In no particular order…
Last Chance Texaco by Rickie Lee Jones
No matter what I’m doing, when I hear this song it takes me away to another place. Which is making it quite difficult to write this sentence… I’ve been listening to it for nearly 40 years and never tire of the gently wistful lyrics or the sense of resigned loneliness. The album’s well-known, commercial offering was Chuck E.'s In Love but this is far better song.
Perfect Stranger by Cheap Trick
If I ever need cheering up, this always does the (cheap) trick. I knew very little about them until a few years ago when I heard the Rockford album from 2006. It’s full of great, catchy rock/pop tunes but I defy anyone not to be tapping theiir foot at least when this song in particular is playing. Why Cheap Trick aren’t more famous over here in the UK is beyond me.
Starship Trooper by Yes
I make no apologies for being a prog fan. I’ve never worried about what’s fashionable and what isn’t, and judging by the outfits most of Yes wore in the 70’s, neither were they. I was tempted to pick Gates of Delirium as it’s nearly 22 minutes long but really I could’ve chosen any number of tracks. This one has strong memories of being in my late teens with good friends and a whole lifetime in front of me. The Yes Album got a regular airing, as did many others.
Tom Sawyer by Rush
Another band with a ton of songs I couldn’ve chosen from. Brilliant musicians creating compelling music. Once again, this is a song reminiscent of a time and a place. Locked in to my personal history. Sung by a man whose voice, thankfully, got a little less strangled with each album. It’s hard to believe all that noise comes from just three guys. Sublime bass lines underpinned by outrageous drum technique and topped with the industrious genius of Alex Lifeson’s guitar.
Grace by Jeff Buckley
As talents go who are snuffed out too soon, Jeff Buckley is right up there with Nick Drake as far as I’m concerned. This surely wasn’t the peak of his career. Inspiring of many, equalled by none. Without Jeff there would be no Muse (you can take that either way). No one really seems to agree on what happened that fateful night in the river but the outcome is the same for everyone - a new star extinguished just as the light began to shine brightly. The story and the song, and the thought of what could’ve been, never fail to send a shiver down my spine.