Favorite Songs #9: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

To celebrate the Christmas season, I am introducing a three-fold song poll. After all, three is a significant number for this holiday (three wise men, the Trinity, etc.), so it only makes sense! What I’m asking for is your three favorite Christmas songs—but here’s the catch: you should only vote for one song in three distinct categories. These categories are as follows:

1. Religious Classics
Vote for your favorite, religiously-themed Christmas song. For example, “Silent Night,” “The First Noel,” or “Away in a Manger.” You are not, however, voting for a particular rendition of the song. It doesn’t matter if Bob Seger’s “The Little Drummer Boy” is your all-time favorite, or if anything by Mannheim Steamroller gets your sleigh bells jingling. Your vote should not be specific to a particular version, though you may note which version is your favorite. This is merely to distinguish from those cases when we’ve been blown away by the performance of a song we don’t normally care for. On the other hand, this in no way obligates you to liking every version known to humankind of your favorite song.

2. Secular Classics
Vote for your favorite secular Christmas song, such as “Jingle Bells” or “Deck the Halls.” Included in this category are what I will dub neotraditional Christmas songs. These are those songs that, while fairly contemporary (i.e., from the 20th century), have become traditional standards. For example, “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…) or “Silver Bells.” However, once again, you are not voting for a particular version, though you may make note of such.

3. Pop Christmas Songs
Here, you are voting for your favorite Christmas song that is typically considered a pop/rock song. Naturally, these will all likely stem from the last 50 years or so, whether it’s Bobby Helm’s 1957 hit, “Jingle Bell Rock,” or (heaven forbid) Britney Spears’ “My Only Wish (This Year).” Due to the nature of this category, many songs could be unique to a particular artist, but this needn’t be the case. Despite their youth, most of these songs have also been covered numerous times.

So there you have it. Now, ‘tis the season to be voting!

Favorite Songs #8: Magically Delicious

Having absolutely nothing to do with the release of the new Harry Potter film today, I hereby ask you for your favorite "magical" song (or, as always, top 5, top 10, etc.). Here's the only real rule -- the song must have the word "magic" in the title (e.g., "Practical Magic" by Stevie Nicks), a variant thereof (e.g., "Magical Mystery Tour" by The Beatles), or an otherwise blatantly magical reference (e.g., "Abracadabra" by Steve Miller Band).

So is that a magic wand in your pocket, or are you just excited to vote?!?

Benny K says...

We've had some good nominations, my personal favorite of which is JL Pagano's nod to The Police's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic." (Sarah, I'll have to hunt down the Ghostbusters soundtrack to check out your vote.) Still, I believe some gems were missing, including (in no particular order): "You Can Do Magic" by America, "Magic" by Pilot, "It's a Kind of Magic" by Queen, and "Strange Magic" by Electric Light Orchestra. But the number one song left off the list, for nostalgic purposes, is "Magic" by The Cars.

Favorite Songs #7: Counting Crows

Neil Young did it. The Violent Femmes did it. Smashing Pumpkins did it. A not-so-great singing voice does not automatically rule out an artist's success, as Counting Crows have been quick to prove. With a plethora of catchy tunes, it's time to ask for your top Counting Crows tunes. The list can be as long or as short as you'd like, but here are the ground rules:

• The songs should appear in order of preference. If you just vote for your very favorite song, this shouldn't be a problem. However, if you provide a Top 5 or Top 10 list (or any wacky number above or inbetween), please make the rankings mean something. Otherwise, the fun (and the challenge) is lost.
• As always, please stick to singles. This will ensure that the maximum number of participants can play along, whether voting or just following along. This also provides a nice limitation to the songs being considered.
• To ensure you remember what songs are eligible, you may click here and view a greatest hits package that also includes song samples. The one song you may want to consider which does not appear on this collection is "Accidentally in Love," from the Shrek 2 soundtrack. Click on the song title if you'd like to find a sample for that one.

Enjoy!

Benny K says...

Here's my top five:

5. Anna Begins
This song might rank higher, but the verses aren't nearly so melodically engrossing. It could be one of their best songs, but it's not one I'm as likely to stop on if not in the right mood. Still, it works to a gentle, epiphanic climax that carries the listener's emotions right along. For that, it deserves a spot on the list.

4. Hangin' Around
Songwriting gold? Far from it, but let's see you avoid cranking up the radio and singing along when you stumble upon it. That's what I thought.

