Ah yes, we are continuing to branch out on this blog. First writing, then baby elephant videos, now…….
Music!
It’s ever the steady evolution.
Ahem. So. If you had to pick one. Just one. Just one song to listen to the rest of your life, your favorite song of all time, the one that speaks to you, the one that practically IS you, the one that you hold above all others.
Just one!!!
Which one is it?
I would have to go with……
“Little Eyes” by Yo La Tengo. No! “Star Witness” by Neko Case. No! “Non Je Regrette Rien” by Edith Piaf. No! “Oh Yoko” by John Lennon. No! “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles.
As you can see the rules are a bit loose on this one. Let’s go with songS.
Honestly it changes every so often.
If I had to go with just one song, though, I can think of only one song I could listen to again and again and again and again and not turn into the Joker — Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah".
If multiple songs, give me a recording of Rigoletto with Pavarotti as the Duke of Mantua.
Jason Webley – ways to love
and
Nick Cave – the ship song
and
The Shins – kissing the lipless
okay, okay, this is hard.
Wise Up, Aimee Mann! :o)
I could say “Desperado” by the Eagles but this isn’t a talking game it’s a writing games, so I have to go with “When You Say Nothing At All” by Keith Whitley – oh wait that’s saying something isn’t it? How about… “Little Lovin’” by Lissie – Naw, that’s my right now song. Oh wait – I know, “Blackwater” by the Doobie Brothers (I love the harmonizin’ at the end).
Good timing, as it's just been announced that Bob Dylan inked a six-book deal with S&S!
My favorite tune is NOT a Dylan one (though many are in my top 50).
It's a tie: Leonard Cohen's Halleluah, or Beatles Here Comes the Sun
Crap. Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel? Wait, no. Beethoven's 9th? Light and Day by Polyphonic Spree.
Erm. This question is too hard. Pass.
I agree with Nick, it does change depending on my mood or current state of drama in life. Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns seems to be the standby for Wicked hard times. Blue Chair by Kenny Chesney super for pondering Life. For partying? Def Leapord or Scorpions bring back the College days. For word people. ONE song? Tough Assignment.
Using what criteria? The song I listen to more than any other? The song I most respect for its musicality/lyrics? The song that best represents who I am?
I'm going to go with "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King because of the sentimentality attached. It's a song that immediately takes me back to a golden time in my life. It's summer in the mid 80s, I'm 17, and I can do absolutely anything with the greatest friends in the universe.
For me, it's, "Only the Good Die Young" by Billy Joel.
I'm cheating and going with an entire sound track. Yentl (Streisand)
"Eye of the Tiger." I like to jog about the house and then finish with a glorious flourish in front of the blank computer screen just before I start a project.
Not really. But it's the first thing that popped in my head when I read the post.
This is not as tough for me as those who know me might think. Although I have a written-down list of my favorite songs, which now approaches a dozen or so, I can easily say that my most favorite song of all time is "MacAruthur Park" by Richard Harris. Yes, really. I have never met another soul who comes anywhere near liking it. The closest I've seen is the least amount of hate. I have no idea why I love it so much, the lyrics make no sense. But if I were stuck on a desert island and had room for only one song on my iPod, this would be it. I'm afraid to learn what that says about me.
The Church's "Under the Milky Way". An absolutely gorgeous song and a reminder of some of the happiest times of my teen years.
Dusty Springfield, Son of a Preacher Man.
It's been my favorite going on forever. I was so irritated when Pulp Fiction came along and then everybody liked it.
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes by Paul Simon.
Over and over and over again!
~ Wendy
I've been lurking (and learning lots) for a while on this blog, but it finally takes a music post to make me comment…
If I honestly could only have one single song that sums me up, which I never tire of hearing, I guess it would have to be 'Sometimes' by James (a mainly '90s British band). The lyrics are amazing. If you've never heard it, go type it into YouTube.
But if I get more than one? Argh. 'Landed' by Ben Folds. 'Fields of Gold' by Sting. 'When You Come Back Down' by Nickel Creek, which always makes me cry. 'Butterflies and Hurricanes' by Muse. Yeah. The list is potentially endless.
KoRn – "Twist"
'honey came in and she caught me red handed, creepin with the girl next door…'
I can think of two right off the top of my head: "Bed of Roses" by Bon Jovi and "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles.
I'm an 80's music junkie!
Honestly it's hard to pick because it changes so often and for different reasons.
But right now, I think I would have to say "Vampire Money" by My Chemical Romance. It's upbeat, crazy, full of awesome guitar playing, and totally makes fun of the whole vampire trend that's going on right now.
I've been trying to come up with my top ten of all time for a while now. I've only figured it out through #4.
