Coffee Douche, in the style of Sara Thelen

They've just tried out a new premium roast and they want to tell you all about it. They claim to be an aficionado but they really just go to Bigby every day. The drink they just ordered has about five different adjectives in front of it. They are the Coffee Douche.

Most often spotted in coffee shop with a laptop for hours on end, but can also be seen just about everywhere with a to-go coffee cup glued to their hand. When you have conversation with them they'll try to tell you all about the coffee stuck in their grip. "oh yes it's an Iced Carmel Mocha, very good but I think the Hazelnut Mint Mocha Mocha is a better roast." Barf, I don't tell people about every milkshake I've ever ordered because I assume they don't give a shit.

So Coffee Douche, enjoy your premium blend. I guess you’ll be taking it black because I can see you’ve already creamed yourself.

BSE? Round 2 Part 2

Oh my round 2 is over and that means we are 3/4 of the way through this thing. Still going strong and feeling good about my picks thus far. I thought I'd have more time to update over the holidays but hanging out, magic cards, new video games and all that good stuff have been keeping me rather busy (And yeah job hunting and thinking about my last semester as well(A little)) As far as further take backs as Ian mentioned, BNL will almost assuredly be the last of them. Now that we're in these further rounds I'm researching deeper and spending more time on each pick I make. From now on rounds will complete in a single post so we're in the home stretch here, 32 songs left to consider!

Match 2.17

Victor: Under Pressure - Queen

Defeated: Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I think everyone can relate to this song; sometimes you just want to be home. John Denver’s home here is in the middle of nowhere close to nature but you can insert your home into it still rather easily. I like the instruments, there’s a banjo, twangy guitars and of course John Denver himself singing in his usual cheesy fashion. The lyrics are well formed too. “Misty taste of moonshine” is both easy on the ears and has a good mental image to it as well.

Why did it lose?

More difficult than you might think, I like Denver’s lyrics better but Queen/ Bowie’s music more.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN86d0CdgHQ

Match 2.18

Victor: Waterloo – The Kinks

Defeated: Imagine – John Lennon

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Well, yeah it’s Imagine. It’s #3 on Rolling Stone’s greatest songs of all time. It’s a renowned classic. Of course the song is all about the message, which I always thought was particularly interesting. It’s a song that denounces Religion, Government, and Capitalism but still managed to be very popular in a cold war world. I guess it’s just orchestrated so well that many people just glaze over its message and only the people who really want to hear it do.

Why did it lose?

I still however find the song to be overrated. The piano’s ok but the orchestra is just too over the top for me.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM0Z75KEd_o

Match 2.19

Victor: All My Friends – LCD Soundsystem

Defeated: I Heard it Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I remember my brother on the school bus having a conversation about this song with some guy we knew about this song. He apparently had just realized that this was a sad song. That’s kind of crazy to me, isn’t that the whole point? A lot of lost love songs tend to be a little vague on the terms of the breakup but this one is pretty straight to the point. She’s getting back together with an ex and Marvin heard about it in the worst way possible. Though I put down orchestras for Imagine, it works perfectly in here. The strings are more intense (I don’t remember the turn but there are a lot of quite back forth shrill bow strokes) and fit quite well and add a lot.

Why did it lose?

A simple one is better than the other for me.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hajBdDM2qdg

Match 2.20

Victor: No Children – The Mountain Goats

Defeated: Missed the Boat – Modest Mouse

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I like this song a lot as a song to bridge the gap between those hardcore “I knew them before they were cool” Modest Mouse fans and those who only know Float On but like it quite a bit. It’s got that catchiness that Float On somehow captured perfectly but it’s on an album that feels more like traditional Modest Mouse. I got a little flack for picking this song over other MM works from Mike and Caitlin and it’s probably warranted. However, I’m probably closer to the casual camp of the Modest Mouse fans than the hardcore one. As such this is song I know best from the two Modest Mouse albums I know and I like it quite a lot, though I prefer The Moon and Antarctica greatly more as an album.

As I already said the catchiness is unmistakable and the guitars are quite good and varied without sounding too much like noise. The lyrics are good but fit better as single lines than a cohesive whole. All in all it’s quite a piece.

Why did it lose?

No Children just does so much right lyrically. I gotta give it to them.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4XskfT6vNY

Match 2.21

Victor: Hey Ya! - Outkast

Defeated: Smells like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

Why did this song deserve to be here?

What’s better for a voice of a generation that doesn’t care about caring than a guy who doesn’t want to be that voice? Kurt nailed the feelings of the generation Xers in Teen Spirit with I couldn’t care less attitude. Lines like “Here we are now, entertain us” Capture the feeling of a truly apathetic set of teens.

The Music of course is grunge at it’s finest. The Guitars are loud and fuzzy, the drums crash about as often as they can and Kurt mumbles out the words in a barely audible slur.

Why did it lose?

Two songs at the pinnacle of their genre, but I think Hey Ya crosses more boundaries than teen spirit.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeg

Match 2.22

Victor: Gold Soundz - Pavement

Defeated: Mistaken for Strangers – The National

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Another song where it’s all about the words, I guess I’m all about the words too so it’s to be expected. We should definitely not discount the music here though, there’s some good drumming here with some key off beats and rolls. The guitar is sproingy with intelligent melodies.

The words are sooooo good though. The line that sticks out for me is “You wouldn't want an angel watching over you? / Surprise surprise, they wouldn't want to watch.” Wow, early adult life is so boring that angels don’t even care to watch it. This song is of course about the awkward transition into adulthood and this is where the title is based. “You get mistaken for strangers by your own friends” Not recognizing old friends as you charge forward into adult life, ugh.

Why did it lose?

Sooooooo good

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgRsYkKb1eI

Match 2.23

Victor: Purple Rain - Prince

Defeated: Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Queen produced a rock song that also feels like an opera (off the album A Night at the Opera appropriately enough.) This song has so much going on it feels like it could have been at least 3 good songs. Instead it’s one fantastic epic. Queen’s precise and perfectly in tune singing is fantastic as always. It has the oomph of a rock singing and complicatedness of a classical piece. The guitars are rocking it hard in this song at the end and the solo in the middle is great. The parts all clash nicely with each other going from slow ballad to Opera to rock song and finishing back with the ballad. There’s so much to listen to here.

Why did it lose?

Purple rain is just as epic and I like Prince’s emotional singing a little better. Plus the guitar is awesome.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ

Match 2.24

Victor: Losing My Religion – R.E.M.

Defeated: Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) – Radney Foster

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Well there goes the last representative from the genre of country. This is another song the Dixie Chicks covered but whereas I might like the Dixie Chick version of landslide better I definitely prefer Radney’s original version. Radney has yet to really break out in the world of music but other people who have seem to recognize his song writing talents. Dixie Chicks cover of this song is renown and Keith Urban made a version of Radney’s song I’m In as well as a cover of his song Raining on a Sunday. It’s really a shame Radney never really made a name for himself. The best chart position he ever got #74 on the country charts. My dad and brother went to go see him in Chicago last September. He was playing in a sports bar and the cover was $10. They tell me he still put on a good show despite not playing my dad’s favorite song Old Silver. Radney’s songs aren’t known for their complicated melodies but he is quite the lyricist. Most of the song is basic chords but there is some good background female vocals and what I believe is a acoustic Bass.

