Mississippi - Pussycat (1976)

Missisippi roll along until the end of time' and 'Country music lost it's soul when the guitar turned to rock and roll' Pussycat toppled Abba on the charts with a similar warm glow sound sound.

Life In A Northern Town - The Dream Academy (1985)

Another song that refers to the Beatles this one is complete with screaming audience. This song is not that great in the final analysis but like its reminiscing topic it leaves an indelible memory.

Nothing Rhymed - Gilbert O'Sullivan (1971)

Lyricist extraordinaire Gilbert sculptures the melodies to fit the words and usually succeeds. 'If I give up the seat I've been saving to some elderly lady or man, am I being a good boy, am I your pride and joy uncle please say I am'. Saccharine sweet this song is still good.

Kedron Brook - Kevin Johnson (1974)

Evocative description of a bygone era coupled with a flowing waltz and Kevin's masterly delivery. Great touch with the concertina.

One Small Year - Shawn Colvin (2001)

One small year, where did I go? But I was always here! How true, one never really goes anywhere, you are always there in the same spot, where ever that may be, in your brain, in ether space or in your bones. Only your emotional and intellectual experiences change. Shawn delivers a measured pace along side a very melodic base line.

Ordinary World - Paul Anka (2007)

Two things about this song: the idea of returning to an ordinary world implies having dwelt in another reality, perhaps in an unreal relationship, enjoying the highs of imagined love and then having to deal with the real world. The second thing is two faint notes on the piano which I always look for when listening to this. 

Right In Time - Lucinda Williams (1998)

So this is not the greatest song of all time but, I challenge you to listen to it only one time. You'll be returning to listen to the words at least once more...and then you'll wonder at Lucinda's laid back (no pun intended) singing and think 'Yes! She is so confident to be able to sing like that. Surely she describes personal experiences, and I mean personal. You'll be sold too.

Rikki Don't Lose That Number - Steely Dan (1974)

Ricky

Alright, no, this is not just a politically correct entry, a song about gay love, it is a great construction. It lives like a well structured building like most of Steely Dan's other music but this one has a good melody.

Rocket man - Pearls before swine (1970)

In modern parlance this is 'pretty freaky!' the boy's father the rocket man was swallowed by the sun so naturally his mother only wanted to go out on cloudy days. The stuff nightmares are made of. Tom Rapp created something special here with his quivery voice and backing vocals.

Single Girl - Sandy Posey (1966)

All my fatherly instincts came out at once for Sandy as a single girl, wanting to protect her with all my teenage prowess. Hmmm...

Sitting on the dock of the bay - Ottis Redding (1968)

The sound of the ocean waves together with soft guitar sucked me in to listen to the man's story. He had roamed a zillion miles just to make that Frisco dock his home. (Yet another song about San Francisco, the others 'Taxi' and 'If you're going to...' here on this same list!) Otis captured the mood perfectly.

Something in the air - Thunderclap Newman (1969)

Not sure if this song would stand very tall without it's arrangement. The singing sounds a bit intellectually challenged at times but I still enjoy it every time I listen to it. So it seems to survive the test of time for me. I like the sound of the guitar on this at the beginning.

Sonny - Mary Black (1992)

Very sentimental but Mary sings it like nobody can. The song paints a picture of days gone by when sailors were away for months if not years at a time leaving behind a family to fend for themselves until their return. A powerful and sensitive delivery from Mary.

Summer Rain - Johnny Rivers (1967)

This song sounds older than what it is as shown by the line 'all summer long we kept on playing Sgt Peppers' Lonely hearts club band' But to me it's timeless.

Teach Your Children - Crosby, Stills & Nash (1970)

As a teenager I totally concurred with the sentiment of this song. Plainly sang with nice harmonies and a novel (for the time) sliding guitar I waited for this song to come on the radio, though it wasn't played much.

Get Together - Youngbloods (1967)

Love peace and understanding, all essential ingredients for the hippy era songs found here. Delivered with calm, un-Neil Youngish male vocals and clean guitar sounds. This stood out then and it's still good.

Ship Of Fools - World Party (1987)

This video took me by surprise. I didn't know anyone was writing anything of quality in 1987. The words flow prophetically and easily. The arrangement is intelligent and drives the melody on. The smashing cymbal to mark the word 'pay' is a strike of genius, something simple like that can make the difference. The singing is delivered with just the right amount of attitude, a bit Jaggerish.

