This is going to be another “themed” five song Friday, because I haven’t really heard too many new things worth mentioning this week (and I have been listening to all of the good stuff from the recent months on repeat). I was trying to figure out what to post this week, when I thought that it might be fun to do a 5SF with songs that really changed how I felt about music; songs from the bands that really got me into loving music in the first place. It’s very difficult to narrow that down, but I thought that I would start with five songs by five bands that I really gravitated towards in high school; which is when I first became obsessed with music. These are songs that totally represent the groups for me, and are songs that totally take me back to that time so many years ago.
I’m sure that some of you will share love for these songs as well…
Blur – There’s No Other Way
Oh Blur… for so long, I have loved thee. I remember when I was introduced to Blur by some of my friends during my junior year, and after one listen to Parklife, I was hooked. However, it would be Leisure that would become the quintessential Blur album for me; and it is still, in my opinion, one of the best albums that I could ever hope to own. My friends and I completely played this album out; that is, if that were possible. Many car trips and times hanging out were accompanied by the soundtrack of early Blur. I love when I haven’t heard this record for a while and then I put it on, because I am always transported back to those summers and great times. I can definitely say without a doubt, that Blur was definitely one of my first “favorite” bands; and given their catalog, remains as such to this day.
Smashing Pumpkins – Rocket
I credit Siamese Dream as being my favorite album of all time. For me, it was what Nevermind was for many others; it was a beginning of a new era of music. The alternative sounds that bled off of this album fully soaked my brain, and I was immersed into the full experience that was the Smashing Pumpkins for many, many years. I long considered them my favorite band of all time, but my interest in them quickly waned when their sound changed so dramatically after Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. However, even after several missteps, there is no denying the brilliance of this record, and I have no problem hanging in the moment that Siamese Dream blasted from my first car’s meek stereo speakers. This album is also credited with the reason that I got into playing guitar; in fact, my first guitar was bought not long after I received this record in my very first BMG shipment.
Weezer – Say It Ain’t So
If you’ve been paying attention, by now, you know that yes, I am a huge fan of Weezer. I am loving their new record, but for me, nothing can top the experience of hearing the Blue Album for the first time; it too was a part of my first BMG shipment (I got 7 pretty slamming albums). Every song on that record can take me right back to my room, where I would jam out to Weezer on my boom box. It has always been one of my favorites, and I am just glad that they have continued to make amazing music, and I have been along for the ride. This is my all time favorite Weezer song, and with good reason; it fucking rules.
The Cardigans – Been It
As with the other bands listed, if you haven’t figured out by now that the Cardigans are one of my favorite groups, then clearly you haven’t been listening to me. This album was primarily purchased because of the fantastic “Lovefool”, but upon receiving it, I was exposed to something so much more than I could have expected. This album is a masterpiece to me. Every song is amazing, and it is one of those records that has definitely stood the test of time. Interestingly enough, the Cardigans have only gotten better with age, so their more recent albums have built upon this (their sophomore release) album’s fantastic music. It was my first Cardigans record, and this song was the one that made me realize that they were more than just a one hit wonder for me… it showed me that I would be a life long fan of this Swedish super group.
Nirvana – In Bloom
Last but certainly not least, is my all time favorite song by the amazing Nirvana. What happened to Kurt Cobain is seriously one of the more tragic incidents to occur to music at the time, as he was clearly a visionary with talent that never got to see it’s full potential. At the time, I wasn’t the “hugest” Nirvana fan, perhaps because of my deep love for the Pumpkins, but I nevertheless appreciated great music when I heard it, and this is certainly it. I still get chills when I hear this song because of how fantastic it is.
Well, it is clear that I was an alternative kid when I was in high school. My musical tastes may have changed some, but I still love each and every one of these songs, and the records that they come from. These songs/albums/groups help shape what I thought was good about music, and helped me appreciate music with a depth that is still very strong in me today. I hope you guys enjoyed this 5SF, and be sure to let me know what songs/albums/artists did the same for you. Loving music is a huge part of my life… and now you have a pretty good idea of where it truly started.