Selections of Music I enjoy

*Numbers do not denote ranking

1. Song of the Volga Boatmen- Russian Folk Song
“Yo, heave ho! Once more, once again, still once more.” When the going gets hard I think of my own ancestors who hauled those same barges on the Volga. A song of perseverance, and the Russian spirit.

2. Asturias/ Spanish Caravan –  Isaac Albéniz/ the Doors

Though these are two different pieces of music fundamentally, by two different artists, the band the Doors, sampled the former’s verse, added lyrics, and created a great intro. Reminds me of road trips to the country.

3. Old Man- Neil Young
My favorite Neil Young song. I can’t really put my finger on what exactly the song is about, but to me it sounds like a pastoral hymn. An ode to an old rancher.

4. 1901- Phoenix
The feeling of the city at night on a terrace or at a lounge. A beautiful sight, with a great song to accompany it.

5. Michelle- The Beatles
The best song with a girl’s name in the title. Beatles at their most jazzy and romantic.

6. Black Betty- Spiderbait
Better than the original by Ram Jam. A song to get hyped and excited to.

7. Prodigal Son- The Rolling Stones
A song about a son returning home not having quite made it outside, and reuniting with his family. They get together and eat the fattest calf on the farm, “cause that’s the way for them to get along.” Illustrates the importance of family, which should not be forgotten even through gaining independence in college.

8. La Grange- ZZ Top
Clever song about a whore house. Great driving song for when I get a motorcycle.

9. Sweet Jane- The Velvet Underground
About the tribulations of a young couple trying to scrap together some bread and live together. Great folk song and possibly the band’s best.

10. Small Town- John Mellencamp
They play this on the radio a lot in the country for obvious reasons. I love the lyrics; they are very honest.

– Vincent N.