California songs

[mtowngman]

It's a playlist on my ipod with 6 or 7 songs so far.

I was lucky enough to visit southern California once a few years ago and fell in love with the place.

I keep wanting to go back, but life keeps getting in the way, maybe this summer. I'd consider leaving my beloved swamps o' Jersey to live there.

Joni Mitchell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q4foLKDlcE

[InternalDialogue]

1. Screenwriter's Blues

by Soul Coughing

Exits to freeways twisted like knots on the fingers

Jewels cleaving skin between breasts

Your Cadillac breathes four hundred horses over blue lines

You are going to Reseda to make love to a model from Ohio

Whose real name you don't know

You spin like the Cadillac was overturning down a cliff on television

And the radio is on and the radioman is speaking

And the radioman says women were a curse

So men built Paramount studios
And men built Columbia studios
and men built Los Angeles

It is 5 a.m. and you are listening to Los Angeles
It is 5 a.m. and you are listening to Los Angeles

And the radioman says it is a beautiful night out there
And the radioman says rock and roll lives
And the radioman says it is a beautiful night out there in Los Angeles
You live in Los Angeles and you are going to Reseda
We are all in some way or another going to Reseda someday to die

And the radioman laughs because the radioman fucks a model too
Gone savage for teenagers with automatic weapons and boundless love
Gone savage for teenagers who are aesthetically pleasing
In other words fly, Los Angeles beckons

The teenagers to come to her on buses, Los Angeles loves love

It is 5 a.m. and you are listening to Los Angeles
It is 5 a.m. and you are listening to Los Angeles

I am going to Los Angeles to build a screenplay about
Lovers who murder each other
I am going to Los Angeles to see my own name on a screen
Five feet long and luminous

As the radioman says it is 5 a.m. and the sun has charred
The other side of the world and comeback to us
And painted the smoke over our heads an imperial violet

It is 5 a.m. and you are listening to Los Angeles
It is 5 a.m. and you are listening to Los Angeles
It is 5 a.m. and you are listening to Los Angeles
And you are listening to Los Angeles
You are listening
You are listening
You are listening
To

[MrCoffee]

43. +1

Excellent choice :thumbsup:

[jobycom]

2. California Stars--words by Woody Guthrie, performed by Billy Bragg and Wilco

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhm27uXG6bg

[Zomby Woof]

3. "The Last Resort" - The Eagles

She came from Providence,
the one in Rhode Island
Where the old world shadows hang
heavy in the air
She packed her hopes and dreams
like a refugee
Just as her father came across the sea

She heard about a place people were smilin'
They spoke about the red man's way,
and how they loved the land
And they came from everywhere
to the Great Divide
Seeking a place to stand
or a place to hide

Down in the crowded bars,
out for a good time,
Can't wait to tell you all,
what it's like up there
And they called it paradise
I don't know why
Somebody laid the mountains low
while the town got high

Then the chilly winds blew down
Across the desert
through the canyons of the coast, to
the Malibu
Where the pretty people play,
hungry for power
to light their neon way
and give them things to do

Some rich men came and raped the land,
Nobody caught 'em
Put up a bunch of ugly boxes, and Jesus,
people bought 'em
And they called it paradise
The place to be
They watched the hazy sun, sinking in the sea

You can leave it all behind
and sail to Lahaina
just like the missionaries did, so many years ago
They even brought a neon sign: "Jesus is coming"
Brought the white man's burden down
Brought the white man's reign

Who will provide the grand design?
What is yours and what is mine?
'Cause there is no more new frontier
We have got to make it here

We satisfy our endless needs and
justify our bloody deeds,
in the name of destiny and the name
of God

And you can see them there,
On Sunday morning
They stand up and sing about
what it's like up there
They call it paradise
I don't know why
You call someplace paradise,
kiss it goodbye

[Zomby Woof]

4. "Desperados Under The Eaves" - Warren Zevon

was sitting in the Hollywood Hawaiian Hotel
I was staring in my empty coffee cup
I was thinking that the gypsy wasn't lyin'
All the salty margaritas in Los Angeles
I'm gonna drink 'em up

And if California slides into the ocean
Like the mystics and statistics say it will
I predict this motel will be standing until I pay my bill

Don't the sun look angry through the trees
Don't the trees look like crucified thieves
Don't you feel like Desperados under the eaves
Heaven help the one who leaves

Still waking up in the mornings with shaking hands
And I'm trying to find a girl who understands me
But except in dreams you're never really free
Don't the sun look angry at me

I was sitting in the Hollywood Hawaiian Hotel
I was listening to the air conditioner hum
It went mmmmmm..

[lutefisk]

5. Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB2tYYYlwMc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn4ovawULGo&feature=related

My first trip to California was to San Francisco in 1968. It changed my life.:hi:

[ghostsofgiants]

6. "Los Angeles" by X

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wmGiDfcTnc

[AllenVanAllen]

7. Technically it's not a California song but

if feels like California to me.


