Ah, October... crisp orange leaves, big round pumpkins, and thick cozy sweaters. One might even argue that October is one of the best months of the year! Anyway, here are my top ten songs from October, the ones I had on constant repeat - at least, according to Spotify-top.com.
10. Heat Above - Greta Van Fleet
This is one of the first GVF songs that I fell absolutely in love with. From the beautiful, almost holy, opening to the kicking drum sounds, it is a display of the sheer talent and versatility that this band possesses. Josh Kiszka's stunning vocals really shine through on this song, tying it all together into an absolutely beautiful piece. I love it. It's one of my favorite songs ever, so no wonder it's in my top ten for the month of October.
9. This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying) - Platinum Weird Version - George Harrison
I'll be honest, I heard this version before the original and didn't realize it was the Platinum Weird version. But, I think that's what makes me love it even more. George's voice is so soothingly sultry on this song, and the backing harmonies are a great addition. The song also seems to parallel "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," which seems like something George has done multiple times with songs like "Here Comes the Sun" and "Here Comes the Moon." The guitar solo in the middle of this song is so, for lack of a better word, cool. I just love George and everything he did continues to amaze me.
8. The Sheik of Araby - The Beatles
I really don't know how this song made it into my top ten, other than it's sheer silliness. I could not tell you what the song means, nor do I really think I want to know, but it's just so fun and lovable, especially with George Harrison's lead vocals and the silly backing vocals done by, presumably, Paul and John. My favorite part of the song is undoubtedly the ending, which has one of the few times we hear George really belt something out, and it's adorable. The Sheik of Araby is just a groovy little number that is so lovable.
7. I Just Wasn't Made for These Times - The Beach Boys
This song hits me on a very personal note, so it's an obvious contender for my top ten. I've never had a song describe the way I felt to an absolute tee like this does. All that on top the obvious qualities this piece has that makes it such an amazing song - Brian Wilson's beautiful singing, the background harmonies, the punching beat right next to the use of an electro-theremin? One of Wilson's finest works and on of my favorite Beach Boys songs.
6. Light My Love - Greta Van Fleet
Greta Van Fleet does it again with Light My Love. Josh's vocals take on a power in this song, that seems to flip from a lullaby to a battle cry at the speed of light. This song feels like a release, almost cathartic. I love love love it, I can only imagine the power and intensity GVF possess at live shows. Sam Kiszka's piano playing on this song just adds another layer of depth and beauty that truly pulls everything together.
5. Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
In the month of October, I was reintroduced to an old favorite of mine - Eleanor Rigby. An obvious Beatle classic, Eleanor Rigby is an utter masterpiece. From it's layers to its storytelling to its string arrangement, the song feels more like a piece of art in a museum than a rock song. It evokes the same feeling as a gothic painting with a thick gold frame, and to be able to do that with a song is truly a measure of the undeniable talent the Beatles had. But, for some reason, I don't think I'm the only one to have that opinion...
4. Honey Hush - Paul McCartney
Now, Paul McCartney has a vast and extensive library of music. From the Beatles to Wings to the Firemen to his solo career, it's insane how many songs this man has released. So, for that reason, I'm pretty unfamiliar with Run Devil Run, his album featuring almost entirely covers of 1950s rock and roll. But Honey Hush is a real kickin' song. It is loud, brash, and in your face and its killer. For Paul to go this hard on a song at almost sixty years old is absolutely amazing. He had already built such a name for himself as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, he had nothing to prove with his eleventh solo album, but with Honey Hush alone he came and he conquered.
3. Who Can See It - George Harrison
If I could get a song tattooed it would be this one. This is one my favorite songs ever on my favorite George Harrison album. It's slow, steady, and stunning. "My life belongs to me, my love belongs to who can see it" is one of my favorite song lyrics ever. It's so simple but holds so much power. I truly think this is one of George's finest pieces, from the vocals to the statement he makes on his own self-image and yearning. The "Living in the Material World" album in it's entirety is a beautiful piece of both self-reflection and spirituality and is a stunning masterpiece.
2. I Know There's An Answer - The Beach Boys
Brian, you've done it again! Musically, this is a stunningly layered and bright arrangement, with the use of bass harmonica, timpani, keyboards, clarinets, flutes, the list goes on. The sheer genius of Brian Wilson is absolutely undeniable, so I'll move past that and into the song that was originally "Hang On To Your Ego," dealing with themes of LSD and the death of the ego. I love this song and the way the Beach Boys are able to take such heavy topics and make them sound like sunny, bright, bouncy songs. That in itself is an art.
1. Black Smoke Rising - Greta Van Fleet
My number one song for the month of October is Greta Van Fleet's Black Smoke Rising. This song is a kicker on which guitarist Jake Kiszka really shines through (his raw talent is absolutely insane, but that's a topic for another day.), as well as the obviously gorgeous vocals of Josh and the cohesiveness of the band as a whole. I've always interpreted this song as a commentary on global warming and political rebellion, calling for a united force against those in their 'tower.' It's a modern day battle cry driven by a wicked guitar sound and I just love it.
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