Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Fun with my IPod

I haven’t done this in awhile. Here are the first 25 tunes that come up on my IPod shuffle. Let’s hope this does not cause me anymore embarrassment.

1. I’m Bad I’m Nationwide, ZZ Top – This song will always remind me of the story my brother tells. He was at his girlfriend’s house at the time. He is sitting on the couch with her. At some point his girlfriends mom’s boyfriend comes in. He is a Harley looking dude with a long beard. And he says to Vince, “You’re the guy who plays guitar? My brother answers, yes. The Harley guy then sings “I’m Bad I’m Nationwide.” A classic.

2. I Just Want to Celebrate, Rare Earth – I own the best of Rare Earth for some reason. So, when I was moving my CD library over to my IPod I had to justify owning this disc.

3. Take the Money and Run, The Steve Miller Band – Hard to dislike the Steve Miller Band. Nothing life changing but he put out highly enjoyable, safe music that you have to try to not enjoy.

4. Run’s House, Run DMC – Here comes one from Nick’s youth. Run DMC are rap pioneers who were the conduit for me to the whole genre. This song in particular is amazing. Still sounds fresh as it did back in the late 80’s. Even non rap fans should give this one a chance.

5. Won’t Get Fooled Again, The Who – Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Damn right.

6. Rockin’ Down the Highway, The Doobie Brothers – I swear there is more than just classic rock on my IPod. The Doobie’s are a lot like Steve Miller in that they put out a lot of good stuff that didn’t hurt anyone. Sure, it’s not what I would call up there with the greatest music in rock history but it is still good. Plus they were on What’s Happening.

7. Sunshine Superman, Donovan – I have said it once and I will say it again. You could not, not be a Donovan fan if you lived with Lou Campbell as long as I did. And, you know what, that’s a good thing.

8. Shadows in the Rain, Sting – This was originally a Police song that appeared on their 3rd studio release Zenyatta Mondatta. On Sting’s first solo LP he re-recorded it and speed it up and as much as it pains me to say, it actually makes a good song even better.

9. For Once in My Life, Stevie Wonder – I really don’t want to know anyone who doesn’t have the urge to sing along with this song when they hear it. This is early Stevie at his R&B best. Man, was this guy the shit at one time long before his crappy 1980’s work.

10. My Kinda Lover, Billy Squier – My wife while she may not want to admit this, is a huge fan of the Billy Squier LP, Don’t Say No. I guess you have to be a child of the 80’s to appreciate this one.

11. Aeroplane, Red Hot Chilli Peppers – A ton of hard core Pepper’s fans point to this very song as when the band jumped the shark. And I kind of get it. But, damn it I have to admit I dig this song. Flea is still rocking out on bass with Dave Navarro shredding at the end of it.

12. Some Kind of Wonderful, Grand Funk Railroad – You don’t know Grand Funk? The shirtless guitar of Mark Farner, the bong rattling bass of Mel Schacher , the competent drumming of Don Brewer?

13. Walk of Life, Dire Straits – You could not go anywhere in 1985 without hearing something off of Brothers in Arms. Because of this I didn’t listen to a Dire Straits song for about 15 years. Then one day, I listened to this record again and you know what, it is really good.

14. Mama Said Knock You Out, LL Cool J – At every party that every white boy went to in the suburbs in the early 90’s this song was played at some point. And you know what, listening to it again, it is impossible to not have a smile on my face when I hear it.

15. Come As You Are, Nirvana – Anyone that knows me is probably sick of my praise that I heap on this band and this record. When historians look back at least my generation can say we gave the world Nevermind. It sure beats the shit out of Fall Out Boy.

16. I’m Still In Love With You, Al Green – If you haven’t at least one time in your life got busy with Al Green on in the background then you have missed out. He is the perfect soundtrack to love making.

17. Wouldn’t it be Nice, The Beach Boys – I really don’t like the Beach Boys but, you have to give them Pet Sounds. This is a brilliant record and a musical achievement. Brian Wilson while somewhat over praised as time has gone on did make one timeless classic.

18. She Drives Me Crazy, Fine Young Cannibals – It was summer 1989. We are in Hunger’s Blue Dodge Omni. We are on our way to Uncle Sam’s. This song comes on his tin can speakers. Chris then put it perfectly. He said, this song is not great but you will always associate it with this summer. He was right.

19. Call Muddy Waters, Howard and the White Boys – Man, this band always takes me back to some of the best times I have ever had. Listening to the Boys rock out at some bar on the south side with my friends, knocking back way too many beers, I am telling you it was pure bliss.

20. I Saw the Light, Todd Rundgren – I love this song. An instant smile comes on my face as soon as I hear the first bar of it. Rundgren has always been somewhat underrated in my opinion. I wish I would have dug a little deeper in his catalog at some point.

21. Big Sky, Reverend Horton Heat – This is a great jumping off point for anyone that has yet to be infected with the Rev’s powerful musical force. If you like rockabilly even a little I implore you to give this one a listen. You can thank me later.

22. Friend of the Devil The Grateful Dead – I have written numerous times about my love for American Beauty. It took me awhile but, I finally got the Grateful Dead. I guess better late than never.

23. Middle of the Road, The Pretenders – Chrissie Hynde has such a unique and original voice. I am not like a huge Pretenders guy, but like most of America I dig their greatest hits. Who doesn’t?

24. Last Nite, The Strokes – Okay give me shit it you want. The song has more hooks then a bait shop but damn if it didn’t catch me. I tried to resist, I really did but damn it I like this tune. Go ahead and nuke me, I deserve it.

25. That Lady, The Isley Brothers – This is funk and soul at its very best. I have heard this one in a couple of movies the last couple of years and that is not a bad thing. Thankfully, time has not forgotten this classic.