101 in 1001, Take the Third
Probably the most frightening thing about doing a third 101 in 1001 was the realization that it meant well over 2002 days had passed since I heard about such a thing...
But I started one back in June last year; as of today, I have 696 days remaining. I've finished fifteen items and another eighteen are in progress. And in theory, I was going to blog about it as I worked through it. So here's some stuff from last year. :P
The book had important things to say but the writing style wasn’t the easiest to read-I found myself wishing I could rewrite it, to be honest-which is why it had languished on iBooks for months.
It’s not motivation for decluttering so much as motivation to not reclutter, though it is definitely motivation to find new ways to get rid of things-Goodwill, Freecycle, consignment sales, used bookstores, and as a last resort, recycling (such as used papers). I do feel good about how many things we have consistently reused as I have had more children; it’s not the same as sharing with other families but it is certainly close in some ways. We’ve kept clothes to be reworn and toys to be played with again and again.
One thing I have consistently turned over in my head is the value of experiences over things. This reaffirms to me that I do better to buy my children yearly passes to attractions, tickets to concerts, or other experiences and social events, rather than more and more Things. We will always have Things, but we can minimize how many Things are necessary.
Song 500: "Shop Around," Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
I didn't realize this was done as early as 1960. For whatever reason I would have placed it mid '60s. It's a classic I've heard numerous times and could sing along with, though I wouldn't consider it one of my favorites.
Song 499: "Buddy Holly," Weezer
I never thought about the songs I listened to at age fifteen someday being on a list of "greatest songs" for Rolling Stone, especially not this delicious, almost campy, rollicking tune. It had a catchy chorus, a madcap video, and overall everything that music critics seemed to be deriding at the time. I loved it anyway, then, and I love it still today.
Song 498: "Miss You," The Rolling Stones
I'm pretty sure that I had never before heard this song. Granted, I know several songs from the Stones' catalogue, but would never consider myself to have extensive knowledge thereof. I listened to what was listed as "Miss You (12" Version)" but didn't investigate the versions further. While it's still the Stones, there's part of me that swears I can tell it's equally from the 1970s. I can't say that I would seek out the song to listen to again.
Song 497: "The Rising," Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen's one of those I appreciate but never remember to seek out. Yet, I consider one of his songs to be the best description of me in song out there. So I was intrigued to listen to how he treated the events of September 11, 2001, musically. The song didn't disappoint. I'll probably seek it out and listen to it again, if not purchase it or its entire album.
Song 496: "Running on Empty," Jackson Browne
This is also a great song, and one I already knew pretty well. Something from the '70s that doesn't scream "the '70s"-that's a nice find. Definitely a song I would consider one of the greats. Maybe I should have made "write my own 500 best songs" one of my 101 items. Next time!
Song 495: "Brown Sugar," The Rolling Stones
I have the distinct feeling I'm going to know a lot of Stones songs before I reach the end of this list, whether I wanted to or not. The intro reminded me strongly of "Jumpin' Jack Flash." To be honest, I don't feel like it stood out versus other Stones' songs.
Song 494: "Ignition Remix," R. Kelly
This is so not my cuppa, but I'm giving it a fair listen. It's more melodic than I initially expected but the subject matter doesn't impress me much. It's not something I'd listen to repeatedly but I can tell why it is considered a good song and it is somewhat catchy.
Song 493: "Time to Pretend," MGMT
I don't even know who MGMT is! Seeing that it was released in 2008 makes me feel a little better; I was busy incubating and birthing that year, rather than keeping up with music that didn't chart. It's catchy and different.
Song 492: "I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor
A classic, yes. Catchy, yes. Known by almost everyone, yes. One of the 500 greatest songs? That I'm not so sure about. I'll see how I feel when I see what songs were left off this list.
Song 491: "I Love Rock 'N Roll," Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Now this, I agree. One of the 500 best songs. Good music, catchy lyrics, well-known, and a classic.
