Nov142009
The Best Songs I’ve Never Heard (Prize!)
Filed under Music by Kim at 5:16 pm on Nov 14 2009
Well, I’ve joined the ranks of the sick. I thought it was just residual discomfort from being in a smokey bar, but no. It’s some kind of ick. I was supposed to be in Norfolk meeting Ian for the first time, but since Genie & fam are shrouded in darkness and apparently it’s my turn to be coughing up a lung, the signs from fate were right, and Ian and I will have to meet later.
This also means I’m kind of useless in terms of writing. I’ve been on the couch eliminating every dreg of watchable television from the DVR. (This includes Forensic Files and Ellen.) I try to get up and move around, because inevitably sitting down all day makes me feel even more like hell, but then I just cough more violently.
So, I need some audience participation, and to cheat and get anyone who reads this thing to help me generate content.
On Progressive Ears, I found a thread asking members to post 20 random songs from their entire collection based on whatever the iPod tosses out, no cheating. There was so much I didn’t recognize on these lists I began to feel lost. Combine that with reading more “top albums of the decade” lists than anyone should really pay attention to, and you start to really need a filter. It’s hard to come up with whole albums that are consistently good (as you might see when I write my own decade list) so let’s go with songs.
Tell me the best song you think I’ve never heard.
This might mean avoiding a genre you think I know well, or it might mean skirting pop songs you’re pretty sure everyone’s heard. I’m missing some pretty surprising stuff in my collection. If you give me a song, I’ll download it. If I get enough (let’s say minimum 15), I’ll make a playlist and promise to listen to that playlist for my next week of commutes.
The person who contributes the song I like the best and had no familiarity with gets a gift certificate to Amazon or iTunes.
Or you can talk me into some other music downloading service. Quick, while I’m still delirious! Actually I will take one submission per commenter until the end of Monday. If I have heard the song I’ll let you know and you are welcome to keep trying!
OK while I’m waiting I’m going to go hold my head over a pot of boiling tea.
1 Prosaic Paradise » Stop. No really, stop.on 16 Nov 2009 at 6:34 pm
[…] promised to listen to all your songs on my commute, but since I’m not commuting and really not in a good mood, it might take me a […]
2 Kimon 16 Nov 2009 at 6:44 pm
Haven’t heard it. It’s in the mix!
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3 Kimon 16 Nov 2009 at 6:46 pm
never heard it! it’s in.
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Michael "Hell" Farmer Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
If you’re going Eva Cassidy, gotta go with “Fields of Gold” – her version will make you want to cut your heart right out of your chest.
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4 Kimon 16 Nov 2009 at 6:47 pm
Hee! Well that’s basically what I’m doing with them. I’m interested to hear what the sound of my collective readership’s tastes are. And you may not even be seeing all the weird shit people are putting on facebook.
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5 Kimon 16 Nov 2009 at 6:47 pm
The only Cut Copy I have is Lights and Music, so this will be new to me. But I like the previous song I’ve heard from them – I am a victim of my times.
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6 Kimon 16 Nov 2009 at 6:49 pm
There is only one Kathleen in my collection, and that is Ms. Hanna, so this goes on the list! Thank you!
My tastes run all over the place though lately I have been primarily into prog-metal.
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Ian M. Ireland Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Gotta second anything off of Failer … Hockey Skates is a good example. I also use lines from her Copied Keys in my LJ title/subtitle.
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7 Kimon 16 Nov 2009 at 6:52 pm
I have never heard this, and it is now going in the mix!
I still have a post brewing about female singers, not to worry, but I haven’t investigated anyone that we discussed because I am lazy!
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8 Kimon 16 Nov 2009 at 6:54 pm
Interesting. I have the Worlds Apart single from …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead primarily because the cover not one but TWO of my favorite bands – the Monkeed and Genesis. Which is INSANE. But I don’t have the song you just mentioned here so I will get that!
To be fair I will only count that one in the competition, but I promise to listen to the other two.
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9 CSueon 16 Nov 2009 at 7:16 pm
Trying again, lessee, lessee…
“Whistle in the Yard” by Here Today?
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10 Michael "Hell" Farmeron 16 Nov 2009 at 7:32 pm
“King of Sunset Town” by Marillion.
Wait – I see 12tequilas above – Rebecca F – you here?
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12tequilas Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Hey Mr. Mike!!!
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Michael "Hell" Farmer Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Howdy, Rebecca!
It is so odd but awesome when one circle of friends intersects another.
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Kim Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 10:04 am
It seems like people from all over my life know you! Till mentions you as well.
Kim Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Also I have never heard your song suggestion and will listen to it! It’s a full buck ninety nine on amazon, sheesh!
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12tequilas Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Michael, someone new to Marillionize…::maniacal laughter::
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11 PMMJon 16 Nov 2009 at 8:16 pm
The Sound of Missing You by Ameerah. Sticks in my head all the time these days!
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Kim Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Never heard it, will get it!
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12 aprilon 16 Nov 2009 at 8:34 pm
I am pro Mary Prankster in general!
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13 LeeCarteron 16 Nov 2009 at 11:35 pm
How come I can’t see you in my mirror,
By Tonio K
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14 curiouson 16 Nov 2009 at 11:41 pm
I have bent this a little to try and get a lock on the “you’ve never heard” angle – “Metaluna 4 – Не отвечает” by Messer Chups (“Black Black Magic”). I have mountains of this kind of stuff here.
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Kim Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Definitely never heard this! It’s on the list.
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15 Catbunnyon 17 Nov 2009 at 2:12 am
Though I’m sure you’ve heard it, as it is playing on my local radio station:
“Fireflies” by Owl City
has become a fast favorite of mine.
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Kim Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Not only have I never heard it, I have never heard of it. Don’t listen to the radio much these days.
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16 vonjonkmanon 17 Nov 2009 at 10:01 am
Probably not the BEST song you’ve never heard, but I think if you haven’t heard it already, you will like it.
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Kim Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Yeah, did you post this video before? I have seen & liked it before.
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17 vonjonkmanon 17 Nov 2009 at 10:25 am
I also think you should hear this on principle. (Do I want Gruff Rhys in my kitchen? Absolutely. Yes.)
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Kim Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Mmhmm. Love this. Gruff Rhys is welcome in my kitchen anytime.
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18 Beckion 17 Nov 2009 at 11:09 pm
I think you may like Marnie Stern. Check out any of her stuff.
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19 Ben Sternon 18 Nov 2009 at 1:07 am
I was indeed surpised to learn that you hadn’t heard Just Like Honey by the Jesus and Mary Chain.
As backups, I had “Get Off This” by Cracker, “Bad Days,” “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots,” and “Fight Test,” all by the Flaming Lips, and “Where is My Mind” by the Pixies. All of those are worth a listen, although I still think my first suggestion is the strongest. Ask me again in six months, maybe I’ll feel differently.
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Kim Reply:
November 18th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Amusingly enough, I have heard all of your backups. I own them.
I guess that bodes well for your first suggestion.
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20 Robert/Warmasteron 18 Nov 2009 at 11:22 am
No idea if it will really be your cup of tea, but what the hell:
Katatonia “My Twin”
From the very fine album The Great Cold Distance.
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21 libhomoon 18 Nov 2009 at 10:28 pm
I think the following would be a good choice.
Jackie Onassis
Human Sexual Response
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22 Prosaic Paradise » Best Song Winner Announcement! Finally!on 08 Dec 2009 at 8:13 pm
[…] of all, THANK YOU everyone who participated in my Best Songs I’ve Never Heard contest. Almost everyone had songs I had never heard, and I have a hard time breaking out of my little box […]