'90s On 9
- As I Lay Me Down-Sophie B. Hawkins (I've realized, over the years, that whenever this song comes on the radio, I let it play out. In "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover," Hawkins sings with a more direct edge; she handles this endearing ballad equally well. Even when you're not paying close attention, and it sounds like the backup vocalists are singing, "You like tacos," the song's sincerity remains intact.)
- Live To Tell-Madonna (With the exception of "Holiday," I was never a big fan of Madonna's uptempo tunes. Ballads were exceptions among her hits, but I always thought she was at her best in "Crazy For You" and "Live To Tell.")
- Time For The Dancers-Russell Malone (I tend to think of Malone as primarily a smooth jazz guitarist, but this sublime ballad for guitar and piano shows that he's a traditional jazz artist, as well.)
- TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia)-MFSB (Also known as the theme from "Soul Train." Even if you don't know the song by name, you've likely heard it used as background music. Listen to the cantina band section of Meco's "Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band," and you'll hear MFSB's hook-laden influence.)
- Erik Satie: Three Gymnopedies (Christopher Parkening, guitar) (Three subtle, contemplative piano movements that sound just as appropriate on the guitar. Liona Boyd and John Williams play them compellingly, as well.)
- Surf's Up-The Atlantics (A brisk guitar instrumental. If you like this, you'll probably enjoy The Challengers and The Aqua Velvets.)
- Desafinado (Slightly Out Of Tune)-Karrin Allyson (Scores of artists have covered this Antonio Carlos Jobim-Newton Mendonca tune. Allyson's version is a commendable one, with inviting vibraphone and vocals.)
