"Gone" Songs to Solace the Departure of Charlie Sheen's TV Character

The day I learned that Charlie Sheen was gone from one of my favorite TV shows, I lost two and a half things. The first, of course, was the main character from "Two and a Half Men," who had been dismissed from the show after a controversy being aired all over entertainment news and the internet.

While some co-workers and I spent our lunch hour watching the interview with Sheen following his dismissal from the show, half of my turkey sandwich fell onto the floor. I ended up finishing the rst of the day with an unsatisfied stomach.

Finally, on the way home my free satellite radio subscription to Sirius suddenly shut off. It took a few seconds for me to
realize my free subscription had just expired.

Later that day, as I contemplated buying a new subscription, the irony of the entire day struck me. The song I had been enjoying so much when the radio cut off was "Gone Daddy Gone" by The Violent Femmes.

That song seemed to be an omen, a sign that I must call Sirius as soon as I got home from work. Charlie Sheen's character is probably gone, the turkey sandwich half is definitely gone, but the satellite radio will return.

After my new subscription starts, here are some of the beloved but possibly ominous "Gone" songs I hope I do not hear.

10. "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" by The Kingston Trio: Pete Seeger wrote this anti-war song, which was popularized by several folk artists. The soft, deep harmonies make the kingston Trio's version the most enduring.

9. "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King: One of the most well-known blues tracks of all time, this track helped introduce to the world B.B. King and dear six-string Lucille.

8. "Good Lovin' Gone Bad" by Bad Company: This track kicks off the rock band's best album, Straight Shooter, which also includes "Feel Like Makin' Love" and "Shooting Star." Vocalist Paul Rodgers sounds even better than he did as a member of Free.

7. "Yesterday's Gone" by Chad and Jeremy: The duo hit the charts with this catchy track, one that would not feel out of place on Beatles albums Rubber Soul or Revolver.

6. "Gone" by Ben Folds: The churlish piano player has always preferred one-word titles, such as "Brick" and "Smoke," and they usually identify his best songs. The title track from Rockin' the Suburbs may be more recognized, but the somber "Gone" is by far the album's gem.

5. "Gone Man" by The Eels: Mark Oliver Everett, or E., fills the album End Times with depressing songs. Some are backed with quiet, almost whispered rhythms, but the best are the ones charged with the enthusiam of "Gone Man."

4. "Already Gone" by The Eagles: Glenn Frey's vocals reflect the freedom welcomed in the song's lyrics, which end with a bit of self-reflection: "So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key."

3. "Too Far Gone" by Todd Rundgren: An underappreciated song from Hermit of Mink Hollow, this kiss-off tune's message is almost forgotten by its sweet pop melody.

2. "Gone For Good" by The Shins: James Mercer decorates the lyrics of this beautiful acoustic song from Chutes Too Narrow with pointed imagery, such as "Leave the ring on the rail for the wheels to nullify."

1. "She's Gone" by Hall and Oates: The highlight of the Abandoned Luncheonette album shows its singer in a state of severe depression, and "as worn as the toothbrush ahnging in the stand." However, Hall's delivery and the slick production has given the song immortality on pop radio.