A Love Song To The City Of Angels
Unless you live under a rock somewhere deep in the heart of the rainforest, you’ve heard Jay-Z and Alicia Keys‘ “Empire State Of Mind” and regardless of whether or not you like “that kind” of music, you know you love this song. It’s the kind of song that gives you goose bumps and makes you proud to be a New Yorker, even if you’re not.
“In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
Theres nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York,
These streets will make you feel brand new,
The lights will inspire you,
Lets here it for New York, New York, New York”
Personally, the song itself makes me wanna head east, but why would I ever leave the greatest place in the United States…L.A. baby! So if New York has an anthem that the ENTIRE world is singing and celebrating, well then where is the anthem Angelenos deserve, one that gets NATIONAL radio airplay?
Yes, we have many many songs that profess their eternal and undying love for L.A. We have a ton of songs about getting drunk, getting high and getting laid in Cali. We have songs about surfing, rocking and dying in the City Of Angels. The list goes on and on and on. From The Doors to Tupac to Phantom Planet, we have songs for every season, but we don’t have THE song. The one quintessential song about Los Angeles that captures all that this place is: eclectic, free-spirited, liberated… A song that gives props to Wahoos and In-N-Out, surfing in the morning and snowboarding in the afternoon, Dodger dogs and Disneyland.
Where is our anthem and who’s gonna write it? LA owns some of the most talented rappers and rockers in the world. Surely someone can put into words how we all feel about our home. Our California.
No offense to any of the following talented musicians and their beloved songs, but where’s our theme for today’s Los Angeles?
Is there a song out there that we don’t know about? Is there a somewhere in SoCal that’s already written “our” modern day LA Anthem? Let us know.
ChaChee
January 7, 2010 5:25 pm
What about Ozomatli?! City of Angels?
NYCQUEEN
January 9, 2010 2:22 pm
There is no way Jay would do an LA Anthem…it doesnt need one and LA has no state of mind…who would sing the female vocals? Miley Cyrus? WACK IDEA, no New Yorker will show this respect…
Lightning
January 11, 2010 8:46 am
We don’t want Jay Z to do an LA Anthem. The photo was a joke. Everyone knows he’d never rock a Dodger cap.
You see, New Yorkers believe that the Big Apple is the center of the world. We think many people out West would simply beg to differ. And, there’s no shortage of LA/Cali songs to prove it.
NYCQUEEN
January 11, 2010 10:16 am
Litghtning, that’s a good thing that you don’t “want” Jay to do an LA Anthem, because, again, there is no “state of mind” in LA. And, if there are no shortage of songs or artists, who would do an LA Anthem that is as fresh as Jay & Alicia? And, by the way, everyone knows the Big Apple is the center of the world.
Abel
January 12, 2010 12:26 pm
How the hell did you get that anyone wanted JwackassZ to an anthem for us. And why would Miley get involved shes not from here either. Clearly we have enough talent here in LA and enough songs. So new yorkes are all in love with their song who cares we got songs for everystyle! Much Love New York kiss my azz.
Paul
January 7, 2010 5:26 pm
I give me vote to Tupac’s – California Love. Surely this song will win by a landslide with not a doubt in my mind.
chrisdubz
January 8, 2010 7:34 am
California Love just doesn’t L.A., it covers all major cities in the state…it would just seem weird to have that as the theme song
SoCa
January 7, 2010 6:17 pm
LA doesn’t need an athem to know how truely great it is… I wouldn’t move to the east if they paid me the weather sucks and there’s more to do here
Nicole Alvarez
January 7, 2010 7:40 pm
True, but it DESERVES one. All the love we have for it…we can write this anthem!
Mike
January 7, 2010 6:29 pm
2Pac’s – To Live and Die in LA
Rebecca
January 9, 2010 10:46 pm
^ Yup
sam
January 12, 2010 8:25 am
This (to live and die in LA)
Osmar Rodriguez
January 7, 2010 6:53 pm
Under The Bridge? By the Red Hot Chili Peppers? That and maybe Californication?
Ronald
January 12, 2010 6:01 pm
totally, first one that came to mind…how could they not mention it!
Californication its pretty good too…lyrics wise!
