Top This Top Ten!

It''s late Saturday night, and time and energy both dictate a light, enjoyable post. So, the reliable fall-back: Let's do the iPod Shuffle! I wasn't so crazy about my last ten, but today's really represent some of my favorite artists. So let's get started:

Peaceful World - John Mellencamp
I put Mellencamp in the same class with Sheryl Crowe and Tom Petty: Reliably good roots rockers. I like about 10-12 of each of their songs. They might not make me think, but they are reasonably well-written, feature deep grooves, and their voices have that perfect rock'n'roll timbre.

Raining in My Heart - Buddy Holly
What can be said about a grand master? Holly started so much, and created so much, before dying so young. Always perfect. Period.

A Prayer - Suzzy and Maggie Roche
Gorgeous song off the Zero Church project. There are three on there that really grab me. If this doesn't give you goosebumps, you are a sociopath, and should proceed directly to your neighborhood psychiatric hospital.

Spider Web - Joan Osborne
Yes! One of the funkiest and best-written songs on my 'pod. Listening to this is like digging in to a huge scoop of coffee ice cream. With sprinkles.

What if We Give it Away? - R.E.M.
A bookmark in the pages of my halcyon days, when I was discovering how arty rock could be. And so was Michael Stipe.

Rumours of Glory - Bruce Cockburn
You probably don't know this song, and all I can say is, I am SO sorry for you. It includes much that made Bruce one of my role-models, back when I was writing songs full-time.

C is for Cloe - Stephen Bennett
A composer of near-perfect guitar instrumentals. I can listen to one album over and over. They simply make me happy.

Love in Flames - John Hiatt
Definitely not my favorite Hiatt song. But as far as his work in general: On my bad days, his songs makes me feel like being human is actually OK, and maybe even kind of hilarious. On my good days, I want to start a blog just about my favorite Hiatt songs. Except it would be all exclamation points.

My Wave - Soundgarden
My number-one-all-time-favorite ANGRY song. When I really can't take it anymore, I move the furntiure aside, put this on the stereo with the big speakers, and whip the volume knob all the way to the right. Look out.

Hoodoo Voodoo - Billy Bragg & Wilco
Haven't been able to make myself like any other Wilco albums (though I definitely haven't tried enough of them), but I love Tweedy's voice, and pairing him with Bragg -- and then both of them with Guthrie's lyrics -- was a great move. I love quite a lot of that Mermaid Ave. album.

¡Buenas noches, amigos musicales!

Not the Top 10, but Definitely the First 10

Okay, so there's a cool meme going around, and I've been waiting for a chance to try one, and because I'm a music addict and maker from way back, I'll surely take this bait. The theme is, "What are the first 10 songs to emerge when you hit "shuffle" on your iPod?"

1. Eisler on the Go - Billy Bragg and Wilco (Mermaid Avenue project: Unfinished lyrics of Woody Guthrie brought to life)
2. Many Rivers to Cross - Blind Boys of Alabama
3. Right Hand Man - Joan Osborne
4. Marie - Randy Newman
5. Yo Lé Lé - Youssou N'Dour
6. Wicked Rain - Los Lobos
7. A Prayer - Suzzy & Maggie Roach
8. Akwaba - Angelique Kidjo
9. Watermelon Song - Poi Dog Pondering
10. Pangs of Love - Bruce Cockburn
    

I strongly commend just about all of the artists above to your discriminating ear.

Many thanks for the meme theme go to Muffy St. Bernard over at the fun and interesting blog, The Muffyblog.

Please feel free to pick up this meme, either in your own blog, or in the comments section for this post! Just leave a trail!