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Empty Saddles · Burl Ives (1961)
This song takes me back to a hike on Mt. Whitney with my friend Jordan. We were tackling the tough trail, with the air getting thinner, but the music kept us going. We didn’t quite make the top but we had a blast fighting our way up the mountain and listening to albums by Sons…
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Cheap Seats · Alabama (1993)
Alabama’s “Cheap Seats” feels like summer, and these past few days in San Diego reminds us that it’s coming soon. This song’s about the folks who show up to the game no matter what, sitting way up in the stands where the view isn’t perfect but the heart is all there. I’ve been listening to…
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On The Sunny Side Of The Street · Aloysio De Oliveira (1957)
I came across Aloysio de Oliveira’s name a few years ago while watching the old Disney film Saludos Amigos with my kids. It’s a 1942 movie that mixes animation with live-action footage from Latin America, and it was Disney’s first real push into the region. One of the musical moments, “Aquarela do Brazil“, caught my…
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Help Me · Joni Mitchell (1974)
The past few nights, I have been painting my kitchen. I’m not the fastest painter, but it has been peaceful in its own way. To keep me company, I decided to put on Court and Spark by Joni Mitchell. I have always been a big fan of Joni Mitchell’s music. There is something about the…
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the 1 · Taylor Swift (2020)
You might not expect to see a Taylor Swift song on this blog, but this is what’s been on my stereo for the past week or so. I’ve slowly become a fan over the years, especially after folklore came out in 2020. I’m a big believer in giving credit where it’s due, and regardless of…
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Who Believes In Angels? · Elton John & Brandi Carlile (2025)
I just got this record in the mail the other day, Who Believes in Angels? by Elton John and Brandi Carlile. I don’t have every song in my bones yet but this one already feels like it’ll be with me for the rest of my life. It feels like classic Elton: those signature chord changes,…
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Favorite Person · Ben Rector (2025)
If you’re looking for a short song that’ll make you smile, check out “Favorite Person” by Ben Rector. It’s a sweet, feel-good tune about how great it is to spend time with someone you love. This is one of those songs that can lift your mood on a rough day or add a little extra…
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Chim Chim Cher-ee · Esperanza Spalding (2011)
We just got back from a trip to Disneyland and California Adventure, and I’m still feeling the magic and the 23,886 steps I took. From Star Wars land to the popcorn on Main Street, everything felt like stepping into a storybook. Once we got home, the boys and I started listening to some jazzed up…
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Are We in Trouble Now · Mark Knopfler (1996)
I found “Are We In Trouble Now” by accident, the way you sometimes stumble into the best songs. It started when I listened to a ’90s country recommendation by Mark Chesnutt. While reading up on the track, I saw that the legendary Hargus “Pig” Robbins played piano on it. That caught my attention. I started…
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The Boys Are Back In Town · Thin Lizzy (1976)
There are some songs that feel like they’ve just always existed, so ingrained in rock history that you don’t even stop to wonder where they came from. The Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy is one of those songs. That twin guitar riff, the storytelling lyrics, the swagger—it all feels so quintessentially rock…
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Meet De Boys On The Battlefront · The Wild Tchoupitoulas (1976)
There’s a unique magic in New Orleans music, a blend of rhythm, culture, spirit, storytelling, and exceptional musicianship that captivates the listener while making it impossible not to tap their toes. Meet De Boys on the Battlefront by The Wild Tchoupitoulas is a perfect example of this. Released in 1976 on the group’s only album,…
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Ticket To Ride · Carpenters (1969)
I love finding interesting and unique Beatles covers. A friend played me this the other day on a long drive, and it completely blew me away. Karen Carpenter had one of the most beautiful voices of her time, and she really shows it off in today’s song. The Carpenters’ version of “Ticket to Ride” is…
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So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright · Simon & Garfunkel (1970)
“So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright” is a bittersweet song by Simon & Garfunkel from their 1970 album Bridge Over Troubled Water. Art Garfunkel, a fan of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, studied in architecture at Columbia University before switching to art history—partly as a backup plan in case his music career didn’t work out. He…
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She Used To Be Mine · Sara Bareilles & Rufus Wainwright (2024)
The other day at work, a friend shared this song with me, and it’s been a long time since I’ve heard something so beautifully written and performed. This performance features Sara Bareilles, a singer, songwriter, actress, and pianist. She sings alongside Rufus Wainwright, a Canadian/American singer, songwriter, and composer. This is from a 2024 concert,…
