First tracks are important.
They used to be the best songs on albums because you couldn't skip or shuffle your way around an album. So the big recognisable tunes would be up first. It creates a mood. It draws you into the album.
And in my head, first tracks have a strong tie to a singer.
Rufus Wainwright has several awesome, arena filling tunes at the front of albums.
Release the stars is opened with Do I disappoint you? (No, Rufus you never do). Want two opens with Agnus Dei- a giant of an opening track. And want one opens with Oh what a world. There he mixes Ravel's Bolero in with witty lyrics.
Elbow have a long standing history of awesome tracks. Starlings, station approach, any day now. They're all excellent examples of first tracks.
Which leads me to Jay Brannan's first track on his new album, goddamned, "Can't Have It All".
This is a plinky stringy opener that really sets you up well for the rest of the album. Soothing tones, arch humorous lyrics, emotions on sleeve- classic Brannan.
He's well worth checking out, find him on facebook, www.myspace.com/jaybrannan or www.jaybrannan.com/ His youtube posts are touchingly honest, he's cute as a button and a really talented musician. Wonder if he'll let me sing the star spangled banner with him... (If you've not seen shortbus, go watch it to see what I'm babbling about)
