Now Hear This

Tracklist:

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The Beatles: “1966” Play this track

Ringo Starr: “Dear Santa” Play this track

Augie Rios: “Donde Esta Santa Claus” Play this track

Andy Partridge: “Let There Be Snow” Play this track

Ed Sheeran & Elton John: “Merry Christmas” Play this track

Nick Lowe: “Silent Night” Play this track

Wizzard: “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” Play this track

Debbie Dabney: “I Want to Spend Christmas With Elvis” Play this track

Elvis Presley: “Blue Christmas” Play this track

Phoenix: “Alone on Christmas Day (feat. Bill Murray)” Play this track

Jethro Tull: “Another Christmas Song” Play this track

The Four Seasons: “The Excelsis Deo Medley: Deck The Halls / Excelsis Deo / Oh, Come All Ye Faithful” Play this track

Big Star: “Jesus Christ (Demo)” Play this track

Bryan Adams: “Christmas Time (Classic Version)” Play this track

The Everly Brothers: “The First Noel” Play this track

Ry Cooder: “Christmas In Van Nuys” Play this track

Joni Mitchell: “Face Lift” Play this track

Stevie Wonder & Andra Day: “Someday at Christmas” Play this track

Woody Goss Trio: “Wait for the Moment” Play this track

Norah Jones: “Christmastime is Here” Play this track

James Taylor: “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” Play this track

José Feliciano & Van Halen: “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Feliz Navidad” Play this track

Brian Slawson: “Concerto in D” Play this track

Joscho Stephan Trio: “Jingle Bells” Play this track

Warren Schatz: “Let it Snow” Play this track

Steve Khan: “In A Silent Way” Play this track

Justin Johnson: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” Play this track

Rueben James: “A Festive Jam” Play this track

Corey Henry: “Little Drummer Boy” Play this track

Don Byron: “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies” Play this track

Andy Timmons Band: “Ave Maria” Play this track

Tracklist:

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Fleetwood Mac: “Teen Beat (Outtake) [2016 Remaster] ” Play this track

This is an outtake from Fleetwood Mac’s Mirage album from 1982. Featuring a somewhat unhinged Lindsey Buckingham coaxing Mick Fleetwood and John McVie to follow and enhance his fun romp, this is a simply infectious jam (?) well worth enjoying. So, enjoy. -Rock Stamberg

Sometimes music’s sole purpose is just the fun of playing it. To paraphrase The Beach Boys, “Catch a wave groove and you’re sitting on top of the world.” -John Stix

The Who: “Tommy Can You Hear Me?” Play this track

I heard this tune in the chord changes of “Teen Beat” and said of course this comes next. Same chords different song. -JS

Richard Thompson: “A Legal Matter” Play this track

Just phenomenal. This is the one. -RS

I agree with Rock – this version, not The Who’s original, is the one. -JS

Bruce Springsteen: ” Born To Run (Isolated Vocals)” Play this track

Rock and I often say a great song can be stripped down to just one instrument and a voice. In this case it can be reduced to just a voice. Can you say commitment? -JS

Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee Students: “Berklee Frank Zappa Tribute – Waka/Jawaka, Inca Roads, Peaches en Regalia, Zomby Woof” Play this track

What a final exam performance. Bravo. I give them an A+ -JS

Damn good. Zappa would’ve been proud, I think. -RS

Edgar Winter’s White Trash: “Let’s Get It On” Play this track

Ferocious playing, featuring distorted harmonica, distorted voice, thundering drums, and a message not to be denied. -JS

Edgar Winter is a force to be reckoned with and always has been. -RS

The Black Crowes: “Thick N’ Thin” Play this track

This is rock & roll. Telecaster heaven, courtesy of Rich Robinson. Glorious. -RS

Jerry Lee Lewis & Friends: “Rock And Roll (Feat. Jimmy Page)” Play this track

THIS is rock & roll! Jerry Lee is in fine fettle and Jimmy Page is also in top form. Yes! -RS

Great remake that takes a 70s radio classic and turns it into a 50s style hit .This is what a cover song can be and what a guest shot should be. -JS

Bruce Hornsby: “The Way It Is (Live on The Howard Stern Show in 2006)” Play this track

A great lyric matched with a great composition, matched with great playing. This music was almost too good to be a hit, and yet we made it one. Good for us. -JS

“The Way It Is” is a great song. It always has been and will be. It is not lightweight by any means and this solo take proves its lasting power. Gorgeous. -RS

Fearless Flyers: “Simon F15” Play this track

What a groove, what a move. Guitar, bass, and a drum kit consisting of high hat, bass drum and snare. Everybody is playing lead; everybody is playing rhythm and there is no clutter. Wow! R&B soul jazz for the next generation. -JS

Rolling Stones: “Factory Girl (Outtake)” Play this track

A stripped-down Rolling Stones reminding us just how good they really were.-JS

This is a great outtake from Beggars Banquet. By the way, they’re still a pretty good band, John. -RS

Little Richard: “In The Middle Of The Night” Play this track

This is a perfect song, performance, and recording. It truly gets to me every time I hear it. Manna from heaven. -RS

Van Morrison: “Wonderful Remark” Play this track

Well, this is something special, isn’t it? Written and produced by Robbie Robertson for Martin Scorcese’s audacious King of Comedy from 1983 (a great movie, btw), this is one of Van’s greatest. Really, it is. -RS

My all-time favorite “song from a movie not on another disc.” It marries a Robbie Robertson tune with a Van Morrison vocal showcasing the best of what both had to offer. I got this one the first time I heard it and I still love it. -JS

Joe Jackson / Cream / Jeff Beck Group / The Animals / Mountain / Jimi Hendrix Experience / Jethro Tull / Edgar Winter: “Five Guys Named Moe / I Feel Free / Rice Pudding / Hey Gyp / Mississippi Queen / Purple Haze / Aqualung / Entrance MASH-UP” Play this track

Joe Jackson’s homage to the 1940’s jump blues swing era. It’s just fun. At the end I pulled out my Nakamichi cassette deck and added a bunch of classic rock riffs, finishing with the last section of “Fire and Ice” from Edgar Winter’s Entrance album. This was likely done in 1981. I mean what else are you going to do on a rainy day? -JS

Bob Dylan: “Cold Irons Bound (New Version)” Play this track

From Dylan’s soundtrack to his Masked & Anonymous film circa 2003, this hard-rocking update on an already special song is soulful and intense. I(t’s also just as forceful as the original but in a completely different way. -RS

Never heard this one before Rock pulled it out, but it’s a keeper and truly an NHT song. -JS

Duke Ellington: “Caravan” Play this track

Who knew that Dylan would call out to Ellington (along with Max Roach on the drums and Charles Mingus on the bass) to follow him to the NHT stage? -JS

