Sunday, March 15, 2015

Top 100 Songs From the 1990s (No. 79)

79. "Everything You've Done Wrong"
Artist: Sloan
Year: 1997

Do your time to pay the price
For every thing you've done wrong baby
In your life, you get so high
There's nowhere left to go but down

Don't believe that no one cares
'Cause we're here waiting for you, baby
Do your time, and then come home for good

There is something about prison songs set to pop music that seem so wrong, and that's probably why I like them so much. My all-time favorite is the Zombies' "Care of Cell 44," but this one about a girl on her way to serve a sentence is right there. It's full of hand claps, jangle and a couple of trumpets to boot. Like I said, so wrong. I don't know why these Canadians never quite made it, but the same lineup from nearly a quarter of a century ago continues to pump out power-pop nuggets for the faithful lucky enough to have found them. Not long ago, as a big thank you to their fans, several of their vital singles were made available as a free download. Check it out below. Apparently their label agrees everyone should have a copy of "Everything You've Done Wrong" and "The Good in Everyone." I should think you'll hear a lot of Big Star and Teenage Fanclub in this lot.

6 comments:

McPop said...

Now you're talking...I had to chime in on this one. Love this song and band! This is my favorite so far in your top 100 count down. Kudos for including it. Sloan continued to make great music. Their most recent release "Commonwealth" is a strong effort, especially the first two sides of the double album.

Brian said...

McPop, now you're making me think this one should have been a little higher on the list. Anyway, very happy you're a fan.

Scott said...

Hi Brian, beginning to think that I went into some sort of hibernation in the 90's with the amount of these songs that I have not heard before. Being a huge fan of Big Star and, Bellshill's finest, Teenage Fan Club, I have no idea how Sloan have passed me by. Very reminiscent of both bands, it appears I have a bit of catching up to do. Any suggestions on the best place to start ?

Brian said...

Well, Scott, first, I would listen to the songs on the above widget. If you like what you hear and want to skip the singles collection, my two favorite albums are Twice Removed and One Chord to Another. McPop, feel free to weigh in as well.

george said...

Brian, of course I've never heard of this lot, but it's a damned good pop song! Nice one.

McPop said...

My top 3 are probably One Chord to Another, Navy Blues and Between the Bridges. But really can't go wrong with any of Sloan's albums (except maybe the debut Smeared...a little too grungy for me).