Now Hear This

Tracklist:

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

BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS: “Smiling Phases” Play this track

This is one of my favorite tracks from one of my favorite jazz rock albums. I rank the first two BST and Chicago albums at the top of that list. We’re talking first class songwriting, arranging, and performance. The original Traffic song kills. It’s a rocker. The BST version rocks and the trek into jazz is full throated and swings. Did you know that BST played Woodstock? Of course not. They weren’t in the movie or on the LPs. But at the time of the festival they were the biggest band on the charts. In 2019 they finally released the live recording from the BST set at Woodstock. If you are a fan of the band from this era, you will be thrilled. —John Stix

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE: “Everyday People” Play this track

Is this song perfect? Yes. Could I listen to it for 24 hours straight? Yes. —Rock Stamberg

Great song from a great album. Stand! is almost a Greatest Hits all by itself. “Everyday People” has hooks in the vocal, hooks in the horn chart, hooks in a bass lick, great lyrics of social importance and so on and so on and scooby dooby doo. All in 2:20. —JS

PETER TOSH AND MICK JAGGER: “(You Gotta Walk) Don’t Look Back” Play this track

I almost can’t stand how groovy this take on the Motown classic is. A different flavor of catchy. Kinda definitive to me. Seriously. —RS

I didn’t know it was a cover of a Temptations song. I saw Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations on Broadway and there it was. So I went back to the original and I prefer the Tosh/Jagger take. How often does that happen? Sounds like a segment for NHT. —JS

PETE TOWNSHEND: “Let My Love Open the Door” Play this track

Pete Townshend performed several one-man solo shows in the 1990s and 2000s where he played lots of Who and solo material. Here’s a great one. —RS

This could have been a great Who song. Instead it’s a great Townshend song. Pete remains one of my favorite vocalists. Not a natural singer with a beautiful voice, but, like Joe Walsh, he always sounds authentic while delivering the emotion of the lyric and the hook of the melody. —JS

THE ROLLING STONES: “Memo from Turner” Play this track

This is The Stones’ take of what eventually morphed into Jagger’s recording for the Performance soundtrack. Recorded during the sessions for Let It Bleed. Ragged but right. —RS

MICK JAGGER: “Memo from Turner” Play this track

Jagger’s first-ever solo recording features Ry Cooder’s incendiary slide guitar throughout. A 180 turn compared to The Rolling Stones’ version. Which one do you prefer? —RS

FLEETWOOD MAC: “Sentimental Lady” Play this track

The original version from 1972’s Bare Trees should’ve been a hit … —RS

BOB WELCH: “Sentimental Lady” Play this track

… and then the former Fleetwood Mac guitarist/singer/songwriter had a hit with the song in 1977. This version features longtime Fleetwood Mac keyboardist Christine McVie and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham (who replaced Welch in 1974). —RS

DAVE EDMUNDS: Interview Play this track

In 1979, Edmunds released one of my favorite records with Repeat When Necessary. He was and remains one of the great rock-and-rollers. A song was always king for him, but he also knew to put in killer guitar solos. That’s what we talked about here. He mentioned Elvis and Hound Dog. So of course we had to share it with you. —JS

ELVIS PRESLEY: “Hound Dog” Play this track

My daughter Jacqui’s first ever favorite artist in elementary school was Elvis. This was soon followed by the Beach Boys. Can’t argue with that. —JS

Yessiree, “Hound Dog.” Elvis’ 1950s trailblazer still shocks in its inspired carelessness and focused abandon. —RS

EAGLES: “Victim of Love” Play this track

My favorite Eagles track, this taut rocker is both mesmerizing and serious as a heart attack and is just about perfect. —RS

STEELY DAN: “Bodhisattva (live)” Play this track

Up until 1995’s Alive in America, Steely Dan had only ever released one live track in their entire recorded history. This is it. Recorded live in 1974, this “Bodhisattva” was the B side of “Hey Nineteen.” One suspects the Dan put this out just to share the introduction by the band’s inebriated (?) announcer, Jerome Aniton.  This is a pretty hot version, so my question is where is the rest of the show? —JS

Worth listening to for the intro alone. Mr. Steely Dan, The Beautiful One indeed. A+ —RS

JEFFERSON AIRPLANE: “Volunteers” Play this track

This live version of “Volunteers” (recorded at Woodstock but released on the 2400 Fulton Street compendium) is my go-to version. So Grace Slick’s spoken intro is flown in from another song from the festival but I don’t care. The band roars here and means every word. Goosebump stuff. —RS

THE ROLLING STONES: “Tumbling Dice” Play this track

This loose take off 1995’s unexpectedly excellent Stripped half live/half studio project comes close to bettering the original, but fact is they’re leagues apart in style. Even Charlie Watts loves Stripped, so there you go. —RS

LITTLE FEAT: “Ain’t Had Enough Fun” Play this track

Here’s a Feat song I think should be considered among their classics because it feels so good, the hooks are clear and the piano playing is giddy. Whatdoyouthink? —JS

I think it’s a gem. How’d I forget about this one? —RS

BOB DYLAN: “Blind Willie McTell” Play this track

Wow. Bob Dylan goes to another level with this spare work of brilliance. Why he left this one off 1983’s undervalued Infidels album is beyond me. Finally released to massive acclaim on his The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 in 1991. Bob added it to his live repertoire soon after. —RS

THE ELECTRIC FLAG: “Easy Rider” Play this track

Fifty seconds of Mike Bloomfield sweetly singing the blues. A perfect ending to a perfect album. —JS.