Steve
January 7, 2010 7:16 pm
Los Angeles by Sugarcult
Flea
January 7, 2010 7:18 pm
under the bridge?????????????
Nicole Alvarez
January 7, 2010 7:39 pm
I thought about “Under the Bridge” but considering its back story and the whole heroin thing….ya get what I’m saying?
Tony
January 7, 2010 7:39 pm
Rilo Kiley – Spectacular Views
It’s about the Palisades not LA specifically but awesome song nonetheless.
bean
January 7, 2010 7:47 pm
Great post, Nicole. I always think that one you mentioned. “I Love L.A.” is the official theme song of the city, especially thanks to all the play at Laker games on national TV over the years. Not a big hit though like Jay-Z/Alicia. I heart you.
69iner
January 7, 2010 8:05 pm
Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers deserves to be the anthem of LA, oh and ive never heard of Empire State of Mind
L. Mark
January 7, 2010 8:11 pm
What about Murs – L.A.??
Nicole Alvarez
January 7, 2010 8:35 pm
Alright guys and gals, I recognize that all of these songs have to do with LA or Cali and what have you, but, I’m talking about an anthem that moves the entire world. Like “Empire State of Mind”. P.S. “Californication” is way too depressing to represent this fine land. I’m just syain’.
ricomike
January 8, 2010 2:14 am
what about ” we run L.A ” by Ya-boy and Dr. Hollywood
this was one of 2009′s most played song
Micky
January 8, 2010 1:47 pm
Its not just L.A. its SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA! Because really nobody lives in L.A. or at least the part that everyone see’s in the movies.
L.A. is above a theme song. “Empire State of Mind” is a good song, but New York needs to stick to what it does best, Getting destroyed in movies!
Ms. Monica
January 8, 2010 8:31 am
Definitely….L.A. by Murs…describes LA to a tee!
Dave Allen
January 7, 2010 10:08 pm
Like Cha Chee says, Ozomatli epitomizes LA-City of Angels.
Cesar
January 7, 2010 10:38 pm
Hollywood Undead – California
katie from norwalk
January 8, 2010 12:46 am
If I had talent for writing music, I would so write a song for los angeles. We need a band from l.a to write it….
jaime
January 8, 2010 1:08 am
To Live and Die in LA
alex
January 8, 2010 1:16 am
im philippines, and everybody in here in my place is listening to kroq fm tru internet. how about ” To live and Die and L.A. by tupac shakur..
al v05
January 8, 2010 5:23 am
yeah , the Ozo song, eveytime im home sick i put that one one. As someone that from LA and living abroad.
Rick V.
January 8, 2010 5:51 am
ok come on people not any of the songs from RHCP and I’m not hating on them I’m actually a fan of there music, but we are talking about a song that gives you goose bumps and make you proud to be a New Yorker. Neither Under the bridge nor Californiacation give anyone goose bumps.
Jared
January 8, 2010 5:52 am
What are you talking about? “Under the Bridge” is the heart and soul of L.A. Just look at the video. It has L.A all over it. I would like a song about Sydney because people down in Oz need some lovin too.
Nicole Alvarez
January 8, 2010 7:14 pm
I totally agree it is a beautiful song about LA, BUT…have you ever read “Scar Tissue”????
unnamed
January 8, 2010 5:58 am
mötley crüe – saints of los angeles
chrisdubz
January 8, 2010 7:38 am
Let’s not forget about Murs & 9th Wonder -”L.A.”. I feel “I Love L.A.” is the offcial theme song,,,
B
January 8, 2010 7:41 am
To live and die in LA by 2pac
Billy
January 8, 2010 8:05 am
How could you not consider “Under The Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers?? It beats any of the songs you listed, and beautifully captures life here. The drug reference at the end is a bit dark, but that is part of life here also. One of the best songs ever, and I am not a huge Peppers fan. A true LA anthem.
Nicole Alvarez
January 8, 2010 7:15 pm
Again, AMAZING song and I love driving thru this city listening to it, but again, have you read “Scar Tissue”.?
69iner
January 11, 2010 11:22 pm
i read that for my book report, its one of my favorites, its funny i got an A on it while my teacher was reviewing the book she came across the pictures of his girlfriend and i got sent to the office where they assigned me a Saturday school, its funny since that book was in the school library
Raven
January 8, 2010 8:27 am
I remember hearing “I love LA during game time” growing up….. being stuck on the east coast that always makes me think of home, so does KROQ. lol I still listen to you guys in the morning via the internet, because they don’t have it together here. The Ozomatli is ok… how about this one by Ozomatli -Can’t Stop the Blue
Raven
January 8, 2010 8:35 am
While I am over here freezing my @** off in the NE Mamas and the Papas California Dreaming seems appropriate.
Raven
January 8, 2010 8:42 am
or Guns ‘n’ Roses: Paradise City
Raven
January 8, 2010 8:50 am
omit paradise city…
Raven
January 8, 2010 9:12 am
The Briggs – This is LA!!!! no matter where I got it will be my home.
Sarah L
January 8, 2010 8:56 am
THE BRIGGS “This is LA” is the effing athem! How is it not about “today’s” Los Angeles???? It just came out a year or two ago and it kicks azz. All the LA sports teams play it too.
eLLAyJAy
January 8, 2010 9:12 am
This song blows!
Sethoz
January 8, 2010 9:44 am
Rilo Kiley’s “I Love LA” (don’t think it’s on any album, but they perform it live).
Francisco
January 8, 2010 9:52 am
what about To Live and Die and L.A.
Dr.Graves
January 8, 2010 9:54 am
LOs Angeles Is Burning by BAD RELIGION!! or L.A River by Rancid.. LoL
Angelica
January 8, 2010 11:04 am
Number 5 on the list above is the anthem for L.A. in my opinion.
Louie
January 8, 2010 11:11 am
THIS IS LA by The Briggs is an amazing fucking song for LA. Ti doesn’t generalize the whole state like California Love, or Californiacation. It pin points LA specifically, shows that its our home, and shows all the pride in it.
jackie
January 8, 2010 11:15 am
California Love by Tupac and This is L.A. by The Briggs are both good songs!!!
bones
January 8, 2010 12:09 pm
THE BRIGGS – THIS IS LA…
to hell with sheryl crow, to hell with the distillers, seriously its all about X, Bad Religion and The Briggs and of course my dogg, RIP homie 2pac.
Noc
January 8, 2010 12:10 pm
I vote for This is LA by the The Briggs. Its a bad ass song and it sounds athem like.
Kain
January 8, 2010 12:26 pm
The Briggs are far more superior then Tu Pac & Chilli Peppers combined. The song fits perfectly and makes me fell at home
the one behind the wheel
January 8, 2010 12:38 pm
walking in LA- MISSING PERSONS
You will deign to scratch your car, JUST to fit your vehicle into that tight spot, because no, you will NOT walk. We do everything but walk. We pay way too much for parking, between the meter maids, tickets received for being 5 minutes over the limit, to the ridiculous rates for a night out, be it a concert or for drinks. From the mall, to beach… they count on our unwillingness to walk a little, and save a buck. Parking attendants are our regular milkmen. You could build relationships with them if you wanted to. To say we’re not lazy is way too easy. We have too many things to do. Even if that thing, is doing a whole lotta not much. We’d rather drive to the yoga class, than walk there. That’s our state of mind. Time is precious, and we’re a little backwards.
Angeleno
the one behind the wheel
January 8, 2010 1:10 pm
check it out for the out of towners who move here:
Good Charlotte – The Riverby good-guy
basically, you need a borne ‘n bred artist to do that for ya. In other words, if you’re from LA, chances are, the entertainment industry is ur blood.
Carlos
January 8, 2010 12:50 pm
Dani California-Red Hot Chili Peppers
69iner
January 11, 2010 11:19 pm
that should be the antem fuck Jay-Z
Liz M
January 8, 2010 12:59 pm
I love you so much for this, Nicole. I have my own L.A./CA playlist and I play it whenever I’m in the city.
California Love is one of my faves and The Briggs-I Love L.A. is awesome as well.
Liz M
January 8, 2010 1:19 pm
edit: This is L.A.
I was thinking of how much Randy Newman’s song needs to be covered or something.
