50 Song Which Make Me Weak In the Knees

[ThePhanastasio]

Saw some similar list-age going on, and feel bad for not having contributed extensively to the music forums of late. I'm still working on the albums list, but I'm trying to get five of 'em finished before I start posting again, and am at 3. I don't want to get that behind again.

Anyway, this is it. 50 songs that make me weak in the knees. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER. Songs, which if personified, I'd probably take out on a nice dinner date without the explicit expectation of getting a little something afterwards. These are the songs that are so good, I'd wine 'em and dine 'em.

Again, these are in NO PARTICULAR ORDER.

50.) Esben & The Witch - Marching Song

There's just something about this one which has earned it a spot on my music player and various mix CDs since initially hearing it in a post by...I believe CanwllCorfe. It's quite dark in its way, intense with a sort of slower urgency for much of the song, and just absolutely fantastic. I also recommend the full album from these guys.

49.) Aarni - Anima

Superb experimental doom metal from Finland. Fantastic atmosphere and just gorgeous in my humble opinion. Listening to this on headphones is a very, very positive experience to be sure. It's certainly lovely, but it always feels quite sad to me in its beauty.

48.) The Mountain Goats - Oceanographer's Choice

This is probably my favorite Mountain Goats track. Lyrically, musically...it all comes together for me in a way that their other tracks do, but this one is to a far greater extent. There are at least a dozen lines in this particular song which give me chills. Fantabulous.

47.) cLOUDDEAD - Rifle Eyes

I feel as though I've already posted this one at some point, but it certainly deserves its spot on my list. This is the cLOUDDEAD track which has easily earned the most listens from me over time. There's something very special about this one.

46.) John Coltrane - Equinox

Classic Coltrane, but it's classic for a reason; it's that damn good. This is lounging around music. Huddling in darkened corners of a smokey room, scribbling into your notebook, and drinking a glass of Jack, unable to stop your foot from tapping and head from swaying. Top notch stuff, and certainly Coltrane is one of my favorite jazz musicians in general.

45.) Jethro Tull - A Song For Jeffrey

It seems that most either love or hate Jethro Tull, without much of a middle ground between. This from their debut album is one which I absolutely adore. Great Anderson flute, and definitely something I can groove to. Fantastic.

44.) Witchcraft - The Snake

Anyone with a soft spot for Sabbath or other '70s doom acts will find this right up their alley. Something about this particular Witchcraft track also stands out to me as being especially enjoyable and excellent. Kind of short, sweet, and succinct. Quality, to be sure.

43.) Radiohead - Idioteque

I feel that pretty much everyone on here will be familiar with this one, but I've been on a mad Kid A kick recently, and wouldn't have felt right omitting this one. Killer track, and one that has also been stuck in my head for weeks.

42.) CocoRosie - Lemonade

Of this song, a friend of mine described the vocals of the lady who sings the chorus as sounding to be "The ghost of a female lounge singer," and her sister who sings the verses as sounding like "The ghost of a lounge singer who was also possessed by a demon," and I can't say I completely disagree with him. I do think that this song is fantastically killer, though - caught in some place between freak folk and trip hop that makes my insides squirm with glee. Plus, I fucking love lemonade.

41.) The Grateful Dead - Box of Rain

This particular song is absolutely gorgeous and fantastic. Superb in most every way, and the perfect song to come on while driving on the interstate from Kentucky to West Virginia for some reason. I possess no shortage of love for this song.

[ThePhanastasio]

40.) Hawkwind - D-Rider

Let me go ahead and get it out of the way that I f[size]ucking[/size] love Hawkwind. They're fantastic, and this song is one of my all-time favorite things to listen to with headphones. It's a nice slice of psychedelia that kicks so much ass it's ridiculous. This has been one of my favorite songs since the time I first heard it in late 2004 or so, as a high school senior.

39.) Soft Machine - All White

From their album, Fifth. What a killer opening track! It is one of those songs which gives me chills each time I take a listen. Magnificent.

38.) Forest for the Trees - Dream

This one is a little bit strange, but it's so killer that I feel most anyone could find something they enjoy in the song. I'd suggest fans of Beck take a listen - seeing as this guy was Beck's friend, and actually did this before Beck...and better, in my opinion. Or, at least stranger. I get "better" and "stranger" confused sometimes. Anyway, it's killer and well worth a listen.

37.) Boards of Canada - Roygbiv

Great track from a truly great electronic album. I'll imagine that fans of electronic music in general...or really, anyone who really digs music...will be familiar at least with the band. But on the very off chance you've not heard it - it's killer.

36.) Focus - Hocus Pocus

This is the rare song you'll find that has both a badass riff and bizarrely awesome yodelling. If you're one of those who've not heard this one yet, check it. It rocks quite a lot.

35.) Rhapsody - Guardiani del Destino

While not exceptionally well-versed in symphonic metal, this song has always thrilled me greatly. I like listening to this song while playing Skyrim. It feels like the perfect music for dragon slaying, and becomes absolutely epic. If you're not sold on it, listen to it on headphones while playing Skyrim, because I promise it is absolutely perfect. It's just a fantastic and lovely song in general, I believe, but again...Skyrim is enhanced by it. Just saying.