1) Into the Mystic – Van Morrison
2) Bad – U2
3) Imagine – John Lennon
4) Cocoon – Jack Johnson
I listen to a lot of different music, but my fav is always Every Breath You Take, Sting. Although, since I'm querying right now, Message in A Bottle seems more appropriate. 😉
Oh gosh, I don't know. Love Elton John's "Tiny Dancer," and Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" AND . . . "Send in the Clowns" from "A Little Night Music." Or, or ,or . . .
I can't choose one!
Unholy Confessions by Avenged Sevenfold. Best opening guitar riff ever.
Famous Last Words by My Chemical Romance, To Be Loved by Papa Roach and Somebody Told Me by the Killers.
So hard, I love music so much!
It seems I'm one of the very few rockers around here. My all time favorite song is Fairies Wear Boots, by Black Sabbath. Followed very closely by Lord of this World, by Black Sabbath.
But there are so many great songs by so many great artists. This list would be a long one, really.
BTW, I do like Beethoven, Wagner, and Mozart, too.
You've got a friend – James Taylor
CSNY "Southern Cross"
or possibly Allman Brothers "Midnight Rider"
…longing, angst, mistakes made…I love me some brooding southern rockers…
Oh, and "The Humpty Dance" is an underrated classic 🙂
Ooh, way to get my brain working early in the…er…mid-morning. I'm going with:
Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock"
Simon & Garfunkel's "Slip Slidin' Away"
Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls"
Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Hard to Concentrate"
Stopping now, or I'll be at this all day.
Right now? Today? Peter Gabriel's "Book of Love".
I may be stretching the limits of what constitutes a song, but my first pick would be"
Beethoven's 9th.
If I had to get more specific, I choose the 2nd movement. I think it's one of the most powerful pieces of music ever composed.
After that…
Comfortably Numb- Pink Floyd. One of the best guitar solos ever.
Piano Man- Billy Joel. Always fun to sing along.
The Devil Went Down to Georgia- Charlie Daniels. My first favorite song. I remember spinning that 45 repeatedly as a kid, a great mix of music and story.
I wasn't really into music until 8th grade when I heard Dave Matthew Band's "What Would You Say" and I thought, how the heck is he doing that?!?! It was all downhill from there.
Close seconds: Under the Bridge, by RHCP, Everlong by Foo Fighters, and any song by Michael Jackson that makes you shake your buns (read: all of them).
My immediate choice is:
"The Long and Winding Road" by the Beatles.
But reading the selections of other I will add Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah".
Both are beautiful, meaningful songs.
Only one? "Ordinary Day" by Great Big Sea.
Multiples and I can't have any more GBS songs? "Hallelujah" sung by Rufus Wainwright. "9th and Hennepin" by Tom Waits. "In My Life" by the Beatles. "My Funny Valentine" by Chet Baker.
Hard to keep it that short. I have 5,131 songs on my iPod and like many more that aren't on it yet.
Hey, at least hoarding music on an iPod doesn't take up much space in the house.
I have a wide range of fav songs and they change depending on my mood. However there is one song that no matter what mood I'm in I can listen to for hours.
"Sitting on The Dock of the Bay"
by Otis Redding
It's even one of my ringtones on my phone.
Megadeth, Holy Wars. Haven't gotten tired of it yet. So many others across genres, but that's the one I always go back to.
"Your Song" by Elton John from the Live In Australia album.
Impossible question. But okay, assuming that I'm neurotic enough to listen to a song overandoverandoverand… No I couldn't, variety is the spice of life.
I'm cheating and choosing an entire soundtrack, too. It's seamless, so it's pretty much one song, and it goes with EVERYTHING!
The Edward Scissorhands score by Danny Elfman!
It's perfect writing music for my WIP.
Honorary mentions:
Stardust (Hoagy Carmichael)
Everlong (Foo Fighters)
Daphnis et Chloe (Ravel)
Scheherazade (Rimsky-Korsakov)
Man of Constant Sorrow (Soggy Bottom Boys)
Vertigo score (Bernard Hermann)
This is in no way even remotely possible for me…I blog about writing and music too, but like the books I read, my music choices are just as diverse. Led Zeppelin..Over The Hill And Far Away…The Bee Gees…Tragedy…Knights of Cydonia by Muse…Hollywood Bowl by Band of Skulls…I have to quit now…this will be the longest comment EVER….
I'd have to go classical and pick a piece by Rachmaninoff. Is it weird that I'm a writer but love music most when it doesn't have words?
Hmm…
Thumbs up on the "Star Witness," that was thisclose to being mine. But I have to go with "Queen Jane Approximately."
