In more attempts to make this board more interesting as of lately:

This is tricky. It took me awhile to settle on a final list. Atleast 7 of your all time favorite songs ever made and why they’re you’re favorite. Straight forward. I think it could help us find some really good music from others.

Mine:
(not in order)

Death Cab for Cutie – Stability
I have to play this song as loud as possible whenever I hear it. How the chords and drums all just hit on the 1 beat and the chord placement just really hits me hard. It builds up so much and it’s so much darker than the Stable Song. And whenever the long instrumental part starts in I always get really lost in it and I forget I’m listening to music sometimes, I just get caught up in my own thoughts. It puts me in such a deep state of calm. This would be the kind of song I would want to die to… If I had to choose a song to die to.

Atmosphere – Between the Lines
Slug is one hell of a storyteller. The instrumental keeps a really great philosophical kind of vibe going. The 3 stories in each verse are just so powerful. I’m not going to try and rant about this one too much, just listen.
01 between the lines.mp3 - 7.88MB


Wolf Parade – I’ll Believe in Anything
This song is so positive and life affirming to me. When I’m home alone I blast this and parade around my room cause it just makes me feel so good.

Sparklehorse – It’s a Wonderful Life
This is the best album ever maybe… Tough call, but it’s up there. Muddy and lo-fi-tastic. The opener self-titled track is a one-of-a-kind song. It creates a mood that no other song has ever made. It can be applied to sadness or happiness or just about any strong feeling. Slow and personal. This album will change your life.

Madvillain – Accordion
Off one of my all-time favorite hip-hop albums. The beat is just so different. The kick has so much bass it’s impossible not to bump your head. MF Doom’s at his normal amazing rhyme level, all over the place and intellectual. Super chill vibe and really advanced. The beat slowly builds in parts with little ambient flourishes that I love. This album is what could change people’s minds about hip-hop if they haven’t heard they like.

Radiohead – Idioteque
Crazy! Another one-of-a-kind. It’s hard not to dance. So intense and noisy and melodic and dark I go nuts. But it’s interesting, me and my brother were talking about this song and he takes it as this really beautiful soaring melody that overrides that jarring beat, when the beat I think overrides and combines with the melody to create a huge intense masterpiece. Two completely opposite interpretations, I think it’s great when songs make people feel different ways.

Silversun Pickups – Kissing Families
Some songs are just so good, you can’t really explain it. This is a bit of a one-hit-wonder for them. I liked the EP a lot but Carnavas fell flat on its face. But after hearing this song it’s hard to believe a band can make like this could make a bad song. Everything is just perfectly placed.

Zero 7 – Somersault
First of all, Sia can make anything sound amazing. Such an easy going song it helps any situation look better I think. It always cheers me up. There’s also so much more to the song then what’s captured on the original. I’ve heard remixes and acoustic versions of the song that breathe a whole new life into it. It’s just got a great melody and chord progression, super simple. And the last chorus when she really belts it out is just incredible.

Damien Jurado – And Now That I’m in Your Shadow
Even though this album is fairly new it’s quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Every song is amazing but this one in particular gives me shivers. The echoing drums with the strings just push this song over the top. His voice just sounds so sinister and sad at the same time. I can’t describe it. I think everyone should hear this song.
“I’ll be your crash landing who can change the landscape talking. And when I begin to stutter, the earth will be shaking, and god will be clapping.”

Kind of Like Spitting - Birds of a Feather
Ben Barnett has some of the most insane riffs ever. he's amazing with guitar by making complicated and really hard guitar licks but without sounding pretentious and making it sound easy. He has the most heart-on-sleeve and confrontational songwriting ive ever heard, he's so raw its amazing. this song is just one amazing song he's done with this project.
if you havnt heard KOLS then you should go download as many songs as you can. i know you'll love them and go buy some records.