3. Mr. Jones
Okay, let me explain. If I were to pass this song on the radio, I can almost guarantee I'd skip by it. But anyone who's being honest with him/herself knows this is only because the song has been so overplayed. Try to listen to it with the ears of someone hearing it for the first time. Quite simply, it's a great pop-rock single with a distinct rhythm guitar riff and a catchy chorus. So long as rock 'n' roll exists, this will always be an instantly-recognizable classic. We have to admit this fact and move on with life, folks.

2. Rain King
Despite the sour-noted, cringe-worthy "yeeeaaaaahhhh!" with which lead singer Adam Duritz finishes the tune, this song packs a solid four-minute punch of pop-rock pleasantries. It's one of very few songs to maintain the band's expert songwriting craft while simulteanously kicking things up a notch tempo-wise. Other pop-friendly singles (including "American Girls," "Accidentally in Love," and my number three pick, "Hangin' Around") are extremely mediocre in comparison. "Rain King," on the other hand, demonstrates the group's true potential as talented-yet-mainstream musicians.

1. Einstein on the Beach (For an Eggman)
This gem was not released on a normal album, but got some decent airplay back in the band's earlier days. Like "Rain King," it's a bit more upbeat than many Counting Crows songs, which pays off beautifully. No other CC song has even come close to knocking this one from the top spot on my list. Even if you own every other Counting Crows album, buying their greatest hits would be worth it for this song alone (or just buy the original compilation album on which it appears, DGC Rarities, Vol. 1).

For all it's worth, ranking this band's songs was one of the hardest things I've done. Even composing a top five list was qutie a challenge, simply because so many of their songs are of equal caliber. Almost every song on their greatest hits album deserves an honorable mention. However, I can tell you that I "Accidentally in Love" and "A Long December," both rather popular songs, are pretty low on my list. And the horrendous "Big Yellow Taxi" should be shot. Why the Crows thought this song should be taken so darn seriously is beyond me.

Favorite Songs #6: Case of the Monthlies

We've done it for various days of the week, but at the start of a new month it's time to ask: what is your favorite song (or Top Five or Top Ten or whatever) with a MONTH in the title?

The rules:

• I strongly prefer we lean away from songs where the month name is actually being used as a person's name. For example, Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" won't count despite the word "May" in the title. I won't forbid it (as though I really could), especially if it's a more unique example (e.g., a song about a girl named January or something). But please play the game as it is obviously intended. Otherwise, what's the fun?
• The song needn't be a radio-friendly tune. It can be an obscure album track, so long as at least one of twelve keywords are mentioned in the title.
• Go ahead and break the language barrier. If "Cinco de Mayo" by Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass is what rocks your casbah, then let it be known.

There you have it. Now vote!

Benny K says...

Given the broad scope of this survey, it is probably quite difficult to remember every "month" song there is. As such, I don't feel comfortable assuming a "Top Five" list could really be deemed all that accurate. There's just too much room for error. Nevertheless, in addition to the many great songs that have already been pointed out, I'll give honorable mentions to "In September" and "Middle of July" (both by Hayden) and "December" (by Teenage Fanclub). But, the #1 song that has not been mentioned thus far is: "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)" by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. With four songs being nominated, it appears December is the king (or queen) of great pop-song inspiration. Congratulations, December!

Favorite Songs #5: Monday Songs

When it comes to the smash hits of pop-rock radio, only one day of the week can rival Saturday, and that day is Monday. So what is YOUR favorite song with "Monday" in the title?

• Could it be "Blue Monday" by New Order?
• Is it "Manic Monday" by the Bangles?
• How about "Monday, Monday" by the Mamas and the Papas?
• Do you prefer "Rainy Days and Mondays" by the Carpenters?
• Maybe it's "New Moon on Monday" by Duran Duran?
• Or maybe it's something else!?

The only rule is that the song MUST have the word "Monday" somewhere in its title. It does NOT have to be one of the songs listed above. Still, if you'd like to sample one of the songs listed above, just to make sure it's not a long-forgotten favorite, simply click on its title and be whisked away to a sample-bearing page on Amazon.com. For added convenience, I have made these links open in a new window. You will no longer have to click back and forth to figure out which songs most rock your world. Enjoy!

Benny K says...

While "Manic Monday" certainly gets my toes a tappin', I have to go with the somber sounds of "Monday, Monday." It's a classic, and it reminds me of playing my mom's records when I was young. But Amie-J has voted for "Monday Morning" by Fleetwood Mac, a band I usually love but a song I am not familiar with. I'll have to get a hold of it and see if my feelings change! (Bravo, Amie-J, for thinking of a song other than those listed...)

