Long Playlists Welcome Variety, Personal Eccentricity

OK, I’ll admit it—I’m an iPod junkie. I might as well have it surgically attached as an additional appendage. It goes everywhere I go, the lone exception being the shower. It keeps me entertained during nearly every hour of the eight-hour workday. And thanks to the iHome, it both wakes me up and puts me to sleep at night. My only peeve—aside from having to charge it periodically—is not having enough space for the music the voices in my head tell me I must take with me. 

Hence, long playlists have resulted.  

In the beginning, when I first received my iPod, I made a bunch of short playlists, identical to album track listings I’d copied into iTunes. But after I’d begun copying mix CDs, the thought struck me to create a bunch of playlists from random tracks, either copied into iTunes or downloaded mp3s, and not be concerned about the length of the list or really what was included. 

Below is the latest, and likely the longest, of my iTunes playlists:  

1. Status Quo – Pictures of Matchstick Men
Growing up, my parents had a British Rock 8-track tape that got played often (nearly every stereo, including ones in the vehicles, had 8-track players). This was one of my favorites from that tape, having heard it repeatedly. I found it on the Daytrippers boxed set on my first trip to Amoeba. 

2. Justin Hayward & John Lodge – I Dreamed Last Night
This is classic Hayward—probably my favorite track from Blue Jays, next to “When You Wake Up.” 

3. KT Tunstall – Black Horse and the Cherry Tree
A fun one, especially when it involves stage dancing. 

4. Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass – This Guy’s in Love with You
This one is a cross-generational favorite in my family. I find it impressive that Herb could just put down the trumpet, pick up a mic, and sound just as smooth. 

5. Moody Blues – Going Nowhere
Some consider their 1983 release The Present—the follow-up to 1981’s chart-topping Long Distance Voyager—a commercial failure, if not a critical one. Well, those who think that way are stupid, and this song proves it. Ray’s lyrics have never been more heartfelt, and John’s harmonies and backing vocals are so powerful that they make me ache! (Dude!) 

6. The Band – Up On Cripple Creek
Granted, “The Weight” is their most popular—and best—tune, but this one is likely the most fun. The inflection in Levon Helm’s voice—especially in the ‘la la la-hoo’ part—is undeniable; it’s obvious that he’s having a blast singing the song, and the world was graced with a great track. 

7. Carole King – It’s Too Late
A successful songwriter of many 1960s hits (usually along with ex-husband Gerry Goffin), she released her first album Tapestry in 1971, knocking the socks off contemporaries and critics. This won the Record of the Year Grammy (one of King’s four that year, at the time unprecedented for a woman), and captures the angst of working Tin Pan Alley, emerging from a divorce, and evolving personally as well as professionally. 

8. The Sonics – Cinderella
The opening track from their sophomore release Boom, Tacoma’s most influential garage band follows up their rousing first releases “The Witch,” “Psycho,” and the snarky “Don’t Believe in Christmas” with this equally rousing ditty that will either inspire you to get up and dance or scream along with Gerry Roslie’s vocals. (Be sure to check out “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” and a rockin’ version of “Louie Louie” that makes The Kingsmen sound like wimps.) 

9. Moody Blues – Visions of Paradise
A lesser-known track from In Search of the Lost Chord, it’s Hayward’s lyrical poetry backed with flute and sitar melodies—British hippie music at its finest. 

10. Seals & Crofts – Summer Breeze
Yeah, it’s 1970s Top 40, overplayed countless times, but still a decent song. 

11. Led Zeppelin – Houses of the Holy
Page. Plant. Jones. Bonham. DUH! 

12. The Doors – Peace Frog
An interesting protest song—I say interesting because of its use in “The Waterboy”—but Morrison never sounded better, other than when he was warbling about lighting fires, being touched, and waiting for the sun. 

13. Tchaikovsky (composer) – Overture 1812
This is the greatest classical piece EVER!!! It was well-used in “V for Vendetta” and an episode of “Sledge Hammer!” However, I have to admit, the first clarinet part is difficult as ass, though I always wanted to play the cannon part; with my luck, I’d blow up a building. (But I digest….)  

