A nogoodforme Magnum Opus: The Men, I Mean Dudes, Behind the Magic

We love doling out little hits of fashion, style, music and other goodness here, but sometimes we like to get a little in-depth and super-obsesso about our loves and passions. Until we get to publish our epic compilation essay collection, which will no doubt be jam-packed with the verve and eccentricity you've come to expect from nogoodforme.com, we decided to start a longer essay series, which we encourage you to print out and read on the subway, at the cafe, at lunch, or when you're at the library and want to look like you're studying instead blowing off your Western Civ paper. (Unless, of course, you're the reckless type who likes to read long essays straight off the computer screen. I know some of you out there live on the edge that way.) Today, Laura Jane will kick us off with a characteristically cynical-yet-saccharine ode to four dudes, four amazing records, and pop music's quadruply magical capacity for getting under your fingernails and transforming you forever. This "hyper-solo essay" is the culmination of a lifetime spent monomaniacally scouring the world for the most dashing, potent, transcendental and euphoric songs ever recorded to tape, and it is dedicated to all you other foolish geniuses who recognize the worthiness of such a pursuit.

Some Preparatory Listening Material:

Roy Wood, "Songs of Praise"
Matthew Friedberger, "Up the River"
Paul McCartney, "Dear Boy"
Van Dyke Parks, "The Attic"
Roy Wood, "Rock Down Low"
Matthew Friedberger, "I Started Drinking Alcohol at the Age of Eleven"
Paul McCartney, "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey"
Van Dyke Parks, "Vine Street"

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