September Morn' - Neil Diamond

Artist: Neil Diamond
Song: September Morn'
Year: 1980
Album: September Morn'

It seems that when I was a kid, Neil Diamond was everywhere. I saw him on television. I heard him on the radio. I read about him in magazines and the newspaper. He was everywhere. Looking back on that time, it makes perfect sense. Neil Diamond was a hit machine in the late seventies and early eighties. That period has to be his most successful time.

I'm not dismissing other periods in his career. Neil has been able to squeeze out a hit in every decade since he became a solo artist. The time around the September Morn' album was his best. He had just come off of a duet with Barbara Streisand and was about to star in the remake of the Jazz Singer.

While the movie was less than perfect, the songs were fantastic. Neil would even follow that movie with a hit song that he wrote about E.T. If that was not his best period ever, I don't know what would be. This song was the bridge between his successful seventies career and his hot streak in the early eighties.

"September Morn'" is a love song, on the surface. I can feel the pain and anguish in the lyrics and the lovelorn tone of Neil's voice. Was this a practice album to ease the jarring compositions of the Jazz Singer soundtrack? Maybe. 1980 was about pleasing the masses and I think this was the start of that. It's an enduring song that still tugs at you.

Lyrics:
Stay for just a while
Stay, and let me look at you
It's been so long, I hardly knew you
Standing in the door
Stay with me a while
I only wanna talk to you
We've traveled halfway 'round the world
To find ourselves again

September morn
We danced until the night became a brand new day
Two lovers playing scenes from some romantic play
September morning still can make me feel that way

Look at what you've done
Why, you've become a grown-up girl
I still can hear you crying
In a corner of your room
And look how far we've come
So far from where we used to be
But not so far that we've forgotten
How it was before

September morn
Do you remember how we danced that night away
Two lovers playing scenes from some romantic play
September morning still can make me feel that way

The I-95 Asshole Song - August & The Spur Of The Moment Band

Artist: August & The Spur Of The Moment Band
Song: The I-95 Song
Year: 1983
Album: Lost Horizons single

Contrary to popular belief, this is not Jimmy Buffett. This is also not a whole slew of other artists that have been falsely identified with this song. The song was written and released by Fred "August" Campbell.

In the eighties, this was a popular song on the radio. I can remember a few stations playing it back then, usually for kicks. The song was written after someone cut off the singer in traffic. If that would have never happened, we would have been without this classic.

One of my friends has been playing this song to me for the last twenty years. It's got a catchy beat and catchy lyrics. I may not laugh every time, but there's always a smile on my face after hearing this.

I couldn't find much information on the song itself, but I finally found the original release. It was a b side to a single in 1983. If there is an earlier record of this song, I'm not aware of it. The song has seen its share of odd releases, which only adds to the confusion of finding the original release. All I know is that when someone cuts me off in traffic, I smile and think of this song. It works every time.

Lyrics:
Well I was drivin' down I-95 the other night.
Somebody nearly cut me right off the road.
I decided it wasn't gonna do any good to get mad.
So I wrote a song about him instead.
It goes like this...

Were you born an asshole?
Or did you work at it your whole life?
Either way it worked out fine
'cause you're an asshole tonight.

Yes you're an A S S H O L E...
And don't you try to blame it on me.
You deserve all the credit.
You're an asshole tonight.

You were an asshole yesterday.
You're an asshole tonight.
And I've got a feelin'
you'll be an asshole the rest of your life.

And I was talkin' to your mother
just the other night.
I told her I thought you were an asshole.
She said, "Yes. I think you're right."

And all your friends are assholes
'cause you've known them your whole life.
And somebody told me
you've got an asshole for a wife.

Were you born an asshole?
Or did you work at it your whole life?
Either way it worked out fine
'cause you're an aaaass...hole tonight.

Suffocate Me - Angelfish

Artist: Angelfish
Song: Suffocate Me
Year: 1994
Album: Angelfish

The world of music is funny. If it wasn't for this video, the band Garbage would not exist as we know it. Because this video caught the eye of a producer, Shirley Manson was asked to join Garbage.

Angelfish broke up because of Shirley Manson's departure, and Shirley went on to great success with Garbage. The rest of Angelfish stayed together and eventually formed Isa and the Filthy Tongues, which released an album in 2006. I often wonder if Angelfish would have taken off if Shirley had stayed.

I can remember watching this video on 120 Minutes. It may be the exact same airing that Butch Vig's producer friend was watching. The two bands sound radically different. Maybe that's a good thing. Although, Garbage has been known to sneak this song into some of their sets.

Chalk this one to being buried in the oddities of rock. The song has an L7 quality to it. The only thing that makes it an Angelfish track would be the vocal stylings of Shirley Manson. Donita Sparks had an unmistakable voice and Shirley Manson definitely does not have that voice.

Lyrics:
Suffocate me with kisses baby
Suffocate me with burning love
Suffocate me put your chains around me
Suffocate me, I'm a thirsty dog
Suffocate me with conversation
Suffocate me with unsaid words
Suffocate me with indecision
Suffocate me with who comes first
I love you, you're so religious
I get a thrill when the curtain calls
I feel like a roman candle
Do your stuff while the empire falls
Falls
Suffocate me
I love you
I love you
I love you
I love you
You know I do
Suffocate me
Suffocate me
Suffocate me
Suffocate me (kisses baby)
Suffocate me (burning love)
Suffocate me (kisses baby)
Suffocate me (burning love)
Suffocate me (kisses baby)
Suffocate me (burning love)
Suffocate me (kisses baby)
Suffocate me (burning love)
Suffocate me

Thanksgiving Song - Adam Sandler

Artist: Adam Sandler
Song: Thanksgiving Song
Year: 1993
Album: They're All Gonna Laugh At You!

When I was younger, I used to watch everything that Adam Sandler did. From television to movies and other assorted appearances, Adam seemed to be everywhere at once. One thing I loved was his songs on Weekend Update. I would get a big kick out of them. Some cast members ended up resenting Adam for stealing air time. I don't say I could blame them. I'd be pissed too if one of my sketches was cut at the last minute for some stupid song that was made up on the spot.

If you really think about it, most of Adam Sandler's song were so stupid that a one year old chimpanzee could have written them. That doesn't mean that they lack charm. I think it was the charm of Adam Sandler that sold these songs. I can't imagine Denis Leary singing this stuff. There was something about Adam's stage persona that made you believe that he was like this all the time.

I'm glad that he's branching out in his movie roles. He can't play the buffoon forever. Adam just passed forty a few years ago. It's time to settle down for more serious roles. The comedy can still be there, just not the frat boy type of humor that originally made him a star.

For years, I used to play this song on Thanksgiving. That tradition has waned in recent years, but I still play it if I remember. It's not a requirement anymore. I've moved on. I've matured. That doesn't mean that I can't go back, now and then. It just means that I won't be blasting this at 9:30 in the morning to amuse my co-workers anymore.

Lyrics:
"They wanna hear the thanksgiving song! All right.."
"This is uhh, This is the Thanksgiving Song"
"I hope you enjoy it."

Love to eat turkey
Love to eat turkey

Shout from Crowd: "I love you Adam!"
Adam Sandler: "Ohhh, I love you!"
Love to eat turkey
'Cause it's good
Love to eat turkey
Like a good boy should
'Cause it's turkey to eat
So good

Adam Sandler: "That clappin's messing my head up man. I appreciate it. But I was trying to think of the next line and all I hear is clapping. Here we go... Thanks anyways"

Turkey for me
Turkey for you
Let's eat the turkey
In my big brown shoe
Love to eat the turkey
At the table
I once saw a movie
With Betty Grable
Eat that turkey
All night long
Fifty million Elvis fans
Can't be wrong
Turkey lurkey doo and
Turkey lurkey dap
I eat that turkey
Then I take a nap

Thanksgiving is a special night
Jimmy Walker used to say Dynomite
That's right
Turkey with gravy and cranberry
Can't believe the Mets traded Darryl Strawberry
Turkey for you and
Turkey for me
Can't believe Tyson
Gave that girl V.D.

