Q101: 2001

How did we get here?


2001 (Or, the year Hybrid Theory reaffirmed that alternative music was still in good hands)

5. “Movies” – Alien Ant Farm

I want you to be free / Don't worry about me / And just like the movies / We play out our last scene

“Smooth Criminal” would have been the obvious Alien Ant Farm choice but I’ve preferred this song over the years.  Somewhere along the line, I downloaded a slightly different version that I prefer to the linked version, but I promised videos when applicable.  To be honest, “Courage” is actually the song off of ANThology that evokes the best memories.  It was included on the soundtrack for the PS2 game ATV Offroad Fury 2.  The game had this add-on hockey mini-game that was incredibly addicting.  You tried to push an oversized hockey puck into a goal while riding your 4-wheeler.  Back in the day, we’d have tournaments and play that game until the wee hours of the morning (Hey, is it getting light out?).  Here’s what I’m talking about (no need to watch the whole thing).

4. “Flavor Of The Weak” – American Hi-Fi

Her boyfriend, he don’t know / Anything about her needs / He’s too stoned, Nintendo / I wish that I could make her see / She’s just the flavor of the week

This is another one of my adopted jams that I’d lean on when wondering why women I knew (and may have liked) continued to be oblivious to the fact that their boyfriends were giant douche-y jerks.  Fun fact:  the video parodies the heavy metal documentary Heavy Metal Parking Lot.  “New music?  Man, all these bands are just ripping off Judas Priest.” – Otto

3. “One Step Closer” – Linkin Park

Everything you say to me / Takes me one step closer to the edge / And I’m about to break / I need a little room to breathe / Cause I’m one step closer to the edge / And I’m about to break

Whoa, who are these guys?  Linkin Park’s mix of alternative, metal, and rap was a welcome arrival as the alternative landscape was beginning to shift.  Hybrid Theory became my 1^st album of the 2000s decade to be played over and over; it remains one of my all-time favorites.  “One Step Closer” is just what the doctor ordered when I’m feeling angry or frustrated and want to blow off some steam.   Yell your lungs out, Chester Bennington.  On another note, if any of you can find this version of Linkin Park, I think we all want them back.

2. “Hanging By A Moment” – Lifehouse

I’m falling even more in love with you / Letting go of all I’ve held onto / I’m standing here until you make me move / I’m hanging by a moment here with you

In most years, this song would have topped the list, but 2001 had a lot of fierce competition.  Lifehouse has a way of peering into your soul and producing music that you can completely relate to.  It’s even more impressive when they compose those songs in 5 minutes as lead singer Jason Wade did with this song.  I’m instantly taken back to senior year in high school when I hear this song.  Even now, at this very point in time, these lyrics still ring true.  As someone who often waits for the other half to make a move, I’m constantly hanging by that proverbial moment.

1. “Be Like That” – 3 Doors Down

‘Cause in his life he is filled / With all these good intentions / He’s left of a lot things / He’d rather not mention right now / … If I could be like that / I would give anything / Just to live one day / In those shoes

This is another nomination for my Mount Rushmore of songs.  The song skyrocketed up my personal charts when the song was included in one of my favorite movies:  American Pie 2.  In terms of movie soundtracks, you’d be hard pressed to convince me of a better one.   Check out the list top to bottom.  Even the music video (sadly, not the linked one) contains movie footage.  Who among us has not sat down and wished we could be like somebody else for just one day?  I’m not looking to be a Hollywood star; my wishes seem a lot more realistic.  Maybe one day…