Driving up to see a friend on Sunday night, my iPhone served me a nice mix of tunes off my favorite playlist, “Rock Goodness.” My thoughts on the tunes:
- AC/DC, “Money Talks” – A great song marred by a crappy guitar solo.
- The White Stripes, “Seven Nation Army” – A so-so song improved by an insanely great solo. Or series of solos.
- Art Brut, “I Will Survive” – Great lyrics with a superb solo.
- R.E.M., “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth” – Incomprehensible but awesome.
- Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Fortunate Son” – A pretty freaking apt summary of 2015 America.
- Springsteen, “Glory Days” – I’m glad this isn’t a summary of my life.
- Guns N’ Roses, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” – As great in 2015 when it seems to apply (partly?) to my actual daughters as it was in 1987 when it seemed to apply (partly?) to imaginary girlfriends. (Is that creepy?)
- Kanye, “Power” – Maybe the best rock song of the ’00s.
- Jay-Z and Danger Mouse, “99 Problems” (off The Gray Album) – The Beatles’ zipper guitars never sounded better.
- The Who, “Seeker” – The best name-dropping of any rock song.
- The Hold Steady, “Massive Nights” – A color-by-numbers party song that is so much more.
- Phosphorescent, “Ride On/Right On” – I’d love this song even if it weren’t about sex and bicycling.
- Wild Flag, “Racehorse” – You are rock ‘n’ roll fun.