100 Favorite Songs: 56-60

Music of the '70s, '90s, and today!

56. “Bad Company” by Bad Company (1974)

I love anything that sounds like a grizzled drifter.


I love that the drummer is the only one bringing the crazy, while every one else mellowly goes about their work.

57. “Evil Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra (1975)

Strings + rock = fabulous combination. Also, fun falsetto.

Who knew Jeff Lynne had eyes?

58. “Paper Bag” by Fiona Apple (1999)

So many things to love: horn section, angry girl lyrics, and a melody in my range.

Happy birthday, Daddy?

59. “The Heart of Life” by John Mayer (2006)

I enjoy the inherent contradiction of playing an electric guitar gently like an accoustic, but I think it benefits this song. It gives the cheesiness with an edge that supports the song's lyrics.

I recommend this song for epic emotional breakdowns.

60. “Chop ‘em Down” by Matisyahu (2004)

Live at Stubb's is one of those albums I bought on a whim and have never regretted it. I'm tragically undereducated about Matisyahu's other work, but I love this guy live.

I will never be able to look at Matisyahu and not think of my sister's fiance.