I usually have these problems when challenged to produce those all-time top 5/10/20/100 lists. Do you go for albums that were important to you once but never play now or stuff you play a lot now but may not be that great in the scheme of things. The more you look the more you find. And the instant you commit yourself to the list you remember a whole lot of other stuff.

Without wanting to be unduly morbid the list I would have less trouble with would be the 5 songs I'd want played at my funeral. I don't know what they are either but I suspect these ones would always be on it regardless of when in time I made the list:
Tortoise - I set my face to the hillside
Can - Sing Swan Song
John Martyn - One World

Possible other contenders have included the theme to Endless Summer (although the Tortoise track is a good substitute as I always associate it with surfing thanks to the soundtrack to Thomas Campbells "Seedling" surf movie) or "All the Pretty Horses" by Friends of Dean Martinez, or one of David Kilgour's solo album instrumentals for the same reason. And probably something by the Velvet Underground ("Sunday Morning?", maybe?)

Every so often I get tempted by things like the 13th Floor Elevators "You're Gonna Miss Me" or Roky's solo masterpiece "You Have Ghosts" but, much as I love those two songs dearly, they may be misinterpreted.

I'm in two minds about making such a list anyway. Does it tempt fate? And anyway, what right do I have to select music for an event I won't be attending? Still, it could be my last chance to impose my musical tastes on my friends and colleagues.
 

Hey Ian,

Yea that's the thing. What is the criteria? I know you recall my Top 100 Albums list (as you commented on it a few times). It has changed from the time I made it (3 months ago I think). I look back at it and I am like "what the...?!" I can't even begin to think of songs for my funeral, because chances are I will pick them then look back posthumously and say "what was I thinking?!"

At the risk of sounding totally un-cool here (which isn't a stretch for me when talking to you), I don't think I have heard most of the songs you mentioned (with the exception of the Endless Summer theme and the Velvets). However, knowing your superb taste in music, I will have to go hunt these down for my listening pleasure and education.

At the moment songs that aren't necessarily favorites of all time but things I can't seem to get enough of are:

The Phoenix Foundation - Sister Risk and Bleaching Sun (I can't even decide which one to pick here) same with The Puddle - Hudibras or The Sorry Bus (too hard to choose). Leonard Cohen's Lover, Lover, Lover. The Bats - Flower and Trees (and I only have access to that through MySpace - however when my order from Slow Boat arrives I shall own the album it's on woohoo!) Aht Uh Mi Hed - Shuggie Otis. The Kinks - Nothin' in this World... John Coltrane - Alabama. Sound Revelations - (new song, whenever Samson actually sends it to me ... Samson yes if you are reading this... I am waiting.)

Man looking at what I have written it seems weird and all over the map. But then that's me I reckon.

I am sure by the end of the week it will change. When it does, I won't bore anyone with the details. :-D

Thanks for the comments Ian.
 

Ah just as I hit enter - Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie popped up on media player....

I will hit repeat a few times on that one too....
 

A few more I thought of today while at work....

Chet Baker's Let's Get Lost, Hank Williams Sr. - Weary Blues From Waitin', The Go-Betweens - In the Core of the Flame, Al Green -Simply Beautiful ....and since Ian mentioned the Velvets... I thought of .... Pale Blue Eyes.

OK back to the dishes.
 

Thanks Alan! I will look into it.

There is SO MUCH to listen to in deed!

I am waiting on an order from Slow Boat in fact and it will include:

Age Pryor, Ryan Prebble, CL Bob, Luke Buda, Twinset, and The Bats.

Its looks like this year I am kickin' it Kiwi style! haha.

OK it's Sunday for me. I am off to church and then I work this evening. Long day ahead....

Talk to ya later!

Carrie
 

Wow Alan. Thanks for the reply.

These are excellent choices. (Especially Phoenix Foundation as I love them soooooo much).

It would seem this music accompanies the lovely weather you guys are having. Perfect for the beach, the BBQ, or sittin' on the porch at night with the stereo streaming music through the front window.

Between what you and Ian are listening to, I may have some new favorite songs myself!

See ya later and thanks again for replying Alan. :-)

Carrie