What says "I Love You" like a re-spin of the tune you fell in love to in the first place? How about a song that says what you can't find the words to say? Don't forget; there is nothing like a song sent to a potential sweetheart, or to simply just set the mood for a little BowBowChickaChicka.. NawMean?
I gathered the following list of tunes that just might give cupid a little help during the 2012 season of love.... From the longing to the broken & a few stops in between.
It is in no particular order. Not a top 10 ten anything other than my nerdy thoughts for today.
#10: Ih-Ah! - Devin Townsend Project
I love this song. Devin really goes after some emotion on this track.
I became fan of his after I saw the Devin Townsend Band open for Opeth in 2006. I was drawn in by his strange hooky talent and ability to easily and unapologetically cross genres. As the mastermind behind Strapping Young Lad, he pushed extreme metal to the limits of his insanity. Besides that, his Solo work covered acoustic ballads, borderline pop music and hard rock/metal songs, all executed very well and all depending on his mood.
This song appeared on the album Addicted in 2009, the second of four solo project LP's released in a two year span. It features Anneke van Giersbergen on the female vocal. Anneke is a talent worth exploring in her own right, and I recently had the opportunity to geek-out to her CD In Your Room. If you get the chance, check out her song Sunny Side Up.
#9: I Wanna be your Boyfriend - Ramones
Written by then drummer Tommy and brought to it's full potential by the nasal crooning of Joey, this track off of the Ramones debut album is anything but a three chord punk song with a repeating lyric. It is vulnerable in it's simplicity: "Do you love me babe? What do you say?, 'Cause I wanna be your Boyfriend".
#8-1/2: Pajama Party Time - Smoosh (Yo Gabba Gabba)
Just seeing if anyone is paying attention. No worries, it won't be stuck in your head for that long.
#8: Lets Get It On: Marvin Gaye
Oh yeah.... Don't beat around the bush. Say what you mean, mean what you say.
The 1973 Hitsville USA classic recorded by the one and only Marvin Gaye. The live video below was recorded during his 1976 European tour at a stop in Amsterdam. Bust out of your white and green striped blazer & bow tie. You know what time it is.
#7: Live in Love - Times of Grace
Don't hate. These guys are doing what they do. Its a post-everything, genre confusing world out there. Not your thing? Take another listen...
In 2011, Times of Grace released their debut album "Hymn of a Broken Man". Or was it? Anyone who knows about metalcore knows that this is basically a return for founding Killswitch Engage members Jesse Leach and Adam Dutkiewicz. Jesse left Killswitch in 2002 for personal reasons, and was replaced by Howard Jones (NOT the '80's guy). Jesse and Adam remained friends over the years, and when Adam wrote what was to become Hymn, he asked his old bff to sing on the project.
I loved Killswitch Engage's 2002 LP featuring Jesse: Alive or Just Barely Breathing, and I was excited to hear that the two essential members were working together again. Hymn of a Broken Man was very much the true follow-up to the 2002 album mentioned above, and is a great album overall. Recently, Howard Jones has announced his departure from Killswitch, and by no surprise to me, is being replaced by Jesse. Like sands through the hourglass.
OK, I know it's not a love song per say, but why not give a shout out to the people that aren't in a relationship today and let them give a big middle finger to the couples paying too much for dinner.
I honestly think that neither ever topped this song in their careers afterward. Bryan Adams was at his best with his chord driven rock sound, and Tina, well I will not bash her solo stuff out of respect to her legendary past works. Regardless, I love this song and the video captures a moment when they were both at a peak in their careers.
#5: Ball and Chain - Aldo NovaHow come nobody ever gives love to Aldo Nova? I don't care if you like cock-rock/pre-hair music or not, Aldo Nova had the goods and his 1981 self titled album was the proof. Go ahead, gouge away, I don't care and I stand behind the statement: it's good.
It's not just cheese, its mac-n-cheese....or maybe grilled cheese.
This is a sad tale about a man's foolishness in falling in love again. Cheeseburger and cries?
#4: I Believe in Your Love: Charles Bradley
Hearing Charles Bradley belt out a jam is like spraying Bactine on the scraped knee of your soul. It hurts, but it is so damn good for you.
This man is a survivor. Do the research, it is worth it. I was fortunate enough to meet and hang out with Charles in Cleveland last year, and it is hard not to love and respect him. I may do an entire blog on him soon, but for now, believe that this message of longing and hope is from the truest form of talent, and the most genuine kind of artist.
#3: Set the Fire to the Third Bar - Snow Patrol (featuring Martha Wainwright)
Who ever is in charge of PR at their record company should be fired for not promoting the hell out of this song. It is spice in a sea of their otherwise bland music. What a missed opportunity for them.
This song paints a picture better than any I had heard for some time when it came out, even if the title is somewhat confusing (it has to do with an electric space heater). Martha Wainwright's performance is beautiful and needs no lengthy monologue from me.
#2: The Crow, the Owl and the Dove: Nightwish
What good is it to have your own blog if you can't promote some of your favorite artists?
If you know me well, then you know how I feel about Nightwish.
A few years ago, my wife says to me:
"Do you know why Nightwish will never be huge?"
"Why is that Bean?" I responded
"Because their name is Nightwish" she says.
"Fair enough Nagorsky, fair enough"
For those who don't know, there are two chapters to Nightwish focused around two very different distinct voices that have fronted the band. Tarja Turunen, former singer, is a three octave soprano. Annette Olzon, current singer, is more of a classy Rock Chick. I am not one to roll in the "Tarja is better than Annette" mud that is slung around the Nightwish fan camp. They are both awesome, and I love them both.
Nightwish is Tuomas Holopainen's band, hands down, and his ability to write for the singer is unparalleled and more than proven with the newest release, Imaginaerum. If you have not heard it, do so ASAP.
The Crow, the Owl and the Dove is a standout moment. In short it asks for truth and innocence over love, wisdom and pride. It is too European for American mainstream, but thats ok, I'd rather not hear Nightwish on Glee. Appropriate for Valentines Day? IDK, but I love it.
#1: Something - The Beatles
What really needs to be said?
And there you have it. A dumb list with no less than 4 Canadians, 2 Soul acts, Punks, New England Metalcore dudes, some Disney Metal and The Fab Four. Oh yeah...and a Pajama Party with some kids named Smoosh. What could be better?
No comments:
Post a Comment