The Clash: “Rudie Can’t Fail” Play this track

From The Clash’s London Calling album, this funky number swings in a most unusual manner and I love it. -RS

Nick Lowe: “14 Days (Live)” Play this track

I’ve always loved the studio version, but this live take is absolutely killer. I can listen to it anytime and be amazed every time. Seriously great. -RS

I heard this once and it slayed me. What a lyric. -JS

Paul McCartney: “Singalong Junk” Play this track

Paul McCartney: “Junk” Play this track

I never followed the separate Beatles after they broke up. So, the first time I heard this instrumental was on the Almost Famous Soundtrack. I fell in love with the melody and the mood, think wow this is special. Rock educated me as to the song’s history and I feel in love with the vocal version as well. I think this is how the song should be listened to from now on. And it will be, at least on NHT. -JS

We decided to join both takes and I think I did a pretty good job doing so! Oh yeah, great song, too. -RS

Christian Sands: “If You’re Happy and You Know it” Play this track

As I wrote for the opening song, sometimes music can just be fun. A children’s song can be both simplistic and sophisticated in the hands of the right player. Meet Christian Sands, the right player. -JS

Tracklist:

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Little Richard: “Ooh! My Soul” Play this track

This Little Richard screamer is a killer and always will be. Can you imagine what teenagers’ parents must’ve thought if they heard their little ones grooving to this monstrous recording in the ‘50s? I’m so glad this record exists. —Rock Stamberg

Blues Saraceno: “Cat’s Squirrel” Play this track

When I was looking to sign my first artist at Guitar Recordings there was no check list at hand. But I knew when I heard the demo tape of 16-year-old Blues Saraceno, that he was the one. What he brought with him as a musician checked all the boxes. He is a master of phrasing, tone, dynamics, and melody. This song, recorded on Fresh Cream would be a harbinger of things to come, as the first “band” he ever played with included Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Side note, at 1:37 I overdub four notes to climax the solo. These are the only four notes I have on a professional recording. I had asked Blues to play a Jeff Beck technique of slide guitar past the neck and over the pickups. He rolled tape and asked me to show him what I had in mind. A moment later he said, “You’re on the record.” —John Stix

Andrew Gold: “Lonely Boy” Play this track

Remember this? I didn’t, either, until I heard it again recently via a CD compilation celebrating the hit records Peter Asher has produced through the years. A notable hit in the spring of 1976, it remains a damn catchy tune that isn’t hampered by the record production techniques of its day. A pleasant surprise. —RS

Orleans: “Half Moon” Play this track

I would have bet the house that Orleans would become a major band. Masterful songwriting, wonderful singing, and tight funky rockin’ live performances should have done the trick. They had hits instead. They were big but I thought they would get bigger. John and Johanna Hall wrote this song for Janis Joplin. It’s on her Pearl album. It’s also one of my favorite rhythm guitar parts. I was lucky enough to have John Hall show me how to play it correctly. —JS

James Hetfield & The News: “Hip To Be The Sandman” Play this track

Who knew that James Hetfield and Huey Lewis would be such compatible songwriting partners? —JS

This is insane. —RS

George Harrison: “Any Road” Play this track

What a fabulous song. And George’s guitar leads throughout are marvelous and crisp. —RS

I never heard this tune before Rock suggested it for NHT. Now it’s one of my go-to songs for any mixed tape. —JS

The Black Crowes: “Hard To Handle” Play this track

Like The Stones, Faces, and Delaney & Bonnie before them, The Black Crowes channel that funky dirty rock ‘n roll / blues swagger to a tee. And their records hold up nicely. Like this one. —RS

They nailed it. This is rock and soul at its best. —JS

Glenn Tilbrook: “Voodoo Child’” Play this track

First, I love Squeeze and most of Difford & Tilbrook’s respective solo records. But this isn’t on any of those rather, it’s from a live video from YouTube. There are several performances of this amazing musical feat available there, but this is the one, we believe. Jimi Hendrix done acoustically. Hardcore. And it works. —RS

Little Feat: “High Roller (Outtake)” Play this track

As much as I love Little Feat’s proper albums, I also love their outtakes and alternate recordings. Like this one. —RS

So different and so right. I would have been happy if they released this on Time Loves a Hero, and I love the original. —JS

B.B. King: “B. B. King Talks Vibrato and Phrasing” Play this track

Yes, I’m a lucky sonofabitch because I got to talk shop with B. B. King. —JS

B.B. King: “Whole Lotta Love (Live)” Play this track

He was the master of blues vocals and guitar. But have you ever noticed he doesn’t play chords or rhythm parts? Everything that defines B. B. King is here, the conviction of the vocal and the simple clarity and dynamics of the guitar. Check out that solo cadenza. —JS

Johnny Gale: “I’m Tore Down” Play this track

Here’s another one from my Guitar Recordings label. Tore Down is a blues classic and Clapton got an A for his version on From the Cradle. Johnny Gale gets an A+ for this swinging take on the Gale Force album. JG’s playing reminds me of EC’s energy from the Beano era. No gadgets, just a pair of hands, a guitar (in this case a Stratocaster) and an amp. No question about it, this guy deserves wider recognition. —JS

Red Hot Chili Peppers: “Factory Of Faith” Play this track

What funk? I find this RHCP track to be irresistible. From 2010’s underrated I’m With You album.—RS

Dave Edmunds: “Sweet Little Lisa” Play this track

Rockpile? Why, yes. -RS

Nobody rolls rock like Dave Edmunds. And nobody plays chicken pickin’ guitar like Albert Lee. This is among my top favorite guitar bits and solos. —JS

The Rolling Stones: “Slipping Away” Play this track

This is the kind of song Mick and Keith used to write. It’s a real tune with real sections, not a riff with words. What’s more, it’s Keith’s song … although the other Stones – especially Charlie Watts – supply the heart. And there’s a lot of heart here. From 1989’s Steel Wheels album. A real treat. -RS

Steve Morse: “Picture This” Play this track

Steve agreed to play classical guitar for a party I threw for Guitar for the Practicing Musician Magazine. This song floored me. When it became obvious he was not going to record it for one of his records, I asked him if I could include it on Guitar’s Practicing Musicians Vol 2. He graciously recorded it for me. It is one of my proudest moments running the label that I was at least partially responsible for you hearing this song. Look up the word “beautiful’ in Websters and this is what you see (hear). —JS

Mark Knopfler: “Why Worry” Play this track

How is it Mark Knopfler can take one of his most beautiful Dire Straits songs and make it even more alluring by stripping it down instrumentally? I dunno but he’s done it right here. Dreamlike. -RS