I never Loved Eva Braun by The Boomtown Rats.
I hope you know you're gonna have to make up a playlist for us of all these suggestions, Nathan.
Surprised by all the vocal music selected. The one criterion which messes this up for me is, "Just one song to listen to the rest of your life." Egad. I'd get sick of ANY vocal if I had to listen to just it the rest of my life. (Er, assuming I don't die in the next 3 minutes.)
On that basis, I'd probably pick something totally instrumental and multi-layered. Some kind of "thought music."
Maybe something, almost anything, by Explosions in the Sky???
Favorite song, though, might be the Beatles' "In My Life."
It's Raining Men, by the Weather Girls
"Photograph"by Def Leppard.
The 1812 Overture by the Boston Symphony.
I grew up on radio (no TV allowed in my parents' house), so choosing only one song would be one of the circles of Hell if I were to rewrite the Inferno.
Joy to the World – Three Dog Night
Bullet with Butterfly Wings – Smashing Pumpkins
The 1812 Overture
The Indiana Jones Theme Song
Living on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
Little Black Backpack – Stroke 9
Yeah, I'll never be able pick just one…
If I had to pick any one instrumental it would be any of the four from YES – "Tales From Topographic Oceans".
Where the Streets Have No Name by U2
Fun, but challenging topic. 🙂
The music that most speaks to my soul is Samuel Barber's Adiago for Strings.
For music with lyrics, "Stardust" is so beautifully crafted and "My Way" hits the nail on the head for me.
But I can't shake the feeling that I'm forgetting something important…. 🙂
Whoever said MacArthur Park – I love that song, too. 🙂
Thank goodness you have loose rules:
Touring by the Ramones
WigWamBam by Sweet
The Very Thought of You by Billie Holliday
Daydream Believer by the Monkees
You're so Vain by Carly Simon
American Pie by Don Mclean
How loose are the rules, I could be here a while? Great question
Duel of the Fates – John Williams
Yes, I know the Phantom Menace sucked, but that piece still sends shivers down my spine.
Drops of Jupiter–Train is my all-time favorite.
I do go thru phases so my current song to listen to obsessively is Glycerine–Bush (the band, NOT the expresident)
@Watcher55, #3 on Train's new cd, "I Got You" samples blackwater in the chorus…very fun!
"Non Je Regrette Rien" by Edith Piaf. (that's one of my favorites, too.)
"Thunder on the Mountain" by Bob Dylan.
"Love Struck Baby" by SR Vaughn (This one would be my all-time favorite if there can be only one.)
"Talking in Circles" by Jim Byrnes.
Mostly blues and jazz for me. With a dash of rock & roll.
Minor correction for my comment:
For Edith Piaf, I think the song should be Non, Je ne Regrette Rien, Nathan. Just googled it since it didn't sound quite right.
There's no WAY I can choose.
I have, however, pinpointed a song that I believe is universally liked (although, I'm sure someone will prove me wrong):
Hotel California.
NO ONE hates that song. Right?
Since you mentioned 5 songs, I'll do the same.
"Drain You"-Nirvana
"Into the Mystic"-Van Morrison
"One"-U2
"All These Things That I Have Done"-killers
"Born to Run"-The Boss
@Lora96 – Great stuff. I'm listening to their playlist on Youtube. I now have a new station on Pandora.
Thanks Loads
This will seem weird since I am such a hard rock guy, with Zeppelin, Floyd, Tool, APC, Green Day, Who, and so forth always getting loads of play time in my iTunes, but the one song I can put on repeat and listen to over and over again without ever tiring is my edited version of Enya's 'Council of Elrond'. I have it fade out just after the last vocal, so it is quite short at just over two minutes, but it is an exquisitely gorgeous piece of music.
@Katt, if I could cheat like you and take an entire soundtrack, I would take the incredible Blade Runner sountrack (the extended one)!
I'm going with album too.
Counting Crows August and Everything After. I listened to it every day for an entire summer and never got sick of it, so I think it's a safe bet.
You started cheating before you even finished the post Nathan. Could you not have even waited for the comments?
Just kidding. Anyway, mine is Junglist, by Tribe of Issachar, on Congo Natty Records, the DJ Zinc Remix. Good luck finding it.
"The Rainbow Connection" as sung by Kermit the Frog…no, I'm not kidding.
Pee Wee Herrman Theme Song.
For me it would definitely be U2's "40." I've heard it in concert during their War Tour (I know, that dates me) and found out the meaning of it a few weeks later. "How long to sing this song?" – Forever, for me!
23 by Jimmy Eat World
Such a hard question!
But I think it could possibly be:
Your Ex-Lover Is Dead – by stars.
