Top 119 of 2003

Here you can get your very own 119, but they're also available from me at my house. If you are going to download it from here, you should use the labels and inserts I made to go with it. Sharpies are disgraceful to the 119's proud heritage.

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119 of Ryan Bailey’s Top 100 Songs (excessively explained)

30 SECONDS TO MARS – CAPRICORN (A BRAND NEW NAME)
Brand new band. Brand new song. I think it’s rockin’ and I dig their sound. And I just found out that their So-Called Lead Singer is TV’s Jared Leto.
311 – AMBER
What color is your energy?
ABANDONED POOLS – MERCY KISS
Former bassist for the Eels got tired of the “fame,” and decided to go become a solo famous rock star. The whole album is better than the Eels, in my opinion. (I saw the Eels live back when this guy was in the band. Yes, I am all that.)
ALANIS MORISSETTE – HANDS CLEAN
The latest Alanis single. Very poppy and very digable.
ALANIS MORISSETTE – UNINVITED
Excellent “Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie”-era Alanis, from the City of Angels soundtrack. Very moody and tense.
ANNIVERSARY – ALL THINGS ORDINARY
Part of the cool emo scene that I warned you about. Funky synth adds to the otherwise indie flavor.
BAD RELIGION – SORROW
I have sung along with this one down many miles of freeway. It has lyrics like some kind of backwoods old-timey revival, but the classic Bad Religion punk rockin’ness. Saw them live, and they’re just a few clean-cut unpierced middle-aged men. I think they’re the essence of what real punk should be.
BECK – DEBRA
Both of these Beck tunes are from Midnite Vultures, the grooviest album ever made. Way too much soul for one skinny white boy to contain. This one is my personal favorite from that collection. It’s fun to see people’s faces when they start listening to the words and then realize what he’s saying. It requires a sense of humor to fully enjoy, just like it took to write it. If not, you’ll probably be offended.
BECK – MIXED BIZNESS
Makes all the B-boys scream.
BEN FOLDS – NOT THE SAME
Some inspiring Ben, from his first solo album. Good for him. It’s not about LDS missionaries; but as far as I’m concerned, it might as well be.
BEN KWELLER – HARRIET’S GOT A SONG
In light of an unpleasant lyric, I swapped this one out for “No Reason,” which is just as good as everything else this kid has done. Downloading anything by him would be fruitful (or even ::gasp:: purchasing the album).
BEN KWELLER – HOW IT SHOULD BE (SHA SHA)
Quite short. But never underestimate its catchiness. At some point every day from now on, you will realize that you’re humming it. Then you will toss your inhibitions aside and outright sing it with all your heart. Anyone in the room who has heard it will join in; and you will all perform it, as BK himself, until ninety seconds later when the song is over. Who says musicals aren’t like real life?
BLU CANTRELL – HIT ‘EM UP STYLE
Played it at my dances in Cali, because it’s got too much soul for you to absorb sitting down. I may not be saying “Yeah, sista, tell that man how it is,” but I guarantee my silence is an exercise in self-restraint. Kick him to the curb, baby.
BLUR – SONG 2
So kickin’, they couldn’t even get this song to the two-minute mark. Pleased to meetcha’.
BT – NEVER GONNA COME BACK DOWN
One of my favorite techno artists backed up by some freestylin’ from the lead singer of Soul Coughing. Very obviously made up on the spot and very cool. Most of the time, I have no idea what he’s talking about; and I often can’t tell what he’s saying. But somehow it still rocks. For those of you who know my friend Cherise, her name is featured prominently at the end of the song.
CAKE – COMFORT EAGLE
The title track off of an excellent album. Great lyrics. Great audio effects. And a vague middle-eastern sound, oddly enough. Undoubtedly rockin’.
CAKE – THE DISTANCE
So very re-listenable. When this tune first got airplay, I taped it off the radio and listened to it every day. Oooh!! Story! Days after graduation, I was at a concert festival waiting for Green Day to come on the stage. Thousands of us were standing in the dirt in the heat being crushed by the press of the fans, especially as close to the stage as I was. They were blasting the local alternative radio station out over the crowd, while we all regretted having been born. Then “The Distance” came on, and I immediately began singing along at full volume. Those around me quickly joined in, and those around them, until the entire mass of sweating, weary fans were shouting along with me. “He’s racing, He’s pacing, He’s plotting the course…” And it was ALL ME, BABY! Three minutes later, everyone was silent again, and trying to recall the taste of water. It was like one of those spontaneous musical numbers in the movies where everyone on the street knows the words, sings along, and then goes along their business.