Rogue Wave - Love's Lost Garuntee
They're just so good at what they do. This song is definitely their best, not to take the light away from the others. It's wierder and has the most depth. When the noisey part starts, the first time i heard i was thinking "hmm.. this isn't very Rogue Wave" but they do it so well. And just when you think it stops they come back "Ya Ya ya ya!" that part is epic. Live it's something else, really. I can't wait to see them again.

i was trying not to gush too much cause i overuse words and meanings, and i think i still did that but oh well.


you go.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: I am Morgan,

No order( I am not going to include Death Cab for the sake of making this easier on myself):

Ben Folds Five-"Evaporated":
I fell in love with this song instantly upon hearing it. While Ben is known for his humorous songs, this one in my opinion, is his best work. It is a bit somber( my interpretation of it being he, or the narrator, looking back on his life and being ashamed and lost and basically thinking to himself "what the hell happened?"), but nonetheless a beautiful piano song that I can listen to at anytime. Seriously check this one out, if you dislike Ben.

Radiohead- Let Down and Kid A
These two tracks are incredible. Kid A is so haunting.

The American Analog Set-"Aaron & Maria"
To me this the story of young American marriages formed into song. That whole us against the world thing. Struggling financially, but hoping that love will keep the couple together. Probably one of the warmest opening notes you can possibly put in your iPod earbuds. just a classic.

Wolf Parade-I'll Believe in Anything
Pretty much what Morgan said... Something about it. The mixture of Spencer's voice, the catchy melody, and just everything going on in that song makes it a fun, meaningful, and great tune.

Bloc Party-This Modern Love
A completely simple guitar song that works beautifully. Everything about this song says it probably should not work, it is just so simple it seems. "I'll pay for you, anytime" is not that poetic but for some reason that line has incredible power to me, its just simple. The moment it really starts to take me is after the first chorus, when the verse guitar tracks come back in louder and faster. Incredible.

The Notwist- One with the Freaks
Have you ever been all messed up?

the Arcade Fire-Wake Up
I love this song. From the choir chanting to the lyrics about childhood.


Electric President-Farewell
This is probably the greatest goodbye song ever. ever.

Josh Ritter-Thin Blue Flame
An epic anti-war song.

Counting Crows-Mrs.Potter's Lullaby
I think they go through the majority of human emotions over the 7 minutes of this song.

Bright Eyes-From a Balance Beam
It seems like if you were to collect the best lines from different musician's careers and funnel them into one song you would have one written by Connor Oberst. Honestly some of the best lyrics ever.

LCD Soundsystem-"All My Friends"
It is really weird how some repetitive keyboard ends up creating a powerful and catchy song.

Styrofoam feat. Ben Gibbard- "Couches in Alleys"
Ben's writing at some of its best. Definitely one his better lyrical efforts. And great catchy electronic from Styrofoam.

The Frames-Falling Slowly
This song should be corny. It really should be. But its a charming, stirring love song that gave me chills when I heard it in the film "Once".

Stars-Heart
This is a fairly new addition thanks to Jeff.

the Long Winters-"Ultimatum"
The original from the EP. niceness.

The Prom-"Jean Alexander Waltz(Sleepy Version)"
This is really meaningful to me because it reminds me of this stage in summer where I was kind of depressed, but I think in the end it was good for me and I learned alot.

the Decemberists-"Song for Myla Goldberg" Live
The live, slowed-down version of this song was absolutely incredible when I saw it.
I am going to add to this all.
and maybe add Death Cab, but that would make this list too long.

Rogue Wave-"Eyes"
A feel good song for all occasions, can not wait for a new record.

Bloc Party-"SRXT"
Despite the somber fact that this is about suicide, this song is great, especially at the 3 minute mark.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: .Justin.,

This is gonna take me a while.....seven songs is too few...

hmm all time favorite songs...

Company Calls- I really just like the simple guitar in this song basically. The lyrics are pretty good. I think it is a much more hopeful song then epilouge.

Damien Rice-older chests, the song just seems like this old man telling a story to a bunch of kids on how things change as you get older. The lyrics are very good, and the chello and the girl who does the backing vocals is amazing.

Aaron ross- comfort inn, he is a local artist in my town who really is very impressive, he is folky. But this could be the best love song I have ever heard. Also great guitar and good lyrics.

Badly Drawn Boy- A Minor Incident, Just a nice kinda break up song, that has a positive spin on it.

The Shins- A Comet Appears. This is just my favorite shins song. I love the lyrics in the song.