White meat, dark meat
You just can't lose
I fell off my moped
And I got a bruise
Turkey in the oven
And the buns in the toaster
I'll never take down
My Cheryl Tiegs poster
Wrap the turkey up
In aluminum foil
My brother likes to masturbate
With baby oil
Turkey and sweet potato pie
Sammy Davis Jr.
Only had one eye

Turkey for the girls and
Turkey for the boys
My favorite kind of pants
Are corduroys
Gobble gobble goo and
Gobble gobble gickel
I wish turkey
Only cost a nickel
Oh I love turkey on Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Man On The Moon - R.E.M.

Artist: R.E.M.
Song: Man On The Moon
Year: 1992
Album: Automatic For The People

I was (and still am) a huge Andy Kaufman fan. My first memories of Andy came from the sitcom Taxi and his various appearances on Saturday Night Live. I adored his foreign man routine. It wasn't until much later that I began to see other things that Andy had accomplished in his short life. I say short life because I don't buy into the conspiracy that he faked his own death for the ultimate joke.

I had always liked the song "Man On The Moon", but it wasn't until a few years after its release that I connected it with Andy Kaufman. For whatever reason, I glossed over the obvious references and just enjoyed the song. When I did finally connect the dots, it hit me like a ton of bricks. The title of the song is a reference to the conspiracy theory that the American moon landing was faked. I find hilarious that a reference that had nothing to do with Andy became the title of his biography movie.

Despite the Andy Kaufman connection and the other obscure references scattered throughout, the song is an amazing work. It was one of the many songs on the album that I was instantly drawn to upon release. There are many wonderful classic songs on the album, but none hold a greater affection for the absurd than this song does.

At the karaoke bar that I occasionally go to, "Man On The Moon" is a gigantic hit. Many people get up and sing it in their own unique way. All of the versions are decent, surprisingly. It just stands as a testament to the music of R.E.M. and the mystique of Andy Kaufman working hand in hand.

Lyrics:
Mott the Hoople and the game of Life. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Andy Kaufman in the wrestling match. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Monopoly, Twenty one, checkers, and chess. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Mister Fred Blassie in a breakfast mess. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Let's play Twister, let's play Risk. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
See you heaven if you make the list. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey, Andy did you hear about this one? Tell me, are you locked in the punch?
Hey Andy are you goofing on Elvis? Hey, baby. Are we losing touch?
If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon.
If you believe there's nothing up my sleeve, then nothing is cool.

Moses went walking with the staff of wood. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Newton got beaned by the apple good. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Egypt was troubled by the horrible asp. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Mister Charles Darwin had the gall to ask. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey Andy did you hear about this one? Tell me, are you locked in the punch?
Hey, Andy are you goofing on Elvis? Hey, baby. Are you having fun?
If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon.
If you believe there's nothing up my sleeve, then nothing is cool.

Here's a little agit for the never-believer. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Here's a little ghost for the offering. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Here's a truck stop instead of Saint Peter's. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Mister Andy Kaufman's gone wrestling [wrestling bears]. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey Andy did you hear about this one? Tell me, are you locked in the punch?
Hey Andy are you goofing on Elvis, hey baby, are we losing touch?
If you believed they put a man on the moon, man on the moon.
If you believe there's nothing up my sleeve, then nothing is cool.

This Here Giraffe - Flaming Lips

Artist: Flaming Lips
Song: This Here Giraffe
Year: 1995
Album: Clouds Taste Metallic

I saw the Flaming Lips at Lollapalooza in 1994, during their bubble machine phase. I was already a fan from their quirky hit "She Don't Use Jelly" and various appearances on odd television shows. That second stage show made me a believer. I was entranced by the band's earlier songs and I made it my goal to track down as much of their music as I possibly could.

The build up, for me anyway, to Clouds Taste Metallic was enormous. They had a song in the new Batman movie, which was on the album. Expectations were high. Then they all came crashing down. I'm not sure what the public expected from a quirky band, but this record wasn't it.

I was even disappointed with this album, when it initially came out. It lacked the style and familiarity of Transmissions From The Satellite Heart. Again, that was my first impression. After listening to Clouds Taste Metallic at various points over the years, I began to appreciate the subtleties of the album.

I began to move away from thinking of the album as "Bad Days" and a bunch of other songs to an album filled with solid material. "This Here Giraffe" is one of the songs that I couldn't wrap my brain around at the time. It's a song that slowly grows on you. After hearing the song a few times, you will find that the melody will seep into your brain at odd times. This seems like the sort of thing that the Flaming Lips would want.

Lyrics:
I saw this bird fly off his head
Without him ever lookin' up
This here giraffe was never caught complainin'
He wouldn't take skin off your back

And you hear yourself, thinking
And you hear yourself, thinking
This here giraffe, laughed
This here giraffe, laughed
This here giraffe, laughed

I saw this man stick out his neck
With his binoculars intact
He couldn't tell the right side of his brain
Just lost all interest in his left

And you feel yourself shrinkin'
And you feel yourself shrinkin'
This here giraffe, laughed
This here giraffe, laughed
This here giraffe, laughed

And you hear yourself
And you hear yourself
This here giraffe, laughed
This here giraffe, laughed
This here giraffe, laughed
This here giraffe, laughed

Old Timer - that dog.

Artist: that dog.
Song: Old Timer
Year: 1994
Album: that dog.

Don't worry Anne Waronker. All that touring paid off. I saw that dog. open up for the Foo Fighters on March 29, 1996 in Chicago. I was captivated enough by your set that I sought out all of the group's music. I thought the harmonies and Petra's violin mixed with punk was an awesome mixture.

"Old Timer" had me mesmerized when I saw it live. The rest of the set was fantastic. The whole reason that I bought the ticket was to see Dave Grohl perform, but I came away with so much more. I became a fan of that dog. and the Amps that night. I had a predisposition to like the Amps because of Kim Deal. Seeing that dog. was the highlight of that concert.

The crowd seemed to be into it as well. I guess that most of the audience didn't go out and run to the record store the next day. Maybe they did, but I'm guessing not. I was thrilled to see a new album in 1997. Then I was filled with sorrow when I heard about the band's dissolvement.

Is it too much to ask for a that dog. reunion? I would pay to see that! I won't hold my breath, but I can sleep better at night knowing that I got to see that dog. in concert when I had the chance. Thanks for the great music!

Lyrics:
Hey old timer, can I ask you a question
While you're standing at the buffet?
Is this your first or second helping?
Why'd you come here anyway?

Hey old timer, why ya drinkin' the wine at Shakeys?
Hey old timer, I can tell your feet get achey.

Was it the food or the special that got you?
Did you cut your coupons in the Sunday Times?
You got your chili, don't forget your cornbread.
I can tell you come here all the time.

Did your friends say they couldn't make it?
Did you come here all alone?
Two-for-one's a stretch, you'll have to fake it.
Maybe we can share, I'm on my own.

Hey old timer, why ya drinkin' the wine at Shakeys?
Hey old timer, I can tell your feet get achey.
Hey old timer. Hey old timer. Hey old timer.
Hey old timer.

Mr. Brownstone - Guns N' Roses

Artist: Guns N' Roses
Song: Mr. Brownstone
Year: 1987
Album: Appetite For Destruction

This song just shows that Axl doesn't run the whole show. He may now, but he didn't control everything back in the beginning. This song was written by Slash and Izzy Stradlin. Other than singing, Axl Rose has very little to do with this song. Maybe that's why I really like it.

