Now Hear This

Tracklist:

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

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie: “Feel About You” Play this track

The duet album this song comes from what was actually going to be Fleetwood Mac’s next album. Christine, Lindsey, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie all showed up to play and it was Christine’s grand reintroduction back into the fold after many years away.

Fleetwood Mac : “Sugar Daddy” Play this track

Christine always wrote great lyrics. From 1975’s Fleetwood Mac (a/k/a their “White Album”).

Fleetwood Mac : “Spare Me A Little Of Your Love” Play this track

One of my all-time favorite recordings by anybody, this is a beautifully restored recording from 1972’s majestic Bare Trees album.

Fleetwood Mac : “Prove Your Love” Play this track

An unknown and obscure track from 1974’s Heroes Are Hard To Find.

Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie: “Red Sun” Play this track

Another gem from the Lindsey/Christine duet project, which, by the way, was my favorite album from 2017.

Fleetwood Mac: “Show Me A Smile” Play this track

Christine’s first song with Fleetwood Mac. From 1971’s Future Games.

Fleetwood Mac: “Think About Me” Play this track

This may be my favorite Fleetwood Mac track. From 1979’s masterpiece, Tusk.

Fleetwood Mac: “Wish You Were Here” Play this track

Just listen to Lindsey Buckingham’s beautiful arrangement and plaintive guitar playing at the end. Christine has never played straight piano with such pounding authority. The final track on 1982’s Mirage record.

Fleetwood Mac: “Dissatisfied” Play this track

A real rocker from 1973’s “out in the ozone” album (Christine’s words). Penguin was one of my first Fleetwood Mac albums. I just love the cover art. Like, big time.

Fleetwood Mac: “The Way I Feel” Play this track

A real beaut from 1973’s excellent Mystery To Me album.

Christine McVie: “One In A Million” Play this track

This is a duet with Steve Winwood and appeared on Christine’s eponymously titled second (or was it first?) solo album, which was released in 1984. Christine apparently disowned her actual debut, 1970’s Christine Perfect (her maiden name). She only recorded one more solo record, 2004’s In The Meantime, which she made during her 16-year sabbatical (1998 to 2014) from Fleetwood Mac.

Christine McVie/Fleetwood Mac: “Songbird (Orchestral Version)” Play this track

Earlier this year Christine assembled a collection of her solo material called Songbird. This track, however, is from Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 Rumours blockbuster. The catch is that she stripped away the song’s instrumentation and put her original vocal together with a full orchestra.

Christine McVie: “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” Play this track

This is a one-off cover song Christine cut for a 1996 film called A Fine Mess. This one gets to me, especially now.

A special thanks to Rory Nolan

Tracklist:

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

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

Bo Diddley: “Bo Diddley” Play this track

I get that it’s all about the beat, but this is also Air Guitar 101. Where else can we form a band without instruments? I offer this as exhibit A. — John Stix

It’s got that Bo Diddley beat! —Rock Stamberg

T. Rex: “Jeepster” Play this track

Another song for the Air Guitar 101 band. This is exhibit B for the simple truth that tempo, rhythm, and feel are the foundations of great rock music. —JS

Marc Bolan and T. Rex are sadly overlooked these days. This is one of the best examples why that shouldn’t be. A classic. Really. —RS

Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers: “Roadrunner” Play this track

The Air Guitar 101 band needed a third song. And this time the lead instrument is the drums. —JS

I heard this song on the radio back in 1975 and had to have it but couldn’t find a copy anywhere in those pre-Internet days. So, I wrote to the tiny Beserkley Records label in California and voila! the 45 single I received back from them is the audio source heard here. This is the original version of a great American rock ‘n roll anthem. —RS

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers: “Change The Locks” Play this track

This rarely played hard-rocking take on Lucinda Williams’ tune falls firmly into the definitive Petty/Heartbreakers wheelhouse. Outstanding. —RS

Sex Pistols: “God Save The Queen” Play this track

This is what rock ‘n roll’s all about. Genius? —RS

Ry Cooder: “Crow Black Chicken” Play this track

A primo Ry Cooder track. It’s all there: His buoyant vocals, expertly evocative slide playing, authentic barrelhouse backing band – the works. I just love Ry Cooder’s music. —RS

Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five: “Beans And Cornbread” Play this track

This swinging tune sounds like a conversation between cartoon characters. —JS

Cream: “Falstaff Beer Commercial” Play this track

This is for real. Who knew Cream recorded an original song for an actual commercial? Not me … —RS

James Taylor: “Chili Dog” Play this track

From JT’s overlooked One Man Dog album, this sprightly tune is one of many short songs that comprised the record’s Abbey Road-like suites. —RS

Radio Commercials: “Chiquita Bananas – I’m A Chiquita Banana” Play this track

Louis Prima: “Banana Split For My Baby” Play this track

A story song that saunters through a scenario that begs you to hear it through. Listen at about 1:08 and you’ll hear he cracks himself up. I dedicate this one to my buddy Mike Connelly who loved humor in music and introduced me to Louis Prima. —JS

Luigi sings the truth. —RS

Prince: “Cold Coffee & Cocaine (Piano & A Microphone)” Play this track

There is Prince the composer, Prince the performer, and Prince the guitarist. Now meet Prince the great gospel pianist. —JS

Argent: “Liar” Play this track

Minimalism, dynamics, and acoustic pianos are rarely used to greater effect than in this rock song. This one is special. —JS

Hot Tuna: “Water Song” Play this track

Hot Tuna in composed instrumental form. And it’s beautiful, too. —RS

The Allman Brothers Band: “Midnight Rider” Play this track

This comes right out of my “best performances” folder. The Allmans as CSN. —JS

Cheap Trick: “She’s Alright” Play this track

What a great rock ‘n ‘roll song and performance. They’ve still got it. —RS

Marc Shulman / Robert Palmer: “Funk / Looking For Clues” Play this track

Marc and Frank came to my Music Is People class at Edgemont High School. I asked them to play various styles of music without rehearsal. This is super funk with Marc on rhythm and Frank playing the lead lines. Thanks to my trusty old-school Nakamichi cassette deck I spliced in Robert Palmer doing one of his best tracks ever. —JS

The Staple Singers: “I’ll Take You There” Play this track

You can hear all the instruments separately and the simple mosaic they make together is gargantuan. Sly Stone did this too. “I’ll Take You There” gets those shoulders bopping and the hips swaying. The bass line at 1:51 is a melodic hook as good as any ever played on the instrument. And to top it off, this was a pop music number 1 Billboard hit in 1972. So yes, the music was better then and no, they don’t make them like they used too. —JS