34.) Monster Magnet - Baby Götterdämmerung

This isn't necessarily one of Monster Magnet's most lauded tracks, but it's my favorite. They were, for a period of time, my absolute favorite band (high school), and this one always stood out to me as being especially epic. Among the doomiest tracks on their Powertrip album. "Killer" is an adjective I've used too many times already in describing these songs...but this is killer.

33.) Blonde Redhead - Falling Man

This track is wicked pissah. His voice isn't perfect by any means, but it's perfect for this song, my favorite Blonde Redhead track at the moment. This has also made its way onto roadtrip mixes, and is a sing-a-long favorite in my group of friends. The subject matter fairly breaks my heart, but the presentation just makes it all so damn good.

32.) Aphex Twin - Cock Ver

From the truly bizarre album Drukqs comes this gem, a hectic, maddening electronic track that I can't get enough of. The tempo changes are wondrous to behold, danceable, but very very very solid for just casual listening.

31.) Eric Dolphy - Gazzeloni

Free jazz that's more easily accessible than a lot that you'll find. Brilliant. Still some semblance of melody and rhythm. Very listenable as far as free form jazz goes, but much more than you'd get from your basic jazz music as far as madness goes...very great track, and one that I'd definitely use if someone wanted a light introduction to free jazz. Or, actually, just that whole album. Out to Lunch is definitely an essential, and way ahead of its time.

[ThePhanastasio]

30.) Ingrid Michaelson - The Chain

I don't know why I like listening to this song so often; it invariably just makes me cry. It's one of those rare tracks I identify with in a very strange and specific way. It's not the best song ever or anything, but the vocal performance is quite emotive, and it's really quite lovely - although very dissimilar to pretty much everything that's come previously on this list.

29.) Richard & Linda Thompson - The End of the Rainbow

Yeah, this one's depressing, too. But even more bleak. At least Ingrid sounded hopeful - there's nothing hopeful about this one. I do, however, think it's one of the most underrated tracks of the 70s. Richard Thompson is - in addition to being a criminally underlauded guitarist - a brilliant lyricist and better than average vocalist.

28.) Earth - The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull

The first time I ever heard this song, I was truly awed. It's so close to perfection that I can hardly believe that I'm hearing it...while certainly great to smoke up to, I enjoy listening to this song while going to sleep, while writing, while sitting at the house all alone, nothing to do but listen to great music...it's just one of those songs to me. Stoner, droney...call it what you like in that respect, but certainly modify that by calling it "excellent". Hopefully, that's a label most can agree on. What a fucking fantastic album closer!

27.) Neutral Milk Hotel - Oh Comely

For me, this track is the highlight of the album. I'm fairly certain this is another one that many or most of you would be quite familiar with, but it's exceptional. It's certainly worth mentioning.

26.) The Decemberists - Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)

Lovely, sad, yet strangely upbeat, this song will always have a place in my heart and in my music library. The duelling vocals and lyrics, coupled with some solid musicianship overall make this a truly special song.

25.) The World Is a Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid To Die - Walnut Street Is Dead (Long Live Walnut Street)

The name of this band was off-putting to me, but when I finally gave them a listen, they won me over. They have a good sound. This is probably my favorite track from their EP. Pretty dank stuff.

24.) Amanda Palmer - Blake Says

This song has the distinction of making me cry the most of pretty much any song I've ever heard. The line, "He tells me that he's fine; the sad thing is he's right," hits me every single time, and reduces me to a sobby mess. I don't know. I love it. Sometimes you just need to cry.

23.) Young Hunting - Sonata

I've no delusions that this is the best song ever written or anything, but I do think it's really, really great...and, as such, I'd like to introduce it to more people. It's quite lovely.

22.) System of a Down - Question!

My favorite from Mezmerize, and a SOAD song that isn't nearly as lauded as it deserves. It's fantastically gorgeous, superb vocals by Tankian...just...wow. This is one of their best, if not their absolute best in my eyes. Maybe falling a little short of a few songs on their self-titled. Anyway, I'm rambling. This song rocks.

21.) Regina Spektor - Oedipus

Easily my favorite Regina Spektor track. EASILY. Well, actually, I guess "Chemo Limo" could make a solid case for my affections, but this one is my favorite right now. If you've only ever heard Soviet Kitsch and/or her two more recent efforts, you possibly wouldn't be familiar with this one...but it's well worth a listen for anyone who thinks they may be into some Regina Spektor.

[ThePhanastasio]

20.) The Beau Brummels - Only Dreaming Now

Take a trip back to 1967 with me, if you will. This song was absolutely fantastic, one that was tragically buried in the pile of so many other bands who were trying to be an American answer to a little band you may have heard of called The Beatles. This, though, I feel has the distinction of being, well, excellent. Triangle is a wonderful album.