Song 490: "Clocks," Coldplay
The ubiquitous "Clocks" was my first thought. It's a good song but holy shit has it ever been overplayed. There's something soothing about the song, though; I'm listening to it for the purposes of this list on a night when I'm experiencing serious sensory overload, and as it plays, it's helping release some of the tension and vibrations that have built up, so I consider that a huge victory.
Song 489: "Under the Boardwalk," The Drifters
Doesn't everyone know this song? Doesn't it evoke the smell of sunscreen, salt, and beach food for everyone? Is there anyone who hates this song?
Song 488: "Just Like Heaven," The Cure
I'll admit it: I approach '80s music with trepidation. This is clearly better than I expected; sweet and poppy. Sometimes I just need a little sweet and poppy.
Song 487: "I'm Eighteen," Alice Cooper
To my shame, I best know Alice Cooper solely for "School's Out." I love "School's Out," in fact, but for whatever reason that's never made me look up any other songs by Alice Cooper, so this is a good kick in the pants. And I like it.
Song 486: "Young Americans," David Bowie
I already know and love this song. I might personally rank it higher than #486, in fact.
Song 485: "Lady Marmalade," LaBelle
I know this song from the remake featured in Moulin Rouge. I've never searched out the original, though I knew that there was an original. This is less different than anticipated, somehow. It's still a catchy song that's easy to dance to.
Song 484: "Cry Me a River," Justin Timberlake
I didn't realize I signed up to listen to Justin Timberlake. It sounds like a Justin Timberlake song. That's all I can really say. I like this less than the R. Kelly song.
Song 483: "White Rabbit," Jefferson Airplane
Another song I'm familiar with and even own. I love this song.
Song 482: "Since U Been Gone," Kelly Clarkson
I wasn't anticipating a Kelly Clarkson song on here, to be honest. I wasn't sure what song it was, either, because I'm familiar with maybe two or three of her songs, if that. She sings a lot of post-break-up empowerment-type songs, which aren't the worst things, I guess. Again, I'm not sure how I feel about it being on a top 500 list. We'll see as we go.
Song 481: "Super Freak," Rick James
I feel like I should know this song, but I can't place a tune before finding it online. I definitely didn't realize it was sampled by M.C. Hammer. It's better than the song Hammer sampled it in. Not a song I'd seek out, but good to know Hammer wasn't the originator of that familiar sequence.
Song 480: "Sabotage," Beastie Boys
When they announced that one of the Beastie Boys had died, this is the song I thought of. Released in 1994, it was the Beastie Boys that was current in my teenage years. I watched the video on MTV. I can't believe it didn't chart. Would I have put it on this list? 100% yes.
Song 479: "I Want To Know What Love Is," Foreigner
Seeing this song on this list makes my habit of listening to it from time to time far less embarrassing now. I thoroughly enjoyed hamming it up throughout this listen. Does any more need to be said?
Song 478: "Last Nite," The Strokes
I never got into The Strokes. I always meant to and never quite managed it. I like the beat. The riff definitely is the same as from Tom Petty's "American Girl," but if Tom doesn't care, why should I? This song is so catchy. It's so 2001. It's so pre-9/11.
Song 477: "How Soon Is Now?" The Smiths
I didn't know this song, but I do recognize the distinctive theme in it. It's so very '80s. I like it somewhat despite that fact. It's kind of long for a song that I don't love, though, and if I were to have it on a playlist of mix, I'd probably either skip it half the time or skip ahead after the first four minutes or so. heh
Song 476: "Do Right Woman - Do Right Man," Aretha Franklin
I don't recognize the name of this particular song, which I think might be unusual, since it charted and it's Aretha Franklin, both. After starting it, I still don't recognize it. It's a gorgeous song for her voice and she sings it wonderfully, but it's not what I would think of if you said "tell me a great song by Aretha" or even multiple great songs by her.