Tracklist:

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JEFF BECK GROUP: “Got the Feeling” Play this track

In the world of Jeff Beck fans, Truth and Blow by Blow are the universal keystones. To a much smaller cadre of fans, Rough and Ready completes the pyramid. As Beck’s first album following the departure of Rod Stewart, it presents him in his R&B/funk mode. Rough and Ready introduces Max Middleton, who followed Nicky Hopkins and preceded Jan Hammer as Jeff’s keyboard foil. Middleton, who also played on Blow by Blow, became the composer that Jeff needed to take his instrumental flight. In this episode of NHT, I present three of my favorite Rough and Ready songs, starting with “Got the Feeling,” and later “Situation” and “New Ways/Train Train.” It’s a given that Jeff Beck throws fresh light on the blues. Here he does the same for funky rhythm parts and rhythmic riffs that are just as strong as the melody. Like Sly and the Family Stone, this is funky music that rocks as much as it grooves. – John Stix

JOE WALSH: “A Life of Illusion” Play this track

This song is one of those that’ll catch your ear on first listen. The tune’s hooks and oddball instrumental bent bely the fact it’s a Joe Walsh track circa 1981. Lots of weirded-out guitar but no solos. Of course the lyrics certainly smack of the Walsh’s … um … unique sense of humor but the music is unlike anything he’s ever proffered before … or since, really. Which is fine. A hard one to describe accurately. Listen and you’ll fall in love with it. – Rock Stamberg

One thing I notice about “A Life of Illusion” and all Joe Walsh’s music is that every aspect has room to breathe. Walsh is one of the finest guitarists, singers and composers in rock music. He’s got fame, money, he’s a member of The Eagles and he’s had several hits (“Rocky Mountain Way,” “Life’s Been Good,” et. al). Yet he’s rarely included as one of rock’s first-tier players, composers or performers. And Walsh doesn’t care. Why should he? He does everything however he wants to. If you’re interested in memorable guitar hooks, instantly recognizable singing and songs that speak to real people, visit Joe Walsh and your life will be good too. – JS

BEN KWELLER: “Falling” Play this track

What a talent. Ben Kweller went to school on the classic pop/rock songwriting craft of the ’60s and ’70s and it shows: The man knows how to construct a song, and this is one of his best and most popular recordings. From his Sha Sha album, this is a real doozy. Even more immediate in a live setting, this track should prompt aficionados to go to a BK show when he comes around again. This is the first of three songs I’ve chosen for this episode. Ben Kweller is the real thing, plus he’s one hell of a musician. – RS

TODD RUNDGREN: “Chain Letter” Play this track

I don’t know how I’d overlooked this distinctively alluring track for so long as I’m a huge Todd Rundgren fan from way back. But I rediscovered it anew a few years ago and it’s been a constant aural pal of mine ever since. Great hooks, melodic twists and turns, an unusual lyrical bent and a fantastic performance make this essential listening for all music aficionados. Oh, and Rundgren’s fine songwriting, storytelling, Philly-tinged soulful vocal chops and musicianship are all on display on this one. – RS

I don’t know why I’m consistently surprised that we keep playing songs by artists we both love. Since it’s partly my podcast I pick songs I love and want to share. Todd Rundgren, Joe Walsh, Little Feat … none of these choices should surprise NHT listeners by now. Again, I’m not a lyrics-first guy except when it comes to Todd Rundgren. Rock and I could have picked any song from Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren as it is one of his best albums. Imagination, message and musical hooks are all delivered in equal measure. Does anyone have a problem with that? I think not. – JS

JEFF BECK GROUP: “Situation” Play this track

The second of John’s three song choices found on Jeff Beck Group’s spectacularly pliable Rough and Ready album from 1971. Maddeningly perfect.– RS

JOE COCKER: “Shocked” Play this track

From Joe Cocker’s excellent yet under-appreciated Sheffield Steel album from 1982, this crazily controlled reggae/rock studio performance is like nothing Cocker’s ever released. His only album on Island Records was recorded at music impresario and album producer Chris Blackwell’s famed Compass Point studios in the Bahamas. The set’s career-high songwriting selections inspired and challenged Compass Point’s house musicians, including the wildly gifted songwriter/instrumentalist Barry Reynolds. The set’s R&B/rock bent is grounded by reggae stalwarts Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, perhaps the greatest reggae rhythm section ever. Their trademark beats coalesce seamlessly throughout. A lost gem if there ever was one. – RS

