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June 10, 2005

A list of inspired songs

The following is based on a conversation my brother in law and I had recently concerning inspired music. And by inspired I mean the type of music where even the band or composer would agree that they didn't write the song at all, but that it was handed to them by a higher power to create the perfect song. A song through which they were just a medium for a message from God Himself, where the song transcends all time and space to become majesty. These are only a few of these types of songs, and you are welcome to suggest more in the comments below. And please, forgive my hyperbole:

• "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen -- I'm not a really big Queen fan, but this is probably the best example of this phenomenon. You can't tell me that Freddie Mercury wrote this himself. It is the essence of "inspired." I will drop everything to listen to it when it comes on the radio.
• "Porcelain" by Moby -- What a beautiful work of art, the perfect combination of techo, lyrics, melody, and harmony. It also has a unique simplicity or minimalism that allows the message to escape. Wonderful.
• "Pictures of You (Extended version)" by The Cure -- This is the song that prompted our conversation. Again, it has a very airy quality that encourages the listener to concentrate on what the song is saying and the emotion it is encouraging. It is, quite frankly, the perfect pop song.
• "Hot for Teacher" by Van Halen -- What? You think only frilly-frou-frou songs can make the list? Here is a song that you can't help but get pumped up about. The beginning drum solo, the raunchy lyrics, the face-melting solo ... it is everything a 1980s rock song should be. It is an inspired piece of work.
• "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve -- Do you remember the Nike commercial? This song spoke to people. Of course, it made them buy Nike shoes, but the very fact that this ad campaign was so successful says a lot about the power of this song. I challenge anyone to listen to this song and not be completely blown away by the opening crescendo.
• "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2 -- Curt in Grand Forks and I are going to the U2 concert at the Target Center this Sept. If they play this song (which they probably will) I will probably weep. This is an example of a song that has grown in meaning and stature since its release. When it was first written it spoke about African famine, but now it is a song of healing in the wake of 9/11. Again, just an inspired piece of work.
• "Do You Realize?" by The Flaming Lips -- More a personal selection, but I can't help but listen to this song and think of my daughter. Fantastic music and a wonderful message.
• "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel -- This song has what quite possibly is the most perfect lyrical stanza in all of rock music, "In your eyes, I see the doorway to a thousand churches." What a brilliant example of auditory poetry! That one line evokes beauty, mystery, spirituality, reverence ... isn't that what love is all about? By far, this is Gabriel's crowning achievement.
• "Moondance" by Van Morrison -- Another personal selection, but one that I'm sure Van Morrisson would even agree is his best work. The whole "Moondance" album is really a work of art, but this song stands out as such a unique artistic breakthrough it can only be considered as inspired. And it is my wife's favorite song, for whatever that is worth.
• "Peaches" by the Presidents of the United States of America -- Yes, these guys were inspired. They were goofy, to be sure, but this song is a great example where their goofiness resulted in a song that speaks to the masses. Yes, oh yes, I want to move out into the country and eat a lot of peaches!!! There would be nothing better! Just a hilarious, fun song where everything came together. In a word, it was inspired.

That's about it from here. Have a great weekend everyone! As SBG has already written, I'll be at Canterbury Park with SBG and Cheer or Die this weekend betting on the horses and smoking some stogies. Should be fun.

Posted by snackeru at June 10, 2005 1:02 PM | Lists

Comments

Millions of Peaches, Peaches for Me
Millions of Peaches, Peaches for Free

I love that one!

Posted by: SBG at June 10, 2005 2:29 PM

Shane: I will break it to you gently. The higher power that was the muse behind these great songs has a name. It is Hallucinogenic.

Psychedelic drugs can unlock some synapses previously uncharted and provide some great material. But then, someone explain 'Muskrat Love' to me!

Posted by: Brian Maas at June 10, 2005 4:17 PM

Ha! I actually thought about that myself. Of the 10 songs I have selected at least 8 were probably written "under the influence." Ah, but are not hallucinogens also a part of God's wonderful creation? Needless to say, God works in mysterious ways.

Posted by: Shane at June 10, 2005 5:26 PM

"Ah, but are not hallucinogens also a part of God's wonderful creation?"

Tell that to the DEA.

Posted by: SBG at June 11, 2005 3:22 AM

I don't think the DEA work on the behalf of God.

Posted by: frightwig at June 14, 2005 6:46 PM

Great songs and great blog.
:D

Posted by: Macarena at July 10, 2005 10:55 AM

Guys if you like these songs download

Rjd2 - Ghostwriter
The Wiseguys - Face The Flames
The Bees - Go Karts

These songs are all amazing unique songs of which you'll never hear any other like them. Obviously all written under the effects of hallucinagenic drugs. I've been listening to alot of music rcently that was written under the influence of certain drugs, and i've discovered them to be the most mind opening, enchanting and emotional songs. I was listening to Lemon Jelly - Page One (Get it) whilst i myself was intoxicated and the beautiful, multiple layers of soothing piano almost made me cry. Amazing songs. Lemon Jelly Rule xxx

Posted by: nial at August 11, 2005 7:58 AM