top ten "stuck" songs

When I was compiling my top 25 favourite albums list I often got stuck on which order to put the albums in. So instead of getting frustrated about that, I thought, “that’s a great topic idea”. So here it is, my top ten “stuck” songs.

 

10 - Stuck – Stacey Orrico

The Panel was a great show on Australian TV, not only for the chat and comedy, but the music. They used to allow artists to perform whatever song they wanted, but it had to be acoustic. This caught out a few of the pop singers of the day, but conversely also showcased some others. I don’t know anything about Stacey Orrico, but I was introduced to her song on one of the compilation CD’s from the Panel. The link below is the original version of stuck though.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbR73AITYz0

9 - Stuck at the Airport – Money Mark

When I used to listen to the Steven and Gary’s Classic Albums podcast (what did happen to these guys? ) they often talked about buying a new Christmas album each year. Around about that time, I saw “This Warm December” in the bargain bins, a Christmas album that had a few Jack Johnson songs on it, so I thought why not give it a try. Its good, and this song is good, and not overly christmasy in its theme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDKdXpSGtcM

 

8 - Stuck with Me – Green Day

If I have started to send you asleep, this one should wake you up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fevGo3H5840

 

7 - Stuck inside a Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again….- Bob Dylan

Yep, its Bob time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGN8lpDCfEw

 

6 - Stuck in Moment You Can’t Get Out of It – U2

I did like the “All You Can’t Leave Behind” album of U2, and this is one of the singles from it. An enjoyable song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emFUtuotHL4

 

5 - Stuck on You – Lionel Richie

My wife is a Lionel fan, and hence I have now been to two of his concerts. He could write a good pop song, and this is certainly one of his better ones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhsTB4rq1XU

 

4 - Stuck on You – Elvis Presley

So Lionel was stuck on you, and now its Elvis’ turn. A completely different track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYsPqoDPjCI

 

3 - Stuck on You – Paul Norton

Another Stuck on You? Yes, this time its back to the 80’s for some big haired pop. This is a great track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQlCY3JWYQA

 

2 - Stuck with You – Huey Lewis

And we are going to stay in the 80’s, for Mr Lewis who is not stuck on you, but stuck with you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J08ZwySCoJ8

 

 

1 - Stuck in the Middle with You – Stealer’s Wheels

The number one track, and if it was a horse race it would have won by many many lengths.  Its catchy, and I think we have all been in situations where there are clowns to the left of us, and jokers to the right of us!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DohRa9lsx0Q

 

 

What are your favourite stuck songs?

 

Top Ten "Sunday" songs

Last time I gave you my top Saturday night songs. What comes after Saturday night? Sunday, of course, so the logical next list is my top “Sunday” songs. Enjoy the list.

 

10 - Never on Sunday – Connie Francis

We begin this week’s list with a greek song, that many of the typical songbirds got a hold of and re-recorded in English – eg. Connie Francis, Doris Day, Petula Clark. A nice way to kick us off. Just don’t go kissing Connie on Sunday, that’s her day of rest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6iR8X-rD4E

 

9 - Sunday Morning – No Doubt

Before she was a Hollaback Girl, Gwen Stefani was in a rock band, and from memory “Tragic Kingdom” wasn’t too bad an album either. “Sunday Morning” came from it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiBX-ESFDF0

 

8 - Sunday Papers – Joe Jackson

Leaving 90’s rock to head to the late seventies new wave pop of Joe Jackson and “Sunday Papers”. Its about someone who stays and home and lives life through the Sunday paper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5r1ub00btE

 

7 - Pleasant Valley Sunday – Monkees

It might be a pleasant valley, but this is pleasant pop, exactly what one would expect from the Monkees.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUzs5dlLrm0

 

6 - Sunday Girl – Blondie

Blondie don’t seem to get much a run on my blog for some reason, which is a shame because I quite like thme – I think the topics I have picked just haven’t been suitable. They have better tracks than this one, but its their Sunday contribution.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obwanhb6kww

