PS - This ended up taking up a 7 page document.
PPS - The spellcheck on this was brutal. I used (and made up) way too many words that my spellchecker didn't recognize (like Becktionary). Enjoy.
Alright, I'll admit. Some people don't like my eccentric, random, and occasionally unpopular music selection. I try to be courteous of other peoples' musical tastes before subjecting them to a lot of the music I really enjoy. I've decided to make a list of some of my favourite songs and reasons behind their awesomeness. If you're interested in hearing any of these, let me know, and I'll see what I can do for you.
So, whether you love it, hate it, or are generally indifferent, here are my choices for my personal. . . favourite songs (in no particular order):
45 by Shinedown
When the chorus starts playing I just want to scream it out, which is funny as I don't have a deep manly voice (being a woman). But, I love it. I can't help but nod my head along with the beat about a measure before the chorus. It puts me in a badass mood.
The Warmth by Incubus
This song is the ultimate "fuck you world" song. It's awesome to listen to when I'm feeling generally bitter at the world. It allows me to wallow in my upsetness without making me feel bad about it.
Piano Black by Yoko Kanno
This is just a great piano song backed up with some excellent percussion (and other sythensization). I really love the beat and the melody. I like listening to it, and whenever it comes on, I smile.
Streamline by Newton
I don't care if you don't like the Pepsi commercial! I like this song. In my opinion, it has a good beat, and you can kind of rock to it. And, just for controversy's sake. . . I LIKED that commercial!!
You'll Never Walk Alone by God Knows Who
Calm down. I don't like Liverpool FC. No one does (no one who likes a proper team anyway. . . ), but this is a good song. It's unfortunate that it has such terrible connotations (LFC . . . boo!!), but the song is lovely, and the words really get you, right in the aeortal area. Trust me, if you like the song enough, you can push out the fact that it's a Liverpool support song, and love it for what an amazing song it is.
Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy
This was the first piano piece I really fell in love with. The flowing piano melody is entrancing. My heart flutters when I hear it. It sounds so ethereal. I can't help but imagine myself in a lush green forest, playing near a crystal clear pond with butterflies and maybe even a unicorn. It gives a feeling of beautiful fantasy, and I absolutely love listening to it.
Sexx Laws by Beck
I'll be honest. . . I fell in love with this due to Futurama. There, I said it! But I don't care. This song is played by Beck with Bender assisting on the washboard. Either way, the lyrics are so awesomely off the wall and non-sequitor. Plus, it reminds me how much the Becktionary must be put into use in daily life. "Hepatitis Contact Lens?" "Coquette Bitch Smack?" Awesome.
Craig by Stephen Lynch
I don't know why I like this, but it rocks. I sing along to this when I'm in a badass mood, and feel semi-bitchy-kick-ass-super-hot. I know it doesn't make sense. But I love it, and I love singing along to it.
White & Nerdy by Weird Al Yankovic
This song is without rival. One: Nerdy references. Two: Turning a pretty lame song into something listenable (just by changing the lyrics). Three: I get the nerdy references. Four: Weird Al. Five: The actual music video is hilarious.
What U Lookin' At? by Uncle Cracker
I know that this seems a bit out of my taste, but I do really like it (even with Kid Rock's additions). With this one, as much as I enjoy the beat, it's more about the words. My favourite line: "I gotta tell you, baby, life's been good to me. And I know that makes you mad 'cuse that's something you can't see. I got everything I ever wanted and I'll never give that back. Well I know you hate that fact, but you ain't gotta look at me like that." Besides the fact that it was terribly difficult to type that as the English is terrible, I still like it, and it lets me feel cocky about my accomplishments.
Story of a Lonely Guy by Blink-182
I liked their later stuff better than their earlier stuff (I'm sure someone is screaming "heathen" at the computer screen). And I like this song. It's another one of those songs I can relate to, even though it's not from the woman's point of view. There are some great lines in this song, and I like it.
It Sucks To Be Me from Avenue Q
Who can' relate to this? Plus, it's funny. And hilarity makes me smile. It's one of my favourites from the Avenue Q soundtrack (closely followed by Everyone's A Little Bit Racist, which makes some very good points).
Don't Look Back In Anger by Oasis
I accidentally came across Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova ages ago, and never got around to finding more of Oasis' work. I didn't know anything about them, la, la, la, and lo and behold, I go to England and everyone knows who they are. Well, listening through Hamish's music collection I came across "Don't Look Back In Anger" and I think it's my favourite by far. It's not that there's something relatable for me, but whenever I hear it, I can't help but sing, and for me, that's good enough to make it one of my favourites.
