Before we start, I want to say thanks. Thank you to all the people from Carbon Leaf’s message board and Facebook that participated. I got a much bigger response than I hoped for and was very pleased to see that a good number kept interacting with me afterwards. Above all else though, thank you to Carbon Leaf. Not just for entertaining Virginia and the country for about twenty years now, but also for putting up with this countdown! I’m sure they’re have been some songs where I was WAY off base and you probably scratched your heads about it. Plus, I can’t imagine it being easy to see your work ranked. For all we know, each band member’s favorite song could have ended up in the bottom 25 or not even on the list! So above all else, thank you to Carbon Leaf. Now though? Let’s talk about one great song…

This. This is the greatest Carbon Leaf song. Like I said earlier, we passed some heavyweights in our countdown but we landed on this one as our number one. Doing the numbers for the ballots too, there was no denying this. We had over 100 ballots turned in and after the tenth ballot was placed, this song started to run away with the votes. By ballot 50, it was all but confirmed that it would end up as number one. No one song appeared on every ballot, but this one came the closest by far. Before doing this, I could have given you probably six songs I thought would end up in the number one slot and none of them would be this one, but now; it’s pretty clear this is their best work. We just need to have some better foresight apparently.

From the opening guitar riff, you know it’s going to be a change of pace from the Indian Summer. Barry comes in next singing his tale of life on the road and the evocative lyrics just flow out naturally. It’s ode to life on the road. You’re here, then there, and who knows where to next? The venues and van rides all merge together and before you know it, six months has passed and you don’t know, as the song states, where to begin. Before you know it, that prarie outpost out alone in the middle of nowhere is all they associate with. Such a beautiful story, but it is the execution that really allows the song to be labeled “great.” The old-timey shuffle, the singular guitar riff, the laid-back instruments; it is the song written probably in the middle of the night while most people were asleep on the van. Seeing it performed live a cappella with the whole audience muffled in awe, you get the desired effect. This song is different than all the rest because this song IS Carbon Leaf. It is who they are. It is what they do. And it’s just phenomenal.

Song: One Prarie Outpost
Album: Indian Summer
Year: 2004

When you hear the fans talking about the old Carbon Leaf sound, this is most likely what they’re referring too. Sure, you may have some who want the Shadows sound or the Porch Music sound; you might even have one crazy fan (this guy) who wants to hear some Meander stuff. But when they point to the old Carbon Leaf sound, this is it most of the time. It’s got everything in it. Every weird instrument you want to hear is here. All the crazy rhythms are present. The mysterious & enchanting lyrics are everywhere. The great backing vocals even make an appearance here. It’s even got an extended bridge section for all you who love to just space out during the middle of a song. This is the song Echo Echo is really built upon. Sorry “Boxer.” You’re a great song and all, but you’re no match for “Desperation Song.” Not even close in my book. In terms of purely rocking out and rocking out in that alt-country/alt-folk or Brazilian Death Metal style, this is that song. If you want something to really educate new fans on Carbon Leaf, you can look no further than the top three on this list. #1 will give you every reason to admire them, #3will give you every reason to know they can out-do any other band on radio, and this one will show you that the band just purely rocks on all front.

Real quick, I want to send someone a shout-out. I’ve given everyone in Carbon Leaf their props. Barry, Terry, Carter, Jon, & Jason. They’re an amazing group of musicians. I’ll even give props to those before them as drummer Scott Milstead and bassist Jordan Medas as they were just as great as the current rhythm section. But there’s one person who needs some praise. If you’ve ever been to a Carbon Leaf show, you know full well what is one of the most enjoyable parts of it. I’m talking about the lights. The lighting for the Carbon Leaf show is out-of-this-world at times and really makes songs that much more meaningful & memorable. Amazing credit has to go out to Chris Buford for doing this as well as other integral parts of the live show. I mention the lights here though because “Desperation Song” has one of the best light shows in the Carbon Leaf catalogue. Trust me; I’ve seen the song done dozens of times. Each time, the lighting just gets better and really enunciates the way the verses & pre-choruses are set-up. As I’ve said all along, if you haven’t been to a Carbon Leaf show, you need to go to one. Even if you have to drive three hours, trust me it’s worth it. There’s nothing like seeing your favorite songs against an amazing backdrop of lights and there is absolutely no performance like “Desperation Song” in Carbon Leaf, or many other bands, sets. It’s truly one-of-a-kind and something you can’t miss.