BEN KWELLER: “Gossip” Play this track

Simply put, my favorite BK track ever. As of today anyway. And that’s saying something. For me, there are echoes in the chord progressions, vocal melodies and production that hark back to George Harrison’s epic solo debut All Things Must Pass. I can’t explain why the track’s vibe triggers this deja vu connection for me. Maybe it’s a primal thing or perhaps the record’s production values. Maybe it’s down to BK’s stellar vocal arrangement along with evocative harmony parts … or maybe it’s none of those things. Yet I consistently/instinctively plug into something specifically unique that presents itself when I play this track. Anyone else? – RS

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD: “Rock ‘N Roll Soul” Play this track

One of my all-time prized Grand Funk tracks, which buoyed ’72’s transitional Phoenix album. I go nuts every time I delight in Mark Farner’s understated, chugging, chicka chicka chicka rhythm guitar flourish near the song’s beginning. It slays me every time. Blink and you’ll miss it, but for me it’s often the little things that grab me and give a song its spark. – RS

JEFF BECK GROUP: “New Ways / Train Train” Play this track

The third track from Rough and Ready. John really knows how to pick ’em, doesn’t he? – RS

PETRA HADEN: “Rael” Play this track

Petra Haden, daughter of the great jazz bassist Charlie Haden, is a wonderfully imaginative vocalist who is known for creating a cappella versions of popular songs. Her album-length version of The Who’s The Who Sells Out is a perfect example of her technique. I took a portion of the song “Rael” because just as in The Who’s original version, Pete Townshend’s composition foreshadows the “Underture” from the band’s Tommy album. The next track in this podcast is “Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker)” from Tommy because it works so well following this song. – JS

THE WHO: “Eyesight to the Blind” Play this track

I increasingly appreciate Tommy every time I play it. Its elements seem to blossom more with every spin. Talk about a grower. Somehow Tommy never gets played out like so many other classic rock monuments do. – RS

BEN KWELLER: “Wasted and Ready” Play this track

BK’s punk-rock-via-Beatles sensibilities and gonzo guitar playing are equal parts vicious and virtuoso. This is the non-hit Weezer might wish they had. Blistering and bountiful. – RS

ERIC CLAPTON: “I Shot the Sheriff” Play this track

This recording is from the 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas. I was there. I took my buddy Pat Sbarra for his 50th birthday. One of the organizers came to New York looking for talent. I suggested John Mayer and pointed them in the right direction. I don’t know if that’s why Mayer appeared at the show, but Pat and I were John’s guests for the festival. There were a couple of highlights, and one was just how “on” Clapton was for his set on the main stage. As this version of “I Shot The Sheriff” was happening I knew it was a hot one, laser focused, subtle and simmering. You’re hearing it just as I did and now you know what I mean. – JS

This is certainly a special performance and Clapton covers all the bases musically and vocally. He commandingly shifts between restraint and fury with unexpected ease. A master in full flower. Again. – RS

PHISH: “Free Bird” Play this track

This is truly something else. Who else but Phish could pull off an a cappella version of the Lynyrd Skynyrd staple recast in a barbershop-quartet bent … with all the original recording’s dueling guitar parts intact. Remember, this is a vocals-only performance and every note is covered. This complex arrangement is not a toss-off. Such histrionic perfection is both astounding and hilarious. – RS

Tracklist:

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

John Stix’s Song Notes:

JAMES TAYLOR: “Go Tell It on the Mountain” Play this track

JT has done a good amount of Christmas music. Much of it is too slick for my taste. But this song is different. It sounds authentic to his style. It sounds like a James Taylor original.

CELINE DION: “Come All Ye Faithful” / KENNY LOGGINS: “Celebrate Me Home” / RAY CHARLES: “Winter Wonderland” Play this track

Celine Dion’s pure voice is perfect for classic Christmas tunes, especially if the arrangement is spare. Kenny Loggins and an acoustic piano get right to my heart. Some will say this song is sappy. It must be — it gets my sap flowing. Ray Charles gets to the joy of the song, and that’s where I want to be. Plus it swings.

JOEY ALEXANDER: “O Come All Ye Faithful” Play this track

Joey Alexander is one of those kid jazz savants who play like a master when their feet still swing from the piano bench. The age thing is most effective with a visual. But the music needs nothing extra to make itself known as the real thing. This man’s got it, even if he’s still just a kid. Let’s give the drummer some too.

JEFF BECK: “Amazing Grace” Play this track

A musician who knows the value of silence, Jeff has amazing grace.

TAKE 5: “Amen” / EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER: “I Believe in Father Christmas” Play this track

Take 5 do their acapella thing on the Impressions classic. Greg Lake and ELP have recorded “I Believe In Father Christmas” a few times. This (original) version with a choir is my favorite and one of the best Christmas songs to combine the “classic Christmas” feel with a rock pedigree. I did this segue on my Nakamichi cassette deck way back when. And these two songs together are a highlight for me every holiday season.

JACOB COLLIER: “I Saw Three Ships” Play this track

I’m late to the party with Jacob Collier. That just means that when I discovered him this year there was a lot of great music for me to catch up on. Jacob is a one-man band who plays all manner of instruments. It sounds to me like he’s got classical training, a jazz man’s love of improv and a rocker’s sense of adventure. On top of that, he is determined to bring his audience along for the ride. If you like this track there’s a ton more music of his to enjoy.

