#i didn't even pick a song from each album but this is still over 1000 words long

[eastoncowan]

list below:

a little who’s who in this band:

Geddy Lee - lead and backing vocals, bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, guitar Alex Lifeson - guitars, backing vocals, synthesizers, additional keyboards Neil Peart (rest in peace, professor) - drums, percussion, lyrics

and finally, the songs, in order of release:

1. Anthem (Fly By Night, 1975) a quintessential rush song, imo. maybe not one of their most popular songs, but a banger nonetheless. energetic, vibrant, makes you wanna nod along. would bring joy to all the old toronto dads, and isn’t that what we need? ‘know your place in life is where you want to be, don’t let them tell you that you owe it all to me.’ 7/10

2. Circumstances (Hemispheres, 1978) doesn’t have the same hopeful vibe as some of the other songs on this list, but you know what, you’re so right, neil. the more that things change, the more they do stay the same. very fitting for our leafs, i think. ‘plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.’ 6/10

3. The Spirit of Radio (Permanent Waves, 1980) the guitar intro to this song is etched into my soul and will remain so until the day i die. bright, upbeat, joyous vibes. just what our little cringefail loser boys need.  ‘emotional feedback on a timeless wavelength, bearing a gift beyond price, almost free.’ 9/10

4. Tom Sawyer (Moving Pictures, 1981) this song has almost 300 million plays on spotify and for good fucking reason. if you’ve heard a rush song, chances are it’s probably this one. they ate and left no crumbs. none whatsoever. listen to it and tell me it wouldn’t absolutely FUCK as a goal song. go. do it. ‘he knows changes aren’t permanent, but change is.’ 8/10

5. Limelight (Moving Pictures, 1981) the fucking guitar intro. holy shit. this one’s got nearly 130 million plays on spotify, and is one of the other few rush songs you might’ve heard. would absolutely get me fired up, whether i was at home, or at the game. love this song. ‘those who wish to be must put aside the alienation, get on with the fascination, the real relation, the underlying theme.’ 9/10

6. The Big Money (Power Windows, 1985) this song has the potential to obliterate the eardrums of every corporate shitheel that wastes a seat at scotiabank arena, which is all we could hope for. this isn’t gonna be my manifesto about how much i hate the state of our ticket prices, but know that the rage runs deep and endless. ‘it's the power and the glory, it's a war in paradise, a Cinderella story on a tumble of the dice.’ 6/10

7. Time Stand Still (Hold Your Fire, 1987) let me start by saying i’m not one of those rush fans who hates hold your fire. in all honestly, i really enjoy it. that said, this is by far the best song on the album, and maybe the only one that could possibly be a goal song.  ‘freeze this moment a little bit longer, make each sensation a little bit stronger.’ 6/10

8. Superconductor (Presto, 1989) this is nowhere close to being a popular rush song, but it slaps and i adore it so you’d best believe it’s going on the list. orchestrate illusions, indeed, neil. wish this song got the recognition it deserves. makes me wanna DANCE. ‘packaged like a rebel or a hero, target mass appeal, to make an audience feel he really means it.’ 7/10

9. Face UP (Roll The Bones, 1991) banger alert!! this one’s got some fun keyboards in it (as do many rush songs, but i digress) which i think adds some Vibes to our lack thereof. this song makes me wanna get the W. ‘face up… hit the target or you better hit the ground. face up… there's still time to turn this game around.’ 6/10

10. Dog Years (Test For Echo, 1996) yes this song is actually about dogs!! we know our leafies love their pups, and i think this would pay a good homage to them (them: zeus, banksy, pablo, felix, etc.). also talks about geological time which is very much my vibe, and this is my list so i’m including it. could be like a reference to how long ago 1967 was, no? ‘it seems to me, while it's true that every dog will have his day, when all the bones are buried, there is barely time to go outside and play.’ 7/10

