Nicklist #8

1.) “The Ballad of El Goodo” – Big Star (from #1 Record)

Big Star is one of the best rock bands of the 70s.  They’re probably more known for writing the original version of That 70s Show’s theme song “In The Street” (which was covered by Cheap Trick).  But #1 Record is as solid of a rock album you’ll hear from the decade.  Bands like The Replacements, who wrote a song called “Alex Chilton” after one of the group’s members, were noticeably influenced by Big Star.  They definitely had a lasting impact on the world of music.  “The Ballad of El Goodo” isn’t my favorite song on the record, but it’s definitely up there.  The chorus, “ain’t no one goin’ to turn me round,” is incredibly pleasing to the ear and the emotions.

2.) “Outtasite (Outta Mind)” – Wilco (from Being There)

This might be Wilco’s most straightforward song, but it’s so much fun to listen to (and to play along to) that I had to put it on this list.  It’s heavy, catchy, and very singable all at the same time.  It’s one of those songs that gets you excited and jumping around if you’re at a show.  Wilco also put a mellower version on the album’s second disc that is definitely a good song, but it doesn’t work nearly as well as the heavy version does.  “I know we should take a walk but you’re such a fast walker” is one of my favorite lyrics for some reason.

3.) “Minor Thing” – Red Hot Chili Peppers (from By The Way)

“Minor Thing” might be one of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ most interesting tracks.  By The Way as a whole is much more melodic than any of the group’s other records.  But while other Chili Peppers songs are funky with a touch of melodic elements, this track is the opposite.  It has a chorus that sounds pretty funky, but for the most part it’s full of catchy melodies and elaborate backing vocals.  The bass and guitar tones of the song make it incredibly pleasant to the ear, and it’s one of Anthony Kiedis’ better vocal performances.  By The Way is definitely underrated as far as the group’s albums go, and this song deserves more attention in their canon.

4.) “Bold As Love” – The Jimi Hendrix Experience (from Axis: Bold As Love)

Jimi Hendrix gets “The Greatest Guitarist Of All Time” label all the time, and definitely for good reason.  His playing radiates emotion and beauty, and “Bold As Love” is a great example of that.  His playing manages to be complex and emotional at the same time, and that’s definitely something that is tough to pull off.  Hendrix is also underrated as a singer; technically speaking he was not the greatest, but his voice just works so well with the way he plays.  I can’t imagine his songs being sung by any other person, no matter how proficient of a vocalist they were.

5.) “Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt – DJ Shadow (from Endtroducing…)

Artists who create music entirely using samples have always fascinated me.  It’s crazy to me that they can look through so many records and find the perfect matches for different parts and put them together in a way that makes it sound appealing to the ear.  Obviously, many people try this and fail, but DJ Shadow definitely succeeds.  “Building Steam With A Grain of Salt” truly builds in the best possible way – from the piano that is constant throughout to the (extremely well-mixed) drums that come in at the beginning.