Don't let the first line of this song throw you off… it really is an awesome song!
Hear You Me -by Jimmy Eat World is a close second.
The call- Regina Spektor. I'll cheat and pick two… Boulevard of Broken Dreams- Greenday. Price Tag- Jessie J. It wasn't me (cough, cough.)
If I only had one to pick, it would be Harry Chapin's Circle.
oh, this is hard…interesting so many chose Halleluiah… is this the same one sung by Jeff Beck? I love that song, too.
Stand by Me–Ben E King
Over the Rainbow (sung by Judy Garland or Hawaiian singer–can't remember his name)
At Last–Etta James
Bird on a Wire–Leonard Cohen
A Change is Gonna Come sung by Otis Redding or Sam Cooke
Georgia on my Mind sung by Willie Nelson or Ray Charles
Mr. Tambourine Man–Bob Dylan
For All The Saints (hymn)
Danny Boy
All through the Night (in Welsh)
oh, I give up….
Today I'm going with Over the Rainbow – the Israel Kamakawiwo'ole version. Amazing voice and the song just seeps with emotion.
Ask me any other day and it might be one of my other top 5! 🙂
"Look On" – John Frusciante
"Talk Tonight" – Oasis
"Off He Goes" – Pearl Jam
If we're going with "you can only listen to one song the rest of your life," add my vote for Hallelujah! That was the first song that popped into my mind even before opening the comments trail. It's great because it seems that EVERYONE has their own version of it, so I could still get a good mix of music styles from one song. 🙂
Picking a favorite, though? It's too hard to choose. I love so many songs! Stephanie, Bed of Roses is up there on my list, too.
Basketcase by Green Day. Not because I feel like the song describes me or anything remotely deep but because from the moment I heard it, saw the music video I was in LOVE. It was instant love and is still going strong. (Can't say that about a lot things in life.)
Actually, I only need one:
What A Wonderful World, by Louis Armstrong.
Number two, if needed, would be:
Waiting For the Sun, by The Doors.
Hard to pick just one, but I'd have to go with Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. It's the total package.
Hotel California by the Eagles
OR
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
OR
…this is too hard. How about our favorite five?
I like a lot of different kinds of music, but for fifteen years my favorite song has been "Wiser Time" by The Black Crowes.
Inna Gadda Da Vida by Iron Butterfly.
End of discussion.
Ray Charles, 1967, "Here We Go Again" composed by Don Lanier and Red Steagall.
I've enjoyed it since 1967. It's even better today, trucking alone along down a sidewalk with my creative imagination stirred up to fever pitch mentally composing a scene, listening to it from my digital player and earphone buds, oblivious to anything but my immediate environment and even that merely an impressionistic backdrop to the proxy reality I'm creating.
Otherwise, give me Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Marshall Tucker, Bob Weir, John Prine, Janice Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Wills, Hank Williams Junior or Senior, Allman Brothers with Dickey Betts, acid rock, country rock, bluegrass instrumental, soul, and rythym and blues.
Just da rock-a-billy blues, mon. Keepin' on truckin'.
I gotta put Pearl Jam's Jeremy out there, too…
I'm so happy to hear Neko Case is on someone else's list besides mine!
"I'm an Animal"-Neko Case
"Casimir Pulaski Day"- Sufjan Stevens.
Wow, that was easier than I thought! I'm sure I'll think of more favorites later but I don't know if they can top these two.
I know this is SOO wrong, but I love Pebo Bryson's If ever your in my arms again. Weird, I know, right? But believe you me it's been the inspiration of more than one of my novels.
I also like the oddball, The Rose, by Bette Midler. I might even cry on occasion when I hear it.
So many others that make me pause.
My favorite songs change pretty often, but here are five that have been consistent over the years:
The Tracks of My Tears – Smokey Robinson
Everlasting Love – Carl Carlson
The Scientist – Coldplay
Roads – Portishead
Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley
"Yellow" by Coldplay. Favorite. Song. Ever. I've been told before that it's a weird song to be your favorite, but I don't care! It makes me indescribably happy.
Enya, Orinoco Flow.
Wait, no. Rainbow Connection, by Kermit the Frog, but only if it's sung by my daughter.
"Running up that Hill," by Kate Bush.
Or maybe it's "Moments of Pleasure," also by Kate Bush.
On the other hand, it could be "A Coral Room" or maybe "Joanni," also by (surprise!) Kate Bush.
Either way, I'm pretty sure it's a Kate song….
Not sure if this one "is" me, but Long Cool Woman (The Hollies) is a lingering favorite.