Revan
January 8, 2010 1:19 pm
are you kidding me?? the Briggs this is la is an amazing song. tats why the la kings made it their song too
DMC
January 8, 2010 1:31 pm
i cannot believe there isnt even one chili peppers song on the LA list!
AustinAnne
January 8, 2010 1:36 pm
This is LA, by the Briggs! How can you think other wise? “this is LA, our city our home” And have you heard them preform it live? Its amazing! I get goose bumps. The song makes me love LA that much more.
drinkdrumpunk
January 8, 2010 2:12 pm
The Briggs – This is L.A. IS the anthem….
end of story…
but who really cares what kroq thinks anyways, their playlist is crap… they havent been good for years… i hope it sees it’s demise in the near future…
jay
January 11, 2010 6:13 pm
well said, the briggs rock and kroq sucks. do they even play the briggs? i wouldnt know because i turn on the crappy radio station
Pete
January 8, 2010 2:21 pm
The BGIGGS “This is LA” is the most deserving song for LA!!! Both the Dodgers and Kings use the song to pump up the crowds!!
Tony
January 8, 2010 2:37 pm
The Briggs may actually have the best LA song that has heart and anthem qualities to it. That one may be the best choice.
Steve
January 8, 2010 2:40 pm
This Is LA by The Briggs is hands down, the song for modern Los Angeles. Read those again and tell me thats not the best song for LA
This is L.A.
Our city our home.
Los Angeles,
we never walk alone.
Forever true we’ll stay
in tribute to our city,
no matter where we go
this is our home.
On the sunset strip,
the devil’s hard at work.
If you wanna play you gotta pay you know
to keep the clubs from going under.
That’s the price to grace the floor
as every fool before.
Underneath the haze
in the streets of this maze
all the way from the 10 to the 5 to the 134.
these streets are nothing but a parking lot
but I don’t care ‘cause I’m not going anywhere.
[Chorus]
It’s 2AM again, when will I ever learn.
If those warm winds blow me home tonight
I’ll have a place to lay my head
I’ll leave my troubles at the foot of my bed.
On the west coast shore,
it’s been far too long.
So what if I got no money in my pockets.
I’ll always stand up strong,
‘cause I’m in the city where I belong.
maggie
January 8, 2010 2:58 pm
this is la.. hands doooown.
just becaus it’s not from one of the nine bands kroq plays..the briggs totally won this.
erin
January 8, 2010 3:05 pm
Newport Beach has an anthem! If you’ve ever partied in NB you’ll appreciate this…
totally awesome
j.
January 10, 2010 3:28 pm
Newport blows horse sh*t
L. Lane
January 8, 2010 3:31 pm
The Briggs.
They’re beyond amazing. I don’t know how you guys have ANY ear for talent if you don’t see the meaning in “This is LA”
Have you SEEN The Briggs live? Have you SEEN the way the crowd loves this band?
It’s about the fans, not your opinion on whether you think its shitty or not.
Sports teams use that song.
“this is LA, our city our home!”
Art
January 8, 2010 3:41 pm
My Vote is for The Briggs – This Is LA… its amazing being on stage when they sing that song.
Jackie
January 8, 2010 3:58 pm
If you really don’t know L.A.’s theme song, obviously you haven’t seen The Briggs perform live.
strummergrrl
January 8, 2010 4:02 pm
lets go briggs,lets go!!!!
the vickinator!
January 8, 2010 6:08 pm
hell fucking yes!! the briggs this is LA!!
theres no question about it, thats it, its done.
DC
January 8, 2010 5:28 pm
This Is L.A. by The Briggs. I wake up to that song every morning. No negativity, no hate. Just love for the City of Angels, plain and simple.
ANdy
January 8, 2010 6:04 pm
The Briggs- This is LA. It speaks of the unity and brotherhood that everyone can share, just by being proud you’re from LA. Just because “punk” music can’t be spread across different genres ears like in the case of Alicia Keys, doesn’t mean it can’t speak for millions of people. It says it in the first line, “This is LA, our city, our home.” I wouldn’t be more proud if someone from Portland would write an anthem like that, but everyone’s sad because of the rain.
