100 FAVORITE SONGS OF THE 00's: 30-11

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#30. Von (acoustic Heim version)

by Sigur Ros (2007)

So, this is an acoustic live version of a reworking of an older song from their first album... anyway... It is breathtaking. I first heard it in an intimate scene on the Sigur Ros tour documentary "Heima," where the band played it live for a small group in a coffee shop or something. Beautiful, emotional, spiritual. Love it.

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#29. 'Til Kingdom Come

by Coldplay (2005)

It didn't even get labeled as an official track on the album, but is far and away the best one on it. Originally written for Johnny Cash to perform, after he died they kept it for themselves. I like it cuz it reminds me of Cass. I sang it to her at our wedding luncheon. Badly. Awww.

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#28. Life Goes On

by Love Psychedelico (2002)

Once again, Japan takes American style and does one better. In this case, semi-gospel(ish) country rock. Singer Kumi flows seamlessly between English and Japanese and throws in possibly my favorite lyrical line of any of the songs on this list: "Falling to the end of the sky/I'm rolling over the rain/Feeling to the end of the mind/I'm growing over the pain." I don't know if that's a second-language happy accident, or poetic genius. But its great, so I don't care.

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#27. Dandelion

by Mongol 800 (2001)

Epic punk-pop done RIGHT. Awesome instrumentation aside, the lyrics are completely in semi-busted English. The reason it works is because of its naive sincerity. Its a punk Japanese kid desperately trying to write a love song to the object of his affection... who apparently only speaks English. He doesn't care if he sounds like an idiot, so long as the point comes across. Heartfelt song that really made an impression on my mission.

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#26. Welcome to the Black Parade

by My Chemical Romance (2006)

I really didn't want to like these guys. Although I liked their "Helena" track from the previous album, I wanted to put them in the "usual emo crap" bin and be done with it. And like a punch in the face, this song comes along and knocks me clean out. "Usual emo crap" is a severe misconception, and "epic" is a severe understatement.

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#25. These Days

by Love Psychedelico (2001)

One thing I love about this group is the interwoven snippets of understandable (rare in Japanese tunes) English. It's just way too endearing when Kumi proclaims, "I wanna be a cowgirl" in perfect English over the bouncy jangle of her acoustic guitar. And when you hear that "I love you, yeah" line, how can you not respond with an "Oh Kumi, I love you too!!!"? Well, you can't really.

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#24. Andvari

by Sigur Ros (2005)

Another mood chameleon. Is this an incredibly happy or incredibly sad song? Depends on YOUR mood I guess, and I think they meant it to be that way. No matter your take, what gets me evertime is the wind down of strings from about the half-way point. Undescribable beauty and fragility. Makes you wanna hold your breath for fear of interrupting.

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#23. If You Keep Losing Sleep

by Silverchair (2007)

My iPod isn't too old, but this song shot to the top of its "most played" category in '07 and still holds that top position. I had heard early live demos of it before, but nothing prepared me for the monster that would appear on Young Modern. I really don't know how to explain it. Just listen. Loudly.

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#22. Viva la Vida

by Coldplay (2008)

All I have to say is, brilliant pop is brilliant pop. And Coldplay makes some of the best of it. If yer sick of hearing it on the radio, then stop listening to the radio.

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#21. Sorry Or Please

by Kings of Convenience (2004)

I was pursuing a relationship with a gal that gave me all sorts of mixed signals, and then along came this song. It was EXACTLY how I was feeling at the time. I got over it, and found myself a Cass not a month later! I was instantly converted to this duo and their personal, yet relatable lyrics.

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#20. タダイマ (Tadaima)

by Do As Infinity (2001)

I hope you kids are looking up the English translation for some of these Japanese tunes. I didn't really listen to this song until I got home from my mission and could understand more of what it was about. The title is basically translated "I'm home!" With the memory of Japan still fresh in my mind at the time, it was a bittersweet realization that hit me pretty hard. Great lyrics, great tune!

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#19. You Make It Real

by James Morrison (2008)

This song hit me in such a personal way when I first heard it. I was so exhausted of school and everything else going on, and it reminded me of what its all for: My wifey Cass. Sometimes all you need is a to-the-point love song to take the words outta your head, and this one does it perfectly.

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#18. Pyramid Song

by Radiohead (2001)

Thom's apparently singing of a weird dream he had about the afterlife on this one, and by golly he wants you to see what he saw. This song is such a visual experience to me. Every time I hear it I feel like I can see and feel exactly what Thom did. Its an eerie, atmospheric experience. Yet, there's "nothing to fear, nothing to doubt." (And just try following that time signature...)

