Boozophilia - Low Cut Connie

Boozophilia - Low Cut Connie

4:02

Call Me Sylvia, 2012

Written by Low Cut Connie ?

Apparently, "Boozophilia" was featured on Barack Obama's 2015 summer playlist.  I had no idea!  Maybe because of: "Down in Boozophilia / Down with a broken tooth / We're on the south-side of Chicago / Down here in the groove."  It look me another eight years to catch up to the coolest man to live at the White House.  Anyway, this is throwback rock, bar-band rock, with a wild piano taking center stage to add a little barrelhouse swing.  These guys don't take themselves too seriously, but their songwriting is killer.

Zero From Outer Space - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Zero From Outer Space - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

3:08

Songs And Music From She's the One, 1996

Written by Tom Petty

A buzzy surf-garage rocker.  The lyrics are rather simple, and seem to be from the point of view of a depressed emo kid.  Or maybe Petty is just having a laugh (You think that you're so big / But I saw you kick that dog / When the wind blew off your wig), as he sometimes does.  Either way, it's not Petty's strongest song, but this is a solid turn by one of the powerhouse bands of rock and they're having fun.

Hazey Jane II - Nick Drake

Hazey Jane II - Nick Drake

3:46

Bryter Layter, 1971

Written by Nick Drake

"Let's sing a song for Hazey Jane / She's back again, in my mind / If songs were lines in a conversation / The situation would be fine."  Perfect orchestra folk-rock.  And with that, we can call it for Belle and Sebastian.  All of the Scottish band's entire oeuvre, every ascending trumpet line and jangling guitar, every soft-spoken twee reference, it's all here in this one song.  Pack it in, lads and lasses.  We'll just put this song on again and you can get back on the dole.  (I kid!  I kid because I love.)

Ball Of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) - the Temptations

Ball Of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) - the Temptations

4:06

single, 1970

Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong

An example of perfect funk and an excellent protest song.  That incredible bass delivery by Melvin Franklin!  "And the band played on."  A sort of proto-rap break out in the first verse: "Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration / Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation."  This proves that you don't have to sacrifice musicality to deliver the news of the world.  I'm looking at you, Phil Ochs.

Back in the U.S.A. - Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers

Back in the U.S.A. - Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers

2:26

Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers, 1976

Written by Chuck Berry, 1959

Richman brings his Jo-Jo magic to the Berry classic, along with "uh-huh, oh yeah" background vocals and primitive surf guitar.  It's an infectious and playful version.  It's amazing that I didn't know this existed until today!  I'm a huge Berry aficionado and a Richman fan, and I love covers of all genres, so how did this escape my notice?  It's catchy, it's fun, it'll put a smile on your face.

Beyond the Sea - Bobby Darin

Beyond the Sea - Bobby Darin

2:52

That's All, 1960

Written by Jack Lawrence, adapted from Charles Trenet, 1945

Darin can be written off by some, perhaps, as the off-brand Sinatra, but his vocals here are a masterclass in swagger and sophistication. His voice, crisp and confident, glides effortlessly over the energetic big band arrangement, creating a version that is both smooth and dynamic. His youthful exuberance makes the song feel fresh even sixty-five years later. While the Chairman may have exuded a more effortless cool and measured phrasing, Darin leans into this song with an infectious verve, almost playful in his delivery.

Blue Bayou - Roy Orbison

Blue Bayou - Roy Orbison
2:29
single, 1963
Written by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson

This song stands outside the ordinary frame of things.  It's hauntingly beautiful, with an impeccable vocal by Orbison.  Crystal-clean production.  Why are so many great songs about going back to your roots?  The narrator is working like a dog, saving up his dimes until the day he can go back with his head held high.  Shades of "Detroit City" and "Omaha."  But those songs are themselves shades, compared to this ethereal, gorgeous, sad song.

Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show - Neil Diamond

Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show - Neil Diamond

3:32

Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show, 1969

Written by Neil Diamond

A song about an itinerant evangelist, Brother Love, and his revivalist show.  Diamond even breaks into a sort of preaching about two-third through the song.  Who can resist a chorus that goes "Pack up the babies and grab the old ladies / And everyone goes, 'cause everyone knows / About Brother Love's show"?  I love songs that stray from rock's well-worn tropes, and it's catchy to boot.  As to whether Diamond means to praise revivalist shows or gently mock them, who knows?  I can't tell from the lyrics.