Why did it lose?

Losing My Religion is too fantastic

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eos7FbtuTbo (excuse the quality, this was the best I found)

Match 2.25

Victor: Sympathy for the Devil – Rolling Stones

Defeated: Random Rules – Silver Jews

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Songs about heartbreak have a natural tendency to be emotional. Somehow though, the Silver Jews captured a laid back attitude towards it. But really this isn’t a song about heartbreak. It’s more about reconciling with someone who was part of your heartbreak in the past and the emotions behind that. It has obviously been a long time since the breakup alluded to in this song and our singer even notices “the tan line on [his ex lover’s] ring finger.” Visiting with an Ex is an awkward experience and Stephen has captured it pretty well in this song. His Ex doesn’t even recognize him (“you look like someone I used to know.") how disconcerting is that?

Why did it lose?

Sympathy for the devil is pretty damn cool.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtbneH8T1S0

Match 2.26

Victor: Disarm – Smashing Pumpkins

Defeated: Mrs. Robinson – Simon and Garfunkel

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This song is considered the magnum opus of Simon and Garfunkel by many people. We’ve got all our usual Simon and Garfunkel attributes. The singing is perfectly intone as always. The guitar is more interesting than usual, with good licks and different strum pattern then we normally expect. The lyrics are a little subtle for their subject matter. Simon only refers to even a possibility of an affair about there times. Wiki tells me that the song was modified to be included in the graduate and was originally “Mrs Roosevelt” so maybe this contributes to that

Why did it lose?

I like disarm better

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_jmDscGi7E

Match 2.27

Victor: Chicago – Sufjan Stevens

Defeated: I am the Resurection – The Stone Roses

Why did this song deserve to be here?

So there are two versions of this song, one is about 3 and one half minutes long and the other is around 8 minutes. I have no idea why anyone would ever prefer the 3.5 minute version over the other. There is about 4 minutes of pure awesome instrumental sections at the end of the eight minute version that was cut from the other. The guitar work in this last section is mesmerizing. There’s a complete stop in the middle of it and then the guitar picks up again with a whole other sound. The lyrics in the first half are sweet too. It’s a mix of hating organized religion and singling out someone the band knows as a shit head. It’s a great piece of brit pop.

Why did it lose?

Not completely sure. I’ll say it has something to do with the clever instrumentation in Chicago.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6QnK0yql8s

Match 2.28

Victor: Greener – Tally Hall

Defeated: Wolf like Me – TV on the Radio

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Ok, how cool is it to have a song about being a werewolf? I love the intensity in this song. Everything is building up to that unavoidable transformation. But it’s more than our singer being a werewolf; he seems to have found a mate. It’s not some sort of bizarre werewolf love song though. It’s just someone that he can relate to with his transformation. The lyrics can be taken in a non literal way too. Being a werewolf could be any sort of dark secret and the transformation might be the worst side coming out of a person. The singing is awesome with tinges of vulnerability and grotesqueness all mixed into one package. The drums pack a big punch and give us the feeling of a pounding heart leading up to an inevitable transformation.

Why did it lose?

Greener has cool guitar work and relatable and poignant lyrics. It’s such a tight song.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1-xRk6llh4

Match 2.29

Victor: Cold Days from The Birdhouse – The Twilight Sad

Defeated: Pale Blue Eyes – The Velvet Underground

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This is a song I like to put on to relax a little. That slow hand guitar with slides has a way of putting the mind at ease. There are absolutely no drums either keeping with the easy going feeling. The only percussion happening in the song is on beat hits of a tambourine. Lou Reed does a good job with the voice here as well. It’s deliberate, yet somewhat fragile. It gives off the perfect tone for this failed relationship vibe that the song gives us.

Why did it lose?

Twilight Sad does a lot with song and is a great standout on an album full of good songs

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnjaevCMj_o

Match 2.30

Victor: The Rat – The Walkmen

Defeated: The Start of Something - Voxtrot

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I saw Voxtrot at Pitchfork Music Festival a few years ago. I have to admit that they were somewhat disappointing. His voice was obviously not doing well that day or something as his usual mellow tones came out grungy. It showed the most on this song which constantly bombards the listener with lyrics. It was still a good show nonetheless as I enjoyed hearing the songs from the EPs. As a song that has so many fast words you might expect The Start of Something to have meatballs in the mix as far as individual lines go. Somehow though, throughout the song they keep the lyrics meaningful and poetic. Best line: "If I die clutching your photograph don't call me boring//it's just cause I like you.” Damn that ones good.

This is another failed relationship song but Voxtrot describes the feeling much better than most bands. They cover a lot of ground with all the lyrics in there. He talks about writing the letter you never should have sent, the grief of a partner with a new lover, and the necessity of trying to let the whole thing die. The repeated lines at the end of the song really drive home that last thought.

“Marianne, let the ghosts sleep tonight
Marianne, let the ghosts sleep
Just shut your eyes, burn the past”

Why did it lose?

The Rat hits some great anger and the drums are fantastic, more on that later.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueFj9V6WWLg

Match 2.31

Victor: Baba O’Riley – The Who

Defeated: I Am Trying To Break Your Heart - Wilco

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Such a sweet song, I’m trying to break down all the lyrics but there’s a lot going on and it’s a little hard to follow. The actual flow of time in the song is said to be backwards and this makes sense considering Tweedy starts off as “an American Aquarium Drinker” and ends as “a disposable Dixie Cup drinker” As I can tell Tweedy is in a drunken stupor and decides to pay his Ex a visit. He asks for sex and gets laughed at. It’s pretty harsh stuff.

Tweedy delivers every portion of this perfectly. The instruments all sound like they’re falling all over each other. Notes and new instruments come in on off beats with out of key notes. If being drunk and upset could be orchestrated, it would be like this. Tweedy’s voice is perfect here too. He’s slurring every word and he’s often off beat. If I didn’t know any better I would say that he had a drink before going into the studio.

Why did it lose?

Classic Rock at it’s finest (No, Really.) I’m giving it to the oldie here.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlxH9-TYseY

Match 2.32

Victor: Changes – 2pac

Defeated: Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Why did this song deserve to be here?

DID YOU KNOW THAT: Maps stands for “My Angus Please Stay” Angus being Karen’s bf at the time (NOW YOU KNOW)

There are three kinds of YYYs fans.

1. Those who only know Maps and have somewhat of a disdain for the rest of the catalogue
2. Those who know the rest of the catalogue but hold a disdain for Maps
3. Those who hold no grudges either way

I try to place myself in the 3^rd category, but it does seem rather obvious to me that Maps is the best song there. It’s wildly different than the bombastic shouting and screeching that Karen O throws around in the average YYYS song. Everything has been mellowed out and taken down a notch. It’s different but it’s absolutely awesome. Last Lollapalooza I was at YYYs performed and played this song. Karen O lost her place somewhere the second verse and forgot some lyrics. I think everyone in the audience forgave her simultaneously.