It shows Axl in a lower range, which I think suits him better than blowing his voice out with each note. When I would listen to this album as a kid, I used to think that songs in the lower voice range were sung by another band member. I just couldn't figure out who. I was amazed when I found out it was actually Axl doing the singing.

This is yet another gritty song about drugs. Namely, "Mr. Brownstone" is slang for heroin. It describes the day to day activities of a drug user and the eventual decline of said user. Depending on the point of view, it could glamorize the lifestyle or serve as a cautionary tale.

When you're done with the new album, check out the older stuff. It was much better when the group functioned as a unit and not as the whims of one individual. They don't call the old stuff classic because it's older. They call it classic because it's just that good.

Lyrics:
I get up around seven
Get outta bed around nine
And i don't worry about nothin' no
'cause worrin's a waste of my... time

The show usually starts around seven
We go on stage around nine
Get on the bus about eleven
Sippin' a drink and feelin' fine

We been dancin' with mr. brownstone
He's been knockin'
He won't leave me alone
No, no ,no, he won't leave me alone
I used ta do a little but a little wouldn't do
So the little got more and more
I just keep tryin' ta get a little better
Said the little better than before
I used ta do a little but a little wouldn't do
So the little got more and more
I just keep tryin' ta get a little better
Said the little better than before

We been dancin' with mr. brownstone
He's been knockin'
He won't leave me alone
No, no ,no, he won't leave me alone
I used ta do a little but a little wouldn't do
So the little got more and more
I just keep tryin' ta get a little better
Said the little better than before
I used ta do a little but a little wouldn't do
So the little got more and more
I just keep tryin' ta get a little better
Said the little better than before

Now i get up around whenever
I used ta get up on time
But that old man he's a real muthafucker
Gonna kick him on down the line

I used ta do a little but a little wouldn't do
So the little got more and more
I just keep tryin' ta get a little better
Said the little better than before
I used ta do a little but a little wouldn't do
So the little got more and more
I just keep tryin' ta get a little better
Said the little better than before

We been dancin' with mr. brownstone
He's been knockin'
He won't leave me alone
No, no ,no, he won't leave me alone
I used ta do a little but a little wouldn't do
So the little got more and more
I just keep tryin' ta get a little better
Said the little better than before
I used ta do a little but a little wouldn't do
So the little got more and more
I just keep tryin' ta get a little better
Said the little better than before

Shoved it in the bindle and i shot it in the middle
And it, it drove outta my mind
I should've known better, said i wish i never met her said i,
I leave it all behind yowsa!

Cover Me - Bruce Springsteen

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Song: Cover Me
Year: 1984
Album: Born In The U.S.A.

BRUUUUUUUCE!!! as my mom would say. I've had a love/hate relationship with Bruce Springsteen. I used to not care for his music, but as I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate more of it. I downright enjoy it now. This album, I've liked since its release.

What's not to like about this album? I can't think of anything. It's a damn near perfect album. It's something that I could put on and listen to all the way through. It's got everything. Meaningful lyrics. Something to dance to. Something to sing along with. Something to veg to. A great sound. Everything.

"Cover Me" was a struggle to keep on the album. It was never intended to be on this or any other Springsteen album. It was recorded as a demo for Donna Summer and intended to be a disco song. Bruce even recorded a duet with Donna Summer of this song that has yet to see the light of day.

The only thing that saved this song was Springsteen's manager insisting that it be put on the album. He loved the way the rock edge mixed with the song. It was a wise choice and the public is the better for it. This is one reason why I advocate everything from an artist eventually be released. You don't know what wonderful gems are hiding away.

Lyrics:
The times are tough now, just getting tougher
This old world is rough, it's just getting rougher
Cover me, come on baby, cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Promise me baby you won't let them find us
Hold me in your arms, let's let our love blind us
Cover me, shut the door and cover me
Well I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me

Outside's the rain, the driving snow
I can hear the wild wind blowing
Turn out the light, bolt the door
I ain't going out there no more

This whole world is out there just trying to score
I've seen enough I don't want to see any more,
Cover me, come on and cover me
I'm looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me
Looking for a lover who will come on in and cover me

Fuel - Metallica

Artist: Metallica
Song: Fuel
Year: 1997
Album: ReLoad

This song was one of the first songs that I heard from ReLoad. I thought that I had first heard it during a 1995 concert recording, but looking over setlists, I cannot find a record of that. It wasn't played at the June 30, 1996 Lollapalooza concert I saw them at or the February 7, 1997 concert I witnessed either.

I'm not sure how I heard this song early, but I did, and I loved it. I thought it had the right edge to be old school Metallica merged with their newer sound. I liked the Load album, but for all the wrong reasons. It didn't sound like Metallica in most places. The ReLoad album was a return to form, but the songs weren't all strong. They were essentially leftovers from Load.

"Fuel" stood out from the rest of the songs. It could be thought of as a death song, but the surface was mostly about fast cars. All I know is that the song rocks. Metallica even performed the song on Saturday Night Live, which was odd to see. Their first single, "The Memory Remains" did not seem like a song Metallica should be singing. Change is fine, but this was another oddity. Metallica seemed to lose their way a bit in the late nineties.

For all the duets with outsider music artists and genre hopping, Metallica couldn't stray far from the speed metal that got them there. This showed me that they still had a pulse. They still could rock and the life had yet to be fully sucked out.

Lyrics:
Gimme fuel, gimme fire, gimme that which I desire,
oh

Turn on, I see red
Adrenaline crash and crack my head
Nitro junkie, paint me dead
And I see red

I run across through black and white
War horse, war head, fuck 'em, man
White knuckle tight
Through black and white

Oh, when I burn
Fuel is pumping engines
Burning hard, loose and clean

And then I burn
Turning my direction
Quench my thirst with gasoline

So gimme fuel, gimme fire, gimme that which I
desire

Turn on beyond the bone
Swallow future, spit out hope
Burn your face upon the chrome

Take the corner, going to crash
Headlights, headlines
Another junkie, who lives too fast
Lives way too fast, fast, fast, fast, fast, fast

Oh, when I burn
Fuel is pumping engines
Burning hard, loose and clean

And then I burn
Turning my direction
Quench my thirst with gasoline

So gimme fuel, gimme fire, gimme that which I
desire

White knuckle tight

Gimme fuel
Gimme fire
My desire

Oh, when I burn
Fuel is pumping engines
Burning hard, loose and clean

And on and on
Turning my direction
Quench my thirst with gasoline

Gimme fuel, gimme fire, gimme that which I
desire, oh
On I burn

Rock N' Roll McDonalds - Wesley Willis

Artist: Wesley Willis
Song: Rock N' Roll McDonalds
Year: 1995
Album: Greatest Hits Volume One

I am proud to say that I was born in the same city as Wesley Willis. Some people found him annoying. I found him to be an inspiration. Whenever I am stuck in the process of songwriting, I think of what Wesley Willis would have done. He had no filter on his lyrics. He wrote and released hundreds of songs before he died. Many were simple, but effective.

It didn't matter what the topic was. He was honest and funny, I think without even realizing it. I love an artist who can approach music without boundaries. Whether it was calling Batman an asshole or playing a minute and a half fill button solo, he was truly an original.

Wesley was an outsider artist. Many of his drawing have been used on his album releases. All of this and more made him endearing as an artist. The majority of his songs would end with the phrase, "Rock over London, rock on Chicago" and then end in any number of advertising slogans. He was a simplistic visionary who wrote about what he saw.

"Rock N' Roll McDonalds" is probably his best known song. It throws in grains of truth about the dangers of McDonalds burgers and promotes the Rock N' Roll McDonalds in downtown Chicago.
Rock over London.
Rock on Chicago.
McDonald's, You deserve a break today.