CALLING – ADRIENNE
These teenage white boys can wail, if they want. In this song, they are kind enough to do so.
CHERIE CALL – WHEN I SANG
Probably my favorite LDS artist. (In more ways than one. Talented, beautiful and single, she came to perform at a young single adult conference right after my mission. So I totally hit on her. And was not directly rejected. I have witnesses. I was very proud.) This song was one of the ones she sang for us. I think it’s very powerful, and I get a little choked up every single time I hear it. It’s just profoundly beautiful, like a sunset. It has a lot of LDS church references, but I think it would be just as inspiring for any Christian.
CHEVELLE – THE RED
Part of what I hope will be a continuing and successful effort for hard rock to redeem itself from the general embarrassment that has been the last few years of “nü metal.” I may be mistaken, but I think this one kicks.
COLDPLAY – WARNING SIGN
You haven’t gotten the new Coldplay? Are you mental? Regardless of who you are, I guarantee you will love it to pieces. It’s unique and moving. This is my favorite one on there, and I feel it characteristic of the album. There is not a music reviewer that hasn’t given it as many stars as they can come up with.
CREEPER LAGOON – DEAD MAN’S SALOON
You haven’t gotten the newest Creeper LP? Have you ever talked to me before? Haven’t I loaned it to you? It’s audio bliss. It’s crack on disc. You will be helpless before its power. I bought it before listening to it, gave it one listen, then immediately played it four more times before switching cd’s. I have listened to it with great frequency since then, and have yet to find anyone immune to its appeal. It’s Take Back the Universe and Give Me Yesterday. You may have a touch of trouble finding it. Unless you come to my house. These two songs are just a random sampling of the disc.
CREEPER LAGOON – SUNFAIR
Can you tell all the instruments they’re using? No. You can’t. Half of the stuff you’re hearing is household items that they thought would sound cool. And they were right.
CRUMB – SHOEGAZER
My favorite nobody band. They’re from San Francisco (like Creeper Lagoon, actually). They were big-name emo back when people had never heard of emo. They were tight with Jimmy Eat World, and Jimmy toured with them a bit. But Jimmy never had any hope of being as successful as Crumb. Crumb played at Lollapalooza ’96. Crumb were big time. So I leave on my mission, and by the time I’m home Crumb’s record label goes under, the band breaks up, and Jimmy are worldwide superstars. Well, this song is the closest they ever came to a radio hit. I still love ‘em. ::sniffle::
CRYSTAL METHOD – NAME OF THE GAME (RADIO EDIT)
Consistently kickin’ Crystal Method. Get ‘em up in the back row!
DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL – REMEMBER TO BREATHE
Dashboard’s best, if you ask me. Minimal nasal screaming, and just good, potent lyrics and guitar. Enough to make you want to fall in love.
DAVID GRAY - PLEASE FORGIVE ME
I think this is characteristic David, whom I find immensely talented. He always sounds vaguely melancholy and vulnerable. The whole album makes for good ambience music, or a focused listen; whatever you’re in the mood for.
DISHWALLA – UNTIL I WAKE UP
Desperate and powerful, I loved to listen to this before going to bed, and feel it’s finality for just eight more hours.
DIXIE CHICKS – HOLE IN MY HEAD
Straight blues, disguised as country so that my girlfriend will listen to it. Blues lyrics, blues instrumentals, and blues vocals. There is no actual country contained in this song. But I won’t tell if you don’t.
DJ TEEBEE – GARAGE FIGHT (ALIAS THEME)
If I watched TV, I would watch Alias. This is the extended version of the opening theme from the show, which rocks almost as much as the show itself.
DONNAS – TOO BAD ABOUT YOUR GIRL
Another SF band that I’m rooting for. They’re my age, and went to a rival high school in my high school district. They’ve been champions of the Bay music scene for the last few years, but are becoming famousish now. They only sing about partying and drinking and boys, but this is one of the least offensive (and totally rockin’) songs in their repertoire.
ELASTICA – STUTTER
Short and sweet. It’s a few years old, but, hey, it’s Elastica. Who doesn’t love them?
