“The Beatles will exist without us.”
– George Harrison
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| The Beatles |
01. The Beatles – “Something” (1969) from The Love You Make
One of two George Harrison songs included on Abbey Road, I like the way “Something” is one of the first realistic love songs. “You’re asking me, ‘Will my love grow?’ I don’t know. I don’t know!” The ‘60s were over and couples would spend the ‘70s trying to navigate the wreckage. Good bass playing!
Besides this New Jersey outfit’s awesome name, the other thing that puts this snotty garage rock and psychedelic one hit wonder over the top for me is the committed backing vocals.
03. The Damned – “Ignite” (1982) from Toast Be Damned – Part 2
This was a last minute addition as I wanted to include at least one Damned song that reflects their spirit of adventure. A rollicking celebration of garage rock and psychedelic music (but labeled punk), this was the opening track on the band’s pastiche Strawberries- ignored by the masses who preferred Thriller. Not sure how many guitar solos Captain Sensible has on this one, but he’s on fire!
04. Artists of Then, Now & Forever – “Forever Country” (2016) from Country Grab Bag IV
Artists in order of their appearance: Brad Paisley; Keith Urban; Tim McGraw; Faith Hill; Little Big Town; Luke Bryan; Miranda Lambert; Blake Shelton; George Strait; Kacey Musgraves; Eric Church; Ronnie Milsap; Charley Pride; Dierks Bentley; Trisha Yearwood; Lady Antebellum; Darius Rucker; Martina McBride; Jason Aldean; Rascal Flatts; Willie Nelson; Brooks & Dunn; Alabama; Brett Eldredge; Reba McEntire; Alan Jackson; Vince Gill; Carrie Underwood; Dolly Parton.
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| Frank Sinatra |
05. Frank Sinatra – “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” (1963) from Francis Albert – Part 3
In 1960- in an effort to gain more artistic control over his work- Sinatra founded his own record company- Reprise Records- and began re-recording many of his ‘50s Capitol era songs, including this one. While you might want to bring ‘50s Sinatra home to meet your mom, ‘60s Sinatra was more of a loose cannon- wiser, yes, but also a bad ass and a little pissed off- and in total control of the proceedings.
06. Frank Sinatra – “All of Me” (1954) from Francis Albert – Part 2
He’s no spring chicken here- pushing 40- but Sinatra still retains his smooth, youthful voice and exquisite phrasing that not only make getting dumped seem like just another wonderful part of life, but can also add some swing to your step as you saunter to the bathroom, washing machine, or refrigerator.
Much was written about the 50th anniversary of Abbey Road last year and I learned that “The End” features dueling guitar solos between John, Paul, and George. People forget that while Paul was the band’s bassist (a job he grudgingly accepted only after John and George refused), Sir Walrus is also a solid guitarist and musical virtuoso who can play any instrument.
A satisfying Christmas medley that gives listeners their money’s worth with five stellar songs! I will definitely be checking out the rest of this album come Christmastime. Thanks, Harry!
09. Edith Mathis & Gundula Janowitz & Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin & Karl Böhm – “Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro, K.492 / Act 3: ‘Sull’aria … Che soave zeffiretto” (1968) from Classical Music Faves III
I don’t pretend to know a lot about opera- my father is the opera buff- but I’m starting to like Mozart operas. This song is pleasant enough and the two ladies do not sound unhappy as they sing in Italian about a gentle breeze. This would be a good song to test your speakers or headphones.
10. The Mr. T Experience – “Alternative Is Here to Stay” (1995) from Alternative Grab Bag VI – Part 2
Pop punk novelty song explaining the alternative phenomenon. I used to buy everything MTX released in the ‘90s and even saw them live a couple of times and the leader, Dr. Frank, would start each song by announcing, “This is a song about a girl”. He is now a published author of young adult novels.
Influenced by Bob Dylan and the Byrds (as well as other American artists), the Beatles really opened things up musically on Rubber Soul- an album I was playing a lot in the late ‘90s and which marks the beginning of my favorite Beatles period when the band’s creative juices really started flowing.
12. Joan Osborne – “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” (2017) from Bob’s Birthday Bash III – Part 2
I was also playing Blood on the Tracks a lot in the late ‘90s and I love Osborne’s interpretation of this Dylan song. Even when we know it’s probably going to end badly and in the end leave us feeling bitter, heartbroken, and empty, we still decide love is worth the risk and end up going for it anyway.
13. The Flirtations – “Nothing But a Heartache” (1969) from Soul by the Dozen VIII
These ladies make a song about heartache rock! Those intense parts just before the chorus simply reach in and grab you and make you want to break through a wall. More songs like this, please!
Indispensable break-up album that helped me through some rough times. If a female singer is more to your liking, try Joni Mitchell’s Blue which is equally devastating/soothing.
15. The Grass Roots – “I’d Wait a Million Years” (1969) from Oldies: Pass the Fritos VI – Part 2
This song is okay for oldies radio fodder, but what sets this album version apart is the creepy organ intro. I wish I had an entire version of this song with just the organ. I am so taken with this intro that it’s even entered the latest novel in my mind. In an opening scene, the protagonist walks into a creepy mountain sanatorium that is empty except for his future love interest who sits solemnly at an organ playing this tune. And as he notices her beauty for the first time, he becomes entranced.
16. Journey – “Faithfully” (1983) from Classic Rock: Choice Cuts VI
The last two minutes or so are pure power ballad bliss. This song has no chorus!
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