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LyricWiki:Song of the Day/Archive/August 2008

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August

One of Aerosmith's most popular songs, it began a series of hit singles and mainstream success for the band. It's also one of the most popular uses of the talk box guitar effect. I'm really starting to get into Aerosmith's music, and this is one of my faves. audio
I got into Paramore a few months ago through the recommendation of a friend. When I finally got the lyrics for this song, and saw the music video, I just got more and more addicted to it. I don't think any song has ever meant more to me then this song. It's absolutely amazing. And it means a lot to the band too. The music video shoot practically saved Paramore from disbanding. audio
This is one of my favorite John Lennon songs mainly because of the lyrics. I can relate to this song so much because people around me are always in a rush to do things to get somewhere in their lives, and they're so worked up and discontented, and they forget to actually live and dream. They expect so much from themselves and other people as well, and they expect people like me, people who appear lazy, to do the same thing or live the same life or I'll turn into ruin. But I'm doing fine because I'm happy and content, and I don't want my life to be full of achievements but empty of memories. audio
I've never really been a fan of Motörhead (they're just a little too heavy metal for me), but this is one of their songs I'm really starting to like. The song was ranked #40 on VH1's list of the 40 greatest metal songs, and is considered the definitive Motörhead song. audio
I don't know if anyone reading this lives in L.A., but back in 2001 Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard delivered the definitive word on the City of Angels in his song Why You'd Want to Live Here. Full of smog and fatuous, self-absorption, L.A. is the epitome of celebrity-culture, videocracy, baloney that embodies everything wrong with American culture. ... and if you don't like the lyrics you can still rock out!
What woman wouldn't be honored and flattered if a man presented this song to her? Flattered would be an understatement. One of George Harrison's greatest compositions in my opinion. Simply one of the sweetest love songs I've ever heard in my life, which actually hasn't been too long yet, but irregardless. It's enough to make my heart melt, and do back-flips. The guitar solo in the middle is a great bonus too. audio
Probably John Entwistle's best contribution to The Who, Heaven and Hell was recorded live at Leeds University on February 14, 1970. There is also a studio version of this song, but not only does it not live up to the Live at Leeds version, but the live version is more exciting. This song gets me pumped, and also has a great philosophical meaning to it. Probably one of The Who's greatest songs in their library.
Inspired by Black Sabbath's "The Wizard," it's one of BÖC's most recognizable riffs. While not as recognizable as "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," it's still a great song. audio
One of my all-time favorite songs, I could listen to this over and over again. (My personal favorite version is the one on the Imaginos album.) By one of author Stephen King's favorite bands, this song, like so many by Blue Öyster Cult, are a mixture of creepiness and a sense of impending doom. ...Like acid and oil on a madman's face / His reason tends to fly away....'
This song is currently the theme song for the ongoing 2008 Beijing Olympics, featuring a chill-inducing duet between Chinese singer Liu Huan and Ms. Brightman, who was selected to represent the unity of music across languages and races. Beijing's slogan, "One World One Dream", is beautifully expressed in this 4-minute song, composed by Chen Qigang, a French Chinese from Shanghai. You And Me was officially introduced to the world on August 8, during the opening ceremonies at the Bird's Nest.
When it comes to musicians that are also master lyricists, Paul Simon would have to be in the top 5. Thought-provoking and enigmatic at times, Rhymin' Simon, tells a story and creates a mood with his lyrics that matches the music perfectly. "Graceland" from his landmark album of the same name is a perfect example of this. Thoughtful, yet fun, the lyrics and the music merge together into a undeniably groovy song. ...And I see losing love / Is like a window in your heart / Everybody sees you're blown apart....'
Detailing why the city Constantinople was renamed Istanbul, the song's melody is inspired by Irving Berlin's "Puttin' on the Ritz." TMBG's version is faster than the original, but it's still a riot to listen to. audio
A one-hit wonder from the 90s that is about searching for self, the lure of temptation (and Vegas!) and the enigmatic Thing. It's amazing how many people actually have heard this song and love it, but have no idea who actually performed it. It reminds me a bit of Tom Cochrane's Life is a Highway, which was remade into a modern hit. Remake, anyone? ...It's the kind of place where space explorers could have landed around 1963 / When Kennedy was in Life Magazine / And everything was aquamarine... / Aquamarine.'
Imagine a recipe that called for 1) Cartoon lyrics, 2) insane yet funky bass, 3) atonal guitar, and 4) funny looking musician. You'd have Primus! These oddballs have musical chops to make other players drool, yet they choose to spend them on nonsensical songs. Jerry Was A Race Car Driver was the first big hit for Primus, maybe because it's more sensible than most of their repertoire. Now, grab your 6-string fretless bass and nod your head, 'cause it's time to rock!