In the land of focused calm and beauty following Picture This, I can think of no other song that should follow it and continue with this mood. —JS

Tracklist:

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Beatles: “Getting Better – Vocals Only” Play this track

No matter how you slice ‘em up and whittle ‘em down, every aspect of The Beatles’ strengths always shone through. Such a great lyric, by the way. —Rock Stamberg

This track sounds so good, so full, so complete and so acapella. Some songs on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band get a lot of attention and others don’t. When this one comes up it’s always a treat and this version is a surprise treat. I’ve never heard the whistle (at 00:47) before. Mostly I’m reminded The Beatles were an extraordinary vocal pop group. Oh, those harmonies. Are you smiling yet? —John Stix

Vulfpeck: “Lonely Town (Feat. Theo Katzman)” Play this track

This song is oh so Nilsson. And it contains one of my favorite opening lyrics: “I’m the Mayor of Lonely Town, population one.” -JS

Vulfpeck: “Fugue State” Play this track

I can’t explain why I find this instrumental so evocative and alluring, I just do. Maybe it’s the descending keyboard riff. —RS

The Doors & The Temptations: “Break on Through To The Funky Side” Play this track

A surprise mashup that makes absolute sense. Yes, that’s Angus Young doing the guitar solo. Don’t think about it, just enjoy. —JS

Mark Knopfler: “Romeo & Juliet” Play this track

One of Dire Straits’ finest stripped down to bare bones and still saying it all. -JS

First, what a great song. Mark Knopfler’s bare-bones approach confirms it. A beauty. —RS

Raspberries: “Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” Play this track

I bought the 45 upon hearing it on WNEW-FM back in 1974. Just a great record, from performance to production and on down. —RS

Heretofore I successfully ignored The Raspberries. My bad. This is a pop confection to be savored. Like say, any good 10CC tune. Say thank you to Rock. “Thank you, Rock.” Oh, and dig the Brian Wilson-like fake fade out. -JS

Robben Ford: “Talk to Your Daughter” Play this track

This is the title track from Robben’s debut album on a major label. I love a swinging shuffle with impeccable blues guitar. It’s shirt tails in playing a la any Steely Dan guitar solo. Robben’s tone is round and smooth, like Miles Davis’ trumpet. The vocabulary is familiar, but the phrasing is filled with surprises. I’ve put this tune on tons of mixed tapes, discs and now NHT. It’s part of my go-to for grooving in the car. -JS

Traffic: “Gimme Some Lovin’” Play this track

I know it’s only Winwood and Capaldi, but this percussion-heavy live version is hot. An obvious closing song. But I keep asking myself when is Carlos stepping in? -JS

Phish: “Glide” Play this track

From their major record company debut, A PICTURE OF NECTAR, this catchy ditty caught my ear on first listen. I find Trey Anastasio’s acoustic guitar parts on this to be irresistible ear candy. —RS

Charles Bradley: “Changes (Black Sabbath cover)” Play this track

This Black Sabbath ballad, originally found on their Vol. 4 album, is imbued with all heart and all soul by late singer Charles Bradley. While the gospel roots were written into the original, Bradley brings it to another level. But let’s give Black Sabbath credit; the sentiment and soul of the song came from these masters of metal. -JS

Pete Townshend/ The Who: “Who Are You (Guitar Only)” Play this track

This settles it once and for all: Pete Townshend is as masterful a guitarist as he is a composer. His playing is literally kaleidoscopic in nature. Slashing, raw and rhythmic, this is guitar as a weapon, a melodic device and a composer’s tool. In the end it’s just breathtaking. -JS

Wow. Isolating Pete Townshend’s guitar is kinda illuminating. The power here is palpable. —RS

Jeff Beck: “People Get Ready (Live)” Play this track

There are so many wonderful versions of Jeff playing this tune. I selected this one from a 2004 concert he performed in Italy. Jeff’s relaxed approach and the extra piano time – not often afforded – are notable. -JS

Jeff Beck playing “People Get Ready” is always a beautiful experience. —RS

Chuck Leavell: “Jessica (Solo Piano)” Play this track

Chuck Leavell’s piano solo in Dickey Bett’s Allman Brothers Band composition “Jessica” is as indelible and as permanent as Chuck Berry’s opening to “Johnny B. Goode’ or say, the guitar solo in “Hotel California.” If you are going to play “Jessica” you must play that piano solo as it was recorded, as in note-for-note. Chuck went on to be indispensable to the Allmans and later the Rolling Stones. -JS

Chuck Leavell has contributed to so many great songs. This was the first one most of us ever heard. —RS

Dickey Betts & Great Southern: “Rave On” Play this track

If you wondered what a Dickey Betts instrumental would sound like as a solo artist, wonder no more. -JS

Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi: “Midnight in Harlem (Live)” Play this track

Channeling the spirit of Delaney and Bonnie and Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the Tedeschi/Trucks Band presents soulful vocals, ragged harmonies, and the jamming spirit of the Allman Brothers Band. This ballad, cinematic in its tone, turns a stadium into a small club. Derek Trucks whips out one of his patented whispers to a scream slide solo that will leave you breathless. It is for good reason that this tune rarely leaves their set list. -JS

Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood: “Glad” Play this track

I bet you thought “Glad” didn’t need a guitar solo. It didn’t, until now. I heard this tune as a natural segue from “Midnight in Harlem.” The Clapton/Winwood concert album recorded at Madison Square Garden is one of the finest collaborative recordings we have. It’s the sound of Blind Faith that never materialized with the original band. There’s a respect for each other and a willingness to go to the edge to find out what’s there. -JS

The entire Clapton/Winwood LIVE AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN album is excellent and worth seeking out. Just do it! —RS

Grateful Dead: “Terrapin Part One” Play this track

Now hear this. —RS

I’m not an organic fan of the GD, but this epic is worth your 17 minutes, or we wouldn’t have put it on. Be like me, be surprised and enjoy. -JS

Tracklist:

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Van Morrison: “Naked in the Jungle” Play this track

I like Van Morrison’s rarely heard raucous side as evidenced on this beauty. He left it in the can for twenty-something years until he released his The Philosopher’s Stone collection of outtakes in 1998. If you like this track, check out Van’s “John Henry” from the same collection. You can listen to that one on NHT’s A Little is Enough podcast from 2018. Just head over to nhtmusic.com and stream or download it gratis. If you like Wild Man Van’s wild side, do yourself a favor. —Rock Stamberg

Van has soul. Van has swing. Van has uncovered the mystery of love and longing. But Van does not rock and roll. Oh yes, he does. Right here. As is often the case, it’s the acoustic piano that sets the tone of rock that swings. But it’s Van’s bark that bites on this tune that make it a great undiscovered gem that Rock unearthed. — John Stix