Piano Man by Billy Joel
Okay, Rob the Builder, it's your fault I love this song. After hearing him sing it on "Any Dream Will Do", research began, and the original was found, and now I just randomly sing it. Thanks. . . good thing I love it.
D&D by Stephen Lynch
I love this one more than "Craig". It's the absolute losery nerdiness of songs like this (and "White & Nerdy") which draw me to them. Hilarious.
Dizzy by Goo Goo Dolls
I've had a place for this in my favourites for a long time. It turned me on to their music, and I still enjoy it. I haven't heard it in ages, and forgot about it. Funny how that works. I especially like the lyrics of the first verse followed by the chorus.
Meet Virginia by Train
I love that the point of this song is that this woman is quirky and weird and socially defunct but that he still loves her. Maybe not. I like it. It reminds you that everyone has their eccentricities (lots of them) and that they intrigue people. I hope that people see all my odd qualities in such an endearing way.
Every Day I Love You Less And Less by Kaiser Chiefs
This one seems odd. . . so let me explain. This is the first song I remember from REVOLVER, and I remember dancing to it with Hamish, and singing along. And I remember his emphasis on the line "And my girlfriend loves me," and because of that, it has sentimental value. I bet Hamish didn't think I'd ever keep something like that in my mental bank.
Dancing Lasha Tumbai by Verka Serduchka
Everyone loved Ukraine's entry into the 2007 Eurovision. Apparently not enough of everyone, as it came in second. Cheesy techno kicks ass.
Fuego by Bond
To be honest, I just like Bond. There's something awesome about a four piece string group made up of young women. The music is upbeat, catchy, and they do takes on classical pieces. This is one of my favourites, but their other stuff is amazing, too.
Lucy's F*Ck*Ng Sky by Lords of Acid
This song reminds me of Leon. It's the first Lords song that I really like to any extent, plus, Leon introduced me to their music. Their music is definitely . . . different, but there are some excellent songs. But, most of them are not for the weak of heart. I always said, Lords of Acid is like if pornography and techno had a baby.
Costa del Sol by Nobou Uematsu
From the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack. That's right! Video Game Music! I don't care. Moving on. . . this is one of my favourites from this OST. I could sun bathe to this song for eternity. Perhaps it's just because that's the imagery you get from the video game, but it's uplifting and cheery, but mellow. Although, from this same OST, I think "Ahead On Our Way" is a close second/tie for first. P.S. - FFVII. . . Best. Game. Ever.
Mysterious Days by Sarah Brightman
I loooooove Sarah Brightman. Her voice is killer, and I think that she's quite gorgeous. And, choosing one song was awfully difficult, but this one sprang straight to mind, and therefore was put on the list. I like the melody and the tone it sets. It's fun and showcases her voice very well. I'm sure another one of her songs will make its way onto the list.
That's Me Trying by William Shatner
Without a doubt, this song always reduces me to a crying mess. It just hits too close to home, but I suppose that's what I like about it. Just listening to the first few bars brings tears to my eyes, but I like it. It helps me deal with some things that I don't want to discuss with anyone because it hurts too much. Musical therapy. . . damn it. . . 1:28 into the song and I'm crying. . .
Avril 14th by Aphex Twin
I want this song played at my wedding instead of "Here Comes The Bride." It's much more elegant. It's beautiful. All piano. Absolutely wonderful composition.
Trilogy by ATB
It seems a bit odd for ATB, but I like it. Another instrumental piece that I think it just wonderful to listen to.
A Foggy Day (In London Town) by Michael Bublé
Another difficult choice. I love his voice. It's like. . . smooth, sexy, modern, lounge singer. I like it. There isn't much of a reason why I chose this over many of his other songs which I love. But, I love London. And it's sort of romantic.
James Bond Theme by Moby
I know there will be some uproar, but hear me out. This is just a remix of the standard James Bond theme that everyone knows and loves. . . BUT. . . the famous scene from Goldfinger, James Bond and Bloefeld: "Do you expect me to talk?" "No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die." Anyway. . . that's right in the middle of it. And you know what. . . it's Sean Connery talking in the middle of the damn song, so it's awesome. I get butterflies when I hear it.
Stars from Les Miserables
God, I hate when people unnecessarily shorten it to Les Mis. Well, hate may be a bit strong, it annoys me slightly to somewhat. Anyway, the version sung by a gentleman who has a J in his name. That version is amazing. If I remember, I'll figure out who it is. The words are great, and music is so lyrical, and it's awesome to sing along to, as it's a baritone part, which compliments my voice nicely.
Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness by Smashing Pumpkins
Here, I'm referring to the song, not the entire album (which I like). But, this song in particular, another instrumental, is beautiful. It's somber in a way, which gives it a rainy day, gray cloud feeling, which I love. To be fair, I love rainy or snowy days with gray clouds. It makes sense.
