“The Shining”- Badly Drawn Boy– This English singer/songwriter has been around for quite awhile. This is the lead track to his 2000 release,”The Hour of Bewilderbeast.” The song begins beautifully with a Cello intro. Then the one of the greatest opening lines ever: Faith pours from your walls/Drowning your calls/I’ve tried to hear/You’re not near/Re-Member-Ing When/I Saw Your Face/Shining My Way/PURE TIMING!” Damn! Enough Said!
“In A Sentimental Mood”- John Coltrane- Their is a reason why Coltrane is a household name. There is a reason why you know his name, even if you’ve never listened to jazz. If you ever wanna show some class, just put on this track, and immediately you’ll get street cred with any jazz junkie! This is by far my most favorite track of Mr. Coltrane. His saxophone style is often immitated, but never duplicated. This song can be found off the 1962 album,”Duke Ellington & John Coltrane.” Although it was recorded in 1962, the song still sounds fresh and pleasing to the soul!
“Hope”- The Decendents– I wonder why I picked this track? This is the 13th track off their 1982 album, “Milo Goes to College.” This punk band from the OC was very popular in the early 80’s. They have been covered by many bands including: Face to Face, MXPX & Sublime. This song was later covered by Sublime for their album “40 oz. to Freedom.” Damn, the lead singer (Milo Aukerman) has a dope voice and an even doper name!
“I Get the Job Done”- Big Daddy Kane– Big Daddy Kane is Hip-Hop royalty. Many people often recognize Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Eric B & Rakim, KRS-One and Kool Mo Dee. No one ever mentions the Big Daddy. With some of his homiez being Biz Markie and Kool G Rap, The Daddy was considered the Barry White of rap. This was one of the first rap cassettes that I owned. My favorite track was a remix of the track “Cause I Can Do It Right,” but that is a hard track to find. This track is the first song on the second side of the cassette from his 1989 cassette, “It’s a Big Daddy Thing.” the track “To Be Your Man” rivals “I Need Love” by LL Cool J.
“Overjoyed”- Stevie Wonder– Music has a way of impacting your life in ways that no other medium can compare to. Music can transport you back in time, music can be personal. Songs can become anthems, can become motivation. What song gives you chills, what songs can make you just break down in tears? This is one of those songs for me. Stevie Wonder is obviously a legend. He has many tracks to choose from, but this song hits home for me. When I hear a song, I hear the words. If I do not like the instrumentation, I can still listen to a song just for the lyrics. For me, music is secondary and lyrics are primary! This is the 9th song of his 1985 album, “In Square Circle.”