100 Favorite Songs: 21-25

Most eclectic 5 yet?

21. "Interstate Love Song" by Stone Temple Pilots (1994)

'90s alternative always sounds homey to me, especially this understated break-up song. Here's a 2001 performance:


Love Scott's moves.


22. "Bring It On Home to Me" by Sam Cooke (1961)

Sam Cooke's vocals are perfect in this song when balanced out with Lou Rawls' lower harmonies.


Perrrrfection.


23. "Electric Feel" by MGMT (2008)

MGMT seems to be a decent live band, but nothing beats the studio polished reverb on every "ooo girl" and "baby girl."


Hipster jungle?


24. "Alison" by Elvis Costello (1977)

This is one of the better songs that's on permanent rotation in my head.


Have you ever met an Al(l)i/yson you didn't like?


25. “Mykonos” – Fleet Foxes (2008)

I love vocal harmonies. So much. Also, this song held up to several iterations a day during my crappy summer kiosk job.


Rock sensibly.

Medley of the Day: Key Change edition

Nothing makes me giggle in delight more than a song that decides to take it up or down a notch with a key change at the last minute.

I know I already assaulted you with "I'd Love to Lay You Down" by Conway Twitty in the most ridiculous edition of The Audacity of Rock, but it bears repeating:

Speaking of country key changes, "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash. What is there, like 5? Good work, young Mr. Cash.

Although, a key change is the perfect way to end a prolonged musical experience as well. Take the show closing "Danse Mon Esmeralda" from Notre Dame de Paris. I kind of hate this song for making me think it's over, but instead just changing keys for another depressing reprise of the chorus, but it's too glorious to really hate.

Speaking of theatrical key changes, "Keep Yourself Alive" by Queen. I love everything about this song and this music video.

And no worries, the art of a great key change isn't lost. Here's MGMT's very recent "The Youth."