Top Ten iTunes Tracks

Barrett’s Top 10 iTunes Tracks

The first writing assignment is now complete and the managing editor found it fit for publishing. Find here, in reverse order, my top ten most-played tracks in iTunes.

Though I’d like to claim my tastes are assorted, they sadly fall short of earning the adjective “eclectic.” Most tunes fall into three general categories: “Songs Played by a Classic Rock God,” “Rebel Country,” or “That Song I Heard in That Cool Movie.”

What are your top ten iTunes tracks? The videos are included so you can ask yourself: Why aren't they on my Top 10?

10. “Cinnamon Girl,” Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

One of the catchiest guitar riffs ever written. And NY wrote this in a hospital bed! “Ma send me money now…”

9. “Coma Girl,” Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, Streetcore

I like the Clash, I like Big Audio Dynamite. Strummer’s last band was equally great. R.I.P. Mr. Joe Strummer.

8. “Veridis Quo,” Daft Punk, Discovery

“Electronica, meet Bach.” “Bach, Electronica.” I first heard this group circa 1996, right after their first album was released. Listen to a track like “Aerodynamic” to discover they’re really just frustrated guitar players! I can relate.

7. “John the Revelator,” Son House, The Original Delta Blues

This man invented the blues, rumor has it he taught Robert Johnson a few licks. And just to prove it, as if it needed proving, he puts his guitar down and sings about the original man in black.

6. “The Bucket,” Kings of Leon, Aha Shake Heartbreaker

I had to stop listening to this in my car. Too many speeding tickets. And I love it when they harmonize around “you kicked the bucket” in the middle of the second verse. Winner: "Most Indicative of My Personality."

5. “That Certain Female,” Charlie Feathers, Kill Bill: Volume 1

Quentin Tarantino taught me a great deal about music- a research project itself. I even have a “Quentin” play list with just his movie soundtracks.

4. “Things Have Changed,” Bob Dylan, Modern Times

Every line Dylan sings is a weighty verse out of his own life’s Gospel- enough to save you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQDeYzUkXOU

3. “Shape of My Heart,” Sting, Ten Summoner’s Tales

Great chord progression. This song closes the Luc Besson film, The Professional, which stars Jean Reno and a young Natalie Portman. I stumbled upon this intimate live performance with Sting and his guitarist in a living room.

2. “All Night,” Sam Phillips, A Boot and a Shoe

This will stay with you- something about Sam Phillip’s gravelly voice, the jangly guitar, and a drum set that sounds like it was made by household consumer products.

No video, so The Kinks will have to do:

1. “Music for a Found Harmonium,” Patrick Street, Irish Times

I was mesmerized by this song as a kid, in a preview preceding Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Yes, it was VHS. The original band plays it live here: