there's this segment i added to the magazine i work for which i'm proud of. actually, i ripped it off from another magazine... a guitar magazine. and since i'm always asking other people the questions (and i have to endure such distasteful replies that are obvious attempts to sound "intelligent" as most people cite crappy bands like The Psychedelic Furs, or some fucking obscure track by Nirvana...yeech), i thought it'd be fun to write down my answers to the fabled question: "if you were to make a mix tape (or more appropriately for the present generation, a mix disc...), what songs would you put there to best illustrate how colorful your journey into music has been?"
now you see, the problem with this question is that if you love music a lot, the answers tend to vary on different days... you either get careless and forget essentials, or you're simply being rushed and pressured by some unknown force to get the task at hand over with since you know if you think about it real hard, you'll have a hell of a hard time choosing amongst so many tracks.
so for the record, this is my personal sixty minutes-worth of influential, life-changing songs for today, the 13th of February, 2007, in no particular order.
“Today”
The Smashing Pumpkins
Siamese Dream
I fucking hate myself already for just choosing one track from the Pumpkins. There’s not enough profanity in the world to describe how big an impact Billy Corgan’s songwriting and the rest of the band’s chemistry and unorthodox proficiency has had on my pre- and post-teenage life. It’s been a push-pull for me between metal and hardcore, yes… but The Smashing Pumpkins were always a constant. If I had my way, my entire Sixty Minutes entry would be all Smashing Pumpkins. It’s possible. As soon as I typed “Today,” I immediately thought of ten other possible tracks: the wonderful suicide song “Mayonnaise,” the nihilistic “Zero,” the tearjerker “Thirty-Three,” the uplifting “Tonight, Tonight,” “Perfect” and “1979,” the roughness of “I Am One,” “Cherub Rock” and recent hits like “The Everlasting Gaze,” and the enchanting “Stand Inside Your Love…” Jesus fucking Christ… but okay, okay, I’ll go by the rules… “Today” is my choice because it’s the first Pumpkins track I ever heard, and it’s so amazingly sarcastic and depressing.
Oh yeah, there’s “Disarm,” “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” “try, Try, Try…” the lust goes on and on. They could very well be in my top five bands of all time list… they weren’t grunge, they weren’t alternative, they weren’t metal… simply put, they were just completely awesome and fucking brilliant.
“Don’t Cry”
Guns N’ Roses
Use Your Illusion I
Chances are, if you’re anywhere between the 18-30 age bracket at present, Guns N’ Roses would be an easy selection. Why? Because they were truly one of the best bands to ever walk the earth. They were the complete package: musically proficient, easy-to-market (i.e. rednecks with attitudes, alcohol and substance abuse issues, celebrity girlfriends, etc.) and they were equally great in the studio and on the stage. Though many may say that theirs was a band that was pretty much hard to ignore, I’m still proud of the fact that I listened to each and every song, not just the singles. “Don’t Cry” was my first favorite, mainly because it was such a powerful ballad: Axl Rose’s many voices blended well with the late Shannon Hoon’s backup, and the song had a blistering guitar solo from Slash, which signaled the entire climax towards the end. But there are so many GN’R songs you can put in a mix tape– “Dead Horse,” “Welcome To The Jungle,” the controversial “One In A Million…” and I was sort of having a battle in my mind between putting “Don’t Cry” and “November Rain,” since the latter had such an amazing guitar solo and the entire song’s structure was so well-thought-of… but “Don’t Cry” wins the slot since I heard it first. It also was the song that made me seriously want to study guitar. I already knew how to, but it was all just dicking around.
“Nuestra Familia”
Madball
Demonstrating My Style
Ah yes… hardcore. The last two years of my college life was devoted to the genre, as I eagerly, and quite pretentiously, consumed everything I could about the music and the lifestyle: buying hoodies, chain wallets, every single imported CD that acquaintances from the underground raved about… basically, spending so much money in an attempt to prove that I was a supporter. Madball, however, through their songs and strong attitude and stance, taught me that hardcore is way more than just looking the part. It was about flipping the finger to the overtly righteous, it was about simple songs that were made great by dynamics and worthwhile sentiments about family, unity and friends… it was about being a badass but trying not to be a badass just for the sake of it. I bought every single Madball album…which left me broke and pretty much pissed my parents off for the longest time. I still listen to Madball to this day, especially when I’m pissed. Which is, well…almost every fucking day.
