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- Wild Mountain Thyme-Keltik Elektrik (This deservedly well-covered Celtic standard receives a surprising kick from this band. To its credit, Keltik Elektrik shows respect for the poetry of the original version while not going overboard on its modern arrangement. For another strong but more traditional reading, I recommend the version by The Nields. For an even more traditional arrangement, listen to The Clancy Brothers.)
- Hickory Wind-Emmylou Harris (I like that a tree inspired Gram Parsons, Bob Buchanan, and Harris as a metaphor for nostalgia. The two writers and Harris are a veritable Lorax troika here.)
- Satin Doll-Duke Ellington (An elegant, classic ballroom jazz melody that has stood the test of time. Even in my supporting role as a bass player, I never got tired of playing it with my high school jazz band. I can't imagine tiring of it as a listener.)
- Midnight Sun-Nancy Harms (This is one of Harms' more compelling covers, enhanced by a melodic piano accompaniment.)
- Flood-Jars Of Clay ("Flood" holds up as one of the best contemporary Christian/crossover songs; lyrically, its appeal goes beyond religion. dc Talk's "Between You And Me" pulls this off, as well.)
- Make Me Smile-Chicago (This was one of my favorite songs as a teenager. For the full effect, it's best to hear it as the band intended, as part of the "Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon" set on "Chicago II." The elongated prelude and "Now More Than Ever" reprise, with its trumpet fanfare, build on Terry Kath's already powerful vocals.)
- Doctor Wu-Steely Dan (Cryptic lyrics, impeccably written and performed, as usual.)
- Paperlate-Genesis (Genesis takes the word, "paperlate," from its Peter Gabriel-era song, "Dancing With The Moonlight Knight," and transforms it into a new context in this overlooked hit from the Phil Collins era.)
- Baker Street-Gerry Rafferty (Rafferty recorded an impressive hat trick of well-written, compellingly performed hits in the late '70s--"Baker Street," "Right Down The Line," and the lesser-known "Get It Right Next Time." Any songwriter should be pleased to pen or sing even one song of this caliber, let alone three.)
- Because The Night-10,000 Maniacs (Natalie Merchant, underscored by the piano, brings out the tenderness in this originally grittier Patti Smith tune.)
