OT: Watcha Listenin' To? Part VIIII: Nine lives, cat's eyes
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Cody Webster
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- Jul 18, 2014
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Appleyard
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Tinariwen, Mdou Moctar, Bab L' Bluz and Etran de L'Air releasing albums within a few months of each other.
So funny that Blues music is kind of coming full circle.
From Africa originally and a combo of Islamic and Sub-saharan music tradition... to the USA from which rock and roll evolved... and now some of the most interesting contemporary blue and rock music is being made in Africa.
I regret it also had a ticket offered for the Glass Spider tour but couldn't make it.
Magua
Entirely Palatable Product
First, going back to Human League’s Fascination. Human league’s founding members created a production Co. and formed a side project with a friend and named it Heaven 17 after the band listed by Alex from A Clockwork Orange in the record store scene. Seemed logical to me.
I saw Bowie once with NIN at the Hershey outdoor stadium. They performed together during the encore. Reznor head to toe black leather Jet black hair covered in sweat. Bowie head to toe white leather platinum blonde hair and groomed like a runway model. Singing together inside the same spotlight, fantastic image.
A favorite Bowie cover:
I saw Bowie once with NIN at the Hershey outdoor stadium. They performed together during the encore. Reznor head to toe black leather Jet black hair covered in sweat. Bowie head to toe white leather platinum blonde hair and groomed like a runway model. Singing together inside the same spotlight, fantastic image.
A favorite Bowie cover:
mja
Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt
The XPN Countdown is on and pretty much right away they got to one of my top ten (& @Captain Dave Poulin's as well, I'm sure.)
Coming in at #880, this one was a constant in our lives from 2005 on, featured heavily in some family videos I made back then. At the time I was a new father with an adorable baby girl. That little girl is now a sophisticated young woman. Wild.
They haven't hit any of my other top ten yet, but there have been a few of my honorable mentions, including this gem that was short-listed:
Coming in at #880, this one was a constant in our lives from 2005 on, featured heavily in some family videos I made back then. At the time I was a new father with an adorable baby girl. That little girl is now a sophisticated young woman. Wild.
They haven't hit any of my other top ten yet, but there have been a few of my honorable mentions, including this gem that was short-listed:
I saw that tour in an outdoor venue near Paris. It was great.
GKJ
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JojoTheWhale
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Lists are lists. I get the idea. You're never going to just agree with something and we're ultimately talking about popularity. But "Hey Ya" being below those two on what this list set out to do is every bit as bad as every Rolling Stone or NME abomination that pissed everyone off.
Everything else in the Top 11 and most of the top 20 I would understand being as high as 1. Even the Springsteen thing, which does absolutely nothing for me, I would get because of the market. Those two?!
Did anyone ever get around to making their list?
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mja
Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt
Well, 7-Nation Army was a perfectly fine song and all, until it got overplayed to hell and back and then over again. I also used to have to hear a bunch of teenagers learn the guitar by learning the riff to that song, so I'm actively angry about it for personal reasons.
Mr. Brightside's inclusion can only be out of irony, it's only for karoake at this point. I don't really know Jason Isbell or Brandi Carlile. I'm not sure I know that Springsteen song. I can't stand the U2 song, it's essentially elevator music. Uptown Funk is whatever. All of the other songs I get, even if I'm not a huge fan of some of them.
Hey Ya is the indisputable #1 for me. Maps also made it to my list, although it had to battle it out with a couple of other songs from that early 00's NYC scene. I'll post my list for scrutiny in a bit.
GKJ
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I’m trying to retroactively decide what it would’ve been. I was limiting myself to one per band and my YYY song is always Heads Will Roll
JojoTheWhale
No.
- May 22, 2008
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Holy shit. I would have lost every dollar I had.
I was looking for something else and saw this. Everyone that voted for it is welcome here anytime.
I had the same reaction I did for Star Wars. That was fine. Wait, what do you mean it's an all-time classic?
I was looking for something else and saw this. Everyone that voted for it is welcome here anytime.
I had the same reaction I did for Star Wars. That was fine. Wait, what do you mean it's an all-time classic?
