I like that old time rock n roll! ... and some other stuff

I once described on this blog that music didn’t really mean much to me when I was a kid. That began to change around the age of 13, but before that I didn’t waste time listening to music. It wasn’t high on my list of priorities.

Now music is an integral part of my life. Music is my number one choice when I want to relax or unwind. At times I wish I had learned an instrument. But then I look at the misery my sisters are enduring learning piano and cello, and I reconsider.

My loyalty to certain artists and genres of music earns me some playful ridicule from my friends and family, but at least they recognize I’m passionate about the things I like.

I decided to use today’s blog to talk about ten of my favorite songs I enjoy listening to. Any day, every day. (Disclaimer: I’ve removed any Bruce Springsteen songs from this list, because otherwise he would take up about seven spots on it. I want to prove that Springsteen is not the only thing I listen to…just the vast majority).

“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers

Because there are some things worth traveling a long, long way for. Even if you have to walk all 500 miles.

“Roll Over Beethoven” by Chuck Berry

A musical love letter to the power and inspiration of old school rock from one of the Founding Fathers of rock n roll. Beethoven and Tchaikovsky don’t stand a chance against the guitar rhythms of Chuck Berry. And who hasn’t sat by the radio wishing for their favorite song to come on? (That’s a rhetorical question, I realize most kids these days are constantly plugged into their mp3’s)

“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan

One of the all-time great folk songs in American history. Bob Dylan, in a little over two and a half minutes and using just a guitar and harmonica, perfectly encapsulates what the Civil Rights Movement was all about. A song with more social and spiritual significance than maybe any other.

“Hurricane J” by The Hold Steady

While Springsteen sits atop my Music Mountain, The Hold Steady has a base camp not too far down. The tale told in this song gives me an oddly familiar feeling. Anytime I see a friend or family member make poor decisions about who they associate with or choose to date, I think of this song.

“Devil’s Right Hand” by Johnny Cash

Although not originally done by Cash, his rollicking yet dark interpretation makes this one of my all-time favorites. That sick guitar riff, repeated over and over, has to be one of the best things these ears have ever been blessed to hear. And the story, while short and simple, is darkly entertaining.

“Hold On, I’m Comin’” by Sam & Dave

In my imaginary alternate timeline where I’m a successful closer for the San Francisco Giants, this is my music whenever I enter the game.

Any song by Sam Cooke

The man had a voice! What else can be said? What else needs to be said? “Chain Gang,” “Just For You,” “Meet Me at Mary’s Place,” “Havin’ a Party, “A Change is Gonna Come.” No soul or R&B singer can top those.

“Red at Night” by The Gaslight Anthem

Whenever I’m feeling downhearted, this is one of my go-to songs. About hiding the pain and making the best of things – enjoying life as best you can. Maybe you can convince not only yourself, but others, that everything is all right.

“I Fought the Law” by The Clash

This Bobby Fuller song needed the attitude ramped up. It was a song made to be covered by a good punk band. The Clash, arguably the best in that category, delivered with this hit from their debut album. A song for when I’m feeling angry or a bit rebellious.

“Howlin’ For You” by The Black Keys

That drum beat alone makes this song for me. And the music video is incredible!

Honorable mentions: “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones, “Strangers in the Night” by Frank Sinatra, “Drive” and “45” by The Gaslight Anthem, “Massive Nights,” “Banging Camp,” “Sequestered in Memphis” by The Hold Steady.