A digression to begin with

Back to my all-time favorite thing in the world – Music. When I find a moment to step away from the distraction of planetary destruction – and I understand I’m trivializing the rape of Mother Earth by calling it a “distraction” but I feel helpless about it and that’s a different post – it’s music that takes me away, makes everything alright etc. etc.

So why Top 11? Why not? Why is everything the Top 3, Top 5, Top 7, Top 10? Maybe it’s a tribute to Nigel Tufnel whose amps went to 11.

But then, here’s the kicker. Most of these lists don’t even stop at 11. Stupid wordpress surprisingly doesn’t consider the title as a Block (I think), because I can’t use strikethrough, so I couldn’t strike through the 11, so I added a +.

I spent a few minutes trying to figure out what criteria I’m choosing these songs. The lyrics are definitely important to me. So is the melody, or the chords. But what it ultimately boils down to me is, to be very technical, *the feels*. That is a terrible term; one I hoped to never use in my life, but there it is. Something about the chord progression, or the way the words are strung together…

Anyways! On to the music. This post is about my top songs. There’s Top “Albums” and Top Artists as well.

The Top 11!

Ok, these are my favorite all-time songs in some sort of order, but definitely not rank order.

Crazy Life (1997) – from the album “Coil” by Toad the Wet Sprocket
This one’s got most of what gives me the feels – the chord progression, the lyrics, and the story of Wounded Knee and Leonard Pelletier that hits me in the guts and creates a lump in my throat. Also interesting that Todd Nichols, the TTWS guitarist wrote and sang the song. I also love playing this song on my guitar.

Find The River (1993) – from the album “Automatic for the people” by REM
This one starts with the simple one-finger shift from the D Maj to apparently E Min 9(??) which really sets a sweet nostalgic mood for me (Don’t ask me nostalgic about what – I just mean in an abstract sense). The lyrics, in typical Michael Stipe style, sound like complete gibberish but the chord progression sounds a little ominous, which is beautifully resolved by the chorus D Maj to Em, and the line “none of this is going my way” really speaks to my proclivity to loneliness and depression.

Feels like Heaven (1983) – Single by Fiction Factory
This was likely one of the first “feels” songs that got me. 1983 was the year that we really got into western pop music. My brother had a friend whose mom (or dad) traveled abroad (for work?) and they would bring back cassettes (chrome tapes!). I remember this one being in a double-cassette “Now That’s What I Call Music” compilation from that year. Again, I’m sure there are technical terms for these chord or melody progressions that I’m ignorant about, but the opening melody, and the chorus got me hooked.

Don’t Always Look At The Rain (1984) – from the album “Human’s Lib” by Howard Jones
I absolutely LOVE the entire “Human’s Lib” album, and also Howard Jones, both for the music (which admittedly is strange because I am not an electronic music person), and the very spiritual-leaning lyrics. On this one, I love the space-y feel starting from the beginning with the keyboard and the cymbal sound, and the piano fill. And the lyrics, of course. I always considered it very strange and interesting where Howard Jones puts the breaks in his lyrics, but “Let the mind shut up, and the heart do the rest”!

Broken Wings (1985) – from the album “Welcome to the real world” by Mr. Mister
This one is one of the songs on my list where the bass line is what just drew me in. Of course, props to these kids for using Kahlil Gibran’s words as their inspiration.
Not even sure where I heard the song. Back in those days, there weren’t any TV shows that played western music and I don’t think I heard this one on the tapes we used to get from my brother’s friend. Not sure. Later on, I bought the album, and almost all the songs on the album are pretty good.

Wouldn’t it be good? (1984) – from the album “Human Racing” by Nik Kershaw
Another classic from 1984. Although, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s because that’s the year that I first got into Pop music… But seriously, from the opening guitar riff, to the lyrics, I love everything about this song. I think the lines “Wouldn’t it be good to waste ourselves away” is probably my life’s motto. And the keyboard(?) solo is absolutely spot-on for the song. I haven’t heard anything from the rest of the album, but maybe I should. “Human racing” seems to be a really interesting term.