DAVID GRISMAN: “Winter Wonderland” Play this track

A swinging bluegrass take on a classic. Pull up a smile and stay for a while.

DIANA KRALL: “Jingle Bells” Play this track

I just realized how much I like a swinging Christmas song. So here we have a big band bash on a kid’s favorite holiday tune.

STEVE VAI: “Christmastime Is Here” Play this track

This Charlie Brown favorite is played by a guitar player who never left his inner kid behind. Steve Vai is my favorite fun guitarist. Listen up, doesn’t it sound like he is having fun? He always plays with a smile and a sense of surprise and wonder. I love this.

MARK O’CONNOR: “Linus and Lucy” Play this track

Some will say “White Christmas” or “The Christmas Song” are the top Christmas songs but I think “Linus and Lucy” is the ultimate song to usher in the holiday season. This version by Mark O’ Connor and family has an Americana twist, but that Vince Guaraldi/Charlie Brown Christmas spirit still sings on high.

CHERISH THE LADIES: “On Christmas Night” Play this track

My good buddy Mike Connelly was a music lover of the first degree. Among his deep dives were the Beatles, Irish music and Christmas songs. He had more Christmas music then anyone I know, and this was one of his favorite performances. Cherish the Ladies is a New York tri-state vocal group that Mike would follow around just as he went to every McCartney concert. As I was about to write about how much my wife also loves this song, she came into the room and again pronounced her love for it.

ANNIE BROADWAY CAST: “Hard Knock Life” / MR. MAGOO: “The Lord’s Bright Blessing” / BING CROSBY: “Happy Holiday” /  A CHRISTMAS CAROL CAST: “God Bless Us Every One” Play this track

Kids singing on Broadway: it must be Annie. I am, as ever, a big fan of “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol.” This song taken directly off the VHS tape always makes me cry. They are happy tears, as it brings me back to sitting in the living room and watching TV as a family. The Bing Crosby film “Holiday Inn” gave us “White Christmas” but this version of “Happy Holiday” is my preferred song from that movie. There are many versions of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and this one came from one of the yearly stage performances staged in NYC. This tune was the finale and just seemed to fit the mood of this segment.

PACO DE LUCIA: “Concierto de Aranjuez” ( first movement) Play this track

The Nutcracker is the go-to classical piece for the season. But why do they occupy this space alone? For me, the first movement of the Concierto de Aranjuez has always brought up visions of snow, wind and the movement in the night. I can easily see sugarplum faeries dancing to this. Why not? So I present you an alternative to The Nutcracker. The themes are easy to follow and repeated often. Let this music provide your visual imagination a palette on which to paint. Make up your own winter movie. On a more straight-up musical note, the adagio movement of this same concierto was the opening number in Miles Davis’ album Sketches of Spain. Chick Corea also uses the adagio movement as the introduction to his classic composition “Spain.”

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and go have fun — JS

Rock Stamberg’s Song Notes:

THE BEATLES: “The Beatles’ Christmas Record” (1963) Play this track

The first of the seven annual fans-only Christmas flexi-discs from the fabs. We’ll include more in our annual NHT Christmas podcasts, I’m sure.

THE MONKEES: “Unwrap You at Christmas” Play this track

Who’da guessed The Monkees would make two really, really good albums in two years? This song was written for them by Andy Partridge, late of XTC.

THE BAND: “Christmas Must Be Tonight (Alternate Version)” Play this track

Sometimes I’d rather play this one.

THE KINKS: “Father Christmas” Play this track

What’s to say? Just play.

JERRY GARCIA ACOUSTIC BAND: “Christmas Time’s A-Comin’” Play this track

Pretty jaunty. Spot on, too.

BRIAN WILSON: “The Christmas Song” Play this track

From a Web-only download from the early 2000s, IIRC.

BRIAN WILSON: “Christmas Time” Play this track

An unreleased Christmas track from Brian’s ’80s/’90s collaborations with Andy Paley. Enjoy.

COLDPLAY: “Christmas Lights” Play this track

Evokes the holiday vibe big time.

YOKO ONO/PLASTIC ONO BAND: “Listen the Snow Is Falling” Play this track

This is sooo good. Put your preconceptions on the shelf for a minute.

ELVIS PRESLEY: “If I Get Home on Christmas Day” Play this track

After the schmaltzy intro Elvis and the band get down to a pretty good boil. I just love James Burton’s guitar licks throughout.

QUEEN: “Thank God It’s Christmas” Play this track

Yup.

ELTON JOHN: “Step Into Christmas” Play this track

It’s not a perennial favorite for nothing. Vibe-y.

BEN KWELLER: “It Ain’t Christmas Yet” Play this track

Ben Kweller’s anticipatory and hard-rockin’ Yuletide salute. An under-the-radar Christmas treat.

JETHRO TULL: “A Christmas Song” Play this track

Another case of What Is There Left To Say?

PAUL McCARTNEY: “The Christmas Song” Play this track

Another long-gone download-only track, which was offered from Paul McCartney’s MPL Productions quite a while back. Nice.

