5ive Songs About Los Angeles

This month's playlist is an ode to a city everyone loves to hate, but really hate loving as much as they do, myself included. And what's no to love/hate? Earthquakes, wildfires, heat waves, celebrities (and those who think they are) make L.A. the unique and special place it is.

I finally had to/got to leave this past month with every intention of returning someday soon. In the mean-time, I'm listening to music that reminds me what I love/hate about "The City That Never Wakes Up."

Steven's Last Night in Town (Ben Folds Five)
Even Steven can be a bit odd in a place like L.A. I've been threatening to leave ever since I got there and no one cared. It's just one more endearing quality about the promised land where everything is promised and little is delivered. I showed them...

Los Angeles (X)
She had to leave for many of the same reasons that still exist 25 years after this song was written. It's a big, international city where not everyone looks, talks, or thinks like her. Some give up and leave while others give up and stay. But that's from a Hall and Oates song, so forget I said that.

Los Angeles (Sugarcult)
"This city's killing me." -Along with millions of others, but we still keep coming by the thousands. And leaving by the hundreds. Speaking of hundreds, there's plenty of songs titled "Los Angeles" on the full playlist, which shows an ironic lack of originality.

Murio La Flor (Los Angeles Negros)
At first I thought this group was called the L.A. Negroes, but then realized it was Spanish for The Black Angels. If you want to hear an African-American's perspective on LA, check out "This is Los Angeles (Gang Capitol of the Nation)" on the full playlist.

Free Fallin' (The Summer Obsession)
There's absolutely nothing wrong with the Tom Petty version, but he's from Florida. I don't know or even care where these guys are from (even though this is the second time I've included one of their songs). They certainly remind us what a great song this is.

As always, there's a ton of great songs that didn't make the list, so please continue this L.A. celebration at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones

5ive Songs About June and/or Summer

The planet is tilted toward the sun for another few weeks and that means summertime is upon us. The days are getting hotter (unless you're lucky enough to live in southern California like me) and the air conditioners are working overtime (again, not for me). Be sure to wear a jacket to the office.

June Gloom (The Like)
This is what Angelenos call the overcast weather we experience every morning during this time of year. The days start around 6 and the sun comes out around noon. Sure it's depressing, but it always burns off (sometime around July).

Just a Guy (Crash Into June)
I would say it's all about me (most blogs are), but I also play it down with false humility and tell you I'm just a guy who likes to share his music finds with you good people.

Hola Amiga Banana (June's Not Faking)
Not sure what this song is about, but I love the title and the artist has the word June in their name. That's good enough to make this month's playlist.

Over My Head (The Summer Obsession)
Another song I found using the word "Summer" in my search. This one actually has some relevance to my situation, and probably yours, too. Just keep swimming and we'll all make it to shore soon enough.

MacArthur Park (Donna Summer)
After wading through several pages of songs from this artist, I finally gave in and chose this one because I actually live near MacArthur Park. But you'll never catch me down there (unless I need a fake passport for some reason).

hear the also-rans at Playlist.com/MultimediaJones