Song 475: "Where Did Our Love Go," The Supremes
I think everyone knows this song, and can sing along with it. Who wouldn't want to listen to Diana Ross for a few minutes? I'm not sure it's the best Supremes song out there, but it was their first number one, and that, I suppose, is worth noting.
Song 474: "Into the Mystic," Van Morrison
I've never listened to a ton of Van Morrison to begin with. I'm pretty sure that I don't know this song. Nope, I don't, but it's pretty and easy to listen to, unlike some of these. I'm sure I should attempt to analyze these songs, but I don't want to. I just want to enjoy them (or not).
Song 473: "Welcome to the Jungle," Guns n' Roses
Another band I've never really made an effort to listen to. Another relic from my least-favorite decade. The guitar is great, though. Guns n' Roses isn't a band I dislike, but they've always been off my radar for one reason or another. Musical phases, the fact that they are in fact from the '80s. I definitely like it better than some of these songs. It may even belong on this list.
Song 472: "Runaway," Del Shannon
I admit, this is the kind of song I definitely expected to find on this list, and yet, somehow I didn't expect this specific song, even though it even gets referenced in other songs! Now that I'm listening to it closely, though, I understand. The layers of instrumentation, the melody, the singing, the lyrics. Yes.
Song 471: "Surrender," Cheap Trick
Why, Rolling Stone? Why so much from the late '70s and the '80s? Is it because we're still up near the end of the list? I hope so. I admit, this isn't typical crap late '70s sound, completely, so we're already ahead of the game. It's not what I would expect from Cheap Trick, either. This is actually really good. I can kind of get lost in it. Well done.
Song 470: "Standing in the Shadows of Love," The Four Tops
Rolling Stone's description makes me wonder if this is about the song or about the bass. I don't think I realize that this was the name of this song, and the bass is awesome. I do listen for the bass in songs sometimes, and this is not the boring-ass bass of Krist Novaselic, say.
Song 469: "Rain," The Beatles
A Beatles song I didn't immediately recognize the name of. Like all the Beatles songs (or nearly all), worthy of inclusion on this list.
Song 468: "Respect Yourself," The Staple Singers
I don't recall ever hearing of this song. I don't recall hearing it, either. It's not really making an impression on me, good or bad. For a song on this list, it seems very forgettable.
Song 467: "Big Pimpin'," Jay-Z feat. UGK
More music I wouldn't normally listen to. Ever. I'm not overly impressed. It's nothing revolutionary in my opinion. I was expecting something different, somehow. Well, and it's about pimping. Um. The beat's supposed to sound Egyptian. Okay.
Song 466: "Get Ur Freak On," Missy Elliott
Someone hates me. I know I don't like Missy Elliott. It apparently has distinctive instrumentation. Good for it. I still don't particularly like her. I am laughing at the use of bling-bling in the lyrics.
Song 465: "Rollin' Stone," Muddy Waters
A relief! Even before I started it, I knew it would be. Blues just before rock 'n roll. I could close my eyes and just listen for hours.
Song 464: "Kiss," Prince and the Revolution
I've heard this. I'm just not a big Prince fan. Not a big fan of '86. I'm sure it's important to recognize. Mission accomplished.
Song 463: "Soul Man," Sam and Dave
I know this song. I like this song! I can understand why it's on this list. I'll just enjoy it.
Song 462: "All Apologies," Nirvana
The first of what I hope will be many Nirvana songs on this list. One of my favorite Nirvana songs. One of my favorite songs. One of the songs that I never, ever skip. Everything about this song is perfection.
Song 461: "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker," Ramones
Another favorite of mine. It brings up good memories of hot summer days when I was a teenager, which was already a number of years after its initial release. It's held up well. I can picture my own kids blasting it while they drive with the windows down on a sticky summer evening.
Song 460: "My Sweet Lord," George Harrison
I admit, I never really looked into the post-Beatles career of George Harrison. I also will admit that I don't recall ever hearing this particular song. It's so 1970. It's lovely and the guitar is impressive.