Sting & Wynton Marsalis: “Roxanne” Play this track

A sturdy standard but the twist is the soprano sax that answers, echoes and adds its own lead voice. A true duet. And one of the best. Short and oh so sweet. —JS

Leon & Mary Russell: “Say You Will” Play this track

I’m a longtime Leon Russell fan and the two records he recorded with his former wife in 1976-77 are real favorites of mine. This song is a great example of what grabbed me about both records. Nothing sounds like this ridiculously catchy song. —RS

It’s got that island vibe with a huge smile attached. Once discovered this has got to be a first call vacation love song. Gentle waves and piña coladas

John Fogerty: “Bad Bad Boy” Play this track

This song grabbed my ear the first time I heard it. A perfect vehicle for John Fogerty to stretch out on guitar and boy, does he play beautifully. He’s an unsung guitarist and a devoted musician. —RS

Swampy and slashing guitar parts highlight this heartbeat tempo tune. It’s Fogerty writing a Dire Straits tune and playing like Mark Knopfler. The song is slinky and the guitar playing inspired and immaculate. A gem of a find. —JS

Chris Difford: “Battersea Boys” Play this track

Chris Difford (lyrics) and Glenn Tilbrook (music) are, of course, the brilliant songwriting team who have fronted Squeeze for 40-something years. While Tilbrook handles most lead vocals there, Difford has sung a few in his distinctively low vocal register. Anyway, when he put out his first solo album I Didn’t Get Where I Am in 2002, I was pleasantly surprised at how his voice easily carried the entire record and what a good frontman he was. What’s more, he employed co-writers whose last name wasn’t Tilbrook, and the songs were stellar. This beauty is from his 2008 sophomore effort The Last Temptation of Chris. An amazing song with amazing lyrics amazingly sung. The album was dedicated to his brother Les, who I presume the song is about and who died shortly before the album was released. -RS

Sounds like an autobiographical song about his own days growing up. Enchanting melody and lyrics in ¾ time. I was thinking of doing a segment on story songs. I’m still inclined to suggest it, but I’ll have to find another winner to play. —JS

Little Feat: “Dixie Chicken” Play this track

This alternate take shows just how strong Little Feat was in the studio sans overdubs. —RS

Insiders will spot the differences, and newbies will be introduced to a minor classic that really should be considered a bedrock song. —JS

Nick Lowe: “Cruel to Be Kind (Acoustic)” Play this track

Mr. Melody sings it alone with an acoustic guitar. Again, we have a happy melody with dark lyrics. It’s one of my favorite musical ironies: smiling on a sinking ship. —JS

Blood, Sweat & Tears: “Just One Smile” Play this track

They weren’t on the Woodstock records. They weren’t in the movie. Who knew they were there? I did because I was there. David Clayton Thomas kills it on this Al Kooper tune from Child is Father to the Man. Another NHT gem. —JS

Wings: “Spin It On (2022 Remaster)” Play this track

Taken from Wings’ 1979 swan song Back to the Egg, “Spin it On” rocks as hard as McCartney ever has. Evidence the album didn’t deserve the dismissive reviews it received at the time. Hot stuff. —RS

I’ve heard him do “Lucille” and other rockers and I enjoyed them. I love this barnburner. This original tune goes in my “Use This” folder. You want to rock, you got it. —JS

Johnny Winter: “I Hate Everybody” Play this track

You know I love a swinging shuffle. So, the first chance I got to include this one, I did. Dig those lyrics. And that’s brother Edgar on organ and sax. The best of the Winter Brothers. —JS

Steely Dan: “My Old School (Isolated Lead Vocal & Lead Guitar)” Play this track

Oh, how I love this one. It’s a totally fresh take on a classic you know all too well. These two elements stand alone and tell the story completely. In case you didn’t know it already, you are listening to the best Jeff Baxter’s guitar playing on record. His playing is just fabulous. —JS

Edward Van Halen & Sammy Hagar: “Love Walks In” Play this track

Okay, I like Van Halen but have never really thought about Sammy Hagar’s talents one way or another … until I heard this. A rare duo performance with Edward Van Halen on piano and backing vocal and Hagar singing lead is simply stunning. Amazing. John found this and now it’s one of my favorite recordings by anybody. A+. —RS

Here are EVH and Sammy Hagar naked in the jungle. It’s a story well worth listening to. —JS

John Lennon: “Help! (Piano / Vocal) [Home Recording]” Play this track

It was after the Beatles had broken up and Lennon was revisiting “Help.” It’s just his voice and piano as he plays this classic from memory. We hear him struggle to remember how it went, but the sentiment and the tempo still clearly represent his original vision for the song. —JS

Paul McCartney: “Hey Hey We’re the Monkees” Play this track

A bit of fun warming up for an all-acoustic show at the Colosseum in Rome. —JS

The Beatles / Shaggy: “Let It Be / It Wasn’t Me (Mashup)” Play this track

Fun in the sun combining two massive hits that work together beautifully. —JS

Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir & Vince Welnick (of The Grateful Dead): “The Star-Spangled Banner” Play this track

I call this three-song segment “What are they doing here?” Yes, the Grateful Dead did this, and it worked. —JS

Elton John & Jack White: “Two Fingers of Whiskey” Play this track

The duo collaborates on an Elton John & Bernie Taupin-penned blues song for 2017’s The American Epic Sessions. A stripped-down piano/guitar/vocal performance that sounds like it was recorded in an empty room with one microphone (that’s a compliment). Elton John would do well to keep moving in this direction because he shines here, as does the always inimitable Jack White. —RS

Alice Cooper: “Billion Dollar Babies” Play this track

The original Alice Cooper Band rocked hard and wrote great, great songs. Like this one. —RS

Genesis: “Behind the Lines” Play this track

My first and still favorite Genesis album was Duke. “Behind the Lines” opens the record and is the most majestic, intricate, and tuneful prog rock songs I’ve ever heard. Of course, Duke signaled the start of the band’s transformation into a more commercially oriented affair, but still. The entirety of Duke is just as stellar. —RS

I love the majesty and fanfare of the opening. There’s not been much prog on NHT, but it was a big part of my early music listening. I was a big Nice fan, then I got into ELP, Jethro Tull, Yes and King Crimson and they all got a lot of turntable time. Not so much early Genesis. But this tune belongs on anyone’s Best of Prog list. I’m also a big fan of Phil Collins’ solo version, which is more like a Motown take on this same song. —JS

Tracklist:

Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.