Nicole Alvarez
January 8, 2010 7:16 pm
Hey guys and gals! The list wasn’t made to include every song about LA, the whold point of this was to get you guys to make the list yourselves and brainstorm together. So, please don’t yell at me for leaving something out, it was intentional. The posted list is just a start up for you guys to add to….get it?
Richard M.
January 8, 2010 7:38 pm
I’m late to the game, but “This is L.A.” by The Briggs is THE anthem. When that song came out, I felt like a spoiled Bostonian who had great songs written about their cities by bands like Dropkick Murphys, Street Dogs, Ducky Boys, etc… “I’m an ACO” by Angel City Outcasts is another cool L.A. song.
chris
January 8, 2010 8:04 pm
OK. imm a huge x and distillers fan. love bad relgion 2 but i got to give this to the Brigs THIS IS LA OUR CITY OUR HOME
Nicole Alvarez
January 8, 2010 8:34 pm
Someone just called KROQ and suggested “Santa Monica” by Everclear? Yay? Nay?
B
January 8, 2010 9:22 pm
antennas by rancid. just saying…
Jennifer Vargas
January 8, 2010 9:56 pm
Oh heck no! You want a song about how awesome Disneyland and the west coast surf is? I am sure Hannah Montana can come up with something!
Have you even listened to the lyrics of The Briggs “This is L.A”? The whole thing is about unity! You can here the true passion in their lyrics about how fantastic every day in this city is.
Plus, you flipping contradict yourself! You said:
“We have a ton of songs about getting drunk, getting high and getting laid in Cali. We have songs about SURFING, rocking and dying in the City Of Angels.”
Then a couple lines later you say:
“A song that gives props to Wahoos and In-N-Out, SURFING in the morning and snowboarding . . .”
So do you want or NOT want a song about fucking surfing?
Frank
January 8, 2010 11:40 pm
Briggs-This Is L.A. is the quintessential L.A. song
Has anybody brought up Doors-L.A. Woman
Motley Crue-Saints of Los Angeles is underrated
Chadillac
January 8, 2010 11:46 pm
Hey all u clowns, we need a talented person to write it!!! None of the existing songs give you goose bumps about this fine city. It should include Hollywood, sfv porn capital, Venice home of skateboarding, the new sublime could pull this off.” I’m just sayin”
NIC
January 9, 2010 6:47 am
Check this out >>>>>>>>>>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_about_Los_Angeles
greetings from germany!!!!
KROQ ist the best!!!
Big D
January 9, 2010 8:36 am
To Live and Die in La By 2pac used to inspire my fat ass of LA when I used to travel alot, was the shit and at least was more recent than Randy Newmans
Marc
January 9, 2010 11:52 am
To Live & Die in LA
“To live and die in LA, it’s the place to be
You’ve got to be there to know it, what everybody wanna see”
LA/Socal there is so much to do here, different places, different scenes, trends, cultures etc…that you simply cant describe LA in one song. LA is not a location but a way of life.
Doc
January 9, 2010 12:36 pm
Beverly Hills – Weezer
Jose
January 9, 2010 2:25 pm
Jay Z’s and Alicia Keys song is great. Thats because its brand new to many ears. LA’s anthem is in the many hearts of people that visited LA, that many never left or took with them.
DanDSanD
January 9, 2010 4:16 pm
Tool//Aenema…Quintessential LA song from an LA Band. Play it more on KROQ!!!
Some say the end is near.
Some say we’ll see armageddon soon.
I certainly hope we will.
I sure could use a vacation from this
Bullshit three ring circus sideshow of
Freaks
Here in this hopeless fucking hole we call LA
The only way to fix it is to flush it all away.
Any fucking time. Any fucking day.
Learn to swim, I’ll see you down in Arizona bay.
Fret for your figure and
Fret for your latte and
Fret for your lawsuit and
Fret for your hairpiece and
Fret for your prozac and
Fret for your pilot and
Fret for your contract and
Fret for your car.
It’s a
Bullshit three ring circus sideshow of
Freaks
Here in this hopeless fucking hole we call LA
The only way to fix it is to flush it all away.
Any fucking time. Any fucking day.