FAILURE – ENJOY THE SILENCE
One of the bands whose fan base consists of Ryan Bailey. I loved them dearly, and they broke up in 1998, just after releasing this Depeche Mode cover on a tribute album. It totally has their sound, as well as the sad, farewell sound reminding me that I will never again hear a new song from these guys.
FAIRFIELD FOUR – LONESOME VALLEY
My favorite song from the backwoods hit of 2001, the “O Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack. I defy anyone to hit that low note that homeboy hits at the end. No instruments, no fluff, just blues. Yessuh.
FILTER – TAKE A PICTURE
The closest Filter ever came to a pop hit. I think they get better with each album, and this is a perfect example of that.
FLYING TIGERS – MAYBE
Little-played radio tune from 2002. Could this possibly kick any more than it does? Leaves you moshing alone in your living room.
FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE – DENISE
Usually a soft pop band, they decided to completely rock us for about two minutes. So easy to sing along with and so catchy.
GET UP KIDS – I’M A LONER DOTTIE, A REBEL… [ALTERNATE VERSION]
I adore this song. Named after a prominent line from “PeeWee’s Big Adventure,” it has absolutely nothing to do with PeeWee Herman, as far as I can tell. I first downloaded this very shortly after my mission, and this is one of the songs that reminded me how much I love music. This also is one of the tunes that informed me that emo would be a safe refuge until the rest of alt rock came to it’s senses.
GET UP KIDS – I’LL CATCH YOU
More characteristic of this band, it’s slow and sad, but with no less passion than anything else.
GOLDEN SHOWER – VIDEO COMPUTER SYSTEM
If the Atari 2600 were a band, it would sound like the Brazilians who put this song together. Is it Galaga? Is it Missile Command? Is it Jungle Hunt? Regardless, it’s some old memories if you’re as old as I am. Understand, it may be intolerably annoying for some of you.
GOLDFINGER – HERE IN YOUR BEDROOM
Part of the punk/ska explosion of 1996-97, it’s still one of my very favorite songs. Few punk bands will bother with key changes and other such enriching features of music that are usually a bit incongruous with the genre. And they’re a blast to see live.
(HED)PE – THE MEADOW (SPECIAL LIKE YOU)
Who knows where I found this, but it’s extraordinarily unique. I find the long instrumental with the faint girl’s voice explaining what appears to be an African legend most interesting.
HIPPOS – POLLUTION
These guys are one of the best ska bands you will ever find, in my opinion. They keep a traditional ska sound and blend in a lot of cool keyboard for a distinctive sound. Their double-A rhyme scheme keeps a permanently light-hearted mood permeating all of their songs. “Pollution” is a perfect example of that.
HIVES – HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO
So very much style. This song was stuck in my head for weeks, and I didn’t fight it. It’s only four chords, and that’s all they need to incomparably rock. The bass solo is choice, as is the dude flipping out on the guitar for the last half-minute of the song.
HOMETOWN HERO – QUESTIONS
Yeah, they have a slow, sappy radio single. But I picked this. Whatcha gonna do?
HUM – APHIDS
Hum is awesome, and I decided that this is their best tune. It’s also their first, from an album that most Hum fans don’t know about.
IMPERIAL TEEN – YOO HOO
She said ‘Yoo hoo!’ This is one the first and best of my return to real life in 2001. Unique, to say the least.
IMPOSSIBLES – ALWAYS HAVE, ALWAYS WILL
My roommate Jon’s favorite nobody band. This is one of their best and one of his favorites. It simply demands some air guitar. Who are you to resist?
INCUBUS – DRIVE
My roommates and I performed this live at a talent show at my church. And it’s really cool, anyway, even without the boost of my own intrinsic coolness.
INCUBUS – STELLAR
Ah. How I love Incubus. Their concert included the best live rock didgeridoo solo I have ever heard.
JASON DAVIS – SIX
Never heard of him? You must not be one of his personal friends to whom he gave his homemade cd. I’m a friend with one of his friends, so I was lucky enough to get it. None of the tracks were named, so I just numbered them, and this is my favorite.
JEFF GAINES – IN YOUR EYES            
Excellent cover by some guy. I probably should check his other stuff. But it’s insanely sappy and romantic, possibly more so than the original version.
