John’s 300 favorite songs: 170-161

170. Soul Asylum — “Oxygen” — Only the die-hards noticed, but Soul Asylum actually put out one of its best songs just a few years ago.

169. Kelly Clarkson — “Since U Been Gone” — Clarkson and this song are Exhibit A for why “American Idol” can’t be dismissed out of hand as a talent source.

168. 3 Doors Down — “So I Need You” — I don’t even notice anymore when 3DD puts out a new album, but in 2000 I was all about this song from Escatawpa, Mississippi’s finest.

167. matchbox twenty — “Last Beautiful Girl” — A cool roller coaster of a pop song with bitingly bitter lyrics by Rob Thomas.

166. The Rolling Stones — “Wild Horses” — I also like the Sundays’ cover, but not enough to snub the original.

165. Primitive Radio Gods — “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand” — Tip to avoid becoming a one-hit wonder: Don’t make your first song this good; everything else will pale in comparison.

164. Sophie Zelmani — “I’ll Remember You” — This was Xander’s heartbreak song after Buffy turned down his offer of a date in Season 1, but it’s versatile enough that it works for anyone’s broken heart.

163. Johnny Cash — cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” — Even people who are rabidly anti-covers make an exception for this song, where Cash’s legendary voice really does sound hurt.

162. Brooks West — “Think About You” — Brooks was a folkie in the Fargo-Moorhead scene at the turn of the century who has since moved on to Nashville, and hopefully a lot of success is ahead for him. When I think of songs that sound great in a coffee shop, this gem about gone-but-not-forgotten love is at the top of my list.

161. Bon Jovi — “It’s My Life” — One of my favorite rebellious rock anthems.

Comments

chance's Gravatar163. is terrific!# Posted By chance | 7/17/10 4:41 AM