“Beat It”
Michael Jackson
Thriller
Yeah, yeah, yeah…go ahead and laugh. But dudes, fucking listen to the guitar solo. That was Eddie Van Halen. Trivia: he never got paid for his contribution. Quincy Jones, the album’s producer, called Eddie up one day and asked if he’d be interested to do guitar work. Eddie- being a nice guy- agreed, without bringing up the issue of his talent fee. Anyways, they recorded the song, it became a big freaking hit all over the world, it made Jacko a legend, and all Quincy and Jackson did was say “thanks.”
Anyway, I still think that Michael dances pretty well.
“Love Song”
Tesla
Five Man Acoustical Jam
First time I ever heard guys shredding on an acoustic guitar. After an entire year of figuring out that notes and practicing my speed picking, I winged it. And I never forgot how to... it’s a show-off piece with all the right elements: a beautiful melody at the start, flamenco-style lead guitar showdowns, and a powerful guitar solo. The chorus is damn catchy too. When I was in high school, everybody was bragging that they knew how to play guitar and this and that… but all they ever played was “More Than Words.” Bunch of fucking pussies. Where are you now, mother-bitches?!!
“Silent All These Years”
Tori Amos
Little Earthquakes
Jesus, talk about mindfuck. You see, I was already in a band when I heard this song, and after listening, I contacted every single buddy I knew and asked who had a copy. Nobody did, and a few days later, I found out that they didn’t carry it anymore in the local record shops. So I did the only logical thing: ordered it outside the Philippines. It cost a shitload of money, but it was worth it: an impressively twisted album that you could play in its entirety… not a single bad track. It also taught me a very important lesson: try your best not to piss a woman off. The results can be catastrophic. Tori Amos is the standard with which I base all female singers, especially the ones who take the lead in bands.
*Honorable Mentions: "Building A Mystery" by Sarah McLachlan, "You Learn" (the live version) by Alanis Morissette
“Old Friends”
Everything But The Girl
Worldwide
What are you laughing at, dickhead? Wipe that smirk off your face. I like it. Period. Brings back memories from high school and college.
“Angel of Death”
Slayer
Reign In Blood
Another band whose entire discography is tempting to list down. But you guessed it: “Angel of Death” was the first… and it was the finest moment of drummer Dave Lombardo’s career, for me. This band was also the complete package: the proficiency, the attitude, the diabolical album cover art… one look at the band live, and you know that theirs is a group you simply can’t fuck with.
*Honorable Mentions: “Raining Blood,” “Reborn,” “Cult,” “Criminally Insane”
“I’m Broken”
Pantera
Far Beyond Driven
The blues never sounded so evil, and so aggressive, that you want to just fucking pound somebody’s face in. Pantera is also a band that has so many great tracks, but this song is definitive, mainly because instead of climaxing, it’s a goddamn orgasmic chock of attitude from start to finish. R.I.P. Dimebag. We miss you terribly, especially since there’s so much crap music out there.
