Top 10 Favourite Recordings/Tunes/Songs/Pieces

[deletedprofile.u]

Inspired by the top 10/25 threads of games, but now....music! Don't need to be in any particular order. Try and think of the ten songs you couldn't live without/ would be the only ten you would ever listen to if you were stuck with only ten.

My tentative top 10 (in no particular order):

: Every Piece Matters - Plini
     This is a tune I heard upon it's release a few months ago, previously knowing who Plini was. He had this addition to his song where he'd accept hundreds of vocal parts for the choir section of the tune, and you'd get your name featured in the credits. I was too lazy to remember this and submit on time  , but I still downloaded the sample melody. I looped it hundreds of times and really tried to understand it. I will never forget the wave of awe and intrigue that washed over me when the tune was released and I gave it a full listen for the first time. The difference between the "shell" of the melody and the real final product was just astounding to me. This easily makes my top 10.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RggRFyVUiZA

: The First Circle - Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band
     This is a tune that was introduced to me in September 2013 as a type of "goal tune" that our big band may or may not play by the end of the year, depending on our progress as a team. I distinctly remember reading through the music going "Holy fuck, he wants us to play THIS?!". After listening to it I immediately fell in love. I used my love of this tune as a kind of motivation through my last year of jazz school to hustle and get all my work done so I could come back and learn more and more of it until finally we all learned it, played it, and (at least I) had a true and profound musical experience with it. This song is (in my opinion), is a perfect representation of a full story arc that instrumented (non-vocal) music can display and represent. It begins simply and just cascades through so many layers of emotion and articulation that I really haven't heard in anything else to this day. I highly recommend this one if you're into really progressive music and enjoy the sounds of a big band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF2Uf4T1PPk
 
: The South of Everywhere - Jonathan Kreisberg
    This tune in particular may stand out as being my favourite piece of music of all time. The studio version is how I was introduced to it: as the opening track of the album of the same name. The sound of modern jazz is extremely strong in this tune. Being in 5/4, and the melody as it is, just gives the entirety of the tune a constant willingness and push to continue. The solos are remarkable; they build and fall wonderfully. The sound of an alto saxophone and guitar are really, really cool. Well worth a listen. Here's the studio and my preferred live version, respectively:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX4R8N-GWEU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5WXa_B37LY

: Fallen - Volbeat
    I was introduced to Volbeat back in 2012 and immediately gravitated towards THIS tune out of all their others at the time. Despite Volbeat being a particularly heavy band, this softer, more lovely tune was an outlier. As the first song with lyrics in my list, it may be shocking, lol. If the lyrical melody were made into instrumentation, the tune would still stand tall and proud on this list. However, listening to the lyrics, it doesn't tell much of a story but rather a few facts within a story. It talks about someone losing their dad, and keeping on with their life through the struggle of the loss. My dad is my friggin' hero, and I find it difficult imagining a world without him, but I keep this tune close nonetheless, as it relates to loss and prevailing when times are tough. Well worth a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnhoU87OmYU

: The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress - Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny
     Yeah, I know. ANOTHER jazz tune. But come on, it's Pat Metheny and Charlie fucking Haden. This was the first jazz tune to ever bring tears to my eyes. If there's a story here, it's entirely up to the listener to determine how it suits them. It's a simple and beautiful tune, and that's all there is to it. Great for long walks or relaxing with a book.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co443J6cozg

: Nightmare - Avenged Sevenfold
     I'm not like many people when they can relate to how they first heard this song. I first heard it on August 25th, 2010 at Uproar Fest in Toronto. I only knew maybe 3 Avenged tunes at the time, but I shortly became obsessed with their music shortly after. This was the opening tune of their performance (which was 2nd last, just before Disturbed was to take the stage), and the video of it, although sketchy, can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRh7R2zlBfU . Although that particular video isn't the date at Toronto, it's the best one that gives you a clear image (Starting at 0:42) of the theatrics, showmanship, and dark vibe of the group. Dude just fucking hops off the balcony and appears to hang himself (can you imagine being the guy who travels with the band on the tour doing that, lol).
     Anyways this tune marked the start of my exceeded expectations of the band, their atmosphere, and their music. The implied creepiness and darkness in their music is magnetic. Definitely worth a listen to those who haven't either heard of this band, or have but haven't given this tune a go yet.
Studio version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94bGzWyHbu0

: Binky - Snarky Puppy
     This is an interesting tune. I feel as though no matter what style of music you enjoy most, this (or parts of it) may grab your fancy. Discovered this one through conversation whilst going through jazz school. The fucking music I've heard because of going there, I swear. It's impossible to live with regret going through 4 years of it and only coming out with a piece of paper, when I have essentially an infinite library of things I've listened to because of it. Anyways this tune encompasses some big band, funk, swing, electronic, and even some dubstep elements. Please give this one a listen if you enjoy music at all  .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ99OMlI5cg

: Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
    Well, what can really be said about this tune if you haven't heard it in your lifetime as of yet. This is one of the most epical tracks to grace humanity. If you haven't heard this yet, UNSHELTER yourself and blast this link I'm about to give you. Being that we're The-Elite, I'm sure the main riff is VERY recognizable to everyone who plays GoldenEye. It's quite literally the exact same progression. Some people even go out as far as mistaking it for the GoldenEye theme song, lol. This tune came out on Led Zeppelin's only double album (discounting their greatest hits record "Mothership"), dubbed "Physical Graffiti". It has a very Eastern sound to it. Robert Planet said that the lyrics were somewhat inspired by a time when he and Jimmy Page went on a trip to Morocco, traveling around and playing with local musicians everywhere. This tune is HUGE, to say the least. Give it a listen at 100% volume.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDwotNLyz10

: Concerning Hobbits - Howard Shore
     Getting towards the end of the (tentative) top ten list of mine, we have the now-famous piece composed by Howard Shore for The Lord of The Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. The main theme/ melody is revered among fans of the trilogy (and The Hobbit as well). It's probably one of the most memorable pieces you've listened to but probably didn't know you did. Even people who aren't fans of the Tolkien cinematic universe can peg this theme when they hear it. I chose to add this to my top ten because it's my original favourite of Howard Shore's, and folks who enjoy and want some more classical music in their lives will love it. Take a trip with this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pGaz_qN0cw

: Puddles For Oceans - Papadosio
     Funnily enough, I would have NEVER been introduced to this tune if not for the butterfly effect. No, not the movie, the actual thing. Consequences/events that happen because of actions previously taken. If I'd not had an interest in Call of Duty (lol) back in late 2013/ early 2014, I would have still not heard this tune to this day. Papadosio, one of THE most obscure genius bands I've come across because of this occurrence, is entirely worth hours of everyone's time. I was watching a player who goes by the name of Clayster (then on team Complexity, a CoD competitive pro team). I distinctly remember this, too, because it was during odd hours of the early morning when I didn't typically hop on Twitch. I heard the tune playing and decided it was time to listen the fuck out of it as much as I could.
Anyways this tune is fantastic. It brings together elements from a few different genres, but it most distinctly has creative and catchy guitar and vocal parts throughout. The drums in this tune are also something to note. Extremely emotional and moving. The irony of the title always makes me smirk because of how I found it. That's life for you I guess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbJTvHKERvw

I'd definitely be able to create a solid Top 25, even a Top 50 list for accuracy, of my top recordings/songs/tunes/pieces, but this is probably the best ten I can think of that really encompasses my musical taste.

Feel free to post!

[flukey lukey]

top 10 favourite songs is insane...

I'll think about this and give it a go (edit in later(

[Spec]

I'll play the "edit later" card too, but locking absolute #1:

Knights of Round - 幽霊楽団 (Phantom Ensemble / Ghostly Band)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EAsuxahjjA
This one I actually consider to be one of the best songs ever made, from a general standpoint. The other 9 do have my bit of personal bias, but not THAT much, otherwise it would contain all the Pump It Up / digital hardcore trash I listen to

The other 9 are in no particular order, just the last one that is more of a 'random pick' than others.

- BanYa - Love is a Danger Zone (Unofficial 'Full Song')
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOQmGhW7ikk
Whoever mixed this deserves a fucking nobel prize. It's the original "love is a danger zone" pump it up song mixed with some sample vocals from a random audio mixing software, which makes you think "WHY are they playing bullshit like taylor swift and nicki minaj in clubs and not THIS?"

- Beethoven Virus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtKCNJmARF0 (original by Diana Boncheva)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfV6lsh6ub0 (PIU short version)
This is THE best classic song remix ever made by far, and a consistent Top 3 most played song on Pump it Up games.

- TatshMusicCircle - FOUR SEASONS OF LONELINESS verβ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hZe0_kxar8
Probably me whoring out songs I've just found out about. But this has been on "repeat one" on my schoolslaving commute way too many times. It just... touches your feelings, you know?

- Feint - Snake Eyes (feat. CoMa)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvq7Jy-TFAU
An INSANE drum'n'bass song. This still gives me shivers whenever I listen to it.

- TwoThirds - Waking Dreams (Feat. Laura Brehm) (Drum & Bass VIP Mix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HLlb4Mu3og
Another d'n'b insanity. This one isn't that hardcore, and has a more cheerful, happy emotion in it. I recommend checking out Laura Brehm's stuff, she's a really good singer.

- Lost Witness vs. Sassot - Whatever (Aly & Fila Remix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNn9ZTX6QO8
The BEST trance music I've ever heard.

- 2playa'z - Tune
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QVz3t0bg3w
The BEST hardstyle music I've ever heard. If you don't fry up to this song you might not just be into music at all!

- Coldplay - Talk (Unreleased)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-BN6gqoHaY
Unlike the mainstream-poppy-adjusted crap that is the original version, this one has a "darker" melody in it, including different lyrics, that actually mean something!

- Talla 2XLC vs. Carl B. feat. Katie Marne ‎- Giving Up Giving In (Sean Tyas Vocal Remix)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n71L6ybGfok
Wild Card, because I couldn't think of the 10th. But for some reason this makes me cry more often than I can admit.

