The original "Down Under," an Australian folk song by "Men at Work," is a weird, catchy, and apparently anthemic-for-Aussies tune straight out of the 80s. The words are strange, but sum up the easy-going life of Aussies.
This live version by "Men at Work" alum Colin Hay is outstanding. It's recorded at a bar (in Nashville, I think), so he jokes with the audience at the beginning and then plays the song.
The stripped-down man-and-guitar sound combined with the odd and haunting lyrics is eerie, especially with Hay's unique and raspy voice. There's no better recording of it.
2. "634-5789" by Wilson Pickett from In the Midnight Hour and Other Hits
Wilson Pickett is one of the pioneer R&B guys from back when there was more emphasis on what the acronym stood for: Rhythm and Blues.
Pickett was responsible for quite a few classic blues tunes of the 60s on 70s, including "Land of 1000 Dances."
This track is a standard blues/soul offering with Pickett backed by backup singers and a small horn section. The lyrics are forgettable, but catchy. You can definitely see The Blues Brothers doing this number.
3. "Caras Galadhon - Featuring 'Lament for Gandalf'" by Howard Shore, from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Complete Recordings
I think we just set a record for longest song/album title ever.
The Complete Recordings has most of the music from the films, whereas the commonly released soundtrack has selections.
This track is featured while the Fellowship are entering Lothlorien after the disaster in Moria, resulting in the loss of Gandalf. It's sad, mournful, even ominous at times, but still manages to keep it's grand sweeping scale that Shore uses to portray the vastness of Middle-earth.
This video only features a part of the track.
4. "Weary Memory" by Iron and Wine from The Creek Drank The Cradle
When listening to Iron and Wine, you feel like you're on a dusty farm drinking lemonade and listening to overall-wearing bearded guys playing on the porch.
I think one of them does have a beard.
Anyways, just like all other Iron and Wine songs, "Weary Memory" features incredibly tight harmonies, an old guitar, and some slide guitar work too. The lyrics on most Iron and Wine songs are rich, but vary little. They all talk about the hard life in the country, which is maybe why they always sound sleepy.
A very good chill-out tune.
5. "Moody Monday" by Damien Rice from O
I happened upon Irish folk singer Damien Rice quite by accident. I heard one of his songs on an episode of House, wondered aloud who it was, and found that my roommate at the time was a Damien Rice fan. I've been fascinated ever since.
"Moody Monday" is perhaps my least favorite Rice song, almost exclusively due to the odd processing he puts on his voice during the chorus. He weirdly pitches his voice up (think Stitch from Lilo and Stitch) while singing "MOOODaaay, MOooooodaaaay..." It's odd and jarring.
Other than that, the song isn't bad. It features the same heartbreak, depression and desperation that makes Rice so unique and powerful.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a youtube video of this track, so here's a 30-second sample.
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