08/03/2006: "Tonight, I'm a Rock and Roll Star"
Rolling Stone Magazine conducts an unscientific survey of the best first songs on first albums. While the poll unofficially excludes bands that had EP's before their debut albums, I was surprised that no one bothered to forgo the rules (seeing as how some cited Pavement's "Summer Babe") and mention the Arcade Fire's "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" from the album Funeral. Sure, the band had an EP out before the album, but it was largely unavailable until a reissue was released after Funeral blew up and became your mom's favorite album of all time.
Also missing from the list is "Halah" by Mazzy Star off their debut She Hangs Brightly, which in my opinion is one of the fucking saddest songs ever. Fun Fact: When I was 15 I wanted to marry Hope Sandoval and Kathleen Hanna would have been my mistress.
I agree with what the list offers, which include such classics as The Stone Roses "I Wanna Be Adored," Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze." Some of the better reader responses include Fugazi's "Waiting Room," The Jesus and Mary Chain's "Just Like Honey," and Guns and Roses "Welcome to the Jungle." I'm sure there are tons of others, but it's 10:21 am and my brain is not really here at the moment.
*EDIT* 10:30 AM - "Overcome" by Tricky from the album Maximquaye, "Run Devil Run" by Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins off "Rabbit Fur Coat"
Check out the list here. Thanks to Kingblind for the link.
Post your comments below or better yet, if you're so inclined.