Why did it lose?

Not as easy as Caitlin would have you believe. You've all got Rock Band poisoning your perspective. Me and Maps are like this. *crossed fingers* But Changes of course has such good lyrics and the sample from Way it Is is great. I even have great memories associated with Changes

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJf2FQDl8Ig (Acoustic version! Very nice)

BSE? Round 2 Part 1

Back in SJ and feeling good. Now I can write these without feeling bad that I should be doing homework instead. Of course I never really felt that bad about it. The choices are getting harder now that we're out of round 1 but I think everything's good so far.

Match 2.1

Victor: Peacebone – Animal Collective

Defeated: Wake Up – Arcade Fire

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I remember when Where the Wild Things are used this song in its trailer and I really don’t think they could have made a better choice. That trailer reminded me how much I like this song. It’s about getting older as you might expect from its use there. The words are sparse but each one has a point to it which is something rare these days. The climax of the song is very satisfying too. When he shouts “I guess we’ll just have adjust” I’m always like yeeeeeeeah. Fuzzy guitars fill the background and the background vocals provide a very full sound. There’s a momentum change towards the end of the song and man is it good

Why did it lose?

This is a good battle between two modern songs, both fairly indieish bands. I had a really hard time trying to pick one here. Usually, I tend to pick the song with the deeper meaning in ties. But Peacebone was just cooler all around and though there isn’t in meaning, there is a lot of flow.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zdNdjF-htY

Match 2.2

Victor: Brian Wilson – Barenaked Ladies

Defeated: Roam – The B52’s

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Yes, I’ve revoked The Weight’s win last round. I’m not terribly sure why but I just don’t feel it was the right choice now. I know Ian expressed grief over BNL’s loss, so this one’s for you buddy. Sorry to The Band, The Weight is also a really damn good song.

As for Roam, I’ve always championed the difficulty of producing perfected pop songs and Roam fits that bill. It’s infinitely catchy and the lyrics are easy to interpret but have so much assonance, alliteration, rhymes and all that good stuff. Every single line in this song has so many sounds devices, it’s really astounding. Twangy B52’s guitars provide the accompaniment to the voice and send the pop note home.

Why did it lose?

Catchy pop can only get you so far I guess. Brian Wilson has almost all those elements but just a little more that’s hard to place.

Link: Roam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWEfmCvu8R8

The Weight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY_5JOEmFK0

Match 2.3

Victor: A Day in the Life – The Beatles

Defeated: God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Speaking of Brian Wilson! We’ve got some classic Beach Boys here. There jangling tambourines in the background and a love song being song over them. The vocals are impressive as always with every member perfectly in key and with the precision of a capella. I like the bit of doubt he throws at the start of each verse

“If you should ever leave me,
Well life would still go on believe me”

But then he knocks it down immediately “The world would mean nothing to me”

This song tops many lists, #25 song ever on Rolling Stone, #1 song of the Sixties on pitchfork. I can’t say I share that much enthusiasm for it but I can see why others do.

Why did it lose?

It’s Beatles vs. Beach Boys already. Oh, the joys of alphabetical seeding. A sort of classic match but Beatles just evolved to something so much more than this song.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDfH_J4MAUQ

Match 2.4

Victor: Stand By Me – Ben E. King

Defeated: Just a Friend – Biz Markie

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Comedic rapper Biz Markie somehow turns into the most endearing story teller ever in this tale of deceit. The outcome of story is known right when he starts and you feel sorry for the Biz. He’s just a guy looking for an honest relationship. The song only has one real riff and it’s a piano bit that mimics the melody of the chorus but somehow those simple notes give the song just enough melancholy.

Why did it lose?

Well there’s really not much music in the song and stand by me is pretty great.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aofoBrFNdg

Match 2.5

Victor: Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan

Defeated: I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

Why did this song deserve to be here?

The Black Eyed Peas are one of the worst contempory groups popular today. Let’s Get Retarded, Imma Bee, and Boom Boom Pow are all black stains on pop music today. Bland music, uninspired lyrics, boring beats make up this collection of terrible songs. Somehow in all that though they produced I Gotta Feeling which is one of the best party songs I’ve heard. I think one big difference lies in the relatability. I Gotta Feeling is about cutting loose and forgetting that that feeling isn’t going to last forever. Whereas Boom Boom Pow is about how Will.I.Am is better than other people? Imma Bee is about how good his life is? Yeah, that’s great. The musics better too, stuff happens in this song. There’s riffs, there’s bridges, there’s choruses and synthes and creative voice technology. Most importantly, it’s got the beat.

Why did it lose?

This just isn’t a match

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA

Match 2.6

Victor: No Woman, No Cry – Bob Marley

Defeated: The Way it is – Bruce Hornsby

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This song always gave a good perspective on the topics of racial and economic segregation as it was in the 1980’s. Most of the lyrics are observation of the state of things. One line in the song turns this from observation to hope “But don't you believe them.” Don’t believe the naysayers who claim that the way it is is the way it is.

You can definitely tell this is a song from the 80’s. If the piano doesn’t give it away then the synth drums will. But it all fits well, the piano in particular is very well composed and of course provides the background to one of my favorite hip-hop songs.

Why did it lose?

This one seemed hard on the surface but No Woman, No Cry actually runs away with it quite easily.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1NAGhiVqdg

Match 2.7

Victor: For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield

Defeated: Father and Son – Cat Stevens

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This is king of all call and answer songs. Cat Steven perfectly portrays a conversation of a father and son and the miscommunications between them. The son wants to break away for his own life and the father wants him to settle down.

Yusef’s singing here shines very bright. The difference of tone and pitch between the father and son is beautifully executed. There’s the calm, collected father and energetic, emotive son. The background singing adds a nice harmony and Stevens’ guitar work is terrific as always.

Why did it lose?

FWIW is going to be very hard to beat. It’s such a message

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29YR5-t3gg

Match 2.8

Victor: Lost in the Supermarket – The Clash

Defeated: Brimful of Asha - Cornershop

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Certain Songs remind me vividly of England. This song was explosively popular during my short stint across the pond and I remember hearing it on the bus on the way to school after Oasis played for the 3^rd time that day. I happen to think this may be one of the hardest songs to dislike ever. I can imagine people not liking Dylan songs or Beatles hits but this song is song universal.

The lyrics are just about the coolest thing ever. Its tribute to Indian film, in particular a background singer/dancer. Songs are heavily featured in Indian film, the main actors lipsync but the background dancers sing the songs and this particular dancer apparently has done the most. It’s a pretty sweet song topic.

The music is awesome too, there’s a simple 3 chord progression that continues through the song but the strumming pattern makes it recognizable and unique. So much happens in the background too, there’s backwards noises, other guitar and even an orchestra at the end.

Why did it lose?

Lost in the Supermarket is positively brilliant, but so is Brimful. Supermarket’s emotional qualities push it over.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDe6regyJnU

Match 2.9

Victor: Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

Defeated: Just Like Heaven – The Cure

Why did this song deserve to be here?