Song 459: "Paradise City," Guns N' Roses
This is one of those '80s songs that not even I could escape. I can even sing along. Would I have thought of it for a 500 greatest songs list? Possibly not. Can I appreciate it anyway? As it happens, the answer is yes.
Song 458: "Cupid," Sam Cooke
I wasn't sure if I knew this song or not, but as soon as it started, I realized I did. Another one of those songs I think I thought was a year or two older than it actually is. I think most people would know it, upon hearing it.
Song 457: "The Twist," Chubby Checker
Is there anyone unaware of Chubby Checker and the Twist? Of course it's on this list. Of course it reached number one on the charts. Of course it was there for weeks.
Song 456: "Penny Lane," The Beatles
It always bothered me growing up that my dad didn't have this particular song on the Beatles albums he did own. I just plain like this song and always have.
Song 455: "Heroin," The Velvet Underground
I wondered how long it would take before a Velvet Underground song would show up! It's peaceful and sort of calming, even. That makes sense for a song about heroin. It's not all calm, but it seems so realistic, still.
Song 454: "Leader of the Pack," The Shangri-Las
Another song I can't remember ever not knowing. I also remember wanting to rewrite the ending of the song so that he wouldn't die and she could drive off into the sunset with him or something similar. I think that's part of the reason why the ending of the television show American Dreams was satisfying. At least someone got to ride off on the back of a motorcycle.
Song 453: "Pressure Drop," Toots and the Maytals
This is not a song or even a genre with which I am generally familiar. It's relatively enjoyable but not necessarily a style I would listen to extensively.
Song 452: "Come As You Are," Nirvana
Another one of my very favorite songs. Why is it so low on this list? I'm trying not to 'spoil' the ending of the list so I'm sure there's more Nirvana. That's what I'm going to keep telling myself, anyway.
Song 451: "I Got You Babe," Sonny and Cher
Another classic that everyone knows. Everyone can sing along with it. People may think it's cheesy at times, but it is a perfect slice of what it is.
Song 450: “I Shot the Sheriff,” Bob Marley and the Wailers
Everyone knows the refrain of this song, or at least it seems like everyone should. It’s not my usual style of song, I have to admit, and usually if I hear it, I listen through the refrain once or twice and then move forward. It’s a great song, just not something I often listen to.
Song 449: “Come Go With Me,” The Dell-Vikings
The harmonies, the catchy tune-unsurprising that this song made the list. As I get older and learn more, it’s interesting how many times I can listen to older songs and then hear their influence through the years. This is one of those.
Song 448: “In Da Club,” 50 Cent
Another song I looked at with some trepidation. It was much more enjoyable than I anticipated, however.
Song 447: “Pink Houses,” John Cougar Mellencamp
I’ve always wanted to do some sort of vid to this song. The huge American flag nearby at the car dealership, chain stores, things closing, gas prices. Everything. Another one that makes sense to be on the list. I’ll nearly always stop the radio on the station playing this one.
Song 446: “Push It,” Salt ‘n Pepa
I can’t help but think of my high school best friend. Of course this song should be on the list. Nearly thirty years later, it’s timeless.
Song 445: “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” The Stooges
I wondered if I really hadn’t heard this song before, but even after starting to listen, I don’t remember hearing it more than perhaps one or two times previously. That seems odd, because this is so underlying so much of later music. It’s exactly the kind of thing I like to listen to, no matter my mood.
Song 444: “Love Me Tender,” Elvis Presley
I don’t know that this would make my top-ten list for Elvis songs, or honestly even the top 500 songs ever. His voice is lovely, though.
Song 443: “Beast of Burden,” The Rolling Stones
I didn’t realize this song was from the ‘70s, for whatever reason. It doesn’t particularly matter but I found it interesting. It’s a pretty good song.
Song 442: “Alone Again Or,” Love
Another song I’d never actually heard! Definitely a product of its time. It’s like I’ve missed out on the harder stuff from that era.