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#17. In My Place

by Coldplay (2002)

This is the sound of a group on the verge of exploding into the biggest band in the world, and not even realizing it. I mean, sure, they were getting popular, but look at that picture. They have no clue. They didn't even bother doing their hair, or cutting it. Even the bald one. I love that each instrument has its own vital melody to contribute to the grandioseness in this'n.

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#16. Gronlandic Edit

by Of Montreal (2007)

I was listening to this in my car the first time I heard it, and I about went off the road when that chorus of Kevins blasted in: "I'll FORGEEEE -(forgeee-forgeee-forgeee)-T! I rewound (can you even say "rewound" anymore?) it 5 or 6 times before I finally finished the rest of this fabulous song. After I put my ears back on my head, I finished the ride home. What a ride that was.

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#15. One More Time

by Daft Punk (2001)

It seemed like this song was HUGE in Japan. I heard it everywhere on my mission. And when I couldn't hear it in public, it was often stuck in my head. I still get so pumped every time I hear it! It's an exhilarating dance masterpiece. And by the way...unless you are a French robot... STOP IT WITH THE AUTO-TUNE! Baggy thugs are about as far from French robots as you can be... it must stop.

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#14. Man of Constant Sorrow

by Soggy Bottom Boys (2000)

"Hot damn, son! I believe you DID sell your soul to the devil!" When I saw this movie, I knew it would be one of my favorites as soon as I saw the "singin' into a can" scene. One of my favorite scenes (and songs) from any movie ever. Too bad its not really George Clooney singing, (that would be Dan Tyminski of Alison Krauss and Union Station). Altogether awesome!

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#13. Sense of Life

by Do As Infinity (2002)

Perfect for a spring/summer anthem. This song embodies this group's overall style into one perfect little pop nugget. Melodious, poetic, upbeat, sexy and sad all at the same time. They are so great at expressing the bittersweet in their tunes. Making instantly likable pop songs with substance while sounding similar to background music for Sonic the Hedgehog is quite a talent indeed. The Japanese have a knack for that. I miss it.

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#12. Morning Bell

by Radiohead (2000)

Any song by Radiohead (but especially from Kid A) needs to be heard on really nice headphones first. I really can't fathom how any fan of good music fails to hear the melody in songs like this. The way Thom's voice melds with that bass 'n keyboard combo in 5/4 time is completely stunning to me. Each "instrument" forms around the inherent melody flawlessly and nearly a decade later, I cannot get enough of it. I am still in awe to the sheer tension and beauty of this song.

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#11. Tuna In the Brine

by Silverchair (2002)

This could be one of the few songs I really enjoy with food in the title. (For some reason that always turns me off...) But that initial oddball skepticism of mine was washed away within about 2 seconds. With epic orchestrations by Van Dyke Parks, this is much less of a "rock/pop song" than it is a whimsical classical piece. "Over-the-top" and "theatrical" are a couple more appropriate adjectives. Daniel Johns is in top form, singing up and down and all around about breaking out of his shell of depression.

Why do I like it so much? Hell, I dunno. Its inspiring and just friggin' amazing. Do I need another reason?

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100 FAVORITE SONGS OF THE 00's: 50-31

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back to 75-51

#50. It's Gonna Be Me

by *N Sync (2000)

Shutup. It's a great pop song! Ok, I admit 99% of why I love this song is nostalgia based. My affection for it probably stems from the short span me and a couple buddies spent "touring" our choreographed lip-sync performance of it at NHS assemblies...and various elementary schools around Davis County (remind me to put that on Youtube..). But it is an enormously catchy pop gem. Admit it. You kinda love it.

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#49. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

by Daft Punk (2001)

I didn't fully hear this song until years after its initial release, probably around the same time Kanye West aped it for his own song. Kanye's was awesome...when he let Daft Punk do the talking. Mere child's play compared to the goosebump inducing "voice-guitar" solo that bust through on this dance masterpiece.

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#48. Love Addict

by Mika Nakashima (2003)

>Hummuna-hummuna-hummuna!<

I didn't even know who Mika Nakashima was when I heard this bit of audio sexiness, but she sure sounded like a babe. And she is. If ya ask me, this throwback jazz tune sounds exactly how she looks. Which is definitely a good thing. That's why seven minutes and fifteen seconds isn't so long after all.

