So many Facebook chains, so little time (and often, even less desire).
As you’re probably all too aware if you’re on Facebook, there was a recent run of “25 Random Things About Me” on the social-networking site. No less than The New York Times weighed in on the phenomenon (albeit crankily). Though I was ‘tagged’ by friends a few times to respond, I didn’t get around to posting my list, mostly because I hadn’t figured out how to make it accessible only to those for whom such information might have been remotely interesting. (Now I know.)
But this past weekend, I became aware of two new queries angling for Facebook time. One, “100 Truths,” is an expanded (and specific) “25 Random Things,” designed to elicit candor from wide-ranging questions about relationships (dating, friendship); beliefs (heaven, angels, Santa Claus); firsts (pet, piercing, concert); and even what you’re eating/drinking while completing this exercise in veracity.
Any doubts now as to why ‘overshare’ was 2008’s “Word of the Year”?
But the second “new” Facebook chain is one I’ll champion without hesitation: “10 Songs I Can’t Live Without.” Compiling a list of desert-island tunes isn’t new, but a musichead like me loves to see what my friends (and yes, their friends) would choose. However, said musichead also dreads choosing just ten songs. The task is akin to torture: What stays? What must be sacrificed? Will I be able to live with myself in the morning?
So last night, I compiled a list of about 50 favorites after adding a rule of just one song per artist/group. Then using the test of Infinite Repeat™—songs I regularly restart immediately upon ending—I began narrowing things down.
It became apparent that my mainstream pop sensibilities would vanquish more esoteric challengers. Even then, there was enough room on the boat for a Pope-baiting ’80s pop icon, but the leggy ’60s soul survivor was ultimately thrown overboard. And no Aretha Franklin? How will this fool fare without the Queen of Soul on the island jukebox? (Save me, Jeebus!)
Reviewing the final list again this morning, Aretha’s absence is my only regret. Still, in no particular order, here are the “10 Songs I Can’t Live Without”:
1. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor (1990)
2. “Losing My Religion” – R.E.M. (1991)
3. “Stand Back” – Stevie Nicks (1983)
4. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)” – Eurythmics (1983)
5. “Like A Prayer” – Madonna (1989)
6. “Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson (2004)
7. “Back To Black” – Amy Winehouse (2007)
8. “Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)” – Soul II Soul (1989)
9. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Lick The Tins (1987)
10. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love (1963)
Weird—three of my ten songs have “Back” in their title. What’s up with that?
Purchase songs 1-8 via this iTunes iMix. Unfortunately, the tracks from Lick The Tins and Darlene Love aren’t available on iTunes.