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Don’t Know Much · Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville (1989)
Today’s song is a duet by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville from her 1989 album Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind. Written by Tom Snow and the husband-and-wife songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, this version became a massive hit. The album was certified triple platinum in the U.S. and won multiple…
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Wichita Lineman · Glen Campbell (1968)
One of my favorite songwriters of all time is the great Jimmy Webb. He wrote numerous iconic songs, including By the Time I Get to Phoenix, MacArthur Park, Up, Up and Away, and Wichita Lineman. Webb collaborated with many artists throughout his long career, but he spent a great deal of time working with the…
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In The Stone · Earth, Wind & Fire (1979)
Here’s a fun track that will hopefully get you up and dancing! In the Stone is a standout song from Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1979 album I Am, and it’s been on repeat for me all week. This song is the perfect mix of funk, R&B, and jazz, with a big, bold sound. From the…
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Light My Fire · José Feliciano (1968)
I’ve listened to Feliciano! by José Feliciano so many times, and I absolutely love it. Released in 1968, this album was a breakthrough for Feliciano, blending Latin, pop, and folk influences in a way that felt fresh and exciting. His soulful, acoustic reimagining of The Doors’ Light My Fire became a huge hit, earning him…
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On The Street Where You Live · Mel Tormé (1960)
Here’s a fantastic tune originally from the classic 1956 musical My Fair Lady with music by Frederick Loewe and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. This is a cover by the great Mel Tormé, with arrangements by Marty Paich. Tormé was one of the greatest jazz vocalists to ever grace this planet. He also played drums,…
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Moonlight In Vermont · Cal Tjader (1956)
Years ago, I was primarily a piano bar player, performing almost every night at fancy restaurants in San Diego. I took requests across nearly every genre, but I’ve always had a deep love for old jazz tunes—this one in particular has stayed with me for a long time. I played it often, whenever the mood…
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Angela (Theme from Taxi) · Bob James (1978)
I’ve been rewatching one of my favorite sitcoms from the late ’70s, Taxi. I read that the creators of Taxi had been working on The Mary Tyler Moore Show until its conclusion in 1977. That probably explains why I love both shows so much! Anyway, this tune is what you hear during the opening titles…
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Squib Cakes · Tower Of Power (1974)
One of the greatest horn sections from the 1970s onward belongs to the legendary R&B/Funk band Tower of Power, hailing from the Bay Area. They’re known for iconic hits like “So Very Hard to Go,” “What Is Hip?,” “You’re Still a Young Man,” “Don’t Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream),” and many more.…
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If Hollywood Don’t Need You – Don Williams (1982)
About three or four years ago, I was about to take a flight with a friend. As we talked about the music we’d downloaded for the trip, he mentioned he planned to listen to Don Williams for most of the flight. I hadn’t heard of him before, so I quickly downloaded his greatest hits album.…
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Takin’ It to the Streets – The Doobie Brothers (1976)
One of my favorite keyboard vocalists is the great Michael McDonald. His husky baritone voice added harmony and background parts to many hit songs from the 1970s and 1980s. After being discovered in an Illinois nightclub, he was signed to RCA Records. He then auditioned for Steely Dan and became part of their touring band…
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The Promise (The Dolphin Song) – Olivia Newton-John (1981)
Alright, here’s proof that this blog is genuinely about what I’m listening to—not just a list of songs people “should” know. Sometimes it’s weird, obscure, or even not that great—but it’s honest. Today’s pick comes from Olivia Newton-John’s Physical, a controversial yet massive album. Most of us know the title track—it’s the kind of hit…
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What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye (1971)
Here’s an incredible album I’ve had on repeat for weeks: What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye. Released in 1971, this landmark album was born out of a turbulent time in Gaye’s life and career. Marvin Gaye’s talent was evident early on as he sang in groups during his youth. After dropping out of high school,…
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Morning Train (Nine To Five) – Sheena Easton (1981)
I’ve been revisiting an album called Take My Time by Sheena Easton from 1981. Sheena Easton, a Scottish singer and actress, rose to fame after appearing on the British reality TV series The Big Time, which followed the rise of an unknown artist to stardom. While filming the show, Sheena recorded her debut single, “Modern…
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Diamond Girl – Seals and Crofts (1973)