[flukey lukey]

This list was excruciatingly difficult to compile. I basically had to separate the records which have had a significant impact on my life and/or changed/advanced the way I look at music from records I simply love to listen to. To illustrate this, The Beatles are one of my favourite bands of all-time, and I love playing almost all of their albums, but no single song of theirs made my list.

Write-ups for each individual pick to come on the weekend. Thanks for reading.

Frownland - Captain Beefheart & His Magic band - Trout Mask Replica [1969]

- The famous opener from the incomparable Trout Mask Replica album by The Captain is probably my favourite song/piece of all time. I've listened to this song too many times to count. When I first heard it at my brothers place back in 2010 it sounded so weird I thought I had it playing backwards. It wasn't the right environment for careful listening so I took the album back to my bedroom and gave it another spin with headphones this time. Most music requires some time for the listener to digest all of the information flying at them before they can form a concrete image of the "song" in their brain. Beefheart's music from the late 60's / early 70's is no exception to this, almost to the point where an infinite number of listens still won't provide the listener with a perfect image of the composition because it is so abstract.

It's such a frantic and multi-layered composition. At first it sounds as if the Magic Band is playing randomly, with Beefheart wailing over the top and out of sync with the band. What you get from close listening however is that the band is in fact playing an incredibly complex but precise arrangement of notes which are layered on top of each other in different time signatures and dynamics. The two lead guitars are in constant competition with each other - each playing opposing "melodies" or "clusters" which repeat for a number of bars before switching to a new cluster. This forms the backbone of the track. Then there is the bass which pretty much does whatever the hell it wants, climbing frantically and furiously around in an atonal manner. Sometimes after about 5 seconds of the song starting I burst out laughing, (It's one of the only songs I know which can consistently make me smile / laugh). It contains so much humour - like the rest of the album. The drums are even crazier than the bass. John French or Drumbo manages to somehow pull the guitars together into a cohesive whole, while at the same time having a seizure on the kit.

And then there's Beefheart's vocals, some of my favourite lyrics of all time where he roars about the light side and the dark side of existence, and the urge to stay in the light:

My smile is stuck
I cannot go back to your Frownland

[...]

I cannot go back to your land of gloom
Where black jagged shadows
Remind me of the coming of your doom
I want my own land


Man's connection with nature:

My spirit’s made up of the ocean
And the sky ‘n’ the sun ‘n’ the moon
‘n’ all my eyes can see


And for humanity to coexist peacefully within nature:

Where a man can stand by another man
Without an ego flying
With no man lying
‘n’ no one dying by an earthly hand
Let the devils burn and the beggar learn
‘n’ the little girls that live in those old worlds
Take my kind hand


Frownland is such a positive vision for the future of humanity without coming across as contrived or pretentious. One of the most powerful opening songs of an album I've ever heard, and one which resonated both early on with me, but grew so much stronger with time. The perfect song to take along to a desert island because with each listen comes further understanding, and there's no risk of overplaying it because it will probably make you nauseous.


No More Sorry - My Bloody Valentine - Isn't Anything [1988]

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Beside You - Van Morrison - Astral Weeks [1968]

-


New Grass - Talk Talk - Laughing Stock [1991]

-


Aguirre I - Popol Vuh - Aguirre [1975]

-


The Big Ship - Eno - Another Green World [1975]

-


Blue Thunder - Galaxie 500 - On Fire [1989]

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Place To Be - Nick Drake - Pink Moon [1972]

-


Heroin - The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground and Nico [1967]

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Dramamine - Modest Mouse - This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About [1996]

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[Retrix]

Found a song that left 14 year old me hysterical the first time I heard it:

This is too hard, but here's some songs I still like from middle school thru college:
In the end
All I want - the offspring
The Phrase that pays - the academy is...
What it's like - everlast
Winning Run (Arranged) - ragitsu
Play that funky music - wild cherry
Por Que No? - Martillo vago
I'm on a boat - the lonely island
F.T.S. - showtek (gary d mix/techno 18)
Promise - matchbook romance

In no particular order. Also that first vid isn't really on the list.

[Aztec Exemplar]

Midnight in a Perfect World - DJ Shadow

Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix) - Kanye West Ft. Jay Z

Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz

Infinite - Eminem

Living in The World Today - GZA ft. Method Man & RZA

Lynguistics - Cunninlynguists

Dead Presidents I - Jay Z

Rhubarb - Aphex Twin

The Message - Nas

Solitude (instrumental) - Madlib

-

Will do explanations later.

[Spec]

edited my post

[flukey lukey]

Added a write-up for Frownland, will probably add 1 per night.

[007]

Remote Control - Age of Electric
Rooster - Alice in Chains
Just What I Needed - The Cars
For Those About To Rock - AC/DC
Ramble on - Led Zeppelin
Tom Sawyer - RUSH
Dani California - RHCP
Mouth for War - PANTERA
Moonlight Sonata - Beethoven
Everyone's a Junkie - Our Lady Peace