When I got back to my cot tonight in the field, the song that popped up on my iPod was a Band of Horses song that I listened to a ton in Baghdad and it made me remember. This is my Top Ten Songs from Operation Iraqi Freedom 2007-2009 (in no particular order).
- Band of Horses “Is There A Ghost” - I went through some rough spots in Baghdad. Very rough, personal moments. I knew I was going home to nothing and this song kinda says that straight up. I did live alone and there were ghosts in my house in a manner of speaking. The upbeat music changed it though, that and the fact that it was the song for Guy Mariano’s return to skating. This song and his part actually got me back on my board, something I desperately needed.
- Pig Destroyer “Naked Trees” - Damn you JR Hayes. I remember listening to this song and every Pig Destroyer song before raids and working out. Easily my favorite song by my favorite band. Razor sharp riffs and his lyrics easily hold their own with any poet. Chilling. His lyrics got me through a lot. I identified with every word he wrote. Plus it’s the best grind on the planet.
- Madonna “Lucky Star” - Very few things help a nasty situation than a HMMW-V full of dudes singing Madonna. It’s funny what you do to break up monotony or calm your nerves. I’ve seen a gunner sing this a couple times from his hatch.
- Eyehategod “Sisterf**ker Pt 1″ - Sorry mom, but that’s the title. I love this band and they speak about a very dirty underbelly of society. The rumbling blues riff is a pretty righteous way to leave a gate. It’s hot, filthy, and oozing out of the sludge of Louisiana. Just like us. The lyric “Burn her,” took on a weird meaning. Therapy.
- Billy Joel “For the Longest Time” - Another jam for the truck. Very hard to get five off-key dudes to harmonize a capella, but we smiled. I love you Mr. Joel. Thank you for this and all your other songs. This song made me think of my mom when I was little.
- Jay Munly & The Lee Lewis Harlots “Amen Corner” - My life had grown dark and ominous. This is that song. Eerie country doom. Something creeps from the woods. It was a nice break from the violence I flooded my ears with on a daily basis also.
- Murder by Death “Boy Decide” - I love this band, and this band was on repeat. This song took a special meaning. “You’ve got to push on.”And push I’ve done. I recently saw this band with my fiance and we both love them a lot. They are kind of a segue to the better living I have now.
- Insect Warfare “Manipulator” - Another one for the streets. No idea what is being said, but the grind was necessary. It’s like audio meth. Makes you fearless. Total release of everything. My friend Joel drew a picture of me strapped to the teeth with an IW hat on. Fitting. Perfect band name for Iraq.
- Ice Cube “Today Was a Good Day” - I love Ice Cube, and this is easily my favorite song of his. I know every word. I remember singing this in a hospital in East Baghdad. It’s a totally ironic song for some dudes in Iraq too. Aside from when he meets up with Kim, he could easily be talking about a good day in Iraq.
- Plague Bringer “Eyes Wide Toward The Sky” - This song holds a very special place in my heart. It was Mark Evans’ and my favorite song of 2008. Mark got me through a lot via e-mail over there. This song is so intense, especially when you know it’s about a man who set himself on fire in protest of the war in Iraq. I have goosebumps now. I love you Mark, you’re my brother. Thanks.
