i could be in love with almost everyone, i think that people are the greatest fun

I've been tagged by the fantastic Daughters of Dawn Vintage to list for you my top five favourite albums of all time. Yeah, don't make it something tricky or anything, Tag. I've attempted this impossible feat before, but already a little over a year later, it's changed. It should be pointed out that I'm going for all over quality of an album itself, how much I'd want to listen to the entire thing, which is why some of my favourite artists (Parliament, Prince, Led Zeppelin, Sly & the Family Stone, etc.) are nowhere to be found.

Top 5 Favourite Albums of All Time
(subject to change)

1. Forever Changes by Love

I can hardly put my feelings toward this album into words. It's the most beautiful, stirring, breathtaking masterpiece I've ever heard. I haven't even listened to it in probably about a year because I react to it too emotionally. It really isn't for everyone, but if you "get it", it becomes vital.
If you only hear one song... "You Set the Scene"

2. Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
I bought this album pretty much because I felt like I should own it because it was such a "classic" -stupid I know, and I figured I'd probably listen to it once or twice then to the back of my record box it would head. My idiocy did not deserve to be rewarded with the agonizing gorgeousness and gorgeousity that is Let's Get It On. Like all good albums, this one grew on me. At first, I only listened to the title track...and then the title track and the next song...and then the first side...and so forth until I could listen to the entire album and just feel the soul wash over me, like a warm hug.
If you only hear one song... "Come Get To This"

3. After Bathing at Baxter's by Jefferson Airplane
I absolutely love Surrealistic Pillow but for me, After Bathing at Baxter's is a superior album. Much less radio-friendly than their previous album, it also features Marty Balin vocally more, which makes me happy as I adore his voice. However, my favourite song has Paul Kantner on lead vocals. Really, though, the whole album is phenomenal, definitely one of those LP's that you can put on a listen to from beginning to end.
If you only hear one song... "Watch Her Ride"

4. One Nation Under a Groove by Funkadelic
It was almost hard to choose one album to represent my P-Funk love, but then it wasn't, because this one is a clear favourite from beginning to end. One of the most brilliant tracks, frankly, I think is probably too avant-garde for most people, but "Promentalshitbackwashpsychosis Enema Squad" has a very special place in my heart. Another song with personal meaning is "Cholly (Funk Gettin' Ready to Roll)", about a certain "Cholly" (rhymes with Molly?) who discovers the funk and it changes their life. Hmm, sounds kinda familiar. If you're clever like me and copped the bonus edition, you'll also be treated to the heavy metal/funk (believe it or not, it totally works) cut "Lunchmeataphobia (Think!...It Ain't Illegal Yet)".
If you only hear one song... "One Nation Under a Groove"

5. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by Outkast
It easy for an album to have a bunch of great songs when it has 40 tracks. It isn't easy for an album for have 40 songs and have most of them be great. Ya dig? The split album was a brilliant move: Big Boi brings the innovative hip-hop and Andre 3000 brings the most awesome un-categorizable music.
If you only hear one song... "Prototype"

I shall tag Libby, Allison, Maya, Crazy Eddie and Jill.

you think you're special? well, so do i

First of all, I must say, the Superbowl was a fantastic game, and I came out of it with a huge crush on Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. I always choose my favourite player before the game starts, almost always based on their smiles and how could I possibly resist this? And then when he turned out to be a fantastic player (and a helluva runner), the deal was done.

Also, you're a Virgo, and I'm a Cancer - it just works.

Anyway, have you ever noticed that certain musical artists specialize in certain emotions? "Examples!" You demand. No need for insolence, I'm on it!