I hope your holidays were wonderful, wherever you are! I’m back on the sauce with another classic, this time from 1973: “Diamond Girl” by Seals and Crofts. This tune came on the radio the other day, and I couldn’t shake it’s amazing groove and feel. Of course, it’s none other than 18-year-old Jeff Porcaro behind…
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Cuddlebug (The Happiness Blanket) – The Simon Sisters (1966)
Here’s a tune you’ve probably never heard before! Many of us know Carly Simon for her successful solo career from the 1970s onward, but I recently discovered her earlier work with her sister Lucy from the mid-to-late 1960s. Together, they formed a folk duo called The Simon Sisters and released three albums. Their journey began…
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Little Green Apples – Frank Sinatra (1968)
Cycles is a unique album from the legendary crooner Frank Sinatra, marking a late-mid point in his storied career. At the time, Sinatra had taken one of his longest breaks from recording. In July of 1968, he recorded two songs that were released as singles, both of which did well. The success prompted a rush…
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Still Crazy After All These Years – Paul Simon (1975)
Still Crazy After All These Years has to be high on the list of my favorite albums. Every song is incredible and unique. Paul Simon truly shows his songwriting talent on his fourth studio album. For the album, Paul used a variety of talented musicians, carefully selecting the perfect fit for each song’s individual style…
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The Long and Winding Road – Aretha Franklin (1972)
Once again, we find ourselves in my favorite year of music: 1972. This album is among my all-time favorites and often finds its way onto my turntable. The song featured here is a masterpiece of songwriting by the great Paul McCartney of The Beatles (though it’s credited as Lennon-McCartney). Originally released on their 1970 album…
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How High The Moon – Emmylou Harris (1981)
Today, we’ve got a fantastic jazz tune that’s been recorded countless times by incredible artists from all over the world. “How High the Moon” was written by Nancy Hamilton and Morgan Lewis for the 1940 Broadway revue Two for the Show. While Benny Goodman recorded one of the first hit versions in 1940 featuring Helen…
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I Will Be Here for You (Nitakungodea Milele) – Al Jarreau (1982)
I’ve been without a piano at home for a while, but I recently set up my keyboard to keep myself sane. For some reason, this tune got stuck in my head, and I ended up playing it for about an hour or so. It’s “I Will Be Here for You (Nitakungodea Milele)” from Al Jarreau’s…
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Peaceful Easy Feeling – Eagles (1972)
1972 remains one of my favorite years in music, and I find myself constantly revisiting it. One standout from that year is the Eagles’ Peaceful Easy Feeling—my top choice if I had to pick an Eagles song to listen to on repeat. This classic features Glenn Frey on vocals and acoustic guitar, Don Henley on…
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I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free – Nina Simone (1967)
This song is featured on an incredible album by the legendary pianist and singer Nina Simone. A true artist, Nina possessed extraordinary skill in her craft and was also a fearless civil rights activist, expressing her thoughts and emotions boldly through her music. Nina grew up in a poor family, aspiring to become a concert…
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News – Dire Straits (1979)
If you use Spotify, you likely received your “Spotify Wrapped” yesterday. For those unfamiliar, Spotify Wrapped compiles your listening data to create a personalized “story” about your habits and how you rank among listeners worldwide. When I got my results, I wasn’t surprised. My top artists this year were The Beatles, James Taylor, Dire Straits,…
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Eye in the Sky – The Alan Parsons Project (1982)
Alan Parsons is a musician, songwriter, producer, and sound engineer renowned for his work on iconic records from the late 60’s and onward. He was the sound engineer for groundbreaking albums like the Beatles’ Abbey Road and Let It Be, Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, and Ambrosia’s debut album. Parsons began his…
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Silly Love Songs – Wings (1976)
Here’s a tune that got put on repeat while I was washing dishes the other night: “Silly Love Songs” by Wings, Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles band. Wings had a rotating lineup over its lifespan but was consistently anchored by Paul, his wife Linda, and Denny Laine, formerly of the Moody Blues. When Wings at the Speed…
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My Favorite Things – Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass (1968)
If cannonballing into the deep end of Christmas music feels like too much today, here’s a great tune to slowly wade in: “My Favorite Things”. Originally from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, this song debuted in the 1959 Broadway production, performed by Mary Martin. However, the version most of us know and love…
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Ode To Billie Joe – Bobbie Gentry (1967)
“Ode to Billie Joe” is a fantastic tune and the title track of Bobbie Gentry’s debut album from 1967. Gentry was one of the first female artists in the United States to produce and compose her own music. This song catapulted her to international fame and earned her two Grammy Awards in 1968. Born in…
