There are some songs I can hear over and over again, and they just continue to amaze me. These songs usually have some varying combination of masterful technique, amazing emotion, and unexplainable energy. I've decided to list the ones I can think of off the top of my head, and I encourage you guys to do the same... lets get a nice playlist going of the most amazing songs of all time.
I don't take this list lightly by the way, these tracks seriously move me every time I hear them. It is not however, a definitive list... it simply encompasses the ones I can think of at this very moment:
Smashing Pumpkins - Thru the Eyes of RubyThis is by far the best song I've ever heard. Only the album version does it for me... the live versions I've heard pale in comparison. Though the rest of the tracks on Melon Collie are great, this one is incalculable epic win.
Björk - JògaThe album version of this, from Homogenic, is one of the most beautiful tracks I've ever heard. It comes in at a very close second, right behind
Thru the Eyes of Ruby. The chaotic electronics contrasted with the beautiful vocals and orchestrals are what make this track... which is why the live versions just don't cut it, as they omit the chaos.
Sarah McLachlan - Ice (Freedom Sessions version)Chilling alternate version of a previously released track... according to the album liner, she didn't like her own electric guitar work on this one... I personally can't stop listening to it.
Sarah McLachlan - BlackWhile we're on Sarah McLachlan, this track from her 1991 album
Solace blows me away. Took me forever to notice it, but it's one I'll never be able to forget. As with most of these, just give it a listen. Make sure it's from the right album!! :p
Venetian Snares - EpidermisMy favorite Venetian Snares track of all time. I kept wondering why the heck the vocal track sounded so familiar (and filled with win) until I realized one day that this was indeed a remix of a Siouxsie and the Banshees song called "Skin". Gothrock + breakcore = Please excuse me good sir, I just came in my pants.
System of a Down - Vicinity of ObscenityRaw energy... odd time signatures... nonsequitur vocals... general wackiness... tight fucking band... pure pwnage.
Gerard McMann - Cry Little Sister (Lost Boys soundtrack)This guy made one of the most amazing gothic synth-rock ballads in existence without even knowing it... and now with the Lost Boys sequel, he's trying to revive his dead career as "G-Tom-Mac", and he's slaughtered this song beyond all recognition. The original still stands up though... despite its questionable (incestuous?) lyrics... and for some reason, it moves me every time I hear it. The Blutengel version, however, is just plain funny.
Big Wreck - LadylikeBig Wreck were quite the talented crew... and as much as
That Song used to send chills down my spine... this one does even more. The lyrics are a bit lower on my list, mainly because I can't quite identify with them... but the singing and instrumentation is amazing.
Current Value - Dark RainThis is the best Drum 'n' Bass can get without turning into full-on breakcore... very addictive. I swear, he added some kind of audio transmitted crack to this.
Bangles - Hazy Shade of WinterOh yes... I went there. If you listen to one Bangles song in your lifetime, make it this one.
Beck - GirlIf the NES styled intro doesn't get you, the lyrics will. I'm serious... look them up, then listen whilst reading them. Your mind will be blown, guaranteed.
Cake - Arco ArenaMy favorite cake song of all time just happens to be an instrumental, go figure. There's something amazing about this track. Dunno what it is, but it
The Cure - A ForestThe Cure just generally wows me... but this one consistently wows me more than most. This is quite the sonic journey... and it just reeks of Cure-like fantasy.
A Forest? A Masterpiece.
Depeche Mode - Behind The WheelMost people would put Personal Jesus at the top of their Depeche Mode favorites... but not I. No sir, I do not
This is one track that has some decent live versions floating around that are well worth the listen if you like the original.
DJ Food - Break (Kaleidoscope)A very unique track, though perhaps a tad bit hard to find. DJ Food is a series of albums mixed by various electronic musicians... mostly meant as inspiration to other musicians. This track is, particularly, is food for my ears.
a-ha - The Sun Always Shines On TVI never really liked a-ha. That is, until I heard this song. I love this song. Should I listen to more a-ha now? Do I really need to?
Hole - Gold Dust WomanI don't know what it is about this track, but I love it... significantly more than the original.
Jakalope - Feel ItCan you feel it? I most definitely can. Jakalope is a one of a kind act... and this song evokes a very unique imagery.
Michael Hutchence - The PassengerAnother cover that I love much more than the original. This song is from the Batman Forever soundtrack. I loved the movie too. I'm an oddball.
Neil Young - Hey Hey My My (Into The Black)Wow. Just..... Wow.
Portishead - Glory Box (Mudflap Mix)Best Portishead remix ever.... Simply outstanding.
Squirrel Nut Zippers - HellThis song educates you about your inevitable eternal fate. Deal with it so we can get on with living a pleasant life please.
The Deadlines - Vampires in LoveHow come this band never made it anywhere? This song is amazing!
Mars Volta - Frances the MuteThe entire fucking album (not the single by the same name).... this is an album you must listen to from start to finish.
Snake River Conspiracy - LovesongAnother cover that kicks ass. Don't expect a rehash of the Cure version
They Might Be Giants - A Self Called NowhereI'm getting tired of describing these :p .... just listen to it.
Rob Zombie - What Lurks On Channel XBest Rob Zombie song ever. Too damned short, however.
Drumcorps - DownAwesomely programmed breakcore + metal. This continues to blow me away time and time again.
ohGr - PoreThe Skinny Puppy crew just don't stop innovating. Ogre's solo career is no exception.
Error - Nothing's WorkingEver since hearing this track, I've been waiting for more of the same... but it seems that 5 tracks was enough for NIN collaborator Atticus Ross and his crew.
Skinny Puppy - GonejaQuite possibly the most moving Skinny Puppy song I've ever heard. I don't understand why Skinny Puppy fans hate this album so much
Saul Williams - Tr(n)iggerSaul wants you to get off your ass and live, damnit.
And that's about it for now... I know there's more that belong on this list (probably moreso than some of the ones that are on it) .... but I'll post em later. My taste in music probably won't jive with many, but these songs are some that just catch my ear every time. Hopefully you guys find something you like by checking out these tracks
Now....... please, share the tracks that wow you!!!