14. David Bowie – New Killer Star
The opening track from his Reality album, I saw his performance of this on “The Tonight Show” and ended up getting the album for my birthday. I wasn’t worried about the rest of the album. I’d figured, hey, it’s Bowie. And I was not disappointed. 

15. Live – t.b.d.
From Throwing Copper, this song was nearly seductive, as it starts quiet and subtle and then takes over in the last half. I was 15 when I first heard it, and at the time, it was one of the greatest things I’d ever heard. 

16. Moody Blues – Highway
A previously unreleased outtake from the Keys of the Kingdom sessions, this was released on the Time Traveller box set as well as a few foreign bootleg compilations.  I consider it one of the group’s best songs, and think it’s a shame that fans had to wait three years to hear it. 

17. Soundgarden – Black Hole Sun
Although I’m from the Pacific Northwest, I didn’t latch on to the whole grunge scene till long after it was over. Though the video is a bit creepy, I think this is one of the best cuts from that time. 

18. The Beatles – Day Tripper
This one is just fun, particularly with the tambourine keeping time through most of the song. Though if you’d like to hear a trippy version of this song, check out Fever Tree’s “Day Tripper/We Can Work It Out.” 

19. Peter Frampton – Do You Feel Like I Do
Long before he appeared as Humble Pie’s road manager in “Almost Famous,” Frampton released a live double-album that, like, became one of the best-selling albums of all time, and included this 13-minute opus with the famous talk-box warbling that became a staple of the late 1970s. 

20. Big Brother & the Holding Company – Flower in the Sun
An outtake from the Cheap Thrills session, this was part of the Big Brother set list during the last few months before Janis Joplin left the group. While the live versions are lively and stand well enough on their own, the studio version is the definitive one. 

21. Supertramp – Goodbye Stranger
Album version, not the single version—and if the radio station DJs play the single version, then they’re idiots. 

22. Neil Diamond – Hey Louise
In The Jazz Singer, there are two scenes where Neil Diamond’s character has to prove himself as a singer—first, in the recording studio, to a snot-nosed recording artist who wants to record a shitty version of “Love on the Rocks—and the second one is when he opens for a major comedian. After a mellow opening number, he gets the crowd going with this upbeat number, just as his wife arrives and realizes she’s lost him to his music. 

23. Paul Revere & the Raiders – Him Or Me – What’s It Gonna Be
Ah, Mark. (Sigh!) OK, one of my most favorite Raiders tunes, featuring Mark and producer Terry Melcher (Doris Day’s son) on the backing vocals. 

24. Moody Blues – Isn’t Life Strange (Live at Red Rocks)
This performance debuted composer Larry Baird’s arrangement of this song, derived from the 1972 original and a 1980s Scotland performance. While the 2000 Hall of Fame performance has merit, this one is the best. It’s direct; it has punch; and John’s vocals have never been better.   

25. Guess Who – Palmyra
One of two outtakes from the Share the Land sessions, prior to Randy Bachman’s departure, this track stands up and rocks your world, with Randy’s guitar licks and Burton’s Lennon-esque vocals. 

26. Paul Revere & the Raiders – Just Like Me
More Mark! (Sigh!) This one is my absolute favorite of all the Raiders and Mark Lindsay tunes. It’s still not easy to say that because I like several so very much, but the only way I can tell is, when I hear this, a strong euphoria of sorts fills me up, and the other songs don’t produce quite an intense reaction. Dude! It’s a feeling that makes me ecstatic that I love music. 

27. Three Dog Night – Lady Samantha
One of my favorite of their tunes, though growing up I remember hearing a British version (on the 8-track, I’m sure), not sure by whom. 

28. Wild Cherry – Play That Funky Music
Just a fun song—and my parents have this on vinyl. 

29. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – Yer So Bad
Great snarky lyrics and awesome strumming. Plus the video, as Teaya puts it, stars Tom as “Peeping Tom” Tom. 

30. Three Dog Night – Let Me Serenade You
My mom’s favorite Three Dog Night tune, from the Golden Biscuits album. (And she saw them live in Pullman in 1973.) 