The definition of soul music? Just may be. —RS

The Pretenders: “977” Play this track

Chrissie Hynde’s convincing vocal on this Lennon-esque beauty belies the song’s darker-than-dark lyrical underbelly. Rarely have beauty and shame been so marvelously entwined. Strong stuff indeed. —RS

Arcade Fire: “End Of The Empire II (Live SNL)” Play this track

I sat bolt upright when Arcade Fire pulled out this horn-enhanced rockin’ version of their song on SNL. I can’t get enough of this version. Absolutely stunning in a Rock of Ages kinda way. —RS

Tracklist:

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

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

Hello, I’m Mr. Ed: Play this track

I love snippets of dialogue from movies, commercials, and TV shows. Every one of my buddies has heard this greeting from Mr. Ed the talking horse. It’s on cassettes, CD’s and now on NHT. You gotta love it. -John Stix

Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks: “Walkin’ One and Only” Play this track

Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks were purveyors of an acoustic swinging jive that was built for smiling. And this song is exhibit A. It’s one part Andrew Sister, one-part Hot Club jazz and all parts fun. —JS

Paul McCartney: “Can’t Buy Me Love” Play this track

Macca goes bluegrass with a Beatles chestnut. It’s a wonder this hasn’t been officially released. —JS

Michelle Shocked: “If Love Was a Train” Play this track

It gets old as I talk about it or write about it, but hearing a shuffle played with spunk and taste never gets old. —JS

The Doors: “Poor Otis” Play this track

It’s short. So what? —Rock Stamberg

Bruce Springsteen: “It’s Hard to Be a Saint in The City” Play this track

Using an acoustic piano and acoustic guitar in rock songs has always been a secret weapon. This was an early display of the Springsteen storytelling with the kind of cinematic detail that would later infuse “Jungleland.” —JS

Randy Newman: “I’m Different” Play this track

He sure is different and nobody else can plead his case so cheerfully. —RS

Manfred Mann’s Earth Band: “Time is Right” Play this track

Prog-rock? Nope, just some rock in’ from prog-rock pioneers. Hot stuff. —RS

Rod Stewart: “To Love Somebody” Play this track

My favorite version of the classic Bee Gees tune. Rod Stewart + Booker T & The MGs at Muscle Shoals = stunning R&B. —RS

Flaming Lips: “Fight Test” Play this track

Sure, it’s weird. It’s also beautiful. Listen closely and be rewarded. —RS

Stephen Stills: “Love The One You’re With (demo)” Play this track

This original demo sounds like how Stills might play it today as a solo piece. —JS

John Fogerty: “Travelin’ High” Play this track

From John Fogerty’s unsung self-titled debut solo album. He’s playing everything on this, including saxes. Telecaster heaven. —RS

Phish: “Two Versions of Me” Play this track

A great tune nobody ever heard. Perfect. —RS

Jimi Hendrix Experience: “Up From the Skies” Play this track

This song features the wah wah pedal as a rhythm component. It plays throughout the whole song so naturally, that’s it’s never named as one of the great wah-wah songs. You don’t think of it as being special, you hear it as natural instead. And that’s what makes it special. —JS

Jerry Garcia Band: “Cats Under the Stars” Play this track

I just *love* this lengthy live JGB track. His soloing here is majestic. —RS

Pat Metheny Group: “Minuano (Bonus Hidden Track)” Play this track

Name another live performance with whistling, vocalese, and a vibe that announces Spring is here. This is instrumental music as a universal language. This is why The Pat Metheny Group is a worldwide phenomenon. —JS

Tracklist:

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

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

STEVE WINWOOD: “Different Light” Play this track

Late-period Steve Winwood  conjures a magical groove on this tune. It’s both unusual and delicious. —Rock Stamberg

In the latter half of an artist’s career, he or she often writes songs that display their DNA sound but lack that special spark that makes a song last a lifetime and beyond. Brian Wilson in the last few decades has written songs that have that Beach Boys sound, but they lack those “timeless hooks” that appear on the Beach Boys’ greatest hits. “Different Light” could well appear and fit right in on some upcoming Steve Winwood Greatest Hits collection. Did I just give him a backhanded compliment? —John Stix

R.E.M.: “Finest Worksong” (Live) [Edited] Play this track

I’m not exactly a huge R.E.M. fan but the stuff of theirs I like, I *really* like. I’ve always loved the original studio version, but this live take is the one. —RS

ROGER DALTREY AND FRIENDS: “Baba O’Reilly” (Live) Play this track

Pete Townshend is the mouthpiece of The Who. Roger Daltrey is the voice of The Who. He sings all the songs that Townshend writes. This special version of a Who classic was performed at a Celebration of the Music of Pete Townshend show at Carnegie Hall in 1994. You have Simon Phillips, Pino Paladino, the Juilliard Orchestra, Daltrey and the Chieftains here. A totally familiar and totally fresh arrangement showcasing Daltrey and the Chieftains at their best. This comes from my “the best version” folder. —JS

THE TEMPTATIONS: “My Girl” (Acappella) [Excerpt] Play this track

This is perhaps the ultimate sing-along song exactly as you’d want to hear it. —JS

PAUL CARRACK: “I Need You” Play this track

John and I found we both loved Carrack’s Suburban Voodoo when we met back in 1985. I wish he’d do more in this R&B vein. —RS

The Suburban Voodoo album was Carrack’s ode to Motown. This song shows its roots to good effect. —JS

JAMES TAYOR: “Your Smiling Face” (Live) Play this track

One of my favorite love songs in its original studio version. This is the best live version I’ve come across and how I imagine it will always sound in concert (and doesn’t). —JS

Well, this is the version, isn’t it? —RS

THE BEACH BOYS: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (JS Mix) Play this track

This is another of the songs manipulated and created on my Nakamichi cassette deck. I noticed all the music was on one side and the vocals on the other. I started with just voices, dig the talking in the middle, and towards the end added the musical track. This is a fun perspective for a song I’ve heard thousands of times and still enjoy. —JS

PROCUL HARUM: “Whiskey Train” (Live on WPLJ-FM) Play this track

This came from a cassette of a WPLJ-FM radio broadcast. God, I love this guitar riff. It gets my vote for the underrated electric guitar riff of all time. I played this live version for Robin Trower and he loved it. He asked if I would send him a copy. While I said yes, he’s still waiting. —JS

