Favorite songs by favorite band!

[Worm of Despite]

What's your top 5 or even 10 or however many songs by your favorite band? Or artist if you prefer. Surely you've known and loved them long enough to have a decent idea in your head what you consider their prime cuts... Here's my favorite bits by The Beatles, my numero uno band since age 18.

1) Happiness Is a Warm Gun (the shifts of style in this song are stunning, from its opening, lilting quality to the doo-wop send-up at the end)
2) Tomorrow Never Knows (the repeating drum pattern beats anything the Chemical Brothers did, and you add tape loops and you have some sublime music here...)
3) And I Love Her (very lovely-sounding, immortal balled from Sir Paul from A Hard Day's Night)
4) She Came in Through the Bathroom Window (catchy, cascading song from the Abbey Road medley)
5) Come Together (favorite opener to any album; if one song can be described as completely badass, it's this one)

I guess I'm a bigger Lennon fan, but McCartney was definitely essential to giving the Beatles a face and humor that Lennon couldn't have bestowed (which is obvious from his solo albums).

[StevieG]

Good choices LF! I was always a bigger Lennon fan too, but McCartney had his place (similar in a way to Roger Waters vs David Gilmour - I preferred Waters, but Gilmour was essential too)...

Anyway, it's a tricky thing to list, because I'm not sure who my favourite band is - I'll have to think on this and edit later...

[Worm of Despite]

Lol. Why is this in Hall of Gifts... Well. A classic Fowl-up.

Yeah. I'm pretty proud of that list. It makes me struggle to think of Beatles songs I like more, so it's very rock solid. Goo goo goo joob!! Also; I can't wait for the Beatles In Mono box set I've ordered to come in...two more weeks. Then I'll hear it like they did in the 60s... I'm such a Beatles nut, though, I've bought most of the albums on stereo already (there are some key differences in the mono and stereo, but that's another topic).

[matrixman]

The Beatles remasters are fresh in my mind, so in no particular order:

Tomorrow Never Knows -- like what you said, LF, Ringo's drumming powers this song.
Rain -- Ringo's drumming...I think this guy knew how to play drums.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps -- a majestically sorrowful song, it makes me sit up straighter when I listen to it.
Eleanor Rigby -- the best Paul + strings combo. And lyrically, he's no slouch here.
Something -- the first time I heard this, it didn't seem all that special, but it has really grown on me.

I can't wait for the Beatles In Mono box set I've ordered to come in...two more weeks. Then I'll hear it like they did in the 60s... I'm such a Beatles nut, though, I've bought most of the albums on stereo already

You know that Abbey Road and Let It Be were set out as stereo recordings from the start, right? So they're not part of the mono set. (Neither is Yellow Submarine, but that's a marginal Beatles effort.) Me, I'm actually thrilled to have the earlier albums in stereo now. The original mono mixes on the '87 CD releases were okay, but I didn't feel motivated to listen to them closely. I'm sure the remasters will have given the mono sound more clarity and punch now, but I'm perfectly happy with the new stereo mix. At some point, if I really feel like splurging, I'll get the mono set too.

[Worm of Despite]

You know that Abbey Road and Let It Be were set out as stereo recordings from the start, right? So they're not part of the mono set. (Neither is Yellow Submarine, but that's a marginal Beatles effort.

I've already bought A Hard Day's Night through Abbey Road in the new stereo. Yeah, I'm going to be poor after the Mono box...

Also--I think Ringo's most interesting drumming is on She Said She Said. Really pay attention to it, cause it actually doesn't musically fit the song in any way, yet it somehow does.

The mono set really is a big difference and gives a case that the Beatles intended their records for that format...there's just lots of little differences in songs on every mono album that gives it a whole new emotional experience that any Beatles nut can't pass up. If you want, I could send you some of the mono songs over MSN once I get the box (mistorfoul@live.com).

[aTOMiC]

You guys probably don't want to hear that I think Ringo Starr is an iffy drummer at best. I'd never give him the nickname "timex".
*ducks head*
Not in the face! Not in the face!

[matrixman]

You guys probably don't want to hear that I think Ringo Starr is an iffy drummer at best. I'd never give him the nickname "timex".
*ducks head*
Not in the face! Not in the face!

Would I ever do that to you? I'd rather kiss a Wookie. Wait, that doesn't sound right. Well, aTOMiC, you're a musician, so you're more sensitive to matters of beat and time keeping. But you must have a hard heart to take no pleasure from Ringo's drumming. Anyway, what are your favorite songs by your favorite bands? Huh? Huh? Let's see 'em!