*Honorable Mentions: “The Great Southern Trendkill,” “Domination,” “Fucking Hostile,” “Mouth For War”
“Force of Change” and “Gomorrah’s Season Ends”
By Strife and Earth Crisis, respectively…
From the albums In This Defiance and Gomorrah’s Season Ends, respectively…
Okay, okay… I can’t help it. I know it seems like cheating, but these two tracks are my ultimate hardcore anthems mainly because 1) they are from the two greatest cause-oriented heavy bands to ever walk the earth who were straight-edge and who fought for animal rights, and 2) they are both about self-empowerment, and not screwing up. They’re sort of like non-irritating post-its– they remind me to not lose hope and to not go totally crazy whenever I get too reckless…
“Touching Tongues”
Steve Vai
Sex and Religion
I’m a guitar player. And who else would be influential than the [present] world’s greatest guitarist? Steve Vai rules… just like Hendrix did. I’ll keep the explaining short, because I’m already thinking twice about Vai… because there’s also a Joe Satriani… and his instrumental “Crying.” Wink, wink…
“Round Here”
The Counting Crows
August And Everything After
Vocalist Adam Duritz writes lyrics that hit pretty close to home… making Counting Crows an essential “alternative rock” selection. Though I was never that fanatical about the genre, “Round Here” set the bar for my 20-year-old guitar-shredder brain, and became the standard to judge if an “alternative” song was good. Great, great lyrics… nice, tear-jerking voice…
*Honorable mentions in this department would be: "Catapult" and "Angel of the Silences" by the Counting Crows, “Misery” by Soul Asylum, “As Long As It Matters” by the Gin Blossoms,” “Without You” by Silverchair
“End of The Road”
Boyz II Men
Boomerang: Official Motion Picture Soundtrack
Hey everybody needs a little Rn’B… girls love it. And guys, no matter how much they’ll deny it, want to earn their favor right? But seriously, there’s no other group of black guys who have such perfect harmony and blending than these guys, plus they always nail that sentimental factor without sounding mediocre. Plus they got a great backup band live… I’ve seen them live thrice. Great show, great show…. And the girls dig it. Go ahead and say it: I’m a sell-out. I don’t care… and I better not see you in the streets, or else I just might start to care enough that I put you on the pavement if you make fun of… forget it.
*Honorable mentions: “Can You Help Me?” by Usher, “If I Was The One” by Ruff Endz, and “No One Else Comes Close” by Joe, "Your Love" and "Destiny" by Jim Brickman, “Thank God I Found You” By Joe, Mariah Carey and 98 Degrees, and Monica’s version of “Right Here Waiting.” Seriously.
“Right Now”
Van Halen
For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
Glam rock, shredder-type-music-shit with a message. Go figure. Van Halen is the only band who should be allowed to have keyboard solos in their songs. Nice guitar solo too, and Sammy Hagar’s voice is amazing here.
*Honorable glam-metal-with-keyboards Mentions: “Love and Affection” by Nelson, “When I Look Into your Eyes” by Firehouse, “All That I Bleed” by Savatage
“A Groovy Kind of Love”
Phil Collins
Serious Hits…Live!
The guy’s a genius… great songwriting, a penchant for producing great love songs like “Against All Odds” and “Do You Remember?” as well as progressive pop hits like “Don’t Lose My Number” and “Two Hearts.” I mean, if pop music was this good, then it’d be all good for the rest of us who are open-minded enough. Though “A Groovy Kind of Love” was a cover, you can really hear the sincerity in his voice. Same thing with another cover of his “Separate Lives.”
"N.I.B"
Ugly Kid Joe (originally performed by Black Sabbath)
Nativity In Black- A Tribute To Black Sabbath
The Black Sabbath tribute album was simply amazing, and though I respect Sabbath a lot, I think that a lot of the modern versions were able to top the original way the songs were recorded. Of course, I probably thought that way because I was far too young when I first got hold of the tribute album... but it served its purpose: it got my generation wondering and ultimately, wanting to research and check out Sabbath for myself. I chose "N.I.B." becuase it showcased such an unexpected side of Ugly Kid Joe, who to me, were a great comical band that I didn't necessarily take serioously. But the lead guitar break int he middle of the song, the solo, and the outro changed my mind. Those fuckers had chops. Megadeth's version of "Paranoid" is also life-changing... I was taking guitar a lot seriously after I heard it. I learned my chops and figured out the solos all by ear.
Honorable Mentions: Faith No More's hilarious rendition of "War Pigs," Biohazard's cover of "After Forever," "Children of the Grave" Performed by White Zombie, and so much more from that album.
“Take Away”
Skychurch
Urge of the Human Device
Honestly, way before I started playing guitar in this band, they totally changed my life. I never thought it would be possible for three brothers to be in a band together and play such brutal, fast and technical music. Every single one of ‘em are such technical musicians, and they were obviously way ahead of their time. They had an album and inspired an entire generation of Filipino metal heads when the youngest member was barely into his first year of high school, and while all these motherfuckers who claim to be this and that were listening to pussy bands like Introvoys and terrible local shit like techno and dance crap, and grunge and other shit. Playing for them is definitely a big source of pride, and puts a goddamn smile on my face every time. I also like the fact that most self-styled music critics don’t even know a single Skychurch song, even though they know that SC is an outfit that’ll kick anybody’s ass from here to kingdom come.
