Songs that reflect you and your tastes

[Rogie]

I'm not sure if this has been done before (as far as I know, it hasn't). But I thought this might be a neat little idea to do around here, sort of like iTunes iMixes. List the 10 (only 10) songs that say something about you and/or about your taste in music. Are you a road warrior who loves tunes that pump you up while driving, or do you enjoy a diverse range of music? Doesn't have to be your favorites only. In other words, if you had no other way to do so, what songs would you play to let someone get to know you better?

So, here's mine, to give an example. In no particular order:

1. Daft Punk, "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" - Ingeniously written techno song, where the lines seem to be separate at first until they're layered together into cohesive lines. Plus, it's a got a great techno beat. The Neptunes also did a killer club mix but the original is still superior.

2. The Isaacs, "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothing but Good" - Triple negatives aside, this is pure, knee-slapping, yee-doggy southern Gospel bluegrass right here. Never fails to make me smile.

3. Daniel Bedingfield, "Girlfriend" - If I ever wanted to sing a song to that special someone (or at least try to), this would be it. It's oh-so-romantic and the guitar gives it a nice, refreshing, pick-me-up beat.

4. Utada Hikaru, "Simple and Clean (PLANITb Remix)" - Made famous by "Kingdom Hearts," this is one of the shortest yet best songs in my library. Gets you moving.

5. tobyMac, "Diverse City" - I've loved this song for a while, and I'm glad to know that it's been recently released as a single. The rhymes, the "Double Dutch Bus" beat, the edge -- it all works in this song.

6. Shaun Groves, "See You" - Groves is an excellent songwriter who uses vivid imagery to glorify God. "See You" is his masterpiece at doing so, with a nice rock edge mixed in for flavor.

7. Scapegoat Wax, "Aisle 10 (Hello Allison)" - Funny, unique, indy hip-hop song that I discovered in "Jet Set Radio Future." Hard to find, but worth the search.

8. Jody McBreyer & Jadyn Maria, "Never Alone" - Odd mix of Latin music with Avalon's frontman that is far too unappreciated, especially with its emotional lyrics and fast beat. Probably my all-time favorite song.

9. George Rowe, "Think About That" - Jazzy, soulful song that is tons of fun. Can't help but snap my fingers and sing along.

10. Katrina and the Waves, "Walkin' on Sunshine" - Timeless. I have to remind myself it's a product of the 80's. Bad day? Play this.

So, looking at my list, I'm a guy who likes tunes that make me happy and/or get me going. Despite the list above, I do like slow songs, but to me, the best songs can still evoke powerful emotions with a fast beat or a little bit of high-tempo edge. I like deep bass, and I suppose I prefer "poppier" stuff. I love to get out on the dance floor, so a lot of my songs above sort of reflect that. I'm not limited by genres in my music tastes.

Get the idea? Somebody else try it now.

*Note: Yes, I was bored when creating this thread. I had absolutely nothing else to do.

[Locke]

First off, God bless iTunes, I cant imagine myself without it or my iPod.
My music library ranges from the insanely loud (Becoming The Archetype) to the softest accoustic ( Jack Johnson).
as for my list..

1. Eager Seas - "2:57 PM": One of the most emotional and heartfelt songs I have ever heard, I almost cried when I first heard it.

2.Augustana - "Boston": When the piano opens this song, you know its gonna be a good day. Currently being played on the Indie stations, very good song to wake up to and walk to school in the wee hours of the morning.

3. Coldplay - "Life is For Living": Classic Coldplay, apologetic and heartfelt. Great for singing along to.

4. Head Automatica - "Beating Heart Baby": Oh yes, one of the longest playing songs in my library for the very fact that it is the fastest craziest song I have.

5. Matchbook Romance - "Monsters": Okay, I hate this band with a passion, which suprised me when I heard the single for the new cd they put out. One of the most unique (So what if it sounds like Gatsby's American Dream? You've never heard of them =P.) songs this year.

6. Matisyahu - "Warrior": Hadisic regae artist Matisyahu sings this one. When he sings to reunite the princess with her king, you cant help but think of God and His people.

7.Simon & Garfunkel - "The Only Living Boy In New York": I love this song so much, maybe thats why it's in my top 10.

8. Sufjan Stevens - "Decatur, Or, Round Of Applause For Your Stepmother!": History was never this much fun.

9. Colin Hay - "My Brilliant Feat": When life brings me down, I play this song to get my spirits back up.

10. Smile Future - "Bombs Over Vheissu Master": This incredible piece of work is a remix of Thrice's "Image of The Invisible" that won their remix contest. Download it to see why it won at Thrice's site.


Whoa, that took longer than expected. Some great songs were left out but I think this covers my tastes. I like music that either brings you up or makes you smile. or both.

[The Last Bard]

Here's what I listen to:

1: Depeche Mode - I Just Can't Get Enough (It's electric techno so it's not everyones taste, but I like it.)

