'60s On 6
- Abraham, Martin, and John-Dion (Lyrically, this song illustrates how one person can be a force for good and the hole that's left when that person is no longer around.)
- Who Loves You-The Four Seasons (Not everyone will agree, but to my ears, this is a far more palatable sound for this band than the falsetto leads on its '60s hits.)
- Go Your Own Way-Fleetwood Mac (This is still one of my favorite Fleetwood Mac hits. The opening guitar lick got my attention the first time I heard this, and the tune still has this effect on me. One of Lindsey Buckingham's best hooks.)
- Colors-Amos Lee (One person's absence makes a difference, indeed. Also recommended: "Bottom Of The Barrel.")
- Killing Me Softly With His Song-Roberta Flack (Flack's voice is naturally compelling and sincere; those qualities come across readily on "Where Is The Love," "The Closer I Get To You," and "Killing Me Softly..." Also recommended: Flack's "Chapter Two" album, an overlooked gem that showcases her ease at interpreting lyrics by disparate songwriters.)
- Everything Happens To Me-Art Pepper (An excellent alto sax performance.)
- Upendo Ni Pamoja-Ramsey Lewis (A piano-led ensemble that sizzles. Even after seven-plus minutes, I don't want this song to end.)
- Should Have Known Better-Sufjan Stevens (There's no way to change the past; admitting that isn't easy, but Stevens pulls it off here.)
- Sunday Girl-Blondie (Most listeners, when asked to name their favorite Blondie song, will likely mention "Heart Of Glass," "The Tide Is High," "Call Me," "One Way Or Another," or "Rapture." While all of those songs, especially "Heart Of Glass," have held up, "Sunday Girl," a well-crafted tune in its own right, deserves more recognition than it sometimes gets. She & Him pull off a strong cover of it, as well.)
- Cruising For Bruising-Basia (Basia's vocals are captivating, and her best tracks encompass a wide range of tempos. In addition to "Cruising For Bruising," I recommend "An Olive Tree," "New Day For You," "Astrud," "Time And Tide," and "Miles Away." Any smooth jazz station should play a good helping of Basia.)