THE BEACH BOYS: “Blue Christmas” Play this track

One of Brian Wilson’s best-ever Beach Boys performances.

JOHN & YOKO/THE PLASTIC ONO BAND with THE HARLEM COMMUNITY CHOIR: “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” [with dialogue] Play this track

A slightly longer take of the well-known green vinyl holiday staple. Can you hear where the extra time plays? LMK.

Happy Christmas everyone! — RS

Tracklist:

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Song Notes:

JONI MITCHELL & TOM SCOTT AND THE L.A. EXPRESS: “Big Yellow Taxi” Play this track

Tom Scott and the L.A. Express were Joni Mitchell’s touring band in 1974 and they provided a Steely Dan-like backing. With their jazzy flavor the L.A. Express was made up of musician’s musicians attuned to Mitchell’s directions but given enough space to make the music a living thing and not just a static portrait. — John Stix

I love this version so much it became my first Joni Mitchell purchase (on 45, of course) back in 1974. Definitive? It is to me. — Rock Stamberg

GEORGE HARRISON: “Something” Play this track

The studio version is so good, it’s hard to believe a live rendition could top it. I think this one does. And while we’re on this song, the version McCartney and Clapton performed at the Concert for George tribute concert is equally great. That one starts with a ukulele and grows into a full band performance. In fact every time I hear the whole band kick in, I get goose bumps. It’s that good. — JS

George Harrison once claimed his and Eric’s consecutive guitar solos on this live track from his 1991 tour of Japan makes it the definitive version of this Beatles gem. And it just may be. — RS

RANDY NEWMAN: “I’m Dead (But I Don’t Know It)” Play this track

Which long-in-the-tooth classic rock act is Randy singing about here? Hmm.

TEN WHEEL DRIVE: “Eye of the Needle” Play this track

I was a fan of jazz-rock and my LP collection contained failed horn bands like Chase, Lighthouse, and Ambergris. Ten Wheel Drive fit right in there but with better vocals and well-thought-out horn arrangements. Of course the unheralded jazz rock album that stands to this day is Blodwyn Pig’s Ahead Rings Out. But “Eye Of The Needle” has a great riff with a Blood, Sweat & Tears-like jazzy middle section. My high school buddy Scott Serden would play the riff on his trumpet while I played it on guitar. This was my “Smoke on the Water” guitar riff. — JS

FRANK ZAPPA & THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION: “San Ber’dino” Play this track

Napoleon Murphy Brock’s vocal is a keeper and Zappa & The Mothers rock out … hard. — RS

THE MOTHERS: “Cletus Awreetus-Awrightus” Play this track

Yes, this is what I think it sounds like in my brain. — JS

Zappa’s short-lived big band makes 1972’s mostly instrumental Grand Wazoo opus a unique entry in his catalog. One of a kind, the album — and this track in particular — are intricate, accessible, and musically special. “Eat That Question” indeed. — RS

THE BEATLES: “Outtakes Medley” Play this track

This shows the fun they had making music together. — JS

The Beatles. The Beatles. — RS

THE BEATLES: “Strawberry Fields Forever [Take 4]” Play this track

Just the four of ’em cooking up a basic track sans overdubbing. Magic. — RS

ELVIS COSTELLO & THE ATTRACTIONS: “Pump It Up” Play this track

I like it when Howard Stern asks an artist about the original seed for a song. I asked former Knack guitarist Burton Averre the seed question and up popped this Elvis Costello song. Who’da thunk it? But now we know. — JS

Elvis Is King. — RS

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND: “Tougher Than the Rest (Live)” Play this track

To me, this is *the* version of my favorite Springsteen track ever. Perfect. Gary Tallent’s bass on this kills me. — RS

LITTLE FEAT: “Join the Band” / “Fat Man in the Bathtub” / “Rocket in My Pocket” (Medley) Play this track

Everything I love about music can be found in the band Little Feat. The funky percolation of a first-rate rhythm section, guitar parts that fit together like a 1,000-piece puzzle and rough and tumble vocals that deliver hooky melodies and clever lyrics. This version of “Fat Man in the Bathtub” is in my “best performances” folder. Need I say more? — JS

Little Feat again. We love ’em. R.I.P. Paul Barrere. — RS

Tracklist:

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

Song Notes:

SEATRAIN: “I’m Willing” Play this track

Back in the early 1970s, Singer Sewing Centers sponsored live radio broadcasts. They did this because they wanted you to know they had large record departments in their retail sewing centers. One of these broadcasts, which I still have on cassette tape, was by the group Seatrain. I was sold by that radio concert. I loved this band’s second album, Seatrain. It was produced by George Martin, and featured Peter Rowan, a bluegrass fan from the band Earth Opera and, later, Old And In The Way, Andy Kulberg from the original Blues Project, and violin virtuoso Peter Green. I had never heard of Little Feat, whose Lowell George wrote the song, when I first heard this song and to this day Seatrain’s version is my go-to take on the tune. It has great vocal harmonies and cool violin parts. In the era of the New Riders of the Purple Sage, this was right up there with the kind of acoustic trucker music that caught my ear. — John Stix