The Island - Paul Brady (1985)

Wreckage down on main street

After knowing this song I was never the same again. I never tire of this, it always evokes deep emotions. Paul describes with word and music the futility of violence and war in a way I never experienced before. In a line showing desperate protest and sarcasm he declares 'young boys dying in the ditches Is just what being free is all about' And still more,  'we sacrifice our children To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday...trying to carve out tomorrow from a tomstone' The song  referred to the conflict in Ireland at the time but it easily applies to other countries where there is civil war. But best to listen and be moved. Alternate version by Dolores Keane

Afternoon delight - Starland Vocal Band (1976)

...and I thought this song was about enjoying an ice-cream on a sunny afternoon on your way to the shops! But what was that about 'sky-rockets in flight, afternoon delight'? Maybe it was one of those weird lolly flavours that screwed your mouth when you bit into it...or something...no? OK, I didn't think about it too much, except that every time it came on the radio it gave me a strange sensation of pleasure. Oh it doesn't matter! Just loved those girly vocals and rocket sounds disappearing into the nether. How sad it is to grow up, and I wasn't even that young back in 1976. The vocals are very ABBAish, even the video showing the girl profiles.

Sister Golden Hair - America (1975)

America does pop to my great surprise at the time and sure I wasn't ready for the altar but women certainly were friends of mine. Often too I was depressed and would get up only to go back to bed but not on Sunday though usually on a Monday. And yes my sister had golden hair but that was no surprise and any way I don't know what that had to do with it. 

America - Simon & Garfunkel (1968)

My favourite S&G song in hindsight, it sat me down in awe at the wonderful arrangement, melody and harmony as-well as the imagery ...'and walked off to look for America'...and 'I said be careful his bow-tie is really a camera' (in the days of the cold war) and 'Kathy I'm lost I said though I knew she was sleeping, I'm empty and aching and don't know why' ...and so on. At first I was taken aback seeing that the lyrics looked as if they were written in free form. But the music is anything but free form, it is tight, compact and masterly. I still choke when I listen to this. Looking at Paul Simon's more recent work I despair at his loss of form and all the wasted years for his talent. Listen also to America's recent version of this and wonder at it's timelessness.

Ventura Highway - America (1972)

Three long hair guys with acoustic guitars  singing 'Chewing on a piece of grass, walking down the road'. Surely on a country road, and Joe has been hit by purple rain and he just gotta roam on.  I know that feeling and this is a time piece and my pick from America.

Where Do You Go To My Lovely (1969) - Peter Sarstedt

As teenagers and naughty boys do we all cast knowing smiles as PS asked the rhetorical question 'Where do you go to my lovely, when you're alone in your bed?'. But of course we knew nothing of what he was singing. We could not have known anything about the bitter loss of childhood friends or of an ex lover who opts for the life of glamour and forgets their roots. Ironical I suppose then that PS cast a pretty-boy glamour image himself.

Taxi - Harry Chapin (1972)

I used to drive a taxi so I knew what HC meant when he said he needed one more fare to make his night. I could see the drama involved when he picked up his ex-lover, the humiliation of serving someone who was your equal and can now throw you a tip. Humility may be good for the soul but it does nothing for your ego. Take the ride and listen. Harry died in a car crash in 1981.

Wichita Lineman - Glen Campbell (1968)

I had no idea what GC was singing about when I first heard this but MacArthur Park had already put Jimmy Webb on the map so this had to be good, and it was. Not in the same scope but melodically strong and of course I understood that everybody 'needs a small vacation'.

Sultans Of Swing - Dire Straits (1978)

This was the best thing since sliced bread! Dylan alias Mark Knopfler and guitar like nobody combined in one. The stylus (not to say needle, for those old enough to know what I'm talking about) went right through the first track. I just wanted to hear that riff one more time. And what was that about 'some boys fooling around in the corner, they don't want to hear the jazz go down, it aint what they call 'rock n' roll'?. There are words and there are words! Apparently the BBC originally didn't want to play this song because of it's high lyrical content. Where would Dylan be?!

Urge for going - Tom Rush (1965)

Joni Mitchell's words reach deep together with a deliberate and slow melody. This is about longing to belong and never finding peace. With every changing season triggering the restless soul to move yet never knowing where to go and never going. Listen also to Joni's version of her song and watch the band members watch her sing in admiration.

Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks (1967)

It's hard to write about this because I'm not sure why I have liked this so much over the years. It stirs deep feelings every-time I listen to it, The twang of the guitar strings drew me to it initially, then Davies' frail voice with that simple melody, and the backing vocals providing the strings; then this obsession with the sunset over his backyard; and who are Terry and Julie who get mentioned twice, and is the river dangerous that they made it to the other side safe and sound? Long live the mystery!

Whole New You - Shawn Colvin (2001)

The happiest, zaniest, song of all time...for me. Shawn sings to me (ok, I'm dreaming). I think she had a bit of a cold when she recorded this and she sounds even better. That guitar riff really tickles me and I like the way Shawn delivers this song as if she set out to pass a message to someone, and the line: You have a right to get down on your knees' is a killer. Ignore the video clip here just listen to the song.

Wildfire - Michael Murphey (1975)

I wish there was a way of describing music phrases. I can hear it in my head, its the bit that goes like ...oh damn! there are no words!...it's like an echoing call in the wild. If you know this song you know it. Well, the first time I heard this song it sucked me in and I was hooked. Then after that I realised it was about a horse, a bit of a come down (not that there is anything wrong with horses, lol). Not entirely of course, as the image someone running in the night in the wild looking for a horse still captivates.

You Only Live Twice - Nncy Sinatra (1967)

Film scene. Is there a beach nearby?

This is the one with the great sweeping orchestral intro which leads perfectly into Nancy's untheatrical voice telling you quite plainly that 'You only live twice'. I'll take it! I thought that she was going to remind me of our mortal coil. Damn, only twice! Well, I'm sold. Who is James Bond anyway?

You Can Close Your Eyes (Carly Simon,Ben Taylor & Sally Taylor) - Carly Simon

Listen to Carly singing this with her children from her album 'Into white'. It's the harmonies and the gentle arrangement that make this. Carly's voice is still good here and James Taylor's writing skills show up well. Here is a Youtube link to JT and CS singing this in 1977. I can listen to Carly all day long but just couldn't decide which of her megahits deserved top spot, Though I suppose 'Your so vain' is as good as any.

You Wreck Me - Tom Petty (1994)

An unlikely top 100 this was not a hit for TP (as far as I know) but as fans know he plays it in every concert. It is my favourite rockie beat up. You just turn it up and let yourself be wound-up in it's building frenzy. Definitely not a love song, no deep thought behind it just pure animal. Listen to the studio version first for a good production and great guitar.
Apparently it was first called 'You rock me'. Same result.

After the goldrush - Neil Young (1970)



the 1960's...buried in good times.

 The most Neil Youngish song he ever wrote this melodious plaint surpassed all others. With its smoky rings of imagery it had me turned inwards and outwards in my late teenage and felt happy to think someone else in this world felt like this. Hear this Linda Ronstadt & Dolly Parton & Emmylou Harris version. it updates the words and cleans up the arrangement. Though the rough and ready style of NY was it's initial charm, this version appeals to my more mature side.

Oh alright then, here is Neils 

Full Steam - David Gray (2009)

There are a few interpretations of this song but my own immediate impression related to the world debate on global warming and the inevitable impending disasters on a world-wide scale. It gives me the shivers every time I hear it. Here is a pretty good live performance of it with Annie Lennox.

Fire And Rain - James Taylor (1970)

JT's bland voice suits this depressing song perfectly and his iconical guitar style is addictive. It didn't help me much in those personally depressing times but I felt there was someone out there I identified with. But I can't say I have known anyone close who has committed suicide and that must not be very nice. This Youtube video shows the words too.

Bohemian rhapsody - Queen (1975)

This is the closest I'll come to liking opera. Stunning arrangement (I'll allow myself this superlative), with Freddy's voice in great form. The drama of the young boy and his mother losing his son closely contoured by the wailing guitar and then Freddy declaring that 'nothing really matters...at all' is something to choke with. The original video clip was pretty good too.

City Girls - J.J. Cale (1982)

'City girls they just want you just for the night'  J.J. complains. Yet others might think him lucky! I like the melodic guitar lines on this and the earthy laid back singing. I don't really enjoy much his other stuff though, and he's got heaps.

