Random Ten

sometimes you lose your address to find your shelter

Aztec Camera, "Song for a Friend"
The Cure, "Just Like Heaven"
The Call, "I Still Believe"
The Cloud Room, "Hey Now Now"
Madeleine Peyroux, "Reckless Blues"
Nine Inch Nails, "Head Like a Hole"
Rickie Lee Jones, "Satellites"
Jane's Addiction, "Jane Says"
The Verve, "Bittersweet Symphony"
Vigilantes of Love, "Earth Has No Sorrow"

I have nothing against Edward Elgar. "Pomp and Circumstance" is a lovely piece of music, and there's something to be said for tradition — for the Class of 2006 processing to the same tune as the Class of 1936.

But then again it is a new century, so perhaps it's time for a change.

So I think that graduating classes should process to "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve.

The lyrics are more appropriate. Plus it's just cooler. (And while I do not play the trombone myself, I'd wager that trombone players the world over will be relieved to be excused from playing those same eight measures over and over again every June.)

The Verve tune is considerably shorter — about 6 minutes long — but has a much faster tempo, so it still ought to allow time for even a large class to get into place. The parents, alumni and distinguished guests won't be upset if this is accomplished in only 6 minutes. Plus, again, it's a lot cooler doing that graduation-walk, step-together-step-together shuffle to "Bittersweet Symphony."

Go ahead, try it.

See?

You were probably even tempted to jazz it up with some spins or dips or what have you. That almost never happens when you're marching to "Pomp and Circumstance."