1st Wave
- The Mayor Of Simpleton-XTC (One of XTC's strongest tracks, with powerful, confident vocals and percussion that makes you want to drum along on the dashboard. Lyrically, the tune reminds me of Sam Cooke's "(What A) Wonderful World." In each song, the protagonist claims not to know much; it's obvious, however, that both protagonists are smarter than they claim to be. At a minimum, they're smart enough to know when they've found someone special.)
- Canadian Sunset-Hugo Winterhalter/Eddie Heywood (Suitable for a radio station's sign-off theme. I miss playing this instrumental on WEW.)
- I Can't Stop Loving You-Ray Charles (Ranks with "Georgia On My Mind" as one of the best Ray Charles recordings. The way he sings, "I've made up my mind," seals it.)
- Reach Out Of The Darkness-Friend & Lover (Dated, but that's not derogatory; wide-eyed idealism permeates every fiber of this song. Groovy, indeed.)
- Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)-Edison Lighthouse (When writing a review, "just because" isn't really a valid reason for recommending a song; after all, it doesn't justify anything. That said...Hmmm...The melody of this oldie stays with you, and the singer's enthusiasm sells it. There. Justification.)
- Personally-Karla Bonoff (An overlooked hit with a low-key charm. Also recommended: "Somebody's Eyes.")
- King Of Wishful Thinking-Go West (The lyrics are just as easy for virtually anyone to relate to as they were 25 years ago.)
- From Now On-Sierra Hull (An early track from Hull, showing singing and picking abilities that suggest a bright future. Also recommended: Hull's "Daybreak" CD.)
- Wanna Go Back Again Blues-Leon Redbone (The lyrics empathize with anyone who feels homesick. The Dixieland band accompaniment should help pep a homesick person up.)
- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)-Natalie Cole (Cole's most energetic, infectious hit.)
- Blues For Angel-Joe Pass (A good, subtle guitar instrumental with the old school, bluesy feel of a Leon Redbone arrangement.)
- Farewell Mulgrew-George Cables (Classy midtempo piano; turbulence rarely goes down so smoothly.)
- Dance With Me-Peter Brown (The vocals and melody have held up better than those of most similar hits.)
- I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better-The Byrds (It's puzzling to see The Byrds categorized as Underground Garage, but this tune ranks with "My Back Pages" as one of the band's best songs. The word, "probably," in the chorus makes all the difference in the song's attitude. An excellent blend of guitars and harmonies.)
