My iTunes music library is shuffling the tracks, and the first song that's coming up is...
...1. Little Fluffy Clouds-The Orb
(Rickie Lee Jones reminisces about beautiful Arizona skies over a beat; it all just works, somehow.)
2. 10,000 Miles-Jill Hennessy
(If you like the general feel and the chords used in "No Blue Sky" by The Thorns, you'll likely enjoy this track by the "Crossing Jordan" star.)
3. Safe Side-James McMurtry
(My favorite track by this artist, thanks in part to a propulsive guitar riff.)
4. Invisible Man-Joe Jackson
(This stands up with much of Jackson's best work and would be a good theme song for an atypical superhero.)
5. Neidin-Tommy O'Sullivan
(Moving vocals and violin for times when one is nostalgic for the best people in one's life. Building a song around a "won't-you-remember-me" theme is a good move.)
6. Best Of My Love-J.D. Souther
(A respectful cover of one of the better Eagles hits.)
7. The Happy Archer-Billy McLaughlin
(It's worth learning to play the guitar so you can perform a melody this pleasant.)
8. The Long Way Around-Dixie Chicks
(Great lyrics about following your own path, even when it's not conventional or popular. Great, "Rumours"-era, Fleetwood Mac-style harmonizing, as well.)
9. Cinema Paradiso (Live)-Chris Botti featuring Yo-Yo Ma
(An excellent trumpeter and renowned cellist play a moving theme beautifully.)
10. Somebody's Crying-Chris Isaak
(I was never a fan of Isaak's "Wicked Game." This song, however, impresses me, as Isaak sings it with absolute conviction.)
11. I Only Want To Be With You-Dusty Springfield
(Simple, effective, catchy lyrics.)
12. Santos And The Well-Traveled Bear-William Ackerman
(An impressive new age melody whose title is conveyed well instrumentally.)
13. There Is A Tree-Carrie Newcomer
(One of many compelling, heartfelt Newcomer tunes. Watch her live performance of it on YouTube in which she prefaces it with an explanation to her father about her "odd job description.")
14. World Spins Madly On-The Weepies
(Universal lyrics with strings. When life has fallen apart for you, and you need to hear it acknowledged in song, this is a strong choice.)
15. Echo Box-David Poe
("Echo Box" has to be a fun song to play or sing live. With a hook this strong, it's surprising that it wasn't a big hit.)
16. Desert People-Seals & Crofts
(An obscure album track with a feel somewhat similar to War's "All Day Music." If you like the duo's hits, you'll likely enjoy this song.)
17. Higher Ground (Live)-Stevie Wonder
(A great concert version of one of Wonder's greatest hits.)
18. Babylon ("Live At The World Cafe" version)-David Gray
(Still Gray's most tuneful song; it's as appealing in this incarnation as the original version was in 2000.)
19. Hear The Wind Howl-Leo Kottke
(Kottke's naturally rough vocals work on this number. As usual, he plays guitar as though he has four hands. Check out his even faster live version on the "My Feet Are Smiling" album.)
20. Traitor-Richard Buckner
(As a former co-worker observed, Buckner's music is suitable for a rainy November day. "Traitor" isn't meant to be a pick-me-up, but it's a well put together track.)
21. Where Can I Go?-Laura Marling
(Marling channels Janis Joplin to strong effect.)
22. Beaumont Rag-Brooks Williams
(A pleasant throwback piece for guitar that's also suitable for the piano.)
