A random 10 from my iTunes on shuffle
It’s been a while since I put my iTunes on shuffle and transcribed for y’all what are the first ten randomly selected songs. This session resulted in a pretty awesome list that gives a decent overview of the musical universe I typically inhabit. Obscure ‘90s sophisti-pop, ‘80s era AOR, and fringy/spiritual singer/songwriters are all represented below. I’ll reflect on each song using one sentence.
“Trust Somebody” by 3rd Matinee
Slick LA studio-pop by former Mr. Mister vocalist Richard Page with Yooper native Pat Leonard, who you know from his production work with Madonna.
“Nobody (acoustic)” by David Baerwald
Typically intense and cinematic songwriting by Baerwald, who is always a huge inspiration to me, both lyrically and chordally.
“Wave Babies” by Honeymoon Suite
How I profoundly love this Canadian Band who take the sonic influence of The Cars and Duran Duran and sneak it in under a vaguely Bon Joviish exterior (although this tune is certainly one of their most unabashedly synth-pop forays.)
“Rednecks” by Randy Newman
Newman is like David Baerwald, only with a heavy gloss of sick humor over everything, which is even more obvious than usual on this beautiful solo piano performance.
“Power” by Kansas
Lead singer Steve Walsh returns to the band on this album, and this title track that remains one of my all-time favorite Kansas songs thanks to its lovely melody, inspiring lyrics, hooky keyboards, and luscious guitar playing by new member Steve Morse.
“Travelin’ Prayer” by Billy Joel
A perfect recording of a flawless song, never failing to give me the chills and to blow my mind with its whacked-out piano/bluegrass/rock arrangement.
“I Want You” by Great Buildings
I’ve got this recording from a never-released album thanks to a power pop blog, giving me a scratchy and loose glimpse into a obscure LA band that would later evolve into mega-selling harmony duo The Rembrandts.
“High Hopes” by The Havalinas
Here’s a song that Bruce Springsteen loves (enough to cover it) and that I love, too, despite the fact that I never hear or read anything about this awesome garage-folk trio who sound/look like a cross between Guns N’ Roses, The Stray Cats, and Violent Femmes.
“Wash Me Clean” by Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan
A Psalm setting by one of my long-time musical collaborators and songwriting inspirations from his brand new album, which was expertly produced by like-minded acoustic wiz John Hermanson of the folk duo Storyhill.
“Open to the World” by Sam Phillips
Sam’s chord changes, vocal melodies, and lyrics are completely superior to almost anything out there, and she remains one of the most influential people in my own musical development.
Okay readers, here's an invitation to put your own iTunes/iPod on shuffle, and leave the first 10 tracks in the comments below. Go.
“Trust Somebody” by 3rd Matinee
Slick LA studio-pop by former Mr. Mister vocalist Richard Page with Yooper native Pat Leonard, who you know from his production work with Madonna.
“Nobody (acoustic)” by David Baerwald
Typically intense and cinematic songwriting by Baerwald, who is always a huge inspiration to me, both lyrically and chordally.
“Wave Babies” by Honeymoon Suite
How I profoundly love this Canadian Band who take the sonic influence of The Cars and Duran Duran and sneak it in under a vaguely Bon Joviish exterior (although this tune is certainly one of their most unabashedly synth-pop forays.)
“Rednecks” by Randy Newman
Newman is like David Baerwald, only with a heavy gloss of sick humor over everything, which is even more obvious than usual on this beautiful solo piano performance.
“Power” by Kansas
Lead singer Steve Walsh returns to the band on this album, and this title track that remains one of my all-time favorite Kansas songs thanks to its lovely melody, inspiring lyrics, hooky keyboards, and luscious guitar playing by new member Steve Morse.
“Travelin’ Prayer” by Billy Joel
A perfect recording of a flawless song, never failing to give me the chills and to blow my mind with its whacked-out piano/bluegrass/rock arrangement.
“I Want You” by Great Buildings
I’ve got this recording from a never-released album thanks to a power pop blog, giving me a scratchy and loose glimpse into a obscure LA band that would later evolve into mega-selling harmony duo The Rembrandts.
“High Hopes” by The Havalinas
Here’s a song that Bruce Springsteen loves (enough to cover it) and that I love, too, despite the fact that I never hear or read anything about this awesome garage-folk trio who sound/look like a cross between Guns N’ Roses, The Stray Cats, and Violent Femmes.
“Wash Me Clean” by Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan
A Psalm setting by one of my long-time musical collaborators and songwriting inspirations from his brand new album, which was expertly produced by like-minded acoustic wiz John Hermanson of the folk duo Storyhill.
“Open to the World” by Sam Phillips
Sam’s chord changes, vocal melodies, and lyrics are completely superior to almost anything out there, and she remains one of the most influential people in my own musical development.
Okay readers, here's an invitation to put your own iTunes/iPod on shuffle, and leave the first 10 tracks in the comments below. Go.
Comments
1. "Best I Ever Had" by Gary Allan
2. "Mother Mother" by Tracy Bonham
3. "Scarlet Begonias" by Grateful Dead
4. "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" by Smashing Pumpkins
5. "There She Goes" by The La's
6. "Back to Me" by Kathleen Edwards
7. "So Far Away" by Staind
8. "I'm on Fire" by Bruce Springsteen
9. "Since You Been Gone" by Rainbow
10. "Veronica" by Elvis Costello
Always good for interesting transitions from song to song, huh?