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Bruce Springsteen: “Stayin’ Alive” Play this track

Bruce Springsteen is among the finest cover song artists around. His attention to tempo is outstanding. This live take has strings and horns and passion. He totally reinvents and owns this Bee Gee’s classic. This is greatness. And this is why we do NHT. —JS

Lowell George: “Two Trains” Play this track

Little Feat, of course, have performed this song many ways in concert, but nothing, NOTHING sounds like this. The late, great Feat leader Lowell George cooked up this crazy/beautiful arrangement for his lone solo album, Thanks I’ll Eat It Here. Wonderful and weird … then it grabs you. —Rock Stamberg

Salads. The best ones feature multiple ingredients where each element stands alone and mixes well with its buddies in the bowl. Kind of like this groovin’ take on a Little Feat classic where Lowell George ups the bump. Ooh la la. —JS

Vulfpeck: “Rango !!” Play this track

An instrumental take on the same idea as Two Trains. Salads. See above or what Webster’s says about how to move the groove. Ry Cooder isn’t the only guitarist who knows how to shake a lot using very little. How about that Cory Wong! —JS

Vulfpeck never ceases to surprise me with their tuneful and juicy approach to both their original compositions as well as their cover versions of other artists’ tunes. What a masterful bunch of musicians they are. Funky and fun. —RS

Eric Clapton: “She Rides” Play this track

The NHT buzzer goes off with another classic song ,“Let It Rain,” with an alternate set of lyrics. Oh Yeah! —JS

An early version with different lyrics and a different mix. The track still hops, bops, and swings regardless. A good song is always a good song. —RS

The Beach Boys: “Vegetables” Play this track

This is classic Beach Boys from Smiley Smile, the album they put out after Brian Wilson abandoned Smile. Accompanied by a steady, loping bass guitar, the song includes their blowing into bottles plus sounds of vegetables being crunched (Paul McCartney chews celery on this — really). Of course, the singing is impeccable. One of Brian’s weirder songs it nonetheless captures the ear and sticks with you. —RS

Brian Wilson makes the ridiculous sound sublime. I still think it’s a joke, but a damn good one.—JS

Wings: “Love is Strange” Play this track

From Wings’ debut album, Wild Life, comes this unbelievably catchy pseudo-reggae and rock groove. Recorded quickly and spontaneously, Paul McCartney just shines on the loose rockin’ lilt that drives the track along. Originally a hit by Mickey and Sylvia in 1956, this revamped Wings version is stellar. —RS.

I did some Wikipedia digging on this one. The original song was written by Bo Diddley and based on his guitar riff. McCartney was intrigued with reggae and cut this track just to groove on the rhythm. He then realized they could sing “Love is Strange” over the instrumental track. Wow, an early mashup. This track, which Rock picked, would go in my music folder labeled, “What are you doing here?” Aren’t you glad we found it? —JS

The Meters: “Cissy Strut” Play this track

Booker T and the MGs were the sound of soul and groove from Memphis. The Meters were the same for New Orleans. Booker T gave us the instrumental “Green Onions,” The Meters “Cissy Strut.” On this flight, while you may be hooked by the melody, please focus your attention on the drums and know that it’s okay to move around the cabin while listening. — JS

Lowell George: “Easy Money” Play this track

Another tune from Lowell George’s only solo record. I think his version of Rickie Lee Jones’ great tune is the best version out there. A stunner for sure. —RS

Yeah, we do this a lot. We love an artist, head down a path, and low and behold somebody gets a double dip. You certainly don’t want to miss this Rickie Lee Jones classic as it bumps by getting the Louis Jordan treatment. —JS

Marvin Gaye and James Jamerson: “What’s Goin’ On” Play this track

Just the original voice and bass line from this all-time classic. Rock and I often discuss how a great song can be reduced to just voice and guitar, or piano, and now bass. — JS

Todd Rundgren: “Just One Victory” Play this track

First, what an amazing song this is. It was very difficult for John and me to find a live recording worthy of inclusion on an NHT playlist. Todd’s released a lot of live versions of this one, both solo and with Utopia and they’re all over the place in terms of performance and recording quality. Let’s face it, Todd the producer is a treble hog, but I love him anyway. We think we found a winner with this take. —RS

Todd fans know this has been his concert closer for decades. So, there are all kinds of versions to be heard. This one from his live recording of A Wizard, A True Star is my favorite. Which is yours? Before I leave, I want to say that as a music first guy, Todd is my favorite lyricist. —JS

Queen: “Crazy Little Things Called Love/We Will Rock You/We are the Champions from Live Aid” Play this track

Of all the performances at Live Aid, including reunions by Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and CSNY, Queen was hands down the finest. This live television performance made me a Queen fan for life. The best part is that I don’t have to write about it, all you’ve got to do is listen and you’ll agree. —JS

I concur. This performance is what made me dig deeper into Queen’s amazing catalog. —RS

The Who: “Cry if You Want” Play this track

Pretty much forgotten, The Who’s 1982 album It’s Hard was meant to be their final record. Anyway, this song closed out the proceedings with a bang. Like, for real. Their power is palpable here. Kenney Jones’ military-style drum figure sets the tone and John Entwistle’s reliably thunderous bass revs the engine then throws the whole shebang into high gear. But just listen to Pete Townshend’s furious electric guitar jabs right into the fade out. A surprisingly mesmerizing jolt from a band some had already given up on. —RS

A great Who song that you don’t know. Isn’t that why you’re here? —JS

Buddy Miles: “Dreams” Play this track

Molly Hatchet used this 4/4 arrangement for their cover of this ABB classic. Now the Allmans were thinking, modal Miles Davis, Kind of Blue when they recorded it in ¾ time. It’s also noted that Dickey Betts did not record on this ABB track. Buddy Miles adds horn and a rockin’ soul groove to this chooglin’ train from 1970. All aboard! —JS

Eric Burdon & The Animals: “Monterey” Play this track

To follow Buddy Miles, we wanted to stay in the late ‘60s musical era. The vinyl 45 rpm single version of “Monterey” does the trick. The song celebrates the classic 1967 music festival (at which The Animals played, by the way) and delivers some of the finest name-dropping lyrics ever written. Plus, there’s some cool electric sitar! We know you’ve been waiting for that. —JS

Tracklist:

Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.