JIMMY EAT WORLD – SWEETNESS
Jimmy’s new album is nearly perfection. There are no weak songs to detract from its neo-emo sound. This song (also performed live by myself and my roomies) is possibly my favorite of the album. It was stuck in our collective apartment heads for months. I included here the alternate version.
JOHN LEE HOOKER – CHILL OUT
My favorite blues man, who headed to that big smoke-filled bar in the sky in 2001 at age ninety-whatever. He’s undoubtedly one of the pillars of 20th century blues. And I went to his house. He was cool. This is one of my favorite songs of his.
J RALPH – ONE MILLION MILES AWAY
This was the song for a Volkswagon commercial in 2001. I really like the sound, and have always been approving of the songs they pick for their advertisements.
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD – DEJA VOODOO
One of my favorite blues songs from one of my favorite blues men. Kenny doesn’t even sing, he just has some guy singing his songs for him, often changing vocalists from album to album. But with guitar skills like that, what does it matter?
KIDNEY THIEVES – BLACK BULLET
This is pretty hard, but I think it’s well done. Sometimes you just need a song to work those neck muscles, you know?
K’S CHOICE – BELIEVE
These guys came out with one lame single on the radio like in 1997. Little did we know that they had a couple albums full of really good music behind it. In 1998 I found myself at Lilith Fair (hey, free tickets) and saw these guys. They were easily the rockingest act there. Which I suppose isn’t saying much at a concert replete with the likes of the Indigo Girls and Erykah Badu. In any case, I see them as one of those bands that nobody can dislike; and I think “Believe” is one of their best.
LEE ANN WOMACK – I HOPE YOU DANCE
What? Isn’t this Ryan Bailey’s list? How did this country song get here? Okay, so this pulls every pop gimmick there is (smooth backup chorus, key change, dramatic pause, trippy vocal and keyboard effects, string orchestra); but… Well, I can’t remember what justification I was going to use. So just enjoy it.
LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS – MATADOR
I think that doctors testing reflexes, once they have tapped your knee for the little kick, should play this song and make sure that you instinctively hop up and begin to get down. If it doesn’t get you up to dance, then he can perform some tests and begin treatment. I played this at one of my dances in Cali, a Spanish song that nobody knows, and it was one of the more popular songs of the evening. Dig it, as I have dug it, and there will be joy.
LUCKY BOYS – FRED ASTAIRE
Somewhat sappy punk. It has some interesting changes through the course of the tune, and I think it’s universally appealing.
MESH – MAYBE TOMORROW
This was played on Phoenix radio for like a week right when I moved here. Good straightforward rock.
MICHELLE BRANCH – ALL YOU WANTED
Yeah, she’s young. But she writes her own songs, plays the guitar, sings well, and covers up her navel. She’s almost like ::gasp:: a genuine musician. And a good one, too, if I may say so. Her whole album is excellent, but this is one of my favorites. Her boyfriend from the Calling is further up the list. I think they should get married and start a colony of pop super-children.
Okay, that was weird. Maybe I should sleep more.
NEW ORDER – CRYSTAL
Remember that 80’s band that was really good? Well, in 2001, they released another album, somehow very contemporary and spectacular. This was the single from it, which I play whenever I can. I love it.
NICKEL CREEK – BEAUTY AND THE MESS
I’m told that these guys are “country,” but it doesn’t seem to quite mesh with what I have heard from the genre. Three young people get their mandolins and guitars and produce very clean-sounding sparse old-timey rhythms. I like this one for its vocal acrobatics.
NINA GORDON – HATE YOUR WAY
Formerly of Veruca Salt, Nina’s solo album had a lot of non-Veruca-esque pop songs. However, this one is quite reminiscent of the old band.
NIRVANA – YOU KNOW YOU’RE RIGHT
The latest radio hit from the band that ended, what nine, ten years ago? I think it’s possibly their best song ever. I hope the Nirvana purists don’t lynch me for saying that. But it’s raw and primal, and I wish they could have had the opportunity to finish what they started.
NO DOUBT – SUNDAY MORNING
Almost without meaning to, I saw these guys twice on their Tragic Kingdom tour, an album that I later realized is completely awesome. This is probably my favorite from the collection. Their older ska stuff is delightful as well, but I think their “Rocksteady” album is headed pretty far in the direction of “freaking weird music,” and I have trouble seeing myself liking future releases from them.