31. Paul Revere & the Raiders – Hungry (banned lyrics)
Naughty Mark! (Purr!) One of my dad’s original Napster downloads, I’m not sure if this is technically released anywhere—it wasn’t on the Raiders double-set—but ooh, it gives “Hungry” a whole new meaning by eliminating any suggestions and just saying it. (Mel was right; naughty IS the new nice. Sweet!) 

32. Zero 7 – In the Waiting Line
Every time I hear this, I still picture Zach Braff tripping in “Garden State.” But it’s still a nice song. 33. ‘Til Tuesday – Voices Carry
My ex-boyfriend, Paul, introduced me to ‘Til Tuesday and Aimee Mann, but I sought out this one on my own, and actually discovered the video the song. 34. Rolling Stones – Not Fade Away
Mick and the guys pay tribute to Buddy Holly and put their own stamp on this early-era rock ditty, capturing Holly’s original energy and making it their own. 

35. Moody Blues – Legend of a Mind (Live at Red Rocks)
The full, complete version—versus the crudely short Hall of Fame version that rudely cut out most of Ray’s solo—is an auditory experience not unlike anything else. From the first note, it stands up, grabs you, and doesn’t let you go. Now, if it was only on video other than YouTube… 

36. Feist – One Evening
Paul’s favorite Feist tune—and the video on YouTube, including more of her quirky dancing, is a kick. 

37. Eric Clapton – Layla (unplugged version)
I have always had issues with Clapton, mostly growing up with the impression that he stole his best friend’s wife. Then, I read Patty Boyd’s book and realize she was treated callously by both George and Clapton, but especially Clapton. So, “Layla” has not been a stomachable tune for me, till I discovered this version, likely because it didn’t seem so in-your-face. 

38. Gerry Rafferty – Baker Street
Mark Lindsay had something to do with this one, too, as well as the album. The platinum records for the single and album are hanging in his rock & roll café.  

39. Christopher Cross – Arthur’s Theme
From a great Dudley Moore movie, and before Christopher Cross got too annoying. 

40. Nilsson – Without You
Paul prefers Badfinger’s version (their video is chilling), and Heart had a respectable version on the Magazine album. There’s just something in Harry Nilsson’s voice, a desperate longing, that escapes the other versions.  

41. Mott the Hoople – All the Young Dudes
An awesome Bowie cover. (And Bowie’s version is cool, too!) 

42. Toto – Africa
Smooth 1980s pop, though my mom would have chosen “Rosanna.” 

43. Journey – Separate ways (Worlds Apart)
Steve Perry might be taller than me, though not by much. At least my nose is smaller. 

44. Feist – 1234
Fun song. Funner video. Funnier dancing. All in good fun. 

45. The Pretenders – Lovers of Today
A tender moment on an in-your-face debut album that included “f— off,” open sexuality, and Space Invaders. Rarely has a song reached me on such a deep, emotional level, particularly with life around mid- to late 2005. 

46. Sheryl Crow – Maybe Angels
This set the tone for Crow’s self-titled sophomore release, and marked the end of the hippie-esque persona from her debut Tuesday Night Music Club. From the first note announcing her arrival, rock music from the gut was personified and has not been matched by another contemporary artist.  

47. Redwood – Time to Get Alone
A previously unissued track from the Three Dog Night double-set Celebrate. If I had the liner notes, I could tell you which Three Dog members were involved as well as any other details, but… One of my mom’s faves. 

48. Paul McCartney & Wings – Listen to What the Man Said
The hit from Wings’ Venus and Mars album—my favorite, so long as the radio DJs remember to play the thing in its entirety. And, for the record, Venus and Mars are still alright tonight. 

49. Led Zeppelin – The Battle of Evermore
From Zepp’s über-popular fourth album—I like the hippie, earthy feel of it, though this often gives me visions of flower children prancing around a maypole.   

50. Sheryl Crow – It’s Only Love
C’mon C’mon, Crow’s fourth studio album, reads like a who’s who of collaborations. On this one, she gets some help in the harmony department from Gwyneth Paltrow—who may be able to carry tune, but is in no way a singer (but should definitely be looking forward to a future adolescent rebellion for naming her daughter Apple)—and the combination proves successful. 