JEFF BECK: “She’s a Woman” Play this track

One of my favorite Beck tracks. It’s 1975 and here’s a reggae rhythm coming at you shortly after Clapton’s “ I Shot the Sheriff.” Then you’ve got the talk box making the licks literally into vocals, with Jeff’s left hook: funk licks pulling no punches. His jab-like approach to solos hits you with unexpected lines that take you by surprise yet are easy to understand. This is textbook Jeff Beck at his best, being a first-rate vocalist and a master boxer at the same time. — JS

Now here’s an influential performance and recording if ever there was one — especially for musicians. I first heard the Blow By Blow album at the local record shop (on the day it was released, actually) and finally realized how expressive instrumental music could be. Plus it’s Jeff Beck in top studio form, so there you go. — Rock Stamberg

THE BEATLES: “Drive My Car” / “The Word” / “What You’re Doing” (from LOVE [iTunes Version]) Play this track

In less than two minutes, George and Giles Martin expertly mashed three Beatles songs into one exuberant medley. Ya gotta love it. — JS

I love the LOVE mashups and reside squarely in the minority on that subject. So what. One thing rarely mentioned about the LOVE album, especially the 5.1 surround sound DVD-Audio disc, is how musical (duh), inventive, truly cool and eye-opening the reimagined tracks sound. Beatles producer George Martin and son Giles Martin used the original multitrack master tapes and the sound is perhaps the best ever, especially for those interested in hearing “the parts.” — RS

PAUL McCARTNEY: “Tug of War” Play this track

“Tug of War” is one of Paul McCartney’s opuses. A personal song with a great performance and a full, clear production that isn’t dated. George Martin was on board to produce what began as a Wings project and morphed into a solo album (at his insistence). He helmed the next couple of McCartney’s records and his touch is very much evident. And appreciated. — RS

I have never been a fan of the solo Beatle outings. Granted, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass is as good as you wanted it to be, but outside of that, I’m not a fan of their various solo outings. I wanted them to sound like the Beatles. I know it’s unrealistic, but that’s what I wanted. I wanted more like “Maybe I’m Amazed,” “Wha-Wha” and “Imagine.” The only solo McCartney album I played with regularity was Tug of War. There is warmth in the performance and a melodic richness I hear in this album and this song, which I am still attracted to. — JS

THE BEATLES: “She’s Leaving Home” (Strings Only) Play this track

For every Beatles song, I know the background vocal parts, the handclaps, or tambourine parts that inhabit the track. Hearing just the string arrangement to “She’s Leaving Home” is the same as hearing the whole song. That’s how good their songwriting was. Think about it — their background parts were just as memorable as the vocal melody. And that’s just one of the many reasons our children’s children will know these songs just as well as we do today. — JS

Amen to that, John. — RS

THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND: “Trouble No More” Play this track

The Allmans at the Fillmore. Wow. A night to capture lightning in a bottle. Here is a different take of “Trouble No More.” I wish I was there for that night as well. — JS

What’s to say? It’s an excellent alternate take from the classic concert series, recognizable but different and fiery enough to catch your attention. Again. — RS

BEE GEES: “Nights on Broadway” Play this track

An undeniably great track and the spark that would usher the Bee Gees into their third “comeback” period, “Nights on Broadway” kicked off 1975’s excellent Main Course album. Intense pop. — RS

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

What am I supposed to write about? This is a perfect Beach Boys song. That’s it. Though if you ever hear just the acapella version, it’s fun because you can hear the talking on mic in the middle of the song. You can’t hear it in the full band mix. Or maybe you can, if you listen really carefully. — JS

Pretty interesting stuff, right? All singers recorded live on one mic. Brian Wilson’s pitch-perfect musicality is both laser-focused and unrelentingly beautiful here. — RS

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: “Blinded by the Light” Play this track

I used to play and sing this song in my bedroom. Boom, an explosion of words and energy that announced and defined Bruce Springsteen for decades to come. Let’s rock, let’s paint a picture and let’s have fun. — JS

Remember Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’s version that went to number one in 1977? I do. And I’ll bet Bruce does as well. Worth checking out for MMEB’s unique alternate-universe twist on things. — RS

CREAM: “I Feel Free” Play this track

The most powerful instrumental band of its time opens its debut album with a single chord, acapella singing and handclaps. Then at the end of the first chorus there’s a single note acoustic piano. That’s the essence of rock music in the ’60s, using your imagination. — JS

Ah, the melting pot of individuality and combustion that was Cream. “I Feel Free” remains a driving psychedelic rock beckoning. The sound of presumably studio-based production elements — the handclaps, for instance — are edited (grafted?) onto Cream’s sharp-edged recording. It worked then and it works now. — RS

ELVIS COSTELLO: “Watching the Detectives” Play this track

I’m a fan of the artist taking their material to new zip codes. Here is EC doing a big-band arrangement of one of his best. It’s got that Brian Setzer big-band thing going for it. Keeping with the song title, there is a noir sound to the band. This song is in my sweet spot for defining NHT. — JS

