Good Singles. Good.

Singles are a lot tougher to pick, and justify, than albums. But I don't have to justify them, now do I. These are a bunch of songs I like for no particular reason (Ten Good Angry Songs and Ten Good Dancing Songs are on their way, hold your breath kiddies!).

	The Beatles - I Want You (She's So Heavy) [from Abbey Road] This is possibly my favourite song of all time, and definitely my favourite Beatles track. I learned to love it in late '95 and it's just got better and better since. The baseline is devastating, the lyrics repetitious but that makes it all the better. Bliss! Best Lyric: "I want you, I want you so bad it's driving me mad..."
Smalltown Poets - Scenario [from Smalltown Poets] I love this song because I've listened to the album regularly since 1998 and every, every time this song sticks out to me. Smalltown Poets are great in that every album deals with every stupid little thing you're feeling, in a good way - and this track does it all in one song. Best Lyric: "Deepest apologies, and sincere regret, for carrying this debt..."
	Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue [from Blood On The Tracks] Another song I've never, ever got sick of; despite listening to it on repeat for entire afternoons. BD is one kick-ass lyricist and never is it more apparent than on this track, oh my stars. I want to hear it right now. Best Lyric: "We always did feel the same, we just saw it from a different point of view..."
Jars Of Clay - Worlds Apart [from Jars Of Clay] This is kind of a depressing Christian song, but real purty all the same. It rounds off the album really nicely, is poetic while not being sappy, and prayerful without being in-your face. And more importantly, it's beautiful music. Best Lyric: "Watch the world I used to love, fall to dust and thrown away..."
	Elton John - Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny) [from Jump Up] A favourite from the 80's that's recently resurfaced, I've found new and gorgeous things in this little beauty. It's the kind of song that'll make everyone cry at your funeral even if they didn't like you much. Which is why I want it at mine. Best Lyric: "It's funny how one insect can damage so much grain..."
Dandy Warhols - Bohemian Like You [from Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia] This is a funky song, great for driving or poetry or happy days or summer or anything. It's the kind of song I wish I had more opportunity to play gigundo loud - office etiquette prevents these things. Maybe one day. Best Lyric: "I'll have 'em cook you something that you really love, cos I like you..."
	Neil Young - Birds [from After The Gold Rush] If there was a movie of my life, this would be on the soundtrack in the moment of vague poignancy. Simple and gorgeous, it can be contemplative when you're depressed but otherwise it's just plain beautiful. One of his best. Best Lyric: "Feathers fall around you, and show you the way to go..."
Ash - Oh Yeah [from 1977] My secret passion for Britpop, exposed! This track came as a complete surprise to me in 1999, and I haven't stopped listening to it yet. It's nice and simple and basic and summer rock-y. Very, very, my kind of thing. Best Lyric: "And hear the sighing of the summer wind, still I don't regret one thing..."
	Semisonic - DND [from Feeling Strangely Fine] This song personifies me, at 680, sitting on my bedroom windowsill with a cigarette and a beer, contemplating my crazy overzealous life. I like this song, although it pangs me, because it reminds me of... then. Best Lyric: "How like you to make everything seem so clear..."
REM - What's The Frequency, Kenneth? [from Monster] Yay Kenneth! First heard this one in the winter of 1995 simply because it had a weird name. It didn't strike me right away, and suddenly one day six years later, I completely loved it. One of my favourite driving/smoking songs ever. Best Line: "I never understood the frequency..."

[back to Chelly's Tens]