General Gregory N. Pigott: Late Night Music The Ground Is Frozen Outside Edition Part 86........"We Don't Need No Fire Let The Mother Freaker Burn!"

We often consider fire as a great "invention", but wasn't it natural? We found cool ways to create it, but no one "invented" fire. Glad we got that cleared up now. Just due to its own mysterious nature, its also seen as powerful in both a literal and metaphorical sense. So many times fire and its action of burning are used as tools by songwriters to convey their feelings and viewpoints through music. Tonight's list looks at some of those songs. Plus, it's freaking cold outside- let's heat it up!

In order to be considered for this list, the song title had to have something to do with fire or burning. Also receiving votes in this category were "Freewheel Burning" by Judas Priest, "Sex On Fire" by Kings of Leon, "Burning Up" by The Jonas Brothers, "What Is It To Burn?" by Finch. NOT RECEIVING VOTES was "Burn It To The Ground" by Nickelback- do I have to explain why?. Also, I would like everyone to know that I intentionally left off "Burnin' Up" by the Jonas Brothers just because some of you were beginning to worry about me. I also intentionally left off "Light My Fire" by the Doors. I'm sorry, that song just really gets on my nerves.

"Burning Bright"- Shinedown. Shinedown has always been kinda different because this Jacksonville band is borderline redneck. I mean they DID cover a Lynyrd Skynyrd song on their debut album "Leave A Whisper" and then release it as a single. They also have some shades of grunge in them, which makes them a cool combo. With that being said, this has got to be my favorite song by them, as it writes a new definition for the modern power ballad. Those of you really paying attention might notice that this song has been as my status on more than one occasion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIAF1tXFsuc

"Fire Is Low"- Freshlyground. For the last 8 years, Freshlyground has been one of the most popular bands in Africa with what has to be one of the oddest combination of sounds in music, and on top of that they have band members from South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Even just listening to this song off of their latest album "Radio Africa" just shows how diverse they really are and how universal traditional African music can really be. Lead singer Zolani Mohala has an UNBELIEVABLE voice! Wow what a great song! I can spot 5 types of music in this one. I have a feeling more than one of you is gonna thank me for putting this one on here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nUAarErp5Y

"Burn"- Usher. Wow Usher pulled a rare list streak by appearing on 2 consecutive lists. Anyone with half a brain knows that this song is about Usher's much publicized and controversial break up with Chili from TLC. I still think he's crazy for leaving her, but this is one great song. I have to admit that I was always skeptical of Usher's ability to write serious tone songs like this before this one was released in 2004 on his much anticipated album "Confessions". For traditional R & B fans like myself, this song in my opinion turned over a new leaf for Usher and really showed his maturity as a songwriter. Despite that, his ears are still way too freaking big. I'm also gonna take away massive bonus points on this one for having a female in the video that isn't anywhere near as hot as Chili. He said the song was about her, and then tried to fool us? Stupid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5XNWFw5HVw

"Burn Down The Mission"- Elton John. Man it doesn't get much better than early Elton John! In 1970, Elton John released his second US album "The Tumbleweed Connection", with this song closing out what some call the best EJ album ever. This song is one of the few Bernie Taupin/Elton John compositions that is literally open to interpretation, as neither really revealed the true meaning of the song. While you can obviously use metaphors all day long, the song tells the story of a man going to desperate measures to save his oppressed village and his family. However, in the end, he is unsuccessful- sorry if I ruined it for you. The piano/orchestra interludes show what Elton John had in store for many years to come, as the album (with the exception of the song "Come Down In Time") uses very little advanced instrumentation and musical interludes, and is considered by some to be a country album. When I saw Elton John live in 1997 I remember him playing this song quite well- this will always be one of this best concert songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSm-l3Bo3Cw

"Fire And Rain"- James Taylor. In 1968, James Taylor met a group by the name of the Beatles and became their first ever artist signed to their new label Apple Records. His debut album was wildly successful and produced one of his best known songs "Carolina In My Mind". In 1971, his much anticipated follow up album "Sweet Baby James" included this deeply personal song that reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1968, while recording his first album in England, word got to the producers that James Taylor's dear friend Suzanne had passed away. Afraid that he would be distracted while working, they waited a whole SIX MONTHS before letting him know the news. This song was about that, as well as his battle with drug addiction. I've always thought James Taylor had one of the most soothing voices in music. This song just makes it all more the more evident. Great live version here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T35WXFOmwI

"Burn"- Tina Arena. Most people now the country version of this song made famous by Jo Dee Messina, but this song was the lead single for Australian mega pop star Tina Arena's 1997 album "In Deep", and was a #1 hit in Australia. I've always thought that Tina Arena could have been way more famous if she had born an American, because this song is just freaking awesome, but you could always kinda tell that this would be a country song at some point. I actually just stopped writing to watch this video and admire the song- very rare. However, after watching this video, I see where Natalie Imbruglia stole her look from.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vgCZYnIbWs