I think Ringo's most interesting drumming is on She Said She Said. Really pay attention to it, cause it actually doesn't musically fit the song in any way, yet it somehow does.

I've always found the drumming to be "off" but in a cool way in that song, without knowing specifically why. Tim Riley comments in his book:

The beat is neither tight nor chaotic but constantly lunging between the two. Ringo's drumming takes the sting of the opening guitar and diffuses it behind Lennon's opening line -- he settles into a loose groove for the downbeat preceding "I know what it's like to be dead." The kicks that try to bridle the surges for the concluding line, "And she's making me feel like I've never been born" (echoed in the lead guitar), wind up disrupting things even further: the syncopations across the bar draw attention to the beat as much as they seek relief from it.

I'm not a musician, so some of that explanation leaves me scratching my head more than it enlightens me. But you guys are musicians, so you probably understand him better. (I'm not asking for a music lesson from you guys, just posting Mr. Riley's take on the matter.)

The mono set really is a big difference and gives a case that the Beatles intended their records for that format...there's just lots of little differences in songs on every mono album that gives it a whole new emotional experience that any Beatles nut can't pass up. If you want, I could send you some of the mono songs over MSN once I get the box

Sure! Even just one song is fine. Really, I would ideally like to have both sets. But in the real world of tight budgets, that's a problem. The stereo versions were more important to me, so my money went there. If I see the mono set go on sale at an attractive price - even used - I'll get it (though it's unlikely any true fan would part with it).

Btw, even though I didn't pick any songs from A Hard Day's Night for my Beatles top 5, I agree that "And I Love Her" is a sweet tune from Paul. Having listened to the stereo version now, I think A Hard Day's Night is the Beatles' best early album.

Other favorites:

Led Zeppelin
1. Achilles Last Stand
2. All of My Love
3. Carouselambra
4. Southbound Saurez
5. When the Levee Breaks

[Worm of Despite]

You guys probably don't want to hear that I think Ringo Starr is an iffy drummer at best. I'd never give him the nickname "timex".
*ducks head*
Not in the face! Not in the face!

Ringo is a solid drummer and the Beatles' music doesn't need a John Bonham... But most importantly, Ringo was a great Beatle.

And yeah Matrix--you're a headphone guy so stereo is the best bet. They really made every instrument slightly louder and much clearer. Still, for speakers, mono is a beast. There's some mono cuts on the new stereo Past Masters ("Love Me Do" and "She Loves You"), and if it's any indicator I think I'm going to have a sonic revelation when the mono box comes in... Just a whole 'nother level of rawness and 60s heaviness, but cleaned up digitally.

[aTOMiC]

I am a guitar player that has always wanted to be a drummer. What is my greatest road block to achieving my life long goal? Timing. Every person seems to have an internal clock and mine, like Ringo's, is set to a constantly modulating rhythm that is generally counter productive toward keeping a steady beat. I'm acutely sensitive to drummers with poor timing so I'm going to notice such things. Ringo is a world famous drummer with legions of adoring fans that love what he does so my opinion doesn't really have much impact. So it's all good for Mr. Starr.
Who is my favorite drummer you ask?
Neil Peart. (I would definitely nickname him "Timex" or "Rolex" or "The Machine" or "Tick Tock" or "Micrometer" or "Stretch" or "Bub" or "Slick" or..)
Rush has replaced The Cars as my favorite band.
(Foghat was my favorite band for a time. Then The Ramones. Then XTC...)
1. New World Man
2. Spirit of the Radio (actually everything on Moving Pictures equally)
3. Between Sun and Moon
4. 2112 Overture
5. Far Cry

[aTOMiC]

Ringo is a solid drummer and the Beatles' music doesn't need a John Bonham... But most importantly, Ringo was a great Beatle.

I agree. It reminds me of the phrase "Only Nixon could go to China".
Ringo seemed to be an irreplaceable component to what we've all grown to love about the Beatles.

Is all forgiven? We're cool, right?

[matrixman]

Matrix--you're a headphone guy so stereo is the best bet. They really made every instrument slightly louder and much clearer. Still, for speakers, mono is a beast. There's some mono cuts on the new stereo Past Masters ("Love Me Do" and "She Loves You"), and if it's any indicator I think I'm going to have a sonic revelation when the mono box comes in... Just a whole 'nother level of rawness and 60s heaviness, but cleaned up digitally.

