…In the name of love? Not quite.

Pride. Here’s what goeth before the fall:

UNKLE Matt:
Muddy Waters, “Mannish Boy”
This is the version from “Electric Mud” - the song that launched a thousand brag-rap careers.

The Man(del) from UNCLE:
Elton John, “Ego”
One of the great forgotten gems from Elton John’s canon. This was released as a single in 1978 and it stalled on the lower end of the Top 40. Love Bernie Taupin’s lyrics in this song and it’s got a mad piano riff that I love to bang out on my piano. Ripe for a cover or for use in a movie… and I highly recommend going on YouTube to find the video. It’s one of Elton’s first videos and it’s quite a hoot…

Uncle Sam:
Electric Six, “I’m The Bomb”
I almost went with Prince’s “My Name Is Prince,” but I couldn’t resist the Six’ call to awesome self-delusion: “3-2-1, I’m the bomb/And I’m ready to go off in your shit.”

Onkel Rudi:
Joe Walsh, “Life’s Been Good”
The ultimate party boy of The James Gang and The Eagles talks of a life of excess (double points for gluttony, right?), but otherwise is proud of his achievements and blunders. Note that this song is, in many respects, autobiographical.

Download: Muddy Waters, “Mannish Boy” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: Elton John, “Ego” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: Electric Six, “I’m The Bomb” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)

Download: Joe Walsh, “Life’s Been Good” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)