Favorite Songs #4: INXS

As some of you may or may not know, the Aussie band INXS is currently hosting a reality TV series to find a new lead singer. Whether the band's future lineup will yield the same number of radio-friendly hits garnered during the 1980's is doubtful, but that doesn't stop us from appreciating the past. And so it is that I ask you to compose (as closely as a possible) a list of the Top Five INXS songs.

Here are the rules (and some tips):

• Please stick to songs that (at least once upon a time) were played on the radio. In other words, please limit yourself to singles. This game is meant to be played by all, and delving into album tracks that nobody outside of hardcore INXS fans would recognize will make these lists rather boring to most.
• Please try to put the songs in order, so that #1 is your personal favorite. If you can't come up with a Top 5, you can still play along. Just do as many (up to five) as you can! If you absolutely cannot put them in a specified order, simply notate that fact.
  
• To refresh your memory as to what songs INXS has bestowed upon us, click here. You will be taken to a fairly comprehensive compliation (via Amazon.com) that includes pretty much every INXS song to hit the radio. Not only will this remind you of their titles, but it will ensure that the songs you choose are eligible (see Rule #1). Furthermore, you can listen to sample clips, ensuring you don't skip over a good song just because the title isn't familiar to you.
• A couple of songs that (I believe) are fairly well known are missing from the above compilation. These songs include "Shine Like it Does" and "Elegantly Wasted." Click on these individual songs to be taken to a CD that includes their samples.

Benny K says...

1. Devil Inside
It's catchy. It's singable. It builds to a nice climax. It's my favorite INXS song.

2. Need You Tonight
Perhaps the most quintessential INXS tune, its distinctive rhythm guitar riff makes it completely unforgettable. Though it maintains a sexy coolness throughout, the subtle build-up of overplaying rhythms keep the listener thoroughly entranced. Good job, INXS.

3. Suicide Blonde
The downside is, this song isn't all that singable. The style is too talkative to urge its listeners to crank up the volume and strain their vocal chords in sweet unison with the song. Nevertheless, it does urge one to crank up the volume just for the music's sake, and that's very important. Like "Need You Tonight," it possesses a darker, sexier attitude that makes it full-fledged "rockin'" in my book. And we need a good harmonica in a rock song now and again.

4. New Sensation
I was tempted to place this one higher on the list, but it suffers from a somewhat non-descript chorus. The verses are incredibly catchy, once again capitalizing on the signature rhythm guitars that make INXS so enjoyable. But the chorus is somewhat anti-climatic, and thus the song ultimately lacks the satisfying punch it needs. Still, it's a mighty fine appetizer.

5. Not Enough Time
A personal favorite, boosted by the fact that you don't hear it all that often. The backing vocals and simplistic tinkering of the piano simply charm me. And, though it isn't earth shattering, the final minute of the song is a nice bit of orchestrated pop-crescendo. Mmm mmm good.

It was a bit hard for me to finalize on this list. Many INXS songs are just plain catchy, I must admit. Still, I had to go with songs that, for the most part, are probably fairly obvious choices. I think I feel pretty good about the end result. No other songs were simulataneously as enjoyable and as well-composed. "Listen Like Thieves," for example, has the reverse problem of "New Sensation." Its verses are decent, but nothing too exciting. Meanwhile, the chorus is very snappy, and perhaps one of my favorites if speaking of choruses alone. Nevertheless, it wasn't worthy of a spot on the Top Five. Oh well, it was my own rules that limited me to a Top Ten. I won't deviate from that, despite the devil inside me.

Favorite Songs #3: Never Eat Soggy Waffles

Time to cast your vote for your favorite song with a directional (i.e. north, east, south, west) in the title (e.g., South Side by Moby; Wild, Wild West by Escape Club, etc.).

The rules:

• All variations are allowed (e.g., "southern," "westward," "northerly," etc.). Hence, songs such as Life in a Northern Town (by Dream Academy) and Southern Man (by Neil Young) are eligible.
• Because it's the most blatant directional song I know of, Stand (by R.E.M.) will be the one non-directionally titled song for which I will allow.
  
• Because there are certainly a bajillion songs that will be eligible, I encourage you to stretch your music muscles and compose a Top 5 or Top 10 list. Earn bonus points by putting them in order of preference (something difficult for an indecisive person such as myself to do).

Enjoy!

Benny K Says...

