PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN SONGS ABOUT SPACE...

What are the odds that another star, in another solar system, has a planet that is the same distance from the Sun as Earth?!

If you believe the odds are high, then you probably also agree that the chances of extraterrestrial life are high as well - Regardless of your beliefs though, musicians (with the help of drugs) have been singing about space for as long as anyone can remember.

This week's list is a sonic salute to space-people everywhere... CLICK HERE to check out the top ten songs about space!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN SONGS ABOUT FOOD...

Hello all my music lovers... 

This week I am honouring the human body’s version of gasoline... Food makes us drool at the mouth when we want it and 98% of the time, we feel like shit when we don’t.  

CLICK HERE to check out the Top Ten Songs About Food!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN BEDROOM SONGS...

Ladies and Gents... Here’s the situation: You’re girlfriend (or boyfriend) comes over and she (or he) just wants to lie in bed and cuddle. If you’re like me, you want to have some background music running. You find yourself scrambling to decide what to play. 

True, you could simply cue up any Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Goo Goo Dolls or DMB record... but if you want that personal touch everybody loves, you need your own playlist.

CLICK HERE to save yourself some time; I already put a list of the top ten songs together for you!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN WORKOUT SONGS...

Bonjour!!

This week I am writing to the people at the gym who need headphones glued to their ears and iPods to their arms. The people who need that extra ‘oomph’ that only comes from listening to the right song at the crescendo of their workout. I have put together, what I deem to be, the ultimate workout playlist. I included a variety of genres… Pick and choose as it relates to your musical taste.

CLICK HERE to see who made the cut!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN 90'S DANCE MUSIC TRACKS...

This week we’re going to be focusing on a nostalgic genre I hold near and dear. If you can remember longing for the next Groove Station to hit the shelves, this list is for you... Because who doesn’t love 90’s dance music?!

So, without any further ado, CLICK HERE to see this week's list!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN COLOUR SONGS...

This week’s theme defines beauty... Without colour, we’d surely be a cheerless and monotonous people.

CLICK HERE to learn about songs connected to the ten finest colours as per moi!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN CANADIAN SONGS...

Hello ZackTaylor.ca faithful...

This week I felt a little patriotic. Canadians have produced some incredible music over the years, and continue to do so to this day. With Canada Day being yesterday, I decided to give props to our best and brightest anyway!!

Acts like, The Tragically Hip, Rush and Neil Young made this week's list one of the toughest to orchestrate - CLICK HERE to see who made the cut and to learn something new about your favourite Canadian musicians!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP 10 MICHAEL JACKSON TRACKS...

Hi everyone - In the midst of this week’s Michael Jackson remembrance, I felt it only fitting that we feature the King of Pop himself!!

CLICK HERE to check out the top 10 MJ tracks.

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN TV SHOW THEMES...

Even though it is inevitably leading to increased obesity and violence, television has become a staple in our everyday lives. The average American watches over four hours of television per day meaning that in a 65-year life, the average American watches nine years of TV; Anything that consumes 14% of our lives definitely deserves a little shout out, don’t you think?!

CLICK HERE to check out the Top Ten TV Show Themes!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN HIPSTER TRACKS...

Another week means another playlist specially crafted for YOU!!

This week we’re taking a microscope to the iPod of a pretentious being who bears impractical clothing and super thick glasses. Many of you probably believe that all ‘hipster’ music is bad because the artists make use of computer-generated sounds instead of their instruments. Moreover, I’m sure many of you are disgusted with the word ‘hipster’ itself. However, I am a firm believer that there are diamonds in every rough. Please don’t be a giant douche and turn away an entire sound because of its associated label. Keep an open mind, and give these tunes a fair run of the mill.

CLICK HERE to check out the ‘Top Ten Hipster Tracks’ 

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: SONGS INSPIRED BY THE FAMOUS DEAD...

Everyone is greatly affected by one or more persons over the course of their lifetime. However, only a few of us have the opportunity to express that sentiment with a multi-platinum record. This week’s list acknowledges song’s written to commemorate some of the world’s finest performers.  

CLICK HERE to check out the Top Ten Songs Inspired by The Famous Dead!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN MOVIE DEFINING SONGS...

Over the last year or so, I have found myself watching a lot more movies. The really good movies can usually be defined in one scene. And, that defining scene is usually accompanied by a defining song.

So, this week I am putting together a list of the best movie defining songs… Which, by the way, has nothing to do with how much I liked the movie as a whole (that last line was a lie, its all about how much I liked the movie).

