Top 100: #60

Number 60: Ben Folds - Prison Food
Album: Songs for Silverman, 2005.
Added 5/21/07, 42 plays.


Please ignore the stupid slideshow in the embedded video, it's the only one I could find.

I think Ben was going through a divorce when this album was coming out, and I think this is his response to it. As they walk the Earth, they can see the end in sight; she wonders who will leave first, he realizes that they need to both go through it alone. It sucks, but it's what needs to be done. There don't seem to be hard feelings - when she floats by, he can be a distraction instead of a problem (which is in contrast to the preceding song on the album, "Time"). But yeah. It's over.

Prison food is something that will keep you alive, but isn't worth living for.

you might also like...
Rufus Wainwright - California
Cake - Shadow Stabbing
Death Cab for Cutie - A Movie Script Ending

Top 100: #61

Number 61: Ben Folds Five - Fair
Album: Whatever and Ever Amen, 1997.
Added 5/21/07, 42 plays.



Ben has said during shows that this is about domestic violence, but I don't think that's exactly it. Certainly the first verse deals with a domestic dispute, but that's probably the least interesting part of the song. I like the last two-thirds, which deal with the aftermath and breakup. You have no idea how many times during a breakup I'll have a dream about Her and those lines instantly come to mind:

Every couple nights or so you know you pop into my dreams
I just can't get rid of you like you got rid of me
Oh, but I send my best
'cause God knows you've seen my worst

And yes, it's so painful and yes, you do want a crowd to watch and pity you. I think the saddest thing about this song is the justification he provides for all this pain inflicted on each other, the famous "All's fair in love and war." It's not even true, Ben.

This is one of my all-time favorites. Just try not to smile at the chorus.


you might also like...
Guster - Diane
Ben Kweller - Falling
Nick Drake - One of These Things First

Top 100: #62

Number 62: Blink-182 - Dammit
Album: Dude Ranch, 1997.
Added 8/30/09, 42 plays.



On the one hand, this is exceedingly simple song, with lyrics that sound like they were written while watching TV. On the other hand, it's really catchy, and I've gone through a breakup like this, I think most of us have.

He just wanted to go to the movies, and start get on with his life. But then he sees her, and it all comes flooding back. Yes, it is a big deal when the new guy fucks her. It isn't until later on, when things start to settle and you can not be so negative that the chorus really applies.

Also, I emjoy when the name of the song isn't a line from the song, but rather something that captures the mood or essence of a song. Here, it's that moment of resignation, where you know you're not getting the girl back, when you just kinda lower your head and whisper, under your breath, "dammit."

I guess this is growing up.

you might also like...
Green Day - Brain Stew
The Offspring - Why Don't You Get a Job?
Fuel - Shimmer

Top 100: #63

Number 63: Bruce Cockburn - Wondering Where the Lions Are
Album: Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws, 1979.
Added 11/3/09, 42 plays.



Simple guitar folk rock about the apocalypse. For the first time in human history, mankind has the ability to exterminate itself, but for some reason, we haven't yet, and Bruce marvels at this with some of the most beautiful imagery he can muster. Lovely.

you might also like...
Joni Mitchell - Help Me
Tom Waits - (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night
Neil Young - Harvest Moon

Top 100: #64

Number 64: Girl Talk - In Step
Album: Feed the Animals, 2008.
Added 7/8/08, 42 plays.



I've already been over how great Girl Talk is at what he does, but here he does it just a little better. I heard this song before Fergie's Glamorous, and whenever I hear it these days, I can't help but think that Girl Talk did it better.

I do think the Beach Boys at the end is a little out of place, though.


you might also like...
Moby - We Are All Made of Stars
Brazilian Girls - Good Time
Boards of Canada - Roygbiv

Top 100: #65

Number 65: Radiohead - Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
Album: In Rainbows, 2007.
Added 3/21/08, 42 plays.



Your guess is as good as mine. I think I like this song because of the "arpeggi," that is, the sequence of notes that the guitar does in the beginning and most of the song. It's all about this kind of ethereal atmosphere the band creates. It's hard to put my finger on it. It just does it for me.

you might also like...
The Shins - Phantom Limb
The Postal Service - The District Sleeps Alone Tonight
Coldplay - Viva la Vida

Top 100: #66

Number 66: The Tragically Hip - Fireworks
Album: Phantom Power, 1998.
Added 5/21/07, 42 plays.