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Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie – Norman Luboff Choir (1955)
A year ago, I had a surreal thrift store moment involving the Songs of the West album by the Norman Luboff Choir. I’d been on a kick listening to their music, mostly through LPs or YouTube since many albums aren’t on Spotify. While flipping through a small stack of records at a local thrift store,…
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Some Other Time – Tony Bennett/Bill Evans (1975)
This recording captures two jazz legends coming together to create a masterpiece: Bill Evans on piano and Tony Bennett on vocals. The album, recorded in 1975, was born from a suggestion by Annie Ross, the singer from the trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, who encouraged Tony to collaborate with Bill. Bill Evans once remarked, “I…
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Country Comfort – Elton John (1970)
If we’ve ever talked about my favorite musical artists, Elton John probably came up within seconds. Case in point: I have an incredibly embarrassing video of 16-year-old me playing and singing “Your Song” in my childhood room. Maybe I’ll share it below if I’m feeling brave. One of my favorite Elton albums is Tumbleweed Connection.…
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The White Cliffs Of Dover – Vera Lynn (1942 & 1962)
I don’t remember exactly when or where I first heard this song, but for over a year now, I’ve found myself humming or singing it randomly. The melody and the way the words flow are almost addicting, and I can’t seem to shake the opening tune from my mind. This song was written in 1941…
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Ventura Highway – America (1972)
I know…Michael, you’re stuck in the 70s!Everyone knows this America song!You need to stop drinking so much coffee!You should record and share some of your original songs.I agree! (Except about the coffee.) So, my youngest son has been on a kick of making playlists. He’s 7. The other day, he asked if we could listen…
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On And On – Stephen Bishop (1976)
This is a standout track from another fantastic 1970s album. Stephen Bishop, a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist, grew up in my hometown of San Diego, California. He attended Crawford High School in the late ’60s, where I assume he was part of the music program led by Dennis Foster. During Mr. Foster’s eight years…
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Return To Pooh Corner – Kenny Loggins (1994)
The 50th Sanchez song of the day comes from one of the most influential albums in my musical journey. You might assume it’d be from a Billy Joel or Elton John album, but no—it’s this album, which was released when I was just 3 years old. My parents had it on cassette and played it…
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Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow – Roberta Flack (1971)
This Roberta Flack album has hung on my wall for ages. It first caught my eye because of its fantastic cover art, featuring Roberta and her iconic afro. The album, Quiet Fire, is a collection of mostly stripped-down covers of popular songs from the time. It’s her third studio album, following First Take and Chapter…
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Run That Body Down – Paul Simon (1972)
Paul Simon keeps coming back to this blog not only because of his incredible music and style, but also his beautiful way of storytelling and emoting through words. His lyrics hit so hard, and sometimes it takes the 413th time of hearing it to understand it. This catchy song is off his self titled album…
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Painted On Canvas – Gregory Porter (2012)
This album holds a special place in my heart as one of the few I listened to the year it was released. I was in the music program at San Diego State University when I first heard this album by Gregory Porter—a fellow SDSU graduate just beginning to make waves in jazz. This album has…
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Nature Boy – Kurt Elling (1997)
Alright, here’s a jazz performance I bet you’ve never heard. This is a jazz standard first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1947 and released the following year. The song was written by a uniquely talented songwriter named eden ahbez (George McGrew). eden has one of the most interesting stories I’ve read. He grew up…
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Running On Empty – Jackson Browne (1977)
One of the great songwriters of the 1970s is the one and only Jackson Browne. This is the title track from an album where each song reflects life on the road as a touring musician and songwriter. The entire album was recorded during his tours, with each song either captured during live performances, at locations…
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A Case Of You – Joni Mitchell (1971)
About a month ago I posted about one of my favorite albums of all time. Joni Mitchell’s Blue. If you weren’t a subscriber then, you can check it out here. I’m back on Blue with a different track, one called “A Case Of You.” On this beautiful song you have Mitchell playing Appalachian dulcimer, accompanied by James…
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I Love L.A. – Randy Newman (1983)
Alright, I might lose a few of you here, but I’m a big Dodgers fan, and they just won the World Series! Whenever they win at home, they blast this song as fans stream out of the stadium. I was actually on a plane last night, somewhere over New Mexico, watching the LADs seal the…