Song 441: “Mustang Sally,” Wilson Pickett
This is an awesome song. It deserves a summer sunset with the windows rolled down.
But I started one back in June last year; as of today, I have 696 days remaining. I've finished fifteen items and another eighteen are in progress. And in theory, I was going to blog about it as I worked through it. So here's some stuff from last year. :P
The book had important things to say but the writing style wasn’t the easiest to read-I found myself wishing I could rewrite it, to be honest-which is why it had languished on iBooks for months.
It’s not motivation for decluttering so much as motivation to not reclutter, though it is definitely motivation to find new ways to get rid of things-Goodwill, Freecycle, consignment sales, used bookstores, and as a last resort, recycling (such as used papers). I do feel good about how many things we have consistently reused as I have had more children; it’s not the same as sharing with other families but it is certainly close in some ways. We’ve kept clothes to be reworn and toys to be played with again and again.
One thing I have consistently turned over in my head is the value of experiences over things. This reaffirms to me that I do better to buy my children yearly passes to attractions, tickets to concerts, or other experiences and social events, rather than more and more Things. We will always have Things, but we can minimize how many Things are necessary.
Song 500: "Shop Around," Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
I didn't realize this was done as early as 1960. For whatever reason I would have placed it mid '60s. It's a classic I've heard numerous times and could sing along with, though I wouldn't consider it one of my favorites.
Song 499: "Buddy Holly," Weezer
I never thought about the songs I listened to at age fifteen someday being on a list of "greatest songs" for Rolling Stone, especially not this delicious, almost campy, rollicking tune. It had a catchy chorus, a madcap video, and overall everything that music critics seemed to be deriding at the time. I loved it anyway, then, and I love it still today.
Song 498: "Miss You," The Rolling Stones
I'm pretty sure that I had never before heard this song. Granted, I know several songs from the Stones' catalogue, but would never consider myself to have extensive knowledge thereof. I listened to what was listed as "Miss You (12" Version)" but didn't investigate the versions further. While it's still the Stones, there's part of me that swears I can tell it's equally from the 1970s. I can't say that I would seek out the song to listen to again.
Song 497: "The Rising," Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen's one of those I appreciate but never remember to seek out. Yet, I consider one of his songs to be the best description of me in song out there. So I was intrigued to listen to how he treated the events of September 11, 2001, musically. The song didn't disappoint. I'll probably seek it out and listen to it again, if not purchase it or its entire album.
Song 496: "Running on Empty," Jackson Browne
This is also a great song, and one I already knew pretty well. Something from the '70s that doesn't scream "the '70s"-that's a nice find. Definitely a song I would consider one of the greats. Maybe I should have made "write my own 500 best songs" one of my 101 items. Next time!
Song 495: "Brown Sugar," The Rolling Stones
I have the distinct feeling I'm going to know a lot of Stones songs before I reach the end of this list, whether I wanted to or not. The intro reminded me strongly of "Jumpin' Jack Flash." To be honest, I don't feel like it stood out versus other Stones' songs.
Song 494: "Ignition Remix," R. Kelly
This is so not my cuppa, but I'm giving it a fair listen. It's more melodic than I initially expected but the subject matter doesn't impress me much. It's not something I'd listen to repeatedly but I can tell why it is considered a good song and it is somewhat catchy.
Song 493: "Time to Pretend," MGMT
I don't even know who MGMT is! Seeing that it was released in 2008 makes me feel a little better; I was busy incubating and birthing that year, rather than keeping up with music that didn't chart. It's catchy and different.
Song 492: "I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor
A classic, yes. Catchy, yes. Known by almost everyone, yes. One of the 500 greatest songs? That I'm not so sure about. I'll see how I feel when I see what songs were left off this list.
Song 491: "I Love Rock 'N Roll," Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Now this, I agree. One of the 500 best songs. Good music, catchy lyrics, well-known, and a classic.