MOUNTAIN: “Silver Paper” Play this track

I loved the Mountain Climbing album. Every song is killer. “Silver Paper” is both heavy and subtle at the same time. Leslie West roars on the chorus vocals and stings on the guitar. Yet melody remains king. Felix Pappalardi was an anchor for the band and an inspiration for West. To top it off Steve Knight’s organ adds a Celtic flavor. —JS

ERIC CLAPTON: “Motherless Children” Play this track

This track serves up a bubbling lope supplied by Clapton’s late drummer, Jamie Oldaker. Clapton’s voice is effectively plaintive throughout, and he and second guitarist George Terry perform some serious guitar weaving. A classic. —RS

One big ball of fire. And while the slide guitar parts are up there with “Whiskey Train” and “Silver Paper,” it’s the drum part that stokes the flames. The drumming here is as vital to this song as Steve Gadd’s snare hook is to Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” It’s a different vibe for sure, but just as important with the drums being the heart and soul of the song. —J. S.

ARETHA FRANKLIN: “Think” (From The Blues Brothers) Play this track

As good as it gets, and the best song intro hands down. —JS

RY COODER: “Get Rhythm” Play this track

One of my favorite openings to any song anywhere. My shoulders are popping up and down, I’m smiling, I’m laughing, and Ry hasn’t started singing yet. Gospel, Tejano, R&B and R&R. What a mix. —JS

JA’NET DUBOIS: “The Jeffersons Theme” Play this track

PAUL McCARTNEY & ELVIS COSTELLO: “My Brave Face” (Original Demo) Play this track

The bare bones duet here almost bests the official studio version. —RS

Is there a better Beatles song in the room? —JS

ELVIS COSTELLO: “Veronica” Play this track

Elvis at his most accessible. And he does it without selling out. —RS

Maybe this one? No, this is a Squeeze song. No it’s not, but it should be. —JS

ROD STEWART: “People Get Ready” (Gospel Version) Play this track

Gives the ’84 Jeff Beck/Rod Stewart version a run for its money. —JS

PAUL McCARTNEY: “Singalong Junk” Play this track

I heard this as an instrumental for years before I heard the vocal version. It just shows you how strong a melody it is. —JS

BOB DYLAN: “Last Thoughts on Woody Guthrie” Play this track

I heard this in my car and had to pull over to listen to the whole thing. A masterpiece of spoken word. —JS

Tracklist:

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

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

XTC: “I’m the Man Who Murdered Love” Play this track

I just love XTC and this song is pretty perfect in my opinion. —Rock Stamberg

It’s pure pop for now people. But that’s Nick Lowe, you say! And now it’s also XTC. —John Stix

THE BEATLES: “Please Please Me” (Isolated Vocals) Play this track

Here we have unadorned Beatle harmonies. I believe this sound is one of the secret weapons they used to become top of the pops. The Stones had a singer, The Doors had a singer, The Who had a singer. The Beatles were a harmony group. —JS

RY COODER: “On a Monday” Play this track

This is the stuff. Everything Ry Cooder does exceptionally is on display. Wonderful. —RS

Sloppy syncopation, haphazard sounding rhythm guitar parts and a laconic vocal. Ah yes, Ry Cooder as we love him. —JS

TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS with EDDIE VEDDER: The Waiting Play this track

I’ve heard Eddie Vedder sing with The Doors and The Stones, and now with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Each time he guests he nails it. Most times the special guest yields a better photograph than a musical memory. Not this time. He doesn’t transform the song; he adapts to it and sings from the heart. NHT material indeed. —JS

FOREIGNER vs. STEVIE WONDER: “Ice Cold Ground” Play this track

Rock comments on this song saying, “Who thinks of these things?” Bill McClintock does. He is hands down the Mr. Miyagi of the mashup world. Don’t take my word for it, just listen and enjoy. —JS

THE BAND: “Don’t Do It” Play this track

The funk, the vibe, the syncopation, the horns … the tune. —RS

Our theme was a song that deserved the standing ovation it surely got. If you only have one album by The Band, Rock of Ages is the one. They sound so relaxed and so tight at the same time. The horns add an unexpected punch to the tune while Levon turns in a pleading vocal. Yeah, I’m standing. —JS

TREY ANASTASIO BAND: “Blaze On” Play this track

I heard this tune and the bounce in my step doubled. Buoyancy and joy from the music, an up message in the lyrics and I’m hooked. The clincher was a tight guitar solo and a Dixieland band horn chart. This song went on every mixed disc I’ve made in the past 12 months. —JS

One of the few tracks played by both solo Trey and Phish. But this arrangement is unique. Never heard it played like this before. Goosebumps. —RS

THE FEARLESS FLYERS (VULFPECK): “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” Play this track

This is like a punch in the face. The rhythm section is not just tight, it’s taut. Riding over that we have a razor wire slide guitar. This is the song you know, just not like you’ve ever heard it before. It’s a ripper, and exactly what I like to hear in a cover: a song I know played in a totally unexpected way. —JS

NICK LOWE: “You Got the Look I Like” Play this track

I like it too! Infectious swampy rock that intentionally teeters a little. The lyrics! —RS

THE ROLLING STONES: “Rip This Joint” Play this track

Impressively fast, but with soul. Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts both shine. —RS

ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA: “Strange Magic” Play this track

Randy Newman once sang, “I love that E.L.O.”

So do I, Rand. —RS

THUNDERCLAP NEWMAN: “Something in the Air” Play this track

All these years later I welcome this song every time I hear it. I am drawn to the melody and the orchestration. It also features one of my all-time favorite piano breaks. I looked up the word “jaunty” in Webster’s and it told me to listen to this piano solo. —JS

TODD RUNDGREN: “Parallel Lines” Play this track

Todd is my kryptonite. Whatever I am doing, his music stops me in my tracks. I am not a lyric guy first. I am a music guy first. Yet, with Todd music and lyric are of equal interest. In this performance at Notre Dame you can hear exactly why I love his music and his words. I hope you never have to relate to the lyric in this song. —JS

MARCUS KING: “Killing Floor” Play this track

If you are a fan of blues rock, then you should know Marcus King. He sings with soul and plays with fire and abandon. It’s all here on a guitar and voice performance that burns down the house. When he plays with his full band the flames grow even higher. Do you miss The Allman Brothers Band? Go see Marcus King and come alive again. —JS

