Parliament-Funkadelic

There was what people thought was funk...and then P-Funk came along. They established the genre. It's funk. It's soul. It's rock. You hear them still in hip-hop. They're still performing (and they're still good).

This song is technically by Funkadelic, but I'm pretty sure it's all the same members in each rendition of the band, and all headed by George Clinton, so it doesn't really matter -- It's still all P-Funk.

The guitar in this song wails. I don't mean that lightly. This guitar is deeply lamenting and wailing as though its mama has just died. In a good way.

And really, how can you not love a song called Maggot Brain?

Maggot Brain

The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers are a great band all around. Amazing guitar from Duane. Great lyrics from Greg. Really memorable stuff.

But this song is KILLER.

When I first heard Whipping Post I thought I had mislabeled it and that it was actually a Memphis blues band.

Nope. The Allman Brothers. My jaw dropped to the floor. The guitar. The BASS. Oh lord, the bass. Is that 11/4 time? You betcha. And haven't we all felt this way? Man. The passion in his voice. You just have to hear it.

I'm probably biased because rock/blues or blues/rock music is probably my favorite, but I do love all music (except House music, ew) and this is still one of the most impressive songs I've ever heard.

Whipping Post

Ann Peebles

Heard this song in Memphis and CANNOT get over how good it is. Listen to the funky notes at the beginning, and the way she affects the word "rain" right off the bat. Close your eyes and feel this one. You are her, and you cannot stand the rain against your window. I tried several of the covers of this song and none of them hold a candle to the funky emotion in this one:


I Can't Stand the Rain

Gustav Holst

I really just want to bring to your attention Jupiter from The Planets by Holst. If you close your eyes and listen to it, you can imagine yourself in a spaceship, approaching the giant mass that is the planet Jupiter. Imagine seeing its massive terrain and sweeping landscapes for the first time. Imagine traveling over it's humongous canyons and through it's towering mountains. Imagine seeing its enormity, up close in person, for the very first time. That's what this piece of music does to me.

Also, when I first heard it, I recognized that a part in the middle is often used to create church songs. While I am not a church goer, the memory of the familiarity of everyone singing in unity about a common belief adds just enough passion and drama to the piece to make it truly spectacular.

Watch it performed live:
Jupiter from The Planets

Regina Spektor

Shake it up...

...uh-oh!

Two words can describe Regina Spektor: damn catchy.

Although she's definitely a singer-songerwriter, Regina does not fit the standard mold. Her music as a whole doesn't really have one style. Some songs are jazzy, some are pop-y, some are folky, some have a Russian flair to them, and some are just bizarre. Many of the songs experiment with the human voice and the sounds it can produce, though most of them tend to utilize typical instruments, notably piano. Some songs have literary references, while others refer to other musicians and songs. Her lyrics are simple at times when they need to be, but more often they are ingenious. She really tells a story in each song, whether that story is an actual tale or just an emotion. She describes the things that you're feeling and thinking that you couldn't express. And somehow each song moves me in a way I can't describe.

The best part of a Regina Spektor song, though, is that it sticks in your head. And that's okay.

"Fidelity"

One of my favorites:

"Consequence of Sounds"

This is just plain fun (and describes life so well):

"On the Radio"

And if you like something a little softer and sweeter:

"Samson"

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is a rock n roll god. I could go on and on about his importance to music, his mix of rock and blues and pop and reggae and everything else. I could tell you about his amazing songwriting. I could tell you that he is one of the foremost guitarists to ever play.

But instead I'll give you the only song that matters:

Layla by Derek and the Dominos

Damien Rice

Sometimes you're not in the mood for dancing or a killer guitar solo. You don't want anything loud and crazy. Sometimes you're in the mood for something soft and sweet. Something beautiful. In these situations, I recommend you turn to singer-songwriter Damien Rice.

His lyrics are heartfelt, and his passion breaks your heart. Sometimes, he makes you want to cry. But not because you're sad. And not because you're happy. It's because he takes you there and you feel it, whatever it is.

Rice is Irish, and you can kind of tell. He uses a lot of strings in his songs (obviously guitar, but also violin & cello definitely). Drums and piano as well. He is honest and intense in his music. He often collaborates with Lisa Hannigan, who compliments his voice beautifully.

I could listen to The Blower's Daughter all day, every day if I was in the right mindset. I have a stripped version of Cannonball that is possibly the most beautiful song I've ever heard (possibly second to the aforementioned Blower's Daughter). And I Remember is that song for when you're feeling a passion that starts slow but is burning up inside you that you know is going to eventually explode. It's pretty raw, but in a good way.

The Blower's Daughter

Cannonball The normal version; can't find the acoustic one I have. If you can find a version without that drum track, it's really gorgeous.

I Remember Mindblowing version. Slow to start, crazy at the end.