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#47. Into the West

by Annie Lennox (2003)

First of all, Howard Shore's beyond brilliant score for the Lord of the Rings trilogy is one of the best scores (THE best?) ever. And when this original song backed the final credits with a sigh of bittersweet melancholy, I was completely mesmerized. The perfect end to an epic.

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#46. Sakura Drops

by Hikaru Utada (2002)

I can almost guarantee that anyone who was in Japan around 2001-02 has heard this song before. There's no escaping a monster pop hit, especially when its brilliant. The fact that this gal writes, arranges, and produces her own stuff only adds to the flava'. (Take that, Britney.)

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#45. 遠雷- (Enrai)

by Do As Infinity (2001)

Language barrier or not, it is painfully obvious from the beginning how sad this song is (check out the lyrics). I can still remember feeling the heartbreak in singer Tomiko Van's voice when I first heard it. Definitely one of the saddest songs I've ever heard.

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#44. Agaetis Byrun

by Sigur Ros (2000)

Another mind-bogglingly beautiful piece of work from the elves of Iceland. The lyrics translation are as casually relaxed and wispy as the tune itself. Some of the best moments of this track are the sprite-like backing vocals that float around Jonsi's own magical whisperings.

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#43. My Kind of Scene

by Powderfinger (2001)

This one has narrated my life more than a couple of times the last decade. "Footprints on the other side/remind me where I've been, oh yeah/I'll watch from the other side." The kind of tune that helps ya dust off the shoulders and keep things in perspective.

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#42. Like Spinning Plates

by Radiohead (2001)

This scared the hell out of me the first time I heard it, in all the right ways. Rarely has a song been so pleasantly unsettling. I still have a hard time deciding if I like the live version (completely different, but every bit as brilliant) or this one better. I decided to go with the original gangster for the list.

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#41. My Favourite Thing

by Silverchair (2002)

The first track off of Diorama to grace my ears was through a video sent to me by the fam while on the mission. Twas this sad little nugget of a "love" song. Its the closest to previous album Neon Ballroom that they get, so it was the perfect bridge to one of my favourite (notice spelling) albums ever.

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#40. Cocoon (EXPLICIT CONTENT)

by Bjork (2001)

While Radiohead was frightening me into submission, Bjork was seducing me with the same results. It was the minimalist blippity-blip of the beat that first drew me in and it was the shocking poetic intimacy of the lyrics that kept me there. Apparently the words came straight from a diary page, and you can tell.

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#39. Lion Thief

by Beta Band (2004)

Aside from the awesome groove, it was the disguised hilariousness of the lyrics that really caught me on this one. The opening line is one of my favorites ever. Besides, it breaks down into a Stevie Nicks-by-way-of-Destiny's Child-"Bootylicious" beat in the middle. How can that possibly go wrong?? It can't.

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#38. You Only Live Once

by The Strokes (2006)

Another good-times bounce from The Strokes. They make quite a bit of those, don't they? This is for sure one of their best. And, "the best" of The Strokes is quite a bit better than most. (Rhyme?Sorta...) Its just infectiously groovy... not sure what else to say about it!

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#37. Low

by Silverchair (2007)

On Young Modern, the Chair boys attempt quite a variety of styles and genres without missing a step. This is their 70's summer song. Reflective lyrics, epic harmonies, and a nice honky tonk breakdown make this "Low" point one of Young Modern's highest. Meh heh heh... puns...

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#36. Your Song

by Love Psychedelico (2001)

This is such an easy breezy groove-tastic tune. My first thought upon hearing this: There are so many American/European bands that have tried to nail this typically western sound the past decade, and it amuses my soul to see a Japanese group putting them all to shame with a song like this. And it sounds effortless.

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#35. I Will (No Man's Land)

by Radiohead (2003)

Not even two minutes in length, nothing but subtle guitar and layered Thom harmonies. Breaking it down, this seems like it should just be an interlude of filler material between songs. But its the haunting lyrics, the brilliant aforementioned harmonies and a saturation of pure tension that make this my favorite song under two minutes ever, and ironically, the best song on the album it came from.

(Trivia: the 'Head song at #42 was born from playing an early demo of "I Will" backwards!)

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#34. Island in the Sun

by Weezer (2001)

This is stapled to the great summer I had before leaving on a mission. Just out of high school, hangin' with friends, summer love interests, family vacations, and not a care in the world. At the same time, there was an undertone of knowing it wouldn't last while wondering what was ahead (in the song, as well as the time I've associated it with). Growing up was made just a little easier with songs like this.

