Songs you want played at your funeral.

Hopefully this event will take place later rather than sooner, but in my opinion it is never too early to start planning. Who am I kidding? Anyone who knows me personally knows that planning is pretty much my kryptonite. It saps all of my energy and is an effort in futility when I am the one doing the planning. In any event, some of the songs I want played have been in other lists so I won’t include them in the five, but they are definitely worth noting. “Spiritual” by Johnny Cash (things you want to experience before dying) would be at the top of this list because it just sounds like an appropriate song to play in that circumstance, “Bold as Love” by Jimi Hendrix would be appropriate because it’s my favorite song, and Justin Timberlake’s “Sexyback” (songs I have listened to more than four times in a row) and Soulja Boy’s “Crank That” (guiltiest guilty pleasures) make the list because people need to be dancing and having fun as well. Enough of what’s not on the list, here are the songs that made it:

Song remakes that disgust you.

While there are quite a few remakes I enjoy, as noted in the previous post, there are a few that make my blood absolutely boil. These two lists were actually spawned when I heard a song on this list, and it angered me so I was determined to let the entire world know about my frustration. Hmm…I guess the entire world could potentially know, but the only people who will are the 6 friends I have. Thanks guys, you are the best.

Song remakes you enjoy.

Sometimes it’s hard to be completely objective when you listen to someone cover a song you truly enjoy. In fact, it is virtually impossible to be impartial, which is why finding a cover you like is such a rewarding accomplishment. What makes one cover loved and another hated is an inexact science. Some of the ones I like take a song and slow it down giving it a softer more demure feel, yet the same can be said of some of the ones I hate. Whatever. Here’s my list of song I like just because I do:

Albums representative of your music collection.

Are you one of the “everything but” people? Those who when asked about what types of music they like reply “I like everything but…” Generally these people fall into one of two categories: everything but country (EBC) and everything but rap (EBR). Obviously there are more classifications, including ones with multiple buts (everything but opera and classical) however, EBC and EBR seem to be most prevalent. If you’re one of these people I am going to go ahead and call you a liar. I’ll say it to your face the next time I see you and mean it. Why are you a liar? Because you don’t truly feel that way.

On second thought, liar may be a bit harsh. How about misguided or lazy. Misguided if you actually believe that you truly enjoy every genre of music save one or two. Jazz, Blues, Latin, Gospel, Electronic, and New Age are a few that also count when you are considering the all encompassing everything. When was the last time you actively listened to a full record from all of these types of music? This doesn’t even include the rest of the music found around the world. Failing to see the big picture is understandable and can be overlooked. Please stop saying that you enjoy everything though.

Lazy people I am not so forgiving with. Using the “everything but” to cover your ass when we discuss music is unacceptable. You know what albums you like to listen to so name them. Name the actual artists you like so I can tell if our interests match up. When I talk about music with you I am not asking for the hell of it. I may make you a CD with things I think you’ll enjoy, or I may use your suggestions to find stuff to add to my collection. Don’t be lazy and make me ask you 473 detailed questions about what you are or aren’t specifically listening to. Throw me a bone and be a participant in the conversation.

Sorry for the sanctimonious rant dear reader, but it’s because I really enjoy music. Sure it took me trying to impress a girl to open up my musical tastes (she is smoking hot), but having it opened was the important thing. How is this Andy Rooney like behavior related to today’s subject? Listing only 5 albums that represent your entire music collection will be a daunting task for lots of people, myself included. I’d prefer not to see “I listen to everything, but here is my list.” Yes, some of you smart asses are going to do that anyway, but who will be laughing when your comment gets deleted? Also, with this list if you include the best 3 songs from each album I’ll put them on the site so everyone can sample them. It isn’t necessarily my favorite albums, but the ones that represent a good chunk of what I like: