I have been meaning to cast my vote in the Hottest 100 Women poll (on Twitter and Facebook) for some time now, yet, as expected, have been stuck in periods of intense deliberation. My love of female musicianship (particularly lyrically and vocally) is well known, so to narrow this list down to something tangible is quite the daunting task.
Inspired by Tim Dunlop’s ability do it, I have decided to bite the proverbial bullet.
The following list is by no means concrete, exhaustive or entirely representative of my musical soul. Rather, it is five songs that have shaped me and continue to define who I am as both a person and a music-lover.
Billie Holiday: Strange Fruit (1939)
One of the most painful, important songs ever sung. I don’t listen to this song very often – how you could, really.
Joni Mitchell – A Case Of You (1971)
Choosing my favourite track from ‘Blue’, an album which I consider the defining highpoint of Joni’s career (and of music in general), was never going to be easy. I’m still not sure I’ve got it right. Yet this song remains one of the most beautifully poignant, bittersweet love songs of our time.
This Mortal Coil – Song to the Siren (1983)
Perhaps one of the greatest cover songs of the last few decades, this Tim Buckley cover is a stunning, emotionally vibrant piece of music.
PJ Harvey and Thom Yorke – This Mess We’re In (2000)
More than anything else, this track – from PJ’s Stories from the City… album, sums up a mood and a moment in time from my young adult years. The OST to my coming of age.
Patty Griffin – When It Don’t Come Easy (2004)
My favourite song from my favourite singer-songwriter. The song that will one day be my wedding song.
(ignore the shoddy fan made video – just listen)
[...] Dark Cafe Daze adds his list to the mix, and a fine line-up it is. Comments (2) | [...]
Hey there
Just so you know, I’ve grabbed these votes and added them to the poll. Thanks for the support!