Learn to swim, I’ll see you down in Arizona bay.
Some say a comet will fall from the sky.
Followed by meteor showers and tidal waves.
Followed by faultlines that cannot sit still.
Followed by millions of dumbfounded dipshits.
Some say the end is near.
Some say we’ll see armageddon soon.
I certainly hope we will.
I sure could use a vacation from this
Stupid shit, silly shit, stupid shit.
One great big festering neon distraction,
I’ve a suggestion to keep you all occupied.
Learn to swim x3.
Mom’s gonna fix it all soon.
Mom’s comin’ round to put it back the way it ought to be.
Learn to swim x8.
Fuck L Ron Hubbard and
Fuck all his clones.
Fuck all those gun-toting
Hip gangster wannabes.
Learn to swim x8.
Fuck retro anything.
Fuck your tattoos.
Fuck all you junkies and
Fuck your short memory.
Learn to swim x7.
Fuck smiley glad-hands
With hidden agendas.
Fuck these dysfunctional,
Insecure actresses.
Learn to swim x8.
’cause I’m praying for rain
And I’m praying for tidal waves
I wanna see the ground give way.
I wanna watch it all go down.
Mom please flush it all away.
I wanna see it go right in and down.
I wanna watch it go right in.
Watch you flush it all away.
Time to bring it down again.
Don’t just call me pessimist.
Try and read between the lines.
I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t
Welcome any change, my friend.
I wanna see it all come down.
Put it down.
Suck it down.
Flush it down.
Dookie
January 10, 2010 10:42 am
this is a death threat to LA you mongoloid, fuck Maynard, that whiny conceited TOOL
Chris
January 9, 2010 4:34 pm
I’m not from LA but I went there over the summer to visit my cousins and discovered this new rock band from LA. The Briggs. I think This Is LA is a great song and should definitely be considered for the LA anthem.
andrew
January 9, 2010 4:47 pm
I think “this is L.A” is the perfect L.A anthem, the briggs are one of the greatest bands, we need more punk bands like the briggs, its full of high enery and its perfect, all of there songs are, so fuck all and make “this is L.A” by the briggs , L.A’s national anthem.
Angel
January 9, 2010 7:39 pm
Damas y Caballeros,
Nicole and many of you who posted forgot UNDER THE BRIDGE. That’s a sign you don’t know what’s up.
It’s poetic, it’s got a beautiful acoustic, and a majestic chorus.
It’s got true, raw emotion. Not emoting or posing.
And it’s written by a Real Angeleno. Who do you see at the Laker and Dodger games, or wearing Raider shirts, or writing LAKERS Songs. Not any of those other bands. RHCP.
Somehow, you remembered
-WannaBE in LA by Eagles of Death Metal,
and…Sheryl Crow’s All I Wanna Do, This is LA by the Briggs?!
That’s sad people.
As for Empire State of Mind
Like New York State of Mind, Under the Bridge has a female background chorus, although not as prominent.
John Frusciante’s Mom’s Church Choir sings the final chorus background vocals. That’s rock n roll, not an urban diva… Even a beautiful talented one at that.
Put Under the Bridge (19 years) versus Empire State of Mind (1 year old), and see who stands the test of time down the line.
That goes for every other song on that list except for I Love LA.
Cali Love isn’t about LA, it’s about Cali. Great Song though.
Speaking of what’s up…ROQ of the 90s.
Anyone who knows Rock knows that KROQ has sucked for a while, but not because of Nicole, or the hilarious Kevin and Bean but because the music scene has sucked this last decade.
Want new cool indie. Rodney on the Roq’s playlist.
Want good alternative rock. Roq of the 90s.
Killers 1st Album, Kings of Leon, some Muse…2000s new bands will fade away in history because they don’t rock.
When it come to rock in 2000s, as an Angeleno I can say..
.