I Hope You Dance, Lee Ann Womack
I love the Rainbow Connection by Kremit, too! 🙂
I thought of another song that speaks to me consistently:
Let the River Run by Carly Simon. It's the title track to Working Girl (I know) and won the Oscar that year. Wonderful song.
I also like the (badly titled) Nature Boy – Nat King Cole's version.
Okay, I think that's my five (at least). Fun thread.
When you wish upon a star
Naming my absolute favourite (pop) song is less painful than narrowing the rest down to, say, a top ten.
My favourite is Don't Speak by No Doubt.
I love too many songs to pick just one. I have no favorite. But, Get Together by the Youngbloods is playing in my head right now.
Easy…my father – self taught guitar – recorded before he met my mother – found it after he passed and was able to transfer it to a CD. He sang "House of the Rising Sun" and many others. He passed away in 1998 – my mother passed away July 2010 and we played his cd for her as she passed peacefully surrounded by all of us. Love transcends and I have it on a CD…Love you mom and dad, miss you and see you soon.
Right now, Sweet Song by Blur .
Like you said, it has to be songS!
You Made Me The Thief Of Your Heart by Sinead O'Connor, Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith, Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes, Your Woman by White Town, Jenny was a Friend of Mine by The Killers, Full Moon by Black Ghosts
I could go on and on…and on! I have a lot of faves, but these are the stand outs.
My favorite song changes probably weekly. But here are a few that stand out:
With or Without You, U2
The Scientist, Coldplay
Alone, Heart
No One's Gonna Love You, Band of Horses
Comfortable, John Mayer
Such Great Heights, Iron & Wine AND The Postal Service
Fun topic.
Being Alive, Sondheim
Limiting myself to ONE song per artist, just for a parameter….
(and these are not in any order)
"Roll Over Beethoven" by Chuck Berry
"Proud Mary" by Tina Turner
"Anticipation" by Carly Simon
"Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" by Bob Dylan
"End Of The Line" by The Traveling Wilburys
"L-O-V-E" by Natalie Cole
"Gold Dust Woman" by Fleetwood Mac
"Mac The Knife" by Bobby Darrin
"Laundry Room" by the Avett Brothers
And if I could have a runner up: "Us" by Regina Spektor.
T. Anne,
FYI, Conway Twitty recorded a country version of "The Rose"…
Some classic favorites of mine would be "Whiter Shade of Pale" by Van Morrison "Ice Cream Man" by Van Halen and my current fad is "Glitter in the Air" by Pink… though after I put it in writing I feel my third should include a Van as well…. I will have to think about this now!
Watcher 55, remember the Desperado episode of Seinfeld? One of my favorites.
Mine: Stand by Me by Ben E. King, Explain It to Me by Liz Phair, Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac, Coming Up Close by Til Tuesday, and Book of Love by Magnetic Fields.
I cannot whittle it down more than that.
Since
lora96
mentioned sampling blackwater,
reminds me
"Black Water" by The Doobie Brothers — would need that one, too
Suzy Vitello Soulé,
Very interesting news: Dylan, 6-book deal with Simon & Schuster — I'm off to look that up!
Love this question! My choice is "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears.
This is easy.
Heroes by David Bowie
It is pure perfection. I thank him daily for this song, and never grow tired of hearing it.
Kudos to Huntress for mentioning In a Gadda da Vida. Talk about an instant time warp…!
If I had to have just one, it would probably be Swallow by Emilie Autumn. Every time I get a different meaning out of it.
"ode to joy" by beethoven. no! "maybe sparrow" by neko case. no! "does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?" by …..? no! "mercy street" by peter gabriel. no! "hillfarmer's blues" by mark knopfler.
I can't answer that! It's so personal! I'd rather you asked me when I lost my virginity! :~D
(come on, you know that made you laugh. Mission accomplished.)
Happy Wednesday, Jedi Master.
~bru
Red Cave, by Yeasayer (for now: it'll change, but right now, I love that song)
"No Cars Go" Arcade Fire
"Rebellion (Lies)" Arcade Fire
"Thank You" Led Zeppelin
"Baby Blue" Badfinger
Shawn Mullins' "Shimmer." Its the song I want playing during a tribute of my life.
And if that tribute needs to be shorter due to time constraints, then MxPx's "Doing Time."
"Here Comes The Sun" – w/700+ songs on iPod, obviously not easy. But I do feel better every time I happen to hear it on the radio, etc. So that's the one.
(I see other people cannot stick to the "one" – shape up peeps! Be ruthless. What do you do when revising a ms? I shudder to think.)
"Piano Man" by Billy Joel. Even though Billy was before my time, I absolutely cannot get enough of this song. If my alarm plays this song to wake me up, I'm in for one of me best days!