Distant Sun (1993) – from the album “Together Alone” by Crowded House
Crowded House is one of those brilliant bands that I have only heard (and own) the greatest hits compilation (Recurring Dream). A lot of really good songs on that one, but again, the chord progression on this one gives me the feels. Also, the line “still so young to travel so far” chokes me up – although, admittedly, it might be self-pity (or self-aggrandizement) about leaving India to come to the US. And, of course, “I don’t pretend to know what you want, but I offer love”.

Touching the untouchables (1982) – from the album “Business as usual” by Men at Work
The craftsmanship of the entire band on this song is simply luscious. The whole album is a pleasure to listen, but I find it interesting that it starts with really fun catchy pop songs, all of which were (probably) hit singles – Who can it be now, Down Under etc. – but right at this song, the tide seems to turn a bit, and the musicianship (lyrics, guitar, drums, all of it) kicks up several notches, and we get this song, followed by “Catch A Star” and “Down By The Sea”, which are some of the best songs I have heard. I also find it amusing, but not unexpected, that searching for “Touching the Untouchables” generates equal number of hits for this song, and for Christian Evangelism.

Mmm Mmm Mmm (1993) – from the album “God Shuffled His Feet” by Crash Test Dummies
This one, I’m almost sure I heard first on SNL. I used to record SNL episodes, then watch them the next day, and almost always, I skipped the musical guest because it wasn’t someone I knew or cared to listen to.
Quick update after searching for their SNL appearance and not finding anything on youtube, I may be dreaming it up. I think I saw their musical video on MTV in 1994. I will admit I developed a little crush on Ellen Reid who played keys whose backing vocals were perfect for all the songs on the album, but specifically this one, because it’s got that feel that chokes me up when they do the “aaah” part. And extra points to the song for being included in one of my favorite movies, “Dumb and Dumber”. yeah, yeah, i’m showing my maturity. Also, just listened to the song from MTV’s Jon Stewart Show, and Ellen Reid’s piano shines beautifully.
I’m also finding out from wikipedia that although the song received critical acclaim when it was released, there has been a deluge of haters writing (admittedly witty) hateful criticism of the singing, and the song has been part of many “worst songs” list. Suck it, guys!

Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? (1982) – from the album “Kissing to be clever” by Culture Club
The other song on my list where the bass line got me hooked. My brother’s friend lent us “Color By Numbers” and I loved all the songs on it. But then, on the Grammy Awards, and I was floored. I don’t know if I ever got my hands on “Kissing To Be Clever”, but looking through the song list, I think this song and “I’ll Tumble For Ya” are the only songs I liked.

Rocky Mountain High (1972) – from the album “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver
For a climate-change/collapse-aware person like me, I’m a little surprised that this is the only song that advocates for the beauty of the planet. Both the guitar and the vocals are absolutely perfect. I take the line “I know he’d be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly” to heart – I don’t know that I have ever really seen an eagle fly, and it’s something on my bucket list. Lots of beautifully poetic lines and verses on this song.

Pink Moon (1973) – from the album “Pink Moon” by Nick Drake
I’ll admit that it was the VW commercial in the late 1990’s that introduced me to Pink Moon, so I bought the song on iTunes. The commercial, in my opinion, captured the vibe of the song, and I still imagine a moonlit drive (which incidentally is the name of a Doors song) when I hear the song. The commercial made me assume that the song was one that was new in the 90’s and I was surprised to find that the song was from 1972-73.
I have read criticism about Nick Drake’s voice and also the bare bones nature of the song, but that’s exactly what I like about it. Beautiful Simplicity. It’s also tragic that he suffered from depression that ultimately ended in him taking his life at the age of 26. Tortured genius.

Africa (1982)- from the album “Toto IV” by Toto
I love the melody, the chord progression, and the strong sound of the drums on this song, but the best part is the chorus with the vocal harmonies. I sing along to each of these (well, practically every) song, and the chorus is really hard for me to sing to.

Scarborough Fair/Canticle (1966) – from the album “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” by Simon & Garfunkel
Alright, so this is arguably my favorite song of all. The guitar/strings parts are beautiful, the harmonies are magical, which is the case for most of their songs, but especially poignant on this one, and Paul’s brilliant songwriting with the juxtaposition of Canticle lyrics make it a masterpiece in my opinion. The song just flows from beginning to end, and I can see the contrast of a beautiful lovers ballad and an impending/ensuing war happening simultaneously in the song.

