iPod of my mind: Musical unforgettables part two

This series seems to have started off okay. What’s more, I am quite enjoying what I am doing. The target that I have set for myself is an obscene challenge. Writing about ten thousand songs isn’t easy: not for me, at least. But it promises to be fun.

Let me cut the crap. For the time being. Here are ten more songs that you might wish to check out.

Comfortably numb, Pink Floyd: Many can’t see beyond this Floyd number. Waters and co. have done much better stuff. But this one as a popular classic beats most.

No rain, Blind Melon: My introduction to this American rock band. The video featuring Heather DeLoach performing in front of people who respond with sarcastic laughter, before moving on to show the girl’s quest for appreciative viewers, is brilliant. (For the final moments, check it out). As for the song, you have to hear it to believe that these guys could deliver some seriously good stuff.
Btw, would have liked the front man Shannon Hoon to go on and on instead of dying of cocaine overdose like many others of his kind.

Coward of the county, Kenny Rogers: Country music has produced great performers. And, Kenny Rogers is right there at the top with a few others. This song that tells the story of a young ‘coward’ who becomes a ‘real’ man in the end, the songwriter has enough in it to sustain one’s interest. Add Rogers’ vocals to that, and what you have is a seriously good track.

Mr. Record Man, Willie Nelson: A brilliant track from that ‘rebel’ named Willie Nelson. Great writing and superb vocals take this song to that special level that makes Nelson a unique happening in the world of country music.

Thriller, Michael Jackson: No matter what his critics say, MJ is the biggest entertainer the world has ever seen. Thriller’s music video is one of the best you can ever hope to see, with Jackson, the idol of idols, in full flow both as a singer and performer. Yes, outstanding.

Woman in love, Barbra Streisand: What a voice, and what a song. I have known diehard metal lovers who have been felled by the haunting beauty of this romantic number. As a matter of fact, nobody I know has managed to be an exception, which says a lot about the merit of the track.

Rhinestone cowboy, Glen Campbell: Blessed with a rich voice, Campbell has pulled off several magical tracks during his illustrious career as a country music performer. Rhinestone cowboy is one of his biggest hits, and what’s more, continues to make its presence felt despite countless country music releases every year. You just cannot miss this one.

Don’t know much, Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville: This song had been sung by others earlier – including Bill Medley and Bette Midler – but none of them matches the version sang by Ronstadt and Neville (of Neville Brothers). It has the classic quality of any good duet: which is, two brilliant vocalists complimenting each other with instinctive ease. Personally, I believe that Neville eclipsed Ronstadt. But my view may not be shared by others.

Careless whisper, Wham!: Have never been much of a Wham! fan. But I confess that Careless whisper, when released as a single in 1984, pretty much convinced me, a schoolboy, that the band was destined to go far. That, it did, before the members George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley parted ways. Till today, the number sounds good to my ears. Not bad, 27 odd years having gone by since I heard it first.

Roadhouse Blues, The Doors: The last screw of sanity abandoned my mind-screwed head when I heard this track years ago. Although the song has been flogged to death by countless cover version artists, Jim Morrison’s voice reminds me of his nearly matchless charisma whenever I return to the track.

See you till next time. Which should be very very soon.