 

5 - Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon – Queen

I think I was banging on about this track when I listed “A Night at the Opera” as my second favourite album. It’s a great track, totally over the top, a little bit camp, but very very enjoyable

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkxWyt7K4hw

 

4- Sunday, Bloody Sunday – U2

Being someone that does look up music on the internet,I have observed that U2 seem to really divide people – those that don’t like them really don’t like them. I am far more neutral, I like some of their stuff, but wouldn’t consider myself a huge fan. “Sunday, Bloody Sunday” is textbook U2, anthemic stadium rock!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM4vblG6BVQ

 

3- Lazy Sunday – Small Faces

From the anthemic rock of U2, to the cockney music halls of East London with this pearler of a track by the Small Faces.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXeRB-3nDR8

2- Saturday Night and Sunday Morning – Paul Kelly

Its back – straddling the Saturday night and the Sunday lists, but too good to leave off!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5t1P8dFB6w

1- Sunday Morning Coming Down – Jerry Lee Lewis

So, we have reached the top spot, and the choice of track was clear to me, the difficulty though was choosing which version to go for. Kris Kristofferson wrote and recorded this amazing track, Johnny Cash did a great version, but the one that has really worked for me is Jerry Lee Lewis’s rendition on his “Mean Old Man” album.

 

Kristofferson’s lyrics are truly amazing as he tells the tale of a desperate man. The opening lyrics really sum it up –

 

“Well I woke up Sunday morning

 With no way to hold my head, that didn't hurt

 And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad,

 So I had one more for dessert.”

 

As the man wonders the town aimlessly, we realise how desperate he is:

“Then I walked across the street

 And caught the Sunday smell of someone's fryin' chicken

 And it took me back to somethin'

 That I'd lost somewhere, somehow along the way.

 

 On a Sunday morning sidewalk

 I'm wishing Lord that I was stoned

 'Cause there's something in a Sunday

 That makes a body feel alone.”

 

There are good lyrics, and then there are truly great lyrics.

 

Johnny Cash version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED5s1-Fe9FA

 

Jerry Lee Lewis version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI_SpIlgt3s

 

Kris Kristofferson version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_o1y4zLEA0

 

So there it is, my top Sunday songs.  What are your favourites? Feel free to post a comment below

Top ten "Saturday night" songs

Little Richard once sang “ Well, it's Saturday night and I just got paid, Fool about my money, don't try to save, My heart says go go, have a time, Saturday night and I'm feelin' fine.” Indeed, many songwriters over the years have chosen to sing about the party night, Saturday night. Here is my top ten “Saturday Night” songs.

10 – Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night – Bon Jovi

Not often you will see a Bon Jovi track on these lists, but I like this one. I like the acoustic start to it, always like a hook that sucks me in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFNZXaBcXkA

 

9 – Saturday Night  - Skyhooks

Another typical Skyhooks song, where they are out trying to pick up chicks in their car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8QojJOhjcc

 

8 – Almost Saturday Night – John Fogerty

John’s getting excited about Saturday night too, but its not quite time yet  - he is almost there.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbRoEe0r1Xc

 

7 – Another Saturday Night – Cat Stevens

Many other tracks on this list are looking forward to Saturday night. Not this one, which dreads another Saturday night with no one to talk to. Originally a Sam Cooke song, I couldn’t make up my mind which version to go for, but decided to go with Cat’s cover.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvTVnX5PiVQ

 

6-  Forty Miles to Saturday Night – Paul Kelly

We usually associate Saturday night songs with the city and partying. But what would have happen if you lived in the middle of nowhere and you had to travel a long distance just to get to your party. Well, Paul describes it very well in this song  - the anticipation and excitement is just like the city songs, it just takes a bit longer. A great alternative perspective on Saturday nights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdzB03mA2ws

 

