Best song of the past 25 years?

[anotheranon]

VH1's latest "greatest" list and a conversation elsewhere got me to thinking - what are the songs that really made an impact on my musical tastes (I hesitate to say "life" - it is JUST music, after all)?

Given that I've not kept up with the latest musical trends very well, I automatically think back to my teens/early 20s, when music really MATTERED to me, in a passionate, sanity-maintaning kind of way. These two spring immediately to mind:

Joy Division "Atmosphere" - hauntingly beautiful and so wonderfully somber, I'd listen to this one when I needed a really good cry. I still love JD's work, but it is so emotional it's difficult for me to listen to now. This is the one track I can think of that should never be remixed/covered/tampered with - it's breathless as it is.

808 State - "Pacific" - it wasn't love at first listen (more like 3rd or 4th), but this turned my musical landscape upside down my senior year of high school - good-bye goth, hello proto-raver! I had to wait 4 years to go to my first "proper" rave, but this music introduced me to the genre that has influenced my life in so many ways - found me good friends, encouraged me to travel, fed my need for adrenaline, fueled many a road-tripping weekend, and ultimately, led me to D. (ok, so maybe music did affect my life, after all!)

What about y'all?

Comments

Actually, it's called 'Rai" and its from Algeria

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Yes, I'd be interested! I listened to a couple of samples off of Aramusic - I like it, kind of familiar because I hear the same kinds of vocals in some world dance stuff I listen to.

If I can't show up in chat, maybe posting a File to one of our mutual Yahoo Groups might work?

Re: Actually, it's called 'Rai" and its from Algeria

[semmie17.livejournal.com]

I put a file in Klaatut that's I'm sure you heard in the 5th Element. If you like it, we can trade over chat.:)))

Re: Actually, it's called 'Rai" and its from Algeria

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Listened - quite impressed, and I do remember this from the movie! Once we find ourselves in chat at the same time, yes, more please!

I've been looking for sound files for you, but honestly don't know where to find such things :/ If you like this I'd recommend the latest Afro Celts album - not necessarily Algerian, but sort of "world fusion". Peter Gabriel was a guest on one of the tracks as well.

Re: Actually, it's called 'Rai" and its from Algeria

[semmie17.livejournal.com]

I've been looking for the Calypso classic "Underneath the Mango Tree" that Harry Belafonte sang in "Dr. No." Ursula Andress was humming it when she walked onto the beach in the famous bikini scene, remember? Any ideas?

Dr. No soundtrack

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Remastered, even (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000087DRV/qid=1055644748/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/103-7364671-7124619). I know it's not the single, but according to the reviews the disc has several versions of "Underneath the Mango Tree" (that track always sticks in my mind whenever I watch the movie!)

Also there are quite a few James Bond theme music comps out there, but most only include the beginning/ending title tracks. I still love Shirley Bassey's "Goldfinger".

Re: Dr. No soundtrack

[semmie17.livejournal.com]

I know, and I've drooled over that CD for a long time, but I'm spoiled enough to admit that I just want that *one* song. My bad. :))