It’s just a beautiful song about the loss of someone. This one is such a heartbreaker since it begins with such joy. The listener has no idea there was a loss until the third verse. The implications here is that the person drowned but drowning can represent any sort of separation from outside circumstances be it distance, work, death etc. Anyone who has lost significant other can easily find meaning in the lyrics here.

The instrumentation is fantastic as well. The bass is very essential in this song and it’s line is the glue for the song. There’s also several guitar solos and one very emotive piano solo towards the end.

Why did it lose?

This was such a close one, I had to watch both music videos and read the wikis to even get an idea. They’re somewhat similar songs and I’m giving it to Cyndi this time but these both are deserving of a 3^rd round position.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS_ux2H473I

Match 2.10

Victor: Heroes – David Bowie

Defeated: The Crystal Cat – Dan Deacon

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This song is hard to describe in words but if it can be down those words better be bombastic. There’s so much energy, it’s exuding from every pore of this song. You can’t help but sing along to the nonsense Dan’s chanting. The vocal effects are in true Deacon style, they’re wacky but fitting since everything else is just as cranked up.

Why did it lose?

Heroes does everything right.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFlBJ1xZK10 (This one’s pretty sweet)

Match 2.11

Victor: Come on Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners

Defeated: Loser - Beck

Why did this song deserve to be here?

It came in late only to lose in the next round, oh well. I love the instruments in this, I have no idea what that springy sound in the background is but I love it. Beck’s ramblings reflect the whole feeling of the song quite well. I think we all feel like a loser who doesn’t care that they’re a loser sometimes. This song captures that essence perfectly.

Why did it lose?

Come on Eileen… so catchy and good

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgSPaXgAdzE

Match 2.12

Victor: The Boys of Summer – Don Henley

Defeated: Hotel California – The Eagles

Why did this song deserve to be here?

It’s pretty sweet that the whole song is a metaphor for the trappings of fame. The guitars are sweet and the intro is well composed. I dunno, what can I say about this song that hasn’t already been said. It’s a rock classic.

Why did it lose?

Ah Henley v. Henley. Turns out Eagles+80’s=awesome though. I dunno, but I like Boys better for no particular reason.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ygI3BZxdCY

Match 2.13

Victor: Stan - Eminem

Defeated: Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This song probably has the saddest concept out of all the songs on the list (and I already have a tendency to prefer sad song.) In 1991 Clapton’s 4 year old son fell out the 53^rd story window of his friend’s apartment and he did not recover. This song is all about the pain that Clapton felt about the incident. Wow, that’s such a heart wrencher. Blair Clark actually introduced me to this song and the incident behind it and it has always felt like one of the songs I grew up with.

The words really can tear you up too:

“Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven”

At such a young age of 4 Clapton is not even sure if his son would recognize him in the afterlife, wow.

Of course this is Clapton too, so we’re dealing with an absolutely brilliant guitar piece too. The picking is slow and deliberate. I don’t think he could have written it better.

Why did it lose?

I even feel bad not letting it advance, but Eminem did literally everything perfect in his song.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6t4Zs5Yq_k

Match 2.14

Victor: The Modern Leper – Frightened Rabbit

Defeated: Landslide – Fleetwood Mac

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I’d actually like to talk about the Dixie Chicks for a bit. My real exposure to this song is through them and after I’ve familiarize myself with both versions I’m not sure which I prefer. I am a Dixie Chicks fan but you might notice that they didn’t have a song on this list. This is because every song I considered from them turned out to be a cover. I put a lot of emphasis on lyrics as you might have noticed so actually writing a song is very important to me (and the Tears for Fears version is still the superior one.) As a result I didn’t include a Dixie Chicks song, but in a way they do have two representatives. One is this song and one is the Radney Foster song Godspeed.

Why did it lose?

Modern Leper is so good….

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPc5YCBz9LQ

Match 2.15

Victor: The Message – Grandmaster Flash

Defeated: Gin and Juice – The Gourds

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Now that I’ve told you why I don’t like covers as much let me explain why I like this one so much. One reason I hate Ben Folds (aside from his boring music) is because of his cover of Bitches Ain’t Shit. He stole the idea to cover a hip-hop song in a different style right out from under The Gourds. Poor Gourds, this cover is constantly mislabeled and credited to Phish. This cover is both hilarious and infinitely catchy. The solo in the middle sells it so well too. That’s what turns it from a joke into a legitimate awesome cover. The new style and formation of the lyrics is what gives it the ability to get over that just-a-cover hump for me.

Why did it lose?

But it still loses credit for being a cover. Also The Message is awesome.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4hGSR5njZE

Match 2.16

Victor: Papas got a brand new Bag – James Brown

Defeated: 99 Problems – Jay-Z

Why did this song deserve to be here?

The second verse about being harassed by a racist cop is one of the most memorable verses in Hip-Hop. The words are great, the flow is slick and the beat is present. It’s just a sweet song.

Best line,

“But ain't nothin sweet 'bout how I hold my gun
I got 99 problems being a bitch ain't one.”

Why did it lose?

For being the second round these are both kinda meatballs for me. I just like 99 less.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwoM5fLITfk

BSE? Round 1 Part 4

Sweet, we are through the first round and this also marks the halfway point! I'm excited to keep moving and start talking about second round songs, but I might also do an intermission of sorts here.

EDIT: Here's the updated bracket

http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=143649&tclass=Best%20Songs%20Ever%3F

Match 52

Victor: Disarm – Smashing Pumpkins

Defeated: The Way We get By - Spoon

Why did this song deserve to be here?

One time my calculus teacher asked us to bring in CDs to listen to while we do our homework. I had a mix CD in the car with The Way We Get By on it. I gave Mr. Foster the CD and he looked apprehensive as he had never really liked me. When this song came on he heard the first line “We get high in the backseat of cars” and quickly hit stop on the Player. I was terribly annoyed by that. I get that this school, but you can’t deal with the allusion of drugs in a song? Earlier one of his favorites had played Semi-Charmed Life, hmmmmm. My dislike of one of the most popular high school teachers in our school aside, this song is a good account of just skating through life. The title really says it all.

Why did it lose?

Disarm was a snap pick and there’s a lot of reasons for that, though I’m sad to see spoon go. I think I Turn My Camera On might have fared better, but probably still would have lost. Spoon’s best quality was always being a consistently solid band. Unfortunately that doesn’t make for blow-out singles too often.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-S4nM5m_Kg

Match 53

Victor: I Am the Resurrection – Stone Roses

Defeated: What I got - Sublime

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This is one of my favorite songs to play on the guitar. It’s also a good one to whip out if you’re trying to show off a bit since it’s easier than it looks (and, yes, all guitarists like to show off once in a while, that’s why we’re not playing the bass.) What I Got sticks out from a band that mostly sings about smoking weed and living in California. Don’t worry, he still talks about getting high at least a couple times in this song and he does mention Long Beach. But this song does have a bit more reach than your average Sublime song.

Why did it lose?