OLD 97’S – QUESTION
On a whim, I picked this song for my roommate and I to play at a church campout talent show. It was an overwhelming hit, and everyone demands to hear it frequently. Resultantly, the Old 97’s have become vastly popular with Tempe-area Mormons. It really trips me out. I feel so powerful. Ahhhhh-hahahahaha!!
OLIVE – YOU’RE NOT ALONE (ATB MIX)
British trip-hop from a few years back. I like this remix the best. It’s smooth and sweet.
ON – SLINGSHOT
Okay, so the brains behind Failure (see above), by the time of their breakup a successful music producer, decided to make an album on his own, naming his “band” (I guess just a room full of keyboards) ON. It still sounds very “Failure,” but a bit more advanced, like the next logical evolution of the band. This is one of the better tracks.
ORBITAL – HALCYON +ON+ON
One of Britain’s best techno bands, this lengthy (almost 10 min) anthem is duly respected as one of the best tracks they have ever produced. Again, I have yet to find someone who doesn’t like it. Good music to daydream by.
OZMA – ICELAND
My friends and I discovered Ozma at the 2002 Warped Tour festival. They have since become one of my top 5 bands. They’re just so mainstream rock (very Weezer, in case you didn’t notice), but so original and innovative. They just play what they want to play. Listening to an album of theirs, you find yourself saying “I love this one… ooh, and this one too;” only to discover that it’s the same song. They will play some pop hooks and pleasant lyrics, switch to a throbbing guitar solo in a different tempo, then switch back. Or maybe they will start with a verse, then do away the lyrics for the remainder of the song. I have yet to hear a weak song that they have produced. They are so ready for radio airplay, but remain small-time, releasing EP’s when they can. I decided, for purposes of the Top 119 cd mail-out, to switch this one out with “Maybe in an Alternate Dimension,” which has more of the quintessential Ozma flavor. 
OZMA – KOROBEINIKI
We went to meet the band after the show, and discovered that the singer is from Russia. The photos on their security passes had been photoshopped to make them appear to be in cosmonaut suits. They have themes on their albums about Yuri Gagarin and cosmonauts, Russia, and international heartache. The cover art from their “Doubble Donkey Disc” features said donkey playing the Balalaika, a traditional Russian stringed instrument. This traditional Russian folk song has no words, but if you don’t recognize it, you are way too old. It simply demands an air drum solo.
PEARL JAM – I GOT ID
An older PJ song from a mini album they released. I just like the laid-back rock sound of it.
PETE YORN – FOR NANCY
Critically acclaimed, and with good reason. I adore this song. It has so much energy, despite Pete’s ever-calm vocals. He does all the instrumentals, too. I saw him play the drums for his own opening band. Then they got off, his tour band came on, and he picked up his guitar, and played his own set. He’s the man.
PINK – GET THIS PARTY STARTED
Hey, this is a good dance tune, okay? Actually, from what I have heard, I think she has a very nice vocal style and rhythm sensibility.
PIXIES – WHERE IS MY MIND?
I don’t know anything about the Pixies, even though I know I should, but this song was on the Fight Club soundtrack, and had become somewhat big right before I came home from Texas. So it was one of the very first songs I heard, and it’s unique sound and personal sentimental value got it onto my list.
PLASTILINA MOSH – MR. P MOSH
Not the Beastie Boys, but their non-union Mexican equivalent. The best Spanglish rap n’ roll you’re gonna find anywhere. I should warn you, it’s really really weird. Like, really weird.
POE – HELLO (ROCK REMIX)
I heard Poe’s mediocre single, won tickets to her show, and was not disappointed. She has a flair for live performance. Then I heard her mediocre album, bought the single for this song with the rock remix that I had heard live, and have listened to it often since. It was released in 1996, in the middle of our newfound fixation on the internet and on our own technological magnificence. Not that the song isn’t weird now, but maybe that helps to get the context.
POWDERFINGER – MY HAPPINESS
One of my friends sent this to me shortly after my exile from the music scene. I loved it then, love it even more now, and have since discovered that everything from this band is excellent. Good to know.
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – KICK OUT THE JAMS
Only have 90 seconds to rock? Well, have I got the song for you. It’s classic PUSA fare, with nonsense lyrics and original instrumentals. And I performed it live in front of at least 500 Mormons on Mar 31, 2003 with a band consisting of my friends. I was singi—er—screami—er—the frontman. Video to come at a later date.
