There's still some musical gold in them thar old iTunes hills!
I started a new Spotify playlist for this installment here
"Missionary Man" by Eurythmics (1986)
A couple of things came to mind here. It's interesting to me how Lennox/Stewart pivoted from a synth/pop/whatever early-80s duo into more of a rock and roll band with guitars and drums (shoot, there's even a real electric bass on this track!). Also, they feature another vocalist doing backgrounds on this song; interesting, given Annie Lennox's vocal chops.
"A Slow Song" by Joe Jackson (1982)
The ending track from Jackson's very good "Night and Day" LP where he channels his inner old man.
"Let's Go Crazy" by Prince (1984)
Another rippin' guitar solo from Mr. Genius.
"When I Need You" by Leo Sayer (1977)
A pop ballad deserving of its popularity. "Fun" fact: the film composer James Newton Howard played keyboards on this song. I also like how they use little rhythmic breaks in the chorus. Jeff Porcaro's drumming pushes this into real Yacht Rock territory.
"Shiver" by Maroon 5" (2002)
One of the more rockin' songs from this now (gulp) 20+ year old album.
"You Know My Name (Look Up the Number) by The Beatles (1970)
I used to listen to this when I was a kid and found it just too goofy to resist, preferring it to "Let It Be", the A-side of the 45. An amusing toss-off.
"Still Fighting It" by Ben Folds (2001)
Yeah, yeah, pop singer becomes a parent and writes a song about the experience. This one is better than that. "It sucks to grow up". "You're so much like me. I'm sorry".
"Too High" by Stevie Wonder (1973)
A really solid opening track to one of his best LPs.
"Sixteen Tons" by Tennessee Ernie Ford (1955)
There are some jazzy coal mining musicians hanging out there in the background. Seriously, this is still great.
"Someday, Someway" by Marshall Crenshaw (1982)
The year 1982 is strong with this list.
"Houdini" by Kate Bush (1982)
Wow, it really is! A deep Kate track with another killer/odd Eberhard Webber double bass line.
"Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" by Billy Joel (1977)
This is pure, distilled, Joel, complete with engine revving sounds at the end! One of his best.
"It's a Miracle" by Roger Waters (1992)
The line about Andrew Lloyd Weber still makes me laugh.
"Dream Weaver" by Gary Wright (1975)
A camp classic from the 1970s that I somehow couldn't pass up this time around.
"She Blinded Me With Science" by Thomas Dolby (1982)
1982 strikes again. There's nothing quite like this 80s classic.
"I Got the Feelin'" by James Brown (1968)
There's a lot going on, rhythmically, in this one.
"Long Haired Lady" by Paul McCartney (1971)
The music on this song does well in hiding the fluffiness of the lyrics. Paul was certainly good at this.
"That'll Be the Day" by Linda Ronstadt (1976)
This has to be one of the best Buddy Holly covers ever made.
"China Girl" by David Bowie (1983)
About halfway through the song, Bowie sounds kind of drunk. Brilliant.
"Chrome Plated Heart" by Melissa Etheridge (1988)
This song really sounded *different* in 1988 when I first heard it on the radio. Bonus: some good bass lines.