You know me too well. But I have been dividing my time equally between headphones and speakers with the Beatles. True, "She Loves You" does sound very good on the new Past Masters. It's got more oomph and detail than on the old release. "60s heaviness" is a good way to put it. And Ringo's drums really kick. Yeah, yeah, yeah!

Is all forgiven? We're cool, right?

What?? I'm hot and bothered!

Just kidding. You're always cool with me, TOM. And Neil Peart isn't exactly lacking in fans himself - just think about how many times Rush is mentioned/praised in Vespers, heh. Although Rush's music doesn't connect with me, that has nothing to do with their musicianship.

[Worm of Despite]

Ringo is a solid drummer and the Beatles' music doesn't need a John Bonham... But most importantly, Ringo was a great Beatle.

I agree. It reminds me of the phrase "Only Nixon could go to China".
Ringo seemed to be an irreplaceable component to what we've all grown to love about the Beatles.

Is all forgiven? We're cool, right?

For some reason this thread is still in the Hall. If I was truly mad at you I'd have edited your post to say something like, "Ringo's drum solo on The End makes Neal Peart look like he's trying too hard and missing the point," etc., etc. I think Neal Peart, actually, would suck in The Beatles. He wouldn't fit the style, wouldn't be happy with songs that never needed frills, etc. Beatles weren't top-tier musicians; rock requires brutality and a form that makes it distinct: to that end they were artists of the studio, and I think they could get art out of a tuba if they wanted.

Yeah, the Beatles were brutal. Especially in the early 60s. It's hard to see now, but their covers of black rock musicians were intense--usually screaming or deranged ("Twist and Shout", "Dizzy Miss Lizzy"). Their revolution could be said to have happened before they ever recorded: they played in Germany for long hours in the red light district of Hamburg--seedy bars/taking drugs/prostitutes coming out the ears, then they return to Liverpool's jazz, folk, and rock resembling The Shadows (dum-de-dum-de-dum, low-sounding, bass-propelled stuff) and here are wild men in leather playing beat music! People ate it up. It's why Lennon said their best work was never recorded--because it was then they were edgy...

Right. I digress! I wasn't bothered in the slightest. I'm not a foaming fan, and I try to make my love of the Beatles and their accomplishments as objective as love can get.

[martryn]

Since other people have mentioned the Beatles, and I'm also a big fan:

1. A Day in the Life
2. Happiness is a Warm Gun
3. I'm So Tired
4. I am the Walrus
5. Get Back

These are the ones I find myself singing more than any others.

My favorite bands change on a weekly basis. Tonight I'm a big fan of The Shins, though, so...
1. Young Pilgrim
2. Kissing the Lipless
3. New Slang (of course)
4. Phantom Limb
5. Mine's Not a High Horse

[Kaydene]

My favorite bands are tied.

Radiohead:
1. Wolf at the Door
2. Talkshow Host
3. Exit Music (For a Film)
4. Life in a Glasshouse
5. Pyramid Song
6. A Punchup at a Wedding
7. Videotape (the version of this that Thom does on his own with just the piano is heart-wrenching)
8. Weird Fishes
9. Lucky
10. Like Spinning Plates

also The Decemberists:
1. The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid
2. Red Right Ankle
3. I Was Meant for the Stage
4. The Mariner's Revenge Song
5. The Tain
6. A Cautionary Song
7. Grace Cathedral Hill
8. Shiny
9. We Both Go Down Together
10. On the Bus Mall

heh, sorry I went with the full ten, it's just hard to pick only 5 :p

[matrixman]

Kaydene, what is your opinion of Kid A? That and OK Computer were the two albums that knocked me over and made me see Radiohead as a truly great band. But the other albums didn't instantly connect with me the way those two did. Anyway, Kid A seems to polarize fans. For me, the music was a revelation. It affected me in a way that few other pieces of music have. If it didn't do much for you, that's all right with me. I just can't be (and don't wish to be) objective about music that speaks to me so personally. So just wondering how you view Kid A and where it fits into the rock music landscape.

[Kaydene]

Kid A was an important album to a friend of mine as well. I think I admire and respect it for that reason and because it's a well-made album, but it didn't change me or give me any sort of intense experience. I have that spiritual connection with Amnesiac and OK Computer, I think, but it may be because of where I was in my life. Pyramid Song still makes me a little weepy inside when it comes on.