Unique. Still taking chances, Elvis keeps chasing the muse. Onward. — RS

PHISH: “Boogie On Reggae Woman” Play this track

I love Phish’s humor and musicality a lot. I also love how they love wearing their musical influences and ever-expanding cadre of cover tunes at seemingly every opportunity. Stevie Wonder’s song still shows up in their sets here and there, and the band’s reverence for it is and playfulness with it are on full display here. Fun. — RS

KEITH EMERSON/CHUCK RAINEY/MITCH MITCHELL/BUZZ FEITEN: “Freedom Jazz Dance” Play this track

Music From Free Creek was a double album from a series of sessions that included Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Todd Rundgren and Linda Ronstadt. This track includes Keith Emerson (keys), Mitch Mitchell (drums), Chuck Rainey (bass), and Buzz Feiten (guitar). “Freedom Jazz Dance” is a soul/jazz classic written by Eddie Harris. Good news, everybody plays with focus and energy. Yep, the music is as good as the photo might have been. I didn’t believe the credits when I first bought the album. But, years later, Buzz Feiten told me yep, this all happened as advertised. I don’t need to make the case for Emerson, Rainey or Mitchell, but as an advocate for Feiten I would ask you to pay attention to his note choice, phrasing and the conviction in his voice. It’s blues with a fresh twist. — JS

MICHAEL JACKSON/JAMES BROWN: “The Way You Make Me Feel” Play this track

Could there be any more appropriate meeting of the spirits? The JB band lays down the groove and MJ pops the vocal. Don’t think, just smile. — JS

BRIAN WILSON & JEFF BECK: “Surf’s Up” Play this track

An intuitively majestic live performance between two very disparate talents, this is an example of how a shared passion for a song — any song — can transcend categorizations and foster elegance against the odds. In other words, this shouldn’t work but it does in spades. — RS

I have a Cover Tunes folder in iTunes and this is at the top of the list. Jeff Beck is playing with Brian Wilson’s live band. Let’s face it, at this point in their careers, Jeff is the better singer. But he couldn’t pick a better composer to honor than Brian Wilson. Surf’s Up indeed. — JS

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Song Notes:

FLEETWOOD MAC: “Second Hand News” Play this track

What a great album opener. Rumours was *the big one* for Fleetwood Mac and it’s fitting they led it off with this amazing Lindsey Buckingham song. Deceptively bouncy and even fun, performance-wise, its stealth personal lyrics foreshadowed Buckingham’s increasing position in the Mac and subsequent reputation as a musical eccentric to be reckoned with. —Rock Stamberg

I’ve never been a Fleetwood Mac record buyer. I was slow to recognize the emotional intensity and melodic beauty of founder/guitarist Peter Green. Though now I’m a big fan and “Albatross” is among my all time top favorite instrumentals. When the Buckingham, Nicks, Fleetwood, and McVie(s) band emerged, they were never on my radar. Over time I was happy to discover many of their radio hits and I agree they belonged at the top of the pops. The toppist of the poppist for me is “Second Hand News.” I bob my head to the melody and chug along to that train-like rhythm. I’m a sucker for nonsense lyrics, and there they are. It’s a sad song played with a smile and I’m always happy to bump into it. —John Stix

TODD RUNDGREN: “The Want Of A Nail” (Featuring Bobby Womack) Play this track

It had been four long years without any new original Todd Rundgren material when Nearly Human emerged in the fall of 1989. “The Want Of A Nail” was the first track to appear and it foretold how great the album would be. And it is. “The Want Of A Nail” is at once hot ’n’ hooky plus it shows off all of Rundgren’s skills — writer, singer, player, record producer — and it also contains just enough off-the-wall-ness to satisfy hardcore Rundgrenites. —RS

I’m not a lyrics-first guy. The music that immediately attracts me easily has a solid groove, an earworm melody, and some kind of surprise instrumental element. Lyrics usually come second. But as an all-out Todd Rundgren fan (I think he has everything I love in an artist) I find his lyrics to be incredibly insightful and to the point. In this song he explains the butterfly effect where one slight variation in a sequence of events will entirely change that event’s outcome. For “The Want Of A Nail” the shoe was lost, so there was no horse, so no rider, no message, so the battle and the war were lost. And what have we forgotten? Not the nail, but love. Yikes, now that’s saying something. —JS

LOU REED: “Intro/Sweet Jane” Play this track

This is the one that turned my attention to Lou Reed when it was played on New York’s WNEW-FM upon the great live Rock N Roll Animal album’s debut back in 1974. Ooh, I just revealed my vintage. Anyway, this is so crunchin’, catchy and undeniably hot I had to have the LP immediately, which set me on my hot/cold course listening to Reed’s output right up to the end. This is essential for any rock fan. Like, seriously. —RS

What a great opening to a live album. Guitar heaven unfolds with Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner‘s counterpoint jamming. And this is why guitar was king in the mid-70s. Their intro leads into Reed’s classic “Sweet Jane.” I worked with Lou Reed on a songbook in the 2000s. I was uncomfortable with the thought of meeting him. I had this vision he would be dark and unfriendly. I was wrong. He was more like a very bright, thoughtful, and interested grandfather. Over the course of working on the book I discovered him to be a detailed composer and nuanced arranger. By the way, that was my discovery; his fans knew that long ago. I was, however, surprised at how important it was to him that everyone know “Sweet Jane” has four chords and not three. —JS