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Back Stabbers – The O’Jays (1972)
This is such a great track from one of my favorite years in music. “Back Stabbers” by The O’Jays is all about keeping an eye on those smooth-talking buddies who might try to snag our partners. I’ve always loved this song because it stands out—I’ve never really heard anything like it in all my listening…
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Boats To Build – Guy Clark (1992)
At least 4 years ago, I created a playlist on Spotify for my kids called “Noah and Levi’s Goodnight Playlist.” I initially added a bunch of songs right off the bat and I’ve been playing it almost every night as the kids drift off to sleep. I don’t remember exactly when I added the song…
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Quits – Glen Campbell (1975)
This is a great track off of the 40th anniversary edition of the album Rhinestone Cowboy. Glen Campbell recorded this incredible album back in 1975. When you record an album, sometimes not all the songs make the cut. “Quits” is one of those songs. He recorded this song in 1975, and for whatever reason it…
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Georgy Porgy – Toto (1978)
This is a great track off of Toto’s self-titled debut album from 1978. This song has Steve Lukather singing lead vocals with Cheryl Lynn singing backup. You might remember Cheryl Lynn from her hit song “Got To Be Real.” This album was a great opening release for Toto. It had good success on the charts,…
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Written In The Stars – Elton John & LeAnn Rimes (1999)
This song just kind of popped into my head yesterday, and I had to listen to it about 5 times while I got some work done. I remember hearing this for the first time on an Elton John Greatest Hits CD I had as a teen. I apologize for the length of this post. I…
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Stardust – Nat King Cole (1957)
Back in 1927, Hoagy Carmichael was leaving a college hangout spot in Indiana called The Book Nook and started whistling a tune that would soon become the opening of this incredible jazz standard. Hoagy Carmichael was an American actor, musician, composer, and lawyer! He composed hundreds of songs in his time, including “Stardust,” “Georgia on…
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Cattle Call – Eddy Arnold (1963)
If you’ve sat in my office at work, you’ve seen this album hanging on the wall for many years. This album was one of the entry points into my obsession with the Old West. I remember playing it top to bottom over and over, trying to immerse myself in songs of the prairie and gunslinger…
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Travelin’ Prayer – Dolly Parton (1999)
What do Billy Joel’s 1973 album Piano Man and Dolly Parton’s 1999 bluegrass album The Grass is Blue have in common? The same incredible opening track! Alright, I admit I’m in a bit of a bluegrass/country phase—just know that for the coming week. So, I was down a rabbit hole researching a bluegrass singer and…
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Mother and Child Reunion – Paul Simon (1972)
Paul Simon is back on the turntable! Someone recently emailed me, reminding me of a great story behind this fantastic tune. But first, let’s get into some basic info. Basic Info: This track was first released on Paul’s self-titled album in 1972. Technically, this was his second studio album, but I like to think of…
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Angel From Montgomery – Bonnie Raitt (1974)
One of my favorite records that hangs on my wall and often finds its way to my turntable is Streetlights by Bonnie Raitt. The standout track was written by the legendary songwriter John Prine, who originally recorded it for his debut album in 1971. The following year, Carly Simon recorded her version with James Taylor…
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On The Other Hand – Randy Travis (1986)
I’m a sucker for country songs with a clever twist or double entendre, and this tune definitely hits the mark. Randy Travis is a legendary artist in country music, known for his deep baritone voice and traditional country style mixed in with the modern country sound of the 1980s and ’90s. Born in North Carolina…
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A House Is Not a Home – Luther Vandross (1981)
Luther has to be one of the best singers of the 1980s. He had the pipes and he had the charm. This tune is off of his 1981 debut album, Never Too Much. Luther wrote every song off the album except this final track. A House Is Not a Home was written by Burt Bacharach…
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Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys – Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings (1978)
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a classic country song written by Ed Bruce and his wife Patsy Bruce in 1975. The song was first recorded by Ed Bruce himself, and it became a hit on the country charts, reaching No. 15. By 1978, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings had…
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Ain’t No Song – James Taylor (1974)
I’ve been a James Taylor fan for as long as I can remember. I always get excited when I come across hidden gems in his catalog—songs that didn’t make the greatest hits but absolutely deserve to be there. This track is from James Taylor’s 1974 album Walking Man, his fifth studio release. Unlike his earlier…