Song: Desperation Song
Album: Echo Echo
Year: 2001

This might seem weird, but I’ve always viewed “What About Everything?” as the better version of “Life Less Ordinary.” I don’t mean that as an insult though. Honestly, the songs are pretty similar and open the album up as tracks one & two. But more, I think it’s that both songs are basically love song encased within a uniquely written pop song that makes. Well, “Life Less Ordinary” isn’t basically a love song, it is one. I have always viewed “What About Everything?” though as an ode to the carefree nature of love. That “who cares” attitude you have when you’re with each other. Nothing else matters and nothing should. It’s all in the moment. Because the song is disguised a bit more and just has such a clever lyrical structure, I think I would stand by my statement that this is a better version of “Life Less Ordinary.” Again, no insults intended at all. Both are amazing, but I think it edging out the former by about five slots on the countdown is definitely valid here.

I’ve talked on and on about Indian Summer being that playlist for that summer party. This is perhaps the song that fits perfectly into the summer theme. Carefree, whimsical, random, and just pure fun; that’s what the best summers are no matter what age you are. “Life Less Ordinary” is that song that comes on and sends everyone in a relationship screaming to finds their partner. “What About Everything?” is that song that just gets everyone screaming and dancing instantly. Sure, I think it’s a love song at the core, but it’s very easy to take appreciation in the lyrics no matter what kind of place you’re in. The lyrics are that good that they fit perfectly with about any mental state of mind. Again, Carbon Leaf? Master songwriters. Not just Barry either, the band itself. Take out the lyrics and it’s almost as if the music is painting a picture of a beach paradise. Sit back, crack a beer, and relax. Really, what about everything? Who cares?

Song: What About Everything?
Album: Indian Summer
Year: 2004

I think I’ve made my feelings on Love Loss Hope Repeat be known. I’m really not trying to be negative, but I would consider it to be one of my least favorite Carbon Leaf albums. However, the album does hold something for me. In my opinion, Love Loss Hope Repeat holds the best written Carbon Leaf song ever written on it: “The War Was In Color.” I think the songs that ended up ahead of this song are all top-level, excellent songs, but really, “The War Was In Color” is a career masterpiece that most bands never achieve. It’s like “One” was for U2 almost except that this song really blows that one on all front. Not even Carbon Leaf, this might be one of the top ten best songs of the 2000s and if the band was on the radar of any publication, I think they would back me up on this very strongly.

“Man, you feel very strong about this.” Damn right and it’s not just because I have a lot of friends in military. This song is just so beautiful written. The lyrics & music behind it were crafted so perfectly that it’s a living tribute to anyone who ever put on a uniform. It’s a cautionary tale, but not in the political sense. It is blunt and honest: this was and still is war. It even gives you the why for most people. It gives you the gritty details you see in movies and marvel at, but never really think about the real life implications for. It haunts, it lectures, it illuminates, and it resonates. There’s no one thing greater than the rest in the song either. The repetitive guitar chord gives the illusion of a solider marching, the lyrics tell a story perfectly from the eyes of a man who’s seen far too much, the electric guitar really enunciates the importance of the message, and the total package is staggering. Seriously: one of the best songs ever written here. I don’t care if you disagree either. I’d say you were just wrong, but the narrator here would just say that’s your right. He earned it for you.

Song: The War Was In Color
Album: Love Loss Hope Repeat
Year: 2006

As I said with “Life Less Ordinary,” there are two songs by Carbon Leaf that are most commonly associated with them, that one and “The Boxer.” It is their trademark song similar to how you think instantly of Nirvana with “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” It’s their go to set-closer or encore song and the one guaranteed song that will whip the crowd into a frenzy no matter what day and no matter what city. It’s a fantastic song too and is evocative of their Irish-rock sound evident on Echo Echo, something that really captured a lot of fans around that time period. Here we are, over ten years later and basically four albums later; people are still longing for that Irish-rock sound and awaiting its return. They must have done something right to get that emotion from people and listening to “The Boxer” will prove that they did just that.

