If you could host Rage....pick 30 songs
Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:48 amBlind Melon – No Rain
Shannon Hoon’s lament for his depressed friend hit a chord via its film clip, which featured a little bumblebee. The song came on the wave of the ‘alternative’ explosion started by Nirvana. Played heavily at the surprise 16th birthday of my future wife.
Urge Overkill – Sister Havana
Another song from the same era. It’s a classic rock song. Great lyrics and great guitar riffs. Unlike Blind Melon who received a boost through Nirvana, this band suffered by comparison. Rock wasn’t cool when grunge exploded.
RATM – Killing In The Name Of
A killer political track which brought Zac De la Rocha’s band to prominence, and became a rallying cry for angry teens (or those who thought they were angry) right across the world. The neighbours hated it.
Tom Jones – It’s Not Unusual
Some might see the inclusion of this classic pop/lounge song as a bit of a pi** take, but I’m a genuine fan. A regular karaoke favourite, and a legacy of listening to my parents’ music. I still think Tom’s a genuine star and love his pop abilities.
Although he could well be the male version of Cher.
Beastie Boys – Sabotage
People may dislike the Beastie Boys for their early brat rap/punk days. But this single really highlighted their musical development, insatiable beats and a classic film clip make this an essential track. It heralded their arrival as a cultural touchstone and returned them from the underground, where they’d been with previous album Check Your Head.
Nick Cave – The Ship Song
The most beautiful song that I have ever known. Mel hates it. I can’t understand why. A classic love song, that never tires. Should be played at my funeral. First heard in my early Triple J listening days. Then on The Good Son album which I taped off a friend’s dad. Even better was that my mum would let me play it in the car.
Killers – Mr Brightside
A more modern track. The Killers debut album is one of the best pop albums of the new decade. Brilliant songs, for singing along to and dancing. As well as reflection. A song Mel and I dance to regularly.
Blur – There’s No Other Way
One of the earliest songs from the Britpop legends. Introduced me to the new British scene. For a while with Oasis challenging – it was like the Beatles and the Stones all over again. At the same time I found out about The Inspiral Carpets, Carter USM, The Wonderstuff and The Happy Mondays.
Oasis – Whatever
I think this song may actually have originally been a B-side. As it doesn’t appear on either of Oasis’ first albums. But a very special song, which was important to me at the time as I was further developing my individuality. Also a personal touchstone for a very special friend of mine.
Billy Bragg – Accident Waiting to Happen
The opening track from the brilliant album Don’t Try This At Home. And while I could have chosen the first single from the album, Sexuality, which is one of my all time favourites, I picked this song. I love the lyrics and for me the tale of someone who’s got too big for their boots and forgotten about where they came from is one to savour. I’ve still never seen Billy Bragg live – one of my major regrets. I was supposed to see him on this tour, but that fell through.
Redgum – Poor Ned
Another left wing artist – my political leanings are ever so evident here. Again I could have picked the more obvious choice – I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green), a favourite. But chose the tale of Ned Kelly – a story which is close to my heart because of my family history. Redgum had a way of writing for the everyman and their songs remain as important today as they did when originally released. Plus they’re from Adelaide!
The Kingston Trio – Tom Dooley
Another of the songs that I blame my parents for! But I love it. The essence of Calypso music, which later became reggae, and the tale of a man done wrong (think a Calypso Hey Joe) and paying for it. It’s a song I’m sure Nick Cave would’ve loved.
Olivia Newton John – Physical
The first song I can ever remember consciously recognising. I was four at the oldest and obviously had no idea what ONJ meant by ‘getting physical’. I believed the film clip and the fact it was about aerobics. I recently acquired the LP, which has a cool fold out cover of ONJ in an aerobics outfit at the beach (???).
Scatterbrain – Don’t Call Me Dude
One of the few metal songs in my list – but this song is classic comic book metal. Loved the song and it spoke volumes (although not deliberately) about the continued Americanisation of our Aussie language and culture. I also used the lyrics from this song in a year 10 English poetry assignment.
Disposable Heroes….- Television
Michael Franti’s second outfit (after the Beatnigs), and one of the hardest hitting songs you’ll ever hear. Came out in an era when political comment was important in hip hop. And had some amazing lines – and still very relevant today when you consider our Big Brother tv culture.
Buzzcocks – Ever Fallen In Love With Someone (You Shouldn’t Have)
Well have you? Buzzcocks, very under rated in the punk/new wave era. Wrote very good pop songs, behind all the fuzz of their punk guitars. Again, could have picked a more popular song from this band (Orgasm Addict). But this one just sings about something most of us can relate to.