Matt Costa- The ballad of Miss kate- This songs just has one of the coolest guitar riffs in it. and this really simple kick drum beat in it. Which really drives the whole song.

there are more but this is all I will put

Since it is at least seven

Obadiah Parker-hey ya cover, I really like this guys voice, he took this song and made it more meaningful, He makes seem much more like a love song then andrea if that is his name did.

quote:

Originally posted by interpolarity:
This is gonna take me a while.....seven songs is too few...

yeah
it's atleast seven songs. as many as you like

Joanna Newsom- En Gallop
Newsom's lyricism intertwined with her beautiful harp skills in this song define Joanna Newsom. The quote from my signature is a line from En Gallop.

Joanna Newsom- Emily
Only Joanna Newsom can create a 5 song album, each song ranging from 8 to 16 minutes, in which she is basically singing poetry. This song in particular is about Joanna's sister Emily, who is an astrophysicist. This 12 minute song is epic to say the least.

The Shins- Saint Simon
This is one of my all time favorite Shin's songs. In particular, the ethereal sounding backing vocals really really catch my attention.

Bright Eyes- Arienette
I cannot list my all time favorite songs without including at least one Bright Eyes song. Although the song is quite sad, I feel as though I am part of his story.

Bright Eyes- Let's Not Shit Ourselves
Conor used to be a critic of American society...sadly not anymore.

Desaparecidos- Greater Omaha
Although I am partial to Bright Eyes, it's refreshing to hear Conor rocking out once in a while. In this song, Conor criticizes his small hometown Omaha, Nebraska for becoming more and more corporate.

Cursive- Driftwood: A Fairy Tale
This truly is a fairy tale, and i'm intruiged from beginning to end.

The Decemberists- The Engine Driver
Something about this song gets me everytime.

Guillemots - Trains To Brazil
Children playing, tapes on rewind, drums beating, whistles blowing, couple of guitars, and a bloke shouting "YOU'RE FEELING OLD". Then bursting into: "it's 1 o'clock on a friday morning". Probably the best intro to a song. Trains to Brazil is catchy as fuck but has so many layers that you'll never get tired of it. Fyfe Dangerfield brings so many instruments into the mix you'd have to listen to it 20 times just to notice half of them. It's so uplifting as well, telling you to live your life! and be thankful you're hear!
"And to those of you who mourn your lives through one day to the next, WELL LET THEM TAKE YOU NEXT!"

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - Your Worst Is The Best
This song makes me feel so miserable. And that's why I love it so much, because it fills me with so much emotion. Good songs should do that, trains to brazil makes me so very happy, your worst is the best makes me so very sad, or angry, or miserable or all of the above. The chimes in the background and the guitar do it for me on this one.

Guster - Lightning Rod
It's just a beautiful song where the voice is as much of an instrument as anything else.

Junior Boys - So This Is Goodbye
Junior Boys are so clean and streamlined. They're how all electronic bands should sound. No sound is out of place, nor is it superfluous to the music as a whole. How they can combine a bunch of beats and synths and make them into a beautiful song is beyond me.
"Tonight it’s goodbye,
Now I know why,
Our love’s lost in the rough,
And I’ve had enough,
So this is goodbye"
Brutal

Stars - Celebration Guns
It's obvious why this one makes the cut. Her voice and violins. Nuff said.

Thom Yorke - The Eraser
"Please excuse me but I have to ask, are you only being nice coz you want something?" Everybody does it, only thommy asks! That's why we love him. As with Junior Boys, every noise should be there, nothing sounds out of place. Uses his voice so well as an instrument. Marvellous piece of music.

Minus The Bear - Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse
These guys got me into Math Rock. So many fucking guitars! And the title, you just know they've gotta be cool. This could be seen as just a whole lot of noise, but it's not, it's a wicked cool song. Yeah!
"TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR HOOOOOOOOOOOTELLLLLLL, NEAR SAINNNNNNNNNNNNT GERRMAINNNNNNNNNNN"
the stars don't mean anything bitches.

Styrofoam - Couches In Alleys
Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful song. Makes you forget Ben Gibbard can be a bit of an arrogant prick.