Some cool imagery here, but this song has little to do with hockey or the Cold War. It's about the temporary nature of things, be it love, life, or mankind's tinkerings. That being said, this is a fun, fun song. Reflective and poignant, but also whimsey and earnest. Oh, the glory of being Canadian in the '70s.

you might also like...
Sam Roberts - Detroit '67
Blind Melon - Tones of Home
R.E.M. - Superman

Top 100: #67

Number 67: M. Ward - Paul's Song
Album: Transistor Radio, 2005.
Added 5/21/07, 41 plays.



A great song about being on the road with the band. I love M. Ward's voice, despite him being better known for his guitar prowess.

you might also like...
Conor Oberst - Sausalito
Billy Bragg & Wilco - Ingrid Bergman
Gillian Welch - Look at Miss Ohio

Top 100: #68

Number 68: Chairlift - Bruises
Album: Does You Inspire You, 2008.
Added 9/18/08, 40 plays.



Very cute. It's about the things we do for love.

you might also like...
The Submarines - You Me and the Bourgeoisie
Ben Folds - You Don't Know Me
Imogen Heap - Goodnight and Go

Top 100: #69

Number 69: Delta Spirit - Trashcan
Album: Ode to Sunshine, 2007.
Added 11/6/08, 40 plays.



Awesome summer driving piano rock. It's about how the band got together.

you might also like...
Alberta Cross - The Thief & the Heartbreaker
Warren Zevon - Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner
Bruce Springsteen - Jesse James

Top 100: #70

Number 70: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros - Home
Album: Up from Below, 2009.
Added 7/21/09, 40 plays.



This song has been exploding over facebook lately. Everybody I give it to absolutely adores it. It's one of the best love songs of our time. In the style of some old-timey western music, it's sweet, fun, and just makes you feel good about life, dammit. Just listen to it. I guarantee you'll love it.

you might also like...
The Dodos - Fools
M. Ward - Never Had Nobody Like You
Matt & Kim - Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare

Top 100: #71

Number 71: Phoenix - Lisztomania
Album: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, 2009.
Added 4/7/09, 40 plays.



This is not the official music video, but it is more fun.

Lisztomania was the phenomenon of hysteria directed towards Hungarian pianist Franz Liszt (1811 – 1886) during his performances, but I doubt that's what this song is about. It's very vague, but the lyrics deal with letting go, burning pictures, and being unhappy, so, I don't know, let's call it a breakup song? At any rate, the tune is almost triumphant, and one of the better summer jams of the past few years. Five thumbs up!

Also, I'd like to say hi to everyone reading in Poland!

you might also like...
Passion Pit - Little Secrets
Feist - My Moon My Man
The xx - Islands

Top 100: #72

Number 72: Ra Ra Riot - St. Peter's Day Festival
Album: The Rhumb Line, 2008.
Added 8/26/08, 40 plays.



Very similar to yesterday. Ra Ra Riot was in Syracuse the same time I was, but I never got around to seeing them until they played in Cambridge with Vampire Weekend. And they absolutely floored me, but then again, I'm a sucker for strings. The St. Peter's Day Fiesta is a big festival honoring the patron saint of fishermen in Gloucester, MA.

This song is about a reunion between two lovers.

Also, I'm a little in love with Allie Lawn.

you might also like...
Yeasayer - Ambling Alp
Los Campesinos! - Death to Los Campesinos!
Vampire Weekend - Bryn

Top 100: #73

Number 73: Vampire Weekend - Ladies of Cambridge
Album: Mansard Roof - Single, 2007.
Added 12/9/07, 40 plays.


Vampire Weekend - "Ladies of Cambridge" in the studio

MySpace Transmissions | MySpace Video

I'm just as surprised as you are. It's a little hometown nostalgia, and I did see them perform this at the Middle East in Central Square, so, there's that. It's catchy enough, but not one of my favorite VW songs. We'll get to those, don't worry.

Oh, those Harvard girls.

you might also like...
Ra Ra Riot - Dying Is Fine
Black Kids - Hurricane Jane
Coconut Records - Nighttiming

Top 100: #74

Number 74: Herman Düne - I Wish That I Could See You Soon
Album: Giant, 2006.
Added 3/1/08, 39 plays.



I listened to this a lot when my college girlfriend moved overseas, it just hit the nail on the head, though it never depressed me. Sure, he's resigned to his fate, but that doesn't mean he's not hopeful, because who knows what fate may bring us? Might as well wish and see if that has any influence at all.

I love the angels.

you might also like...
Keren Ann - Lay Your Head Down
Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of This Country
The Magnetic Fields - Come Back From San Fransisco

Top 100: #75

Number 75: Lykke Li - Little Bit
Album: Youth Novels, 2008.
Added 1/7/09, 39 plays.



