Friday Five- Five songs on my ultimate playlist

What's your favourite song? How I dread that question... I change my mind on a more than daily basis, depending on my mood, the weather, recent events or even something I've seen that's sparked off a random lyric recollection. Because of this, I was amazed and inspired by a series of tweets from @welshboy69 where he attempted to list his top 50 albums. Albums? I'd struggle to settle on my top 50 songs, let alone actual full albums with all their accumulated gems and the occasional filler. I could probably narrow it down to a top ten at best.

I tried compiling a top ten of my favourite songs and it changed six times over the course of four drafts. I gave up. These songs, however, were always up there somewhere on my Desert Island Disc list, and I will never get bored of them. Here they are, and here are the reasons why I adore them.

1. Mr Jones by Counting Crows

 

An ex-boyfriend introduced me to August and Everything After in the late 90s, and it's remained a firm favourite. This song in particular stands out for me because it is full of passion for living and hope for the future "...we're gonna be big, BIG stars..." Every time I hear it, I'm 18 again and the world is my oyster. I was lucky enough to see Counting Crows perform this live a couple of years ago and, scaled-down, simplified and soulful, the live version seemed more grown-up and wistful than the original recording, an effect which moved me to tears. This song is timeless and beautiful.

 

You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon

This is one of the first music videos I ever saw (back in the days when I was more excited about Chevy Chase than Paul Simon) and my six-year-old self loved the fact that "Betty" is my mum's name. I sang this endlessly with my best friend, walking to school, and was over the moon that my dad had it on record (that's what we called vinyl before it was retro). So far, I have had Graceland on vinyl, tape and finally CD. This song, though maybe not the best on the album, will always be my favourite. It is never far from my reach, and always in my heart. A classic.

 

I Heard It Through The Grapevine by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Oooooh, WOW! How do you top a classic? By making it ROCK with a dirty great long jam in the middle! I literally clapped with excitement when I discovered this (thanks again, daddy). I saw an amazing duo play this in a Chichester pub many years ago and my knees actually went weak. It is simply awesome. People don't believe me when I say that I consider this version better than Marvin Gaye's original but, when they hear it, if not won over completely, they can definitely appreciate how it captures the groove of the original but funks it up and makes it something tangibly different. The perfect cover-version.

 

Mondo Bongo by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros

 

Yes, I admit it... I first heard this song on "Mr and Mrs Smith"... you know, the scene where they drink and dance in the square? That's the one. I loved it as soon as I heard it. It's hypnotic, sexy and has a whiff of liquor and late nights. When I hear this, I feel so relaxed and happy; it's like Zen on a silver disc. Plus, I'm a sucker for strings and bongos. Just gorgeous.

Teardrops by Womack and Womack

 

A superb dance-floor filler, smooth, with a cracking melody and masterful use of a drum machine. I dare you not to tap your foot to this! It was a friend who made me love this so: we had a drunken night out where this was played and, in a sozzled epiphany, I was filled with the sure and certain knowledge that this was truly one of the greatest soul/pop songs ever recorded. Now this reminds me of her and, though I don't see her as much as I'd like (damn geography) this will always make me think of her and smile. And sing, of course!

 

So, that was my definite top 5 out of a possible 10 favourite songs ever. What would yours be? Do we have any in common? Let me know x