Lyrics:
McDonalds is a place to rock
It is a place where they buy food to eat
It is a good place to listen to the music
People flock here to listen to the rock music

Rock and Roll McDonalds
Rock and Roll McDonalds
Rock and Roll McDonalds
Rock and Roll McDonalds

McDonalds will make you fat
They serve Big Macs
They serve quater pounders
They will put pounds on you

Rock and Roll McDonalds
Rock and Roll McDonalds
Rock and Roll McDonalds
Rock and Roll McDonalds

McDonalds hamburgers are the worst
They are worse than Burger King
A Big Mac has 26 grams of fat
A quarter pounder has 28 grams of fat

Rock and Roll McDonalds
Rock and Roll McDonalds
Rock and Roll McDonalds
Rock and Roll McDonalds

Rock on in London
Rock on Chicago
Wheaties, breakfast of champions

Do The Evolution - Pearl Jam

Artist: Pearl Jam
Song: Do The Evolution
Year: 1998
Album: Yield

This album saw Pearl Jam go back to form. They would still experiment, but not as drastically as on No Code. I seemed to be the only person who really liked No Code, so I'm not surprised that Pearl Jam would try to sound like their first few albums. It may have seemed like a step back, but it was actually a step forward.

The band was in danger of self destructing just a few years prior. They had done everything in their power to alienate their fringe fan base, which made up most of their sales. Then they released a commercial failure, but a critical success in No Code. A direction had to be made. Then, out of nowhere, Yield showed up in February 1998. It became an instant smash. There were hit songs and hint of an actual video.

When I first heard that "Do The Evolution" had been selected to be the video, I thought they had made a mistake. I thought that there were better candidates for the video. "Brain Of J", "Wishlist" and Given To Fly" easily come to mind. "Do The Evolution" was one of the last songs that I would consider for a single. I thought that Pearl Jam was creating another career suicide move, until I actually saw the video. Not only did I love what I saw, the song instantly became my favorite song in their catalogue.

It's funny how images can turn a good song into a great one. Anime is not my field of animation enjoyment, but this video works. It features stunning animation and a plot that goes well with the lyrics. I first saw Pearl Jam on the summer tour for this album. It was an experience that I will always remember and always cherish. I was a fan before this song. After it, I was a believer.

Sony prohibits embedding of YouTube files, so you will not see the amazing video here. You will see a rehearsal performance from "Single Video Theory". Enjoy!

Lyrics:
Woo
I’m ahead, I’m a man
I’m the first mammal to wear pants, yeah
I’m at peace with my lust
I can kill ’cause in God I trust, yeah
It’s evolution, baby

I’m at piece, I’m the man
Buying stocks on the day of the crash
On the loose, I’m a truck
All the rolling hills, I’ll flatten’ em out, yeah
It’s herd behavior, uh huh
It’s evolution, baby

Admire me, admire my home
Admire my song, here’s my coat
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
This land is mine, this land is free
I’ll do what I want but irresponsibly
It’s evolution, baby

I’m a thief, I’m a liar
There’s my church, I sing in the choir:
(hallelujah¡­ hallelujah¡­)

Admire me, admire my home
Admire my song, admire my clothes
’cause we know, appetite for a nightly feast
Those ignorant indians got nothin’ on me
Nothin’, why?
Because, it’s evolution, baby!

I am ahead, I am advanced
I am the first mammal to make plans, yeah
I crawled the earth, but now I’m higher
Twenty-ten, watch it go to fire
It’s evolution, baby
It’s evolution, baby
Do the evolution
Come on, come on, come on

Back In Black - AC/DC

Artist: AC/DC
Song: Back In Black
Year: 1980
Album: Back In Black

This was AC/DC's tribute to Bon Scott. It's cathartic in a way. Given the blessing by Bon's family to move forward with the band, the Young brothers crafted an album of great proportions. The entire album is solid from top to bottom. The planning stages of the album originated while Bon was still alive, but I can't begin to imagine what the album would've sounded like with him singing. I suppose that I could sacrifice this perfect album for extending the life of Bon Scott.

"Back In Black" plays like a statement for the mourning. Do not mourn the dead. Remember them and move forward. Live life. That's exactly what the band did. With Brian Johnson on vocals, the sound only got dirtier and more rock-like. Brian's screams almost seem like wails of sorrow from the rest of the band. It is a perfect way to release and to rock.

The song's meaning gets lost in the year's since its release. "Back In Black" has been used in everything from sporting events to illegal sampling in hip hop music. It seems odd that the song is an anthem of sorts for Wal-Mart today, since they have a nice partnership with AC/DC. One thing that I never thought I'd see back in the early eighties is AC/DC selling out to corporate America. I thought they were above that, but I'd be wrong.

While the brothers Young seem content to sit back on their laurels, I wish that they wouldn't take so long between albums. The way I figure, the more albums that are out, the more likely there will be some worthy new songs. This album was made in the span of a few months, from writing to release. It just goes to show what can be accomplished if one doesn't start to tinker.

Lyrics:
Back in black
I hit the sack
I've been too long I'm glad to be back [I bet you
know I'm...]
Yes, I'm let loose
From the noose
That's kept me hanging about
I've been looking at the sky
'Cause it's gettin' me high
Forget the hearse 'cause I never die
I got nine lives
Cat's eyes
Abusin' every one of them and running wild

'Cause I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
(Well) I'm back in black
Yes, I'm back in black

Back in the back
Of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet, I'm a power pack
Yes, I'm in a bang
With a gang
They've got to catch me if they want me to hang
Cause I'm back on the track
And I'm beatin' the flack
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap
So look at me now
I'm just makin' my play
Don't try to push your luck, just get out of my
way

'Cause I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
(Well) I'm back in black
Yes, I'm back in black

Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, Yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
Well I'm back in black
Yes I'm back in black

hooo yeah
Ohh yeah
Yes I am
Oooh yeah, yeah Oh yeah
Back in now
Well I'm back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back, I'm back
Back
Back in black
Yes I'm back in black

Out of the sight

Glad I Waited Just For You - Reba McEntire

Artist: Reba McEntire
Song: Glad I Waited Just For You
Year: 1977
Album: Reba McEntire

This always makes me stop whatever I'm doing and take a listen. I think it has to do with the wish-washy way that it's sung. It's pure cheese, but somehow it works. I always think that that is sung by someone else. I'm not sure who, but I can't picture Reba McEntire singing this for some reason.

Maybe it has to do with her later career. This song seems full of hope, sung by a woman looking to be a good wife and nothing else. There's no depth to the lyrics or the singing. When Reba truly found herself, her voice was a beacon of strength. This seems to be sung by a weak willed person. Someone just happy to be invited to the party.

I would say that this reason would be why this doesn't rate as something higher on my personal list. That being said, I think the song itself is an enjoyable piece of escapist fluff. Everyone has to have some songs like that in their playlist. This is one of mine.

I'm shocked at the transformation that Reba did between this first album and today. Somewhere in between her voice has found courage. I like this song, but Reba has done so much better since then. This was one of the first songs that she released, so I'll cut her some slack.

Lyrics:
Use to be (Use to be)
Love was mean to me
Every love I tried my heart cried that won't do
Now you see (Now you see)
Love's been good to me I guess my love was waiting just for you
You and me (You and me) (You and me)
Go so well as we
Fit right to a T
Can't you see we do

Gotta say (Gotta say) (Gotta say)
Your love's got a way
Of making me glad
I waited just for you
I should have known
That my heart could not be wrong

Gotta say (Gotta say) (Gotta say)
Your love's got a way
Of making me glad
I waited just for you
I should have known
That my heart could not be wrong

Gotta say (Gotta say) (Gotta say)
Your love's got a way
Of making me glad
I waited just for you
I should have known
That my heart could not be wrong

Gotta say (Gotta say) (Gotta say)
Your love's got a way
Of making me glad
I waited just for you
I should have known
That my heart could not be wrong

This Corrosion - Sisters Of Mercy

Artist: Sisters Of Mercy
Song: This Corrosion
Year: 1987
Album: Floodland

This was a nightly request every time that I DJed at the vampire LARP. Someone would eventually come up to me and ask me to play it. It fit into the themes, but it got old fast. For one thing, the song is almost ten minutes long. I have no problem with the length of a song, but when it's a popular request, it grates every second on the fourth night in a row.