11. One Little Victory (Vapor Trails, 2002) the drums at the beginning of this song could wake me from the fucking dead. neil put his whole peartussy into this one. it’s fast, it’s intense, the guitar is sexy—and it’s about victory, which is something i would like to see more of from our leafs.  ‘celebrate the moment as it turns into one more, another chance at victory, another chance to score.’ 8/10

12. Caravan (Clockwork Angels, 2012) the intro to this song is kinda quiet, but i think it gets loud quick enough to still be a good choice. impeccable vibes though. think this could be a good morale booster, somehow. also has the fun misheard lyric of ‘in a world with only papaya’ which gives me a little chuckle. ‘the caravan thunders onward to the distant dream of the city, the caravan carries me onward.’ 5/10

13. The Wreckers (Clockwork Angels, 2012) i love the guitar in this. i mean, i love the guitar in all rush songs, but this one especially. the whole clockwork angels album is a masterpiece and should be listened to in order, but this one holds up great as its own entity.  ‘all i know is that sometimes you have to be wary of a miracle too good to be true.’ 7/10

honourable mention:

14. Take Off (The Great White North, 1981) not technically a rush song, but bob & doug mckenzie are national treasures and this features geddy lee so i had to include it. the actual song doesn’t start until like 75 seconds in, but it’s so good that i don’t even care. best possible goal song, and it's not even close. ‘take off to the great white north. take off, it’s a beauty way to go.’ 10/10

idk if any of y’all listen to rush but i’m annoying and i think they have so many songs that could be iconic goal songs for our leafies…..

[wannabe-cartoonist-blog]

A kagakuro playlist but every song is a taylor swift song

this is the only thing i had enough brain power to make creatively right now rip. i've always associated a lot of t swift songs with knb (very obvious if you've seen my amvs/edits before) but randomly i decided to finally organize my thoughts a tiny bit while also challenging myself to pick only 1 song from each album. See the read more for a deeper dive.

Taylor Swift (Debut) - I'm Only Me When I'm With You

I'm only up when you're not down Don't wanna fly if you're still on the ground It's like no matter what I do Well, you drive me crazy half the time The other half I'm only trying To let you know that what I feel is true And I'm only me when I'm with you

This was an album where it was a bit of a struggle to find a fitting one, but ooh i think i landed on the most suiting one, if i do say so myself.

Fearless - Jump Then Fall

I like the way you sound in the morning We're on the phone and without a warning I realize your laugh is the best sound I have ever heard I like the way I can't keep my focus I watch you talk you didn't notice I hear the words but all I can think is We should be together

Kuroko being so smitten/obsessed with Kagami just makes me feel things, okay? If you want an angsty/pining option, I think Untouchable also suites "Kuroko pining over Kagami" vibes.

Speak Now - Last Kiss

And I hope the sun shines and it's a beautiful day And something reminds you you wish you had stayed You can plan for a change in the weather and time But I never planned on you changing your mind

Unfortunately, I had to go with an angsty one here, as my heart was simply pulled in that direction too strongly to ignore. I've been on the "Last Kiss is kagakuro airport goodbye coded" train for a while now. It just gives kuroko living his nightmare as kagami "leaves him behind" like all the others in his life have, but he's happy for him. Especially the "I'll watch your life in pictures" line, Kuroko would 1000% keep up with Kagami's professional career like a man obsessed even though being apart breaks his heart all over again. I think Ours or Electric Touch or I Can See You could also fit them, if that heals your heart any. I Can See You would probably be my second, most fitting pick.

Red - Begin Again

And you throw your head back laughin' like a little kid I think it's strange that you think I'm funny 'cause he never did I've been spendin' the last eight months Thinkin' all love ever does is break and burn and end But on a Wеdnesday in a café, I watched it begin again

I do think aomine found kuroko funny but the theme of Kuroko comparing Kagami to his past relationships (especially aomine in particular) is a favorite angsty trope of mine. I like the thought that Kuroko finds Kagami so effortlessly charming in his earnestness, which surprises/flatters Kagami (and others) because he thinks of himself as awkward/crass. He doesn't realize how effortlessly kind he can be, another favorite trope of mine. also just change "in a cafe" to "in a majiburger" and boom. canon.