This is one of my most favorite love songs ever; well, make that unrequited love. She's got this friend, see, and, well, she's got a huge crush on him. She's not going to make the first move, because what if he doesn't feel the same? What if she ruins everything? No, she will never ever to be the first to say it, unless he's a little bit in love with her.

But beautiful nonetheless. According to one of my favorite books, nothing begins with so much excitement and hope and pleasure as love. It's an exciting time.

you might also like...
The xx - Crystalised
New Young Pony Club - Ice Cream
Feist - I Feel It All

Top 100: #76

Number 76: The Boy Least Likely To - Be Gentle with Me
Album: The Best Party Ever, 2005.
Added 5/21/07, 38 plays.



Rather bittersweet, but it's like they took liquid happy and and injected it into that damn xylophone that the rabbit puppet is playing. Sad lyrics, as usual, but come on, you CANNOT help but get a huge smile and bob your head when you hear this. Twee as fuck.

I guess I've always needed to be needed by someone.

you might also like...
of Montreal - Wraith Pinned to the Mist (And Other Games)
The Pipettes - Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me
Jens Lekman - The Opposite of Hallelujah

Top 100: #77

Number 77: Patty Griffin - One Big Love
Album: Flaming Red, 1998.
Added 9/1/09, 37 plays.



Once again, the internet fails in making these songs available to me, so the above is a live cover by Emmylou Harris. I prefer the original.

Another perfect summer song. Maybe about a romance, certainly about taking risks. Its got a rough beat to it with a great guitar line that makes me want to wear sunglasses and drive a red convertible. I love the line "No sense defending your honor, just go on and kiss him if you wanna."

It's a song about being happy.

you might also like...
Butterfly Boucher - Another White Dash
Indigo Girls - Peace Tonight
Dar Williams - It's Alright

Top 100: #78

Number 78: Spoon - Everything Hits at Once
Album: Girls Can Tell, 2001.
Added 1/21/08, 37 plays.



This is just a genius breakup song. It reminds me of that scene in Say Anything when John Cusak is driving around in the rain speaking his thoughts into a tape recorder. I love the cool slow beat, and the lyrics are pretty clever. "Part of something bigger than just on our own" is something everyone should feel sometime. Although, while it's a sweet sentiment, I think most people are keenly aware when you go to sleep alone.

And yes, sometimes when you're going through this shit, it all seems to come out of nowhere. When it rains, it pours.

you might also like...
The National - Fake Empire
Okkervil River - Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe
Wilco - At Least That's What You Said

Top 100: #79

Number 79: Talking Heads - This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)
Album: Speaking in Tongues, 1983.
Added 11/14/09, 37 plays.



I've mentioned this one before, so I must really like it. Yes, it's a love song, and yes, it has memories attached to it. That being said, it's a fucking fantastic love song. Simple melody (ohhh... hence the name), touching lyrics, universal truths.

"Home is where I want to be, but I guess I'm already there."

you might also like...
Elvis Costello - Alison
Nick Drake - Pink Moon
Van Morrison - Sweet Thing

Top 100: #80

Number 80: Unkle Bob - Swans
Album: Sugar & Spite, 2006.
Added 7/21/07, 37 plays.



Another stark contrast with yesterday's post, this is one of the most heart-wrenching breakup songs I've ever heard. You know, a lot of people like certain songs because they feel it applies to them personally or some situation there in. The best songs deal with universal truths and experiences, and this is no exception. Who hasn't had their heart broken? Who hasn't had trouble letting go? How many times have you wanted to tell someone that you've changed, that things would be different this time?

The last line repeats four times, and it just kills me a little bit with each one: "You tell me that you love me, but you never want to see me again."

I think it's getting a little dusty in here.

you might also like...
Sugarcult - Do It Alone
Aqualung - The Lake
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - It'll All Work Out

Top 100: #81

Number 81: k-os - Valhalla
Album: Atlantis: Hymns for Disco, 2006.
Added 4/18/08, 36 plays.



First of all, the video above is a very acoustic version of this extremely rollicking hip-hop song, and it's great, but I urge you to seek out a copy of the album version.

That being said, this is one of my favorite summertime driving songs. It's an upbeat bass-driven rhythm with hip-hop vocals and Bob Dylan lyrics, never mind the almost epic hook of an opener/chorus. Love it, love it, love it.

you might also like...
A Tribe Called Quest - I Left My Wallet in El Segundo
Biz Markie - Just a Friend
N.W.A. - Express Yourself

Top 100: #82

Number 82: Michael Crawford and Company - Put on Your Sunday Clothes
Album: WALL•E, 2008.
Added 7/1/08, 36 plays.