Of course, “The Boxer” is their trademark for many more reasons. It is their award song. It won them an International Songwriting Award in the Rock category. It won them Pontiac Vibe’s Summer Sound Off Competition. Oh and it even let them make history at the American Music Awards. In January 2002, the band won the first ever (and what ended up being only) Coca-Cola New Music Award and got them the chance to play on national television. Of course, that would make them the first, and one of the few, unsigned bands to play live on national television. Not too shabby, huh? So the song basically sums up their best work to date, it’s the best crowd pleaser a decade away, it won them three awards, it got them on live television; yeah, it’s safe to say without argument that this is their trademark song. Wouldn’t you think?

Song: The Boxer
Album: Echo Echo
Year: 2001

I think everyone will have their opinion on what should or shouldn’t have made the list, but looking over the list, I came up with 5 songs that I think a big, big case could have been made for them to end up anywhere in the bottom 25 and for two of them, maybe even the top 25.

“Flood”
I could be wrong, but “Flood” was their big song around the time Shadows In The Banquet Hall came out. A music video for it ending up winning Internet Underground Music Archive award too. It kind of fits in with “Come Again?” in that the music portion of it would probably have fit in with the alt-rock sound of the time. Live & Collective Soul and all that probably. But the song is unmistakably Carbon Leaf. Check out some older Carbon Leaf shows and it’s one of the most consistent songs from Shadows In The Banquet Hall to show up.

“Ordinary Eyes”
It’s a folk song with some urgency! It’s almost like the White Rabbit’s theme song with him hopping everywhere so quickly. You can see the comparisons, right? Anyway, it opens their third album up and really sets the pace, tone, and general statement well for that album. The song is just so much fun I’m surprised it didn’t squeeze in. Who among us doesn’t love the bass vs. folk breakdown in the second part of the song? Who wouldn’t?

“Lonesome Pine”
I really like that intricate guitar part with that country, John Fox Jr. twang that just makes it stand-out on Echo Echo. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m pretty surprised “Mellow Tone” beat out this for the list. Nothing wrong with “Mellow Tone,” but is it as brave as this? Give it a re-listen and maybe you’ll re-evaluate the list you sent me. No? Come on, you know it’s yes.

“Learn To Fly”
First off, Katy Perry is in the music video. Dudette, do us a favor. Publicize this. Get the word out about Carbon Leaf. Help a brother out, you know? Anyway, I’m pretty surprised this didn’t make the countdown at all as I’m sure others are. It’s a good Carbon Leaf song chockfull of all the things you love about the band. Best part has to be the lead-up into the final chorus. It’s one of those things Carbon Leaf can hit really well and this song is no exception.

“Love Loss Hope Repeat”
This and Learn To Fly are the most obvious and glaring omissions from our list. They both narrowly missed out on the top 50. So narrowly that this was 51 and Learn To Fly was 52. The title track for their 2006 album, the song has probably one of the best sing-a-long chorus in Carbon Leaf lore and manages to sneak in a sweeping guitar part that just soars over and perfectly falls after Learn To Fly on the album. Maybe Carter was the dirty bird who learned to fly? Maybe, but don’t call Carter a dirty bird in public. He probably won’t enjoy that.

Now onto the albums…

I put up a poll asking what the best Carbon Leaf album on the left side of the site as we started the countdown and got a good response. A little while afterwards though, a voter asked me if I could do a vote on the albums like we did the songs since she thought some of the albums would jump up using that system and there might be a more clear-cut winner. I sent out an e-mail to all who voted and got back little more than half with responses on the album. I included all studio albums, the two live albums, their Christmas album, and their most recent EP. I didn’t throw in the soundtrack, but so many people included Curious George in their list that I had to include it. A lot of people mentioned the Covers EP as well, but with only four songs and only covers, I figured it wouldn’t be worthwhile. Here’s what we came up with:

1. Echo Echo
2. Indian Summer
3. Nothing Rhymes With Woman
4. Christmas Child
5. Live, Acoustic, And In Cinemascope!
6. Shadows In The Banquet Hall
7. 5 Alive!
8. Love Loss Hope Repeat
9. Ether-Electrified Porch Music
10. How The West Was Vol. One
11. Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey
11. Meander

It seems like the general consensus is that the three great Carbon Leaf albums are Echo Echo, Indian Summer, & Nothing Rhymes With Woman. I think the third there will always end up the third, but I think on a different day, some Carbon Leaf fans might go for Indian Summer over Echo Echo. Here though, Echo Echo won out by a pretty decent margin. I agree with the list too: Echo Echo is truly their finest work. It’s the best album I’ve heard come out of 2001 overall for sure and really has their best collection of good & great songs out there. No filler at all.