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – IF ONLY
Think the Queens are new? Think again. They have been producing bulletproof rock such as this tune for years. Not for the faint of heart.
RADIOHEAD – FAKE PLASTIC TREES
This song is just so melodic and heartbreaking. So much feeling with so little noise. One of Radiohead's first hits, songs like this one helped them display their potential for brilliance.
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE – RENEGADES OF FUNK
Rage’s last radio single. With as much funk as the title would suggest, Zack de la Rocha’s unhappy vocals overlay Tom Morello’s unparalleled guitar skills to bring across that good old-fashioned anti-establishment perspective.
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – OTHERSIDE
For some reason, I have never gotten particularly excited about the Chili Peppers, but this song has such a smooth energy to it that I have loved it since it was sent to me when I got home. Hard to understand; easy to sing along with.
RIVAL SCHOOLS – USED FOR GLUE
Last I heard, this is the last cd that my friend Mark bought. Like, once you’ve downloaded all of the songs on it, why not just go get the cd, right? The point being: this is a sweet band, and this song in particular embodies their fury. This time, their fury is over a horse. (Am I wrong? That’s what it sounds like the song is about…)
RYAN SHUPE AND THE RUBBERBAND – HOPE
Such a heartbreaking song. These guys are THE PREMIERE Mormon bluegrass group IN THE WORLD. You heard it here first, folks. Anyway, if you are single and depressed, this is the hopeless fatalist anthem du jour.
SAVE FERRIS – ANGRY SITUATION
Their second album showing much more musical variety than the first, this song displays a ferocity not commonly found in ska music, particularly not in Monique Powell’s usually poppy vocals. It’s rock with a brass section.
SENSE FIELD – SAVE YOURSELF
Aren’t you tired of pop music encouraging abstinence and chastity? Oh, wait a minute, this is like the first one. I thought it was a really nice song, then I listened to the lyrics and realized how very different it is. Just lovely, all around.
SHAKIRA – INEVITABLE
This Columbian’s biggest hit before she exploded on the English music scene was popular enough that I heard it often even on my mission. The chorus says things like “the heavens now are tired of seeing the rain fall,” and other such poetry that made her last Spanish album such a great collection, and an overwhelming hit throughout Latin America. Why she can’t continue to produce music of this quality in English, I don’t know. I suppose there must be some loss of songwriting ability when one is working in their fourth language.
SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER – BREATHE YOUR NAME
Yeah, these guys are really sappy. Okay. Everything they write is just so overwhelmingly pleasant and easy on the ears. Music by which to lie in a hammock.
SMASHING PUMPKINS – MAYONNAISE
My personal favorite song ever. Yeah, you heard me right. If I could write music, and gradually got better at it for many years, I would eventually be able to write this song. It’s from their epic “Siamese Dream” album (from the same collection as “Today”). The soft opening, the genuine lyrics, the move to loud rock and momentary feedback between phrases, back to a soft ending to mirror the beginning. I love it. I try not to listen to it very often, so that it may retain its magic.
SMASHING PUMPKINS – MUZZLE
This song is not far behind “Mayonnaise.” Who has songwriting ability like the Pumpkins? Who has the musical performance skills? Subtly melancholy, while still worthy of head-nodding and fist-pumping, “Muzzle,” from their 1995 double album, will always be one of my favorites.
SOMETHING CORPORATE – WOKE UP IN A CAR
One of my very favorite new bands, they have managed to make one of those albums that you have to listen to all the way through every time. Every song is a gem, perfect for singing along. This was their second radio single, which convinced me that they were worthy of checking out. I once heard the singer/pianist say something like “Now you can all go tell your friends that you saw the only band pansy enough to bring a piano to Warped Tour.” They are definitely punk, but integrate the piano heavily into each song, and aren’t afraid of an occasional backup orchestra to add depth to the harmonies. Check out their songs “Punk Rock Princess,” and “Save You,” if you can. Then go get the cd, like my friends and I all did.
SOULSAINTS – YE ELDERS OF ISRAEL
An LDS vocal harmony group that likes to remake classic church tunes into R&B jams. This hymn, a classic of Mormon priesthood meetings, is my favorite from the collection. I’ve never heard a hymn with so much soul. (By the way, the female vocalist in the group had a moment onscreen in “the Singles Ward,” singing “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” at the restaurant while the main characters are on their first date. Just some Mormon trivia for you.)