Elbow - Switching Off
I'm not really an elbow fan anymore, but this song still does it for me. Such a beautiful melody and such wonderful metaphors. Really great lyrics. God this is a wonderful song.
Here's the lyrics just because you need them.
"Last of the men in hats hops off the coil
And a final scene unfolds inside
Deep in the rain of sparks behind his brow
Is a part replayed from a perfect day
Teaching her how to whistle like a boy
Love’s first blush

Is this making sense?
What am I trying to say?
Early evening June
This room and a radio play
This I need to save
I choose my final thoughts today
Switching off with you

All the clocks give in
And the traffic fades
And the insects like a neon choir
The instant fizz
Connection made
And the curtains sigh
In time
With you

You, the only sense the world has ever made
Early evening June
This room and radio play
This I need to save
I choose my final scene today
Switching off

Ran to ground for a while there
But I came off pretty well


You, the only sense the world has ever made
This I need to save
A simple trinket locked away
I choose my final scene today
Switching off with you"

David Gray - The Other Side
God I love his voice, his lyrics are pretty dandy as well. Plus it's a piano tune. And sad. Yup.

Rogue Wave - Eyes
"It's in your eyes, in your eyes, in your eyes, in your eyes, in your eyes, in your eyes, in YOUR eyes"

Coldplay - Trouble
The best Coldplay track ever, before they learnt the alphabet. You really see the spider's web. You really do feel that Chris Martin never meant to do you harm. The instruments back him up. It sounds like they apologise. But then, I'm a knob.

Broken Social Scene - Almost Crimes
Can I get a 'HELL YEAH' from Kyle?

LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
It's not often a piano drives a track. This just is one awesome tune. Fucking buildup is immense. Listen to it and tell me it isn't cool.

Every Radiohead Song
They're just the best band ever, don't fuck with them.

Sigur Ros - Untitled 1
Look me in the eyes and tell me this isn't the most beautifully haunting song ever created. Forget the fact that the lyrics are in a made-up language. This is what tears are made of.

I'll probably blog this soon with tracks for downloading.

I definitely second the "All My Friends" and "couches in Alleys", as well as "Eyes" in fact I am adding those to mine. nice list alex.

the more I read people's the more I realize I forgot something

This message has been edited. Last edited by: .Justin.,

the Thom Yorke and Minus the Bear tracks are great ones for sure. and Almost Crimes
and Every Radiohead song also. haha. (Except Pablo honey)

oh and thanks for this thread, morgan, i am going to get all the songs I have yet to hear on these lists.

yer welcome. i thought it'd be fun. i just wanted to gush about music a little more

edit above: i added a new favorite song i forgot about. thats another must hear!

It really is the coolest thread I have seen on this site. Great thread I am Morgan

gah! i had almost finished my list, and then the internet died. oh well.

outkast- hey ya!
im going to get killed for this one, but whatever. it's a great song. it makes me want to dance whenever i hear it. it's so poppy and hoppy and fun. pretty much my favorite song of ALL TIME.

rogue wave- california
it's so simple and easy to listen to. it's actually the only rogue wave song i've ever heard, and i'm thinking it would be wise to buy the rest of the album.

hellogoodbye- dear jamie, sincerley me
this song gets me every time. it's just so damn adorable.

death cab- photobooth
i remember when i first heard this song, in the summer of '04. i was a scrawny 12 year old with glasses. it meant basically nothing to me, it was merely a song. now i totally get it, and appreciate it. and also, the line 'skinny dippin with the kids from a nearby town' will always make me laugh.

decemberists- mariner's revenge song
this is basically the only song over 4 minutes i can listen to without getting totally bored. it's just a really fun song to act out, especially when no one knows the song. it looks so fun to see live. and, hopefully, they will play it.

avril lavigne- why
i love this song so much. it really points out the arrogance of just about every guy on the planet, but in a really subtle way.

andrew bird- a nervous tic motion of the head to the left
when i first heard andrew bird, i thought he was the weirdest thing in the world. and now i totally love him. this song is awesome, my favorite of his.

shakira- no
this song is so beautiful. pretty much all i can say.

maroon 5- she will be loved
yeah. this song is so cute.

yellowcard- ocean avenue
i only wish i had a boyfriend to kick back and chill with like in this song. i've actually been on ocean avenue, and cherry street in san diego.

elliott smith- talking to mary
duh.

feist- let it die
simple beat. beautiful voice. this was on my original list, and i forgot to put it on this one. but, seriously, this song is so good. probably my song of '06.

i think thats it. but probably not.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mary?,

Kudos to Morgan. More than 7, but oh well and in no particular order

The Island, Come And See The Landlord's Daughter, You'll Not Feel The Drowning: The Decemberists:

This song takes all the best qualities of The Decemberists and puts them all in one song, including fantastic lyrics by Colin Meloy. My personal favourite of the three stanzas is the second, which combines fantastical elements of prog rock, and pop sensibilities complete with a Meloy cry. The track is proof that sometimes big and bolder can be better.

