The Rules: I reset the play counters for all the songs currently on my iTunes. Then at the end of every week, I check to see what the top five most played songs are. Whatever happens to be in this top five are then presented in order here from most played to least. If I have posted a particular song in the past, then I will bypass that song and post the next in line. If one artist dominates the list, then I will write about that artist in lieu of a Top Five list.
Ok, it’s almost been a week since The Chargers lost to the Steelers. I’m doing ok, I really am. Thank you all for the wonderful messages of encouragement and the fruit baskets. What’s that? You didn’t send me a wonderful message of encouragement OR a fruit basket?
Fie on you, I say! FIE, FIE!!!!!!
Say… does anyone know how bad of a word “Fie” is? I mean, can I say it to my professor and not get reprimanded?
Anyway… let’s get on with This Week’s Top 5 Most Played Songs From Swap’s iTunes…
Rescue – Lucinda Williams
In 2007, Lucinda Williams released her ninth album, West. It’s an incredibly mellow record, but that was pretty much the norm for Williams up until her latest, Little Honey.
I was totally enraptured by “Rescue,” the ninth cut off West. For a depressing song, it’s got a great feel.
The lyrics explain that “He” can’t rescue/protect/change/carry/fix you… the only thing “He” can do is put ribbons in your hair and show you that he cares. It’s unclear who “He” is, so I won’t even venture a guess.
“Rescue” has been featured on an episode of Brothers and Sisters. I’ve never seen the show, so all I can really say is “Cool.”
Anyhow, I listened to the song eighteen times this week. It’s a gorgeous tune… take a listen.
Your Dig-It Download:
Download: Rescue (Lucinda Williams)
Buy Lucinda Williams on Amazon
Buy Lucinda Williams on iTunes
Car Crash (live) – Matt Nathanson
Matt Nathanson attended Pitzer College, which is in Claremont, CA, which is only about fifteen minutes from me. I think that’s pretty cool, and so should you. Why? Because it is.
He’s been around since 1993, and in 2007 he found greater success with his album, Some Mad Hope. I completely dug the record and was overjoyed when I came across an acoustic version to the opening track, “Car Crash.” I said to myself, “Self? That’s pretty frikkin’ cool.”
“Yes, it is. Now give me some money.”
“What? Why? That’d be just like keeping the money!”
Yeah, I know this really didn’t have anything to do with the album, but in any case, I played this live acoustic version of “Car Crash” thirteen times… and so should you.
Your Dig-It Download:
Download: Car Crash (acoustic live) (Matt Nathanson)
Buy Matt Nathanson on Amazon
Buy Matt Nathanson on iTunes
Uncle Jonny – The Killers
As with most everyone else in the world, I became a fan of The Killers through their debut record, Hot Fuss. The songs were catchy, the production was retro but new… it was one of the best releases of 2004, in my opinion.
I was hoping they wouldn’t suffer the “sophomore slump,” and was glad to see they didn’t. Sam’s Town, was released in 2006 and although it received mixed reviews, it still went platinum with no problems. I dug the direction they took and was glad to see they didn’t make another Hot Fuss.
Brandon Flowers, the lead singer, was REALLY excited about the record. He went on interviews stating that Sam’s Town would be “one of the best albums of the past twenty years,” and that it would be “the album that keeps rock & roll afloat.” Pretty strong words.
I’m not sure if the album achieved THAT kind of status, but it’s worth picking up, for sure. I listened to “Uncle Jonny” eleven times this week.
Your Dig-It Download:
Download: Uncle Jonny (The Killers)
Buy The Killers on Amazon
Buy The Killers on iTunes
Bold As Love – Jimi Hendrix
Dude, if you don’t know who Jimi Hendrix is, I’m afraid I’m going to have to reach through the Internet and choke you to death. But that’s not a threat, mind you… it’s a PROMISE.
I know you don’t want that to happen.
“Bold As Love” is off his second album, Axis: Bold As Love. Released in 1968, the record has since been placed at #82 on Rolling Stone‘s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Here’s a bit of funny trivia regarding the album: Side A had to be quickly remixed because Hendrix apparently left the master tapes to side A in a taxi. I wonder if the taxi driver ever discovered the tapes… and if they’re still somewhere out there, waiting to be found.
Wouldn’t that be a cool thing to find? You’d DEFINITELY end up on a Mastercard commercial.
Your Dig-It Download:
Download: Bold As Love (Jimi Hendrix)
Buy Jimi Hendrix on Amazon
Buy Jimi Hendrix on iTunes
Tin Pan Valley – Robert Plant & The Strange Sensation
I’m a HUGE fan of Robert Plant. He’s best known as the lead singer to one of the greatest Rock bands ever, Led Zeppelin. He’s got a voice that helped define Rock ‘n Roll, and single handedly made it cool to pout (you know what I’m talking about). After Zeppelin, Plant pushed on with a solo career, but he’s always been able to channel The Mighty Zep through whatever project he’s on.
The Mighty ReArranger was released in 2005 to much acclaim and success. The record was nominated for two Grammy Awards… for Best Solo Rock Performance (going up against Springsteen) and Best Hard Rock Performance.
I remember hearing the track “Tin Pan Valley” for the first time… it came on the radio and the next thing i knew, I was on my way to the record store to pick up the album. I read somewhere that the song was about something that Robert Plant wanted to write about, but I don’t have any evidence of this.
“Tin Pan Valley” was played eight times this week. Make that nine because I’m spinning it as I type this.
Your Dig-It Download:
Download: Tin Pan Valley (Robert Plant & The Strange Sensation)
Buy Robert Plant & The Strange Sensation on Amazon
Buy Robert Plant & The Strange Sensation on iTunes
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Ohhh, I really like Car Crash! That Matt’s got a great voice. And I love the Killers. Their singer has such a distinct voice…didn’t know he was so arrogant though. The album that keeps rock n’ roll afloat? Really? :)
Thanks for all the tunes – great selection this week :)
As I have been mentioning, I got a new laptop and I’ve been organizing my music! I don’t do all my listening thru itunes, but I do alot while I’m working.
I thought I’ll be like Ole Swap and just see what the top played ones are. And guess who made the list!??
1 – Gary Nicholson – The Trouble with the Truth
I saw this guy play a few weeks ago with a group of players that called themselves “The Fortunate Sons”, probably the best rockin’ blues show I’ve ever seen. Delbert McClinton sat in for a few songs. I just love everything about this song, the lyrics, the guitar, the groove.
2 – Thomas Lee – Deliver Me – Piano Demo
Yep, you can tell the kind of week you’ve had by the tunes you listen too
3 – Meatloaf – Heaven Can Wait
I’ve been trying to learn to play this one on the piano, HA!
4 – Jeffrey Steele – Hey God
5 – Matchbox 20 – Unwell – Acoustic Version
Yep, it’s been that kind of week!
I’ve not heard that Jimi Hendrix tune in a long time. And Robert Plant’s voice will always be heard I think.