1989 - You Are In Love

Morning, his place, burnt toast, Sunday You keep his shirt, he keeps his word And for once, you lеt go of your fears and your ghosts One step, not much, but it said enough You kiss on sidewalks, you fight, then you talk One night, he wakes, strange look on his face Pauses, then says, "You're my best friend" And you knew what it was, he is in love

I don't have much to say on this one other than it's one of my favorite t swift songs and oh boy the line about spending time at his place, borrowing his clothes, letting go of your fears and ghosts, and "you're my best friend"? oh lord. this is it. it's my favorite (idealized) depiction of their love story. i really want to write domesticated fluff with them and if i ever do, expect heavy influence from this song lol.

Reputation - King of My Heart

And all at once, you are the one I have been waitin' for King of my heart, body and soul, woah And all at once, you're all I want, I'll never let you go King of my heart, body and soul, woah

Confession time, I don't love this album so it was hard to land on something that I both personally liked and also found fitting for them. But I think this is it. I love New Years Day, but I think this song is more fitting. The whole "fated partners" trope is another favorite of mine and these lines really sell it.

Lover - The Archer

I've been the archer, I've been the prey Who could ever leave me, darling But who could stay? (I see right through me, I see right through me) You could stay

I was going to go with Daylight, but decided I wanted an angsty-er one and it is such a very fitting song for Kuroko ughgh. I love the trope that he has some sort of fear of abandonment issues that he deeply suppresses (Kagami also does) so I felt swayed in this direction to pick it for the list. (Plus if you're following canon continuity and Kagami actually doesn't stay? Ouchie ouch).

folklore - invisible string

Time, mystical time Cutting me open, then healing me fine Were there clues I didn't see? And isn't it just so pretty to think All along there was some Invisible string Tying you to me?

Once again, this is that favorite "fated partners" trope of mine (which is essentially canon, they call them the "fated light and shadow" i mean c'mon now).

evermore - willow

Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind Head on the pillow, I could feel you sneakin' in As if you were a mythical thing Like you were a trophy or a champion ring And there was one prize I'd cheat to win

Kuroko canonically (originally) becoming sort of singularly interested in Kagami to the point where he sort of thrusts their partnership upon him.....my boy said "I want that one" and went and got his man. icon.

Midnights - Mastermind

So I told you none of it was accidental And the first night that you saw me Nothing was gonna stop me I laid the groundwork, and then Saw a wide smirk on your face You knew the entire time You knew that I'm a mastermind And now you're mine Yeah, all you did was smile 'Cause I'm a mastermind

...This is obviously a continuation of the previous thought/headcanon (which is based off canon). This song conjures images of the post-inter high confession that I just made a video for recently; the scene where Kuroko confessed he schemed a bit for him and Kagami to be partners and Kagami knows and respects it (and reciprocates) i love that fact hehehe.

The Tortured Poets Department - Fresh Out The Slammer

Gray and blue and fights and tunnels Handcuffed to the spell I was under For just one hour of sunshine Years of labor, locks, and ceilings In the shade of how he was feeling But it's gonna be alright, I did my time Now, pretty baby, I'm runnin' back home to you Frеsh out the slammer, I know who my first call will be to

I decided to further challenge myself by picking a song from both the main version of the album and the Anthology. I think this song encapsulates both Kuroko and Kagami's feelings about their previous relationships (kuroko with aomine/the gom and kagami with himuro).

TTPD: The Anthology - So High School

I feel like laughin' in the middle of practice Do that impression you did of your dad again I'm hearing voices like a madman And in a blink of a crinklin' eye I'm sinkin', our fingers entwined Cheeks pink in the twinklin' lights Tell me 'bout the first time you saw me

Not much to say here other than I made a whole, full length amv for this one. now i have approx 11 new amvs i want to make and also i want to make the aokuro alternative to this one because oh boy, if you thought this playlist was a little angsty, you're not ready for what i'm about to do to you with the aokuro one.