THE ELECTRIC FLAG: “Killing Floor” Play this track

We follow Marcus King’s version with Mike Bloomfield’s. This is my favorite take on this tune. The horns are pumpin’, the vocal is rockin’ and the guitar explodes with the sweet blues of Michael Bloomfield. Check out the sax solo ending, and horn punches reminiscent of The Doors’ “Touch Me.” This is a classic rock tune that is way too often overlooked. —JS

NRBQ: “It Was a Accident” Play this track

Another great NRBQ track. Reggae? Rock? Pop? Ska? Omnipop! —RS

STEELY DAN: “I Got the News” (Early Demo for Aja) Play this track

A song is written and played over time. Who knows what twists and turns it will take until it’s placed in the amber that is a master recording. Here we get a listen to the embryo of a classic from Aja. Yeah, I like the final better too, but this ain’t bad at all; in fact, it’s pretty cool. —JS

EDGAR WINTER: “Re-Entrance” Play this track

Wow, do I like Edgar Winter’s Entrance album and this song. Ever the optimist, Edgar combines gospel, blues, soul and orchestration to celebrate beginnings and winning. Edgar told me a story about this album: He asked Epic Records if he could do one album just for himself (Entrance) and he would then give them a commercial record (Edgar Winter’s White Trash). Lucky for me, I love them both. —JS

THE BEATLES: “It’s All Too Much” Play this track

Well, it just had to be. This one’s been looking for a home on NHT for a while now. —RS

Our bonus track, not talked about on the podcast, is the ultimate psychedelic track by The Beatles. This Harrison composition, produced by The Beatles, is George’s take on an LSD trip. Enjoy the ride. —JS

Tracklist:

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

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

MARK KNOPFLER: “Sultans Of Swing” (Guitar & Vocal only) Play this track

It is often said that the greatness of a song can be measured with only a voice and an instrument. I rest my case. —John Stix

TOM JONES & JOE COCKER: “Delta Lady” Play this track

Who knew? Don’t bullshit me, you didn’t know. Who knew that Tom Jones could hold his own and more with Joe Cocker on one of his finest song interpretations? —JS

STEVIE WONDER & TOM JONES: “Superstition” (Live) Play this track

Who knew? Who knew that my favorite alternate version of Stevie Wonder’s perennial concert closer would be sparked by Tom Jones? But it is. —JS

TOM JONES & JANIS JOPLIN: Raise Your Hand Play this track

Who Knew? The raw vocal power of Janis Joplin meets its equal in Tom Jones. But it did! Next time we’ll have him partner with CSN or Blood Sweat & Tears (circa the David Clayton-Thomas era) or maybe with Van Morrison and Jeff Beck. Yes, he sang with all these artists. —JS

CHICAGO: “Questions 67 and 68 (Live In Japan)” Play this track

Once again we have a cut from the Japanese double album Peter Cetera told me came from Chicago’s finest live recorded performance. And he’s singing in Japanese. That’s two reasons it belongs on NHT. —JS

Great song, great album. —Rock Stamberg

FLEETWOOD MAC: “Hypnotized” Play this track

The eerily effective groove and vibe kick this track into gear is proof enough of Fleetwood Mac’s prowess prior to the arrival of Buckingham/Nicks. Bob Welch’s song is pulsed hard by Mick Fleetwood throughout. One of Mystery To Me’s many hidden charms. —RS

I keep forgetting this Bob Welch song and then I hear it and I am hypnotized. This tune is so slippery and liquid. It oozes like no other song in my collection. I love this sluggish shuffle with its understated vocals and Morse code-like guitar riffs. What a feel. I could stay here all day. —JS

LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM & CHRISTINE McVIE: “Love Is Here To Stay” Play this track

Practically Fleetwood Mac sans Stevie Nicks, the Buckingham/McVie duet album was probably my favorite album of 2017. This song is my current favorite. —RS

NICK LOWE: “So It Goes” Play this track

Nick Lowe pop at its finest. There is disaster in the lyric and a smile in the melody. —JS

10CC: “The Stars Didn’t Show” Play this track

Betcha don’t know this one. It’s the last (to date) recording by the original 10cc quartet and Kevin Godley’s lead vocal is a stunner, as is Eric Stewart’s killer guitar here. Probably the best song on 1992’s “reunion” album, the underrated …Meanwhile. —RS

THE STEVE MILLER BAND: “Take The Money And Run” (Demo) Play this track

I’ve always dug the song as we know it but this alternate take is completely different and just as valid. You’ll see. —RS

VAN HALEN: “You Really Got Me” (Acoustic) Play this track

Eddie was a real nice guy. On a personal level he was defined by the brilliance of his smile as much as the generational genius of his guitar playing. You can hear the smile in his playing just as you see it on his face. Here he is having fun with an acoustic guitar. When he played he was always having fun. —JS

THE BEATLES: Outtakes Medley Play this track

Good god they sounded like The Beatles all the time. How cool is that? —JS

JAMES DEAN, et. al: Rebel Without A Cause (Dialogue) Play this track

THE EMPERORS: “Karate” (Long Version) Play this track

Carlos Santana told me how they turned this song into “Everybody’s Everything” on Santana III. I had to find it and share it on NHT. —JS

FACES: “(I Know) I’m Losing You” (Live) Play this track

John and I added this coda to the finished episode because we played this ridiculously hot take last summer during the pandemic and went nuts. John particularly loves Kenney Jones’ drum solo. For real. I loved The Faces and the boxed set this track came from, Five Guys Walk Into A Bar… , may just be my favorite boxed set ever. I wouldn’t lie to you about such things. —RS

Tracklist:

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

DAN PUGACH NONET FEATURING NICOLE ZURAITIS “Sleigh Ride” Play this track

Here we are again. It’s Christmas time. I just love that this holiday has its own body of music. There is no better way to be introduced to jazz than through a Christmas song. You can already sing the melody. And know your way around the song, so any variations on it are easy to follow. The band swings and you can practically see the smile on the singer. What’s not to like? —John Stix

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

BROTHER STRUT “Funky Winter Wonderland” (Attic Sessions) Play this track

Sometimes the season swings and sometimes it struts the funk. And that’s what we have here, a major funky bounce. Just latch onto that upbeat syncopation and groove along. I love the Ray Charles version of this song in When Harry Met Sally. This is a close second. —JS

THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA “Jingle Bells” Play this track