*Honorable Mentions: every fucking single Skychurch song
“Brightest” or "When Finally Set Free"
Copeland
Beneath Medicine Tree
jesus christ... this band sure knows how to make people cry. it's not emo...it's just really, really sincere music. fuck it. so goooooooood.
++++
Jesus Christ, that was hard. Ask me tomorrow, and i'll give an entirely different list with only a handful of consistent artists/songs from here. Why? Because i care enough to piss all of you off.
Siamese Dream
I fucking hate myself already for just choosing one track from the Pumpkins. There’s not enough profanity in the world to describe how big an impact Billy Corgan’s songwriting and the rest of the band’s chemistry and unorthodox proficiency has had on my pre- and post-teenage life. It’s been a push-pull for me between metal and hardcore, yes… but The Smashing Pumpkins were always a constant. If I had my way, my entire Sixty Minutes entry would be all Smashing Pumpkins. It’s possible. As soon as I typed “Today,” I immediately thought of ten other possible tracks: the wonderful suicide song “Mayonnaise,” the nihilistic “Zero,” the tearjerker “Thirty-Three,” the uplifting “Tonight, Tonight,” “Perfect” and “1979,” the roughness of “I Am One,” “Cherub Rock” and recent hits like “The Everlasting Gaze,” and the enchanting “Stand Inside Your Love…” Jesus fucking Christ… but okay, okay, I’ll go by the rules… “Today” is my choice because it’s the first Pumpkins track I ever heard, and it’s so amazingly sarcastic and depressing.
Oh yeah, there’s “Disarm,” “Bullet With Butterfly Wings,” “try, Try, Try…” the lust goes on and on. They could very well be in my top five bands of all time list… they weren’t grunge, they weren’t alternative, they weren’t metal… simply put, they were just completely awesome and fucking brilliant.
“Don’t Cry”
Guns N’ Roses
Use Your Illusion I
Chances are, if you’re anywhere between the 18-30 age bracket at present, Guns N’ Roses would be an easy selection. Why? Because they were truly one of the best bands to ever walk the earth. They were the complete package: musically proficient, easy-to-market (i.e. rednecks with attitudes, alcohol and substance abuse issues, celebrity girlfriends, etc.) and they were equally great in the studio and on the stage. Though many may say that theirs was a band that was pretty much hard to ignore, I’m still proud of the fact that I listened to each and every song, not just the singles. “Don’t Cry” was my first favorite, mainly because it was such a powerful ballad: Axl Rose’s many voices blended well with the late Shannon Hoon’s backup, and the song had a blistering guitar solo from Slash, which signaled the entire climax towards the end. But there are so many GN’R songs you can put in a mix tape– “Dead Horse,” “Welcome To The Jungle,” the controversial “One In A Million…” and I was sort of having a battle in my mind between putting “Don’t Cry” and “November Rain,” since the latter had such an amazing guitar solo and the entire song’s structure was so well-thought-of… but “Don’t Cry” wins the slot since I heard it first. It also was the song that made me seriously want to study guitar. I already knew how to, but it was all just dicking around.
“Nuestra Familia”
Madball
Demonstrating My Style
Ah yes… hardcore. The last two years of my college life was devoted to the genre, as I eagerly, and quite pretentiously, consumed everything I could about the music and the lifestyle: buying hoodies, chain wallets, every single imported CD that acquaintances from the underground raved about… basically, spending so much money in an attempt to prove that I was a supporter. Madball, however, through their songs and strong attitude and stance, taught me that hardcore is way more than just looking the part. It was about flipping the finger to the overtly righteous, it was about simple songs that were made great by dynamics and worthwhile sentiments about family, unity and friends… it was about being a badass but trying not to be a badass just for the sake of it. I bought every single Madball album…which left me broke and pretty much pissed my parents off for the longest time. I still listen to Madball to this day, especially when I’m pissed. Which is, well…almost every fucking day.
“Beat It”
Michael Jackson
Thriller
Yeah, yeah, yeah…go ahead and laugh. But dudes, fucking listen to the guitar solo. That was Eddie Van Halen. Trivia: he never got paid for his contribution. Quincy Jones, the album’s producer, called Eddie up one day and asked if he’d be interested to do guitar work. Eddie- being a nice guy- agreed, without bringing up the issue of his talent fee. Anyways, they recorded the song, it became a big freaking hit all over the world, it made Jacko a legend, and all Quincy and Jackson did was say “thanks.”