2: Escaflowne - Dance of Curse - (You have to like a song that combines vocals and instrumentals so well.)

3: Last Exile - Morning in Nokia (This is just a good song. Period.)

4: Riverdance - Duelling Violins (I like Irish/Scottish/Celtic music)

5: Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek (Slow and different sounding.)

6: Jack Johnson - Banana Pancakes (Has a good sound and good lyrics)

7: Rammstein - Amerika (For those days that I happen to want some hard rock. Which isn't often, but still)

8: Booker T and the MG's - Green Onions (How can you not like this song? With some good speakers!)

9: Ayumi Hamasaki - Trauma (What is she saying? I don't know. But she sings it well.)

10: The Ditty Bops - Gentle Sheep (Don't say a word if it's not your style. )

I songs that you can sit and think while listening to. Or something slower with a good sound while I draw.

[meboeck]

Only ten? Considering mt ecclectic tastes, this will be very difficult. And it will be a really odd mix.

1. Dvorak, "New World" Symphony no. 9 - I love classical music, and Dvorak's dynamic style inspires the choreographer in me.

2. Myco, Eternal Snow - This is my favorite song from my favorite anime, Full Moon wo Sagashite. The song is really emotional, and it makes me think of the show every time I hear it.

3. Joy Electric, (Design) The Blueprints for Joy - I have never heard such a unique mix of techno and pop, and it's Christian to boot.

4. Acappella, La Song - This song is a simple yet complex worship song that gets my thoughts on how awesome God is and get my creative juices flowing.

5. Chris Rice, Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) - It basically hits every part of my Christian walk. More importantly for me, it inspired my to choreograph the best dance I have ever done, and listening to it reminds me of that dance.

6. Earthsuit, Wheel of God - It inspires me spiritually and creatively. (Do you see a pattern here?)

7. Relient K, High of 75 - see numbers 3-6

8. Incubus, Aqueous Transmission - It's really relaxing, and - you guessed it - it gets my creatice juices flowing.

9. Andrew Lloyd Weber, Joseph Megamix - It's my favorite part of my favorite musical!

10. RKB, Marblehead - This song inspires me in a special way because my uncle wrote it.

[Steeltemplar]

Wow....ten....That won't be easy. There shall surely be things left out, but here's my list in no particular order:


1. J.S. Bach, "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G" - A beautiful example of the Baroque and Bach himself at their best. Quite a complex and enjoyable piece.

2. W.A. Mozart, "Requiem in D" - My favorite choral work and also my favorite sacred work. If I had any choice in the matter, this would be performed at my funeral. Of course, it is doubtful in reality I'd have the money to hire an orchestra and choir like that. The dynamics, counterpoint, and majesty of this work are all incredible. The highlights that I find myself listening to time and again include the Kyrie, Dies Irae, and Domine Jesu Christe portions of the Mass.

3. Franz Joseph Haydn, "String Quartet in B Minor, Op. 64, No. 2" - I am rather particular to works for string instruments. This being the case, a good quartet is always pleasing for my ears. Haydn had some beautiful pieces along these lines. This one in particular is dear to me.

4. Johan Strauss II, "Roses from the South" - I cannot dance. However, Strauss's waltzes do make me wish to learn. This one in particular strikes me for its romantic flavor.

5. Astral Projection, "Visions of Nasca" - This track by one of the greatest trance producers to come out of the Israeli scene defines to me what goa-psy trance is all about. Dense, fast, with a throbbing bass throughout.

6. Jethro Tull, "Thick as a Brick" - Jethro Tull combines hard rock and English folk music within a progressive format with this epic concept album. Great musicianship and composition. Ian Anderson is fantastic as always with his sarcastic sneering vocals and masterful integration of his flute playing into the rock background.

7. Led Zeppelin, "Stairway to Heaven" - I suppose that this one may get overplayed on rock radio these days. However, there is good reason. The song is a classic.

8. Children of Bodom, "Taste of My Scythe" - It was hard to choose which CoB song I wanted for this. However, this track is one of their standouts. These guys are one of the best that the melodic death genre has to offer. Fast, hard, and intricate, this band shows they have talent with their instruments. I'm also a fan of Alexi Laiho's ripping vocal style.

9. Blind Guardian, "...And Then There Was Silence" - Blind Guardian was really my introduction to power metal and I have loved their work since the beginning. To me, this song is the best of their library, a quintessential power metal epic.

10. Metallica, "Jump in the Fire" - I think I would be remiss not to mention something by Metallica here. While Kill 'em All may have been one of their lesser known albums and certainly lacked some of their later polish, it had some truly great tracks on it. This is one. Great song throughout, but the solo at the end is awe-inspiring.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Very interesting thread! Let us begin now!

Of course, in no particular order:

1. Loop & Loop/Kimi to Iu Hana. Both are my favorite Asian Kung-Fu Generation songs (can't really decide which is my #1) Of course I gotta add J-Rock into this!