Thankfully, it's been close to a decade since I've spun this song in a club setting. I can enjoy the song and many others that were overplayed. I can still see the mix of fog, lights and costumes whenever this pops up. It's a picture that I will always remember.

This song marks a change in the public's perception of the band. This album actually charted high in the UK. It is considered a goth classic, even though the band claims to dislike the label of "goth".

Here, for no apparent reason is an anime version of the album version of the song.

Lyrics:
Gimme the Ring, kissed and toll'd
Gimme something that I missed (Gimme the ring)
A hand to hold, wild and what it seems(Gimme the ring)
Kill the king, when love is the law,
And the we'll turn round... (Gimme the ring)
Gimme dream child
And do you hear me call? (Gimme the ring)
On the loan and on the level
...still on the floor (Gimme the ring)
Sing dream child
And do you hear at all?

(Sing)
Hey now, hey now now, sing This Corrosion to me
Hey now, hey now now, sing This Corrosion to me
Hey now, hey now now, sing This Corrosion to me
Hey now, hey now now, sing...

Gimme siren, child and do you hear me?
Gimme siren, child, and do you hear me call?
Sing, child, of right and wrong
Gimme things that don't last long
Gimme siren, child, and do you hear me call?

(Sing)
Hey now, hey now now, sing This Corrosion to me
Hey now, hey now now, sing This Corrosion to me
Hey now, hey now now, sing This Corrosion to me
Hey now, hey now now, sing...

On daze, like this
In times like these
I feel an animal deep inside
Heel to haunch on bended knees
Living on if and if I tried,
Somebody send me... please...
Dream wars and a ticket to seem
Giving out and in
Selling the don't belong
Well, what do you say
D'you have a word for Giving Away?
Got a song for me?

(Sing)
Hey now, hey now now, sing This Corrosion to me
Hey now, hey now now, sing This Corrosion to me
Hey now, hey now now, sing This Corrosion to me
Hey now, hey now now, sing...

Gimme siren, child and do you hear me?
Gimme siren, child, and do you hear me call?
Sing, child, of right and wrong
Gimme things that don't last long
Gimme siren, child, and do you hear me call?

I got nothing to say I ain't said before
I bled all I can, I won't bleed no more
I don't need no one to understand
Why the blood run hold
The hired hand
On heart
Hand of God
Floodland and Driven Apart
Run cold
Turn
Cold
Burn
Like a healing hand
Like a healing hand
Like a healing hand
Like a healing hand

Changes - Black Sabbath

Artist: Black Sabbath
Song: Changes
Year: 1972
Album: Volume 4

I grew up knowing the basic Black Sabbath songs that everyone has to know before graduating onto other music in the genre. It wasn't until I found a Black Sabbath box set called the Ozzy Osbourne Years that I got to hear the best of the rest. Songs like "Planet Caravan" and "Changes" absolutely floored me when they first pierced my ears. They were beautiful. They had melody. They were not typical heavy metal affair.

Eventually, I found the rest of the rest and was equally impressed on what the box set left out. That was an amazing find at a used CD store. I've regretted many CD purchases that I've made, but this wasn't one of them. I can honestly say that I got my money's worth from that lucky find.

For some reason the piano against a young Ozzy's voice and some ethereal sounding background music made "Changes" captivating. The song almost makes you want to cry. The melody is haunting. The background gives the right balance of uneasiness and sweet grieving. The voice captures the right amount of sadness to be effective, without being sappy.

Sure, the lyrics are super simple. Sometimes the simplest thing can hit home the hardest. Not everything has to have complexity to convey complex emotion. This song is a release. It is cathartic. It still stands the test of time as a rarely uncovered gem.

Lyrics:
I feel unhappy
I feel so sad
I lost the best friend
That I ever had

She was my woman
I loved her so
But it’s too late now
I've let her go

I’m going through changes
I’m going through changes

We shared the years
We shared each day
In love together
We found a way

But soon the world
Had it’s evil way
My heart was blinded
Love went astray

I’m going through changes
I’m going through changes

It took so long
To realize
That I can still hear
Her last goodbyes
Now all my days
Are filled with tears
Wish I could go back
And change these years

I’m going through changes
I’m going through changes

Professional Widow - Tori Amos

Artist: Tori Amos
Song: Professional Widow
Year: 1996
Album: Boys For Pele

This album came out at the peak of my Tori fandom. I still love to listen to her, but I have to admit that I'm not as rabid of a fan as I used to be. I suppose that when she mellowed her sounds, I mellowed too. I like her new songs, but they will have a hard time living up to her past recordings.

I saw her in concert at McCormick Place in Chicago during the tour for this album. This was her first concert appearance after the infamous "Pain In My Hole" improv. There were people holding signs requesting it, but she confessed on stage that she didn't recall it. Still the fans wanted to hear it and she told us that she would go through her tapes and play it next time.

I haven't seen her since. It's not that I don't want to go, it's mostly because she comes at bad times for me. I either don't have the cash to spend or I am committed to previous engagements. I would love to see her again, but I am fearful that after twelve years, I may be disappointed with the results. In reality, I'd probably like it just fine. That may be just the thing to rekindle my rabid fan mode of Tori.

"Professional Widow" might be about Courtney Love. Then again, it might not. Does it really matter at this point. What may have been a burning question in 1996, is not so much anymore. This does mark the first album where Tori incorporates harpsichord into her music, with fantastic results. By the way, the remixes of this song are outstanding!

Lyrics:
slag pit
stag shit
honey bring it close to my lips
don’t blow those brains yet
we gotta be big boy
we gotta be big
starfucker just like my Daddy
selling his baby
just like my Daddy
gonna strike a deal make him feel
like a Congressman
it runs in the family

rest your shoulders Peaches and Cream
everywhere a Judas as far as you can see
beautiful angel
calling “we got every re-run of Muhammad Ali”

prism perfect
honey bring it close to your lips
what is termed a landslide of principle
proportion boy it better be big boy
starfucker just like my Daddy
selling his baby
just like my Daddy
gonna strike a deal make him feel
like a Congressman
it runs in the family

Mother Mary
china white
brown may be sweeter
she will supply
Mother Mary
china white
brown may be sweeter
she will supply
she will supply
she will supply
she will supply
give me peace, love and a hard cock

Fire - Jimi Hendrix

Artist: Jimi Hendrix
Song: Fire
Year: 1967
Album: Are You Experienced?

With Mitch Mitchell's passing yesterday, the original Experience are now all deceased. Mitch created the backbone to Jimi Hendrix's early sound. "Fire" is a wonderful example of his drumming performance with the Experience.

This song is usually associated with Jimi Hendrix, but not as closely as his other hits. A more modern example of this song would be the Red Hot Chili Peppers cover from the eighties. People today seem to be aware of that recording slightly more than the original because the Chili Peppers are still making music.

Every generation eventually discovers Jimi. It was around my first year in high school that I finally stumbled upon Jimi, by way of "Purple Haze" being constantly played on the local classic rock station. Next came "Foxey Lady" in the Wayne's World movie. After that, I was hooked. I constantly battled through racks of records trying to track down every last song by Jimi Hendrix. With all the different releases out there, I still don't think I got everything.

Despite what radio thought, crowds went wild for "Fire" whenever it would pop up in concert. It was also a popular staple of radio sessions. There's an album of BBC performances that has a really great version of "Fire", along with other variations and rarities. It's definitely worth a few listens.