We swing, we strut and sometimes you gotta rock. Brian Setzer has been combining swing and rock for decades, starting with The Stray Cats. He morphed into a Swing Band cat and enjoyed even more success. This guitar ditty has the best of both worlds. —JS

CHRIS THILE AND LIVE FROM HERE WITH CORY WONG “Christmas Is Coming” Play this track

Besides the great music at this time of year, we also have oodles of Christmas cartoons that continue to delight year after year. I can’t pick a favorite but I can say A Charlie Brown Christmas is first among equals. I mean you’ve got the cartoon itself and the classic soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi. The oh-so-tasty guitar of Cory Wong along with the oh-so-tasty mandolin lead Live From Here band is the ultimate PBS taste-fest. —JS

LES PETITES CHANTEURS DU MONT-ROYAL “Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle” Play this track

It’s light, it’s buoyant and sweet. I don’t know what to tell you, it’s French to me. —JS

CATHEDRAL BRASS AND CHOIR “Carol of the Bells” Play this track

This is one of the great Christmas rounds. This is why I love the sound of a choir. —JS

CATHEDRAL BRASS AND CHOIR “Still Still Still” Play this track

Winter nights take on a greater significance. The silence is even more still than usual and if there is snow on the ground, oh so peaceful. —JS

BORIS KARLOFF “Welcome Christmas” Play this track

A cartoon starring the voice of Boris Karloff! Who dreams this stuff up? Perfect for a kids’ chorus, oh yeah, that’s what this is. And it features a made-up word. Festivus wouldn’t come until decades later. —JS

MATTEO MANCUSO “White Christmas” Play this track

I present to you a warm and wonderful guitar solo rendition of a holiday classic. Most of the time Matteo gets props for playing otherworldly electric guitar extravaganzas. So yes, he knows how to dial it down. —JS

CHRISTMAS IN ROME / THE CHIEFTAINS / THE CAMBRIDGE SINGERS / JOHN GORKA “Gloria/Bells of Dublin/Good Christian Men Rejoice/Christmas Bells” Play this track

During this holiday time, I always think of my buddy Mike Connelly, who left us much too soon. We were best buds and musical brothers. Mike loved Christmas music and made me dozens of cassettes and, later, discs. Here is a medley from one of his discs. It has religious songs, Irish songs, secular choirs and a great folk singer. Of course Mike knew just how to segue this all together for maximum enjoyment. I tear up when I hear this because of what he meant to me. I hope you just enjoy the melodies and emotions Mike strung together for us. —JS

BILL EVANS TRIO “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” Play this track

Again we have an intro to jazz, this time by one of its greatest pianist. I used to play this song, all year long, with my buddies Alan Sorensen on piano and Bob Avstreigh on harmonica. I faked my way through on guitar. I would say this is a cousin to the Peanuts music. After all, it is family time. —JS

MARK O’CONNOR “Sleigh Ride” Play this track

Yes this is the 2nd version on this Christmas NHT. I just love it and didn’t want to wait a year to get it out there. Enjoy the ride. —JS

YO-YO MA AND CHRIS BOTTI “My Favorite Things” Play this track

Melody is king and this song has its own kingdom. I can imagine a figure skater choosing this for a ballet-like routine, can’t you? —JS

JACOB COLLIER AND JAKE SHERMAN “The Christmas Song” Play this track

On this duet, Jacob Collier plays the bed for the harmonica of Jake Sherman. Doesn’t Jake sound like Stevie Wonder. That may not be kind to say but musically you could do a lot worse. —JS

THE JERRY GRANELLI TRIO “Skating” Play this track

Yes, we are back with Charlie Brown again. But Jerry is the original drummer who played on the soundtrack, so he is entitled. And we are entitled to smile along. Please join in. —JS

TOM WAITS “Silent Night – Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” Play this track

The best songs tell the best stories. So this must be one of the best songs. I think so. And to all a good night. —JS

JON ANDERSON “Three Ships” Play this track

Yes. —Rock Stamberg

THE BEATLES “1964” Play this track

You can bet on hearing “1965” next year, folks. —RS

BOB DYLAN “Here Comes Santa Claus” Play this track

Bob at Christmas. —RS

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

BRIAN WILSON “What I Really Want for Christmas” Play this track

Pure seasonal joy. —RS

IAN ANDERSON AND THE CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET “Pass the Bottle (A Christmas Song)” Play this track

Tull. Sort of. —RS

RINGO STARR “Christmas Time Is Here Again” Play this track

Alas, no “O.U.T. spells out.” You know what I’m sayin’. —RS

NICK LOWE & LOS STRAITJACKETS “I Wish It Could be Christmas Every Day” (Live) Play this track

Me too. —RS

VULFPECK “Christmas in L.A.” Play this track

Like this? Go hear more Vulfpeck. They rule. —RS

SLADE “Merry Xmas Everybody” Play this track

A HUGE hit in the U.K. —RS

BRIAN WILSON “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” Play this track

More Brian. —RS

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED “Run Rudolph Run” Play this track

Yes, REVISITED. —RS

CHUCK LEAVELL “Merry Christmas Baby” Play this track

I’ve been trying to get this one on for the past three seasons. —RS

ALAN JARDINE “Big Sur Christmas” Play this track

A Web-only surprise from a few years back. —RS

JON ANDERSON “Ding Dong Merrily on High” Play this track

Another gem from Jon Anderson’s 3 Ships holiday album.

THE EVERLY BROTHERS “Christmas Eve Can Kill You” Play this track

They said it. —RS

KEITH MOON “We Wish You a Merry Xmas” Play this track

What to say? —RS

EAGLES “Funky New Year” Play this track

Betcha never heard this one before. —RS

GEORGE HARRISON “Ding Dong, Ding Dong” Play this track

A perennial New Year’s Eve classic. —RS

Tracklist:

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

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

THE BEATLES: “Strawberry Fields Forever” (Take #4) Play this track

Another way to hear The Beatles’ gem … before the overdubs —Rock Stamberg

TERRY MELCHER: “These Days” Play this track

This radical take on a great song is a new discovery. —RS

RAY DAVIES: “A Place In Your Heart” Play this track

As good as any klassic Kinks song and it’s (mostly) not sung by Ray. —RS

GRATEFUL DEAD: “Brown-Eyed Women” (Live at Barton Hall, Cornell 5/8/77) Play this track