5 – Saturday Night – Cold Chisel

I love that moment in Cold Chisel songs when they transition from Barnesy to Mossy’s vocals (and vice versa) Their voices are so different, yet compliment each other so well.  Saturday Night is one of those songs where Ian starts off the lead vocals but Jimmy jumps in later on…great stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lelsyP9qL2I

 

4- Saturday Night at the Movies – The Drifters

Ah…they don’t make songs like this any more.  A whole lot of fun from beginning to end, talking up  a night out at the movies snuggling up to “..your baby in the last row of the balcony.” The attention to  detail in the lyrics is great, love the description of  popcorn smells from the candy stand and all the pretty girls. Sounds like a great Saturday night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRPBCQnMV0M

 

3 – (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night – Tom Waits

Tom Waits really did have some beautiful ballads, and his early career stuff is nothing like that later stuff with the rough voice.This track is just lovely.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7UHd7NVegE

 

2 – Saturday Night and Sunday Morning – Paul Kelly

Most lists that I make end up having a Paul Kelly track (or two) and I usually bang on about how great the songwriting is. So, its that time again. When a song opens with the line “she’s a screamer and no one knows, just me and her old boyfriend I suppose” you know you can’t go wrong. Especially when it rocks out in such a catchy way as this one does. “Words and Music” is probably not one of my favourite PK albums, but this would have to be one of the best tracks on that album.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5t1P8dFB6w

 

1 - Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting – Elton John

Here at musiclists.blogspot.com we don’t condone violence. We do condone great songs though, and this is a great song, worthy of the number one spot!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqpOxaUVWwA

 

 

So there it is, my top ten “Saturday night” songs….what gives you Saturday night fever?

 

Top ten "Strangers" songs

This week’s theme is strangers, but by this, I am using stranger as a noun, not really as an adjective (eg. “Stranger than Fiction” doesn’t count).

Its interesting that songs in this category often fall into two types – one is about strangers meeting and falling in love, the other type is songs where a couple are having relationship problems and feel like strangers.

10 - Stranger – Presidents of the USA

So we head to the 90’s and the Presidents, who always have an interesting take on things. In this song, they are trying to pick up a stripper:

“Carla the stripper,
straight from L.A.
You seem cool for a naked chick in a booth
Let's be pals some day
In other words,
Put some clothes on and call me”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpgP62fInAw

 

9 - I Never Talk to Strangers – Tom Waits

Continuing the theme of trying to pick up strangers, in this song, we get Tom’s usual sleazy dirty bar type feel to his music, as he attempts to pick up Bette Midler in a bar. In some respects, the structure of the song reminds me a bit of “Baby, Its Cold Outside”.
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lu51WVRfmE

 

8 - Rank Stranger – Paul Kelly and Stormwater Boys

Its bluegrass time – and off to Paul Kelly’s bluegrass collaboration The Stormwater Boys who covered an old Stanley Brothers song. I didn't know the original to start with but its a bluegrass standard.
 

This is the Stanley Brothers original version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I16YOPmmZbs

 

7 - Talking to a Stranger – Hunters and Collectors

I am not even going to try and analyse this song, as I am sure there are lots of meanings in it that have gone completely over my head, but it’s a good track, with that solid beat, almost tribal sound to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyiYBajrefY

 

6- Strangers in the Night – Frank Sinatra

Ah Frank. In someone else’s hands, this tale of love at first sight would be way too syrupy for my tastes, but your vocals really give it some credibility.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlSbSKNk9f0

 

5 - Stranger – Joe Henry

I was recommended Joe Henry by a former work colleague-  they gave me a mix tape which featured this song. It’s a really enjoyable listen, and I keep meaning to explore more of his work.

https://myspace.com/joehenrymusic/music/song/stranger-30322-39108

 

4 - Strangers on a Train – The Sports

The Sports are always good for a bit of pop rock from the 80’s and this is a great example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7hXozx-BVc