Resurrection has some awesome guitar parts, especially at the end, and cooler lyrics.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uc3ZrmhDN4

Match 54

Victor: Chicago – Sufjan Stevens

Defeated: Give a Little Bit - Supertramp

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This has to be one of the most covered songs ever. The lyrics don’t really have much depth but they’re still effective. The instrumentation is much cooler. The bright guitars help convey the message he’s singing and the change-up in parts at the end is pretty sweet. Also there’s a sax solo in the middle of the song which is pretty sweet.

Why did it lose?

There’s more to Chicago I think.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfhl8JWzBfU

Match 55

Victor: Greener – Tally Hall

Defeated: Once in a Lifetime – Talking Heads

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This song does all those cool things that you would expect a talking heads song to do. Everything sounds a little goofy, he does some funny things with his voice and the various instruments provide an odd atmosphere. I wouldn’t expect anything less of course. To this day I’m still unsure what all the talk about water is in this song. “There is water at the bottom of the ocean!” umm ok. The rest of song sounds like a midlife crisis. I think it’s interesting that all of the song is in the second person. Does this mean that Byrne has already been through this, or is he in denial?

Why did it lose?

There are an awful lot of reasons why I like Greener. It’s such a standout from Tally Hall’s catalogue.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1wg1DNHbNU

Match 56

Victor: Wolf Like Me – TV on the Radio

Defeated: Drops of Jupiter - Train

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This one would probably win the Best Guilty Pleasure Song Ever? Contest (though I’m sure it would have a tough match in the Finals with This is how You Remind Me.) Apparently the lyrics were inspired by the death of the lead singer’s mother. This seems odd to me because it’s obviously a love song. The instrumentation is classically cheesy but really I wouldn’t want anything from Train.

Why did it lose?

Usually it’s because the other song is too much but this time I think Train does themselves in. It’s just too much. Besides, I can only listen to them rhyme Milky Way with Milky Way in that last chorus so many times.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xf-Lesrkuc

Match 57

Victor: Cold Days from the Birdhouse – The Twilight Sad

Defeated: One – U2

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Let’s have a little talk about U2. Somehow in the pretentious music world U2 has gotten one of the worst reputations out there. I think most of this came about the same time that U2 released How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Now to be fair that was a really, really terrible album but almost all bands have low moments (Well except maybe spoon.) U2 has these moments more often than other bands but they can hit high too. The Joshua Tree is renown as a great album, and there’s other good stuff scattered around their discography too, such as One.

Why did it lose?

I like Cold Days better.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftjEcrrf7r0

Match 58

Victor: Pale Blue Eyes – The Velvet Underground

Defeated: Astral Weeks - Van Morrison

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Picking a song for “The Van Man” proved to be a little difficult. I imagine most people would snap pick brown-eyed girl but then I would feel like traitor to my father and Morrison himself. Van Morrison is my dad’s favorite artist by leaps and bounds but he doesn’t particularly like BEG very much. Van himself tends to hate it also, probably in part due to how famous it made him. So who am I to betray the Morrison expert and Van himself. That’s ok BEG probably isn’t as good as this song anyways. Of course Morrison is really a full album kind of guy. There aren’t really any singles here, so you know what that means for the next section.

Why did it lose?

This isn’t an album contest. Bam!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ech6pZoBJ4

Match 59

Victor: The Start of Something – The Voxtrot

Defeated: The Drugs Don’t Work – The Verve

Why did this song deserve to be here?

It’s hard to let go of the bands you loved when you were young (Doesn’t look a thing like jesus…) Verve is definitely one of those bands for me, all that Brit-pop is. It’s hard to look back and realize all your favorite bands weren’t as good as you remember. Of course I still think that they’re very good albums, but they used to be the end all be all of musicality. Now I realize Oasis did only have 2 good albums, Pulp has a few skippable tracks on Different Class, and the Verve ripped off The Rolling Stones in Bittersweet Symphony.

Drugs Don’t Work isn’t hiding its meaning in metaphors or clever wordplay. It’s right in the title.

“Now the drugs don't work
They just make you worse”

The guitar is slow and melodic. There’s some violins playing in the background as the verve is apt to do. It’s a pleasant listen.

Why did it lose?

This was hard. But it all comes down to lyrics here.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR8XH3R95xE

Match 60

Victor: The Rat – The Walkmen

Defeated: Tired of Sex - Weezer

Why did this song deserve to be here?

It’s the start of an album full of goodies. Weezer only ever came out with two great albums, one being Blue Album and the other Pinkerton. The rest of there discography has been a spiral to mediocrity. Tired of Sex begins Pinkerton and sets up the sentiment for the rest of the album. Our narrator is tired of meaningless relationships; in particular this song refers to meaningless sex.

Why did it lose?

The Rat has a lot of raw emotion in it. It’s pretty fantastic.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu2Dsnvk6M0

Match 61

Victor: Baba O’Riley – The Who

Defeated: Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes

Why did this song deserve to be here?

That riff is really one that sticks in heads. It’s quite a toe tapper. Of course now it’ll probably forever be associated with college football for me. Penn State’s monopoly on the song has been loosening though and I have to admit going “Oooooh, oh oh oh oh oooooh, oooooooooh” is pretty fun. This song is very white stripes with fuzzy guitars and poor drumming.

Why did it lose?

Baba O’Riley is such an epic song

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY

Match 62

Victor: I am Trying to Break your Heart - Wilco

Defeated: Fatalist Palmistry – Why?

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I love the lyrics to this song, there’s so much vivid imagery here to be interpreted. I think my favorite line is probably “out there thrashing like a pet bird caught in a jet stream, that's me.” This line has hopelessness, desperation and feeling trapped all in one sentence. The pace is constant throughout the song and it adds to the overall catchiness of the song. I wish they had played it when we saw them.

Why did it lose?

Words v. Words I’m giving it to Wilco here.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5BQfC78Q4g

Match 63

Victor: Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Defeated: I'll Believe in Anything – Wolf Parade

Why did this song deserve to be here?

The riff is sweet and the guitar in general is very addictive. The words are about wanting to live together with someone and all in all it comes down to a love song. The lyrics are pretty bombastic but they feel genuine so it’s all alright.

Why did it lose?

“You want some Maaaaps?! I got some Maps for you” - Mike

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZgwW-RzD30

Match 64

Victor: Changes – 2pac

Defeated: Ce Jeu - Yelle

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Hah, I can thank Ssssara for this one. We’re back in the realm of super catchy pop music again. I have no idea what they’re saying (This time from language barrier, not word slurring) Despite that I can’t imagine this being anything but a silly love song, so I’m going to go with that.

Why did it lose?

Oh I could go on and on about Changes

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxFa9HLdhIY

BSE? Round 1 Part 3

Phew, another batch of matches done. One more part and the first round should be complete. Also, I'm sorry about a lot of the formatting, I know a lot of this looks like WALL OF TEXT. Unfortunately Blogspot likes to remove a lot of white space and add some of it's own for whatever reason.

Match 38

Victor: I heard it Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye

Defeated: Sweet Home Alabama – Lynard Skynard

Why did this song deserve to be here?

