the ones I turn up loud...

I liked Waiting for Cider's idea... paying homage to the songs that you just can get enough of. For me, my list is lengthy and ever-changing. But, here are some of my absolute favorites:

500 Miles by The Proclaimers - It's been one of my favorite songs since I first heard it in the 90's. I danced to it then, and I dance to it now. It was the first song played at my wedding reception. You just can't stand still when you hear that bass.


The Way You Make Me Feel & Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson - My family can vouch for me: I was a Michael Jackson fiend. Black rolled-up jeans: had 'em. Black hat: check. White socks: you better believe it. I dressed like him. I pretended to sing like him (it helped that he was exactly in my range). I had a pretend microphone stand because of him. He was a great musician... if not the best one ever. I love most of his songs, but these two, for me, are as good as it gets.


Thunderstruck by AC/DC - Perhaps the greatest rock band of all time (Aerosmith also comes close... see below), AC/DC came into my life when my husband did. I heard this song and could not get it out of my head. It's catchy, it's rockin', and it makes me wish I could play the guitar half as good as Angus, the fifty-something-year old guitar player. They've been together over thirty years, and they rock like they're twenty. The best part .... they're better live than in studio. That's a tell-tale sign of a good band.


Dude Looks Like A Lady by Aerosmith - I'm ignoring all the latest "Steven Tyler is no longer a part of Aerosmith" bologne. The fact is... Aerosmith is nothing without Steven Tyler. I was fortunate enough to see these guys in concert last summer, and man.... they blew my socks off. I waited two hours in the pouring rain (severe thunderstorm warning and all) to see them, and they did not disappoint. Aerosmith is another band that sounds EXACTLY the same live as they do on their cd's. And this song, in particular, always gets me going. And the bitchin' horn section just makes the song.

The Luckiest by Ben Folds - Always soulful and perfect in his imperfections, Ben Folds is my all-time favorite. He's a master musician.... he understands theory and music at its core. I have the utmost appreciate for him, as he does everything himself. He plays most of his instruments (he's proficient at piano, drums, and guitar), and he's a gifted composer and lyrisist. He can make a one-man piano show rock so hard, you will wonder why you quit piano lessons in the fourth grade. I still regret it to this day.... 

I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You by Colin Hay - If I ever wrote a movie script, my movie would have this song as it's opener. Quiet and unassuming, this song makes you listen to its lyrics, and you realize how much you can relate to this song. And, of course, Colin Hay's slight Austrailian accent and slightly gruff voice makes it feel so personal... just like you're listening to him tell a story.   


Let Him Fly by the Dixie Chicks - It's a guilty pleasure of mine. I belt this one out whenever I'm home alone. I love that bluegrass influence and how simple the song is. Sometimes, just simple vocals and simple harmonies make the best songs. This one is an example of that. 


Leave by Glen Hansard - The movie, Once, was an awaking for me.... it solidified my love of Irish folk-rock. Artists like Damien Rice also fall into this category. This is the greatest break-up song.


Animals by Nickelback - Another guilty pleasure of mine. I know Nickelback catches a lot of flack from haters, but they seriously know how to rock. I've heard a recording live, and they still rock it. It's a horribly dirty song, but man, the drums and bass in this song will absolutely make you move. Need a good workout song? This one is it!


Okay, okay, I realize this post has taken on a mind of its own... sorry for the length. I could have added so many more, so here's the "runners-up" list.


Gardenia - Mandy Moore
Kerosine - Miranda Lambert
I Can't Dance - Phil Collins
La Grange - ZZ Top
Heatseeker & A Whole Lotta Rosie - AC/DC