1st Wave
- The One Thing-INXS (The synthesized sound of early '80s pop, encapsulated in the keyboards, guitar, saxophone, and vocals. It's puzzling that this wasn't a bigger hit. Also recommended: "Don't Change.")
- Route 66-Nat King Cole Trio (Cole is renowned for his rich, pitch-perfect ballads and Christmas carol renditions, but his voice also soared on uptempo chestnuts such as this one.)
- Take It Away (Demo)-Paul McCartney (Looser vocals in this early template of one of McCartney's best '80s hits; it's a shame that the finished version isn't played on the radio today.)
- The First Cut Is The Deepest-Sheryl Crow (This is a well-sung cover of a Cat Stevens tune that Crow makes her own. Its lyrics chronicle the torturous process of bouncing back from rejection. To my ears, it segues well with Clive Gregson and Christine Collister's "It's All Just Talk.")
- Only So Much Oil In The Ground-Tower Of Power (Ecologically sound advice seldom meshes this successfully with jazz and funk.)
- Living For The City-The Soul Rebels (I never expected to hear a marching band rendition of this Stevie Wonder tune, but The Soul Rebels make their unlikely arrangement sound natural.)
- The Pharaohs-Neko Case (Case sings forthright lyrics about settling for something less than desired. Also recommended: "Magpie To The Morning" and "This Tornado Loves You.")
