45. "A Dozen Roses" by Braid
This song quickly became my favorite Braid song in college, and not a lot changed thereafter. I like how the song meanders. It packs a punch, gets calmer, explodes, gets ever calmer, and then climaxes. The lyrics are also classic Bob Nanna: cynical and ironic with just a pinch of humor. One would, of course, think that the song might be romantic from the title, and there is a certain romance to it, but it is the romance of being alone and pining.
44. "Paper Thin" by Hot Water Music
I do love a lot of Hot Water Music songs, but I often have trouble comprehending what they are saying, not the message, but the actual singing of the lyrics. I think I might like this song most because I can sing along to the whole thing. It has a great chorus and great guitar parts, which is saying a lot in a band that receives its musical clout froma formally trained jazz bassist and drummer. I think the song is about how temporary and unimportant the things we deem important can end up being.
43. "B is for Bethlehem" by The Promise Ring
It was especially difficult deciding which songs were my favorite Promise Ring songs. This song is ultimately the catchiest song from Nothing Feels Good, which is what initially caught my attention when I heard it many moons ago for the first time. I initially believed the song was some kind of evangelical song, but upon further examination, I believe the song to be a condemnation of people throwing out the name of Jesus on a whim. I don't think it makes any judgement of Jesus either way. I also get a bit of a sympathetic approach to the devil through the irony of the song. I am thinking here of a somewhat heroic devil like in Paradise Lost. I may be completely wrong. I really don't understand about half of Davy von Bohlen's lyrics anyway. When all else fails, there is always the uber-catchy chorus.
42. "Fell in Love at 22" by Starflyer 59
This song epitomizes what Starflyer is to me. I think I also may like it a bit because...well...I fell in love right there around the age of 22. I also don't know of a song with fewer lyrics that tells a complete story. Ultimately, the outcome of the song is reflected by the shoegazer tone that Starflyer always sets out: John at 42 seems to not be having a great life. Hopefully, my life will be marginally better than the character in this song when I am 42. I think it is a lot about responsibility, but also a reminder to pursue our dreams: a cautionary tale, if you will.
41. "New Slang" by the Shins
Okay. I know what you are thinking. This song has been everywhere: movies, television, RockBand, and you would be right, but I just can't seem to get sick of the song. I maintain that it was my favorite when I heard the album back in 2001 or 2002 before it was whored out to the media masses. The song is very cyclical in nature and never really gets anywhere musically. It is mellow and very easy to listen to in any mood, and hey, the first line is about a pirate (at least that is how I interpret it). I am not really sure how all the lyrics connect. All I know is that the persona singing the song is really pissed off at the world, I mean all of it, wishing butchers to cut their thumbs and all. I think ultimately, the song is probably a really creatively worded song about a girl that's rejected the narrator.
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