Lyrics:
Alright!
Now dig this baby!
You don't care for me,
I don't care about that.
You got a new fool,
Hah, I like him like that.
I have only one burning desire,
Let me stand next to your fire.
[Let me stand next to your fire] Hey, let me stand next to your fire
[Let me stand next to your fire] Oh, let me stand baby
[Let me stand next to your fire] Let me stand
[Let me stand next to your fire] Yeah baby

Listen here baby,
Stop acting so crazy!
You say your mom ain't home,
It ain't my concern.
Just don't play with me,
and you won't get burned.
I have only one itching desire,
Let me stand next to your fire
[Let me stand next to your fire] Yeah, let me stand next to your fire
[Let me stand next to your fire] Let me stand
[Let me stand next to your fire] Oh, Let me stand
[Let me stand next to your fire] Oh

Oh, move over Rover,
And let Jimi take over.
Yeah, you know what I'm talking about
Yeah!
Get on with it baby!

That's what I'm talking about.
Now dig this!
Ha!
Now listen baby!
You try to give me your money,
You better save it babe.
Save it for your rainy day.
I have only one burning desire,
let me stand next to your fire.
[Let me stand next to your fire] Oh, let me stand
[Let me stand next to your fire] Let me stand baby
[Let me stand next to your fire] I ain't gonna do you no harm
[Let me stand next to your fire] Oh

Yeah!
You better move it baby . . .
I ain't gonna hurt you baby . . .

Papa Gene's Blues - The Monkees

Artist: The Monkees
Song: Papa Gene's Blues
Year: 1966
Album: The Monkees

Like many kids, I grew up watching the Monkees. The only difference was that I grew up watching 15 year old reruns on low power UHF stations. My favorite Monkee, when I was a kid, was Peter. I thought he was goofy and kind hearted. My close second was Mike. He had this sort of laid back cool about him, with smarts. Davy and Micky were fine, in their own right, but two out of the four had to be in my bottom half and they were it.

As my musical understanding grew, I began to appreciate Mike even more. His songs really stood out as completely thought out. He became my favorite. When I found out that David Bowie changed his name to avoid confusion with Davy, I had to laugh out loud. Micky instantly climbed up in my appreciation because of his work ethic and contributions. Peter will always be a favorite because of my childhood memories and his oddball sense of humor.

Even when I was a child, "Papa Gene's Blues" stood out as something special. I never heard it on the radio, but I would sit glued to my television whenever the song popped up in the show.

I was very disappointed when I went to see the Monkees in the nineties and Michael Nesmith wasn't there. Therefore, many of my favorite Mike songs would not be attempted. At least I got to see the other three together before Peter was no longer a part of the band. I think I'll pop in my DVD of Elephant Parts and ponder the wonders of Liquid Paper.

Lyrics:
No heartaches felt, no longer lonely,
Nights of waiting finally won me
Happiness that's all rolled up in you.
And now, with you as inspiration,
I look toward a destination
Sunny bright that once before was blue.

I have no more than I did before,
But now I've got all that I need,
For I love you and I know you love me.

So take my hand, I'll start my journey
Free from all the helpless worry
That besets a man when he's alone.
For strength is mine when we're together,
And with you I know I'll never
Have to pass the high road for the low.

I have no more than I did before,
But now I've got all that I need,
For I love you and I know you love me.
(Play, magic fingers!)

(Yee-ha!)

(Oh, pick it, Luther!)

I have no more than I did before,
But now I've got all that I need,
For I love you and I know you love me.
Yes, I love you and I know you love me.

Drumming Is My Madness - Ringo Starr

Artist: Ringo Starr
Song: Drumming Is My Madness
Year: 1981
Album: Stop And Smell The Roses

This is one of my favorite songs by Ringo. The title claim is so bold, yet played so nonchalantly by Ringo that it almost seems comical. Although, if you listen closely, the drumming is spectacular. Ringo always has a way of making his contributions to a song seem lazy, almost an afterthought. That is part of the brilliance of his playing. It's the tiny nuances in his drumming and his everyman persona that make his songs work.

Stop And Smell The Roses was the last album of Ringo's to feature input from all four Beatles. George and Paul gave songs to Ringo and John was working with Ringo on production. John also gave songs for Ringo to record, but in the wake of John's death, Ringo didn't have the heart to do them. Those two songs would later come out posthumously by John.

"Drumming Is My Madness" seems almost like any other Ringo song on its surface. It seems to have a straightforward beat. It trudges through without any regard to music. It sounds like a decent karaoke singer is trying his hand at a cheesy tune.

Once you get past that, the song transcends its meager beginnings and transforms into something subtle and complex. That is the beauty with this song and many others from Ringo's catalogue. Simplicity complicated.

Lyrics:
Drumming is my madness,
Drumming is my business.

Drumming is my pleasure,
Drumming makes me happy.

Drumming makes me lose control,
Drumming makes me rock and roll, yeah.

Watch me now, rizz off!

Do you think I'm sexy?
Do you think I'm silly?
Try a little tenderness, too.

Drumming is my middle name,
Drumming makes me go insane.

I got rhythm,
You got rhythm, too.

Here we go again!!

Drumming is my madness,
Drumming makes me crazy, HA! HA! HA!

HO!

Drumming is my hobby,
Drumming is a friend of mine.

Is it any wonder?
You can call me thunder,
My friends' name is lightning too.

Rocket - Smashing Pumpkins

Artist: Smashing Pumpkins
Song: Rocket
Year: 1993
Album: Siamese Dream

This song is probably the most underrated single from Siamese Dream. I had discovered the Pumpkins from watching a show on a local channel called JBTV. They would show live clips from WXRT sponsored concerts and early SP videos.

I had picked up Gish in 1992 and I enjoyed the hell out if it. It's still one of my favorite albums. I was excited for the new album to come out in the summer of 1993. I had been hearing a few of the new tracks from the album on the radio and I loved what I heard. The sound was more polished and slightly more focused and mature.

It was the right album dropping at the right time. When I picked the album up, "Rocket" stood out from the rest as a great song. The entire album is full of great songs, but this called to me for some reason. This wasn't my favorite song off the album. That went to "Soma". I thought if ever there was a breakout pure rock single, this was it.

"Rocket" received limited airplay, but never got the credit it deserved. It's a great song and needs to be recognized with its peers. Maybe someday that will happen.

Lyrics:
Bleed in your own light
Dream of your own life
I miss me
I miss everything I'll never be
And on, and on

I torch my soul to show
The world that I am pure
Deep inside my heart
No more lies

A crown of horns
An image formed deformed
The mark I've borne
A mark of scorn to you

Consume my love, devour my hate
Only powers my escape
The moon is out, the stars invite
I think I'll leave tonight

So soon I'll find myself alone
To relax and fade away
Do you know what's coming down
Do you know I couldn't stay free?

I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free
I shall be free free
Free of those voices inside me
I shall be free
I shall be free

Where It's At - Beck

Artist: Beck
Song: Where It's At
Year: 1996
Album: Odelay

I was a fan of Beck's since his early days. I don't mean "Loser" early, I mean "MTV Makes Me Want To Smoke Crack" original version early. I was happy when "Loser" hit big and everything else from the Mellow Gold album got a significant amount of airplay. Then the backlash started.

I saw Beck in a 1995 concert where he played mostly everything, but didn't play "Loser", which was his biggest hit at that time. The majority of the crowd was very disappointed in that decision. Some people started shouting, "Loser", at Beck. All they cared about was Beck playing his hit song.

I was cautiously optimistic about the release of Odelay. I wondered if there would be anything on the album that would be a breakout hit like "Loser" was. It didn't take too long for those doubts to melt away. "Where It's At" was picked up all over radio and the audience loved it.

I was really hoping that Beck wouldn't become a one hit wonder. I always thought that he had an incredible amount of talent. Too much to end up that way. "Where It's At" had the right combination of quirkiness and odd lyrical pairing to work. It didn't hurt that the song rocked.