 

3- The Stranger – Billy Joel
Very few people can whistle very well, and recording whistling can be a disaster, but the whistling interludes in this song are amazing. The story goes that they were planning on using a clarinet and Joel just whistled the rough tune he wanted, but the producer decided it was good enough to stay.  If you google this song, you will soon realise that many of hypothesised about the lyrics meaning, and many theories abound. I think the short synopsis from my perspective is that it makes you question how well we really know ourselves and others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnlvPoDU5LY

 

2-    Brave Strangers – Bob Seger
Bob Seger’s “Stranger in Town” album would have to be up there as one of the great rock albums, and so many great tracks on this album, Brave Strangers being one of them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-QKfNsLUp4

 

1- Blue Stranger – Paul Kelly

So my top spot today goes to Paul Kelly’s Blue Stranger. From the “Comedy” album, it’s a really enjoyable listen. Although not as complex as some of the other songs I have listed above, its simple tale of two lonely strangers meeting (“all lovers were strangers once”) set to a catchy, largely acoustic tune just resonates well with me.  Keith Urban has also covered this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CG07B5X3uY


So there you have it, my top ten "stranger" songs. Were any of these a stranger to you? Do you have any stranger to introduce me to? Don't be  a stranger, leave a comment!

top ten "kick/kicking" songs

Its AFL grand final weekend, and of course one of the key skills of Australian Rules football is kicking the ball – indeed kicking goals is the aim of the game. So in honour of this, my theme this week is kick/kicking songs.

Enjoy the list!

 

10 – Dropkick me Jesus Through the Goalposts of Life – Bobby Bare

Ok, I know, its actually a pretty lame song, but you have to give points for the title alone, and I will be honest with you, I only had nine songs for the list and needed an extra one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsWg0bt9kp4

 

9 – Kick out the Jams – Presidents of the USA

Based on the MC5 track, this I think was the only cover version on the Presidents debut album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iblg5G3NTjo

 

8 – Kicking Stones – Tim Rogers

Tim features fairly prominently in this list, so apologies in advance for those that are not fans of his work. This is a real bluesy number from his Dirty Ron album.

http://timrogersmusic.bandcamp.com/track/kickin-stones

 

7– Ain’t that a Kick in the Head – Dean Martin

From blues to swing now – I couldn’t quite find room for this in my top ain’t songs, but it has been able to make this list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huKSm0tAvhs

 

6- Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People

A more recent track now, for a while it felt like this song was everywhere – on the radio, on TV commercials, being played in stores etc. It has a pretty catchy chorus though. I haven’t taken the time to study the lyrics in detail, but I think they are actually quite dark – its about the homicidal thoughts of a troubled youth. Makes you think about that catchy jingle a bit differently now doesn’t it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDTZ7iX4vTQ

 

5 – Kick a Hole in the Sky – You Am I

Tim is back, this time with his band You Am I. I think I may have written before that I will always have a soft spot for their “Dress Me Slowly” album. It may not be their best, but it’s the album I turn to when I am down and need a bit of a pick up. The songs are great, and I associate it with good times with my friends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVWfn9uwluo

 

4- I Get a Kick Out of You – Frank Sinatra

Back to swing now, from that other great exponent of the genre, Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. This has been covered by many artists over the years (in fact, Sinatra’s version is a cover too)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueIRPDAbPNY

 

3- (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 – Nat King Cole

Perhaps I am being a bit cheeky including his, as the song is often listed without the parenthesis, but it is often listed with them, so I think I can get away with it. Nat King Cole had the original version, but as with some of the other songs on this list, this is an often covered classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCYApJtsyd0

 

If you don’t like Nat’s version, perhaps you would prefer Chuck Berry’s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg2EbJy-9dc

The Rolling Stones version is also excellent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyhkBg8wOBo

 