The first time I heard this song, I was in my grandma's car. It starts out without instruments, with Tommy Shaw saying, "Oh, mamma, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the law." Then it gives four heartbeats, and he starts talking again, then four more heartbeats. Then, the rest of the band joins him in talking. They sing two more lines, then someone screams, "Yeeeeaaaahh!" It then turns into an actual rock song. Sometimes, I still get goosebumps when I hear the beginning at night.
Jeff Buckley's cover of the Leonard Cohen tune is widely considered a musical masterpiece. Beginning with slow, acoustic-sounding guitar chords, it builds in power and feeling as the song progresses. Having become familiar with Buckley only recently, this is becoming one of my favorite songs.
Considered ZZ Top's signature song, the song's guitar riff is instantly recognizable to any classic rock fan. While it didn't break the Top 40 on the pop chart, it did break the top 5 on the Mainstream Rock chart, hitting #2. A cover of the song also appeared in the first Guitar Hero game. It's one of my favorite Top songs. audio
The first track recorded after the death of guitarist Randy Rhoads, "Bark at the Moon" is a staple in Ozzy's repertoire. With its manic guitar riff and haunting lyrics, there aren't many Ozzy songs that can sound better; granted I'm not really as into Ozzy as most fans, but I certainly recognize great music when I hear it.
The song is the first and overwhelmingly most popular single that Radiohead has released. Creep is about a person who is in love with a woman but is too disgusted by himself to talk to her - it's a tale many people can relate to and the song conveys it very well. Due to the emotional lyrical content, it was initially banned by popular British radio station BBC Radio 1 for being too depressing. However, the song was such a massive radio hit in America that the band got incredibly tired of playing it and now often refuse to perform it live. I was surprised to see that this hadn't been SOTD yet!
Recorded for the MTV Unplugged series shortly before his death, the acoustic version of "Pride and Joy" is certainly unique in SRV's catalogue. Played on a twelve-string guitar, it was certainly a crowd-pleaser. The video was also released on the compilation video Pride and Joy released after Stevie's death. While I like the electric version better, I like this version, too. audio
Another popular track about life on the road, this Bob Seger song gained popularity in the United States, even though it was never released as a single. Opening with a melancholy saxophone and an un-Seger like slow tempo, it remains a popular staple in Seger's live shows. I think it deserves to be SOTD. audio
The title track of Jackson Browne's breakthrough album Running on Empty is one of the quintessential songs about a musician's life on the road. The song was the third hit of Browne's career, and is considered one of his signature songs. The driving guitar riff makes the song memorable, and it remains a popular track on classic rock radio. audio
How this song was looked over for Song of the Day, I'll never know, seeing as it's one of Bon Jovi's signature songs. This song and it's iconic guitar are featured as the theme song of the popular Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch.
Before Nirvana's Unplugged, back when Grunge was unknown, came a movie about the post-thirtysomethings called Singles. Its soundtrack featured the then obscure Soundgarden and an acoustic single by their lead-singer, Chris Cornell. While he would go on to multi-platinum fame in Audioslave, his roots in Alternative music are herein on display for all to marvel at. For those of you who play guitar, you'll appreciate the fact that Chris' guitar is tuned F-F-C-C-C-C, making this song all-but impossible to play on a regular instrument. But alternate time signatures, mixed-modes and scordatura are all mere techniques used to advance an haunting, melodic masterpiece that is sure to grace any "Top Ten Alternative Songs" list.
This is the very first song I ever truly got hooked on. I've always loved listening to they might be giants ever since. Also, who doesnt love songs about worms that arent actually doctors that play drums?
Possibly one of the best bands to come out of Manchester during the late 80s to early 90s, the Stone Roses defined the Madchester genre. For those few years they had of fame, every band in Britain attempted to emulate the sound of their debut, an incredible mix of psychedelia with dance music. For the first time, independent music was something that people could not only rock out to, but could dance to, and this is perfectly exemplified by this song.
Phil Collins' first solo hit after leaving Genesis is most recognizable for its use in the pilot of the TV series Miami Vice. Beginning with simple guitar chords played over Collins' drum fill, the song's tension builds until it is released by an explosive drum solo. The song is also notable for its performance at Live Aid in 1987, in which Collins played it at both Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. Even twenty years later, it remains a popular staple on classic rock stations and is Collins' best known hit. audio
Apparently inspired by a true story of Clapton growing impatient while waiting for Pattie Boyd to finish dressing for a party, it's one of Clapton's most popular tunes. The song is unique in Clapton's catalogue in that it doesn't use any tonal effects like distortion or a wah-wah pedal; however, it still remains instantly recognizable. I think it's one of the best songs from his solo career. audio
I've loved this song ever since I first heard it. It always makes me smile. A great song by the Foo Fighters, with lyrics about being a new day rising, and being divided over wether to stay or run away and leave it all behind. Definetly worth listening to if you have the chance!
Even when this song is from 1992 is still a powerful heart touching song, it tells a true story where a kid whose parents don't take care for him goes to the school and commits suicide.
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