Lyrics:
There's a destination a little up the road
From the habitations and the towns we know
A place we saw the lights turn low
The jig-saw jazz and the get-fresh flow

Pulling out jives and jamboree handouts
Two turntables and a microphone
Bottles and cans just clap your hands just clap your hands

Where it's at!
I got two turntables and a microphone
Where it's at!
I got two turntables and a microphone
Where it's at!
I got two turntables and a microphone
Where it's at!
(with robot vocal effect)I got two turntables and a microphone

(Take me home with my elevator bones!)
(That was a good drum break)

Pick yourself up off the side of the road
With your elevator bones and your whip-flash tones
Members only hypnotizers
Move through the room like ambulance drivers
Shine your shoes with your microphone blues
Hirsutes with parachutes fruits
Passing the dutchie from coast to coast
Let the man get Wilson; wanna rock the most now

Where it's at!
I got two turntables and a microphone
Where it's at!
I got two turntables and a microphone

(Man spoken "What about those who swing both ways? AC/DC's)

Two turntables and a microphone
Two turntables and a microphone
Two turntables and a microphone
Two turntables and a microphone
Two turntables and a microphone
Two turntables and a microphone

Where it's at!
I got two turntables and a microphone
Where it's at!
I got two turntables and a microphone

(Oh, dear me. Make-out City's a two-horse town)
(girl spoken: "That's beautiful, Dad!")

(Got my microphone...)

There's a destination a little up the road
From the habitations and the towns we know
A place we saw the lights turn low
The jig-saw jazz and the get-fresh flow

Pulling out jives and jamboree handouts
Two turntables and a microphone
Bottles and cans just clap your hands just clap your hands

Where it's at!
I got two turntables and a microphone
Where it's at!
I got two turntables and a microphone

I got plastic on my mind
(make it out, baby)
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Let's make it out, baby
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(scream)
Telephone plastic baby
Ahh, so good
Oh, yeah
Let's play good
Ow, ow, ow, ow

Wasted Years - Iron Maiden

Artist: Iron Maiden
Song: Wasted Years
Year: 1986
Album: Somewhere In Time

This is probably the most identified song from the album Somewhere In Time. I missed out on this album when it was first released, but caught up with it a few years later. Their next album would be my first purchase and I didn't see this cassette in my cousin's collection.

Whenever I was over at my cousin's house, I would make a bee line for his music collection. I could listen to anything he had, as long as I put it back where I found it and didn't let my aunt and uncle know about it. I would pour through older Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and Aerosmith albums. Part of my love for this genre of music is from those trips to the basement to listen to these albums.

When I finally got my own copy of this album, it was already 1996. Iron Maiden had changed into something that was a pale comparison of itself, or so I thought at the time. I had made a copy of this album using a friend's cassette somewhere around 1988, but my physical store bought copy was still eight years away. I'll put off buying certain albums for an odd assortment of reasons. I may cost more than I'm willing to pay. It might be hard to locate. The most often used reason would be some other album takes priority.

I could stare at this album art for hours back then. I would find new little details every time I looked. I really regret not purchasing this album during the Seventh Son era. I didn't fully appreciate the album and the artwork because of that. I still crank up "Wasted Years" whenever it comes on, so I didn't miss out on that much.

Lyrics:
From the coast of gold, across the seven seas
I'm travellin' on, far and wide
But now it seems, I'm just a stranger to myself
And all the things I sometimes do, it isn't me but
someone else

I close my eyes, and think of home
Another city goes by in the night
Ain't it funny how it is, you never miss it 'til it's
gone away
And my heart is lying there and will be 'til my
dying day

So understand
Don't waste your time always searching for
those wasted years
Face up... make your stand
And realise you're living in the golden years

Too much time on my hands, I got you on my mind
Can't ease this pain, so easily
When you can't find the words to say it's hard to
make it through another day
And it makes me wanna cry and throw my
hands up to the sky

So understand
Don't waste your time always searching for
those wasted years
Face up... make your stand
And realise you're living in the golden years

So understand
Don't waste your time always searching for
those wasted years
Face up... make your stand
And realise you're living in the golden years

So understand
Don't waste your time always searching for
those wasted years
Face up... make your stand
And realise you're living in the golden years

Paralyzed - Elvis Presley

Artist: Elvis Presley
Song: Paralyzed
Year: 1956
Album: Elvis

I should like Elvis more than I do. I'm not one for overexposed artists. If an artist is shoved down my throat, I tend not to like them until they can prove otherwise. Elvis fans can get a little weird. When people start seeing him working at a donut shop in Akron, Ohio, those fans are taking it a little too far.

The loss of any artist that is beloved is especially hard for the public to grasp. The public knows every little detail of their lives, but they still don't know the artist. It's a strange situation. One that causes overexposure and sometimes death. Like I said, I should like Elvis a lot more than I do, but his overexposure really turns me off.

That's not to say that I don't like anything from him. Far from it. I like a handful of select songs from various points in his career. I appreciate these songs. Most of them are rarely played anymore. The ones that are still played are powerful enough to stand above the legend of Elvis.

"Paralyzed" is a song that doesn't get a lot of play anymore. Truthfully, I almost passed it up because of that. When I did give it a closer listen, I found a great tune that should get more respect. I will always champion the good songs that fall off the face of the Earth. This is as close to that as any Elvis song can get.

Lyrics:
When you looked into my eyes
I stood there like I was hyp-notised
You sent a feeling to my spine
A feeling warm and smooth and fine
But all I could do were stand there paralyzed
When we kissed, ooh what a thrill
You took my hand and, ooh baby, what a chill
I felt like grabbin' you real tight
Squeeze and squeeze with all my might
But all I could do were stand there paralyzed

Oh yeah lucky me, I'm singing ev'ry day
Ever since that day you came my way
You made my life for me just one big happy game
I'm gay ev'ry morning
At night I'm still the same
Do you remember that wonderful time
You held my hand and swore that you'll be mine
In front of preacher you said
"I do" I couldn't say a word for thinking of you
All I could do was stand there paralyzed

Head Over Feet (Acoustic) - Alanis Morissette

Artist: Alanis Morissette
Song: Head Over Feet (Acoustic)
Year: 1996
Album: Space Cakes

This song will most likely be played at my wedding. The version from the EP Space Cakes will be the version. The Jagged Little Pill version is a little too loud and disruptive for the mood that I'll be trying to capture. The first acoustic version sets the perfect tone.

Many people still don't realize the power of certain lyrics. There's a line in "Head Over Feet" that mentions best friend with benefits. Well, I took that as one meaning when this song came out. Over the years, I have learned that the view that I took on that line was a bit narrow. With age, I now take that to mean that my wife will be my best friend and someone I can share every aspect of my life with.

Gone are the angst filled lyrics that originally fueled this release. Time has a funny way of softening the edges. They now appear more heartfelt and meaningful, as lyrics. I suppose the mark of a good lyric is one that's open to many different interpretations. Each one being right.

This song brings me back to my late teens and early twenties. While the song has not changed in over a decade, my perspective on it has. The song has grown up with me. We have both come out of the experience a little worn, but better for the ride. We have matured.

Lyrics:
I had no choice but to hear you
You stated your case time and again
I thought about it

You treat me like I'm a princess
I'm not used to liking that
You ask how my day was

You've already won me over in spite of me
Don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
And don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it
It's all your faults

Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole
You're so much braver than I gave you credit for
That's not lip service

You've already won me over in spite of me
And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
And don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it
It's all your faults

You are the bearer of unconditional things
You held your breath and the door for me
Thanks for your patience

You're the best listener that I've ever met
You're my best friend
Best friend with benefits
What took me so long

I've never felt this healthy before
I've never wanted something rational
I am aware now, I am aware now

You've already won me over in spite of me
And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
And don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it
It's all your faults

You've already won me over in spite of me
And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
And don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it
It's all your faults

For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder

Artist: Stevie Wonder
Song: For Once In My Life
Year: 1968
Album: For Once In My Life

The results of last night's election got me thinking of inspirational songs. Songs that signal change. Songs that signal hope. Songs by artists that the winner says are his favorite.