In case you’ve never really paid much attention to the lyrics of this song, it’s actually an answer song directed at Neil Young. Neil had released two songs about racism in the south called Alabama and Southern Man. (“A southern man don’t need him around anyhow.” Get it? Eh? Eh?) He also mentions how mostly people opposed the Birmingham governor, who was an outspoken segregationist though some people miss the sarcasm in the line “In Birmingham they love the governor.” Lyrics aside, the riff at the start is unmistakable and the solos peppered throughout the song are equally memorable.

Why did it lose?

Grapevine feels like it has more to say than “Stuff it Neil”

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8rnFKo4PAE

Match 39

Victor: Missed the Boat – Modest Mouse

Defeated: Real World – Matchbox 20

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Let me say first that this type of super catchy power pop is, at least in my opinion, pretty underrated. Taking out Semi-Charmed Life early on was not an easy thing to do and now as I look back I think I would have cut other things. (Ian brought up a pretty good point about how Jay-Z/Linkin Park was trash) I’m going to talk a little bit about both of those songs here then, Real World first.

Holy smokes, is this song catchy! No wonder it still gets occasional radio play. He’s really not saying anything but nobody really cares. This is one of the songs where the lyrics are engineered to sound good first and convey a message second. It works for the song as it’s really just trying to catch listeners from random radio listens. Of course the trick often with radio songs is they get dull very quickly since they’re often just a lot of repetition. But I’ve listened to this song a lot (My iTunes library says 93 times… it was on the “Summer Jamz” playlist) and I’m still not really sick of it. That kind of repeatability from pop doesn’t come by accident, someone worked hard on this one.

As for Semi-Charmed Life, it’s similar to Real World in that it’s in that same Genre of power pop. There is a major difference though, with Semi-Charmed you come for the catchiness but stay for the lyrics. It’s hard to tell really what he’s saying but the whole song is about being addicted to meth. “The Sky was gold it was rose, I was taking sips of it through my nose” That’s some good lyrical shit. Also, something I didn’t know (thanks wiki!) this song is actually a response to Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild side.

Why did it lose?

Missed the Boat is almost as catchy as real world but it also has some real lyrics. Even though it sounds good sometimes “I wonder what it’s like to be the rainmaker, I wonder what it’s like to know that I make the rain” just doesn’t cut it.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh5_Wdd80lE and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwJazZIWNgg

Match 40

Victor: No Children – The Mountain Goats

Defeated: 99 Red Balloons - Nena

Why did this song deserve to be here?

First of all let it be known that those who prefer the English version are damn fools. Even if you can’t understand what she’s saying there’s just so much more charm in the Deutsch. This song is a classic example of those 80’s one hit wonders we all know and love: She blinded me with Science, Jenny, Living in a Box, Rock me Amadeus etc. I think this the only one that made the list though. I love the cheesy synths and artificial drums, this song couldn’t be more eighties. The song is about balloons triggering nuclear warfare if you’ve never looked up the meaning. Being a protest probably gave it the edge over the other 80’s songs.

Why did it lose?

No Children I also wrote an essay about, or at least about Moral Orel. Though I don’t like it nearly as much as All my Friends.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQYQTFudrqc

Match 41

Victor: Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

Defeated: Two-Headed Boy Part 2 – Neutral Milk Hotel

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Brendan – “Wanna know I know you’re way too indie”

Steven – “How’s that?”

Brendan – “You have Neutral Milk Hotel on vinyl”

Fair enough Brendan. This album is a known classic in certain circles and completely unheard of in others. I really have no clue what the hell this or really any other NMH song is about. The closest known thing is that it’s somewhat inspired by the diary of Anne Frank. How odd.

Why did it lose?

If this was an album contest NMH would be winning, but it’s not smells like teen spirit was sort of a representative of a generation

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gkAF5_UOj8

Match 42

Victor: Hey Ya! - Outkast

Defeated: The Past is a Grotesque Animal – Of Montreal

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This is a 12 minute song. How on earth can a 12 minute song possibly the album hit? 12 minute songs are reserved for experimental noise tracks and Jethro Tull. Somehow Of Montreal succeeded in making a catchy, interesting and meaningful song that lasted 12 minutes and kept all these traits throughout. The album is supposed to be a chronicle of the lead singers transformation into alter ego “Georgie Fruit” and the transformation takes place during this song. I don’t know about all that but there’s some damn good lines in this song. “Somehow you've red-rovered the gestapo circling my heart” How do you even come up with something like that?

Why did it lose?

Really tough, these are both round 2 caliber songs. It came down to gut feeling.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sMqRkUME_Y&feature=watch_response

Match 43

Victor: Gold Soundz - Pavement

Defeated: Band on the Run – Paul McCartney and the Wings

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I love how this song is divided into three segments. We start out with a chill out guitar riff then proceed to a darker, grungier riff and then finally we end up on the pop music we all know and love from Paul. The lyrics are simple and seem to about a sort of jail escape but the last “song” definitely turns it into a sort of fun thing. This song is actually several unfinished songs put together.

Why did it lose?

Gold Soundz, hmmm I’ll get to it.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBX2dySWGew

Match 44

Victor: Mistaken for Stangers – The National

Defeated: Wish you Were Here – Pink Floyd

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This is another classic rock song that no list is complete without. The instrumentation is really where this song shines. background It’s got that classic if-I-was-on-drugs-I’d-totally-be-trippng feel that Floyd is so good at. The wind sound effects at the end are the perfect way to bring the song to a close

Why did it lose?

To a song I didn’t even have in the initial list no less. I’ve always felt Floyd was overrated in general, but maybe that’s because I’m not on drugs often enough. A lot of the lyrics seem like they’re supposed to sound deeper than they actually are.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B2B77-0LW0&feature=fvst

Match 45

Victor: Purple Rain - Prince

Defeated: Every Breath you Take – The Police

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Sting describes it himself as a simple song with interesting words “The tune itself is generic, an aggregate of hundreds of others, but the words are interesting.” It’s interesting how people differ on the meaning. It can be taken as sweet song about being in love but Sting’s original meaning was intended to be “unrequited love.” It’s pretty scary if you go that route and really seems obsessive.

Why did it lose?

Purple Rain just has more going on in it. Plus this song is just a little too creepy.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMOGaugKpzs

Match 46

Victor: Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

Defeated: Common People - Pulp

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Now I love a good story, and Pulp sure tells it here. It’s about a girl who wants to give “slumming” a shot. Pulp puts her place by saying it’s not a game, this is life. There’s a terribly catchy keyboard providing the background, it was apparently conceived on a Casio keyboard.

Why did it lose?

Bohemian Rhapsody is sort of the odyssey of rock songs and it can’t really lose first round.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnoqjLI5Nfs

Match 47

Victor: Losing My Religion – R.E.M.

Defeated: Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I got some flack from Drew for picking this one over several other Radiohead songs. Maybe he’s right and Paranoid Android should be losing this round instead but I think we’re all a little tired of thinking about Paranoid Android. Wiki says Yorke regards this song “as a joke that turned out to not really be that funny.” That seems like an apt description as the lyrics are quite clever but the subject matter is rather chilling. Everything is fake, but what’s real upsetting about this song is it’s not set in some sort of distant 1984esque future, this is all happening right now. There are fake plants, fake bodies, and finally a fake persona for a fake love. There’s some classic wailing Radiohead guitars going on the background and Yorke is singing in his usual droney fashion. It’s all quite Radiohead

Why did it lose?