2. Tears - EK (Noria) (The same song that's on DDR). When its got a dance techno beat and a japanese girl singing in a REALLY good voice. You can't pass this one up. Fly High (Voodoo & Serano Remix) By Ayumi Hamasaki also works. Look At Us by Sarina Paris is also a good song.

3. O Praise Him - David Crowder Band. One of my favorite worship songs! Fast-paced and totally awesome.

4. No One Else Knows(Building 429) or He Will Carry Me (Mark Shultz). Both hit me hard in the heart. I absolutely love em

5. A Number of Final Fantasy 6 songs: Aria De Mezzo Carrate, The Fierce Battle, The Decisive Battle, The Phantom Forest, etc. My favorite game's OST has to be included doesn't it?

6. Over the Distance - Yaida Hitomi. A very nice slow jpop song. Myself by Myco, Tori no Uta by Lia also work.

7. Kanashimi wo yashisa ni - Little By Little. I Absolutely adore the background violin in the instrumental version. I Love a lot of songs with violins, like myself and Jubei-Chan's season two main theme.

8. Sandstorm - Darude. Man I love techno! Dj Taka, Silvertear, Daft Punk, Alive deejay are also more that I like. Plus I also love DDR

9. Mezame - Mai-HiME soundtrack. SUCH an amazing song. Same with "It's Only a Fairytale" Plus they got violins in the background ^__^

10. Pachebel's Canon in D. My most favorite orchestrated piece of all time. It's such a beautiful piece.

[Maledicte]

1. "Unlimited" by Nanase Aikawa, from the series Samurai 7. Very pop-y and energetic, with a bit of good rock thrown in for good measure.

2. "My Kind of Town" by Frank Sinatra. I've never been to Chicago before, but this song makes me want to. The arrangement is excellent, and of course, Old Blue Eyes is crooning.

3. "She is My Sin" by Nightwish. Great, dark, driving song to get the album "Wishmaster" moving.

4. "What Have We Become" by DCTalk. A very emotional, sobering song. I get choked up and quiet when I hear it.

5. "Beyond Beautiful" by Aerosmith. It's rock, it's Aerosmith, it has a sitar in it. Plus it makes me feel really awesome when I'm walking to the beat.

6. "Goodbye, Murasame Kenji" by Masamichi Amano, from the Giant Robo soundtrack. Possibly one of the most stirring, saddening and beautiful pieces I have ever heard. Wonderful track.

7. "Montecristo" by J. J. Burnel, from the Gankutsuou soundtrack. Tchaikovsky, two different operas all with an amazing techno track. My finger hovers over the "repeat" button every time I play it.

8. "Darlene" by Led Zeppelin. I have no clue why I like this song so much, I know no Darlenes, and the lyrics really aren't all that original. I'd love to play this in a band, if I were capable of playing any of the instruments. Just maybe I can hit Robert Plant's notes.

9. "Israel in Egypt" by Handel. I think I like this oratorio better than the "Messiah". THE LORD SHALL REIGN...

10. "One Big Love" by Emmylou Harris. I love her work, and her voice. I tend to classify her under folk, not country.

I tend to have a mix of wrenching, driving songs, and more uplifting ones to balance it out. Occasionally I listen to some lighter songs, but none of them made this list. I like the heavier stuff most of the time.

[Blitzkrieg1701]

Lessee, the definitive ten…

[B]1.“Paperback Writerâ€

[Maledicte]

[quote="Blitzkrieg1701"]1.“Paperback Writerâ€

[Zilch]

1. "I Am A Machinegun"-Showbread Steam-powered, spastic screamfest. Great for playing Halo to.

2. "Mouth Like A Magazine"-Showbread Yeah, it's the second Showbread song, but heck if the tune doesn't he stuck in your head as soon as you listen to it.

3. "A Call To The Martyrs" -Mortal Treason Whee. That's all I can say. Don't ask me why. Whee.

4. "The Closest Thing To Closure" -Haste The Day This is my definitive "angry without being angry" song. The opening is enough to set me off. Simplistic, yet so hardcore...

5. "Liquid" -Jars of Clay This song never fails to move me; half the time I feel like crying when I hear it because Jesus' death is put so poetically and beautifully.

6. "Knuckles Up" -Flatfoot56 This song is pure oi/punk if I ever heard it. Fun little ditty against acting while angry.

7. "Breathe" -subseven Soft, cozy, cuddly.

8. "One-Armed Man (Play On)" -Project 86 My personal favorite call to arms. The bridge never fails to make me scream along.

9. "Pressing On" -Relient K Oddly enough, this is the song that got me into the hardcore scene, so I guess I have a lot to owe RK.

10. "DjArcasBubble Techno" -DjArcas THE best video game remix out there, bar none.

11. "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door" -Underoath This is a semi-sad song about letting someone go so they can walk with God (or at least that's what I pick up).

12. "Experimental Film" -They Might Be Giants This song cracks me up because it reminds me of the home movies my friends and I used to make. Brings back memories, it does...