- Why?
- ...because sometimes it doesn't take a cover to prove just how good a song can be, even if said cover is excellent
...because each person's interpretation of lyrics is different, but each is correct for that listener
...because not knowing this song is the musical equivalent of not having seen Casablanca, or not having read... er... something worthwhile
- ...to the two primary characters' dialog, especially as a foreshadowing of the final verse
10) All for Leyna - Billy Joel
- Why?
- ...because Joel is misrepresented by many as overrated kitsch
...because the Glass Houses album was an incredible high-water mark in Joel's oeuvre
...because angst doesn't have to be emo
- ...to that stellar piano line in the intro and coda
11) All I Want - Toad the Wet Sprocket
- Why?
- ...because this is the song that took Toad from college-radio to sold-out shows
...because "Nothing's so loud as hearing when we lie / Truth is not kind, and you said neither am I" is a great opening-line hook
...because it can serve you well as a gateway to the rest of Toad's catalog, if you're unfortunate enough to not already own it
- ...to a definitive sample of Toad-style harmony
12) All U Can Eat - Ben Folds
- Why?
- ...because, let's face it, somebody had to say it
...because the piano alone is worth the price of admission
...because this song grabbed me by the neck (and shook) the very first time I heard it
- ...to a beautifully concise statement of my philosophies of humanity
