Lately I’ve been getting a ton of emails asking, “Johnny, what are the top five songs that have been playing on your iPod this trip?” No, not really. But I’m going to tell you anyways. Here they are, in no particular order.
Ugly Casanova – Here’s To Now
This song is from the 180° South soundtrack. Anna and I have watched in on a couple of long-distance train and bus rides, and we get inspired every time. The tunes are great, too.
Talking Heads – The Book I Read
I love Talking Heads. For me, they’re one of those bands that has such a unique sound that they may as well have their own genre. What kind of music is this? It’s Talking Heads. I especially like the album The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads because it was the first one I ever bought at Amoeba Records on Haight Street in San Francisco with my good bud and old roommate John Norton. This song rules. You think James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem were inspired by David Byrne & Co.?
Paul Simon – Born At The Right Time
This old favorite came on the shuffle while gazing out a train window somewhere deep in the French countryside. The chorus hit me like a ton of bricks, and it’s been in heavy rotation ever since. It just made me feel so blessed…not only to be on this trip with Anna but to have such great family and friends back home. I don’t know what I did to deserve so much.
“Never been lonely
Never been lied to
Never had to scuffle in fear
Nothing denied to
Born at the instant
The church bells chime
The whole world whispering
Born at the right time”
Robert Palmer – Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley
OK, enough of that sappy stuff. Before Robert Palmer was making cheesy but awesome ’80s music videos, he made the funkiest album ever made by a male Caucasian, as my good friend Will Yale will agree. Here’s the title track.
Phish – Suzy Greenberg Outro Jam
It couldn’t possibly be a Johnny list without a little Phish. This Suzy Greenberg outro jam from the September 14, 2000 in Darien Lake, NY has been doing the trick lately. For those impatient few, minutes 7:00 to 11:00 contain maximum shredding. Warning: may make you confused; will make you dance.
Ciao for Now 
Leave a Reply