High Flyer (1975) – from the album “Force It” by UFO
High Flyer is an underrated genius song in my opinion. The opening guitar piece is beautiful, and the solo is right on point. What I otherwise love about this song is the really simple chords, and how easy it is to play along with the song, although I have struggled with the opening guitar piece, and I just don’t have the skills to master the solo… yet??

Leave my girl alone (1989) – from the album “In Step” by Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan. My gosh. I don’t think there’s any blues guitarist that comes close in my opinion. I have my “origin story” about SRV (nothing fancy, but still) that I will describe in the “My Top Artists” post.
“In Step” was where SRV had become sober, and was really just shining brighter than the stars before his life and his talent were tragically taken away from us. Sure, the songs on the album weren’t core blues like the previous ones, but that argument is completely shut down by this masterpiece.
This song just blows me away with the absolute precision of the song – the singing, every fill, the solo are just perfection. I just can’t fathom how he’s playing all of this so effortlessly (well, obviously it’s not effortlessly, but it seems like it), and with SO MUCH HEART.

Criminal Career (2016) – from the album “Swallowed by the new” by Glen Phillips
I have loved TTWS from the time I heard “All I Want”, but more so, “Walk On The Ocean” on MTV and I went to see them at the House Of Blues in Dallas in 2017, and I think “Swallowed By The New” was being sold at the concert, so I bought it, and the entire album doesn’t disappoint. I am really envious of all those people like Glen, who can take a devastating event like a divorce, and write heartfelt songs and share that with others – I would be sitting in a corner in the fetal position for weeks, and give up on life.
And the song “Criminal Career” is practically written for me – all this love has been here, is still here, and yet I can’t see it or feel it because I’m so stuck in the cage of a corporate job. It hasn’t helped me pry myself out… yet?

New World Man (1982) – from the album “Signals” by Rush
Although most true Rush fans would dismiss Signals as not authentic Rush (too poppy/commercial?), as my first Rush album, it will stay my favorite. I love all the songs on this album, but New World Man, in my slightly narcissistic head, feels autobiographical, although I’m probably technically the “Third World Man” referred to in the song. Love the beginning bass line of the song, and the driving force of the pre-chorus leading to the chorus, and I love the lyrics.

Burn (1974) – from the album “Burn” by Deep Purple
This one’s something else! I will admit that I’m more of an Ian Gillan fan and don’t care for David Coverdale too much, but I have to give credit where credit’s due. Reading about the song on Wikipedia, I saw Blackmore talk about how he might have taken the riff from Gershwin’s “Fascinating Rhythm”, so I had to go find “Fascinating Rhythm” and man, I can hear the similarity! But it actually makes me respect Blackmore if he was listening to Gershwin.
Anyways, the opening riff is awesome, and the guitar and keyboard solos are great, but what really keeps me hooked is Ian Paice’s drums. I literally end up listening to the drums with all the fills, and often end up forgetting the main song for seconds together. The drums are almost like a piece in itself. More reading Wikipedia, and it looks like Ian Paice is the only member of Deep Purple who has played on all their albums AND all their live shows and seems to be an all-round wonderful human being and a God according to the (current) Japanese Prime Minister

Hotel California (1977) – from the album “Hotel California” by The Eagles
Really, not much needs to be said about these last two entries. Huge commercial success, but the guitar intro is a work of art, and the guitar solo at the end could have been its own song.

Stairway To Heaven (1971) – from the untitled album (variously called IV, ZoSo, or 4 sticks) by Led Zeppelin
Is there anything that needs to be said about this one? I know the “Wayne’s World” movie takes a dig at the song, but I feel a certain sense of pride that this is one song that I can play on the guitar (not the solo – as I said before, I do not have the soloing/lead guitar skills… yet?)

And so, for now, I have come to the end of the list of my top songs (although I reserve the right to add more at a later time). Looking at this list, I see just 1 song from the 60’s, 6 songs from the 70’s, 9 songs from the 80’s, 4 from the 90’s, and 1 from the 2010’s.

If anyone out there is reading this, your turn:
Have you heard one or more of these songs? Any comments on those?
If you haven’t heard some of them, do take a listen and let me know what you thought.
What are your top songs and why?