Chicken N Raffls
Here for the chaos and lolz
GKJ
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I actually have a bit of a different relationship with Brandi Carlile in that I became a fan sort of on the valley of her career in terms of exposure, which is after The Story and before By the Way, I forgive you. But if you listen to XPN like I have for 17 years now, they have always been behind her and the band
I was actually surprised The Story wasn’t #1, especially when Rolling in the Deep was not (it was #1 when they did this same countdown in 2011). I said I wanted to have had voted for #1, and would not have. If you remember, The Story was #4 on their all time list of women. I figured all the old hippies that vote for Joni Mitchell would show out for her. But it seems like they’ve managed to have a larger representation of people who were born after 1970.
I was actually surprised The Story wasn’t #1, especially when Rolling in the Deep was not (it was #1 when they did this same countdown in 2011). I said I wanted to have had voted for #1, and would not have. If you remember, The Story was #4 on their all time list of women. I figured all the old hippies that vote for Joni Mitchell would show out for her. But it seems like they’ve managed to have a larger representation of people who were born after 1970.
JojoTheWhale
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- May 22, 2008
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mja
Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt
The Obvious:
1. Hey Ya - Outkast
It won't be denied. As soon as that beat hits, things start happening to your body that you can't control. It only gets wilder from there.
2. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) - Arcade Fire
I don't know if there's a song that ever worked a metaphor better. It felt like a statement of purpose for one of the classic albums of the century so far.
3. Wolf Like Me - TV on the Radio
A howling bit of lust. It brings the house down and makes me want to do things.
4. Idioteque - Radiohead
If there's a song that better encapsulates the century so far, I don't know what it is. It's also the song / album that got me back into Radiohead, after I missed the boat on OK Computer.
5. This Modern Love - Bloc Party
It's a perfect guitar pop song. Technicolor, as Kele Okereke described that first Bloc Party album, which is an all-timer.
6. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Captures the sound of a heart breaking in a way few other songs ever have.
7. Archie Marry Me - Alvvays
Irresistible big pop hook. Heavenly female vocals. Noisy feedback-laden guitars. All of my favorite things, done perfectly.
Sleepers:
8. 2 Rights Make 1 Wrong - Mogwai
Cinematic, sweeping, somehow conveys a compelling epic saga without any (audible) words. I was obsessed with it for a long time.
9. In the Dark Places - PJ Harvey
I joked last year that I would just spam PJ next time around. I didn't do that, but she needs to be included. Her Mercury Prize-winning Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea was well represented on the countdown. Her other Mercury Prize-winning album, Let England Shake, was not. It's chock full of songs that wouldn't be out of place on this list, but this one is the most harrowing. Somehow when that bridge hits, I'm suddenly in a trench--cold, tired, and afraid.
10. Middle America - Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
Malkmus at his best, sweet melodies cascading into one another, throwing out gems that are both cleverly amusing and emotionally resonant. Will always be a delight.
1. Hey Ya - Outkast
It won't be denied. As soon as that beat hits, things start happening to your body that you can't control. It only gets wilder from there.
2. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) - Arcade Fire
I don't know if there's a song that ever worked a metaphor better. It felt like a statement of purpose for one of the classic albums of the century so far.
3. Wolf Like Me - TV on the Radio
A howling bit of lust. It brings the house down and makes me want to do things.
4. Idioteque - Radiohead
If there's a song that better encapsulates the century so far, I don't know what it is. It's also the song / album that got me back into Radiohead, after I missed the boat on OK Computer.
5. This Modern Love - Bloc Party
It's a perfect guitar pop song. Technicolor, as Kele Okereke described that first Bloc Party album, which is an all-timer.
6. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Captures the sound of a heart breaking in a way few other songs ever have.
7. Archie Marry Me - Alvvays
Irresistible big pop hook. Heavenly female vocals. Noisy feedback-laden guitars. All of my favorite things, done perfectly.
Sleepers:
8. 2 Rights Make 1 Wrong - Mogwai
Cinematic, sweeping, somehow conveys a compelling epic saga without any (audible) words. I was obsessed with it for a long time.