Song 490: "Clocks," Coldplay
The ubiquitous "Clocks" was my first thought. It's a good song but holy shit has it ever been overplayed. There's something soothing about the song, though; I'm listening to it for the purposes of this list on a night when I'm experiencing serious sensory overload, and as it plays, it's helping release some of the tension and vibrations that have built up, so I consider that a huge victory.
Song 489: "Under the Boardwalk," The Drifters
Doesn't everyone know this song? Doesn't it evoke the smell of sunscreen, salt, and beach food for everyone? Is there anyone who hates this song?
Song 488: "Just Like Heaven," The Cure
I'll admit it: I approach '80s music with trepidation. This is clearly better than I expected; sweet and poppy. Sometimes I just need a little sweet and poppy.
Song 487: "I'm Eighteen," Alice Cooper
To my shame, I best know Alice Cooper solely for "School's Out." I love "School's Out," in fact, but for whatever reason that's never made me look up any other songs by Alice Cooper, so this is a good kick in the pants. And I like it.
Song 486: "Young Americans," David Bowie
I already know and love this song. I might personally rank it higher than #486, in fact.
Song 485: "Lady Marmalade," LaBelle
I know this song from the remake featured in Moulin Rouge. I've never searched out the original, though I knew that there was an original. This is less different than anticipated, somehow. It's still a catchy song that's easy to dance to.
Song 484: "Cry Me a River," Justin Timberlake
I didn't realize I signed up to listen to Justin Timberlake. It sounds like a Justin Timberlake song. That's all I can really say. I like this less than the R. Kelly song.
Song 483: "White Rabbit," Jefferson Airplane
Another song I'm familiar with and even own. I love this song.
Song 482: "Since U Been Gone," Kelly Clarkson
I wasn't anticipating a Kelly Clarkson song on here, to be honest. I wasn't sure what song it was, either, because I'm familiar with maybe two or three of her songs, if that. She sings a lot of post-break-up empowerment-type songs, which aren't the worst things, I guess. Again, I'm not sure how I feel about it being on a top 500 list. We'll see as we go.
Song 481: "Super Freak," Rick James
I feel like I should know this song, but I can't place a tune before finding it online. I definitely didn't realize it was sampled by M.C. Hammer. It's better than the song Hammer sampled it in. Not a song I'd seek out, but good to know Hammer wasn't the originator of that familiar sequence.
Song 480: "Sabotage," Beastie Boys
When they announced that one of the Beastie Boys had died, this is the song I thought of. Released in 1994, it was the Beastie Boys that was current in my teenage years. I watched the video on MTV. I can't believe it didn't chart. Would I have put it on this list? 100% yes.
Song 479: "I Want To Know What Love Is," Foreigner
Seeing this song on this list makes my habit of listening to it from time to time far less embarrassing now. I thoroughly enjoyed hamming it up throughout this listen. Does any more need to be said?
Song 478: "Last Nite," The Strokes
I never got into The Strokes. I always meant to and never quite managed it. I like the beat. The riff definitely is the same as from Tom Petty's "American Girl," but if Tom doesn't care, why should I? This song is so catchy. It's so 2001. It's so pre-9/11.
Song 477: "How Soon Is Now?" The Smiths
I didn't know this song, but I do recognize the distinctive theme in it. It's so very '80s. I like it somewhat despite that fact. It's kind of long for a song that I don't love, though, and if I were to have it on a playlist of mix, I'd probably either skip it half the time or skip ahead after the first four minutes or so. heh
Song 476: "Do Right Woman - Do Right Man," Aretha Franklin
I don't recognize the name of this particular song, which I think might be unusual, since it charted and it's Aretha Franklin, both. After starting it, I still don't recognize it. It's a gorgeous song for her voice and she sings it wonderfully, but it's not what I would think of if you said "tell me a great song by Aretha" or even multiple great songs by her.
Song 475: "Where Did Our Love Go," The Supremes
I think everyone knows this song, and can sing along with it. Who wouldn't want to listen to Diana Ross for a few minutes? I'm not sure it's the best Supremes song out there, but it was their first number one, and that, I suppose, is worth noting.