Shihad – Mind’s Sedate
Almost complements Television as a political note. This song’s powerful and Shihad just belt it out. Been the performance highlight of two gigs that I’ve seen them at, including one where I was able to watch the intensity from side of stage.
Ratcat – That Ain’t Bad
Pop punk classic. Broke these boys from Sydney and reintroduced new Australian rock to the charts at a time when Farnesy and Barnesy and syrupy songs dominated. Again, some might say the Nirvana era ended their chart hopes – as the fringe kids found something even more to their liking and closer to the alienation they felt from the charts.
Slim Dusty - Little Boy Lost
A beautiful ballad that is based on a true Australian story. One I can remember from travelling with my parents on holidays to destinations such as Ballarat, Canberra and the Gold Coast.
Dandy Warhols – Bohemian Like You
Just when the attraction of the Hollywood slacker seemed to have abated, these guys rocked up with this brilliant pop song. A great ‘singalong dancealong song’, to coin a phrase. From the Dandy’s third album 13 Tales of Urban Bohemia which really put the band on the fast track to success. Not much else following has reflected the brilliance of their number two and three albums.
Tina Arena – Sorrento Moon
Probably the biggest surprise of any of the tracks on this list. Sorrento Moon is a beautiful song, performed by an angel. It’s the only time I’ve ever liked Tina Arena. It hits a mark and maintains it throughout. Was on high rotation in 1995 on 5AD – therefore at Fasta Pasta Salisbury.
Violent Femmes – Add It Up
One of the very first ‘alternative’ songs I can recall hearing regularly. Was around 14 or 15 and doesn’t it speak volumes to any teenage, pimply faced virgin! I became a big fan of the Femmes and their almost folk rock style. Great songs and energetic live performers. It disheartens me to see one of their songs Blister in the Sun currently used in a credit union ad. or some such inane product.
Pulp – Disco 2000 & 24. Pulp – Common People
What can you say about these songs from 1996? Very popular at Pop Nightclub in Adelaide and there’s always time to dance to these tunes. They’re still late night favourites in the McLean household. Both songs speak to me in different ways about love lost and pretending to be someone you’re not.
Electric 6 – Gay Bar
A bit of a joke song this – but it’s one my best mate Oggie and I always dance up a storm too. He gets a phone message whenever it’s on in my vicinity. We once broke a coffee table dancing on it to this song. I endlessly try and analyse the film clip and the lyrics – hundreds of dancing Abraham Lincolns. Could it possibly have something to do with political America’s inability to accept homosexuality?
Public Enemy – Fight The Power
Public Enemy are sonically outstanding. You may say what these hip-hopsters are singing about Black America has no relevance to me, a White Australian. But coming from Elizabeth, you learn all about the stereotypes that a group such as this are railing against. An awesome track with brilliant samples and mixing that hits hard every time.
Spiderbait – Ol’ Man Sam
One of Australia’s great Independent music successes. This group writes funny, whimsical pop ditties. In this song the refrain’s “Johnny Cash, now he was smashed†and “Elvis was big and fat, big and fat, so how about thatâ€, captured my attention for the first time in the back of brown Camira beetling over median strips through our leafy eastern suburbs. Terrors. Seeing Spiderbait live is like seeing an old friend, as crazy dancing moments can attest.
I Feel Good – James Brown
There’s no doubt I love the rhythms of Black American music, and James Brown ain’t the Godfather for nothing! This song more than any other introduced me to the joys of soul and then through its incarnations to funk and hip-hop. A true legend.
The Cure - Friday I’m In Love
There had to be one Cure track and this beautiful pop song is the one! Bright and exuberant, it really proves that Robert Smith is not the miserable suicide bound wretch that legend would have.
Russell Morris - The Real Thing
An Australian classic and one of the first songs ever to feature sampling – and what a sample it was! Brilliant, drug addled track that meant nothing without its sample and music. Featured the production talents of Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum and the songwriting skills of Johnny Young.
New Order – Crystal
An amazing crossover band that created so much and inspired so much more. I love their early stuff, but for associated memories this is my fave. Always get a dance out of this one – no matter where I hear it
The additionals:
U2 - Beautiful Day
My wedding song. And what a great tune about seizing the day! Living here in the Riverland I know all about Beautiful Days too – we have so many.
Vanilla Ice – Ice, Ice, Baby
I’m ashamed to say I have this album. It legitimised hip-hop and allowed white people access to the world of rap. Even if it was cheesy and fake. I always have dance offs to this with my good mate Em. Also – the first major release not to be released on vinyl.