I have decided to put my own responses as an appendage to my posts. Hence, here is my Top 10 List for Songs with Directionals in the Title:

1. Life in a Northern Town – Dream Academy
The kind of song you can listen to while laying on your bed, just staring at the ceiling and being completely wrapped up in your own thoughts, be they somber or romantic (regardless of the song's lyrics). The tribal chanting, the timpani drums, all the orchestrated nuances -- it simply commands reflection.

2. West End Girls – Pet Shop Boys
An 80's classic. Because it's a bit overplayed, it loses some of its impact, but you can't deny it a high spot on the list.

3. South Bound Suarez – Led Zeppelin
Zeppelin goes honkytonk, and the result is honkytonktastic!

4. Go West – Pet Shop Boys
Though originally done by The Village People, I can't escape my fondness for 80's synth pop. The Pet Shop Boys add a nice touch of melancholia, taking it a step away from disco. My enjoyment of this song is probably heightened by the blatant "Pachelbel's Canon" undertones (a beautiful song in itself).

5. Stand – R.E.M.
Okay, it's admittedly quirky, but it is catchy. The simplistic lyrics are quick and easy to learn, making this an obvious sing-along favorite when showing up on the radio dial.

6. It Never Rains in Southern California – Albert Hammond
It's one of those songs from childhood that, while you have no distinct memory of hearing it, you somehow know it quite well. And like other music you must fault your parents for exposing you to, you can't dislike it ... the Bee Gee's anyone?

7. Wild, Wild West – Escape Club
Once in a while, 80's pop liked to feign edginess and expose its listeners to distorted guitars (albeit smothered in snythesizers and saxaphones). Think of Roxette, Animotion, and Fine Young Cannibals, to name just a few. Sure, this song in particular was automatically dated by the inclusion of the lyrics, "Heading for the nineties, living in the eighties," but that just makes it all the more nostalgic to sing (à la Prince's "1999").

8. South Side – Moby
The verses aren't really singable and the music is somewhat dark and agitated, but Gwen Stefani's guest vocals make the chorus a pleasant counterpoint to the rest of the song. Better suited for some slightly aggressive head-bobbin' than for singing, it's still an enjoyable listen.

9. Only a Northern Song – The Beatles
Psychedelic anti-prose, it's true, but it is the nature of psychedlic songs to hypnotize their listeners. As such this otherwise medicore song still manages to get one's toes tapping, albeit very slowly and hazily.

10. Southern Nights – Glen Campbell
Not really my cup of tea, but I couldn't think of anything else to round out my list. And, as far as this genre goes, you can do a lot worse than Glen Campbell. You might be embarrassed if your friends caught you listening to it, but you know you like it more than some of the crap they listen to.

Favorite Songs #2: Saturday Songs

In honor of the upcoming weekend, I am hereby asking you to vote for your favorite song with "Saturday" in the title. The only rule is that "Saturday" must be part of the title, not just part of the chorus or something. While there are probably several more, I am listing a few examples to get your brain going. Please note: these are NOT the only songs eligible!

Examples of "Saturday" songs, in alphabetical order:

• Another Saturday Night -- Cat Stevens
• Saturday in the Park -- Chicago
• Saturday Night -- Bay City Rollers
• Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting -- Elton John
• Saturday's Child -- The Monkees

And, of course, anything else you can think of. Happy voting!

Favorite Songs #1: Bondage

As I was getting on the freeway today, Wings’ “Live and Let Die” was on the radio. It reached its heavily orchestrated interlude just as I was merging, resulting in one of the most exhilarating driving experiences of my life. I felt like a spy as I flowed into high-speed traffic with simultaneous grace and agility. (Truth be known, it did provide a comical intensity to the moment.) Earlier in the day, I also heard Duran Duran's “A View to a Kill.” Since both of these songs were used for the opening credits of a James Bond film, I feel inspired to survey my readers with this question:

Which James Bond theme song (aside from the classic instrumental piece actually titled, "The James Bond Theme") is the best?

You can list a few if you absolutely feel you must. Unless it’s obvious, please list the title of the movie from which the song came (e.g. if you vote for “Nobody Does it Better” by Carly Simon, please note that this was used in the film, The Spy Who Loved Me). For those who need help remembering and/or verifying what songs were used, please consult this informative website. You can click on any James Bond film and download a low-quality mp3 of the theme song. (You can skip over Dr. No since this film only included the now infamous theme song I’ve already excluded. Not that it really matters, seeing as how the site has confused the theme music from Dr. No with the theme music from Dr. Who!)

Happy voting!