Recorded at the show many consider The Best One Ever. You decide. —RS

RY COODER: “Alimony” Play this track

Another day, another version of Ry Cooder playing “Alimony.” —RS

JACK BRUCE: “Sunshine of Your Love” Play this track

I’m a fan of artists revisiting their classic tunes, especially when they come at it from a different angle. I like something a bit more than the “unplugged” performance. In 2nd NHT we presented David Lee Roth doing “Jump” as bluegrass. The surprise was both startling and wonderful. I have a folder in my iTunes titled Replay for just such songs. This is one of my favorites. When Jack and Eric got together on record (which was not often post Cream) you kind of wanted them to do “Sunshine,” but not a retread. And you now you’ve got it. This includes a Latin beat and percussion, a relaxed performance, and Clapton licks and solos that weren’t phoned in. He listened and leaned into it. It’s the kind of song that forms the bedrock for what goes into an episode of NHT. If you go, “Hey I didn’t know this existed,” and then go, “but it’s kind of cool,” then our job is done and I’m taking the rest of the day off. —John Stix

SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA: “Late in the Evening” Play this track

What a treat. This is a total reimagining of Simon’s longtime show closer, using all the vibrancy and energy of Latin big band vocabulary. It’s not surprising SHO leader Oscar Hernandez played a big role in Simon’s Broadway play The Capeman. —JS

PAUL SIMON: “Ace in the Hole” Play this track

A forgotten winner from Paul Simon’s forgotten film One-Trick Pony. That New York feel comes from Stuff members Steve Gadd (drums), Eric Gale (guitar) and Richard Tee (Fender Rhodes). You know that Rhodes piano sound from “Still Crazy After All These Years.” For years Richard Tee was a secret weapon in many of Simon’s live bands. His gospel opening to “Bridge” in concerts is legend. On this song he plays the vibes like electric piano and takes a rare co-lead vocal. Paul Simon is about as New York as an artist can get and this song is the personification of the New York groove. Songs like this is why we had to name it twice. —JS

The entire One-Trick Pony album is so underrated. Here’s proof. —RS

CORNELL DUPREE: Playing Telecaster Play this track

I was a regular at Mikell’s (97th and Columbus) when Stuff was the house band during the weekdays. Stuff were studio veterans Richard Tee (piano) Gordon Edwards (bass) Steve Gadd (drums) Eric Gale (guitar) and Cornell Dupree (guitar). I would go weekly and just groove. I met Cornell Dupree based on an interview I did for Guitar Player magazine. I’m a fan of his playing as it’s imbued with simplicity, melodic and rhythmic clarity and an authenticity that always draws me in. And at that first interview I asked him to play for me. I got lucky. And now so did you. —JS

CORNELL DUPREE: “Way Back Home” Play this track

I loved it when Stuff would play this Wilton Felder (Crusaders) tune. So I asked him for a chorus. After listening to this, you’ve got to be feeling better. Groove on me buckos. —JS

RICHARD THOMPSON: “She Twists the Knife Again” Play this track

Sharp tongue, sharper fingers. You try doing this. —RS

MONTE MONTGOMERY: “Come Away” Play this track

Monte falls into that John Mayer category of singer/songwriter/guitarist. The songs are key and the playing is killer. I shared this song on many a mixed tape. The rhythmic push is strong and the repetition in the lyric and melody drives the tune forward. There is a late song solo on his acoustic guitar, which he plays with the ferociousness of a guitar hero. —JS

PETE TOWNSHEND: “Communication” Play this track

I was looking for a companion to Monte’s use of repeated vocal phrasing as a rhythmic hook and thought of this baby from All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes (think Clint Eastwood). I love how this song alternates between barreling down the train tracks to moving forward in neutral. —JS

Such a white-hot track from solo Pete. —RS

BEE GEES: “Run to Me/World” Play this track

I love this little medley.

ROBERT PALMER: “Hey Julia” Play this track

ROBERT PALMER: “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley” Play this track

I’m picking up on my own clues. This NHT has a lot of bump-in-the-night rhythm playing, with this couplet of songs featuring rhythms from players in Little Feat and Stuff. And I mean literally those players! Nice way to present a debut album wouldn’t you say! Alright, stop tapping your toes and get back to work. —JS

Anything Robert Palmer did was unique. These two joined-at-the-hip tracks are from his first album. He was already there. —RS

VAN MORRISON: “Autumn Song” Play this track

This is sort of a bonus track in that we didn’t talk about it.  But at this time of year, “Autumn Song” does it for me.  Van paints a serene picture both lyrically and with the music. “Autumn Song” beckons you in and invites you to stay for a while.  It’s like a relaxing exhale. So get comfy and let your cares drift away. —JS

John’s last-minute track addition is a real beauty, isn’t it? —RS

Tracklist:

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

HARRY NILSSON: “Gotta Get Up” Play this track

Nilsson’s first “rock” song. That voice. —Rock Stamberg

THE KINKS: “This Time Tomorrow” Play this track

Another great—yes, great—Kinks song that flew under the radar. No more. —RS

PAUL SIMON AND GEORGE HARRISON: “Homeward Bound” Play this track

From SNL circa 1976. A rare acoustic gem featuring top-notch performances from both. A treat. Check out George’s cool little run down the fretboard at the end. —RS

Rarely is music exceptional on TV. But this is one of those exceptions and exactly the kind of performance we were thinking of when we started NHT. S&H also played “Here Comes the Sun” on the show. —John Stix

THE TEMPTATIONS: “Just My Imagination (A Cappella)” Play this track

There is something so gentle about this vocal performance. It’s ethereal, like it’s happening in the clouds. It’s an emotional musical exhale. If you’re one who is drawn in more by a whisper than a scream this track is for you. —JS

VAN DYKE PARKS: “The Four Mills Brothers” Play this track

Could this be the first time a song incorporated a “sample” off another record? It would likely be a 10-inch 78 rpm record, mind you. Maybe made of shellac. Parks’ pedigree precedes him, of course. The orchestra is majestically arranged and played. —RS

NRBQ: “I Got a Rocket in My Pocket” Play this track

This is one of the two best live versions of this song NRBQ ever released, in my humble opinion. Great original rock ’n roll played with verve. They don’t use a set list and never play the same show twice. Inspired potluck guaranteed every time out. We’ll be playing my other favorite version soon, I promise. —RS

STEVE WINWOOD: “Different Light” Play this track

This is one of Winwood’s best-ever tunes and studio performances. An honest-to-god mid-to-late career highlight, this all-but-forgotten diamond ought to delight Traffic fans. —RS