CLICK HERE to check 'em out!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: DAYS OF THE WEEK...

This week’s list is dedicated to our calendar week. As such, instead of a ‘Top 10’ list, I have selected seven songs (one to represent each day). If you’re interested, here is the reasoning behind our weekday names:

Monday is the day of the moon.

Tuesday is named after Tiu, the English/Germanic god of war and the sky.

Wednesday is Woden’s day, the chief Anglo-Saxon/Teutonic god.

Thursday is dedicated to Thor, the Norse god of thunder.

Friday is named after Freya (Fria) the Teutonic goddess of love, beauty and fruitfulness.

Saturday is Saturn’s day, the Roman god of agriculture.

Sunday is the day of the Sun.

CLICK HERE to check out which song I dedicated to each day of the week.

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN SONGS FOR THE CLASSIC HIPPY...

Good Friday - Today’s playlist is a salute to the 60’s revolutionaries who listened to psychedelic music, embraced sexuality and experimented with drugs.

CLICK HERE to learn about a few groovy tunes that help to define a movement!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN NON-ENGLISH SONGS...

Buenos dias - To know me, is to know that I like to learn (and use) random one-liners from all kinds of different languages. I.e. “Tu estes guapa” or “Ti imesh tolsti jopu” (pardon the spelling, I learned phonetically).

I mean, who wouldn’t want to know how to tell a girl that she was beautiful in Spanish?? Or that she has a fat ass in Russian??

In any case, I compiled a list of the top ten non-English songs... CLICK HERE to learn some new music whose lyrics you probably won’t understand!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN GUITAR SOLO SONGS...

When people make a claim like ‘Jimmy Paige is the best guitarist that ever lived’, they are really referring to his memorable guitar solos... especially the one that accompanies ‘Stairway to Heaven’.

This week’s list lays homage to the greatest guitar licks.

CLICK HERE to review my top ten list!!

Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend, The Ein!! (And remember if you want a particular playlist made, I’m always happy to hear from you!)

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN SOLO SONGS...

This week’s list commemorates those artists who under varying circumstances decided to break from their successful bands to become even more prominent as solo performers. 

CLICK HERE to check out the Top Ten Solo Songs, and feel free to add artists via comment.  

Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend, The Ein!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP 10 SONGS PLAYED AT THE HEARTBREAK HOTEL...

Most of you have probably had to endure a dreaded break-up at some point in your life. However, the method used to deal with your ‘issue/break-up’ can either lead to a long run in the dumps or some future fortune. This list was constructed for those who turn to music to help them cope with their feelings.

CLICK HERE to check out the Top Ten Heartbreak Songs, and feel free to add songs via comment.  

Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend, The Ein!!

TOP PLAYLISTS OF 2009!!

ZackTaylor.ca music guru, The Ein, has worked hard over the past year putting together some amazing music playlists for our readers.

Here are the top ten lists that The Ein feels were his best:

1. Undomesticated Musicians
2. Wes Anderson
3. Hip A Le Hop
4. Classic Hippy
5. Non-English Songs
6. Cover Songs
7. In Bed with Another
8. City Songs
9. 'One-word' Stage Names
10. Colour Songs

Stay tuned for more great playlists every Friday on ZackTaylor.ca!!

THE EIN'S TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2009...

2009 was a great year for new music!!

We were privy to a wide array of quality new from old beloved performers and slightly obnoxious hipsters. To commemorate and educate, I listed my favourite albums below: 

1. Monsters of Folk – Monsters of Folk
2. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
3. Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3
4. Modest Mouse – No One’s First and You’re Next
5. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
6. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavillion
7. Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King
8. Wilco – Wilco
9. Mos Def – The Ecstatic
10. Julian Casablancas – Phrazes for the Young

Note: I listen to mostly alternative music. If you’re looking for artists like Taylor Swift or Kelly Clarkson, I’d suggest the Billboard charts!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN CITY SONGS...

The first time I listened to Alicia Keys’ chorus on ‘Empire State of Mind’, I felt a sudden urge to jump ship and move to NYC. It was as if I had listened to a commercial that, for once, actually swayed my current feeling. Since a move isn’t in the cards right now, I decided to do the next best thing…

CLICK HERE to check out the Top Ten City Songs, and surely let me know if I left off one of your most beloved!!

Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend, The Ein!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN SONGS BY ARTISTS WITH "ONE-WORD" STAGE NAMES...