Lil Wayne
Speciality: exasperation
Maybe it's just that he's so busy being genius that he has no time for the tomfoolery of others. All I know is Lil Wayne pulls out an exasperated sigh with the ease of Paris Hilton's childhood tutor.
Best examples: 2:22-2:24 in the "Lollipop" video; 0:19 in "Mr. Carter"; 0:09-0:24 in "Dr. Carter"

Prince
Speciality: sexually frustrated, in an angry way
Well, okay, it's more of just a mix of anger and horniness mainly because Prince seems to have a perennial horniness underlying everything. But when he gets angry (without losing his horniness), the music gets excellent.
Best examples: the whole ending of "Darling Nikki"; most of "Something in the Water (Does Not Compute)" but 2:30-2:50 in particular; 4:35-5:20 of "The Dance"; "Temptation" for more of the sexually frustration than anger

prince likes getting laid

Marvin Gaye
Speciality: Sexually frustrated, in a sad, pleading way
Best examples: I ain't getting obscure here; Marvin made his bread and butter on "please, baby" type songs - think "Sexual Healing", "Let's Get It On", "I Want You" and those are just the hits!

make me want you, make me miss you, make me wonder where you are, then forget you

You thought you'd heard every song they'd ever made a billion times...

Deep Tracks by Overexposed Artists:

"The Lady in My Life" by Michael Jackson

Okay, it's on Thriller, so it's probably the "deep track" most people have heard. Still, this is the song that proves my longtime belief that Michael Jackson is the best ad-libber of all time. (And here I'm using 'ad lib' to mean all the "ooh", "baby", "yeah", etc.) I usually start this song at the 2:30 point, as the last two and a half minutes are all gorgeous adlibbing. MJ 4 Eva y'all!

"Why Should I Be Sad" by Britney Spears
My favourite track off Blackout, this slow - but not, God forbid, a ballad - number is pop genius. Clearly intended as a kiss-off to K-Fed, I think it's beautiful. The one included on the playlist below is slightly slowed-down, but still fantastic.

"She Lives in My Lap" by OutKast
The B-side to the equally-genius "Prototype" (which I've raved about before), this dreamy song featuring voices and laughs from Rosario Dawson is quirky, sweet, creative and eccentric. I'm glad it wasn't played eight trillion times on the radio a la "Hey Ya" - it's much more meaningful this way.

"Wavin' Bye to the Train or Bus" by the Arctic Monkeys
This is another case, in my opinion, of a song that has kickass verses and a weak chorus. But the verses? Kickass indeed! Maybe one of my favourite Arctic Monkeys lines ever with the "Oh, baby, I'm wantin' to do you a swap/I'll give you anything, yeah, in return for them noises you've got"

"Distant Lover" by Marvin Gaye
I used to really dislike this track from Let's Get It On, in fact, it was the only song I didn't love off that album. However, suddenly one day, I listened to it and realized its genius and beauty in one flash. Especially the "please, please, baby" at 1:03.

deep tracks...

do you want to fly?

My Top 5 Favourite Vocalists:

5. Calvin Simon
An original member of the Parliaments, and a mainstay of the P-Funk crowd, he unfortunately very rarely sings lead. When he does, however, it is so powerful.
Example: "Baby I Owe You Something Good" - all that's available is some select 30-second clips here and here (if you're in the US). You can download it on iTunes if you're really that interested.
4. Lyn Collins
An often-overlooked soul singer, Lyn Collins has a stunning, slightly raspy voice, and she is in clear control of it at all times. No Xtina-esque oversinging, yet you are in no doubt that the woman can sing.
Example: "Think/Ain't No Sunshine", not the best quality recording, but has two of her best songs. If you're going to just listen to one, though, skip to 3:45 and make it "Ain't No Sunshine"

3. Sly Stone
Sly Stone, of (what else) Sly & the Family Stone, is one of the most versatile vocalists of all time.
Example: "If You Want Me to Stay" not only has a killer bassline, but showcases Sly's voice

2. Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye is one of my favourite artists, and he always put so much emotion into his stunningly beautiful love songs. His voice defines soul but it never seems like he's trying. As some eloquent Youtube poster said, "Marvin could spit on the ground and it would sound smooth."
Example: "Come Get to This", my personal favourite Marvin Gaye song