SPIRITUALIZED – LADIES AND GENTLEMEN WE ARE FLOATING IN SPACE
This is a very simple song, by a very spacey band.  They rely more heavily on electronic effects than upon the original recorded vocals or instrumentals; however, all of the electronics and percussion loops are not to add force to their music, but to create a mood, an ambience to absorb.  Very mellow.
STEPPENWOLF – MAGIC CARPET RIDE (STEIR’S MIX)
An already great song made better for the “Go” soundtrack.
STROKES – LAST NITE
Never heard this song? You should have listened to the radio in 2001-02. Part of the instantly and increasingly popular indie rock movement. I generally try not to like anything this popular, but how can I resist?
SUPERDRAG – PHASER
These guys had a small radio hit in like ’96, a Brit-pop-sounding single, selected to encourage an image of apathetic druggies. The rest of the album was: entirely different, very good, and sounded a lot like this song. Not any info that will ever be worth knowing, but hey, what are the chances you are even still reading my rantings at this point? Yeah, maybe you opened the file. But reading all of this, all the way to the ‘S’s? I think not.
TATU – YA SOSHLA S UMA
A Russian teenage girl duo that won the MTV Europe music vid awards for 2001, or something like that. I think it’s a great dance tune (I might have even played it at a church dance); but I had a Russian-speaking friend translate for me, and—um—just enjoy the beats, okay? And don’t look at the award-winning music vid either. Just dance.
TENACIOUS D – WONDERBOY
Weird band. Great song, with many mighty powers. “What kind of powers, you ask? How ‘bout the power of flight? That do anything for you? That’s levitation, holmes! How ‘bout the power to kill a yak at a hundred yards—with mind bullets!! That’s telekinesis, Kyle. How ‘bout the power… to move you.” Musical melodrama at its best.
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS – MAN, IT’S SO LOUD IN HERE
From, in my opinion, TMBG’s best album of their 20 year career, this satire of modern rave culture is one of the choicest. Genuinely rocking on its own merit, I would go to raves if they played music such as this. Who knew the creators of “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” were even capable of this? Very deserving of some fierce air-drums.
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS – JOHN LEE SUPERTASTER
This is from TMBG’s album for kids, their latest. A groovy tribute dedicated to those who taste much more than us normal folk. John Lee can’t even close his mouth, because he’s a supertaster. He likes ice cream and pie. He’s a supertaster. When he tastes a pear, it’s like a million pears!! I saw these guys perform last summer in support of this album (and met John Flansburgh), and decided that I must never again miss one of their live shows. You don’t have to be a fan to appreciate it, you just have to enjoy having fun.
THURSDAY – UNDERSTANDING IN A CAR CRASH
Part of the friendlier side of screaming music. Passionate (and a good live show), Thursday holds nothing of themselves back, as in this song about being haunted by a friend’s death behind the wheel.
TITO PUENTE – SEÑOR BURNS
Latin America’s late favorite percussionist of many decades, Tito and his band performed this song in the two-part “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” featuring Tito as a potential music teacher for Springfield Elementary. His job is lost as a result of Burns’ evil scheming, and when the police investigate the attempted murder of the now comatose Burns, they question the disgruntled Puente about his whereabouts on the night in question. He responds with this song explaining that an indignant song is the best weapon of all.
TRIGUN – THEME
This is the song playing during the opening credits of “Trigun,” the Japanese cartoon about the pacifist sharpshooter trying to promote peace on an old west-style planet without getting killed. Could this song rock any more than it does? Why waste time with lyrics or any of that nonsense? All you need is many wailing electric guitars, ridiculously fast bongos, and the occasional scream “Uh!!”. A minute and a half of distilled, concentrated rock.
U2 – BEAUTIFUL DAY
Yes, you know this song. I like the way these guys are progressing along with modern music, retaining their sound while still stepping up the amperes. This one (the remix, I think) is my favorite from their Grammy-laden super-album.
VANESSA CARLTON – A THOUSAND MILES
Isn’t she the sweetest? Simple vocals and complex piano parts make a good combo for her. It’s pop, and everyone likes it, but I won’t hold it against her.
VAST – FREE
This guitar virtuoso took a creative leap from the last album to this one, gaining a hint of recognition, and showing anyone who cares to listen what he’s really capable of. These solid guitar riffs just make me want to cut holes in my jeans and stomp my foot.