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Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold) – Dan Seals (1985)
Alright folks. Here’s a little sad song Sunday for you. This song was written by Bob McDill and Dan Seals and was released on the album Won’t Be Blue Anymore in 1985. Dan Seals is the younger brother of Jim Seals of the great 70s duo, Seals and Crofts. Dan Seals didn’t let his brother…
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That’s How I Got To Memphis – Tom T. Hall (1969)
“That’s How I Got to Memphis” is a classic country song written and performed by Tom T. Hall, first released in 1969 as part of his album Ballad of Forty Dollars. The song tells the story of a man searching for a lost love and traveling to Memphis to find her. Hall’s vivid storytelling, full…
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G Forces – Stuart Duncan (1992)
Stuart Duncan is an incredible multi-instrumentalist you may not have heard of, but his fiddle, mandolin, guitar, or banjo has graced many tunes from the late 80s to today’s hits. This tune is off his self-titled album from 1992. Duncan is known for his speed and precision, and this track doesn’t disappoint. This high-energy instrumental…
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Sad Sad Song – Billy Preston (1974)
Billy Preston is among the rare individuals who have received credit on a Beatles album at the band’s request. He became friends with the Beatles and recorded with them during the “Get Back” sessions. He played on that track as well as “Something” and “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” Billy Preston had been playing…
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How Deep Is The Ocean – Vic Damone (1958)
Here’s a song I heard at work yesterday. This is Vic Damone, an American crooner born in New York City in 1928. When Vic was a young boy, his father, who was an electrician, was injured at work. Because of the injury, Vic dropped out of school to help support the family and got a…
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Who Will Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot – Tennessee Ernie Ford (1956)
One of my favorite albums that often finds its way to my turntable is Tennessee Ernie Ford’s This Lusty Land! You might have heard of his famous version of the song “Sixteen Tons.” In 1956, he released this fantastic album as his first LP (long playing record). Tennessee Ernie had a long career, recording many…
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A Long Song – Kenny Rogers (1982)
Kenny Rogers has been performing solo or in groups since the 1950’s. He’s a fantastic singer, musician, and storyteller. This tune is actually written by Lee Greenwood (singer/writer of God Bless The USA.) Lee released it on an album from the same year, but I have a special spot in my heart for Kenny and…
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I Will – John Holt (1976)
John Holt was a reggae singer from Kingston, Jamaica. He had a long career as an innovative reggae artist, recording large amounts of albums, once even with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. I don’t listen to a lot of reggae, but about a week ago, I came across the 1973 album 1000 Volts of Holt.…
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Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel (1986)
Peter Gabriel is a fantastic English singer who was the original lead singer for the band Genesis. He left the band in 1975, and on May 19th, 1986, he released his fifth studio album entitled So. This album has some incredible songs on it, but one of me and my son’s favorites is the song “Sledgehammer.”…
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The Most Beautiful Girl – Charlie Rich (1973)
Charlie Rich was a country music star who was known as the Silver Fox, especially in the later part of his career. Charlie grew up in Arkansas with a father who sang in gospel quartets and a mother who played piano at the local church. An African American sharecropper on the family land taught Charlie…
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Tennessee Waltz – Connie Francis (1959)
I liked yesterday’s tune from 1959 so much that I decided to grab another from the same year. This is a classic song called Tennessee Waltz with lyrics by Redd Stewart and music by Pee Wee King. It was written in 1946 and first recorded in 1948. One of the biggest versions is by the…
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You Make Me Feel So Young – The Oscar Peterson Trio (1959)
Oscar Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist who recorded many albums throughout his career. Sometimes as a solo artist, sometimes as a trio, and even a few albums with full orchestra behind him. This album is a tribute to the great singer, Frank Sinatra. Oscar Peterson chose songs that are often associated with Frank. This…
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Baby I’m-a Want You – Bread (1972)
One of my favorite years in music is 1972. This is the 4th album by the L.A. soft rock band Bread. The frontman of the group was an extremely talented singer and songwriter named David Gates. Fun fact: In an interview, David Gates talked of the band name and how it came to be: A…
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These Days (I Barely Get By) – George Jones (1975)
George Jones knew how to sing a sad song. This is one of his finest that was actually written by him and his then wife, Tammy Wynette. George released this song as a single and included it in his greatest hits album. Fun fact: Apparently he recorded this song in December of 1974 and left…
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Hard Headed Woman – Cat Stevens (1970)