It doesn't speak to me personally I guess, considering I'm a little young to be "making love to my tonic and gin" or be a waitress "practicing politics," but there is something about the color of this song that says "YOU ARE AWESOME!…even if you're boring!"
-Julia
I'm hosting a Top 10 Countdown Music Blogfest next week, and everyone's commented that selecting ten is difficult – and now I've realized I'm struggling to pick songs for my own blogfest!
Still not sure on #1 – probably something by Rush or Dream Theater.
"Ariel" by October Project. Obscure, but so beautiful!
It has to be Don't Cry for me Argentina, it was sang by Madonna as Eva Peron
This week… "Prodigal Man" by Peder Eide
Next week I'll have a new answer. (It would be before then if I had to listen to the same song forever).
<>< Katie
"Come Away with Me," by Norah Jones
Mexican Blackbird by ZZ Top
Forevermore by Katie Herzig.
"Climb up my Apple tree . . ."
🙂
BrownEyed
"Feelin' Groovey" and "I loved them all".Not sure if that's the name of the second but those are the main words. They can play those at my funeral!! (Not soon, I hope!)
Absolutely no contest…
"Lay Lady Lay"… by Bob Dylan
Sigh…..
WTH, better late than never (my email notifications seem to be coming in VERY late)…
Down by the River Neil Young – those guitar riffs just make my soul soar and sore. But actually the whole Decade album is the one I'd want with me should I be deserted somewhere with but one album and a turntable (& power to operate it).
Nate – Edith Piaf's La Vie en Rose, of course, but La Piano est Mort is right up there
Coltrane – A Love Supreme
Oh…there are just too many!!
Climb Every Mountain: "…a dream that will need all the love you can give, all the days of your life for as long as you live…" (Sound of Music)
Lonnie's Lament, John Coltrane
Lonely Woman, Ornette Coleman
As you can see, I'm an old school jazz man, showing my hips. My knowledge of pop music doesn't exist. That doesn't mean I don't like it. I LOVE it. There's just so much.. I revert to the music that accompanied me through high school. We all remember those songs, don't we?
Hmm hard, because I love music so much! xD I'm thinking… "faraway" by Apocalyptica. It's just gorgeous and fits every bit of me. But I also kinda wanna see "Hum Hallelujah" by Fall Out Boy, because it's so full of emotion.
I'm glad this isn't a real choice, haha!
I'm going with one of my own songs, Bewitching Green (Bring Your Magic On Home). I love the melody, harmonies and the lyrics. It moves me. It was a song written for children, or to accompany a children's story, and the last song I wrote before I stopped – for awhile,anyway.
My Way, by Elvis or Frank Sinatrra.
It's a beautiful day by Freddie Mercury.
A Little Ray of Sunshine.
Finally! A question I know the answer to! The Boxer, by Simon and Garfunkel!
Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra. I like, love even, many others but this is my favorite.
When I was a wee little girl, it was "Bimbo"
Of all the songs I thought of while reading this blog….there is only one…because of its catchy tune that sticks in my head for hours, because of its meaning…
American Pie
tnx Nathan…now I have it stuck in my head while trying to edit…
La Villa Strangiato, Live version from 1994.
U2- With or Without You
Radiohead – Let Down
The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby
Death Cab for Cutie – Pity and Fear
The Cure – Love Song
This is just tonight's list. I love music too much to pick an all time top favorite. 😀
Bridges And Balloons – Joanna Newsom
I have no idea what these lyrics mean. When I close my eyes and visualize, I feel like I’m on an acid trip. But it reminds me—via feathery harp and peculiar lyrics—that there are no rules to rhythm; that you can create your own beat. Joanna Newsom makes me want to give up routine, order and convention, and live an impulsive existence with childlike whimsy. She’s a damn talented human being.
I just blogged on this exact topic.
Without a doubt it would be "Alive with the Glory of Love" by Say Anything. To me, it's just that one song that when I'm asked a question such as this keeps playing in my mind again and again, no matter how hard I try to think of another song.
The odd thing is, Say Anything is not my favorite band! But that song will continue to be the one that I would listen to to the ends of the ages.
Rainbow by Jack johnson is what popped into my head when pondering this.
I asked my son what his favorite song is…
"Let it Be" by the Beatles
wow…hmmm…learn something new every day.
wonderwall – oasis 🙂
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Enlightening post, Nathan. You said you wanted to discover new music this year,this gives you lots of opportunities.
After reading nearly 130 posts thruout the day, I'm really amused to find that as old as I am, I don't recognize half the artists. I've already loaded about 10 in my Pandora program to check them out.