The syncopated plucked chords tap out a rhythm and you’re hooked. When that signature Winwood organ sound enters you already know this song is destined for the mixed tape or, these days, NHT. Like Paul Simon coming up with Graceland out of the blue, Steve Winwood brought us back to his heyday with “Different Light.” You’ve got that groove, that great voice and even a Traffic-like sax solo. A great songwriter can pull another classic out at any time, we just don’t know when, so we keep listening. —JS

THE BEATLES: “Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey” Play this track

After years of playing The BEATLES, a/k/a “The White Album,” thousands of times, this oddball track seemingly full of edits and other aural abandon grabbed me by the collar and demanded I give it its due. So I have. This track kills. Paul’s one-take “trial” overdub of the fire bell pushes this thing into overdrive. Hellacious. —RS

This, from the undisputed best pop band in the world. What we’ve got here are great guitar parts, a raging vocal and a fireman’s bell for the ages. Plus, the Beatles show they know how to rock (harder than The Stones). —JS

FLEETWOOD MAC: “Station Man” Play this track

Another underrated keeper. Guitarist/composer/singer Danny Kirwan’s abilities are in full swing here. A forgotten track from a forgotten album (Kiln House) by a pre-mega fame Fleetwood Mac. —RS

ROBERT PALMER: “Man Smart (Woman Smarter)” Play this track

This is the one that got me into Robert Palmer. Little Feat meets The Meters with an amazing British vocalist who’s workin’ every angle. Oddball funk. The lyrics are great, too. —RS

MICK JAGGER AND KEITH RICHARDS: “Country Honk” Play this track

Just the two of ’em relaxing in the backstage area prior to a show in Cuba a few years back. The chemistry still resonates. More of this, please. —RS

JOHN CALE: “Paris 1919” Play this track

What a great track. Unexpected and unclassifiable pop from someone you’d least expect. As with the Van Dyke Parks song in this playlist (“The Four Mills Brothers”), the orchestration is impeccable. —RS

STEVE VAI: “Salamanders in the Sun” Play this track

Like his mentor Frank Zappa, Steve Vai is a composer who is also an astonishing guitar player. Both talents are on display here. As the song begins, I think it’s an outtake from George Martin’s scoring of Yellow Submarine. Majestic and cinematic, we are flowing effortlessly under the sea. There’s also this open-sounding Aaron Copland-like tonality at play. Now we are in the sky and his guitar swoops and sails on the wind. I imagine this is the sound of birds playing high in the clouds. To put a cap on it, I am thrilled to listen to this song three times in a row as I write this. —JS

DAVE EDMUNDS: “I Hear You Knocking” Play this track

John Lennon loved this song. It may only be rock ’n roll, but it swings right here. There’s enough grit and genuine feel to fool you into thinking it’s a classic blues, but it’s more than that. —RS

SQUEEZE: “Time Is Tight/In Quintessence” Play this track

What can anyone say about Squeeze that isn’t positive? Beware: This blithe medley will creep up on you. —RS

Composers often look to other songs for inspiration. I recall Joe Perry telling me Aerosmith once took one of their hits and played it backwards and used that sound as the bedrock for another song. It’s pretty easy to tell where Squeeze got the inspiration for their song “In Quintessence.” In fact, they not only use the inspiration of Booker T’s “Time is Tight” but on this live track, they play the whole song as an intro to their own original. They just turn the beat around and voilà, you’ve got another hook-laden pop song from one of the finest U.K. bands ever. This is the kind of thing I dream about when a band plays live: Have fun with it. Squeeze do. —JS

DAVID GRISMAN: “Dawg Jazz” Play this track

What we have here is big band bluegrass swing with mandolin and horns. David Grisman has open ears. Deadheads know him for his work with Jerry Garcia. Years before that his partners in bluegrass and jazz included the likes of Tony Rice, Stéphane Grappelli, Rob Wasserman and Daryl Anger. This is fusion music at its finest. —JS

JERRY GARCIA: “Russian Lullaby” Play this track

Solo Jerry Garcia was a wildly different stylistic animal than Grateful Dead Jerry Garcia. His unexpectedly jazzy spin on the Irving Berlin standard proves it. —RS

ROBBIE ROBERTSON: “Showdown at Big Sky” Play this track

I just adore the creepy intro, the booming sound and, frankly, every nuance of this track. Robertson’s vocals are spectacular and producer Daniel Lanois’ spooky atmospherics deliver. I never get tired of this song. —RS

Tracklist:

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

ELVIS COSTELLO: “Miracle Man” Play this track

My Aim is True is in the rarefied group of strongest debut recordings. The songwriting, lyrics and performance are all top notch. I was listening to my iPod in shuffle mode and this song popped up. Headphones bring out the funky Motown-like rhythm guitar part that pushes the song along. It should be no surprise that the guitar part is an equal among the great hooks. —John Stix

ORLEANS: “Reach” Play this track

Orleans, along with Little Feat and Tower of Power, are among my “What the hell happened here?” groups. Meaning I always thought they should have been more popular than they were. In the case of Orleans I was taken in by their Eagles-like vocal harmonies, Stax/Volt inspired sophisticated songwriting, and off-the-charts guitar parts. They had worthy hits like “Dance with Me” and “Still the One” (with one of the best guitar solos ever in a hit song). But they never rose above the middle act in a three-act bill. The gospel tinged “Reach” has everything I love in an Orleans song, great vocal harmonies, sophisticated songwriting, and off the charts rhythm guitar parts. Am I repeating myself? — JS

THE JACKSON 5: “I Want You Back (Z-Trip Remix)” Play this track

I often hear music in segues. I knew that after “Reach” I wanted to share this cool re-mix of the J5 classic. Is this not one of the killer rhythm guitar parts of all time? —JS

THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE: “Wait Until Tomorrow” Play this track

When I go into a music store, this is what I want to hear from young players trying out the six-strings. Please join me as we go back to Curtis Mayfield’s funky rhythm guitar playing courtesy of James Marshall Hendrix. He did everything so well, so in the pocket, so musically. People often talk about the great songwriters as knowing what to leave out as much as what to put in. There is a lot left out in this tune, so you can hear everything that’s there. This song never makes the best-of compilations, but it belongs on ’em. —JS