1. Glenn Goins
Words cannot describe my feelings for Glenn Goins, except that he's probably my favourite person to ever exist in the history of mankind. When I hear his voice, it's as if my soul is a sponge pulling all good feelings into me, I have never heard anything so beautiful.
Glenn was in Parliament for two years, from 1975 to 1977, and was best known for "calling in the Mothership" at live concerts. He passed away from leukemia at the age of 23.
Example: Okay, I'll be honest...I don't know if you're ready for this. It's my favourite Youtube video ever, has brought me to tears countless times, and I'd hate for it to be watched by someone who isn't fully ready. If you feel like you can handle it, click here to see - and more importantly, hear - Glenn Goins calling the Mothership..

whenever blue teardrops are falling and my emotional stability is leaving me...

Ten Songs I Can't Stop Listening To, and Where You Can Hear Them Yourself:
1. "The Motivator" by T.Rex
As much as I want to love T.Rex, a lot really doesn't do it for me. However, I can't get enough of this gem. The lyrics, especially, blow me away.
2. "Let's Groove" by Earth, Wind and Fire
If you watched the video of Kayla Hyne responding to your awesome chants, you may have noticed this track playing in the background. Therefore, it was always remind me of Kayla and, even without that awesome connection, is still a very fun song. The video, too, is fantastic entertainment.
3. "You and I" by Rick James
With every passing day, my love for Rick James grows and this song is definitely helping.
4. "Little Miss Lover" by the Jimi Hendrix Experience
I finally acquired Axis: Bold as Love (thanks, Nicola!) and this has emerged as my favourite track.
5. "Sweet Leaf" by Black Sabbath
I gotta say, Black Sabbath is quickly becoming one of my favourite artists and this song is absolutely hard as fuck...and yet, strangely beautiful.

6. "Oh Well" by Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac
It must be reiterated that this is not Stevie Nicks Fleetwood Mac, and has a completely different sound. It's blues rock and it is amazing, particularly this song. If you like this, the full extended version is definitely worth seeking out.
7. "Between the Sheets" by the Isley Brothers
This is babymaking music at its finest.
8. "Aint No Thang" by Outkast
Old-school Outkast, Southern-fried and rad...does Andre 3000 ever do me wrong?
9. "Be My Beach" by Funkdelic
Absolutely fantastic, as usual.
10. "Sexual Healing (a cappella)" by Marvin Gaye
Everyone knows the original, but the a cappella version has been stripped down to the absolute essentials and always blows me away. And as a bonus, it keeps the original final line that had been snipped from the single version: "Please don't procastinate, it's not good to masturbate".

we'll be pecking lightly, like a woodpecker with a headache

It's probably no big surprise, but I'm something of a fan of the 1970's. It would be nearly imposible to name my favourite decade, but it would definitely be a toss-up between the 60's and the 70's. I also love records. Therefore, it makes sense to list (as I love to do), my top 5 favourite records from each decade. Chronologically, I should start with the 60's. But, fuck that.
Here's my top 5 favourite albums from the 70's:

Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On
My absolute favourite record from the 1970's, and one of my favourite records of all time. I usually listen to at least one side of it everyday, and I have for almost a year. Nothing makes me feel so warm, good and content as when I touch the needle down on this record.
Favourite track: "Come Get To This", very possibly my favourite song ever, it sets my soul on fire in just under 3 minutes

Funkadelic - One Nation Under a Groove
This record - and it was hard to pick from my many Parliament-Funkadelic records - is so amazing because it shows the talent, wit and versatility of Funkadelic. From a satirical, tripped out semi-ballad (the supernasty "Promentalshitbackwashpsychosis Enema Squad") to proving a funk band can play rock ("Who Say a Funk Band Can't Play Rock!?") I know there will be a different answer for any funk fan you ask, but if you have to own one P-Funk record, I'd say make it this.
Favourite track: "One Nation Under a Groove" gives me more of what I'm funking for

