Over, Five to One, Riders on the Storm
#4 Neil Young – Rockin in the Free World(4:42)
This isn’t a song, it’s an anthem, and Neil Young rocks the shit out of it. Do I need to say more? No.
There’s colors on the street
Red, white and blue
Honorable Mentions: Heart of Gold, Hey Hey, My My, Ohio
#3 Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah (6:51)
Although this is actually a Leonard Cohen song and rarely can someone make a cover better than the original, Jeff Buckley did, and made this song his own. I honestly don’t see how anyone could dislike this song. It almost has the ability to look directly into your soul. Jeff Buckley died young, but left this gift to the world before he did.
Well maybe there’s a God above
But all I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who’d out drew ya
Honorable Mentions: Who the shit cares, this song is good enough.
#2 John Lee Hooker – Crawlin’ King Snake(2:46)
This might seem like an odd ball in the list. I love the blues, I love this damn song. If you’re not familiar with the blues and are interested, this entire album is a good place to start. This is a “Fuck you, she’s mine, I’ll smash your fuckin face in”, song that is pulled off in a way that only the blues can.
I’m a crawlin’ Kingsnake baby, and I rules my den.
Honorable Mentions: Boom Boom, Hobo Blues, Sally Mae, Bad Like Jesse James, I’m in the Mood
#1 Jimi Hendrix – All Along the Watchtower(4:01)
Again, this is a cover. Bob Dylan wrote this song. This song rocks my mother fucking socks off, in a good way. I’m not a huge fan of Jimi Hendrix, but his talent is undeniable. I’ve probably pissed off more than a few people over the years, driving around, blasting this song. The 1 minute 7 second guitar solo ends with Jimi belting out “All Along the Watchtower”. If that shit doesn’t get you, I have no clue what will. Maybe Lady Gaga is more your style.
Honorable Mentions: The Star Spangled Banner, Hey Joe, Little Wing
There you have it kids, my top ten. I didn’t go digging for every song I’ve ever heard, I just picked out of the 2,000 songs on my computer. Remember, this list is in no particular order.
Honorable Mentions:
Pearl Jam – Indifference
Mic Check – Rage Against the Machine
Alice in Chains – Would
Temple of the Dog – Hunger Strike
Wish I Was in Heaven Sittin Down – R.L. Burnside
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