100 Favorite Songs: 11-15

Listy list face.

11. “Miami 2017 (See the Lights Go Out On Broadway)” by Billy Joel (1976)

I've rarely been a good sleeper, so I tend to listen to music in bed to distract me into relaxing my brain. "Miami 2017" was a guaranteed relaxer my sophomore year of high school. I'd usually space out somewhere in the upbeat middle and realize I was tired enough to sleep at the beautiful piano outro, causing me to turn off my CD player, take off my headphones, and fall asleep.


Not to say this song is soporific. It's lovely.

12. "Blood" by The Middle East (2009)

This is the newest song on this list, but I think my love of it will endure. It was one of those songs I instantly loved. The music is sad and hopeful and gives life the lyrical portrait of a family.


Love this video, too.

13. "Birdhouse in Your Soul" by They Might Be Giants (1990)

It's just so catchy, and once you learn all the bizarre lyrics, you can't not sing along.


The one song My 99.5 FM overplayed that I liked.

14. “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen (1979)

I think I've featured this song multiple times on this blog, but can you ever get sick of this song? Ever?


Also, this song is part of the best scene in Shaun of the Dead.

15. “Swallow” by The Wailin’ Jennys (2006)

Canadian bluegrass. Awesome. I'm mostly in love with brief Wailin' Jennys member Annabell Chvostek's voice in this song. I love a lady with rich low voice.

Also known as one of the few songs I can play on guitar.

Dear Indie Rock Bands

Stop making the girls sing so damn high. It's not in their range, and it makes your music sound like an 8th grade choir concert instead of awesome. Honestly, it ruins perfectly good songs. Check it:

"Chimbley Sweep" by the Decemberists (2003)

The incriminating singing happens about 2 minutes into the song. Every time, I cringe at the nasal highness of those notes. Couldn't you find someone else to sing the girl's part? Answer: yes. The song is narrated, so it doesn't matter who sings it, we'll get the message. Next time get someone competent, like the lead singer, to sing it.

The downside of Indie bands? You can't find good videos on YouTube. Please enjoy a "Teen Titans" interpretation.

"No Cars Go" by Arcade Fire (2007)

The singing starts at 1:10 seconds in. I mean, at least the girl's going for the notes, but is really necessary? Answer: no. It's obnoxious.

Film school project!

"Fools Gold" by The Middle East (2009)

This song's got a lot of great things going for it, but from :30-1:30 you have painfully high notes sung by the chick in the background. Did you really need that sung an octave up? Answer: no. But good use of the girl at the end. Those harmonies in her range really sound nice.

Another class project that was honestly my only option. Try not to cut yourself.