2- Kick – INXS

So I had a bit of difficulty in working out the order of the top two, and I very nearly gave this one the top spot (it probably also should get points for being off an album of the same name). There is something simplistically brilliant about the chorus – “sometimes you kick, sometimes you get kicked.” Many would have been able sum up life as well as that line does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROyk9PPBMTQ

 

1- Arse Kickin Lady from the Northwest – Tim Rogers

I gave the top spot to Tim Rogers, with this brilliant track from his debut solo album. Not really much to say about this song, its great. Love the banjo work on it too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbaPxh54v-8

 

So there is my list. Did I kick a goal with this one, or should some of my selections be kicked out?

top ten "help" songs

We all need a little help sometimes – here is my top ten help songs!

10 - Help Me Rhonda – Beach Boys

We start off with the Beach Boys, and one of their big hits. The story of a man who is attracted a woman that ran off with another man, so he begs Rhonda to help him – and no mention of Ketut at all (sorry for the non Australian readers, you probably won’t understand that reference)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPnBrK6D26g

 

9 - Help is Coming – Crowded House

A moody B-side from Crowded House, this song comes from the Afterglow album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsT-rJ4Jzos

 

8 - Can’t Help Myself – The Flowers

Icehouse were originally known as the Flowers, and this great piece of 80’s music is from their Flowers days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7_BtSCNig4

 

7 - Can’t Help You Now – Paul Kelly

Ways and Means is an extremely underrated album from Paul Kelly, and this is such a good track from that album.

http://www.last.fm/music/Paul+Kelly/_/Can't+Help+You+Now

 

6 - Help is On its Way – Little River Band

Its middle of the road rock time, and off to the radio friendly Little River Band with Help is On its Way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2WJ2r0NkM

 

5- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

Its ballad time, and Elvis’ distinctive voice comes to the fore here as he guides the listener through these sweet lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V430M59Yn8

 

4 - I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) – Four Tops

Another song that you could file under “catchy”, this Motown track is a lot of fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXavZYeXEc0

 

3 - Helping Hand – Screaming Jets

Off to the 90’s for some rock from the Screaming Jets, but this time it has a bit of a jazzy feel to it rather than the raw rock sound they are often associated with. One of their best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqbooR9o0LY

 

2- Help – The Beatles
What a song – and its only at number two. Post Beatles, John Lennon often didn’t rate his Beatles era songs, but this was one of the few he was still proud of. And its not hard to see why, a great track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ApstMKNEMI

 

1-      With a Little Help From My Friends – Joe Cocker
If I had to choose the best cover version of all time (a list I am resisting making because its too hard), I think this would probably be my choice. The way Cocker takes one of Ringo’s almost novelty songs and turns it in to an amazing piece of rock and roll is just fantastic. But credit where its due, he is only able to do this on the strength of the lyrics. An amazing track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRzKUVjHkGk

 

So there it is, my top ten help songs. Does my list need some help?

top ten "ain't" songs

This week’s theme is “ain’t” songs – and we are going to move between a range of genres and eras, so sit back and enjoy!

10 - Ain’t that a Shame  - Fats Domino

We start with a rock and roll classic, often covered. I have chosen the Fats Domino version, but you could have had Pat Boone, John Lennon or a host of others…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6JZW7zMDfY

 

9 - Ain’t Gonna Get – Baby Animals

From early rock and roll, to early 90’s rock that is just a tad harder, it’s the Aussie band Baby Animals. Always liked this track, one of the harder ones on their debut album, it didn’t get the success of some of the more radio friendly hits, but it’s a great track nonetheless. And if you are a fan of early 90’s Aussie rock, keep reading, there is more for you later on in the list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgKbL0MEmyw

 

8 - You Ain’t Going Nowhere – The Byrds

From rock, to a more country twang, this is from the Byrds “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” album -  a pioneer of the country rock genre. This is actually a cover, and like “Ain’t that a Shame”, I could have chosen the Bob Dylan and the band version, or the Bob Dylan version, all great, but I think I slightly prefer this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q21BF38W3Gs