You Wouldn’t Like Me: Tegan & Sara
A perfect opening to a perfect album. This song is constructed beautifully. It starts acoustically, and then builds into a full rock part. I think it's actually the perfect hybrid of what the girls do: combining their organic acoustic sounds with a polished undertone of keyboards. The moment when the band kick in to high gear at 1:31 is pure musical joy.

Somersault: Decoder Ring

This song makes me cry every time. One of the best love songs ever written, beautifully simple, and heartbreaking. This song gives me hope that eternal love is just around the corner. The lead vocals on this song are simply angellec.

My Immortal (Band Version): Evanescence
Quite simply the best power ballad there is. The songwriting is terrifically emotive, and like many great songs are universal and can take on many meanings. Every time I hear this song, it inspires me to get the best out of myself and take nothing for granted.

23: Jimmy Eat World
So much goes through my head during the song. If there were one word to describe this song, it would be grandiose. To me, this song signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. “Holding on tight, don’t give away the end, one thing that stays mine” Personally this song holds a lot of significance for me, as I was listening to it a lot during a time of personal crisis, not knowing what was around the corner, but clouded by feelings of both fear and optimism just like the song

Wouldn’t It Be Nice: The Beach Boys
After one listen to this song how can anyone doubt Brian Wilson’s genius? The song is the essence of the contradiction that goes to the heart of the Beach Boys, beautifully simple lyrics, with a complex and detailed arrangement. Hearing it live last year was a highlight and gave me a whole new appreciation for the song.

An Olive Grove Facing The Sea: Snow Patrol

Everybody’s heard Chasing Cars, but this is the song that made Snow Patrol in my eyes. Both haunting and romantic, the mental pictures that this song creates in my mind are so vivid and everlasting. Just about every compilation I have ever made has the song on it. If there were no music, the words would stand on their own in a wonderful book of poetry.

You’re All I Need To Get By: Marvin Gaye/Tammi Tyrell

The best duet ever. This is a classic that stands the test of time. All the Motown hallmarks are there, slick production, classic songwriting and attention to detail. The chemistry between the two vocalists is outstanding a project a sense of warmth, compassion and love.

A Horse With No Name: America
This is songwriting at its best with wonderfully story telling. It feels like you’re really in the middle of the desert searching for that puddle of water only to no avail. The harmonies and the backing vocals on this song are extraordinary, so perfect and cohesive, it is truly wonderful.

Dreamer: Supertramp

I absolutely adore this song, so fun and whimsical. It makes no sense at all, but the production on this song creates a feeling of pure elation. There have been several times where I have just been lost in the moment whilst the song washes over me.

Ageless Beauty: Stars

I dare anyone not to hum this tune after the song is played. Terrifically catchy

The Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore: The Smiths
As with all Morrissey/Smiths songs the lyrics are top notch. This song illustrates the feelings of isolation and loneliness so perfectly, the refrain of “I have seen this happen in other people’s lives, now its happening in mine” followed by the slight fade out at 3:50 make this song a classic.

Caterwaul: Ryan Adams
Ahh this song is just so heart wrenching, and so symbolically captures the songs title. A caterwaul being a shrill sound, and the production of this song is infused with them to symbolize the breakdown of a relationship and of ones psyche.

Sick Of Myself: Matthew Sweet

This just is a fantastic rock love song. Listen to it.

Under the Surface: Marit Larsen

Pure pop, but the arrangement is first class, I don’t think I can quite explain what it was like to hear this song for the first time. It is magnificent!

Step In To My Office Baby: Belle & Sebastian

The perfect sing along song. Stephen Sondheim could have composed this, because it just feels like it should be in a Broadway musical. The song made me fall in love with the band.

Assorted Death Cab Songs
There are too many to choose from. they all deserve to be listed.

The Con: Tegan & Sara

At the moment this song is just the only one I can hear. It is so fantabulously wonderful, particularly the bridge and the chorus. No wonder the girls named the album after this song. ‘Encircle me!’ is very apt, because that’s what the song does to my head. Absolute perfection!