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The Blasters: “I’m Shakin” Play this track

Isn’t this track amazing? Surely, the vocal, the performance … heck, the *vibe* are all curiously driven. An unusual track for sure.—Rock Stamberg

When I hear this song, I visually see a hipster “walkin’ the walk,” and the lyrics are “talkin’ the talk.” This could be a song from the Musical “Hades Town.” All I know is shoulders are swingin’ and fingers are poppin’. —John Stix

Terry Evans: “Shakespeare Didn’t Write That” Play this track

What a segue. Laid back swing, soulful vocals and Ry Cooder licks. This tune is slippery and wet. I am a sucker for this kind of shuffle, subtle and sweet. —JS

Beatles: “I’m Looking Through You” Play this track

There’s something about this alternate take from Beatles Anthology 2 that’s so alluring. Having heard all the outtakes from various Beatles albums I always figured they picked the right versions to release officially. This take is so good I wonder if it’s the exception. —RS

A stripped-down take that invites you in and you want to stay. This is the kind of track that NHT was made for. —JS

Marshall Crenshaw: “Rockin’ Around NYC” Play this track

Marshall Crenshaw – Rockin’ Around NYC

Marshall Crenshaw’s first album should be in your music library. —RS

Vulfpeck: “Boogie On Reggae Woman” Play this track

With just voice and the bass, Vulfpeck own this tune the way Joe Cocker owns his take on “With a Little Help from My Friends.” The second half of the song features a bass and Rhodes piano duet and that kills as well. The last section is a Rhodes / guitar duet. Arranging is king here and it all happened without anybody noticing. —JS

Carl Perkins and Friends: “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” Play this track

Boy this is good. And boy is this a fun listen. They all left their egos at the door. —RS

This one is a two-base hit. First you have one of the best guest bands in memory with Perkins, Ringo, Harrison, Clapton, Edmunds, Setzer and more. They play as a tight and inspired band. The second surprise is that it happened on television. You can marvel at the visual if you see it or the music as you hear it, or both. Any way you come out at this, it’s a hit. —JS

Robert Palmer: “Maybe It’s You” Play this track

John and I love Robert Palmer’s music. Here’s an obscure one from his Maybe It’s Live partially “live” / partially studio album. Rockin’. —RS

A great rocker I never heard until Rock pulled it out. Talk about a chorus with a hook. This one could land Moby Dick. —JS

Pete Townshend: “Dirty Water” Play this track

This is a demo? Kenney Jones’ drums here are among the best he ever contributed to The Who camp post-Keith Moon, in my opinion. He just pushes this excellent abandoned track hard. —RS

PT doing his Tulsa rock. This could have been Dire Straits or Dave Edmunds, or a certain time in EC’s career. Townshend is rockin’ and I’m there with him. Great drumming. —JS

Andy Partridge: “I Gave My Suitcase Away” Play this track

A pure pop masterpiece. XTC’s Andy Partridge can really write ‘em. —RS

This reminds me of the Squeeze school of songwriting. It could have been a hit, but it wasn’t. —JS

Harry Nilsson: “You Can’t Do That” Play this track

A love letter to the Fab Four. —JS

This is the one that caught The Beatles’ collective attention. They dubbed Harry Nilsson as their favorite group. —RS

Ben Kweller: “I Need You Back” Play this track

I just love BK’s music. Master songwriter, strong performer. This is just a taste of his prowess. —RS

Buckingham/Nicks: “Don’t Let Me Down Again” Play this track

So good that Fleetwood Mac put this song into their live repertoire immediately after welcoming Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks into the fold. —RS

Another great Tulsa shuffle. —JS

Deep Purple: “Getting Tighter” Play this track

Betcha didn’t know this was Deep Purple, did ya? From 1975’s Come Taste the Band, the only album on which the late guitarist Tommy Bolin appeared. —RS

Bert Lahr: “King of The Forest (From the Wizard of Oz)” Play this track

Where we finally get the answer to the question, “What puts the ape in Apricot?” —JS

Pete Townshend: “A Friend Is a Friend (Live)” Play this track

I love both the message of the lyric and how it is delivered. This is from my “Best Performances” folder. —JS

John and I loved this song (the studio version) when we first heard it back in 1989. Great song, great message. —RS

Procol Harum: “Foxy Lady (Live)” Play this track

The opening track to 1974’s Exotic Birds and Fruit album, this is a truly epic Procol Harum track with, of course, an amazing Gary Brooker lead vocal. —RS

Aretha Franklin: “Wonderful (Acappella)” Play this track

She was born with these pipes and knew how to use them. Aren’t we lucky. Check out the scat at the end of the tune. —JS

Stephen Wrembel: “Bistro Fada (From Midnight in Paris)” Play this track

Love this lilting guitar waltz. At times it has a drunken, behind-the-beat move that effortlessly slides back into place. —JS

Paul Simon: “Heart and Bones” Play this track

A beautiful and unusually autobiographical song about Paul Simon’s brief marriage to Carrie Fisher. The entire Hearts and Bones album is stellar and worth checking out. —RS

I place this in my Familiar Flags in Foreign Places folder. A well-known artist doing a song that is not a “hit” and the song deserves more recognition. A song made for NHT. —JS

Tracklist:

Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.

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Jeff Beck: “Where Were You” Play this track

This is an excerpt from a tape I made at Jeff’s house. I spent a day with Jeff at his home in England. We were talking about music for hours. At one point I asked him if the song “Where Were You” had some box or effect on the guitar to make it sound like a voice. He answered by picking up a Strat, plugging it into a small Fender amp and playing for me. This is part of what he played. —John Stix

Jeff Beck: “Plynth (Water Down the Drain)” Play this track

This has always been my go-to Jeff Beck Group song. Riffing and funky with all the parts sounding separate but fully integrated. I once asked Jeff what gets him going musically. The answer was a good drummer. Listen to Mickey Waller play funky, yet tight and loose at the same time. He reminds me of Mitch Mitchell in the Jimi Hendrix Experience or Keith Moon in The Who. The other special sauce in Jeff’s bands have been keyboard players. Nicky Hopkins, Max Middleton, and Jan Hammer all defined different eras of Jeff’s playing. In this track I think Nicky Hopkins’ acoustic piano is the glue that holds it all together. Jeff’s playing is on the crazy side. His guitar lines are his alone. This is not recycled blues. His is a unique voice that sounds familiar. Jimi Hendrix had this quality too. Both Jeff and Jimi spoke a different language, yet we understood them immediately. —JS

Jeff Beck Group: “Shapes of Things” Play this track

The Jeff Beck group live in the U. S. I saw this band at the Schaefer Music Festival at Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park. I found a boot of the exact concert I attended. I recall that the band was introduced by disc jockey Allison Steele and as she left the stage either Rod or Jeff gave a pelvic thrust in her direction. They were raucous, and rough and rockin’, just as they are here.—JS

Jeff Beck: “Beck’s Boogie (Live)” Play this track

This recording is live from the same U. S. tour. You get both Jeff’s enormous love of Les Paul and his own wacky sense of humor. Notice how he plays in the pocket and delivers every note with conviction. He is a master of nuance, dynamics, and silence, yet his playing can be described as giddy. How about you name another solo that quotes the TV. theme from “The Beverly Hillbillies.” —JS