I don’t think there’s a single Radiohead song that could beat REM here and again it’s not an album contest.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKd06s1LNik

Match 48

Victor: Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) – Radney Foster

Defeated: Under The Bridge – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Here’s RHCP’s signature song doing its signature thing. The guitar parts are damn good and it’s all in all pretty much a modern day rock song. As with a lot of RHCP songs the bass is actually worth listening to in parts of the song. It does some interesting things right at the end when the song begins to fade out. This song is little atypical for RHCP too in that the words seem to matter. “The Bridge” in the title is actually a place where the lead singer used to go to buy heroin and the whole song is about loneliness and only having drugs.

Why did it lose?

Not sure, close one.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwlogyj7nFE

Match 49

Victor: Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones

Defeated: Ooh La La – Rod Stewart

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Rod Stewart sure made a relatable one here as pretty much every man in the world can attest to. The world of love and relationships sure seem like an easy game when you’re young, but nothing’s ever as easy as it seems. This song is about doubt from a younger generation but the wisdom of an older one. Rod hits some really good lines in this song too

“When you want her lips, you get her cheek
Makes you wonder where you are”

Damn Rod, you read my mind.

Why did it lose?

Sympathy’s quite a bit better musically and has a completely new sort of lyrical approach.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7qGejxErTA Sorry, live is all I got

Match 50

Victor: Random Rules – Silver Jews

Defeated: Closing Time - Semisonic

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Hey there power pop! It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s damn catchy. I always liked how this was love song but only the chorus gives it away with one simple repeated line.

Why did it lose?

There’s just more to Random Rules

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGytDsqkQY8

Match 51

Victor: Mrs. Robinson – Simon and Garfunkel

Defeated: All Star – Smash Mouth

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This song is so dumb, I can’t even begin to describe how stupid the lyrics are. Does any of this nonsense matter? Random clichés are thrown in whenever he needs something to rhyme “All that glitters is gold” “hit the ground running” “the sharpest tool in the shed” “Break the mold.” Wiki says it’s about the things people told him in order to motivate him to become a rock star, then what the hell does the middle verse have to do with that? Wiki also says “Lead singer Steven Harwell has said that his first instinct after recording the song was not to release it as a single but to sell it to advertisers" I don’t think anything else is the world has ever been more appropriate.

And yet, omitting it from the list seemed wrong.

Why did it lose?

LOL

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xxQs34UMx4

BSE? Round 1 Part 2

Alright, I'm through match 36 now and I ended on two real hard matches. We're over halfway through the first round now and more than a quarter done with the whole shebang. Long way to go yet!

Match 23:

Victor: Boys of Summer – Don Henley

Defeated: Walking- The Dodos

Why did this song deserve to be here?

It’s a very simple song but still very effective. I don’t think I could possibly say enough good things about the use of the banjo here. Of course I must say that I’m an absolute sucker for a good banjo part. Still though, I’ve never been a big fan of Bella Fleck strangely enough. The lyrics, again, are simple and effective. Just some words about change.

Why did it lose?

Boys of Summer is really good, this is just another case of one song outclassing the other.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvjItvYgBu0

Match 24:

Victor: Hotel California- The Eagles

Defeated: September- Earth, Wind and Fire

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I hate to see so many upbeat songs lose in the early rounds but I stand by all my choices so far. As Brian Clark used to say “All the truly great songs will bring you down.” I’m not sure if this is a law of land but I often think about it. I think the greatest song in the world is more likely to make you cry then to make you smile but surely there are some truly great pick-me-ups out there. I’d like to say this list represents them fairly well. Roam and the Crystal Cat did make it to the second round after all. September is another toe tapper, it makes you want to bust out the disco moves even though you weren’t alive in the 70’s. I love that there’s not even a hint of sadness. Who’s sad? Why would anyone ever be sad? It just doesn’t make sense in the context of this song.

Why did it lose?

Looks we got a Henley vs. Henley match-up next round. This might be the only time an artist will face themselves since Under Pressure is fairly far from Bohemian Rhapsody and Heroes. Layla was already eliminated so there’s no Clapton v. Clapton either. But yeah, Hotel California.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfLEc09tTjI

Match 25:

Victor: Stan- Eminem

Defeated: Rocket Man- Elton John

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Rocket Man is an absolute classic. Elton’s piano skills continue to shine in this emotional ballad. The lyrics are great and can be interpreted in so many different ways. There’ themes of regret, loneliness, being an outcast. Some say it’s a metaphor for drug use, other say it’s about Elton being in the closet, other still say it’s about being a spaceman. Wikipedia tends to agree with the spaceman theory since they cite it as being based off a Ray Bradbury short story, but I don’t think that makes other theories invalid. A lot of great stories leave the story a little ambiguous so the reader can fit themselves in the role and that’s what I believe Elton and his lyricist have done here.

Why did it lose?

Oh, another hard loss. They’re so many things Slim Shady did right in this song though. Some of it is just utter brilliance.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GAKOLOnfV4

Match 26:

Victor: Tears in Heaven- Eric Clapton

Defeated: Do you Realize?? – Flaming Lips

Why did this song deserve to be here?

A song that’s full of simple feeling and good vibes. The lyrics are pretty great. For a moment the song throws you for a loop when it ends a chorus with “Do You Realize - that everyone you know someday will die” but it’s not a sad thing. Life is precarious but that doesn’t mean we should live in fear.

Why did it lose?

Do You Realize?? has a lot of emotion in it but so does Tears in Heaven. This was a tough choice but I think correct.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zYOKFjpm9s

Match 27:

Victor: Landslide – Fleetwood Mac

Defeated: Blue Ridge Mountains – Fleet Foxes

Why did this song deserve to be here?

The Fleet Foxes album was really something special, it was one of those albums where pretty much every song on the album could have been a hit. But Blue Ridge Mountains still manages to stand out in album full of A quality songs. His voice is incredible, the vocal harmonies present in the album and in this song are astounding. On top of this they are obviously very talented musicians as well.

Why did it lose?

Well I can’t really figure out what the lyrics are really about besides some bonding between brothers. Though I must admit the imagery is fantastic. Landslide is too relatable though, and main metaphor is so strong.

Link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m8CkxXhPtw

Match 28:

Victor: The Modern Leper- Frightened Rabbit

Defeated: Faith- George Michael

Why did this song deserve to be here?

With Wham! disbanded George Michael had to come out with a new single to prove he could make it in his solo act and he delivered Faith. It’s got a strong beat and is one of the catchiest songs ever. I remember a dude in a certain VH1 “I Love the Eighties!” special described it as “The song that made it cool for straight dudes to listen George Michael.” I suppose Wake Me Up Before You Go-go doesn’t really break that barrier.

Why did it lose?

