100 Favorite Songs: 46-50

More evidence that I really did just make this list off the top of my head: a double dose of Journey.

46. “There's a Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven't Thought of It Yet ” by Panic! At the Disco (2005)

Remember when this band was still happening? And how terrible that title has always been? But then the song is just really fun to sing along to? Also, the phrase "I'm the new cancer"? Awesome.

This was the least ridiculous performance I could find of this song. I'm giving you lower quality and Ryan encouraging jazz hands so you don't have to suffer Brendon dancing with skanky Victorian girls.


47. “You Never Give Me Your Money” by The Beatles (1969)

Such a gorgeous beginning with a weirdly vocalized middle (yeah, that's Paul) and ridiculous nursery rhyme end. And you know I can't resist vocal harmonies.


I'm a bigger fan of the latter portion of the Beatles' career. You?


48. “Wedding Bell Blues” by 5th Dimension (1969)

Originally a Laura Nyro song, the 5th Dimension had a big hit with this catchy song. Mostly, I just love Marilyn McCoo's voice.

Incidentally, the guy Marilyn's singing to is named Billy, and the two married in 1969.


49. “Lights” by Journey (1978)

I discovered my love of this song on a choir trip in high school to San Francisco (coincidence?). One of my roommates on the trip and I had a Journey dance party since the local classic rock radio station was no doubt having a Block Party Weekend. In other words, a great night.

Is Yevgeny Plushenko the reincarnation of Steve Perry? Discuss.

50. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey (1981)

You'd think you could get sick of a song you've listened to hundreds of times, but "Don't Stop Believin'" never gets less powerful.

They sound great live despite the bassist's molester mustache.

Medley of the Day: A practical list of don'ts for you edition

Just in case you're in need of a little musical inspiration to start your year off right. Mostly, as a list of don'ts.

"Seize the Day" from the motion picture Newsies (1992)

A little warm-up from my favorite street urchins, exhorting you to "don't be afraid and don't delay."

"Don't Look Back" by Boston

Boston: most energizing band of all time?

A perfect example of the Amount of Hair Proportionate to the Rocking principle.

"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey

Is there anything more inspirational than this song? Performed awesomely LIVE?

"Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen

Hopefully we can all get to this point this year. Namely, overconfident and oh-so-catchy.

Medley of the Day: Moving away from Utah edition

I have a love/hate relationship with Utah. I came down here for school, and I don't regret it at all, but it's such a weird culture. A little too Mormon for my taste (I consider myself a moderate-liberal Mormon, if you can work with that). Anyway, I'm moving up to Seattle for grad school, and I'll be traveling back the Washington (my home state) this weekend. So, in honor of my journey, here's an extended playlist. Read into the song choices whatever you want.



1. "Place in this World" by Michael W. Smith. Oh yes, I went there. I can't not sing along to this song.

2. "Gonna Move" by Susan Tedeschi. This is a good story set to some bluesy awesomeness.

3. "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. Always appropriate.

4. "Funky Town" by Lipps, Inc. It's about movin'. To Funky Town.

5. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey. Because every mix deserves a power ballad.

6. "Journey to the Past" from Anastasia. So cheesy, so perfect.

7. "500 Miles" by the Proclaimers. I'm just sad Ted and Marshall won't be in my car singing and playing Zitch Dog with me. It's going to be a long trip.

8. "Never Going Back Again" by Fleetwood Mac. I've been on a Rumours kick lately.

9. "I Feel Bad" by Rascal Flatts. Country power ballad. Just embrace it and listen to the end of the chorus.

10. "I'm Free" by the Who. I like to think of Roger Daltrey running along the beach a la the film adaptation of Tommy.

11. "Handbags and Gladrags" by Stereophonics. This song (no matter what the version) will always remind me that it's the end of a painful/bizarre day.