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#33. The Scientist

by Coldplay (2002)

The video nearly made me cry when I first saw it. The fact that the song itself isn't exactly "cheery" doesn't help either. One of the few songs I've actually taught myself to play on the piano (not like its incredibly hard.)

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#32. Since U Been Gone

by Kelly Clarkson (2004)

We've all heard it. But can you recall where exactly you were the FIRST time you heard it? I remember sitting in the passenger seat of my buddy Ben's car at a gas station when this came on the radio. I can honestly say I was blown away. I had to know who it was, because I wanted to crown them the new queen of pop. I was embarrassed to admit my adoration, until I noticed everyone else loved it too.

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#31. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi

by Radiohead (2007)

It was a slow burner, but it eventually claimed its place as my favorite song off of In Rainbows (the 3rd or 4th song to do this...). I love the intense build-up and the backing "heeey-aaaaah"s at the climax. I think it was seeing it live on Jools Holland that officially bumped it up. Goosebumps every time.

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100 FAVORITE SONGS OF THE 00's: 75-51

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#75. Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear (2009)

An instant classic this year. Genre-defying pop brilliance.
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#74. Demon Days by Gorillaz (2005)

An epic gospel ending to a three-part grand finale that finishes one fabulous concept album.

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#73. House of Cards by Radiohead (2007)

Who'da thought these guys could make such a sexy R&B groove? I Heart them.

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#72. Svefn-g-englar by Sigur Ros (2000)

Its a song about being born, from the baby's point of view... Simply amazing.
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#71. Beyond the Gray Sky by 311 (2003)

This one's dedicated to my cousin Brantly Kirkham.
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#70. It's Not Up To You by Bjork (2001)

After this song, I was sure fairies really lived in my back yard.

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#69. In Mind by Do Make Say Think (2007)

No matter what kind of bad mood I'm in, this tune'll fix it good.

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#68. We're Much Preferred Customers by The Dissociatives (2004)

Welcome to Planet Pod. Complete and utter nonsense never sounded so sublime.

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#67. Safe by Travis (2001)

The perfect song to listen to once you hit that "Oh crap, I'm an adult now..." phase.
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#66. Festival by Sigur Ros (2008)

Seeing this live was a spiritual experience. Its long, but listen to the whole thing. Loud.
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#65. Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups (2006)

The best Smashing Pumpkins song of the 00's wasn't by the Smashing Pumpkins.
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#64. Stay Out of Trouble by Kings of Convenience (2004)

Purely heartfelt and honest lyrics like this are hard to come by these days.
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#63. Smoothie Song by Nickel Creek (2002)

The best instrumental all decade, hands down. What a talented group.
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#62. Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap (2005)

I hate that emo punks and rappers everywhere are using this song to push their crap.
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#61. Untitled 4 by Sigur Ros (2002)

Sometimes, pure, sonic emotion doesn't need a title. Or real lyrics for that matter.
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#60. 1901 by Phoenix (2009)

One of the most instantly infectious pop tunes to come out in years.
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#59. Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon (2008)

This song is carried by its flawless vocal melody. Once its in your head, it stays.
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#58. I Don't Love You by My Chemical Romance (2006)

Starts off like Coldplay's "Yellow," and ends in brilliant monster ballad bombast.
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#57. 2+2=5 (The Lukewarm) by Radiohead (2003)

You can hear Thom say "That's a nice way to start, Johnny." As track 1 on Hail to the Theif, I couldn't agree more.
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#56.轍- Wadachi- by Do As Infinity (2002)

A dreamlike, melancholic, and hopeful song about growing up that hits all the right spots.
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#55. Harm of Will by Bjork (2001)

(whispering) It doesn't get more intimate than this...

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#54. Gagging Order by Radiohead (2004)

One of the simplest, most sincere, and best of Radiohead songs.
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#53. Acid Food by Mogwai (2006)

Mogwai doesn't usually use lyrics, but the subtle sighs of guitar and voice fit perfectly here.
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#52. Lonesome Tears by Beck (2002)

A random button on a listening station in Japan first brought this tearjerker to my ears.

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#51. After All These Years by Silverchair (2002)

I make sure and listen to this beautiful and poetic song of resolution every New Year.

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next: 50-31

100 FAVORITE SONGS OF THE 00's: 100-76

You know I'm a list nerd.

How can I pass the opportunity to create a DECADE list?? To be honest, I've been making this list since 2009 began.