Jeff Beck: “Going Down (Live)” Play this track

This is from a live performance by the second Jeff Beck Group. The studio version on theJeff Beck Group album identified as the Orange album (because of the orange on the cover) has been a jam staple for rock bands for decades. When most bands play it, they lean on the heavy riff and pound it out. This version, my favorite by far, leans on the acoustic piano of Max Middleton for swing and push. Jeff is basically a guest on the track, adding accents and colorful jabs. This is how the song should be played live.—JS

Stevie Wonder & Jeff Beck: “Superstition” Play this track

This is from Stevie Wonder’s performance at the 25th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame concert at MSG. I was there and it was fabulous. As I understand it Jeff was tooling around on the drums and Stevie Wonder took that drum riff and used it to start the song. There are countless versions of this tune and this is among my top three. Jeff is not a jammer, so this situation is perfect for his brand of boxing. He hits you straight in the face and when you’re not looking. Stevie Wonder and his band are not slouches either. —JS

Jeff Beck: “Situation” Play this track

Taken from the Rough and Ready album. This was the second Jeff Beck Group and they nailed it on this, the first of the two LPs they made together. Jeff told me about when he went to Motown in hopes of recording. He thought he would sit in with the musicians and they would jam out what would become tunes. He got a rude awakening when he found out they read charts, played parts, and did their music on union time. “Situation” is from the soul music groove school. Perhaps this is what he wanted to come out with when he visited Motown studios. —JS

Jeff Beck: “You Know What I Mean” Play this track

This is the opening track from Jeff’s instrumental opus Blow by Blow. Another run at funk, rock, and melody. He never got it together with this tune live, so the studio track is the peak recording of this song. The soloing in this one is Steely Dan-like in its compositional phrasing. When I describe Jeff’s playing as throwing all kinds of punches, this is what I’m talking about. It’s a knockout. —JS

Stevie Wonder & Jeff Beck: “Looking for Another Pure Love” Play this track

This is Jeff guesting on Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book album. One of the sweetest melodic solos ever committed to tape. The subtle rhythm guitar parts are done by another monster guitarist, Buzz Feiten. —JS

Jeff Beck: “Brush with the Blues” Play this track

This is a live track found on the Who Else! recording. Here he is a master of using the common vocabulary in startling and new ways. He is Jeff the storyteller and Jeff the vocalist (he is always the vocalist). Using his own unique phrasing, dynamics, tone, breathing, and going from gentle melody to snarling, Jeff is taking the blues around corners we never knew existed. —JS

Jeff Beck & Imelda May: “Remember Walking in the Sand” Play this track

This is Jeff with Imelda May live at the Iridium. Just another look at Beck’s ever expansive wardrobe. His voice fits in everywhere, in this case 60s girl group pop. —JS

Jeff Beck: “I Ain’t Superstitious” Play this track

If there was one wish from Beck fans, it was that he would do more with Rod Stewart and eventually in 2019 they did reunite in Los Angeles. A longer tour never materialized. At least we have this “I Ain’t Superstitious.” —JS

Jeff Beck: “Where Were You (Live)” Play this track

This comes from Jeff Beck Performing This Week … Live at Ronnie Scotts. Here is Jeff’s pure singing voice, expressive, ethereal, and uncopyable. Ronnie Scott’s is hands-down his best live recording. He left us a lot to explore and enjoy. In fact, that’s what he did throughout his entire career. He was an explorer who enjoyed looking beyond what he had just done. Like other truly great artists such as Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, and Joni Mitchell, you can like or dislike Jeff Beck’s music based on the era and what he was doing at a particular time. Me, I love all of it. And while I will miss him, he left plenty of trails for me to keep following. —JS

Jeff Beck Feat. Rosie Bones: “The Revolution Will Be Televised” Play this track

Rough ‘n tough Jeff Beck. Betcha didn’t know this one. Hot AF. -Rock Stamberg

Mick Jagger & Jeff Beck: “Foxy Lady (Live)” Play this track

An unlikely live treat from Mick Jagger and Jeff. He’d played all over Jagger’s unremarkable first two solo albums and were going to tour together. This warts ‘n all performance showcases the best of their collaborations I’ve ever heard. Again, when Jeff gets motorizin’ you’d best get outta his way. —RS

Jeff Beck: “Space For The Papa” Play this track

I’ve loved this track since Jeff’s Who Else! Album was first released in 1999. I played it in my car endlessly. On a cassette tape. Yes, cassette. —RS

Jeff Beck & Brian Wilson: “Danny Boy” Play this track

Brian Wilson and Jeff Beck both adore this song to pieces. This is one of the different versions they performed on their joint tour in the fall of 2013. This version endures. —RS

Tracklist:

Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.

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The Who: “Guitar And Pen” Play this track

When I first filled my iPod, I avoided the obvious versions of the obvious songs. No “Purple Haze,” “Light My Fire,” or “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” I even started a folder called Familiar Flag in Foreign Places. It housed great songs by classic artists that never get attention. One of the first songs in this folder was “Guitar and Pen.” It’s got all the hooks and sounds of a classic Who song, it just never got the airplay – until now. —John Stix

“Guitar and Pen” is a quintessential Who track, even though it’s not famous and it came at the end of the Keith Moon era. Pete Townshend’s composing and arranging talents shine brightly — as does his crackling guitar. This song’s sort of like a journey. —Rock Stamberg

The Beach Boys: “Heroes and Villains (A Cappella)” Play this track

Rock and I often say that a great song can be boiled down to just a guitar (or piano) and voice. This must be even greater than great, because all the elements of the tune can be gleaned from just the voices alone. —JS

What is left to say about Brian Wilson’s harmonization genius, which runs wild here. You can really hear what unbelievable vocalists The Beach Boys were (are). They serve him well here. —RS

Todd Rundgren & Jeff Baxter: “Something To Fall Back On” Play this track

Todd has tried his songs as lounge singles (please don’t go there), as fully orchestrated renditions, and in this case, he gives his master vocal over to guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter who reshapes the song into pure pop with cool guitar. A most worthy reinvention indeed. —JS

If you like this song, check out Todd’s original a cappella version on his album called … A Cappella. -RS

Allen Toussaint: “Cast Your Fate To The Wind” Play this track

The original tune, by Vince Guaraldi (composer of the Peanuts tv specials) made it to 22 on the Billboard charts in 1963. Allen covers it as originally played. My favorite cover is on the James Gang second album. Check out “The Bomber.” No matter who plays it, there is a “Peanuts” vibe that warms the heart. This is an unexpected treat that Rock found. —JS