Yeah... this is what I was talking about when I said this could get embarrassing. Oh well. Hey, there's a reason Pixar put this in WALL•E. It's damn catchy, with - admit it - fun lyrics. I stand by this.

Last showtune, I promise.

you might also like...
Louis Armstrong - La Vie en Rose
Wayne Newton - Danke Schoen
Dean Martin - You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You

Top 100: #83

Number 83: Nirvana - All Apologies
Album: In Utero, 1993.
Added 9/1/09, 36 plays.



I really don't have a lot to say about this one. You know it, you have an opinion about it, you have your own interpretation. Maybe it's about drugs, maybe Courtney Love, maybe simple teenage angst. The lyrics are deliberately vague, so, you know. Go for it.

you might also like...
Bush - Glycerine
Pearl Jam - Yellow Ledbetter
The Doors - Break on Through (To the Other Side)

Top 100: #84

Number 84: Paul McCartney - Ever Present Past
Album: Memory Almost Full, 2007.
Added 6/20/08, 36 plays.



Sir Paul was 64 when writing this album, so it's no wonder he's a tad retrospective. I'll tell you this, though: he can still write the hell out of a pop song. It's up there with anything Paul Simon writes about getting older.

you might also like...
Tom Petty - Saving Grace
Bob Dylan - Thunder on the Mountain
Paul Simon - Everything About It Is a Love Song

Top 100: #85

Number 85: Paul Simon - Gumboots
Album: Graceland, 1986.
Added 5/21/07, 36 plays.



Playful, exuberant, and a great day-driving song. Paul sets himself up as kind of a jerk, but endearing one to be sure. As much as he acts like an insensitive, selfish wise-ass, I can't help but admire his confidence with Senorita.

The chorus resonates with me personally: "You don't feel you could love me, but I feel you could."

By the way, gumboots are another name for those rubber rainboots. It's an African dance, kinda like stepping.

you might also like...
Bob Dylan - Meet Me in the Morning
Joni Mitchell - Carey
Van Morrison - Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)

Top 100: #86

Number 86: Better Than Ezra - Good
Album: Deluxe, 1995.
Added 5/18/09, 35 plays.




A very '90s post-grunge alt-rock song about an empty apartment when the relationship ends. He's not quite good yet, and he still wants her, but he doesn't know what exactly to do. Should he call? Write her a letter? Or just maybe bump into her at the 4th of July? It's a confusing time. He'll get better, though. At least he's not bitter.

you might also like...
Duncan Sheik - Barely Breathing
Fastball - Out of My Head
Matchbox Twenty - Back 2 Good

Top 100: #87

Number 87: The Blow - "Come on Petunia"
Album: Poor Aim: Love Songs, 2004.
Added 5/18/09, 35 plays.



Nice appropriation of The Police. I'm not sure what else I can say about this, other than it's a cute little love song. Uh huh, uh huh.

You can die of thirst if the girls won't give you sips.

you might also like...
Architecture in Helsinki - Frenchy, I'm Faking
CocoRosie - Lyla
Rilo Kiley - Wires and Waves

Top 100: #88

Number 88: Girl Talk - Here's the Thing
Album: Feed the Animals, 2008.
Added 10/28/08, 35 plays.



The reigning Master of Mashups, Girl Talk put out a hell of an album a couple of years ago with Feed the Animals. If you haven't heard it, he (Gregg Gillis) puts modern hip-hop (mostly) vocals over a variety of backing tracks, everything from Roy Orbison to Kanye. In this track, he somehow makes Kelly Clarkson palatable. It only took a little NIN.

you might also like...
Röyksopp - Happy Up Here
Goldfrapp - Ooh La La
Fatboy Slim - Praise You

Top 100: #89

Number 89: Queen - '39
Album: A Night at the Opera, 1975.
Added 7/28/07, 35 plays.



Relativistic space travel and time dilation. Queen's guitarist, Brian May, has a PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London, so, that may have something to do with it. Otherwise, it's a catchy cosmic folk tune about going away for a while, and you come back and everything has changed. Kind of a downer, really, but it's Queen, so that's okay.

you might also like...
Deep Puprple - Space Truckin'
Pink Floyd - Fearless
Alice Cooper - Only Women Bleed

Top 100: #90

Number 90: Jane's Addiction - Jane Says
Album: Nothing's Shocking, 1988.
Added 7/1/07, 34 plays.




One of my favorite songs about a heroin addiction.

you might also like...
Beck - Where It's At
Pixies - Here Comes Your Man
The Cure - Pictures of You