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April 21, 2005
DEAD CELEBRITY iTUNES PLAYLISTS: William Randolph Hearst
"Last Call" (Kanye West): My own story is far from rags to riches -- my father was a multi-millionaire back when that meant something. Even so I was truly moved by the last song on Kanye West’s debut album, which recounts in fascinating detail (it’s 12 minutes long) his rise from nowhere to the big time. The best parts aren’t about meeting famous rappers or getting signed. They're about getting evicted from his apartment and his mom helping him load a U-Haul and driving to New Jersey. Humble, endearing and the best song on a great album.
"Hard Drive" (Evan Dando): After years of doing drugs and not making music, you’d think that Evan Dando’s talent might have gone up in crack smoke. You would be wrong. He’s still a lovable goofball who can write a line like “Have you ever felt yourself in motion?” and make it seem profound.
"The Rainbow Connection" (Willie Nelson): A great song to start with. Willie’s beat-up voice and the sweet, brilliant solo at the end make it feel sadder and wiser.
"Acrobat" (U2): Achtung Baby is not as good as I remember it being but this song still works for me.
"I Hung my Head" (Johnny Cash): Everything I’ve heard from the Rick Rubin-produced box set Unearthed is terrific. This one’s particularly good.
"Could Well Be In" (The Streets): A concept album about losing a thousand quid, girlfriend trouble and getting your head bashed in by a TV repairman -- and it's by a white British rapper who can't really rap. Shouldn’t work. Does.
Posted by teb at April 21, 2005 10:23 AM