I like to take those songs that people don't cover or play... The "not popular" ones, and play them into something better or change them to make them more like what I enjoy.
i.e.- Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros did a cover of "Quarter pound of I'cense" by Max Romeo that was just amazing compared to the original IMO.

I just picked up a Squier Telecaster Special. 130.00US
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ … sku=519586

Was just bored and got tired of almost destroying my Mexican.
Great guitar right out of the box.
Also, my 2005 Mexican was same. I picked that up for 300.00 dollars US

Absolutely no headaches with either of these.
Note:the Tele is a has no tremolo. It's probably a good idea not to deal with one if you are just starting out in my opinion.