Sometimes I feel like I don’t have a partner,
Sometimes I feel like my only friend,
Is the city I live in, the City of Angels,
Lonely as I am, together we cry.
jtitan0220
January 10, 2010 3:06 pm
Under the Bridge is a classic no doubt about it. But I really doubt a song about a man’s battle with heroin addiction should be considered an anthem…
drgraves
January 12, 2010 6:54 pm
Osmar Rodriguez Posted On January 7, 2010 6:53 pm
Under The Bridge? By the Red Hot Chili Peppers?
and there was a few reponses to that.. maybe u missed that post..
dw123
January 10, 2010 3:43 am
How about ‘We’re From LA’ by Go Betty Go, or ‘LA is My Home’ by St Valentine…?
elrocko
January 10, 2010 8:24 am
What about 2Pacs To Live and Die in LA?
Dookie
January 10, 2010 10:39 am
MURS – LA
Best LA hip hop song ever recorded.
Funny Mofo
January 10, 2010 2:28 pm
you are all wrong, it’s MURS – LA, quite honestly the best song in the last 5 years about our beautiful city here are the lyrics:
I’m from L dot A dot Californ-I-A hot
Days got shade let me take you ’round the way
Lot of out-of-towners can’t handle this city
Where you wear the wrong color and it can get tricky
But that was eighty-six and, things done changed
We a lot mo’ evolved with the way that we bang
Not the rips and the dawgs, man the smog might kill ya
But you ain’t gotta worry if you stayin North of Wilshire
Don’t be scared of Crenshaw, the Slausson super-mall
Or Earl’s Hot Dogs man you gotta do it y’all, c’mon
Come to the hood where we do the most good
Magic Johnson be ownin everything like he should
Lynnwood, Long Beach, Hawthorne, Gazine
From the towers in Watts, to the hills of Pasadena
The home of the traffic and that gangbang culture
And I hope the way we do the damn thang don’t insult ya
[Chorus: repeat 2X]
I’m from L.A. (ahh) Southern California
Fool the West coast, where everybody is somebody
And the game is fame, do everythang with a bang
And everybody wanna know, what set you claim
[Murs]
The land where the six-fo’s, hop up and get low
Your favorite rapper gettin jacked for more than his sick flows
Home of the pornos, we mess up award shows
The weather’s always warm so the women wear short clothes
Our beaches ain’t the cleanest but the {ahh} is the greenest
And we got the blonde bombshells and sick latinas
Then mix in the dark-skinned light-skinned sisters
Where you never have to wear your triple goose on Christmas
You can miss us with the blizzards and the winters
The hurricanes unless it’s in some glasses with some actresses
Perfect frame, silicone or real it don’t matter if she paid for it
Every single trend you can probably thank L.A. for it
Bandanas, facelifts, quick trips to Vegas
White t-shirt, Chuck Taylors or them K-Swiss
Poplockin, Crip walkin, chronic blunts, G-Funk
A place that everybody hate, but you gotta see once
jon
January 10, 2010 3:26 pm
Fear – I love livin’ in the city
JJ
January 10, 2010 9:21 pm
californication
Daniel OOOh Face
January 11, 2010 7:51 am
L.A. is way too cool, laid back, and eclectic to rally behind one anthem…just look at all the different choices from all different types of people below!..all good choices!…Empire State of Mind just seems to fit NY perfectly.
But if I had one choice to rep L.A. to the entire world…
BROW DOWN!!!
Chris
January 11, 2010 11:41 am
Paradise City or Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N Roses
LB
January 11, 2010 1:50 pm
2Pac’s – To Live and Die in LA
MIKE LAUER
January 11, 2010 2:00 pm
I think it should be something from the ‘Songs of Love’ album by the ‘Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles’
DUDE
January 11, 2010 2:35 pm
Doors – L.A. Woman… FTW!
Jorge
January 11, 2010 3:29 pm
Red Hot Chili Peppers- Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers- Under The Bridge
2Pac- To Live And Die In L.A.
Jorge
January 11, 2010 3:41 pm
“Californication” By: Red Hot Chili Peppers
‘nough Said.
missmx
January 11, 2010 6:20 pm
I have to go with To live and die in LA or G Thing.
Brad
January 11, 2010 6:32 pm
Can’t believe Eagles Of Death Metal is on the home page, but KROQ never plays them!!! Lame
Why You’d Want To Live Here by Death Cab is a great LA song too. And how about Los Angeles Is Burning!
shawn
January 11, 2010 7:28 pm
Murs-L.A.