[rangamberi]

My Top 25 Zimbabwean songs of all time

One day, driving with my son, I sang along to songs on the radio.

He turned, gave me his trademark ‘look at this old mad’ side-eye, and asked: “Just how many songs do you know, dude. How many songs are in your head?”

Yes, he sometimes calls me dude.

I don’t know, I told him.

“Well,” he continued, “give me a number; 1000? 1 million? 1 billion? How many?”

Dude, I said, I don’t know.

And yet, here I am, sifting through these ‘1 billion’ songs to try and do the impossible; pick my Top 20 songs from Zimbabwe.

Like most urban youths growing up in the 90s, I didn't listen to a lot of local stuff. Now, much older, I've had to play catch up, and so most of my top tunes are from the early years.

How do I even start? Where? There are far too many good songs, songs from across too many genres, from too many generations. Each of these 20 songs that I picked carries a special memory for me, some sad, but mostly simply warm from my decidedly happy childhood (thanks Mom and Dad).

Except for Number 1, the rest of the songs are in no particular order.

Here goes.

Simukai – Pied Pipers

The Pied Pipers, a legendary Zimbabwe band from back in the day, gave me my favourite song. It’s not just my fave Zim song. It’s simply my fave song, overall. From that opening, rising keyboard note, Fungai Neganje’s lead guitar…and the lyrics.

When it plays, I travel back home, to my childhood, sitting outside on the lawn, in those ridiculously short adidas ‘Playtime’ shorts and North Stars, Simukai playing out of the Tempest radio speakers, eating a sherbet.

If I’m in a bad mood – which is not often – I slid on the headphones and this song, without fail, always makes me happy again. Play this at my funeral. Just make sure I don’t get up to swing to it.

Spirit – Andy Brown

This was not one of his biggest commercial successes, but, for me, this was Andy at the top of his game. The intro alone is a work of genius, the lyrics were Andy reaching into the depths of his talent, the backing vocals were on point. Two-minutes into the song, Andy delivers one of the best guitar solos of all time, by any guitarist, anywhere.

Wandirasa - Chiwoniso

She was 21 when she wrote this song. 21, guys, and yet such depth. Ancient Voices is, without a doubt, one of the best albums ever put out by a Zimbabwean musician. Years later, Wandirasa still makes you stop, listen, and fall in love with the song all over again.

Kutambura – Bhundu Boys

In terms of Zimbabwean bands, Bhundu Boys are my favourite ever. So it was hard to pick one. I had to play ‘pinky pinky ponky’ to pick this one. Kutambura, definitely, is one of the most beautifully written songs to ever to come out of Zimbabwe.

Kudendere – Harare Mambos

“Amainini mune matyira / kana iri purezha kumusha kune mabira / Kana iri mari tobike ndari / Toudza baba kuti kuno kune kakari…”

They. Don’t. Write. Like. This. Anymore.

They just don’t. The bassline. Virginia Silla’s vocals. That guitar.

Sarura Wako – Leonard Dembo

My number 1 song, from my number 1 artiste. The best Sungura intro ever, Shepherd Akim was imperious on bass, and Leonard’s vocals were that extra-smooth topping that made this song ever so perfect.

Ndakakubereka – Oliver Mtukudzi

My favourite from one of my favourites. Not one of his most famous tunes, but a personal favourite. It holds a special memory for me; It takes me to a hot day, sitting in the back seat of the car, driving down a long straight in the sugar plantations in Triangle, the song playing over the radio.

Ndibvumbamireiwo – Four Brothers

The lyrics cut deep, matched perfectly by the defiant tone Marshall picked for his vocals. Nothing was average here. Never Mutare’s bass, Frank Sibanda’s lead, and that constant rhythm from Alex Chipaika holding all down. There’s a 2-minute sequence in this song that simply defies gravity as these four guys just lay down their genius, for future generations to learn how to play. As a friend once said, “Marshall Munhumumwe achieved perfection” on this one (side note, at the end of the sequence, if you have good headphones, you can hear Marshall breath in to sing)

Thomas Mapfumo – Tinodanana

Never has a brass section been in finer form. Never.  Everson Chibamu and Temba Ncube on brass, Charles Mayana on bass, Sebastian Ferado on drums, the legendary due of Jonah Sithole and Leonard ‘Pickett’ Chiyangwa on guitar. My fave Mukanya tune.