Shannon Hoon’s lament for his depressed friend hit a chord via its film clip, which featured a little bumblebee. The song came on the wave of the ‘alternative’ explosion started by Nirvana. Played heavily at the surprise 16th birthday of my future wife.
Urge Overkill – Sister Havana
Another song from the same era. It’s a classic rock song. Great lyrics and great guitar riffs. Unlike Blind Melon who received a boost through Nirvana, this band suffered by comparison. Rock wasn’t cool when grunge exploded.
RATM – Killing In The Name Of
A killer political track which brought Zac De la Rocha’s band to prominence, and became a rallying cry for angry teens (or those who thought they were angry) right across the world. The neighbours hated it.
Tom Jones – It’s Not Unusual
Some might see the inclusion of this classic pop/lounge song as a bit of a pi** take, but I’m a genuine fan. A regular karaoke favourite, and a legacy of listening to my parents’ music. I still think Tom’s a genuine star and love his pop abilities.
Although he could well be the male version of Cher.
Beastie Boys – Sabotage
People may dislike the Beastie Boys for their early brat rap/punk days. But this single really highlighted their musical development, insatiable beats and a classic film clip make this an essential track. It heralded their arrival as a cultural touchstone and returned them from the underground, where they’d been with previous album Check Your Head.
Nick Cave – The Ship Song
The most beautiful song that I have ever known. Mel hates it. I can’t understand why. A classic love song, that never tires. Should be played at my funeral. First heard in my early Triple J listening days. Then on The Good Son album which I taped off a friend’s dad. Even better was that my mum would let me play it in the car.
Killers – Mr Brightside
A more modern track. The Killers debut album is one of the best pop albums of the new decade. Brilliant songs, for singing along to and dancing. As well as reflection. A song Mel and I dance to regularly.
Blur – There’s No Other Way
One of the earliest songs from the Britpop legends. Introduced me to the new British scene. For a while with Oasis challenging – it was like the Beatles and the Stones all over again. At the same time I found out about The Inspiral Carpets, Carter USM, The Wonderstuff and The Happy Mondays.
Oasis – Whatever
I think this song may actually have originally been a B-side. As it doesn’t appear on either of Oasis’ first albums. But a very special song, which was important to me at the time as I was further developing my individuality. Also a personal touchstone for a very special friend of mine.
Billy Bragg – Accident Waiting to Happen
The opening track from the brilliant album Don’t Try This At Home. And while I could have chosen the first single from the album, Sexuality, which is one of my all time favourites, I picked this song. I love the lyrics and for me the tale of someone who’s got too big for their boots and forgotten about where they came from is one to savour. I’ve still never seen Billy Bragg live – one of my major regrets. I was supposed to see him on this tour, but that fell through.
Redgum – Poor Ned
Another left wing artist – my political leanings are ever so evident here. Again I could have picked the more obvious choice – I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green), a favourite. But chose the tale of Ned Kelly – a story which is close to my heart because of my family history. Redgum had a way of writing for the everyman and their songs remain as important today as they did when originally released. Plus they’re from Adelaide!
The Kingston Trio – Tom Dooley
Another of the songs that I blame my parents for! But I love it. The essence of Calypso music, which later became reggae, and the tale of a man done wrong (think a Calypso Hey Joe) and paying for it. It’s a song I’m sure Nick Cave would’ve loved.
Olivia Newton John – Physical
The first song I can ever remember consciously recognising. I was four at the oldest and obviously had no idea what ONJ meant by ‘getting physical’. I believed the film clip and the fact it was about aerobics. I recently acquired the LP, which has a cool fold out cover of ONJ in an aerobics outfit at the beach (???).
Scatterbrain – Don’t Call Me Dude
One of the few metal songs in my list – but this song is classic comic book metal. Loved the song and it spoke volumes (although not deliberately) about the continued Americanisation of our Aussie language and culture. I also used the lyrics from this song in a year 10 English poetry assignment.
Disposable Heroes….- Television
Michael Franti’s second outfit (after the Beatnigs), and one of the hardest hitting songs you’ll ever hear. Came out in an era when political comment was important in hip hop. And had some amazing lines – and still very relevant today when you consider our Big Brother tv culture.
Buzzcocks – Ever Fallen In Love With Someone (You Shouldn’t Have)
Well have you? Buzzcocks, very under rated in the punk/new wave era. Wrote very good pop songs, behind all the fuzz of their punk guitars. Again, could have picked a more popular song from this band (Orgasm Addict). But this one just sings about something most of us can relate to.