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin III
This album needs no introduction.
Favourite track: "Since I've Been Loving You"
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
My love for Black Sabbath is still in its nascent stages, but I cannot get enough of this album. This is early Black Sabbath and, quite frankly, it is amazing. I personally had a warped view of Black Sabbath for most of my life, and they are much different than I had imagined. If you're a Led Zeppelin fan, do yourself a favour and check out this album.
Favourite track: "The Warning"
Parliament - Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome
This is a party on vinyl. I have never listened to a single song from this album without dancing around, urged on my the purest of joy in my heart. Of all the concept albums, this one sticks to the concept the hardest: Starchild and his Funkentelechy battles Sir Nose D'voidoffunk, purveyor of the dreaded Placebo Syndrome. But even if you hardly pay attention to the lyrics (and you'll be missing out), the grooves alone will make this album the soul of any good time to be had.
Favourite track: "Funkentelechy", using satirical references to advertising slogans to remind you that "there is nothing that the proper attitude won't render funkable"

let the sun beat down upon my face with stars to fill my dream

Cate from Retro Life Style has tagged me to reveal seven songs I've been listening to a lot lately. Obviously, I'm 100% down for this type of tag. If my overenthusiastic bubbling about a song piques your interest, I've provided a link for where you can go hear it.

Alicia Keys - Teenaged Love Affair

I've always been an Alicia Keys fan and she rarely disappoints me. I love her voice, and I think the longing in her voice when she sings "It's a matter of extreme importance" is just perfect for the song.

Outkast - Prototype

For years, I actually didn't really like this song at all until, when researching for a certain blog post, I found the video. Simply put, it was one of the best videos I'd ever seen, and I proceeded to fall madly in love with the song. Now I listen to this song daily and worship at the altar of its genius. All hail my future husband, Andre 3000.

Fleetwood Mac - Before the Beginning
I talk about Nicola so much on this blog that you probably think she's the voice inside my head or something. You're be 90% right. Nicola is the source of most of what it is good in my life and one of the many examples of that is this song. She introduced me to it and since then, I like to curl up and enjoy it's beauty. I have to stress that this is not the Fleetwood Mac of Stevie Nicks fame, and this song doesn't sound like "Don't Stop". This is the early, British, bluesy Fleetwood Mac, which I prefer.

Black Sabbath - War Pigs
I'm not surprised if you're surprised about this choice. Frankly, I'm surprised. I've never thought of Black Sabbath as a group I would like, but this is the second song of theirs that I've heard ("Planet Caravan" being the first) and the second that I've really liked.

Marvin Gaye - Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Marvin Gaye...where do I even begin? His music never fails to make me feel great and his voice is just so soothing. Lately, I've been craving this song to no end.

Parliament - (You're a Fish and I'm a) Water Sign

I found myself in the record store with Black Mountain's In the Future in hand, about to buy it. "Hmm," I thought to myself, "maybe I should just check the Parliament section to see if they've gotten anything new in..." Lo and behold, they'd just had a shipment of a number of Parliament albums. I flipped through the albums, nearly crying with joy over the excitement of the covers. But I was already holding In the Future, I really should just stick with that. Then, I noticed that one of the albums had a song called "(You're a Fish and I'm a) Water Sign". Bye, bye, Black Mountain.
Nobody else seems to think this title is as great as I do. I feel a spiritual connection to it on a couple levels: the astrology reference was fantastic for someone as obsessed with astrology as I am; I actually am a water sign (and so is George Clinton...Cancers, hollaaaa!), and the wit of it just killed me. I was so pleased that the song itself, a stirring piece about the difficulties of being in love with a mermaid (and one of Parliament's few ballads!) lived up to the title.

Led Zeppelin - Kashmir

I've always liked the Robert Plant quote "'Stairway to Heaven' isn't the definitive Zeppelin song...'Kashmir' is!" (I might be paraphrasing) because I hate that "Stairway" often is the song most associated with Led Zeppelin. "Kashmir" captures their dark mystique. It's also on one of the few Zeppelin albums I don't own (yet!) so it teases me with the fact that I really only listen to it at Nicola's. You've heard it, but if you want to revisit, here you go.

If you're in the mood for posting your seven songs du jour, then I declare "Go for it." If not, hey, that's cool, too.