1. Your favourite song with the name of a city in the title or text.
“London Belongs to Me” by St. Etienne
The last time I was there, this song hadn’t been written yet. I badly need to go.
2. A song you've listened to repeatedly when you were depressed at some point in your life.
“Fairytale of New York” by the Pogues
Fall 2001. Christmas nowhere in sight. Fear turned into despair (Boston always seemed to be the probable next target of terrorist attack, so the “won’t see another one” was very relevant). An astonishingly great song, worthy of all its praise.
3. Ever bought an entire album just for one song and winded up disliking everything but that song? Gimme that song.
“I Will Survive” by Cake (from
Fashion Nugget)
4. A song whose lyrics you thought you knew in the past, but about which you later learned you were incorrect.
“Same Old Thing” by the Streets
He should have said “shag her and matey.”
5. Your least favourite song on one of your favourite albums of all time.
“Never Had No One Ever” by the Smiths (from
The Queen is Dead)
6. A song you like by someone you find physically unattractive or otherwise repellent.
“El Scorcho” by Weezer
7. Your favorite song that has expletives in it that's not by Liz Phair.
“N2Gether Now (Neptunes Remix)” by Limp Bizkit
8. A song that sounds as if it's by someone British but isn't.
“Ruby Soho” by Rancid
9. A song you like (possibly from your past) that took you forever to finally locate a copy of.
“Sweet Virginia” by Pussy Galore (from
Exile On Main Street)
10. A song that reminds you of spring but doesn't mention spring at all.
“Spit on a Stranger” by Pavement
April 2001. Although I can’t remember now if this is when I actually first heard the song, but it always takes me back there. Recovering from the 2-week depression that began my adulthood. Being with wonderful friends for the first time in Boston. Being totally in love.
11. A song that sounds to you like being happy feels.
“Elephant Stone (7” version)” by Stone Roses
12. Your favourite song from a non-soundtrack compilation album.
“It’s Cold Outside” by the Choir (from
Nuggets: Original Artyfacts)
13. A song from your past that would be considered politically incorrect now (and possibly was then).
“Cunt Tease” by Pussy Galore
14. A song sung by an overweight person.
“Life in Vain” by Daniel Johnston
15. A song you actually like by an artist you otherwise hate.
“Hotel Yorba” by the White Stripes
16. A song by a band that features three or more female members.
“Two Become One” by the Spice Girls
17. One of the earliest songs that you can remember listening to.
“Sing” by the Sesame Street Original Cast
18. A song you've been mocked by friends for liking.
“All I Want For Christmas” by Mariah Carey
19. A really good cover version you think no one else has heard.
“Daydream Believer” by the Replacements
20. A song that has helped cheer you up (or empowered you somehow) after a break-up or otherwise difficult situation.
“Atmosphere” by Joy Division
The prozac makes me tired. I fall asleep in the afternoon and wake up at 5, the sun’s gone down, everything’s black. I know the only thing that will get me up so I can go to dinner is to put this on. When Ian breaks out with:
People like you find it easy
Naked to see walking on air
Hunting by the rivers though the streets every corner
Abandoned too soon set down with due care
Don’t walk away in silence
I am able to stand up and walk outside.
A triumph over annihilation.