Anyway, I still think that Michael dances pretty well.
“Love Song”
Tesla
Five Man Acoustical Jam
First time I ever heard guys shredding on an acoustic guitar. After an entire year of figuring out that notes and practicing my speed picking, I winged it. And I never forgot how to... it’s a show-off piece with all the right elements: a beautiful melody at the start, flamenco-style lead guitar showdowns, and a powerful guitar solo. The chorus is damn catchy too. When I was in high school, everybody was bragging that they knew how to play guitar and this and that… but all they ever played was “More Than Words.” Bunch of fucking pussies. Where are you now, mother-bitches?!!
“Silent All These Years”
Tori Amos
Little Earthquakes
Jesus, talk about mindfuck. You see, I was already in a band when I heard this song, and after listening, I contacted every single buddy I knew and asked who had a copy. Nobody did, and a few days later, I found out that they didn’t carry it anymore in the local record shops. So I did the only logical thing: ordered it outside the Philippines. It cost a shitload of money, but it was worth it: an impressively twisted album that you could play in its entirety… not a single bad track. It also taught me a very important lesson: try your best not to piss a woman off. The results can be catastrophic. Tori Amos is the standard with which I base all female singers, especially the ones who take the lead in bands.
*Honorable Mentions: "Building A Mystery" by Sarah McLachlan, "You Learn" (the live version) by Alanis Morissette
“Old Friends”
Everything But The Girl
Worldwide
What are you laughing at, dickhead? Wipe that smirk off your face. I like it. Period. Brings back memories from high school and college.
“Angel of Death”
Slayer
Reign In Blood
Another band whose entire discography is tempting to list down. But you guessed it: “Angel of Death” was the first… and it was the finest moment of drummer Dave Lombardo’s career, for me. This band was also the complete package: the proficiency, the attitude, the diabolical album cover art… one look at the band live, and you know that theirs is a group you simply can’t fuck with.
*Honorable Mentions: “Raining Blood,” “Reborn,” “Cult,” “Criminally Insane”
“I’m Broken”
Pantera
Far Beyond Driven
The blues never sounded so evil, and so aggressive, that you want to just fucking pound somebody’s face in. Pantera is also a band that has so many great tracks, but this song is definitive, mainly because instead of climaxing, it’s a goddamn orgasmic chock of attitude from start to finish. R.I.P. Dimebag. We miss you terribly, especially since there’s so much crap music out there.
*Honorable Mentions: “The Great Southern Trendkill,” “Domination,” “Fucking Hostile,” “Mouth For War”
“Force of Change” and “Gomorrah’s Season Ends”
By Strife and Earth Crisis, respectively…
From the albums In This Defiance and Gomorrah’s Season Ends, respectively…
Okay, okay… I can’t help it. I know it seems like cheating, but these two tracks are my ultimate hardcore anthems mainly because 1) they are from the two greatest cause-oriented heavy bands to ever walk the earth who were straight-edge and who fought for animal rights, and 2) they are both about self-empowerment, and not screwing up. They’re sort of like non-irritating post-its– they remind me to not lose hope and to not go totally crazy whenever I get too reckless…
“Touching Tongues”
Steve Vai
Sex and Religion
I’m a guitar player. And who else would be influential than the [present] world’s greatest guitarist? Steve Vai rules… just like Hendrix did. I’ll keep the explaining short, because I’m already thinking twice about Vai… because there’s also a Joe Satriani… and his instrumental “Crying.” Wink, wink…
“Round Here”
The Counting Crows
August And Everything After
Vocalist Adam Duritz writes lyrics that hit pretty close to home… making Counting Crows an essential “alternative rock” selection. Though I was never that fanatical about the genre, “Round Here” set the bar for my 20-year-old guitar-shredder brain, and became the standard to judge if an “alternative” song was good. Great, great lyrics… nice, tear-jerking voice…
*Honorable mentions in this department would be: "Catapult" and "Angel of the Silences" by the Counting Crows, “Misery” by Soul Asylum, “As Long As It Matters” by the Gin Blossoms,” “Without You” by Silverchair
“End of The Road”
Boyz II Men
Boomerang: Official Motion Picture Soundtrack
Hey everybody needs a little Rn’B… girls love it. And guys, no matter how much they’ll deny it, want to earn their favor right? But seriously, there’s no other group of black guys who have such perfect harmony and blending than these guys, plus they always nail that sentimental factor without sounding mediocre. Plus they got a great backup band live… I’ve seen them live thrice. Great show, great show…. And the girls dig it. Go ahead and say it: I’m a sell-out. I don’t care… and I better not see you in the streets, or else I just might start to care enough that I put you on the pavement if you make fun of… forget it.
