List six songs that are very important to you, then pick six other people that have to do the same.
from michele.
No order!!!
20th Century Boy - T.Rex Not because of the meaning, or the lyrics, or anything it symbolizes. Looking at it in that context, yeah, it's juvenile. But this song has some of the best musical composition I have ever heard. Simple, but gets its message and impact across exceedingly well. The air it creates is some of the most powerful, sexual, ambiguous I have experienced.
Disintegration - The Cure The combination of the music/inspired use of instrumentation and Robert's yearning is enough to really make me cry. It doesn't happen often with songs, but this one is a sure-fire thing. Forget the fact that Robert's singing of all my demons, this song strikes a chord like no other. Whereas "20th Century Boy" is important to me strictly from a musical sense, "Disintegration" evokes emotional turmoil... It's the first thing I turn on when I'm lost inside myself. (Studio version always. No live version has ever been able to capture the same loss)
Manhattan Skyline - Kings of Convenience Media Tech was a life-changing experience for me. This song was popular on my playlist during the beginning stages of said period. Again, it's not the lyrics, it's not the words. I respond much more to music and composition rather than lyrics. For one thing, this particular song was written originally by A-HA. It's this version, however, with the Kings' own style and warmth, that makes it important to me. The Kings', featuring 2 brothers from Norway harmonizing, have a very distinctive sound, which makes their cover songs all the more interesting. It's the warmth of the acoustic guitar, the beautiful creation of melody not to be found in A-HA's original, the quietness, and morose feeling.....
Shadows - Rufus Wainwright Despite being a deviation from Rufus' usual musical style, and despite being the lesser among fan favorites, the song is a masterpiece. Some say the persistent hi-hat/snare/bass drumbeat is cold and distant. As a drummer myself, there is no such thing as cold and distant drumming. That's something I don't have the words to explain. One of the most gratifying aspects of Rufus Wainwright is his abilitly to hold a note keeping the same verve and emotional intensity that originally motivated the note in the first place. His dreamy and sleepy vocals serve as a perfect contrast to the tight and constant beat of the song. Along with the flourishing strings, touches of 50s style piano, and jazzy flute, this song remains a favorite. ....Ohhh, and this is the song that brought Jordan to me. Maybe that's why it's so important!
Don't Know When But A Day Is Gonna Come - Bright Eyes I'm one to question beliefs, conformity, and what is considered "normal", so this song speaks to my confusion, wonder, and inexperience in ways that no other than Conor Oberst could. His lyrics hit me like a bulldozer every time. It doesn't matter if it's the 15th time I've listened to a song, or the first. The shock never fades. His questioning of religion and the meaning of life, the world... is a powerful one in itself. It's Conor's delivery and the music to match his words perfectly that make this song stand out like a sore thumb.
Woman In Chains - Tears For Fears Okay, so this song was written about a woman in an abusive relationship. I've seen the video. But I don't take it that way. I take it as a place any person could be in when they're trapped. By themselves, by someone close, by an outsider. The music is beautiful. Oletta Adams makes this song. Her duet with Roland Orzabal is a force. There are times I listen to this song in my room, in the dark, on repeat. Everything about it makes it perfect.
These are just 6. Not even the MOST important 6. Just the 6 that first come to mind.