This is a significant decade for me, it being the first full decade I was able to fully appreciate the music around me as an adult with a decently educated opinion. It also will probably be the last full decade of being able to pay so much attention to it all as much as I have. Soon as kids and work, etc., start coming up, I'm sure those'll take priority. We'll see. I'm sure I'll find time somewhere.

I do these lists for a couple reasons:

a.) I don't keep a journal, but sometimes I do like to record significant things about who I was at a certain time. The music I listen to is a big part of who I am, I really enjoy looking back on it and I hope maybe others might as well.

b.) Since its such a big hobby of mine, I love sharing it with people. I like to show people great tunes, and why I think they are so great.

c.) Its fun. I enjoy writing, I enjoy music, and I like making lists. Badabing, badaboom.

But, enough chat, lets start things off. This is a list of the 100 (that's right) songs that most affected me this decade. These were the tunes I kept coming back to for whatever reason. But, 100?? Believe me, it was harder to narrow it down to 100 than it was to order the songs themselves (which is why I decided to include a bonus one). These are the songs that defined me.

You don't have to listen to them all, but the links are provided for your curiosity! Click away, give it a second to load up, and enjoy. Let me know what you think! (Check back daily for the continuation!)

BONUS #101. Trying by Lifehouse (2000)

Beautiful instrumentation throughout, & nothing like their radio hits.
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#100. When the Day Met the Night by Panic at the Disco (2007)
The song that convinced me to pay attention to my least favorite band.
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#99. Sooner by Asobi Seksu (2004)

The sexiest wall of sound this side of My Bloody Valentine.

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#98. So Here We Are by Bloc Party (2005)
A romantic sounding nugget of goodness that landed on my wedding mix.
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#97. You Belong by Hercules and Love Affair (2008)

A bit of 90's dance brilliance sung by a couple o' talented she-males.
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#96. The Denial Twist by The White Stripes (2005)

Guitar god he may be, but my favorite Jack White is the piano man.
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#95. On A Neck, On A Split by Grizzly Bear (2006)
When this thing burst around 3:05, its oh so exhilarating indeed.
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#94. Man of the Hour by Pearl Jam (200)

The song that made me cry at the end of Big Fish. More than once.
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#93. The Rip by Portishead (2008)
Scared the hell out of my inner child, but left the adult coming back for more.
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#92. The Underdog by Spoon (2007)
If you aren't hooked by the first 20 seconds, you might not have a soul.
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#91. You Ate It by Love Psychedelico (2002)
You want "swagger?" Eat this bit o' groovtastic acoustic riffery and call me in the morning.
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#90. Reset by Mutemath (2006)
If your headphones were human, they'd probably make out with you for this one.
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#89. Hope There's Someone by Antony and the Johnsons (2005)
Strange, captivating, hypnotizing, haunting... and completely beautiful.
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#88. One Time Too Many by Phoenix (2006)
Depending on your mood, this could either be the happiest or saddest sounding song ever.
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#87. Think I'm in Love by Beck (2006)
Beck's in love again, but it makes him nervous to say so. We hear ya, Beck.
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#86. Comfy in Nautica by Panda Bear (2007)
Mammals unite! Panda Bear from Animal Collective makes a Lion King song!
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#85. 真実の詩 (Shinjitsu no Uta) by Do As Infinity (2002)
The intro alone should shatter that language barrier for you.
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#84. Lifting the Veil from the Braille by The Dissociatives (2004)
I affectionately refer to this one as an "electric cowboy jam."
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#83. Colors by Utada Hikaru (2003)
I heard this one in a taxi on my mission, and it was stuck in my head until I got home.
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#82. Australia by The Shins (2007)
If "Happy" and "Go Lucky" had a kid, it would definitely be this song.
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#81. Bodysnatchers by Radiohead (2007)
Try NOT moving your head to the chug of them guitars. Impossible.
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#80. Live Without It by Killing Heidi (2001)
I love the guitars in this. A very 90's sounding alt-pop-rock song. That's a good thing.
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#79. Prelude for Time Feelers by Eluvium (2007)
Very much a modern Moonlight Sonata. Exquisite! Beethoven would be proud I think.
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#78. Memory Lane by Jake White (2000)
A subtle, spiritual acoustic jam that kept me alive for two years in Japan.
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#77. Such Great Heights (Postal Service cover) by Iron & Wine (2003)
Sometimes, a cover is better than the original. Danced to this at my wedding.
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#76. White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes (2008)
A harmonious folk-pop round that sounds like something kids should learn in pre-school.
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next : 75-51