*Honorable mentions: “Can You Help Me?” by Usher, “If I Was The One” by Ruff Endz, and “No One Else Comes Close” by Joe, "Your Love" and "Destiny" by Jim Brickman, “Thank God I Found You” By Joe, Mariah Carey and 98 Degrees, and Monica’s version of “Right Here Waiting.” Seriously.
“Right Now”
Van Halen
For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
Glam rock, shredder-type-music-shit with a message. Go figure. Van Halen is the only band who should be allowed to have keyboard solos in their songs. Nice guitar solo too, and Sammy Hagar’s voice is amazing here.
*Honorable glam-metal-with-keyboards Mentions: “Love and Affection” by Nelson, “When I Look Into your Eyes” by Firehouse, “All That I Bleed” by Savatage
“A Groovy Kind of Love”
Phil Collins
Serious Hits…Live!
The guy’s a genius… great songwriting, a penchant for producing great love songs like “Against All Odds” and “Do You Remember?” as well as progressive pop hits like “Don’t Lose My Number” and “Two Hearts.” I mean, if pop music was this good, then it’d be all good for the rest of us who are open-minded enough. Though “A Groovy Kind of Love” was a cover, you can really hear the sincerity in his voice. Same thing with another cover of his “Separate Lives.”
"N.I.B"
Ugly Kid Joe (originally performed by Black Sabbath)
Nativity In Black- A Tribute To Black Sabbath
The Black Sabbath tribute album was simply amazing, and though I respect Sabbath a lot, I think that a lot of the modern versions were able to top the original way the songs were recorded. Of course, I probably thought that way because I was far too young when I first got hold of the tribute album... but it served its purpose: it got my generation wondering and ultimately, wanting to research and check out Sabbath for myself. I chose "N.I.B." becuase it showcased such an unexpected side of Ugly Kid Joe, who to me, were a great comical band that I didn't necessarily take serioously. But the lead guitar break int he middle of the song, the solo, and the outro changed my mind. Those fuckers had chops. Megadeth's version of "Paranoid" is also life-changing... I was taking guitar a lot seriously after I heard it. I learned my chops and figured out the solos all by ear.
Honorable Mentions: Faith No More's hilarious rendition of "War Pigs," Biohazard's cover of "After Forever," "Children of the Grave" Performed by White Zombie, and so much more from that album.
“Take Away”
Skychurch
Urge of the Human Device
Honestly, way before I started playing guitar in this band, they totally changed my life. I never thought it would be possible for three brothers to be in a band together and play such brutal, fast and technical music. Every single one of ‘em are such technical musicians, and they were obviously way ahead of their time. They had an album and inspired an entire generation of Filipino metal heads when the youngest member was barely into his first year of high school, and while all these motherfuckers who claim to be this and that were listening to pussy bands like Introvoys and terrible local shit like techno and dance crap, and grunge and other shit. Playing for them is definitely a big source of pride, and puts a goddamn smile on my face every time. I also like the fact that most self-styled music critics don’t even know a single Skychurch song, even though they know that SC is an outfit that’ll kick anybody’s ass from here to kingdom come.
*Honorable Mentions: every fucking single Skychurch song
“Brightest” or "When Finally Set Free"
Copeland
Beneath Medicine Tree
jesus christ... this band sure knows how to make people cry. it's not emo...it's just really, really sincere music. fuck it. so goooooooood.
++++
Jesus Christ, that was hard. Ask me tomorrow, and i'll give an entirely different list with only a handful of consistent artists/songs from here. Why? Because i care enough to piss all of you off.
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