So, this blog is what it says in the title. 200 of my favourite songs, with only one allowed per band or artist.
But why?
Well, one of the best music blogs around is Every Record Tells A Story by a guy called Steve. It’s a mix of live reviews (often with great photos, so much better than mine), reflections on bands, records, musical trends, and humorous takes on the world of rock. He has just written a blog about the latest Oasis box set, which costs £116.99 (US$189) and asks what else you could do with the money. He’s looking to assemble a vinyl alternative.
I said I’d have a go at an alternative too, got lazy, and thought, well, how many brilliant tracks could you download for that price? Well, at 99p each on iTunes it would be 118. At 79p it would be 148. I started with 118 and felt, I need more. So I went to 148 and felt I need more. I went to 180 and felt…. I decided to go for a round 200. This means, at 99p each, you’d have to spend another £81.18. Worth every penny!
Alternatively, you could listen to this playlist I’ve made for you on Spotify. It is awesome. It ranges through rock, reggae, soul, rap, indie, punk, folk, country, dance, Mowtown, funk, metal. It’s not my favourite 200 tracks ever, but a random selection with only that one rule: no more than one track per artist, or band.
Enjoy! And by all means disagree and offer alternatives.
PS. No Beatles because they are not on Spotify.
Thoughtsfromwestfive 
Excellent! A great way to address the challenge and thank you for getting involved. I shall be scrutinising that Spotify playlist in due course – and of course will share this with the ERTAS readership.
Steve
Good luck with your venture!
good list- lot to argue with! free bird is the most obvious- so much better than sweet home.
Well, as a playlist is for playing, I tried to avoid too many ten minute tracks. Hence Alabama over Freebird, Black Dog over In My Time Of Dying, Heart of Gold over Cortez, Born to Run over Jungleland. Almost went for Wish You Were Here over Shine On You Crazy Diamond, but had to draw the line on that one! Anyway, I’m not sure I agree with you on Skynyrd. I think Sweet Home Alabama has it on the tune. Freebird on the solos. I say tune wins!
Never heard of Spotify before! I like your list. Are the songs in any particular order, such as your fave at the top then on from there?
Spotify is the place to hear music for free (or a small fee) legally. As for the list, no, it’s not in order of preference, or even my 200 favourites. Just 200 tracks that I really like and a mix that might be of interest to people who check the playlist out.
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Oh, well! Spotify doesn’t work in my part of the world. Gaaah!
But thanks for the intro to Every Record Tells A Story.
Oh, I’m sorry about that. Didn’t realise Spotify wasn’t global.
That’s alright – I’ve heard most of the songs in here. It’s a lovely attempt, John.
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