Friday Five : |ˈfrÄ«dā – fÄ«v| : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button in iTunes and share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up the media player of your choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.

The Five:

“Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” by Bruce Springsteen (from Born to Run, 1975)

Having never witnessed a Springsteen concert, I’d say my connection to this song is more pedestrian than visceral. Not that I don’t love every moment of it, because I do. I know, however, that experiencing the song in person is somewhat of a invocation of the E Street ‘spirit’ that you don’t get until you’ve experienced it yourself.

“Got to Give It Up, Part 1” by Marvin Gaye (from Motown: The Complete No. 1’s (disc 6), 2008)

Looks as if we’re staying firmly rooted in the ’70s with another classic cut that still resonates today. Don’t believe me? Ya’ll heard the super-creepy-but-undeniably-funky “Blurred Lines,” right? Proof positive that Marvin’s legacy is far from diminished.

“Creep” by Radiohead (from Pablo Honey 1993)

What to say about “Creep”? The band has done everything in their power to distance themselves from the alt-rock staple, yet it remains (possibly) one of the decade’s most recognizable tunes. I’ve heard dozens of covers—and even covered it, myself—and not one comes close to the original. It’s just a shame that they see this as a curse, as opposed to the blessing that it truly was for their career.

“Somebody” by Depeche Mode (from The Singles 81-85, 1985)

There was a time in my life where the lyrics to this song were a checklist for my perfect lady. In some respects, the words still ring true, but may have taken on a deeper meaning. Martin Gore is spectacular

“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars (from Doo-Wops & Hooligans, 2010)

Something old, something new … As I said recently (I think) I’m definitely a fan of Mr. Mars. This tune, not so much. Maybe it was the overexposure? I don’t really watch much television, and rarely listen to the radio, but I feel like this song was everywhere for a long time.

What’s on your shuffle today?

About the Author

Michael Parr

Husband, Father, Writer, Musical Voyeur, Pop Culture Glutton, Gourmet in Training. I'm the tall guy behind all these short guys. You can find me on the Twitter.

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