Song 474: "Into the Mystic," Van Morrison
I've never listened to a ton of Van Morrison to begin with. I'm pretty sure that I don't know this song. Nope, I don't, but it's pretty and easy to listen to, unlike some of these. I'm sure I should attempt to analyze these songs, but I don't want to. I just want to enjoy them (or not).
Song 473: "Welcome to the Jungle," Guns n' Roses
Another band I've never really made an effort to listen to. Another relic from my least-favorite decade. The guitar is great, though. Guns n' Roses isn't a band I dislike, but they've always been off my radar for one reason or another. Musical phases, the fact that they are in fact from the '80s. I definitely like it better than some of these songs. It may even belong on this list.
Song 472: "Runaway," Del Shannon
I admit, this is the kind of song I definitely expected to find on this list, and yet, somehow I didn't expect this specific song, even though it even gets referenced in other songs! Now that I'm listening to it closely, though, I understand. The layers of instrumentation, the melody, the singing, the lyrics. Yes.
Song 471: "Surrender," Cheap Trick
Why, Rolling Stone? Why so much from the late '70s and the '80s? Is it because we're still up near the end of the list? I hope so. I admit, this isn't typical crap late '70s sound, completely, so we're already ahead of the game. It's not what I would expect from Cheap Trick, either. This is actually really good. I can kind of get lost in it. Well done.
Song 470: "Standing in the Shadows of Love," The Four Tops
Rolling Stone's description makes me wonder if this is about the song or about the bass. I don't think I realize that this was the name of this song, and the bass is awesome. I do listen for the bass in songs sometimes, and this is not the boring-ass bass of Krist Novaselic, say.
Song 469: "Rain," The Beatles
A Beatles song I didn't immediately recognize the name of. Like all the Beatles songs (or nearly all), worthy of inclusion on this list.
Song 468: "Respect Yourself," The Staple Singers
I don't recall ever hearing of this song. I don't recall hearing it, either. It's not really making an impression on me, good or bad. For a song on this list, it seems very forgettable.
Song 467: "Big Pimpin'," Jay-Z feat. UGK
More music I wouldn't normally listen to. Ever. I'm not overly impressed. It's nothing revolutionary in my opinion. I was expecting something different, somehow. Well, and it's about pimping. Um. The beat's supposed to sound Egyptian. Okay.
Song 466: "Get Ur Freak On," Missy Elliott
Someone hates me. I know I don't like Missy Elliott. It apparently has distinctive instrumentation. Good for it. I still don't particularly like her. I am laughing at the use of bling-bling in the lyrics.
Song 465: "Rollin' Stone," Muddy Waters
A relief! Even before I started it, I knew it would be. Blues just before rock 'n roll. I could close my eyes and just listen for hours.
Song 464: "Kiss," Prince and the Revolution
I've heard this. I'm just not a big Prince fan. Not a big fan of '86. I'm sure it's important to recognize. Mission accomplished.
Song 463: "Soul Man," Sam and Dave
I know this song. I like this song! I can understand why it's on this list. I'll just enjoy it.
Song 462: "All Apologies," Nirvana
The first of what I hope will be many Nirvana songs on this list. One of my favorite Nirvana songs. One of my favorite songs. One of the songs that I never, ever skip. Everything about this song is perfection.
Song 461: "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker," Ramones
Another favorite of mine. It brings up good memories of hot summer days when I was a teenager, which was already a number of years after its initial release. It's held up well. I can picture my own kids blasting it while they drive with the windows down on a sticky summer evening.
Song 460: "My Sweet Lord," George Harrison
I admit, I never really looked into the post-Beatles career of George Harrison. I also will admit that I don't recall ever hearing this particular song. It's so 1970. It's lovely and the guitar is impressive.
Song 459: "Paradise City," Guns N' Roses
This is one of those '80s songs that not even I could escape. I can even sing along. Would I have thought of it for a 500 greatest songs list? Possibly not. Can I appreciate it anyway? As it happens, the answer is yes.