VERUCA SALT – LONELINESS IS WORSE
This song has been on my list for years, and this will probably be its last appearance. An unknown album track from Veruca’s under-appreciated 1996 album, I love the way this song changes drastically a couple of times before it’s over. I love the lyrics. It’s so dramatic, in its own sad way. The band’s creative genius, Nina Gordon and Louise Post, seem to have had some falling out while I was gone, and Nina went solo, leaving Louise and a new lineup with the band name. Now there’s a band of Yin and a band of Yang. Neither is balanced, like this song and the others that they produced together were. Nina is too poppy, and Louise is just angry at everything. A lamentable loss, but I will always have “Eight Arms to Hold You,” containing songs like this one.
VERUCA SALT – ONLY YOU KNOW
And what of the Veruca that hath lost its Nina? Wherewith shall it be Salt-ed? Fortunately, Louise and her henchmen still have some kick in them, and some of the same ability to just add that bite to their songs. This is my favorite one from their latest album, worthy of keeping the band name.
VINES – GET FREE
About as much fire as one could fit into a minute and a half. Not for pregnant women, people with back problems, or those with pacemakers.
VERVE PIPE – HAPPINESS IS…
The Verve Pipe is always so nice. Even when they’re rocking, it’s still just agreeable music. I loved their album “Villains,” from about 1997, but this one is from some subsequent album, from during my mission, I think. It’s a more mature pop than their older stuff. You can tell that they know better what they are doing now than in their beginnings.
WEEZER – THE GOOD LIFE
This last year, I finally bought and fell in love with Weezer’s second album “Pinkerton.” The whole thing is raw and brilliant, exhibiting the band’s immediate aptitude for writing self-revealing rock and performing it with skill and playfulness. This is a random track from that consistently amazing album.
WEEZER – MY NAME IS JONAS
This is the first song from the first Weezer album. I think one of the things that make it great are the dynamics, not often found in alternative rock. Beginning with the classical style guitar opening, it explodes to a pounding semi-chorus, then moves to an energetic pulse of a verse, then back and forth again before ending as softly as it began. My roomies and I performed this one at the same talent show at which we did Incubus’ “Drive”. It was so much fun. I highly recommend being a rock star to anyone, even if only for a few minutes.
WHITE STRIPES – FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL
Short and/or sweet. These two are just the bare bones of a rock band, with a singer/guitarist and a percussionist to keep tempo. Why do we like them so much, then? Why are they so consistently awesome? I don’t know, but I hope they keep it up. Check out the music video for this song, included on this cd.
YOU AM I – JEWELS AND BULLETS
An old song that no one ever listened to. Yet, I found this cd in the used section, so I guess someone did, other than myself. I just like the rockin’ sound of it, and the funky brit accents.
ZOE - DEJA TE CONECTO
I think I heard that this one won some video award as well. Somehow, I unquestionably love any Spanish alternative rock I come across. It’s probably the wannabe-Mexican force inside me trying to manifest itself, too desperate for enchiladas for me to trust its taste in music. However, I have a theory that this song actually is good. Try it on, see how it fits; walk around a little and tell me if you like it.

Included vids:
AVALANCHES – FRONTIER PSYCHIATRIST
Purely psychosomatic. I just like to see the monkey boogie down with the giant pigeon. So much freaky imagery, you can’t even take it all in with one viewing.
FATBOY SLIM – WEAPON OF CHOICE
If you haven’t seen this, you must. It’s Christopher Walken’s best work.
HIVES – HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO
The embodiment of what the Hives are all about. Simple and stylish.
MAXWELL – THIS WOMAN’S WORK
I’m not even sure where I discovered this. But it’s so soft and real. Maxwell just conveys his genuine feelings in their entirety, and it’s just art. It’s beauty.
WEEZER – KEEP FISHIN’
The Weez stole my friend’s idea for a music video filled with Muppets. But they did it well, so we love it. And it’s Weezer. How can we stay mad at Weezer?
WHITE STRIPES – FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL
Revolutionary animation. Fascinating to watch, and somehow fitting for the song it accompanies.

Wow. 14 pages. If you’ve read all of this, you are totally amazing, and must have a tremendous faith and interest in my taste in music. That is very flattering. Thank you. Give me a call. I probably miss hearing from you.