Top 50, here we go
50: "Beer (Song)" by Mustard Plug"
"They will not take me all away, not one foot, not one inch!". As I remember them saying in their album notes, it's interesting that their "biggest" song, called beer, has nothing to do with beer. Still, as far as 3rd wave ska goes, this is one of the better songs of the pop-punk/ska movement of the 90's. This is Mustard Plug's "song", their staple song, and damn it is good.
49: "Myself" by Big D & the Kids Table
"As the pendulum is swinging from side to side I often wonder, why the things that mean the most to me, can never be". The first song on this by Big D is the first off their first full album, "Good Luck". Oh the sounds of old Big D, how I miss thee. A fun, fast paced ska-punk song. Crappy vocals, mediocre instrumentals and catchy horns. Simpler times. But the song redeems itself, with messages of friends, and striving to move forward in a crappy life.
48: "Bright Spring Morning" by Suburban Legends
"Go, roll down that window. Go, crank up that radio. Let's drive until we meet the sky". I really wanted to include the whole chorus on this one, as it just pumps me up on nice weather days. But I wanted to get this post in, so you'll have to listen yourself on this one. Back when Suburban Legends played pop-ska (more nostalgia), this song was as good as it got for them. They even re-recorded it to pay tribute to former trombone player, Dallas, who died in a hit and run accident. Fast, it is a motivational song to live your life and enjoy what nature provides. Slow, it is a sad song, reminding those who are fortunate enough to enjoy life while you can, and make the most of it. Today's weather called for this song.
47: "Cheers! The World's Almost Over" by Westbound Train
" She said, 'can I kiss you, once again'". While I don't think this song is about the world ending, it is a nice love song about not knowing when time will run out. It starts slow and picks up to a fun song to dance to, and WBT has always balanced slow melodies with the ability to dance and have fun. This song is no exception, and is a great addition to their love song catalog.
46: "Dogs and Chaplains" by the Mighty Mighty Bosstons
"Drunks and children, always tell the truth". Those lyrics are the original title of this song, and not sure why they changed them for their second album. Still, this is the better version of the song, with more to the bridge, and harder chords. And it is true, those are as truthful as it gets, so make use of that while you can. A good drinking song.
45: "The Good Left Undone" by Rise Against
" All because of you I believe in angles, not the kind with wings, no not the kind with halos. The kind who bring you home, when home becomes a strange place". That lyrics is a big change in the song. Earlier, it seems more that the "you" hurt him, and this song is about striving forward. Maybe at the end he sees that "you" made things better than he realizes. Who cares, great, great punk song.
44: "Point/Counterpoint" by Streetlight Manifesto
"And every time I make a point you make a counterpoint". I guess that lyric was a boring representation of this great song. Oh well, I'm drunk, so deal with it. "Point" and "Counterpoint" are only 2/3 of this song, a later edition really comes in the middle. And oh, what a song. You have to hear it to know why Streetlight is so good, so go listen.
43: "Checklist" by Big D & the Kids Table
"You don't have to dress up, it's not a fucking fashion show". Ah, sweet good, old Big D. This song is in it's own league in terms of what it is. Big D is great for its hard punk and horns. This song is them at their hardest, with the horns at their hardest. Love every second of it.
42: "Kill the President" by the Arrogant Sons of Bitches!
"Over and over again, I'm so useless". Looking over this list, I'm shocked this is only at 42. Maybe it works better as a part of the whole album, but wow is this a good song. Punk, ska, horns, catchy chorus, meaningful lyrics. Really, you can't go wrong. Once again this is a song I can't really put into words why I love it. Maybe that's what music should be, just songs you like for reasons you don't know. Oh well, enjoy it cause it is great.
41: "High Lonesome" by The Gaslight Anthem
"And Maria came from Nashville with a suitcase in her hands. I always kind of, sort of wished, I looked like Elvis". Hard drum roll, hard chords, what a way to start off a song. Lyrics are amazing, as they are on this whole album. Instrumentals on this one are something better than the rest, I almost resent putting it this low on the list. Live, this song is even better. Just a good pump-up song, but one with meaning behind its lyrics.
Up next: Rise Against gets pumped, Date Rape again!, making money, the other 1/3 of an earlier song, and The Clash playing reggae!
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