While Barack Obama likes a plethora of music as diverse as the Rolling Stones, the Fugees, Bach and Bob Dylan, I chose a Stevie Wonder song to mark his victory. The title makes me think of changes for the better. The lyrics express a desire to celebrate life's small accomplishments.

On the surface, the song can be about a girl. Dig deeper into the context of the song and it inspires visions of life altering actions, for the greater good. I don't like discussing politics because tensions tend to run very high and arguments seem to break out over the smallest things. I don't mind voicing my opinion, but I rarely am the one to breach the subject.

Today, I feel the world is just a little bit safer. There is a tiny ray of hope starting to shine through the darkness. The clouds are starting to part and sunshine is finally peeking through. A change is on the horizon. It's about time.

Lyrics:
For once in my life I have someone who needs me
Someone I've needed so long
For once, unafraid, I can go where life leads me
And somehow I know I'll be strong

For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew
Someone warm like you
Would make my dreams come true

For once in my life I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it hurt me before
For one, I have something I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore

For once, I can say, this is mine, you can't take it
As long as I know I have love, I can make it
For once in my life, I have someone who needs me

Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) - George Harrison

Artist: George Harrison
Song: Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
Year: 1973
Album: Living In The Material World

In the United States, we will be voting for a new president today. I am registered as an independent, but I usually lean Democratic. I look at the issues and then choose the candidate that best fits my views. Sometimes it's the Republican candidate, sometimes the Democrat, sometimes from another party.

I try to vote for the person that will best fit this song's lyrics. It's hard sometimes, but I usually find a candidate that comes somewhat close. Rather than bore you with politics, just enjoy the music.

Lyrics:
Give me love
Give me love
Give me peace on earth
Give me light
Give me life
Keep me free from birth
Give me hope
Help me cope, with this heavy load
Trying to, touch and reach you with,
heart and soul

OM M M M M M M M M M M M M M
M M M My Lord . . .

PLEASE take hold of my hand, that
I might understand you

Won't you please
Oh won't you

Give me love
Give me love
Give me peace on earth
Give me light
Give me life
Keep me free from birth
Give me hope
Help me cope, with this heavy load
Trying to, touch and reach you with,
heart and soul

OM M M M M M M M M M M M M M
M M M My Lord . . .

PLEASE take hold of my hand, that
I might understand you

In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins

Artist: Phil Collins
Song: In The Air Tonight
Year: 1981
Album: Face Value

This song is all over the place. You know that a song is overexposed when Family Guy makes a reference to it. Still, that can't take away from the powerful performance and the mood of the song. This has to be my absolute favorite Phil Collins song. It shows the dark side of human nature.

It's clear that this is a mood piece because listening to Phil Collins talk about the origins of this song will get you nowhere. That's because even Phil doesn't know where the song originated from. He has stated that 99% of the song's lyrics were made up on the spot. These were just his feelings pouring out of him, while he was dealing with a divorce.

Any story that you hear attached to this song is completely untrue. Phil Collins did not see a man refuse to save a drowning man. Phil Collins did not put a spotlight on him at a concert, during the singing of this song. Phil Collins did not have the man arrested and the man did not die. There was no man.

Urban legends like this can get out of hand. With this one, there isn't even a grain of truth to it. Despite the legends, the song is a powerful statement that resulted from a studio accident. The drums are the most powerful part of the song. They reverb technique used on the drums was found by accident while fooling around in the studio. The rest is history.

Lyrics:
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment, all my life, Oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord, Oh Lord

Well, if you told me you were drowning
I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend
But I don't know if you know who I am
Well, I was there and I saw what you did
I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off the grin, I know where you've been
It's all been a pack of lies

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, Oh Lord, Oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment all my life, Oh Lord, Oh Lord

Well I remember, I remember don't worry
How could I ever forget, it's the first time, the last time we ever met
But I know the reason why you keep your silence up, no you don't fool me
The hurt doesn't show; but the pain still grows
It's no stranger to you or me

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord...

China Cat Sunflower - Grateful Dead

Artist: Grateful Dead
Song: China Cat Sunflower
Year: 1969
Album: Aoxomoxoa

I'm not a huge Dead fan, but I do like a few songs. I first heard China Cat Sunflower when I was listening to a concert broadcast on a local Chicago radio station, WXRT. During the concert, which I recorded on audio tape, I was blown away by the performance of this song.

I don't know if it was the timing of the song or if I was in a right frame of mind, but I really enjoyed the song. It has been sneaking on compilations ever since that moment in 1992. The rest of the concert was OK, but "China Cat Sunflower" was the highlight for me.

I botched my chance to see the Dead in 1995. July 9, 1995 to be exact. Jerry Garcia's last show. I figured that they would be around next summer and I would catch them then. I should have learned my lesson with Nirvana, but I usually learn the hard way. I missed out on a golden opportunity and blew it.

At least I can still listen to the music. I have found various recordings from that last show, so I can pretend to be there. It's not the same. Still, this incident (and many others like it) have taught me to live in the moment more often.

Lyrics:
Look for a while at the China Cat sunflower,
Proud walking jingle in the midnight sun.
Copperdome bodhi drip a silver kimono,
Like a crazy quilt stargown through a dream night wind.

Crazy cat peekin' through a lace bandanna,
Like a one-eyed Cheshire, like a diamond-eye jack.
A leaf of all colors plays a golden-string fiddle,
To a double-E waterfall over my back.

Comic book colors on a violin river Cryin' Leonardo,
Words from out a silk trombone.
I rang a silent bell, beneath a shower of pearls,
In the eagle-winged palace of the Queen Chinee.

Jealous Guy - John Lennon

Artist: John Lennon
Song: Jealous Guy
Year: 1971
Album: Imagine

This is a song that gets it's start in the Beatles days. The music was originally written as "Child Of Nature" and was intended for the White Album. Fastforward to a rocky time in John Lennon and Yoko Ono's life. It was there that John wrote different lyrics to the melody and a new song was born.

It was written as an apology of sorts to Yoko. John's jealousy had been causing many problems in the relationship. Even though John was apologetic, he still insisted on not changing much, as the lyrics would reflect. John's relationship with Yoko would get worse before it got better, but this was a start in the right direction.

This was released as a single in 1985. That sounds about right because I remember seeing a video for this on Night Tracks, which was a music video show that aired on TBS. I can see a clip of Lennon high stepping in his white suit, but that version seems to have fallen out of favor for the more recent version. Ironically, the white suit escapades can be seen in other videos.

"Jealous Guy" also has the distinction of being the last song performed in public by John Lennon. It happened in 1977 and quite by accident. John sat in the presidential suite of the Okura Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. The elevators came straight into the lounge area of the suite, where Lennon was playing his old songs. A Japanese couple got off on the wrong floor, but sat and listened to John finish the song. After "Jealous Guy" was finishes, the couple politely got up and exited the suite with a displeased look on their faces. Little did they know that they would be the last people to witness a live performance from John Lennon.

Lyrics:
I was dreaming of the past
and my heart was beating fast
I began to lose control
I began to lose control
I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh my I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just a jealous guy

I was feeling insecure
You might not love me anymore
I was shivering inside
I was shivering inside
Oh I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh my I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just a jealous guy

[Whistling]

I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh my I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just a jealous guy

I was trying to catch your eyes
I thought that you were trying to hide
I was swallowing my pain
I was swallowing my pain
I didn't mean to hurt you
I'm sorry that I made you cry
Oh my I didn't want to hurt you
I'm just a jealous guy
watch out baby I'm just a jealous guy
Look out baby I'm just a jealous guy