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Preface: This week, the theme is simple - the seven deadly sins. We'll do a song for each sin to get us through the week.
Monday (6/02/08): ZZ Top - Sharp Dressed Man [Eliminator, 1983]
Comments: Our first sin of the week is pride, which is roughly defined as an excessive belief in one's own abilities - or appearance, as in the case of vanity. ZZ Top does a perfect job of covering this angle with their ode to smart fashion. "Silk suit, black tie - I don't need a reason why."
Tuesday (6/03/08): The Who - Pinball Wizard [Tommy, 1969]
Comments: Related to jealousy, envy is a feeling of resentment for a person who possesses something you don't have. In the case of the "pinball wizard", Tommy is a real master of the game - despite being deaf, dumb, and blind. You can bet everyone else in the arcade is envious of his talent. "Even on my favorite table, he can beat my best. His disciples lead him in, and he just does the rest."
Wednesday (6/04/08): Robin Trower - Fat Gut [Truce, 1981]
Comments: Gluttony refers to over-indulgence, in the context of consuming more than is necessary (or at least reasonable). A fat gut - exemplified by this song that joins Robin Trower with Cream's Jack Bruce - is the telltale sign of a glutton. "When I'm old and empty, I know that you'll still tempt me."
Thursday (6/05/08): Foghat - I Just Want To Make Love To You [Foghat, 1972]
Comments: When you start to treat a person as an object purely for your sexual gratification, you're submitting to lust. When you fall into the habit of evaluating people based only on their attraction and none of their other qualities, you're submitting to lust. When the only goal in your life is to score, you're submitting to lust. Lust shuts out all other concerns and screams, "I just wanna make love to you."
Friday (6/06/08): Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Joe [The Last DJ, 2002]
Comments: The greedy are never satisfied - they must always have more, even if it means taking it from others. The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. And if anyone gets in the way of that cycle of acquisition, they will be crushed. "We could move catalog if he'd only die quicker. Send my regards to the gig, and a case of good liquor."
Saturday (6/07/08): Deep Purple - Lazy [Machine Head, 1972]
Comments: I've said it before, and I'll say it again - sloth is my sin of choice. It's so hard to find motivation in this void of existence to actually get anything done - because what does it really mean in the grand scheme of things? Nothing. Might as well just lie in bed and pass the time away... "You don't make no effort - no, not like you should."
Sunday (6/08/08): Procol Harum - Still There'll Be More [Home, 1970]
Comments: Wrath strikes when anger grows unchecked, and is liable to explode into violence if not subdued. Anger is a basic human emotion, but rationality is the key to taming the beast. Little of any worth can be accomplished through wrath, but everybody needs to vent their frustrations now and again - just, hopefully, through constructive means (like in a song!). "I'll blacken your Christmas, and piss on your door. You'll cry out for mercy - still, there'll be more."