My favorite song ever?? That decision is truly as hard to make as if a wicked witch had asked me which of my two children I would choose if only one could live and one could die.
The answer is impossible.
Someday I hope you experience parenthood so you'll know how true that analogy is.
Nice to read your blogging now that you're a real person like the rest of us.
May the force be with you…
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Such a variety of favorites. I love that! I've found myself nodding to many of the same songs that I like.
My favorites (today at least) are
This Woman's Work – Kate Bush
In My Life – The Beatles
Maybe I'm Amazed – Paul McCartney
Drowning Man – U2
Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel
South Central Rain – REM
Garth Brooks… The Dance
I'm going with artist of songs which will shorten my list:
Keith Urban
Blackmore's Night
Evanescence
Within Temptation
Albannach
Ceredwen
Steve McDonald
Plus some Classical and Jazz/Blues.
Happy writing, y'all!
Tambra
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Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
and
Amazing – By Aerosmith!
Who reasonably cares what another person's favorite song is? Why is it necessary to have a favorite song in the first place? If Nathan Bransford doesn't have one, why should I?
Bach Cello No.1 by Yo Yo Ma.
Different songs are favourites at different times in life, but I realised for me it had to be Bring Me Sunshine, performed by British comedians Morecombe and Wise. Ok, it's retro, and Americans might hate it, but when I listened to it this morning on youtube, it really cheered up the January blues – so thanks for this post, Nathan, I really needed it!
I'm so busted. I dictionary -ed "song" and it does mean with lyrics. Ooops. Sorry.
What a challenge! We use music for so many different purposes, relaxing, motivational, sporting company, but if I were stranded on a desert island with only a selection….
When Doves Cry – Prince
Mighty Wings – Cheap Trick (Top Gun)
In These Shoes – Kirsty MacColl
Another Suitcase in Another Hall – Barbara Dickson
How Bad do you Want it? – Tim McGraw
Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
Beautiful Day – U2
And if all the others were washed away and it was truly only one, then it would have to be….
Beautiful Day – U2
The Sultans of Swing, of course. Dire Straits. The guitar at the end gets me every time.
"When We Were Beautiful" by Bon Jovi, but I'd much rather have more than one so I can also choose one that I can actually sing. For that I'd have to choose "Songbird" by Eva Cassidy, but as sung by All Angels.
Ah, screw it. Just give me everything on my iPod.
Jen Titus recorded a version of an old folksong called "O' Death". I would have to say that would be mine. I don't know why that song speaks to me so much, but it does.
I love a lot of different music, but that is the only one I can think of that I could/can listen to over and over. Also, I think it would make a great soundtrack to a book trailer. When I finish my book and begin to make the trailer, I plan to ask for permission to use that song. You can check it out on YouTube.
Eva Cassidy singing "Over the Rainbow." Enough said. If you haven't heard it, you have my condolences. 😉
"Kiss of Life" by Sade
Let It Be — the Beatles
We Didn't Start the Fire — Billy Joel
Amazing Grace — with or without bagpipes
Theme from Chariots of Fire
Lose My Soul — Toby Mac/Kirk Franklin/Mandisa
(list goes on for two pages)
Ack, there's so many–good songs, like good books, there's always room for another one. Did I–um–just make your point for you, Nathan? 😀
This is a tough one…
"Just Breathe" by Pearl Jam.
Or. "And So It Goes" by Billy Joel.
Or. "Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits.
Or. "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits.
… I think I'd be deeply scarred if I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life.
I'd pick kiss me from Sixpence None the Richer…
Forever Autumn – Justin Hayward.
The Ghost at Number One by Jellyfish.
My faves:
#1 – Into the Mystic by Van Morrison.
#2 – Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson.
#3 – Do You Remember by Jack Johnson.
#4 – Amy by Pure Prairie League.
#5 – Trista Pena by Gypsy Kings
The list could go on for a long while, but I could listen to these every day, all day.
Baby Mine by Allison Krauss, My Baby Just Cares for Me by Nina Simone, the band Cake and (because I love NOLA)the music of Rockin Sidney.
"Shine" by Newsboys always lifts me up, gets me motivated, and refocuses me. Plus I like to sing it at the top of my lungs when nobody is listening.
"Shine" by Newsboys always lifts me up, gets me motivated, and refocuses me. Plus I like to sing it at the top of my lungs when nobody is listening.
The novelist in me wants to say "Paperback Writer" by the Beatles. Messages I like come from their "In My Life" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel. There is another good message in Paul Simon's "Pigs, Sheep, and Wolves." Someone closer to the top of the thread mentioned "Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles, which is good but has cheesy orchestration. I find Bill Medley's grittier version. I also like "A Closer Walk with Thee," done slow on the way into the cemetery and done fast with a second line on the way out.