Zambezi to Limpopo – Midnite Magic

A song well ahead of its time, from a band well ahead of its time; Prince Tendai and Minite Magic created this absolute gem. Oh, the bassline.

Umoya Wami - Majaivana

Where does one start with this one? The deep lyrics, telling the story of displacement and pain? Or just the musical arrangement alone, which we speak far too little about. Sometimes I just slide on the headphones to soak in the instrumentation.

The River - Talking Drum

Michael Lannas had many great songs. But this one, oh man, how did they even do this? It’s a pure work of art. For some reason, it evokes memories of the aroma of toast, on sunny, chilled Saturday mornings at home.

Waiting for a New Day – Edwin Hama

Struggled to pick one from my two fave Ediwn Hama songs. The other is ‘Dreams of a Home’ (ku Gokwe tinoinda toseee). But this one has a special place in my heart for me. Had an uncle that loved Edwin Hama so much, and spent his temporary teacher’s pay on his records. He loved this one and we used to sing it. RIP Sekuru Adie!

Mwenza – Leonard Zhakata

Of course, the legend had many, many bigger hits than this one. But this right here is my jam. The language are so deep, I had to ask my friend Leonard Makombe to translate for me.

Pamuchato waTobias - Admire Kasenga

Once met Admire when he walked into our newsroom at The Standard to promote an album. One of the most down to earth chaps ever. Pure Sungura, the kind that’s missing right now. Danced all night to this, the night before my wedding. Woke up late. The thing almost went ahead without the groom and his biys.

Tobias Areketa – Vanondivenga

What more can you ask for from a song? Smooth vocals? Done. Brass? There you go. Bassline? You can’t play a bassline any better than that.

Kudakwashe – James Chimombe

One of my fave artistes. It’s a toss-up between this one, and another one called Rudo, which isn’t even one of his biggest hits. But this one really cuts deep. Remember watching it on Ezomgido and being totally absorbed by his genuine emotion.

Makatukura – Zig Zag Band

A band that holds special memories for me, being from my hometown and all. This one is my number one from them. A cutting social commentary on the 'haves' and the 'have nots'.

Shumaira – Dr Footswitch

A song played well before I was born, some time in the 70s, but one that I feel right in the chest. Loved it so much, named my daughter after it (kind of).

Tshisalanga – Ilanga

When they give out lessons on how to arrange a song, they should put this one in Tutorial 101. A band so full of talent, and they displayed it best here for me. Andy’s guitar, Don’s ‘mangled’ bass and his mournful vocals. This is what good music sounds like.

Ndinokudai – Family Singers

Takes me back to an interesting time in my youth. What a time. Using that bassline and percussion, these guys simply broke the walls; church music didn’t need to be boring. Zim Gospel music changed forever after this.

Zuva Rekufa Kwangu – John Chibadura

Once, an equally idle comrade of mine and I argued well into the night about which of John’s two big reggae hits was best. He went for ‘Mudiwa Janet’. I was having none of that. This one, for me, is absolute magic.

Nerudo/Zvikomborero – Cde Chinx

I will have to make a tie here. I’ve never been able to pick which ones between these two hit the hardest.

King Pinn – I salute you

Greatest Zim hip hop track ever. No contest. Tonderai Makoni was one special talent.

Carry The Message - Transit Crew

Growing up, we didn't have a lot of local reggae/dancehall. Transit Crew were our icons. When we visited mbuya in Mbare, all I wanted to do was run over to Stodart Hall, thinking I'd find Culture Tee there, chilling, toasting. Loved this song to bits.