19.) Tim Buckley - Hallucinations

Another gem from 1967. This is the father of Jeff Buckley, who possessed quite possibly one of the most beautiful voices in music history. This is during his more "psych-folk" influenced years, although he explored numerous genres throughout his career. This album, though, is my favorite of his, this song absolutely wondrous.

18.) The Electric Prunes - I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night

Holy shit, another from 1967! Either that was an excellent year for music, or I've just got a hard-on for the late sixties. Regardless, this song is classic.

17.) King Crimson - 21st Century Schizoid Man

Now THIS is some epic prog! From what I've gathered, this a classic in the genre, but it's so excellent, I knew it needed to be on this list.

16.) Mos Def - Mathematics

Superb lyricism, flow, and subject matter. I fucking love this song.

15.) Jaco Pastorius - Come On, Come Over

One of my absolute favorite bassists of all time. This song is superb for getting asses shaking, and is one of my top tracks to listen to - never fails to put a smile on my face.

14.) Richard Thompson - Gethsemane

This song is beyond merely wonderful; it's damn near perfection. Some of my favorite lyrics ever, and sublime guitar work from Mr. Thompson. This song is kind of the man.

13.) Elvis Costello - Brilliant Mistake

This has made its way on so many of my driving playlists, I can't in good conscience exclude it from a list like this. In addition, every single time it comes on and I'm driving, I have the distinct feeling that I'm living in an indie film.

12.) David Lynch feat. Karen O. - Pinky's Dream

I really love this song so much that I have issues putting it into words. There's just something about it. From the moment I first heard it...I knew it was love.

11.) Cat Stevens - Sad Lisa

This really is a song that I'm in love with. It's sentimental, almost sappy, but I dig it.

[ThePhanastasio]

10.) Queen - The Prophet's Song

A track from what is probably the band's most famous album, and more on the epic and intricate side of things. One reason this poor gem may be often ofterlooked is the likewise epic "Bohemian Rhapsody" which appears on the same album. This is a freaking awesome track, though. The middle section is quite bizarre, but definitely something I am totally down with.

9.) Themselves - It's Them

This track is certainly what got me mad into Anticon. I'd previously dug on some of DoseOne's solo material, but hadn't really bothered to look into the label as a whole. This was recommended to me, and I was awed. Rapping over a bizarre time signature with strange poetry is something that absolutely appeals to my ears.

8.) Phish - Stash

A song made only a million times more killer by some perfectly placed piano fills by Mr. Page McConnell - in addition to exceptional playing by the rest of the band. It's hella awesome, in my opinion.

7.) Julia Nunes - Balloons

Not horribly complex, but her voice really does something for me. Ignore that the only video I could find of the song in question that wasn't live involved some random chick doing sign language to the song...anyway, love it.

6.) Jeremy Messersmith - Organ Donor

I just adore this one. Dark subject matter to be sure (the whole album is kind of a downer in that respect) but still fantastic. His voice reminds me a little of Elliott Smith.

5.) Woods of Desolation - Somehow

Somewhat angsty name, but they're pretty killer. They're apparently described as "atmospheric black metal", but I don't know if that's how I'd describe 'em; I'd probably just say they were killer, and quite beautiful in their way.

4.) Porcupine Tree - Gravity Eyelids

Just an all around fantastic proggy track. This song...seriously, it never gets old to me. I'd say that if you dig on Dream Theater and Pink Floyd, you could definitely get behind this...if you're not already a fan, that is!

3.) The Polyphonic Spree - Two Thousand Places

This is possibly the most uplifting song in my music collection. It's not uplifting in such a way that you're compelled to dance, so much as in the desire to grin from ear to ear, so happy to be alive, and throw your fist victoriously into the air. It. Is. Killer.

2.) Gene Wilder - Pure Imagination

Okay, so this is a track from a movie soundtrack - Willy Wonka. Oh well. It is absolutely on a list of my favorite songs. It reminds me of so many wonderful things, and is just lovely. Nothing more, and nothing less.

1.) Gogol Bordello - Through the Roof 'N Underground

The amount of singing along to this song my friends and I have done over the path months is sheer madness. Such an awesome song.

[Goofle]

Great list! Shall check out those that I haven't heard.

[jackhammer]

Talk about a splurge of activity! Brilliant.

I will go back to a few tracks but Jethro Tull - Song For Geffery? Man I have loved this track ever since I heard it years back. Simple but exquisitely groovy. Superb choice.

This track from the band Wolf People has that same easy going but groovy vibe and not just because of the flute although it does sound like Jethro Tull with that bluesy undertone:


We shall commence battle on Hawkwind some other time as I am a huge fan ( wearing my Hawkwind T shirt right now!) and I can think of much better tracks but still loving the list.

Should this be a Journal? It should be.

[Burning Down]

I've briefly skimmed over the list of songs, and I see some real gems on there. NMH, Richard Thompson, Jaco Pastorius, King Crimson, John Coltrane, Regina Spektor... wow. I'm going to listen to all of them though, when I have some more time.