Friday on my mind - The Easybeats (1967)

Not quite raunchy to make it pure rock but too fast and loud to be pure pop this is the best Australian hit of the sixties. It's working class sentiment of living for the weekend still rings true and the image of the diminutive Steve Wright with his straight girly hair and Beatle boots singing on stage alongside Snowy are indelibly burnt in my mind. When I hear that guitar riff ringing crystal clear along the harmonies even this mature gentleman has to cede to it's wonderful celebration of life. Here is a live version, complete with Stevie's off key singing.

Frozen Orange Juice - Peter Sarstedt (1969)

Where do you go to my lovely? To buy a frozen orange juice and then splash the waves on the beach. Then (under the water) I'll rescue you and you'll rescue me...wow, hot! But where will you go to when you're alone in you're bed? We were both children begging in rags, now you're with the Aga Khan, and I'm here now forgotten forever (or am I?). But that's the other song. I love both but the image of frozen orange juice at the beach on a hot day is hard to beat.

Catch The Wind - Donovan (1965)

'In the chilli hours of uncertainty I long to be in the warm glow of your loving mind. For me to love you now t'would be the sweetest thing, t'would make me sing, Ah but I may as-well try and catch the wind'
These words flow so well I remember them without having to check them. (Hopefully I got them correctly. The song may be unfashionable now but I cant imagine any song list omitting it. It's simplicity and catchy refrain was perfect at that time for anyone learning the guitar wanting to learn the art of song writing.

Black Man Ray - China Crisis (1985)

Who is Black Man Ray? It is Ray Charles, it is a Nigerian man from Liverpool who ran an arts studio and Man Ray the artist, depending on who you listen to. I subscribe to the latter because the artist was not black! OK, who cares?. I just like the sound of that song and did not quite know what the song was about. The musical phrasing seemed almost intellectually challenged and the voice almost mechanical. I listened to it over and over. Then I listened to CC's other songs and eventually 'got it'. It was just the 80's style. Not crazy about most of it but this song really tickled me. Eventually I enjoyed their other songs, 'Christian' , 'Working with fire and steel' (which has a fantastic base line) and much later St Saviour Square with it's social justice theme.

At Seventeen - Janis Ian (1975)

On the other hand...

Could this chick really be ugly? She thought so when she wrote 'Seventeen' and I thought that was the coolest thing I ever heard. At seventeen (or thereabouts) myself I immediately secretly drew designs on her, the knight in armour who didn't think she was ugly. And she could play a mean guitar to boot! What a dream!.

Boats to build - Guy Clarke (1992)

Plain and simple not quite country more a folkie-type song it struck a chord with its apparent honesty. It's a sea-change song, wanting to rid of excess baggage for a selfish life, absorbed in pleasurable activity. Big in country there are many cover versions of this song. I like the original studio version best (but I cant find a link)

Eloisa - Barry Ryan (1968)

As I listened to this again I overheard my 17 year old daughter remark 'Oh God..' Well I know how she feels because  I thought the same when I first heard this. But it was a little like MacArthur Park in arrangement, with humour and pathos dished out in equal portions. Ultimately enjoyable and annoying in equal portions, The lyrics border on masochistic worship and Ryan's interpretation is spot on.

Fernando - ABBA (1976)

By the time Fernando was released ABBA was already the most loved and hated band in the world. Maybe it was Europhobia or Eurofilia depending on your stance. So if you were a fan of eurodite pop or rock you may have been a little brave to declare your like for Fernando or any other ABBA song. I was a little shy about it myself but I have since come out and openly said : I like some ABBA songs. This is one of them. OK, it's a little safer these days.

Everybody's Talkin' - Harry Nilsson (1968)

If you were young in the sixties and not depressed or melancholy you certainly were that after reading 'Midnight Cowboy'. This song was used for the film of the book and has stayed with me as part of the sixties' tapestry. The guitar riff makes this song but Harry's voice was it's unique stamp. Bob Dylan's Lay Lady Lay was originally commissioned for the film but never used, and that's a bit of trivia. The theme for the movie, Midnight Cowboy Theme which was written by John Barry is even more haunting, if that's possible.

Doug Ashdown - Winter In America (1974)

The personal anguish expressed in this song drives the melody and the chorus is truly inspired. I heard this around a time when I was travelling and the images of the hotel room and waking up to strangers rang true. He was in America and I was in the Greek Islands and I was familiar with Doug Ashdown from my days attending the folk circuit in Sydney. The song is about searching and belonging and finding yourself, a time of growing up