Musicians often take a stage name because their real name is dull, projects a bad image or is difficult to say. Sometimes names are used to attract attention and other times to retain anonymity. Regardless of the reason, I find stage names to be quite amusing and somewhat mysterious.

This week’s list commemorates the top-ten one-word stage names (solo acts only). 

CLICK HERE to see what I came up with, and surely let me know if I left off one of your most beloved!! 

Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend, The Ein!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN FEMALE ARTISTS...

Bonjour - Every time I turn on the television and watch Hank Moody explain his unparalleled love for the female species it makes me stop and take a minute to really appreciate their very existence. Yes, they act in manners that I cannot fully understand but without their presence I for one would be a much more bereaved individual.

With that said, CLICK HERE to see my list of the top-ten solo female artists and their definitive songs!!

Enjoy and have a fantastic day, The Ein (And remember if you want a particular playlist made, I’m always happy to hear from you!)

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: THE TOP TEN PEACE BALLADS...

Wednesday was Remembrance Day in Canada... A day used to commemorate the sacrifices made by our ancestors to protect our freedoms and way of being. On the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month of the year 1918, the major hostilities of World War One formally ended with Germany’s signing of the Armistice. 

Consequently, this week’s list commemorates the top-ten peace ballads ever written.

CLICK HERE to see what I came up with, and surely let me know if I left off one of your favourites!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN BANDS WHO HONOUR THE ANIMAL...

Good Friday (because all Friday’s are good)!!

As per the frequent warnings and commercials we see every day, I have decided to do my part to save the whales and dolphins* animals by dedicating one of my highly-essential playlists to them. In other words, I put together a list bands that have incorporated an animal (mammals and insects count) into their name.

CLICK HERE to see what I came up with, and surely let me know if I left off one of your favourites!! 

Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend, The Ein

*Reference: South Park – Save the Whales.

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN HALLOWEEN SONGS...

 

Happy Halloween everyone!!  

Since the celebration is tomorrow i.e. girls will get naked and guys will get drunk, I felt compelled to summate the ancient history of the holiday via Wikipedia...

Halloween comes from the ancient Celtic festival ‘Samhain’ (summer end) which celebrates the end of the "lighter half" of the year and beginning of the "darker half". The ancient Celts believed that the border between our world and the realm of the dead became thin on ‘Samhain’, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks so as to disguise oneself as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm. 

CLICK HERE to check out the apex of Halloween playlists!!

Enjoy and have a TERRIFYING weekend, The Ein

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP 10 SONGS FOR THE CONTEMPORARY HIPPY...

Hey Ho, Let’s Go!!

Last week’s playlist was a salute to the 60’s revolutionaries who listened to psychedelic music, embraced sexuality and experimented with drugs - This week, we will address what that hippie legacy has left us with: Healthy foods, recycling, music festivals and the acceptance of sexual intercourse on prime-time television.

CLICK HERE to learn about ten contemporary hippies!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN SONGS TO WAKE-UP TO...

Hey everyone - After Zack Taylor's crazy-ass birthday party last weekend I must admit, waking up in the morning has become quite the task. With that being said, if the right song wakes me… it sets my mood for the whole day.

I put together a list of the top ten songs I like to wake up to, and would love to hear what you have to say about it.

CLICK HERE to check out my top 10!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN AUTO-TUNED TRACKS...

This week’s list was really hard for me to write. I love music of all shapes and sizes, but when Antares Audio Technologies introduced us to the auto-tuner (a device used as a safety net by many performers to guarantee a good sound), I threw up in my mouth. What’s the point of listening for a voice when we know it’s been run through a box??

With that being said, I do like its usage in some of today’s modern music. SOMETIMES, and I emphasize SOMETIMES, artists (or producers) use the machine to create some pretty remarkable music.

Jay-Z makes a great point with ‘DOA (Death of Autotune)’, one of the tracks off his latest album The Blueprint 3 (which by the way, does not include any auto-tune usage). He stated that while some artists (T-Pain, Kanye and Lil’ Wayne) with an ear for melody use the device well, far too many others are using it as a crutch. Amen.

CLICK HERE to check out the top ten auto-tuned songs!!

PLAYLIST OF THE WEEK: TOP TEN IPOD COMMERCIAL SONGS...

This week’s playlist is dedicated to one of the finest string of commercials ever created. As a person who listens to his fair share of music, I can honestly say that the people at Apple have great taste. Over the years, they have introduced us to some pretty classy tunes.

CLICK HERE to check out the top ten songs featured in an Ipod commercial.

Enjoy and have a fantastic week, The Ein