How about a shoutout to Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska album?
The songs are so dark and ethereal. And I think it's the best of Springsteen's songwriting. (Which is sayin' something!)
The song 'State Trooper' is such a bone chilling and inventive song- with a primal howl at the end that still makes my hair stand when I listen. Never been anything like it. Also has been covered by Arcade Fire!
The one that makes all the hairs stand up on the back of my neck, remember listening to it in good times and in bad, echoes life's journey etc etc, know it's corny but that's OK too!
The Beatles:
THE LONG & WINDING ROAD
Sugar Sugar by the Archies. It always makes me smile and sing. Reminds me of simpler times when I was a kid.
172 comments – that's my local bus route number and my lucky number!!
Ahem, back on topic.
Since nobody I know is going to read this, I can spill my deepest darkest secret: "Everywhere" by Michelle Branch. I've never told anyone this. It's always been something to hold dear. And since no one knows me on this blog (even though it's widely popular), I'm safe. *grins*
I'll stop hogging up comment space now.
It has to be between Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" and Jane's Addiction's "Jane Says" for all time favorites… but right now I can't get enough of Likin Park's "Waiting for the End"
On my good days, Suddenly by Superchick. On my bad days, Whatever She Wants by Jars of Clay.
good songs/good videos:
The Killers/Mr. Brightside
Owl City/Fireflies
All American Rejects/Dirty Little Secret
Rob Thomas/Someday
Pink/Raise Your Glass
"Let Your Love Flow" by the Bellamy Brothers.
Have to just add that I often use what is commonly known as "The Pina Colada Song" by Rupert Holmes to teach narrative structure to my freshman English students.
Grave Digger – Dark Of The Sun
best Heavy Metal song for ALL TIME!!
It's a toss up, but these two songs are about dancing.
"When We Dance" by Sting and "So She Dances" by Josh Groban.
Both I have played while writing a dance scene in two different stories. For me, I envision it as a very magical moment, a moment where two people fall in love. Space and time disappear and all that remains is magic.
One song for the rest of my life? I'd get sick of it, and I love music too much to want to get sick of anything from:
The Gypsy Kings
Michael Bublé
Great Big Sea
or
The Messiah
Machine Gun by Hendrix and Band of Gypsys. 10 minutes of honest human emotion coming out raw through a Marshall Stack. The best description I ever read came from Lenny Kravitz, "that song is just heavy." I agree completely. I feel like I change each time I finish listening to it.
Off topic: I try to make it to this blog at least once a month(or at least every 6 weeks), and I always find great info and interesting topics. Thanks Nathan for always making the blog entertaining and informative.
The Way You Look Tonight, Fred Astaire.
"Wicked Game" – Chris Isaak
I've heard this song a 1000 times in the last 20 years and I still cry every time I hear it.
How did I miss this?
Mine would be "Junglist" – by Tribe of Issachar on Congo Natty records. The DJ Zinc mix.
Good luck finding it if anyone who sees this is curious.
Wow. Somehow I didn't miss this, already commented, and had no recollection of doing so, because I said almost exactly the same thing.
It's possible I read too many blogs.
i love this song so much. i never tire of it cheering me up the video too. that zeitgeist of youth. i love the way noel bows at the end. i love the way the music goes at the end with the instrumental.
i recall been in a snooker hall around 93 or 94 and there was an ad for the american mtv awards and a snippet of each song and they played a snippet of this song and i immediatelty liked it. i had only liked nirvana in that last 5 years but even a little clip it sounded so good. then i thought "fuck me that's liam man, how did he actually do what he said he would?" that was a moment for me there in the snooker club.
Funny but everyone at that time all over the uk was thinking the same thing "this fucking band are so good" even my old mom was enjoying this song on the radio and she hardly likes any pop music. she kept laughing at the news the songwriter ran off to las vegas with the bands float in the usa. that was around 94. i have never listened to the radio 1 latest songs never have. why bother when the vast majority is so crap. So when new things happen i pick up on it a little later then most.
those two are so fucking weird. it was like they never say it now ever but they knew they would be huge even at 14 and 11 years old. absolutely sure of it. and they were.
i have never met two people before or since so strangely enigmatic and confident so young. liam said a good few years back he thought he was born to be a star. i reckon he was too. even at around 11 years old mega confident and he told me "i will be a huge star you wait and see rock n roll" so he was born as a star. noone before or since had that feeling of destiny so sure. no awkwardness or shyness absolutely sure. he even had two birds on the go at 11 years old. amazing two people they are.
for these reasons i have always loved this song. everyone i ever play it to likes it too. it is so upbeat and positive.