Pixies - Wave of mutilation (UK Surf)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwSpdaaSms4



This one is for sure.

Led Zepplin - Going to California

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYLnbxXbYBs

[bridgit]

8. This is too easy: Gipsy Kings Hotel California 1990

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufc7Z76ko1Q

[AllenVanAllen]

9. The use of that one in The Big Lebowski was brilliant!

[bridgit]

10. hahahaha, if ever I order a White Russian...I hoist it for The Dude...

;)

[peekaloo]

29. I've had a crappy day and I hate the fuc.......wait I love that version!

[petronius]

11. A few that come to mind...

Phantom Planet - California

Everclear - Santa Monica

Sheryl Crow - all I Wanna Do

Ice Cube - Do Your Thang

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under the Bridge

[5thGenDemocrat]

12. John Mayall -- "California"

Animals -- "Monterey"
John
I'm from Saginaw, Michigan -- so slap the old Lefty Frizzell classic on there for me.

[bridgit]

13. Zep - Going to California ~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljYkQiIrFtU&feature=related

[bridgit]

14. Dionne Warwick _Do You Know The Way To San Jose (Dancin')

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9oTbzFd-bs&feature=related

[bridgit]

15. Otis Redding-Sitting on the dock of the bay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCmUhYSr-e4

[bridgit]

16. Journey - Lights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4QkTvK2OEw

[bridgit]

17. We Built This City

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxGGckAc1rs

[EFerrari]

18. Love or Money - Joni

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfplwJaBN1E

[bridgit]

19. Heaven's California Girls - Beach Boys & Bob Dylan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89yN9NqM8h0

[bridgit]

20. Transplants - California Babylon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKS-liCKJnQ

[bridgit]

21. Gretchen Wilson - California Girls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ-Xl7ykddk

[bridgit]

22. The Mountain Goats - California Song (live 2008-03-02)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylfsOzL7pCk&feature=PlayList&p=6BA6FBCC7CF5FABF&index=0&playnext=1

[bridgit]

23. Jo Dee Messina Heads Carolina Tails California

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVXx8ktZE9w

[bridgit]

24. Chuck Berry - Promised Land

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aykoGVMdlSA

[MrSlayer]

25. California Love - 2Pac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWW5gxvahwM&feature=related

[bridgit]

26. Jefferson Airplane - Two Heads

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwEgOfQufbo

[Celebration]

27. California Dreamin'- Mamas and Papas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtVIhDgo_uU

[kwassa]

28. "California Man" Cheap Trick, and by The Move

a good rocker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN4QKlDYTAw


the original? by The Move, with Jeff Lynne, pre-ELO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQEPYfXWWnI&feature=related

[peekaloo]

30. I Remember California.......r.e.m.

[Bossy Monkey]

31. America: Ventura Highway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd2Ch6WBeQU
I only recently learned that they were American military brats living in England and had never actually been to California when they wrote this; kinda shows, come to think of it.

I can't vouch for the video, as I'm on dialup and didn't feel like waiting a half hour for it to load; anyway, it's from 1974, when there were still 3 of them.

[Inchworm]

32. The Beverly Hillbillies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkOGM6gHvao

:P

Complete with cigarette ad :eyes:

[mtowngman]

33. The Magnetic Fields

(I Hate) California Girls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2EQxrGU7Yc

[Bertha Venation]

34. I was thinking, "I'll be no one has posted the Joni Mitchell song" --

:yourock: one of my faves

[Tuesday Afternoon]

35. Willie Nelson - Mendocino County Line

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rMemf93t5U

[Tuesday Afternoon]

36. California by Phantom Planet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZMCwa-Cvr4

We've been on the run
Driving in the sun
Looking out for #1
California here we come
Right back where we started from

Hustlers grab your guns
Your shadow weighs a ton
Driving down the 101
California here we come
Right back where we started from

California!(California!)
Here we come!
California!
California!
Here we come!

On the stereo
Listen as we go
Nothing's gonna stop me now
California here we come
Right back where we started from
Pedal to the floor
Thinkin' of the roar
Gotta get us to the shore
California here we come
Right back where we started from

California!(California!)
Here we come!
California!
California!
Here we come!
Oh!

California!
Here we come!
California!
California!
Here we come!
California!
California!
Here we come!

[SoxFan]

37. Streets of Bakersfield

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHxSh-SvFVA

[Bossy Monkey]

38. "California Sun" (Rivieras/Ramones/Dick Dale) n/t

[Gidney N Cloyd]

39. GodDAMMIT I hate that song. I can't explain it, but I want to jam nails in my earswhen it's on

[mtowngman]

40. San Diego Serenade

Tom Waites
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t85UpHTV1Ww

[Bennyboy]

41. Estimated Prophet..>Grateful Dead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzOyHuRzzq0

My time coming, any day, don�t worry about me, no
Been so long I felt this way, I�m in no hurry, no
Rainbows and down that highway where ocean breezes blow
My time coming, voices saying they tell me where to go.

