I started thinking about how most of the artists that I really like have stronger songs deep into their album than what gets released to the masses for earwig consumption.

The interesting thing is that most of the strongest songs would never even be touched by a radio because they don’t grab you the first time you hear it–they grab you 15 listens later when the singles are grating on your nerves.

So here’s my top ten alt-rock songs that the radio wouldn’t touch from ‘95 to ‘05. (in no particular order)

• Our Lady Peace – Thief
  The delay on the bass at the beginning kills me every time.
• Smashing Pumpkins – Soma Thru The Eyes of Ruby
  (Soma was released in ‘94, out of the scope of the original assignment).
  This was the epic of the second half of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. 7:38 doesn’t do too well on the Radio… but what a great song!
• Live – TBD
  The whole song is a giant build, but it’s the “Whoo!” in the last chorus that really got me.
• Radiohead – Idiotheque
  The 5 measure phrases and the sample from some of the earliest electronic music makes this song awesome
• Switchfoot – The Beautiful Letdown
  This is the title track off of their 4th record. It’s one of those songs that has a nice build, and truly great lyrics.
• Jimmy Eat World – Clarity
  I nearly put “Futures” on here, but I’m convinced that it could have been a radio single if the record label had gotten behind the album. If you missed their sophomore release, you missed a great record — and a great song with lots of raw energy. Just skip the track after it, though.
• Foo Fighters – Hey, Johnny Park!
  There’s no big hook, but this might possibly be the best piece of music the Foo Fighters ever put out. “Times Like These” and “Everlong” are up there, but Hey, JP is energy pumping that doesn’t sound tired after the 200th listen.
• Dave Matthews Band – Drive in Drive Out
  I think it’s the drummer in me that loves this. What other song do you know of on a pop record that has double paradiddles as the foundation of the chorus? Great energy and a solid drum solo at the end
• Incubus – Just a Phase
  Constantly changing feel, a 2 minute intro and a fantastic build teases the listener several times before the climax.
• Pearl Jam – In Hiding
  Probably my favorite song off of “Yield.” The guitar tone is so nice and the guitar riff intro is tight.

What’d you think? I’m sure I missed a few.

For Bethany. She took several (tripping) steps to me today. A-dor-a-ble, I tell you.

Lots of pictures up for November. Check out the house and our fun at Mattie and Paw-paw’s.

Oh, and Gig ‘em Aggies. Whoop.

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It’s not Don LaFontane, but it is pretty hilarious. Reminds me of the Hithchikers Guide to the Galaxy trailer. Always funny stuff.