9. In the Dark Places - PJ Harvey
I joked last year that I would just spam PJ next time around. I didn't do that, but she needs to be included. Her Mercury Prize-winning Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea was well represented on the countdown. Her other Mercury Prize-winning album, Let England Shake, was not. It's chock full of songs that wouldn't be out of place on this list, but this one is the most harrowing. Somehow when that bridge hits, I'm suddenly in a trench--cold, tired, and afraid.
10. Middle America - Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
Malkmus at his best, sweet melodies cascading into one another, throwing out gems that are both cleverly amusing and emotionally resonant. Will always be a delight.
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GKJ
Global Moderator
- Feb 27, 2002
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Alvvays is awesome. I’ve seen them twice even though it’s basically two different bands.
I would go to In Rainbows and probably 15 Step for Radiohead, if only because that was new at the time I made XPN my radio station. But it was also the album where I told myself I need to listen to more albums.
I wouldn’t have voted for Hey Ya, but it’s so ubiquitous like Seven Nation Army. I think I can sing along the whole song. I mean, the whole thing.
One song, and I would’ve voted for it, to not make it is Strange Condition by Pete Yorn, even weirder because he played their festival this year.
I would go to In Rainbows and probably 15 Step for Radiohead, if only because that was new at the time I made XPN my radio station. But it was also the album where I told myself I need to listen to more albums.
I wouldn’t have voted for Hey Ya, but it’s so ubiquitous like Seven Nation Army. I think I can sing along the whole song. I mean, the whole thing.
One song, and I would’ve voted for it, to not make it is Strange Condition by Pete Yorn, even weirder because he played their festival this year.
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JojoTheWhale
No.
- May 22, 2008
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Just picking through the list, I'm pleasantly surprised to see 4 or 5 Lake Street Dive songs. Also pleasantly stunned that "Cigarettes & Chocolate Milk" of all things not just made it, but placed fairly well.
I tried to do a mix of my personal favorites and also mega popular options. As much as I enjoy something like the hidden track from The Man Who, it didn't fit my approach. I also tossed off anything where I don't like the radio version at all (think "Valerie"). I only ordered #1 because I will agonize over spots. I can't help myself.
1. "Hey Ya" by Outkast. No arguments will be heard. It's the perfect intersection of quality and popularity.
"Changes" by Charles Bradley. I was at SXSW 2011 for work and a buddy dragged me to see this guy I had never heard of at Lance Armstrong's bike shop?? She refused to tell me anything, but she knew my tastes well. My jaw hit the floor the second that man opened his mouth.
"Airline to Heaven" by Wilco. I'll try to shut up about Mermaid Avenue for once. This was on Vol 2, so it counts as this century.
"Bright Lights" by Gary Clark Jr -- This is everything face-melting blues aspires to be.
"I Want You to Love Me" by Fiona Apple -- The first time I heard this song, something clicked in my brain. Only two people have been able to create this kind of specific dissonant sound that resonates on a completely different level for me. It's this and "Blue Monk" by Thelonious Monk.
"Undertow" by Lisa Hannigan -- I'm hard against the critics on her. I vastly prefer the stripped down versions of everything. I'm a sucker for vocal control and harmonies. See also:
"Don't Lose Sight (Acoustic)" by Lawrence -- My wife saw this thing go viral on TikTok of all places and came sprinting to me saying, "This is what I imagine your head sounds like." I love that woman more than life itself. Gracie Lawrence has my favorite active voice. Well, either her or
"Better Than" by Lake Street Dive -- Look. If you can't appreciate Rachael Price's voice, you're beyond help. Bridget Kearney is a wonderful upright player too.
"Don't You Know" by Snarky Puppy, Jacob Collier, & Big Ed Lee -- It absolutely killed me to not be able to pick a Snarky Puppy song with Cory Henry more featured, especially when the man plays his own accompaniment on a solo with his other hand on "Lingus". But this is the musical masterpiece of the century. It's the combination of a room full of monster musicians, Collier, and background singers.
