Songs I Didn't Skip (Part 42)

 Part 42?! I keep thinking I'm going to get too many repeats or run out of tunes I linger on, but no.

"Blue Jean" by David Bowie (1984)

This was described by a critic as one of Bowie's best second-rate hits. Second-rate it may be, but it's still a banger.

"High on Sunday 51" by Aimee Mann (2002)

Mann does well with the drug metaphor here!

"Murder by Numbers" by The Police (1983)

This was a bonus track on the original release CD/cassette that wasn't on the vinyl. It's not a great Police song and I don't think it's better or worse of a song to close the LP with than, "Tea in the Sahara". As an album, "Synchronicity" doesn't quite hold together in the second half--the first half is very strong.

"Another Star" by Stevie Wonder (1976)

Could this be the one SW song done as a Samba???

"In the Shadows" by The Rasmus (2004)

Early-aughts alt/pop from...Finland?

"Ooh Baby Baby" by Linda Ronstadt (1978)

Another great cover by Linda who did a lot of great covers!

"Poor, Poor Pitiful Me" by Warren Zevon (1976)

Oh, this is funny. Ronstadt did a cover of this song a year later!

"Tip of My Tongue" by John Hiatt (1987)

From one of the best albums of the 1980s that few people think of when they think of 80s music.

"Ruby Baby" by Donald Fagen (1982)

Wow, a lot of covers on this installment.

"Year of the Cat" by Al Stewart (1976)

This has Alan Parsons and his over-the-top production written all over it. Lyrically, this song is kind of like "Margaritaville" but less fun.

"S.I.B. (Swelling Itching Brain)" by Devo (1987)

Classic paranoid Devo energy.

"Mean Mr. Mustard" by The Beatles (1968, demo version)

It can be revealing to hear these early versions of songs that are so familiar.

"Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting" by Elton John (1973)

I don't really have much to add to this classic but I'm reminded just how tight EJ's backup band was in those days.

"One Tongue" by Hothouse Flowers (1993) 

Today, this band kind of comes across as "U2 with horns". Nice enough.

"Rose Garden" by Lynn Anderson (1970)

A lyrical masterpiece:  "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden."

"Communication Breakdown" by Led Zeppelin (1969)

These guys were so good, right out of the gate.

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder (1970)

The Motown groove is strong with this one. James Jamerson!

"James and the Cold Gun" by Kate Bush (1978)

Speaking of James...this is a good one but it goes on a bit too long. Kate gets a pass, however.

"Change of the Guard" by Steely Dan (1972)

A very un-Yacht Rock-like Steely Dan tune as they were mostly a just a rock band then.

"Save a Prayer" by Duran Duran (1982)

There's a lot of heft in this ode to a one-night stand.

"A Place in the Sun" by Stevie Wonder (1966)

Another cover! This is a pretty straight country-style song but SW still nails it.