Don�t worry about me, nah nah nah, don�t worry about me, no
And I�m in no hurry, nah nah nah, I know where to go.

California, preaching on the burning shore
California, I�ll be knocking on the golden door
Like an angel, standing in a shaft of light
Rising up to paradise, I know I�m gonna shine.

My time coming, any day, don�t worry about me, no
It�s gonna be just like they say, them voices tell me so
Seems so long I felt this way and time sure passin� slow
Still I know I lead the way, they tell me where I go.

Don�t worry about me, no no no, don�t worry about me, no
And I�m in no hurry, no no no, I know where to go.

California, a prophet on the burning shore
California, I�ll be knocking on the golden door
Like an angel, standing in a shaft of light
Rising up to paradise, I know I�m gonna shine.

You�ve all been asleep, you would not believe me
Them voices tellin� me, you will soon receive me
Standin� on the beach, the sea will part before me
Fire wheel burning in the air!

You will follow me and we will ride to glory, way up, the middle of
The air!

And I�ll call down thunder and speak the same and my work fills the
Sky with flame
And might and glory gonna be my name and men gonna light my way.

My time coming, any day, don�t worry about me, no
It�s gonna be just like they say, them voices tell me so
Seems so long I felt this way and time sure passin� slow
My time coming, any day, don�t worry about me, no

Don�t worry about me, no no no, don�t worry about me, no
And I�m in no hurry, no no no, don�t worry about me, no.

[Throd]

42. "California Uber Alles" by the Dead Kennedys

[Bennyboy]

44. Mission In The rain...>Jerry Garcia Band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg-POS8M-Vs

Mission in the Rain
(Garcia/Hunter)


I turn and walk away then I come 'round again
It looks as though tomorrow I'll do pretty much the same.

I must turn down your offer but I'd like to ask a break
You know I'm ready to give everything for anything I take.

Someone called my name you know I turned around to see
It was midnight in the Mission and the bells were not for me.

Come again, walking along in the Mission in the rain,
Come again, walking along in the Mission in the rain,

Ten years ago, I walked this street my dreams were riding tall
Tonight I would be thankful Lord, for any dream at all.

Some folks would be happy just to have one dream come true
But everything you gather is just more that you can lose.

Come again, walking along in the Mission in the rain,
Come again, walking along in the Mission in the rain,

All the things I planned to do I only did half way
Tomorrow will be Sunday born of rainy Saturday.

There's some satisfaction in the San Francisco rain
No matter what comes down the Mission always looks the same.

Come again, walking along in the Mission in the rain.

[Tikki]

45. "Beverly Hills"....The Circle Jerks..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bFXM0OyhDY

Tikki

[Tikki]

46. "True Men Don't Kill Coyotes"...TRHCP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXyPGPdyie0


Tikki

[Tikki]

54. "Fantastic Voyage"...Coolio...."Whittier Boulevard"....Thee Midniters.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md0c_toWvWc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uh1STdjCS0M

Tikki

[Arugula Latte]

47. "Dani California" by Red Hot Chili Peppers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyw_1r-SSJk

[Arugula Latte]

48. "Californication" by Red Hot Chili Peppers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yammJn1vaVg&feature=related

[Arugula Latte]

49. "L.A." by Elliott Smith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-QdY2BJ0Xo&feature=related

[Tikki]

50. "Riot on Sunset Strip"....The Standells..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC8CSM2r-ws


Tikki

[Doc_Technical]

51. Who needs the Peace Corps?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywPan19kvyI

[Resuscitated Ethics]

52. Ry Cooder--Down in Hollywood

"better hope that you don't run out of gas!" From the first all-digital rock recording Bop 'til you Drop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_kbGttueAY&feature=related

Also on a recent Ry (My Name is Buddy-2007: tech heads note this was recorded and mixed on a little Apple mac: NEVER SOUNDED SO ANALOG) there is a magic R&B number called "Sundown Town" about California racism which is HAUNTED!

"Better not let'em catch you when the sun goes down!" Day laborors allowed in during the day to work cheap then the doors close and the night riders come out in that sundown town.

Ry Cooder is a national treasure.

[SteppingRazor]

53. I gotta go with Free Fallin' by Tom Petty...

because its verses address the area of Cali in which I grew up:

"Its a long day living in Reseda
Theres a freeway runnin through the yard"

"All the vampires walkin through the valley
Move west down Ventura Boulevard"

"I wanna glide down over Mulholland
I wanna write her name in the sky"