 

7 - Ain’t no mountain high enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrel

Continuing our jump around the genres, we now move to some Motown soul for “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Another often covered version, probably most famously in Australia by Jimmy Barnes for his Soul Deep album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz-UvQYAmbg

 

6 - It Ain’t Me Babe – Johnny Cash & June Carter

The Bob Dylan influence is back again – this one was written by Dylan and originally recorded by him. He sometimes dueted this track with Joan Baez, but I have gone with the Cash’s duet instead, a lovely piece of country music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBHXUOogpOg

5 - Ain’t Got No Money – Bob Seeger

Back to rock, and this album track from Seeger’s “Stranger in Town” album is a really great piece of 70’s rock. Pity about the album cover though – not sure how a simple head shot of Seeger could have dated so badly!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1o6OI4IgLY

 

4 - Two out of Three Ain’t Bad – Meatloaf

Forget about Meatloaf’s embarrassing recent live performances (cough..AFL grand final), he was actually a rare talent at his prime.  Another one from his big “Bat out of Hell” album, it’s a bit of a sarcastic look at a relationship breakup, delivered in Meat’s dramatic singing style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5hWWe-ts2s

 

3 - That Ain’t Bad – Ratcat

Well, I did promise more early nineties Aussie rock, and here it is, in the form of Indie band Ratcat. I found this album very cheap in a second hand shop earlier this year, its been good rediscovering the hits like this, and hearing some of the album tracks for the first time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IAQPKds034

 

2 - It Ain’t Over til its over – Lenny Kravitz

If I had to describe this song in a word, the word would be catchy.  Released in 1991, it has a retro almost Motwon type feel to it, and is a great track to listen to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmENMZFUU_0

 

1- He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother – The Hollies

My number one this week goes to the Hollies for this great sentimental ballad. I know I keep harping on about my twin boys, but I think following their arrival, the song has taken on an even more special meaning to me. And for a useless piece of trivia for you, Elton John plays piano on the Hollies recording.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl5vi9ir49g

 

So there you have it, that is my top ten “ain’t” songs. Tell me what you like…I ain’t going to be offended if its not on my list.

top ten "magic" songs

This week’s music theme is “magic”, and this time around I have gone for a rule that the magic must be mentioned in the song title – so songs like Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band don’t qualify. So let’s see if I can cast a spell on you with this listing…

 

10 - Magic Woman Touch – The Hollies

We begin this week’s magical journey in the early 70’s, with the Hollies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er8w99waRhY

 

9 - Magic – Dragon

Off to the 80’s now for one of those songs where the quality of the chorus far exceeds the quality of the verses!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etVrSRffK4U

 

8 - Black Magic Woman – Santana

I was going to be a music snob and put Fleetwood Mac down, as they first recorded this (and I have their version in my music collection, but don’t actually own any Santana), but the reality is Santana’s version is superior. Indeed, there would be some people that would rate this song a lot higher than I do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10gH-bC3iXo

 

7 - Don’t You Know Its Magic – John Farnham

A Brian Cadd penned track, this is a solid track without being a masterpiece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPXd124UWv0

 

6 - Do You Believe in Magic – Lovin’ Spoonful

Go on, you know you want to rock your head from side to side and tap your toes for this one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDYNuD4CwlI

 

5 - Magic Bus – The Who

Ah, the song the Homer requested the Who to perform when they appeared on the Simpsons. And for good reason, it’s an enjoyable listen, making use of the Bo Diddley beat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl9bvuAV-Ao

 

4 - Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf

I would rate this song higher, as it’s a great one, but the overly long instrumental bit gets on my nerves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEEzbFxEbB8

 

3 - Every Little Thing She Does is Magic – The Police

I still don’t own any Police albums, another fact that I should do something about at some stage – but these are the sorts of song get heaps of play on the radio, and this is a particularly memorable track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aENX1Sf3fgQ