Elephant Love Song Medley from Moulin Rouge
This song is amazing for Hamish and I to sing to (especially since I've become familiar with the words). The combo of lots of well-known songs makes it fun to sing.
Come What May from Moulin Rouge
This song is terribly romantic, and sad (in the context of the movie). It always makes me think of Hamish. But, it's a good work out for my voice, as it just hits the bottom and top of my range. The more I sing it, the more my range increases. So, I can sing well into male tenor territory nowadays.
Full Of Memories and Little Date from Ranma 1/2 Opening
Okay, nerd alert. I like anime. And these are my two favourite opening songs from my favourite series, Ranma 1/2. They're so indicative of the series. Maybe that's not true. By they instantly bring my mind to the show and what I love about it so much.
Hinageshi(Red Poppy) from Ranma 1/2 Closing
This was always my favourite closing from Ranma 1/2. The words are sweet and sad (it's in Japanese, for those wondering), but is wonderful. It gives a great atmosphere. It's just been one of my favourites for SOOO long, and also on the first anime CD I bought (although the second one I bought was also a Ranma 1/2 CD from the 2nd OAV, and, consequently, is the CD I always listen to when I feel sick. . . it helps me fall asleep).
Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright
Beside the fact that I like his voice, I love the song. Depressingly great. The lyrics are actually quite cruel and bitter, but I love to sing it. It almost seems to dramatic to be real, which makes it fun to experience. It takes you to a further level and allows you to take yourself a bit further that you would usually go. I've heard at least one other version and didn't like it as much. When he sings this song there's such a great desperation in his voice, which I think is part of the reason it comes across so well. The lyrics are great for what they're trying to portray.
Right Where It Belongs by Nine Inch Nails
I love the beginning notes of this song. I love the progression from somewhat muted to full out played. This line: "See the animal in it's cage that you built. Are you sure what side you're on." is full of meaning and depth. This song is definitely the best from the "With Teeth" album.
My Village Is Number One by Yasunori Mitsuda
Another song from a video game OST (Xenogears, to be exact). This song comes up at the VERY beginning, and it's my favourite. It's upbeat. It always makes me feel cheery. And makes me want to go around getting EXP and raising my STR. Better get some parts for my Gear. ^-^
Redneck Yacht Club by Craig Morgan
I don't know. It let's me celebrate the country side of my family. It's clever, it's funny, but endearing. I love singing to it, and it makes me smile a lot. It reminds me of my Dad.
Zelda by The Rabbit Joint
Not by System of a Down, not by NIN. I'll stop my diatribe there. Great song. Quick. Funny. Video Game related.
But It's Better If You Do by Panic! At The Disco
This seems a bit odd, but I like it. This song became prevalent in my life during an odd pseudo-romantic period in my life. It made me think of someone in particular, and it always put me in a stellar mood. I still get the same good mood feeling from it, but it's lost a bit of it's significance in regards to this particular person. Anyway, good song. It's upbeat, and I really like the concept of the music video.
Celebrate Our Love by Alice DeeJay
Just as a quick note, I've been listening to Alice DeeJay loooooong before it became popular. Just thought I'd point it out. This is one of my favourite songs from the original CD. It's uplifting and the words put me in a good mood. There are associations with this song, too.
Deep Folk Song by Deep Forest
Another instrumental piece. This one mainly consists of accordion and some stomp effect. It's quick, it's snappy, it's good. Also, I've decided that if I ever make a video game I'll have to incorporate it in some way. Definitely.
Scotland the Brave by Steve McDonald
This is on another one of my terribly old CDs that no else probably has a copy of. But, I really like this version of the standard Scotland the Brave. It has a nice interim piece, and bagpipes at the end. Plus, dating a Scotsman makes it a bit more significant.
Everybody's Free (To Feel Good) by Aquagen featuring Rozalla
I was turned on to this song by "The Venture Bros." It's played at the beginning of the first episode of the 2nd season. I like the beat to it, and I always envision the scenes from Venture Bros. which makes it more enjoyable.
Fisherman's Horizon by Nobuo Uematsu
This is taken from the Final Fantasy VIII OST. Now, as a game, FFVIII failed, but, I still believe this is due to the fact that it came after FFVII. But, the soundtrack to FFVIII is amazing. I think it might be the best OST of the FF bunch. I need to dig out my other FFOST's. Okay, this song is so mellow and beautiful and calming. The melody is so flowing and wonderful. It always makes me feel serene.
The Conductor by The Faint
Part of an amazing Mix CD made for me personally (big smile) this song is absolute electronica and I love it. The processing on the vocals works well with the music. The beginning begins slow but very quickly picks up. Another song that I just enjoy