"Burn It Up"- R Kelly. YES! I was able to find a song on "TP.3 Reloaded" that wasn't "Trapped In The Closet". In 2005, R Kelly released what he called the "third installment of his "12 Play" albums" that was simply a 19 track one hour orgasm. This is a pretty good song, but I'm taking away bonus points for the Spanish rapping by Puerto Rican rap group Wisin and Yandel. If the person who sings the song has no idea what the rappers says, the song should automatically be disqualified.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBnU3cJ2hMA

"Ring Of Fire"- Johnny Cash. I know I'd never hear the end of it if it wasn't on here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It7107ELQvY

"We Didn't Start The Fire"- Billy Joel. This song cracks me up, because according to some media outlets, Billy Joel was considered "The Fastest Rapper In The World" after recording this song. Why don't those idiots listen a little closer. I also crack up when this song was used in classrooms to "make students aware of American History". Seriously? Despite those two stupid comments, this song is cool in concept, composition, and lyrics. The video isn't too bad either. I'll also say that in 1989 Billy Joel was still riding his wave of popularity from the 1980's and with the release of "Storm Front" to close out the 80's, he was not only one of the most successful artists, he was also one of the coolest men alive at this point just because he was married to Christie Brinkley. Look at him then and look at him now- losing a woman like that will do a number on you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFTLKWw542g

"Burning Down The House"- The Cardigans and Tom Jones. I wanna give whoever thought of this combo a gold medal for eternal comedy value. I wish I would have known about this song earlier because it would have been included on my "Odd Couples" entry. What a strange duo! However, after listening to the song I can see that having Tom Jones in the song can make Nina Persson sound so much better. Also, COVER SONG ALERT as this song was originally recorded by the Talking Heads in 1983. Does anyone else think that Lady Gaga may have watched this video a few times? Also, you may think I'm crazy, but I always think Nina Persson is Kirsten Dunst in diguise. You be the judge on that one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYuFIrSLD84

"Slow Dancing In A Burning Room"- John Mayer. Same song, new video. This song is just so incredible I feel the need to include several versions of it. This slightly slower version may be better just because John Mayer decided to not sing out the side of his mouth as much on this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJzGtzGydtQ

"Burning Man"- Third Eye Blind. This forgotten song on Third Eye Blind's 1997 debut album (DANG WAS IT SERIOUSLY THAT LONG AGO?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!) was written by Kevin Cadogan and is obviously about a drug addict's battle with sobriety. Cadogan was fired from 3EB in 2000, and those of us who are real fans of the band have always seen this as a turning point. While the band is still fantastic, the songwriting rate of the band slowed to a crawl and it's been dreadfully evident.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9kWDLHtpFY

"Fire Escape"- Fastball. Surprisingly, this is Fastball's first ever appearance, and like their career, this "one album wonder" really just showed up and left with their 1998 album "All The Pain Money Can Buy". With hits "The Way", "Out Of My Head", and this song here sung and written by Miles Zuniga (I have no idea if he is related to Daphne from "Melrose Place"), which is good because co-frontman Tony Scalzo has one of the most messed up grills I've ever seen. I'm glad we're spared this time from looking at it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jMyjjeSWak

"Burning Out"- Tata Young. Tata Young is probably the most famous artist in Thailand, and is quite possibly the most famous artist right now in Asia. In 2009, Tata released her third English album "Ready For Love". The album was released as a concept album to showcase different R & B styles for Tata to sing to appeal to a wider audience, as the album was a smash hit in Europe and Australia. It's just a matter of time before Tata Young is famous in the United States. Good live performance here from the Bangkok Airport. This woman has some great stage presence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM0PUMCYd-o

"Burning Up"- Madonna. This video shows us the days when Madonna legs weren't even on speaking terms because they never saw each other. This single was Madonna's second ever off her 1983 debut album. I always thought Madonna's early stuff was really good, but this video is SO 80's! LOL! That being said, in the lyrics and in this video we saw a sign of things to come, as "Justify My Love" would come along 15 years later. Listen/watch closely, you'll see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pufec0Hps00

"Disco Inferno"- The Trammps. All I'm gonna say is that I once on VH1 the lead singer Jimmy Ellis called the Trammps the "number 1 disco group of all time". Can't make that up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_sY2rjxq6M

BONUS VIDEOS- "Borderline"- Madonna. Always my favorite early Madonna song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSaC-YbSDpo

"Doo Be Doo"- Freshlyground. Another great one- I'm hooked on this group.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLuSyqMlm_U