This tune is by one of my favorite artists, Cat Stevens. This was released in 1970 off of his album Tea For The Tillerman. This is one of those albums I love to put on while I work on a project or clean up. Fun fact: Cat Stevens painted the album artwork himself. Listen for……
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Was A Sunny Day – Paul Simon (1973)
This song was written by the amazing Paul Simon. This track was released on his album There Goes Rhymin’ Simon in 1973. This was just a few years after the breakup of Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon. This album has a diverse mix of styles but keeps Paul’s magical songwriting at the forefront. This song…
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Hard Habit To Break – Chicago (1984)
One of my favorite bands growing up is the band Chicago. I remember listening to some of my father’s records that lived in my room as a child and putting on different Chicago albums. I’ve loved them ever since I heard those horns many years ago. Through their long career, their musical style has changed…
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Ticket To Ride – Beatles (1965)
I recently bought a few 1970’s Japanese pressings of a few Beatles albums, and one of them is their fifth album Help! It was on the turntable most of yesterday, and I loved every minute of it. This album is the soundtrack to their second movie. Before settling on the name Help, other names were…
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LAX – Vulfpeck (2020)
One of my favorite bands from the last 20 years is a group called Vulfpeck, formed in Michigan in 2011. The band’s concept revolves around envisioning a German counterpart to the renowned U.S. session musicians of the 1960s, like the Wrecking Crew, the Funk Brothers, and the Swampers. The aim was to capture the essence…
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Playin’ By The Rules – Michael McDonald (1982)
Michael McDonald has one of those voices. It’s incredibly unique; he has an amazing range, and sometimes it’s difficult to understand what in the world he’s saying. This song is off one of my favorite albums, If That’s What It Takes. This was Michael McDonald’s debut solo album after being with the band The Doobie Brothers…
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All By Myself – Eric Carmen (1975)
Eric Carmen released this song on his debut album in 1974. Eric plays piano and sings on this great track. He says that he started writing the solo section of this song first and needed a song to put it in. After listening to Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto, he adapted the melody and wrote the…
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Seven Days – Sting (1993)
Gordon Sumner, better known as Sting, had a very successful career as the lead singer and bassist of the band The Police. With The Police, he released huge hits including “Roxanne,” “Message In A Bottle,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” “Every Breath You Take,” and many others. During his solo career, he released…
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California – Joni Mitchell (1971)
In 1971, Joni Mitchell released arguably one of the greatest albums of all time. Many lists of the most influential and best albums have this one on them. “Blue” was written right after a tough breakup with Graham Nash (from Crosby, Still & Nash) and during her relationship with James Taylor. Taylor and Mitchell would…
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Washer Woman – Levon Helm and the RCO All-Stars (1977)
This is a fun track from 1977 by the great drummer and singer Levon Helm. This one is a bit of a deep track, but this album has been in my head and on my stereo the last few days. This album is Levon’s first solo album after leaving the band “The Band.” One of…
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Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do) – Aretha Franklin (1974)
When you look at the list of folks playing on this song you already know it’s going to be great. Piano/Lead Vocals: Aretha FranklinGuitar: Hugh McCrackenElectric Piano: Donny HathawayOrgan: Richard TeeBass: Chuck RaineyDrums: Bernard PurdieFlute: Joe Farrell And to put the icing on the cake, the song was written by Morris Broadnax, Clarence Paul and…
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You Are – Lionel Richie (1982)
This track is off of Lionel Richie’s debut solo album. This album came right after he left the band “The Commodores.” It’s such a fun song with almost a complete symphony behind him deep in the mix. According to the credits on the record, he has strings, brass, saxophones, and even a harp. Put that…
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Days Of Wine and Roses – Andre Kostelanetz & His Orchestra (1963)
This is a marvelous tune with music by Henry Mancini and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This arrangement is by a Russian-American conductor and arranger named Andre Kostelanetz. Andre conducted orchestras all over the world and recorded many albums. With the New York Philharmonic he began a series of special concerts in 1953 which evolved into…
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Blue Red And Grey – The Who (1975)
This is one of my favorite tunes by The Who. This ballad features Pete Townsend on vocals/ukulele and their bass player John Entwistle playing some distant brass. Pete wasn’t a fan of the song and was disappointed when the producer chose it to be on the album. But the group’s other vocalist (Roger Daltrey) said…
Sanchez Song Of The Day 