I think, like all of their albums, Kid A stands apart from the others as its own experiment and has its own personality. That's part of the beauty of Radiohead is that each album is its own unique portrait.

I think that Motion Picture Soundtrack hits me pretty hard. They way they recorded it, with the clacking organ keys in the background almost making fun of the seriousness in it, then it bursts into harps and a choir not unlike Pinocchio turning into a Real Boy.

God, they're such great musicians.

[Kaydene]

oh, and here's the video of Thom Yorke singing Videotape with the piano. Watch it, seriously. It's so beautiful.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0MI3gtaqfY

[The Dreaming]

Wow, I'm a HUGE Radiohead fan, but my list wouldn't intersect yours at all!

1) Let Down
2) Street Spirit (fade out)
3) Black Star
4) Paranoid Android (I know everyone likes it, but it was intentially meant to pay homage to Happiness is a Warm Gun, which was mentioned at the very beginning of this thread. I have about as passionate a love for their music as anyone else can.)
5) Optimistic (Loved hearing them play this at the basement concert. I always wondered why this song isn't more loved, it always stood out to me as the best individual track on Kid A)
6) 2+2=5 (HTTT is an album I have mixed feelings about. It is just so damn DARK. There is scant little joy to be found on this album. Even Scatterbrain and Sail to The Moon are dripping with despair)
7) Bodysnatchers (In Rainbows however, is joyous to me, they remembered how much they really do love making music!)
Jigsaw Falling into Place
9) Knives Out
10) Just - Cmon, it's their greatest pure rocker, and BOY does it!

Kid A is a difficult album. I remember that with the exception of Otimistic, I was initially disappointing by it. I am very gradually warming up to it. Would we have really wanted them to rehash their 90s sound forever and ever? They are a stronger band NOW because of Kid A. In Rainbows would not be what it is without Kid Amnesiac, and that is reason enough for me.

It's not like OK Computer and The Bends cease to exist because of Kid A. Those albums remain crystalline masterpieces, frozen in time and perfection. They are, to me, the alpha and omega of modern Guitar Rock. Their print is on basically every piece of rock music produced since '98 or so, and STILL no one has eclipsed them. It's not easy to argue that anyone but they are the greatest extant band in Rock.

[Fist and Faith]

I can't pick my top five favorite Beatles song that start with "A".

But my favorite groups/performers are:

Beatles
Bruce Springsteen
Cat Stevens
Elton John
Peter Gabriel
Steely Dan

[Kaydene]

Wow, I'm a HUGE Radiohead fan, but my list wouldn't intersect yours at all!

1) Let Down
2) Street Spirit (fade out)
3) Black Star
4) Paranoid Android (I know everyone likes it, but it was intentially meant to pay homage to Happiness is a Warm Gun, which was mentioned at the very beginning of this thread. I have about as passionate a love for their music as anyone else can.)
5) Optimistic (Loved hearing them play this at the basement concert. I always wondered why this song isn't more loved, it always stood out to me as the best individual track on Kid A)
6) 2+2=5 (HTTT is an album I have mixed feelings about. It is just so damn DARK. There is scant little joy to be found on this album. Even Scatterbrain and Sail to The Moon are dripping with despair)
7) Bodysnatchers (In Rainbows however, is joyous to me, they remembered how much they really do love making music!)
Jigsaw Falling into Place
9) Knives Out
10) Just - Cmon, it's their greatest pure rocker, and BOY does it!

Kid A is a difficult album. I remember that with the exception of Otimistic, I was initially disappointing by it. I am very gradually warming up to it. Would we have really wanted them to rehash their 90s sound forever and ever? They are a stronger band NOW because of Kid A. In Rainbows would not be what it is without Kid Amnesiac, and that is reason enough for me.

It's not like OK Computer and The Bends cease to exist because of Kid A. Those albums remain crystalline masterpieces, frozen in time and perfection. They are, to me, the alpha and omega of modern Guitar Rock. Their print is on basically every piece of rock music produced since '98 or so, and STILL no one has eclipsed them. It's not easy to argue that anyone but they are the greatest extant band in Rock.

Well said! I don't know why I dig Amnesiac over Kid A, like I said, it may be just pure nostalgia, or that I like the little album that couldn't or something. But I agree, they completely stand alone on the rock scene in terms of style and talent. Someone told me that Coldplay was The Poor Man's Radiohead, but that's sort of a stretch too.

I'm jealous you got to see them in concert. I've heard they're phenomenal.