 

2 - This Magic Moment – Jay and the Americans

This track is getting a bit more prominence at the moment as it is being featured on a commercial on Australian TV. It is a stunning track

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6dS0Tl33Uc

 

1 - Magical Mystery Tour – The Beatles

Crap movie, but great song, which is why I have put it at number one. There is a lot to love about this track – the fanfare at the start, which then leads into the “roll up, roll up” fairground style call before it jumps into the catchiness of the song proper.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjW8Rv5bp7Q

So there you have it, my magic list - share some of your magic and make some comments below.... 

Top ten "Father" songs

Its Father’s Day in Australia on Sunday, and this is particularly special for me because it will be my first one as a parent.  My life is a lot more full on than it was pre children, but much more rewarding. In honour of this, I had to do a list of top father songs. To make it a bit easier, because there are a lot to choose from, I have restricted the list to songs that contain father/dad/papa in the titles – regardless of whether they are about parenthood or not. Hope you enjoy, this is a high calibre list of tracks!

 

10 - That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine – The Everly Brothers

A folk standard that has been covered by many is what we kick of today’s list with. I have put in the Everly Brothers version, but there are a host of them I could have gone with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPB9BEniPoA

 

9 - My Father’s Eyes – Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton never met his father. In addition, he tragically lost his son at age four after falling out of an apartment window. Eric draws parallels between these in this track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IigRv6B763k

 

8 - Going About My Father’s Business – Paul Kelly

I think regular readers of this blog will know that I am a big Paul Kelly fan, and in the context of all the great songs that he has, this is probably one that hasn’t stood out as much for me, but its simple message of the way we repeat the sins of our parents does pack a punch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-z-7Aa0gs0

 

7 - Daddy Sang Bass – Johnny Cash

Its sing along time – and there is a part for the whole family in this one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGUP8oc9Bgs

 

6 - Papa Don’t Preach – Madonna

It might be every Dad’s nightmare that their young daughter comes home and announces that she is pregnant. Madonna manages to address this difficult topic and make a great 80’s pop song at the same time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G333Is7VPOg

 

5- Good Rocking Daddy – Daddy Cool

I should probably award bonus points because the band has Daddy in the title, the song has Daddy in the title, the album has Daddy in the title, and the album also has another track with Daddy in the title. It’s a fun song, but of course it has nothing to do with fatherhood at all, its really just a boast about…well, have a listen and figure it out for yourselves.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuuoktA-naI

and if that doesn’t do it for you, go with the other song off that album – Daddy Cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tU92q2kQvk

 

4- Don’t Cry Daddy – Elvis Presley

This song makes you realise how good Elvis’s voice actually was, a great ballad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8YHBvX4QtM

 

3- Daddy’s Gonna Make You a Star – Company of Strangers

Company of Strangers was a 90’s side project featuring James Reyne and Daryl Braithwaite, amongst others. This track was one of the best from that collaboration, a great song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rULSu3v_Log

 

2- Father’s Day – Weddings, Parties, Anything

What a song! Would have loved to have put this one at number one, but couldn’t quite make room, although it came close. I am very lucky to be a happy marriage and have a stable family life, but for many Dad’s out there, with shared or limited custody of their children, this song is like an anthem. It is a songwriting masterpiece, check out this great verse:

What of the darling wife that once I had?
Well I'm pleased to say that she still talks to me
But I try not to think of what went wrong
Because if I say that i was right
She might say that she was right
And the only rights I care about are visiting rights, yeah

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYKNqftCkSQ

 
1- Father and Son – Cat Stevens

As I said, it takes a damn good song to beat Father’s Day to the top of this list, and that is exactly what we have here. Cat Stevens sums up generation gaps and communication difficulties between fathers and sons all in one short, but amazing track! Wow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29YR5-t3gg

 

So that is my top ten song with father/dad in the title – what are your favourites?