iPod of my mind: Musical unforgettables part four

Music has so much to offer that, if you have time and taste, you can indulge in what you like and be at complete peace with yourself. And this, even if you dig heavy metal and nothing else at all.

When somebody read my first three posts yesterday, the person’s first reaction was, “Wow, your range is phenomenal.” Thanks for that, but I genuinely believe that there are other nutcases like me who enjoy all sorts of music, without any discrimination whatsoever. After all, what is important, at the end of the day, is the sound of music. And, if you find the sound relatable, guys, nothing else matters.

Here are ten more songs. For your eyes as of now, and hopefully, your ears thereafter.

Cocaine, Eric Clapton: Written and recorded by JJ Cale, this song became famous because of Clapton’s version. This one was supposed to be an anti-drug song, but the intention was so unclear in the lyrics that Clapton added the phrase ‘that dirty cocaine’ to the track later. I am of the view that this track’s initial performances has EC at his best. In saying what I do, I am not the only one.

La bamba, Ritchie Valens: This Mexican folk track was popularised by a prodigy named Ritchie Valens. Today, it has become an anthem the world over. I hardly know any music lover who hasn’t heard this one. So, what do I add?

The house of the rising Sun, The Animals: Plain knockout material. Originally a folk track, The Animals gave this one a superb twist and made it a folk rock classic that will last forever.

Part time lover, Stevie Wonder: This visually challenged maestro has one of the most mesmerising voices you can ever hear. Part time lover, as the title suggests, is, lyrically, a naughty track. Wonderfully sung by Wonder, you cannot stay away from hearing it time and again.

Eye in the sky, The Alan Parsons Project: The title track of a hugely popular pop rock album. Fantastic instrumentation, great vocal harmony, eminently enjoyable.

Teach your children, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: Trivia freaks might like to know that this track had Jerry Garcia on the pedal steel guitar. Written by Graham Nash and dealing with the theme of teaching children about war and other concerns, this folk rock track is seriously good.

Sultans of swing, Dire Straits: Dire Straits, led by the charismatic Mark Knopfler, delivered this pulsating number. The songwriting is great, and the big man’s guitaring and vocals make this one a track for all seasons.

Blowing in the wind, Bob Dylan: Dylan is the best lyricist the world has ever produced. This track, with its haunting thoughts and ‘interesting’ vocals – interesting is the word one must use for Dylan’s singing – is among the most popular ones of all time. Am sure you have heard it, even if politics doesn't interest you one bit.

After Midnight, JJ Cale: Popularised by Clapton, but I like Cale’s original version a little bit more. The laidback style of Cale’s singing lends this track, a peculiar charm: or, so I feel.

The sound of silence, Simon and Garfunkel: Simon and Garfunkel have given us many classics. Thank God for that. But nothing quite matches the haunting flavour of this track. The word ‘sound’ has been used in both its singular and plural incarnations, but we will stick to the former since Simon, in his book Lyrics 1964-2008, has it that way.

Bye for now. And enjoy. On Sunday, we shall sing together once more.