My Cheating Heart

Parisian Cowboy tagged me with this meme in which I am supposed to mention my 5 favorite songs. If I do it, he'll buy me a beer next time I'm in Paris (which would also be the first time).

I really suck at favorites, so I ‘ve compiled a list of 5 favorite studio recordings and 5 favorite live songs. I know, I’m complicated and annoying… It's why I'm single.

Recorded:

1. Townes Van Zandt “Where I Lead Me” Delta Momma Blues A man, a guitar, a strong song and raw emotion... What else do you need?

2. PJ Harvey “Oh, My Lover” Dry ("say my name, tell me it’s alright…") A woman, a guitar, a passionate wet, wave of a song and raw emotion... What else do you need?

3. Led Zeppelin “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You”

OK... I seem to have a theme with the raw emotion and guitars happening here. But I think this is the song where Page's guitar, Plant's voice and Bonham's drums truly come together and hold you fast to your pain.

4. U2 “Bad” The Unforgettable Fire

Maybe this seems like a very average kind of choice, but when this song comes on the radio I turn up the volume and sing at the top of my lungs and I don't care if all of the people are staring at me. Please play it at my funeral.

5. Sly and the Family Stone “If You Want Me To Stay” Fresh

I've already blogged about this song before. Listen and your ass will move of its own accord.

Live

1. Sam Cooke “Bring It On Home” (the live version used in the opening scene of the movie Ali) It makes my heart split open and it is hot and tight.

2. Morphine “All Wrong” Double Door, September 1994 Mark Sandman on 2 string slide bass, Dana Colley playing 2 saxophones at the same time and Billy Conway on percussion. I went with my dear and devious friend Ramón, we got in for free and we were young and cool then. This song gave me the shivers.

3. Ani DiFranco “Swan Dive” Living In Clip

One of my theme songs. Ani may be a folky feminist, but she has chops. The recorded version of this song is pretty bland, but the live version is all power chords and percussion and witty Difraconian lyrics.

4. Of Montreal “Bunny Ain’t No Kind of Rider” Pitchfork Music Festival 2007

If this band comes within 200 miles of where you are, go see them right away. Their albums are good, but live they have a much bigger, heavier sound -- lots more guitar and percussion. And Kevin Barnes (songwriter/ founder) may be prancing around in lady's underwear but he will dominate you when he performs. The live show includes a bevy of interpretive dancers, multiple costume changes, paint, glitter and big sound. "Bunny..." had me dancing in the aisles and I had never heard of this band before.

5. The Who “A Quick One While He’s Away” The Rolling Stones Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus

The Who had just come back from a long stretch on the road and they were at their musical peak and blew the Stones (and everyone else) out of the water. "A Quick One..." is one of Townsend's earlier attempts at the rock opera and it is lush and intelligent. The refrain "You Are Forgiven" truly imparts a sense of redemption.

Okay... I'm supposed to tag 5 bloggers to write their 5 favorite songs (or if you have to be a big, dorky cheater like me, feel free) so I tag Pavel Chekov -- b/c you gave up space for music -- and everybody on my side bar of links, consider yourself tagged, and anyone else who sees this and wants to play, I hereby solemnly tag you.

Have fun!