The 5: Songs That Blow

This Weeks 5:  Songs With a Memorable Whistle

Seems like songs with whistling are popular again. The Black Keys are doing it, Foster the People are doing it too.  Maybe the resurgence can be traced back to the greatness of Quentin Tarantino  featuring Twisted Nerve in Kill Bill.  The whistle has a long, wonderful history in American (and British) music.  So we picked 5 great “Whistle” songs.

• (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding.  You can argue with almost any choice made on The 5, but you can’t argue this.  He’s got a voice that takes hold of you, and then he gives that moment of reprieve to stop and whistle.  Perfection.
• Me and Julio – Paul Simon.  One of the more intricate whistles in a song. It isn’t so much as a respite as a solo. And it’s just so damned happy!
• Jealous Guy – John Lennon.  Some folks might think The Beatles’ Two of Us is a better whistle song, it’s an after thought. Jealous Guy’s whistle is front and center, and executed perfectly. Remorseful? Check. Aloof? Check. Essential? Absolutely.
• Walk Like an Egyptian – The Bangles.  Yes, it’s an “enhanced” whistle. And Mark McGwire was “enhanced” in 1999. As was Nicole Eggert on Baywatch. So what?!
• Young Folks – Peter, Bjorn and John.  The most recent song on the list is one of the best whistles ever. It is the hook; very infectious and absolutely indispensable.

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