Jen
January 11, 2010 8:07 pm
Sugarcult’s “Los Angeles” gives life in LA straight to the gritty detail. It rocks hard and is sharply true.
Ramon
January 11, 2010 8:33 pm
Red Hot Chili Peppers-californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers-under the bridge
N.W.A-L.A is the place
Ozzy Osbourne-Old La Tonight
The Briggs-This is L.A..is truly awesome!?
Chuck Berry-The Promised Land
Tupac-California Love
The Distillers-City of Angeles
…all the best i could think of right there!=)
Rick Alvarez
January 12, 2010 5:54 am
I got three songs that I think are much better than any of the songs on your list: LA Woman by the Doors, Hotel California by the Eagles, and Californiacation by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Billy
January 12, 2010 8:12 am
How about “The City With Two Faces” by Goldfinger?
NC
January 12, 2010 8:30 am
Los Angeles, I’m Yours by The Decemberists
it’s kinda depressing, but oh so true…..
“Oh what a rush of ripe élan
Languor on divans
Dalliant and dainty
But oh, the smell of burnt cocaine
The dolor and decay
It only makes me cranky
Oh great calamity,
Ditch of iniquity and tears
How I abhor this place
Its sweet and bitter taste
Has left me wretched, retching on all fours
Los Angeles, I’m yours”
cowboysnaliens1
January 12, 2010 10:14 am
To Live and Die in L.A – 2Pac
Bu Herdez
January 12, 2010 12:05 pm
I also like Reggae Hit LA by The Aggrolites. Check out the video they have alot of iconic members from the city in the video.
Chris
January 12, 2010 1:27 pm
Motley Crue Saints of Los Angeles
Jonathan
January 12, 2010 2:21 pm
no doubt in my mind RHCP “sometimes i feel like i don’t have a partner, sometimes i feel like my only friend is the city i live in, the city of angels”
boourns
January 12, 2010 3:04 pm
Randy Newman? Thanks for the music suggestions, Dad.
snuggle187
January 12, 2010 7:21 pm
i heard that 30STM’s video for Kings and Queens was a love letter to LA
Danielle
January 12, 2010 7:30 pm
“True Hollywood Story” – Dirt Nasty hahahaha sad but kind of true : /
kroq1120
January 12, 2010 8:02 pm
“Californication” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers…
What better way to symbolize and capture the heart of the City of Angels than to have a song written by four guys who grew up in the very same city itself…juss putting it out there
DayDay
January 12, 2010 9:10 pm
California Life by Killbutterfly!!!!!!!!!
Ricky
January 12, 2010 11:52 pm
2PAC- TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA
Big-D
January 21, 2010 6:04 pm
GOT IT!!! Modern L.A. song: Ya Boy- We Run L.A, and hell no we dont want Jay-Z doing an LA anthem.
Christian
January 29, 2010 6:39 pm
The Briggs – This is LA. Nuff said.
scoperadio
January 30, 2010 3:58 pm
Calfironia Love WAS a national song, So was to live and die in L.A. And both those songs still get occasional national airplay today. As for current national airplay for theme songs? That shit just aint happenin. Maybe due to the record label ownership, and the unwillingness for most radio station program directors to think outside the box to actually find songs from L.A. artists in the first place to play, much less theme songs to play. Thats probably why the only time you can hear the Briggs on KROQ is during locals only, as it seems. Kat Corbett is probably one of the only DJ’s in L.A. radio really willing to put in the work to find and play L.A. artists on air. Murs – L.A. is another good one but has been around a couple years, Pigeon John did a song called Clueless. Snoop Dogg a couple years ago, “Crazy” Weezer, Beverly Hills, RATM Battle for L.A. Theres a ton of great L.A. songs out there, radio’s gotta play em for it to blow up nationally though.
dreamer
January 30, 2010 6:40 pm
HERE YA GO!!!!!!!!
scoperadio
January 30, 2010 11:49 pm
people under the stairs – L.A. Song, and Acid Rain
diana
February 7, 2010 9:03 pm
WHAT ABOUT RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS?THEY WROTE SONGS FOR CALIFORNIA!!AND THEY’RE A GREAT BAND!!!