Shihad – Mind’s Sedate
Almost complements Television as a political note. This song’s powerful and Shihad just belt it out. Been the performance highlight of two gigs that I’ve seen them at, including one where I was able to watch the intensity from side of stage.
Ratcat – That Ain’t Bad
Pop punk classic. Broke these boys from Sydney and reintroduced new Australian rock to the charts at a time when Farnesy and Barnesy and syrupy songs dominated. Again, some might say the Nirvana era ended their chart hopes – as the fringe kids found something even more to their liking and closer to the alienation they felt from the charts.
Slim Dusty - Little Boy Lost
A beautiful ballad that is based on a true Australian story. One I can remember from travelling with my parents on holidays to destinations such as Ballarat, Canberra and the Gold Coast.
Dandy Warhols – Bohemian Like You
Just when the attraction of the Hollywood slacker seemed to have abated, these guys rocked up with this brilliant pop song. A great ‘singalong dancealong song’, to coin a phrase. From the Dandy’s third album 13 Tales of Urban Bohemia which really put the band on the fast track to success. Not much else following has reflected the brilliance of their number two and three albums.
Tina Arena – Sorrento Moon
Probably the biggest surprise of any of the tracks on this list. Sorrento Moon is a beautiful song, performed by an angel. It’s the only time I’ve ever liked Tina Arena. It hits a mark and maintains it throughout. Was on high rotation in 1995 on 5AD – therefore at Fasta Pasta Salisbury.
Violent Femmes – Add It Up
One of the very first ‘alternative’ songs I can recall hearing regularly. Was around 14 or 15 and doesn’t it speak volumes to any teenage, pimply faced virgin! I became a big fan of the Femmes and their almost folk rock style. Great songs and energetic live performers. It disheartens me to see one of their songs Blister in the Sun currently used in a credit union ad. or some such inane product.
Pulp – Disco 2000 & 24. Pulp – Common People
What can you say about these songs from 1996? Very popular at Pop Nightclub in Adelaide and there’s always time to dance to these tunes. They’re still late night favourites in the McLean household. Both songs speak to me in different ways about love lost and pretending to be someone you’re not.
Electric 6 – Gay Bar
A bit of a joke song this – but it’s one my best mate Oggie and I always dance up a storm too. He gets a phone message whenever it’s on in my vicinity. We once broke a coffee table dancing on it to this song. I endlessly try and analyse the film clip and the lyrics – hundreds of dancing Abraham Lincolns. Could it possibly have something to do with political America’s inability to accept homosexuality?
Public Enemy – Fight The Power
Public Enemy are sonically outstanding. You may say what these hip-hopsters are singing about Black America has no relevance to me, a White Australian. But coming from Elizabeth, you learn all about the stereotypes that a group such as this are railing against. An awesome track with brilliant samples and mixing that hits hard every time.
Spiderbait – Ol’ Man Sam
One of Australia’s great Independent music successes. This group writes funny, whimsical pop ditties. In this song the refrain’s “Johnny Cash, now he was smashed†and “Elvis was big and fat, big and fat, so how about thatâ€, captured my attention for the first time in the back of brown Camira beetling over median strips through our leafy eastern suburbs. Terrors. Seeing Spiderbait live is like seeing an old friend, as crazy dancing moments can attest.
I Feel Good – James Brown
There’s no doubt I love the rhythms of Black American music, and James Brown ain’t the Godfather for nothing! This song more than any other introduced me to the joys of soul and then through its incarnations to funk and hip-hop. A true legend.
The Cure - Friday I’m In Love
There had to be one Cure track and this beautiful pop song is the one! Bright and exuberant, it really proves that Robert Smith is not the miserable suicide bound wretch that legend would have.
Russell Morris - The Real Thing
An Australian classic and one of the first songs ever to feature sampling – and what a sample it was! Brilliant, drug addled track that meant nothing without its sample and music. Featured the production talents of Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum and the songwriting skills of Johnny Young.
New Order – Crystal
An amazing crossover band that created so much and inspired so much more. I love their early stuff, but for associated memories this is my fave. Always get a dance out of this one – no matter where I hear it
The additionals:
U2 - Beautiful Day
My wedding song. And what a great tune about seizing the day! Living here in the Riverland I know all about Beautiful Days too – we have so many.
Vanilla Ice – Ice, Ice, Baby
I’m ashamed to say I have this album. It legitimised hip-hop and allowed white people access to the world of rap. Even if it was cheesy and fake. I always have dance offs to this with my good mate Em. Also – the first major release not to be released on vinyl.