"I Need a Hot Girl" by Juvenile & Mannie Fresh -- The only version of this song was on a Tiny Desk of all things, but the video has 10 million views so I'm counting it. It's a rap song with accompaniment from such people as Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste on a melodica?! The top YouTube comment is "This was the most harmonious elegantly ratchet thing I’ve seen in a whole. Thank you." I cannot possibly put it any better than that.
Bonus: "For An Old Kentucky Anarchist" by The Orphans -- It's just a local Philadelphia punk album from 2001, but I can't separate myself on this one. The singer was a good friend of mine. He's much better known for ending up as the lead vocalist for Mischief Brew, but this was when I met him. I miss him every day. Check on your friends.
I tried to do a mix of my personal favorites and also mega popular options. As much as I enjoy something like the hidden track from The Man Who, it didn't fit my approach. I also tossed off anything where I don't like the radio version at all (think "Valerie"). I only ordered #1 because I will agonize over spots. I can't help myself.
1. "Hey Ya" by Outkast. No arguments will be heard. It's the perfect intersection of quality and popularity.
"Changes" by Charles Bradley. I was at SXSW 2011 for work and a buddy dragged me to see this guy I had never heard of at Lance Armstrong's bike shop?? She refused to tell me anything, but she knew my tastes well. My jaw hit the floor the second that man opened his mouth.
"Airline to Heaven" by Wilco. I'll try to shut up about Mermaid Avenue for once. This was on Vol 2, so it counts as this century.
"Bright Lights" by Gary Clark Jr -- This is everything face-melting blues aspires to be.
"I Want You to Love Me" by Fiona Apple -- The first time I heard this song, something clicked in my brain. Only two people have been able to create this kind of specific dissonant sound that resonates on a completely different level for me. It's this and "Blue Monk" by Thelonious Monk.
"Undertow" by Lisa Hannigan -- I'm hard against the critics on her. I vastly prefer the stripped down versions of everything. I'm a sucker for vocal control and harmonies. See also:
"Don't Lose Sight (Acoustic)" by Lawrence -- My wife saw this thing go viral on TikTok of all places and came sprinting to me saying, "This is what I imagine your head sounds like." I love that woman more than life itself. Gracie Lawrence has my favorite active voice. Well, either her or
"Better Than" by Lake Street Dive -- Look. If you can't appreciate Rachael Price's voice, you're beyond help. Bridget Kearney is a wonderful upright player too.
"Don't You Know" by Snarky Puppy, Jacob Collier, & Big Ed Lee -- It absolutely killed me to not be able to pick a Snarky Puppy song with Cory Henry more featured, especially when the man plays his own accompaniment on a solo with his other hand on "Lingus". But this is the musical masterpiece of the century. It's the combination of a room full of monster musicians, Collier, and background singers.
"I Need a Hot Girl" by Juvenile & Mannie Fresh -- The only version of this song was on a Tiny Desk of all things, but the video has 10 million views so I'm counting it. It's a rap song with accompaniment from such people as Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste on a melodica?! The top YouTube comment is "This was the most harmonious elegantly ratchet thing I’ve seen in a whole. Thank you." I cannot possibly put it any better than that.
Bonus: "For An Old Kentucky Anarchist" by The Orphans -- It's just a local Philadelphia punk album from 2001, but I can't separate myself on this one. The singer was a good friend of mine. He's much better known for ending up as the lead vocalist for Mischief Brew, but this was when I met him. I miss him every day. Check on your friends.
ajgoal
Almost always never serious
- Jun 29, 2015
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I will always associate Hey Ya with coming home from the sandbox, so I can get behind it being #1.
Also because I have no idea what any of these other songs are.
Edit: OK, Lose Yourself feels too low, even at 23. Also, my favorite 21st century songs didn't make it, so this list is invalid.
Edit the second: I found one in the top 50. Crisis averted.
Also because I have no idea what any of these other songs are.
Edit: OK, Lose Yourself feels too low, even at 23. Also, my favorite 21st century songs didn't make it, so this list is invalid.
Edit the second: I found one in the top 50. Crisis averted.
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JojoTheWhale
No.
- May 22, 2008
- 37,049
- 113,617
Please note I did not endorse this. I answered a question.
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