Favourite songs with my footnotes *presses play*

Good day.

Here are twenty four songs that I absolutely love. Twenty four, because I turn twenty four this Wednesday. I've made sure there is a different artist for each song; that was really tricky to choose. This is a very rough draft, but the notes after each song are the first thoughts that pop into my head when it starts playing!

*presses play on favourites playlist*

Mother and Child Reunion- Paul Simon
I first heard this song when I was tiny, but only realised it's meaning after my Mum passed. I think I've said enough there for you to understand how much of a wonderful thing this song means to me. So upbeat and euphoric.

Return of the Las Palmas 7- Madness

A joyous instrumental, which rises and falls tremendously.

I am a Madness-a-holic, and have been since day one. This one is a more obscure track, but still wonderfully crafted. One of my favourite instrumental pieces of music; when the curtains close on my life I want this song to be played. Could have picked a dozen Madness tracks though.

A Message to You Rudy- Dandy Livingstone

Just reminds me of happy times. I only knew of the Specials version for a long time; then discovered the original. The tempo and beat in this is just sublime, I can listen to it over and over.

Kingdom of Rust- Doves

A wide of the mark choice, but Doves are one of the most highly underrated bands ever. Such poignant records, with great understanding and feeling. This song came out around the time of my Mum's passing, hence why I adore this tune so much.

54-46 That's my Number- Toots and the Maytals

Oh, well of course. This is reggae at it's finest. It is just the happiest song in the world. "Give it to me one time!! Give it to me, two times!!" I adore the record, and have been known to bounce along to it.

This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)- Talking Heads
When I first heard this record it washed over me, but with all Talking Heads it grew and grew. Such fabulous words in this record. Can't help but sway and move.

Golden Brown- Stranglers

Possibly a song that would be in everyone's top 24? Wonderful track, the subject matter we need not discuss. The crafted tune, oh yes! One of my Dad's favourites too. Reminds me of him.

It's my Life- Talk Talk
A track that for some reason strikes a chord with me. The video perhaps? Also, No Doubt (featuring Gwen Stefani, featuring later!) did a cover version, but like all I grew to love the original.

Once Around the Block- Badly Drawn Boy

I'm not sure why I like Badly. I just really do; I have all his records. This track is one of his finest, and is a fine little ditty.

Love and Affection- Joan Armatrading

"I'm not in love, but I'm open to persuasion!" a line that rings so true for me! I love Joan, this song with the backing vocals, the acoustic guitar and the bass is just so amazing. "...give me love-oh ooohhh!"

My Moon My Man- Feist

Just here simply because I love her voice. This song is one of my favourites of hers.

Cool for Cats-Squeeze

One of the first songs that I really really liked. It was on an old Top of the Pops compilation tape that I watched when I was little. I just remembered the lyrics and it's possibly the only song I'd be able to do on karaoke! Also, the way it funkily ends is again, magnificent. I love it!

The Harder They Come- Jimmy Cliff

I only knew of this track because of the cover version by Madness. Then, like Rudy and It's my Life, I heard the original. Just inspiring lyrics; a fine record.

Geno- Dexy's Midnight Runners

It's just very ska, very danceable and very very good. I'm sure you're unable to wail "whoah Geno!!" during this. A tribute to Geno Washington.

First Love- The Maccabees (actually torn between this and Latchmere, can you blame me!)

Reminds me so much of my teenage years. I love how delicate this song is, and also how indie and awkward it almost sounds too. It is quite awesome. "Are you cooooooool?" I nearly picked Latchmere and could have gone for Can You Give It, too. However, this was the first song I heard by the Maccabees and I still dance around like a lunatic when I hear it.

Hedonism (Just because you feel Good)- Skunk Anansie

There is atmosphere in this track and you can hear the different layers. There is an awesome bass, and an excellent chorus. It's a bitter song, "I wonder what you're doing now? I hope you're feeling happy now." It sounds almost sarcastic. Skin, singing, has such a wonderful voice. "Does laughter still discover you?" an intriguing lyric.

Farewell to the Fairground- White Lies

Of all the new(ish) bands, these are my favourite. Drums, an epic chorus, epic guitars and just proper rock. I saw these live and they blew me away!

Time- Pink Floyd

What can I say? I shan't say anything. This track speaks for itself.

Loneliness of the Tower Crane Driver- Elbow

This song is just so perfect. The chords, the lyrics, the rise and fall is just fantastic. Hairs always stand up when I hear this song, and it never tires. Wonderful live.

Pass it On- Coral

A track that means a lot to me. My Mum told me she thought of me when she heard this record, and now subsequently I think of her. Jingly jangly, and quite a quaint little ditty; it just is perfect. Just too short perhaps!

No One Knows- Queens of the Stone Age

Oh yes! You go from the quaint and quiet to the awesome epicness of this. I remember this track so well. It reminds me of being fourteen and without a clue of what the world would hold for me. I still don't.

Someday- The Strokes

This was when I had a rock phase. 'Is this It' was one of the first albums that I ever brought with my own money. This song is track five and it just lights up your radio player.

Don't Speak- No Doubt

I have to pick this record. I love Gwen Stefani, and thinking about it, she may well have been my first crush! This song is such a fab tune. Can't really say more than that!

House of the Rising Sun- The Animals

It's a track you forget about from time to time, because it is such a classic. But, my oh my, this is top class. Listen to this, at full pelt, in your car, in the bath, in your bedroom and you will be filled with joy. Eric Burdon's voice rattles along here, and I think that is what gives it such a definite edge. Also, the organ solo is the greatest ever organ solo that I can think of. Footstomper!

*presses stop*

Those are twenty four. If ever I end up on a desert island I want those tracks to be sent with an indefinite battery on a MP3 in a bottle to me. And some headphones or a loudyspeakery thing, but then I'd need mains power.

I digress! I must admit I could easily replace those with another twenty four!

Hope you enjoyed!