Christmas Child shot up using this ranking system as opposed to a single vote like to the left. A lot of people love the Christmas album and what’s really not to love? Live, Acoustic, And In Cinemascope! beats out 5 Alive! which probably has to do with three more albums worth of songs being represented and the fact that it is more readily available for those newer fans. I ranked 5 Alive! higher, but that’s just a preference of mine and both are excellent.

Meander ranks the lowest as I’m sure the self-titled by Red Hot Chili Peppers and the self-titled by Queen would be ranked lowest by fans. It’s the beginning – it’s only going to get better. Love Loss Hope Repeat & Ether-Electrified Porch Music have a lower ranking which I think is probably for how scattered they are. They literally have some of the best Carbon Leaf songs and some of the most skipable ones. An album that follows a masterpiece like “The War Was In Color” with “Bright Lights” & “International Airport” kind of speaks for itself. No offense if you like those songs, but there are very few songs that Carbon Leaf has that could follow “The War Was In Color.”

In comparison, here is how many songs made it from each album:

Echo Echo – 12 of 14 (2 in the top 10 & 2 in the top 5)
Indian Summer – 11 of 11 (4 in the top 10 & 2 in the top 5)
Nothing Rhymes With Woman – 10 of 14 (2 in the top 10)
Christmas Child – 1 of 9
Live, Acoustic, And In Cinemascope! – 1 live version only song
Shadows In The Banquet Hall – 4 of 11
5 Alive! – 1 live version only song
Love Loss Hope Repeat – 4 of 11 (1 in the top 10 & 1 in the top 5)
Ether-Electrified Porch Music – 3 of 12 (1 in the top 10)
How The West Was One – 3 of 7
Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey – 1 of 7
Meander – 0 of 12

Using this logic, Indian Summer has a clear shot at being called the best Carbon Leaf album since it has a perfect score and the most in the top 10. Again, I think the list shows how scattered Love Loss Hope Repeat and Ether-Electrified Porch Music. Some really great songs and some that really seem a little out of place. Poor Meander though. Am I the only one who loves “Skeleton Man Dance?”

Time for the top 5 Carbon Leaf songs!

This song ended up higher than I thought it would. If I had to guess, I would have thought probably in the 15-20 range. Then the votes started pouring in and LOSB is up there consistently on every ballot. Heck, there was a stretch where I got five ballots in a row all with it as their number one song. I do not doubt the song though; I had it in the top ten for my ballot. For some reason, I just didn’t picture it ending up that high. So as I was getting ready to write this, I put it on. Then again. Then again. I probably listened to it about 5 times in a row and nothing kind of clicked. There’s nothing overwhelming amazing about this song, but after umpteen listens, it was clear that it’s just a great song. Everything clicks and I must have sang-a-long just as loud the fifth time I heard it as the first time I did. I could tell you a dozen reasons why a song like “Shine” is just a great song. I don’t have a dozen reasons here, but I can tell you with the upmost confidence that I’d rather listen to this one over-and-over than “Shine.”

One thing I can say about the song though is it has that excellent bridge section. Carbon Leaf employs the same technique from time to time to finish up a song and this is perhaps their finest example. A bridge section realistically in a song should get you to build towards the last final hurrah of the song without utilizing the same thing you’ve done once or twice already. Ring any bells here? The music drops and Barry quietly & reflectively sings a few lines, but then it really gets interesting. The call to “wake up” is repeated as the drums thunder in and the guitar swells around it. As it comes to a head again, the music all drops out save a solitary guitar strum before the band really cranks it up to 11 for that final sprint to the end. Like I said, they utilize this kind of thing with a bunch of songs, but it really shines here and ends an already great song on the highest of notes. Well, Barry would have done that anyway with the falsetto notes towards the end, but still…

Song: Lake Of Silver Bells
Album: Nothing Rhymes With Woman
Year: 2009