Song 458: "Cupid," Sam Cooke
I wasn't sure if I knew this song or not, but as soon as it started, I realized I did. Another one of those songs I think I thought was a year or two older than it actually is. I think most people would know it, upon hearing it.
Song 457: "The Twist," Chubby Checker
Is there anyone unaware of Chubby Checker and the Twist? Of course it's on this list. Of course it reached number one on the charts. Of course it was there for weeks.
Song 456: "Penny Lane," The Beatles
It always bothered me growing up that my dad didn't have this particular song on the Beatles albums he did own. I just plain like this song and always have.
Song 455: "Heroin," The Velvet Underground
I wondered how long it would take before a Velvet Underground song would show up! It's peaceful and sort of calming, even. That makes sense for a song about heroin. It's not all calm, but it seems so realistic, still.
Song 454: "Leader of the Pack," The Shangri-Las
Another song I can't remember ever not knowing. I also remember wanting to rewrite the ending of the song so that he wouldn't die and she could drive off into the sunset with him or something similar. I think that's part of the reason why the ending of the television show American Dreams was satisfying. At least someone got to ride off on the back of a motorcycle.
Song 453: "Pressure Drop," Toots and the Maytals
This is not a song or even a genre with which I am generally familiar. It's relatively enjoyable but not necessarily a style I would listen to extensively.
Song 452: "Come As You Are," Nirvana
Another one of my very favorite songs. Why is it so low on this list? I'm trying not to 'spoil' the ending of the list so I'm sure there's more Nirvana. That's what I'm going to keep telling myself, anyway.
Song 451: "I Got You Babe," Sonny and Cher
Another classic that everyone knows. Everyone can sing along with it. People may think it's cheesy at times, but it is a perfect slice of what it is.
Song 450: “I Shot the Sheriff,” Bob Marley and the Wailers
Everyone knows the refrain of this song, or at least it seems like everyone should. It’s not my usual style of song, I have to admit, and usually if I hear it, I listen through the refrain once or twice and then move forward. It’s a great song, just not something I often listen to.
Song 449: “Come Go With Me,” The Dell-Vikings
The harmonies, the catchy tune-unsurprising that this song made the list. As I get older and learn more, it’s interesting how many times I can listen to older songs and then hear their influence through the years. This is one of those.
Song 448: “In Da Club,” 50 Cent
Another song I looked at with some trepidation. It was much more enjoyable than I anticipated, however.
Song 447: “Pink Houses,” John Cougar Mellencamp
I’ve always wanted to do some sort of vid to this song. The huge American flag nearby at the car dealership, chain stores, things closing, gas prices. Everything. Another one that makes sense to be on the list. I’ll nearly always stop the radio on the station playing this one.
Song 446: “Push It,” Salt ‘n Pepa
I can’t help but think of my high school best friend. Of course this song should be on the list. Nearly thirty years later, it’s timeless.
Song 445: “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” The Stooges
I wondered if I really hadn’t heard this song before, but even after starting to listen, I don’t remember hearing it more than perhaps one or two times previously. That seems odd, because this is so underlying so much of later music. It’s exactly the kind of thing I like to listen to, no matter my mood.
Song 444: “Love Me Tender,” Elvis Presley
I don’t know that this would make my top-ten list for Elvis songs, or honestly even the top 500 songs ever. His voice is lovely, though.
Song 443: “Beast of Burden,” The Rolling Stones
I didn’t realize this song was from the ‘70s, for whatever reason. It doesn’t particularly matter but I found it interesting. It’s a pretty good song.
Song 442: “Alone Again Or,” Love
Another song I’d never actually heard! Definitely a product of its time. It’s like I’ve missed out on the harder stuff from that era.
Song 441: “Mustang Sally,” Wilson Pickett
This is an awesome song. It deserves a summer sunset with the windows rolled down.