I’m a sucker for a story-song. They don’t even have to be singing.
Lake Marie / John Prine
Perfect in the way only John Prine can be. Perfectly written and perfectly performed. Link
The Ballad of the Kingsmen / Todd Snider
Possibly the greatest rant-song ever written. Link
The Last Great American Whale / Lou Reed
I hadn’t listened to this song in years. It was on some compilation album I had in high school. A little preachy but still great. Link
Nirvana / Tom Waits (Hat tip to Bukowski)
This is really just Waits reciting a Bukowski poem so I’m not sure it belongs on this list, but it is so beautiful I included it anyway. Link
Randal Knife / Guy Clark
This was an iTunes Radio discovery and it hit me at the right moment. A little maudlin but powerful to me. Link
Blue / REM
Lyrics only Michael Stipe could write. Link
A Most Disgusting Song / Sixto Rodriguez
Beautifully real. Link
That Time / Regina Spektor
The award for sudden tone change in the end. Link
Small Change / Tom Waits
I could fill this list with Tom Waits but I’ll end it with one of his best. Link