In the relentless quest to have something to say, I've decided to also grab onto the "High Fidelity Challenge." Which is basically composing the following top 5 lists:
- Top 5 Lyrics that Move Your Heart
- Top 5 Opening Lines (added by Lucas)
- Top 5 Instrumentals
- Top 5 Live Musical Experiences
- Top 5 Artists You Think More People Should Listen To
- Top 5 Albums You Must Hear From Start to Finish
- Top 5 Musical Heroes
Top 5 Opening Lines
Oddly, this is a subject I have always talked to people about. And it all stems from my number one choice:
1. Paul Simon, "Graceland" - "The Mississippi Delta was shining like a national guitar."
Written out like this, it makes no sense. But what an introduction to a song. And the way it is delivered is earnest and optimistic; the beginning of a traveller's tale that speaks in universals. Every single time I hear this song, I remark to somebody, "best first line of a song. ever."
2. The Beatles, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" - "It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile. So may I introduce to you, the act you've known for all these years. Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band!"Hello and welcome to one of the seminal moments of Music and Rock History. We're the Beatles and we will blow your mind for the rest of your lifetime, despite how music changes over time. The contents of this song and the rest of the album are meant to alert the Beach Boys and the rest of the world that we, sonically speaking, own your ass.
3. Bruce Springsteen, "Born in the U.S.A." - "Born down in a dead man's town, The first kick I took was when I hit the ground. You end up like a dog that's been beat too much, Till you spend half your life just covering up."
Delivered in an exhausted primal roar, Springsteen vents on behalf of the forgotten and ignored infantrymen of Vietnam. Unapologetic from the beginning, this sets the stage for the rest of the song that deals with internal and external conflict, as well the overwhelming feelings of loss, ambivalence, and something that resembles shame, but isn't. It was always amazing to me that this song inspired such patriotism in people. The only triumph that this song proclaims is that of self-survival. It is always sad to me that so many people still think this is a happy song. It is an important song, but not happy - right from the opening salvo.
4. R.E.M., "Ignoreland" - "The bastards stole the power from the victims of the Us v. Them years, wrecking all things virtuous and true. They undermined the social democratic downhill slide into abysmal, lost them off the precipice into trickle down runoff hope.
Coming off the first Bush administration, R.E.M looked like it was well on its way to become the 90's version of what U2 is today. With politically charged songs sprinkled throughout their catalogue, I always felt that Ignoreland was their most angry, frustrated, despondent, and 'fuck-this' laden song. This opening line sets the tempo of the song, and told me I was going to listen and pay attention goddamnit. Whenever I read all the lyrics of this song, I can't help but think I am still living in the past.
5. Bob Dylan, "Hurricane" - Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night. Enter Patty Valentine from the upper hall - She sees the bartender in a pool of blood, she cries out "My God, they killed them all!"
Dylan has been lauded and condemned for his narrative of "The Hurricane." But it cannot be disputed that these opening lines, accompanied by a mourning yet lively violin brings you in, creates a plot line quickly, and makes you think about your own definition of justice. The song itself is a 9 minute masterpiece that does not feel half that long, and the opening line is a lyrical cannonball.
Honorable Mentions:
The Smiths, "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now"
Bruce Springsteen, "One Step Up & Two Steps Back"
The Byrds, "Turn, Turn, Turn"
I guess these aren't all happy songs, and I am sure there are dozens, if not hundreds of better choices than I have put here (I just can't recall any Otis Redding or Stevie Wonder or Jimi Hendrix, or Tribe Called Quest or EmmyLou Harris or Louis Armstrong, etc openers that hit me the way these songs do). I am more than happy to include others thoughts on this topic and future ones. if you have ideas - send them to ruleofthumb @ gmail dot com. We'll be happy to put up your thoughts and suggestions.