Modern Leper is caked in metaphor and Faith is still fairly shallow despite it’s catchiness. Leper is even sort of catchy in a more morbid way

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu3VTngm1F0

Match 29:

Victor: Gin & Juice – The Gourds

Defeated: Crazy- Gnarls Barkley

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Well now, speaking of catchiness… I think most of use only had to hear this song once before we were hooked. I’m happy to see that Gnarls front man has had another success recently in Fuck You. I’m not sure if it gets radio play for obvious reasons but it still seems to be known by every person on the earth. Cee Lo Green’s voice is amazing as always and Danger Mouse did a great job with the instrumentation. This song feels like it was engineered to be the perfect pop song.

Why did it lose?

I’ve often argued against covers but I’m making an exception. G&J might be catchier.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd2B6SjMh_w

Match 30:

Victor: The Message – Grandmaster Flash

Defeated: Good Riddance – Green Day

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Green Day has made a career of churning out mediocre pieces of power punk, but I guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. Ok maybe that’s a little mean, I thought Boulevard of Broken dreams was better than everyone gave it credit for. He’s pretty open about what the song means. It’s a breakup song that’s trying its best not to be caustic but really failing in that aspect. The guitar is pretty good and the fuck-up at the start is fairly charming. It’s just a relatable song.

Why did it lose?

The Message is one of those songs everybody can agree on. His “message” is very powerful.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnQ8N1KacJc

Match 31:

Victor: Papa’s got a Brand New Bag – James Brown

Defeated: Sweet Child of Mine – Guns N Roses

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Guns N Roses have always stood out from the traditional rock bands for me. I’m not quite sure what the difference is but everything just feels a little more sincere. Axl actually seems to give a shit about what he’s saying most of the time. This is especially true in Sweet Child o’ Mine. It’s just a song about a girl but it still hits right. Of course it’s Slash that truly stands out in this song. The solos are pretty awesome, from the slow one at the start to face melter towards the end.

Why did it lose?

You know I wanted to give it GNR initially but their own disdain for the song takes away some of its magic for me. Wiki says it started out as a warm-up and Slash still calls it a string skipping exercise. Hmmm that’s fairly not magical.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w7OgIMMRc4

Match 32:

Victor: 99 Problems- Jay-Z

Defeated: Young Hearts Spark Fire - Japandroids

Why did this song deserve to be here?

A good loud song and it should be played with the volume up. He’s not trying to say a lot here and it fits. I saw them live at pitchfork and the feeling I got is that they were trying to play as many notes and fit in as many cymbal crashes as they could. I think it all works well. The repetition of the chorus fits well with this style, he really wants to make sure you get what he’s saying.

“I don't wanna worry about dying
I just wanna worry about those sunshine girls”

Why did it lose?

99 Problems is about as classic as Hip-Hop can be (Well… except for The Message)

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwoM5fLITfk

Match 33:

Victor: Under Pressure- Queen & David Bowie

Defeated: Numb/Encore –Jay-z & Linkin Park

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I’ve always been a sucker for mash-ups and this is probably the best one ever (aside from various girl talk albums) Not really one of the best songs ever but it still is worth talking about. Most mash-ups are mixes of two or more songs put together by a third party. Numb/Encore is a little different in that Jay-Z Contacted Linkin Park and wanted to do some work together. That’s why you got to see this album on shelves. By the way, do you know you can buy the last girl talk album from amazon? Why would anyone do that?

Why did it lose?

Under Pressure is a real song

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3METMAHEnvk

Match 34:

Victor: Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

Defeated: Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley

Why did this song deserve to be here?

The lyrics are really good obviously and Buckley really makes the song his own. In my opinion this is the best version of the song out there. Personally I find the original Leonard Cohen version to be kinda grating. Buckley’s got quite a voice and it’s really the emotion in his singing that makes this song as good as it is.

Why did it lose?

I think this might be somewhat of a controversial pick. I suppose my main problem with this song is that it took at least 3 covers of this song before someone got it right. As I said I find the Cohen version to be unpleasant musically, and they’re not Buckley’s words. That leaves me in an awkward spot, who really means this? Is Buckley genuine in his emotion? Hard to say, but I will always have this aversion to covers for this reason.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8AWFf7EAc4

Match 35:

Victor: Imagine – John Lennon

Defeated: Flashing Lights – Kanye West

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Maybe this isn’t the right pick for his song but the egomaniac definitely deserves a place on the list. This song’s good, we know that, let’s talk about the new album instead. First things first, the Chris Rock segment at the end of the blame game is the most hilarious shit ever. “I’ve even seen this part of pussy town before, It’s like you got your pussy all reupholstered or something. Who reupholstered your pussy?” This is absolute gold. They put this hilarious skit at the end of such a down song. I guess it’s a good way to pick on his ex though. Runaway is sick. All of the Lights is good and catchy. The album really feels like a whole though, with a familiar flow throughout. The intro and ender both fit their roles very well and the whole album comes together as a very tight package.

Why did it lose?

Imagine

Imagine

Imagine

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ila-hAUXR5U

Match 36:

Victor: Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks

Defeated: Hounds of Love – Kate Bush

Why did this song deserve to be here?

It’s a damn masterpiece. The music gives a feeling of intensity and fear. The heavy drums give us the subtle impression of fast beating heart. Just when Kate exclaims “Here I Go” the strings come in with quick back and forth bowing and add on to that on edge feeling. But why is Kate so afraid? Right when the song begins a voice says “It’s in the trees. It’s coming!” The beast chasing Kate is falling in love. She compares love to a pack of unrelenting hunting dogs. She knows she should allow herself to be caught but she can’t help but run away.

Why did it lose?

This is a real heartbreaker for me and I had to leave it down to a gut decision. I hate to see some of my favorite songs leave so early but that’s the woes of random seeding.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ow0bA4H3BQ

Match 37:

Victor: All My Friends – LCD Soundsystem

Defeated: Heartbeats – The Knife

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Are you kidding me seeding? Are you serious? How did I not notice this match-up earlier? This match sucks so much. I remember at a party once this song came on and I told Caitlin something like “This song is at the pinnacle of the world of music” or something along those lines. At the time I had a couple cocktails coursing through my veins and I was definitely in the mood to make big sweeping statements. As I look back though I wonder how I could really deny those words.

There isn’t really a confirmed meaning out there, though many people describe it as falling in love during a one night stand. I think this is actually pretty close but the difference I believe is that these two know each other already and are most likely already in love. The song is about a longing to break a drunken promise. “We had a promise made. Four hands and then away.”

Electronic music isn’t often the background for emotional songs. Perhaps this is the reason the Jose Gonzalez version found its way into popular culture but The Knife never really got there. It’s a real shame because I don’t think the music could have been any better. The synths are the perfect effect for this song and provide both a darkness and melancholy all in one. There’s even a dance mix at the end of the album if you want to go there.

Why did it lose?

This is a question I really had to ask myself this time. As much I as I love Hearbeats, All My Friends deserves this win. I practically wrote an essay on All My Friends and the meaning in metaphors in it in one of my blogs and I still stand by those words. Still, Heartbeats should be taken note of.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ow0bA4H3BQ