The Uncontestable Official and True List of the Top 20 Records of 2004
Published December 29, 2004
19 - "Musicology" Prince
This is not the most meaningful and compelling Prince record ever, but it is pretty catchy- and an actual pop radio hit as well. This recipe for funk is no "Dance to the Music," but you can come in a notch or two beneath that classic and still have an outstanding record like this.
20 - "Little Red Shoes" Loretta Lynn
I hesitate to put this on a list of best songs in that it's not really properly a song. It's more one of those spoken country recitatives, like "Teddy Bear" or "Jeannie's Afraid of the Dark."
Indeed, this features a sickly child, too. In this case though, it's Loretta herself, telling a story about being a sickly youth sent home from the hospital to die. Somehow, though, this utterly lacks the maudlin nature of these other records. Also, while she's telling a simple and straightforward story, it seems weirder every time I hear it.
In defense of this record as music, you could look at Jack White's backing track as an instrumental in its own right, a considerably more interesting musical construct than I've ever heard in one of these country recitations.
- The Uncontestable Official and True List of the Top 20 Records of 2004
- Published: December 29, 2004
- Type:
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Adult Alternative, Music: Alternative Rock, Music: Blues, Music: Country and Americana, Music: Indie Rock, Music: Pop, Music: Progressive Rock, Music: R&B, Music: Rock, Music: Roots Rock, Music: Soundtracks
- Writer: Al Barger
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Comments
Your list gets my vote on the power of the Team America songs alone (though I would have included "Montage," "Korean Medley" [one of the more bizarre and catchy songs I've ever heard], and "Everyone has AIDS" instead of I'm So Ronery). It's amazing that a song called "America, F*&^ Yeah" can work on so many levels, isn't it? The best part, of course, is that it kicks ass and stays with you... and then you start thinking about it. Thus is the genius of Parker and Stone -- both very talented musicians in their own right.
"Essentially sincere"? "...it kicks ass and stays with you"? What are you guys on? It's a start to finish parody. There's no sincerity and absolutely nothing to think about -- except how funny it is.
Rodney brother, you're not getting the whole picture with Parker and Stone. Team America are the good guys- warts and all. It's not just a pox on all your houses; they're presenting a considerably more nuanced outlook than that.
Beyond analyzing the political meaning of the lyrics, there's the whole tune and presentation. This song and movie represent a lot of careful thought. This is a really catchy and infectious song, and not in fact sarcastic.
"I'm So Ronery" kicks ass, but I was particularly wanting to include "Freedom Isn't Free" as well. "Pearl Harbor Sucks and I Miss You" wasn't far behind. You can't include everything.
What a joke, you don't have a clue, give it up lameass
Richard - Some examples to illustrate your point would be nice (and fair).
~ Eric B.
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nice list - well reviewed - some new stuff to check out
Elvis Lives!