THE ROLLING STONES: “Melody (Inspiration by Billy Preston)” Play this track

This is an odd one. Black & Blue was an all-in, genre-hopping vessel wherein the Stones auditioned potential guitarists to replace the departed Mick Taylor while simultaneously recording a new album. Some of the participants got an “Inspired By” credit but no one except Jagger & Richards received songwriting acknowledgements. This jazzy, gospel-ish blues is a Billy Preston/Mick Jagger special complete with muffled vocals and blurry sound. But then Keith’s itchy jazz guitar starts, quickly followed by the highbrow (and very tight ’n bright) horn section and the sultry vibe amps up. A spontaneous (?) beauty. —Rock Stamberg

I feel music before I hear it. And this so subtle, so greasy feel is a prime example of that. It got my shoulders bouncing long before I tried figuring out the lyric. I don’t know if I even care. This platform is perfect for one of the best sing-speak vocals from Mick Jagger. When the song ends nothing stays with me, but while it’s on I’m all in. —JS

FLEETWOOD MAC: “Albatross” Play this track

This lazy-day-at-the-beach instrumental is so floaty the atmosphere belies the musically precise arrangement and instrumentation. Peter Green delights again. —RS

Over the years I’ve developed a method to tell me if a song is good. I start the music and go about my business. If the song calls me back and away from what I was doing, it’s a keeper. “Albatross” stops me dead in my tracks every time. While all the great rock guitarists are known for letting it rip, Peter Green also knows how to let it flow. His relaxed, less-is-much-more and gentle way with a melody has created an instrumental that is unparalleled in his field. This song is Peter Green’s marker for all the blues rock guitar instrumental ballads that will follow. —JS

THE BEATLES: “Sun King” Play this track

Is this the perfect foil to “Albatross” or what? The Beatles. The Beatles. —RS

There was once a band called Rat Race Choir. They did fantastic covers by Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and, of course, The Beatles. Mark Hitt, a Westchester/Long Island guitar hero (who’d influenced Joe Satriani and Steve Stevens) began a gig in New Rochelle, NY by securing his guitar strap and leisurely going into the opening chords of “Sun King.” What a great way to start a show — with a whisper. This from the songwriters (Lennon & McCartney) that went from “Yesterday” to “Helter Skelter.” The Beatles could do it all, especially on “Sun King” with its lava lamp movement and Lennon’s gibberish lyrics. —JS

FLEETWOOD MAC: “Miles Away” Play this track

More Fleetwood Mac, this time from their muscular Mystery To Me album from 1973. Guitarist/singer/songwriter Bob Welch really shines here. I picked this under-the-radar album track because it’s just too good to remain unearthed. What a band. Proof the band’s late so-called middle-period frontman was rife with verve. —RS

THE WHO: “Pure and Easy” Play this track

Pete Townshend’s one-man-band solo recording (demo?) came on prior to The Who’s version and thus informed my musical perception of it. That said, The Who’s version is sooo good. Such opinions rarely come from me. —RS

This is my favorite Who song that never appeared on a proper album (it was finally released on their Odds & Sods collection). Obviously written for the Who’s Next album, its opening chords and lyrics were used to end “The Song is Over.” If ever a segue was foreshadowed, this is it. But the song first turned up on Pete Townshend’s first solo album, Who Came First. The chord changes are easy to play and among my favorites in that regard. And there could be no better melody. The lyrics are perfect. So when I say a song is a masterpiece, that means I think it’s as amazing as “Pure and Easy” is —JS

FACES: “Ooh La La” Play this track

C’mon, you already know this recording … likely from hearing it played on dozens of movie soundtracks, in commercials and TV shows. Up ’til that happened the song languished in album-track hell. Oh, and the vocalist on this one isn’t Faces’ usual front man, Rod. It’s future Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood in his singing debut. Yeah, really. —RS

ZZ Top: “I Thank You” Play this track

I was never into ZZ Top until I heard their take on Sam & Dave’s “I Thank You” back in my college days. Right off the bat I had to have it. I bought the vinyl single, or 45 as we called it at the time. Its bustling, slinky undercurrent had me at “I.” —RS

PINK FLOYD: “On the Turning Away” Play this track

Dripping in the Celtic sound, this musical roundabout keeps building with every cycle. There is a momentary pause and then it comes back big with its lyric message of brotherhood and a guitar solo that stands with the best of Gilmour’s melodic melodramas. This is a mountain of a song that will stand tall with Pink Floyd fans for the ages. —JS

I love how this one builds … and builds … and builds again until it dives into a tempo change so sweet it features one of the most beautiful, lyrical guitar solos I’ve ever heard. —RS

SIMON & GARFUNKEL: “Keep the Customer Satisfied” Play this track

This ain’t folk music. —RS

SIMON & GARFUNKEL: “The Breakup” Play this track

No words for this. —RS

BETTY WRIGHT: “Clean Up Woman” Play this track

As I started writing the blog notes for this edition, I realized I’m on a rhythm guitar kick. Little Beaver’s guitar part on this hit is so simple, so funky and so perfect, especially where it’s placed against the bass line. All the parts fit together like big puzzle pieces. You can identify each bit separately and taken together they are perfect. It’s up there with the Staples Singers’ “Come Go with Me” and is among my favorite soul singles. In this case, the lyric is randy rather than holy. John Hall (Orleans) and I once talked about this song. Here is the meat of what he had to say: “It’s your basic primer on rhythm guitar,” he told me. “This song is a milestone in funk playing and arranging. This is a record I go back and listen to. Just the intro alone is classic. I want to know whether he (Little Beaver) played the bass on this as well as the guitar. Obviously, he and the bass player collaborated on the bottom line. Somebody was listening really close to somebody else. This is a classic song, classic arrangement, classic recording. The way the intro breaks down with him playing the high rhythm line first for a couple of bars and then coming in with the lower one is right out of the book on how to structure rhythm guitar parts. It’s got that laid-back southern feel not only to the guitar playing but the drumming also feels like a shuffle. Then the drummer plays a fill and it’s straight eighth notes. I love the structure of the song and the way everybody works together.” —JS

GLENN TILBROOK: “Peter” Play this track

Whatta song, what a performance, what a recording. The voice of Squeeze sings a tale of a child’s initiation to shoplifting gone awry. The exotic musical bed is driven by Tilbrook’s 12-string guitar paired with several unlikely acoustic instruments and a beautiful melody. Peter’s got a plan, alright. —RS

JORMA KAUKONEN: “Genesis” Play this track

Gorgeous, eh? Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna veteran shows off the absolute best of his direct and exacting acoustic side. Always enchanting. —RS