Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS); numbers 240-231 Edition

Welcome back. It's been a while. Lets not waste time...

Matt's Top 300 Favorite Songs (MT3FS): Numbers 240-231

Number 240: The Loved Ones - "Pretty Good Year" (off of the album "Build and Burn," 2008)


If it weren't for "The '59 Sound," "Pretty Good Year" would have been my favorite song of 2008. I remember when I first popped in "Build and Burn," and heard that first line "I've been workin' longer hours, watching money steamin' in. I've been trustin' crooks and liars like I don't have any friends" I was hooked. I saw The Loved Ones twice last year, and both times "Pretty Good Year" got the biggest reaction. And Ignacio, Mark and I got to sing it live with Loved Ones frontman Dave Hause at his solo show in Fullerton. Awesome. Two notes. One. Here's a live performance of "Pretty Good Year." Two: Here's Chuck Ragan's fantastic cover of the song. (Note, I can't find the damn cover on youtube. Sorry).

Number 239: Gene Wilder - "Pure Imagination" (off of the album "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: The Official Soundtrack," 1971)

Before that goddamn AT&T commercial raped this song, "Pure Imagination" was possibly my favorite song ever made for a movie. Gene Wilder was a great entertainer in his day, and not even the almighty Johnny Depp could do Wonka justice the way Wilder did. I think it completely sums up both Willy Wonka the character and the story of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Also, The Smoking Popes did a great cover.

Number 238: Midtown - "Become What You Hate" (off of the album "Living Well is the Best Revenge," 2002)


Remember when that assclown Gabe wasn't an assclown? This is well before "Snakes on a Plane" and Cobra Starship and the Madonna worship and making out with Pete Wentz. This was back when he was in a Drive-Thru band named Midtown. Midtown was good 'ole pop-punk, and "Become What You Hate" is a perfect example. It's sad to know that Gabe ditched this band for this.

Number 237: Jimmy Eat World - "The Sweetness" (off of the album, "Bleed American," 2001)


I fell in love with Jimmy Eat World after seeing them on the Jimmy Eat World/Taking Back Sunday tour. So good. Actually wiped the floor with Taking Back Sunday, and that children is not an easy thing to do. "The Sweetness" had so much raw energy. To be honest, only "A Praise Chorus" is a better song in their catalog.

Number 236: The Replacements - "Alex Chilton" (off of the album "Pleased To Meet Me," 1987)

Who was Alex Chilton? Well, maybe you've heard of this song? Anyways, "Alex Chilton" is a great song by one of the best, most underrated alternative rock bands of all time. The Replacements are everything Against Me! wants to be. Unfortunately for Mr. Gabel, there's only one Paul Westerberg. Also, it's worth noting that Mr. Chilton passed away last year; and when he did I played this song in his honor.

Number 235: Taking Back Sunday - "Great Romances of the 20th Century" (off of the album "Tell All Your Friends," 2002)


"Tell All Your Friends" was THE album back in junior year of high school. I absolutely wore out the CD. I actually repurchased it sometime last year at Second Spin in Huntington, or Newport or somewhere, and was stoked. I still know ever word to every song. "Great Romances..." a creepy song. I get this image of Adam Lazarra wanting to harm his lady for cheating. I dunno. Maybe I'm just sadistic.

Number 234: Fake Problems - "There Are Times" (off of the album "It's Great To Be Alive," 2009)


For someone dealing with relationship issues/relationships ending, I think "There Are Times" sums everything perfectly. The weird part is, despite not really being in that frame of mind anymore, I still really dig this song. Also, sorry for the crappy video quality. Do yourself a favor and get "It's Great to Be Alive." It's a great album.

Number 233: New Found Glory - "Dressed To Kill" (off of the album "New Found Glory," 2000)


Ahh, the glory days of Drive-Thru. New Found Glory will always remind me of high school. Another song that I listened to a billion times at age 15 about a billion different girls. "I miss you singing me to sleep." Haha. You know, in some weird way, I always wanted someone to do that for me. But that's a different topic for a different day. New Found Glory has definitely lost a step or two, but goddamn if "New Found Glory" isn't a solid album.

Number 232: Tupac -"Do For Love"(off of the album "R U Still Down?," 1997)


First things first, if I smoked pot, this video would probably be amazing. Okay. So Tupac sampling Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love," and it works? Only 'Pac. This was released after Tupac's untimely death. It's kind of a trip to think about where 'Pac would be today. I bet he would have done a ton of good.

Number 231: Looking Glass - "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" (off of the album "Looking Glass," 1972)


I actually sang this one night at a bar that had karaoke. I probably did a terrible job. Seriously, "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" is one hell of a jam. It's a song you can groove to, get down to, or just chill to. Look Mexico did a really good cover of the song.

Okay. so what's next? Weezer, The Misfits and Elvis Costello join MT3FS staples Bad Religion, The Gaslight Anthem and The Get Up Kids on the next edition. Stay classy, Internet.