This always gets me. Every time. -RS

The Doobie Brothers: “You’re Made That Way” Play this track

Kicking off the album Living On the Fault Line, is a classic Fender Rhodes sound, a gospel funk feel and one of the best Michael McDonald vocals. This is exactly the kind of song that made him one of the most popular singers of the 70s. There were no hits from this album, which made it a music geeks treasure. There were a ton of great songs on here, they just didn’t get played on the radio. So what, this is how legends are born. —JS

Y’know, to hell with terms like “Yacht Rock” and whatever. Lol. I dig old school Michael McDonald. And this is a really good song. -RS

Sly & The Family Stone: “Everyday People” Play this track

One of the great message songs of all time. Why? Because it delivers the “talk” nestled in killer hooks, groove, vocal melodies, and instrumentation. —JS

Everyday People is an awesome song. One for the ages. One World indeed. -RS

Bee Gees: “Jive Talkin” Play this track

This is undeniably cool, as are many Bee Gees songs. These guys knew how to write songs and make ‘em as funky – yes, funky – as they pleased. The Bee Gees are so underrated. This is a hot little number. -RS

Yes: “Roundabout” Play this track

If there is one song to define Prog-rock music, this is it. Sophisticated vocals and instrumental parts intertwine to make a musical stew that enthralls the listener for over eight minutes. This is music that does truly dance and sing. —JS

Firstly, I really love Yes. Roundabout is actually the first song of theirs I heard. I was intrigued and later, hooked. Chris Squire’s bass playing! Chris Squire’s trademark Rickenbacker bass sound! Oh my gawd. -RS

Vulfpeck, Bernard Purdie & Cory Henry: “VULF TWO Super Groove” Play this track

This is still the most used track I put on any mixed disc. Some band member(s) of the band Vulfpeck put these two disparate recordings together. First, we have drum god Bernard Purdie. He has been king of the groove for artists like Aretha Franklin, Jeff Beck and Steely Dan. Here he is giving a clinic and telling the story of how he developed his signature beats. The second part of the mashup is an organ shout by Cory Henry. He was a featured band member of Snarky Puppy and currently leads his own band, The Funk Apostles. While he is an overall keyboard master, this piece shows off why he is my favorite organ player. These two different pieces of music played simultaneously amounts to some serious funk and a lot of joy. As Roland Kirk would say, “Bright Moments.” —JS

Vulfpeck and their friends always conjure some serious stuff. -RS

Little Feat: “Mercenary Territory” Play this track

After the Vulfpeck mashup, the next song called for some serious musical interplay, groove and soul. Is there another band so equipped than Little Feat? If so, you must let me know. —JS

What he said. I love me some Little Feat, anytime, anywhere, any anything. -RS

Bob Marley & The Wailers: “No Woman, No Cry (Live)” Play this track

This is an “Oh Yeah” live album. Name me some of the great live albums? You get The Allman Brothers Band at the Fillmore, The Who’s Live at Leeds, and The Band’s Rock of Ages. And if you forget to mention Bob Marley and The Wailers’ Live and someone else brings it up, you say, “Oh Yeah.” This is a prayer in a song. —JS

Majestic. Ethereal. Beautiful. -RS

Paul Simon: “American Tune” Play this track

One of Paul’s best, and to think it started out as a writing assignment. Paul turned a Bach Choral into an iconic American Tune. This would have made a great S&G song. —JS

Simply put, this is the one. Forget the overstuffed studio take, go instead for this solo live performance from 1974’s Live Rhymin’. Better yet, check out the whole album. You’ll thank me, I promise. -RS

Richard Tee: “Happy Birthday” Play this track

This solo piano version of the birthday classic now joins the ranks of The Beatles’ and Stevie Wonder’s birthday tunes for celebrating your big day. —JS

Jethro Tull: “The Whistler (2003 Remastered Version” Play this track

Another from my Familiar Flags folder. When was the last time you discovered a new Jethro Tull classic. Well, listen to this. —JS

Jethro Tull often gets short shrift. While I am definitely not a flute lover, I still like much of their music and always get each new record, hoping for a late-period gem. Anyway, this is a song I really like. -RS

The Beatles: “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” Play this track

How good were The Beatles as a band? This good! —JS

Just riveting. The power of those four guys together in one room is incredible. This is an amazing listen to The Beatles putting out musically. Each one of them shines throughout. Just listen. Bliss. -RS

Tracklist:

Note: The “Play this track” cues below may be off by several seconds on mobile devices.

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The Beatles: “1965” Play this track

Huey “Piano” Smith & The Clowns: “All I Want For Christmas (is a little music)” Play this track

The Beach Boys: “Child Of Winter (Christmas Song)” Play this track

Rufus Thomas: “I’ll Be Your Santa Baby” Play this track

Billy Idol: “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” Play this track

Detroit Junior: “Christmas Day” Play this track

Robbie Robertson Wishes You A Merry Christmas: Play this track

Robbie Robertson: “Happy Holidays” Play this track

George Jones & Tammy Wynette: “Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus” Play this track

Leon Russell: “Slipping Into Christmas” Play this track

Martin Mull: “Santa Doesn’t Cop Out On Dope” Play this track

John Prine: “Christmas in Prison (2020 Remaster)” Play this track

Eric Clapton: “Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday” Play this track

Foghat: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” Play this track

Big Star’s Third Live: “Jesus Christ (Live) [Featuring Mike Mills]” Play this track

Bob Dylan: “Little Drummer Boy” Play this track

XTC: “Merry Christmas Song” Play this track

Andy Partridge: “Cool Yule” Play this track

Todd Rundgren: “Flappie” Play this track

NRBQ: “The First Noel” Play this track

The Moody Blues: “The Spirit Of Christmas” Play this track

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: “The Light Of Christmas Day (From Love The Coopers Soundtrack)” Play this track

Dion: “O Holy Night” Play this track

NRBQ: “Here Comes Santa Claus” Play this track

Paul Winter Consort: “Peasant Revels” Play this track

Brass Quintet Maeve Lander: “Deck The Halls” Play this track

James Galway / Fritz Helmis / Herbert von Karajan: “Shepherd’s Carol” Play this track

Cory Henry: “Joy To The World” Play this track

The Staples Singers: “Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas” Play this track

Cory Henry: “Misty Christmas” Play this track

Joscho Stephan: “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” Play this track

What If Mozart: “Frosty The Snowman” Play this track

Stephen Pasero: “Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairies” Play this track

Home Alone 2 Soundtrack: “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” Play this track

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: “Here We Come A Caroling” Play this track

Norah Jones: “Peace” Play this track

Justin Johnson: “Silent Night” Play this track

Joe Zawinal: “In A Silent Way” Play this track