Box of Chocklits

I will tell you what this is not… it is not a collection of my fifteen favorite songs (although I did compile a list of thirty-three favorite tunes four years ago, and three of those songs are included herein).  It is also not the ultimate play-list based on a unifying theme… all blues, or British invasion, or music from the 60s, or famous songs covered by other artists.  This is not even a list that I cooked up at Ash Creek during an evening of reviewing the finer attributes of Kentucky sippin’ whisky.

No. Not any of that.

I have put together some music that I have accumulated over the years.  Fifteen tunes knit together, that I think have a good flow with only a couple of “seams” showing… the idea being that the disc could be listened to from beginning to end without skipping a track.  Well… that’s the idea of a play-list, isn’t it?

A brief word about the selected titles and their lyrics as a basis for inclusion in this play-list.  Don’t over analyze it.  You can read into it what you will.  It’s sorta like reading a horoscope — you can always find something to support a thesis or supposition.  But I hate to disappoint you… this is not my autobiography thru music.

These songs are here simply because I dig them.  A little bit of this and a little bit of that.  It reminds of something my Mother said years ago… “Life is like a box of chocklits… ya never know what yer gonna git.”

Well… maybe it was some other person’s Mother who said it.

 

On The Turning Away PINK FLOYD

Pink Floyd is one of those bands that attracts a cult following.  Count Zachary in that number of devotees.  He was the one who pointed me to this track.  It reminds me of some of the Moody Blues’ orchestral numbers from Days of Future Passed.

In Your Eyes PETER GABRIEL

I love the pace of this tune.  And Gabriel has that “throaty” vocal that I enjoy.

Walking In Memphis MARC COHEN

Another throaty vocalist.  I have purposely avoided googling this song’s lyrics.  Even after careful repeated listenings, I can’t understand the line about the manner of walking in Memphis, and its effect on his feet.  I love the line… “Are you a Christian?  Yeah, I am tonight.”

This Is Us MARK KNOPFLER

In my book Knopfler is the perfect musician.  Great song writer.  Incredible guitar.  Incredible. Superb vocal, and on this track he is joined by a terrific Emmy Lou Harris.  Listen a second time.  Great duet blending two different vocal textures.

Ah Mary GRACE POTTER

On this track Grace Potter fronts for The Nocturnals.  I have no clue where I came upon this song.  I just like it.  “She’ll make you cookies, then she’ll burn your town.”

Bette Davis Eyes KIM CARNES

Love the song; but I don’t know about Bette Davis’ eyes being so hot.  What was hot about Bette Davis was her slamming three martinis in All About Eve and delivering the line, “fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night.” Meanwhile, Carnes’ raspy voice is perfect on this track.

Where To Now St. Peter? ANN WILSON

Ann Wilson is one half of the sister act Heart.  This is a great cover for an Elton John/Bernie Taupin song… and she is supported on this track by Elton John’s backing vocal.

Summer Of ’69 BRYAN ADAMS

An unplugged version.  OK, summer of ’69… Woodstock, the Astronauts landed on the moon, I hosteled thru Europe.  And yes, it was a special time, and this is a special song. Great line, ” I guess nothing can last forever…”

Further On (Up The Road) BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

This is from a live concert recorded in Dublin.  There are at least two other featured vocalists who lend support on the track.  I have no idea who they are.

Enough Of The Night JACKSON BROWNE

The acoustic version done live.

If Not For You BOB DYLAN

Just love the tune. Love the tune. And for a change, love Dylan singing one of his own songs. 

Here Comes The Sun JOE BROWN

This is my favorite Beatles tune.  I draw from its optimism. This track comes from a concert honoring George Harrison.  As much as I like this track, I would have used the original Beatles’ Abbey’s Road version if it were available.

Sunday Girl BLONDIE

Debbie Harry covers their hit in French. I like it in English, I love it in French.

Touch Of Grey THE GRATEFUL DEAD

The only song released by this historic band as a single.  Sweet vocal and an even sweeter guitar from the late and great Jerry Garcia.

Try To Remember JERRY ORBACH

From the longest running show in New York, The Fantastiks. OK, it doesn’t really fit here.  But it reelects a sentiment that strikes a resonant chord for me.  How’s this for a line… “without a hurt the heart is hollow.”

 

If you want to receive a copy of the CD, let me know.  I will send you a copy gratis.  Just send me your snail mail address.  And, as an added bonus, I will also provide your address to the Publisher’s Clearing House for their “prize patrol.”

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