51. Moody Blues – Land of Make Believe
A mellow tune from the group’s first number-one album Seventh Sojourn, which also generated the timely “Lost in a Lost World,” sentimental “New Horizons,” love-inspiring “For My Lady,” stoic “Isn’t Life Strange,” rousing “You and Me,” protest the imprisonment of the late Dr. Timothy Leary in “When You’re a Free Man,” and John’s ode to the stage, “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock-n-Roll Band).”  I think this track may have been used in a montage for the 1984 or 1988 Olympics. 

52. Live – Lightning Crashes
Another track from Throwing Copper. This was the song that my best friend Stephie first played for me that turned me on to any music remotely recent, let alone popular. For a while, I think she even considered this her and Jason’s song. 

53. The Eagles – Journey of the Sorcerer
What’s so great about a six-and-a-half-minute instrumental on a rock album? Search me; I’m still trying to figure it out! All I know is, it’s a mellow instrumental on the One of These Nights album, it’s not out of place on the album, and it’s been haunting me since ninth grade. 

54. Moody Blues – After You Came
From Every Good Boy Deserves Favour—Graeme wrote, John sang it (mostly); and I still have no idea what the heck he’s singing—neither does Mom—but it’s one we always crank up and sing along to at the top of our lungs with glee, especially when we’re dodging tractors through the Willamette Valley. 

55. Chicago – 25 or 6 Two 4 (live)
I didn’t realize this was a live track till I copied my Daytrippers boxed set into iTunes. (Yeah, been a while since I’d listened to it.) But this version stands up quite well to the original, if not more so. 

56. Moody Blues – To Share Our Love
Written by John, sung by Mike—just good rockin’ and gritty vocals—from On the Threshold of a Dream. 

57. Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band – Turn the Page
One of those rare live gems that became a hit—sound absolutely awesome in a sparsely occupied saloon in Virginia City, Montana. 

58. Moody Blues – Gimme a Little Somethin’
Released as an afterthought along with a clump of other tracks on Caught Live + 5 and Prelude, this song has always seemed so beautiful. Written by John, the ambiance is peaceful and mellow, Justin’s vocals were right on, Ray’s flute never sound more clear, and John’s high-end harmonies were butter-melting. 

59. Donovan – Colours
On the heels of Dylan, Donovan helped paved the way for the singer/songwriter archetype. This was just one of his many noteworthy tracks—check out “Lalena,” “Sunshine Superman,” “Mellow Yellow,” “Atlantis,” “Jennifer Juniper,” and “Catch the Wind.” Oh, yeah, and his daughter is actress Ione Skye. 

60. The Eagles – Visions
The only track from One of These Nights that really gets up and rocks. Sadly, it’s also the only Eagles song ever that actually features former guitarist Don Felder on lead vocals. (Thanks for the egomania, Don H.!) 

61. Moody Blues – Magic
On the Keys of the Kingdom album, John’s contributions are the prime tracks—the tender “Lean On Me (Tonight),” the yearning “Shadows on the Wall,” and this celebratory track. Dude! That guy is sweet! 

62. Big Brother and the Holding Company -Turtle Blues
Janis’s bluesy contribution to Cheap Thrills, backed with an audio track from Barney’s Beanery to give it a live performance effect. 

63. The Beatles – Oh! Darling
Paul lets it all hang out—er, vocally, that is. 

64. Moody Blues – Steppin’ in a Slide Zone
OK, it’s a live performance overdubbed with the studio version, but go to YouTube and look up the video for this. Check out John’s hair blowin’ in the wind! 

65. Simon & Garfunkel – Fakin’ it
Bookends is one of the best albums ever, and if this song doesn’t reach you to your very core, then seek professional help—immediately! 

66. Moody Blues – Watching and Waiting
Hayward was at his zenith, both as a songwriter and a vocalist. It’s a shame the world wasn’t quite ready. 

67. Train – Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)
Lyrically, it’s not the most sophisticated, but it sums up what it’s all about. There are so few things in this world that have managed that. 

68. Sandie Shaw – Girl Don’t Come
Likely Mom’s favorite from the British Rock 8-track. 

69. Mark Lindsay – Arizona
(Sigh!) Do I really need to say it? 

Dude! I still miss the days of the original Napster. (Damn you, RIAA!) 

Thanks for reading!
~Talia