SQUEEZE: “Melody Motel” Play this track

Every Squeeze album has fantastic material, even the ones you’ve probably never heard of. This way overlooked gem is from 1989’s Frank album (the one with the turtle on the cover) and it’s as good as any of Squeeze’s best. —RS

I didn’t know this song before Rock picked it. But if you have Squeeze’s 45’s and Under hits collection just know this song would fit in perfectly. Another melodic winner that’s been overlooked. —JS

STEVE WINWOOD: “Vacant Chair” Play this track

From his 1977 solo debut, the hypnotic groove’ll getcha. You’ll see. —RS

The first two CDs I bought were Jimi Hendrix at Winterland and Steve Winwood’s eponymously titled debut solo album. I love the whole Steve Winwood album, but this song just sucked me in. It is so spacious and hypnotic, yet every time I tried to add guitar licks to it, I couldn’t come up with anything that enhanced the song. While it’s true I’m not much of a player, I think it has more to do with the perfection of the song itself. You know that minimal groove Van Morrison sets up where you would follow him wherever he leads? “Vacant Chair” occupies that same space. —JS

FOGHAT: “Jenny Don’t Mind” Play this track

Foghat? Yes, Foghat. More than that, latter-day Foghat. Would you have known? The last studio album to feature the band’s late, great guitarist/songwriter/frontman “Lonesome” Dave Peverett, 1983’s Zig-Zag Walk marked the band’s twelfth and final album for their longtime record label Bearsville Records, which ceased operations soon thereafter. The record demonstrates how musically diverse the blues-rockers had become and this track is good evidence. By the way, Erik Cartwright’s slide guitar parts on this track really do things for me. —RS

DOOBIE BROTHERS: “Takin’ It To The Streets” Play this track

Full disclosure: I disliked “Takin’ It To The Streets” when it first came out in 1976. I love it now, of course. The clinchers for me are Tiran Porter’s bass playing and not-of-this-world sound, the notes he chooses and the spaces he leaves for the song to breathe. Oh, then there’s this guy Michael McDonald … —RS

I love this gospel rock song at face value. Hello Michael McDonald. What great way for him to introduce himself to The Doobie Brothers and to the charts. Then there is the extra kick when I step back and realize it’s not a typical rock song form. It’s more like an A, B, C form that keeps repeating. —JS

10cc: “Clockwork Creep” Play this track

Cartoon music played by musicians’ musicians. Yes, we are listening to the voice of a bomb in a plane that is going to explode, followed by the voice of the plane itself. A merry melody indeed. —JS

I just love 10cc. —RS

DAVE BRUBECK: “Unsquare Dance” Play this track

My buddy Dave Dince and I used to get turned on to music by his dad, Paul. I believe this was one of the tunes he had us listen to in their living room. Certainly the song he turned us onto that had the most impact was “Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue” from The Duke Ellington Orchestra’s 1956 Ellington at Newport live recording. “Unsquare Dance” is in 7/4 time and had a clapping element that makes it fun and interactive. I could never get it right all the way through. I still flub the ending. But it was a blues in 7/4, which still makes it pretty rare. —JS

GRATEFUL DEAD: “Cumberland Blues” Play this track

The opening track to 1972’s triple-album magnum opus Europe ’72, “Cumberland Blues” delivers the best of what the Grateful Dead could do. This comes from my favorite Dead era and my favorite Dead lineup (then new and crazily gifted keyboardist Keith Godchaux was really hitting his stride at this juncture). It’s all there: the song, the singing (harmonies!), the concisely percolating playing, the arrangement (yes, the Dead’s songs usually had structure), and the performance’s purposeful jamming (no lie — you’ll see … uh, hear). Good stuff for converting haters. Go for it. —RS

I am not a Deadhead but when the band flows together their journey has vision. The vocals are sweet and Jerry Garcia’s guitar bounces above it all. That’s when I’m a fan … and I’m definitely a fan of this song. If you are not a Deadhead, you should still check out their Europe ’72 live album. I think performances like this one are what Deadheads are always in search of. —JS

CHICAGO: “Wake Up Sunshine” (Isolated Vocal/Bass/Trombone Version) Play this track

I love the first two Chicago albums and this Chicago II (or Chicago if you’re a purist) track of vocals, bass and a stray trombone line still makes me smile. Bassist Peter Cetera told me the band was always driven to perfection. I think they got it on this track. His bass playing is so good here! There’s not much to this stripped-down version, but it’s not missing a thing. —JS

I’m a big fan of the original Chicago lineup (1967 to 1978 — the Terry Kath era). John, however, is a *really* big fan of the original Chicago lineup. —RS

PAUL SIMON: “Was A Sunny Day” Play this track

‘Twas indeed. From 1973’s There Goes Rhymin’ Simon, the Muscle Shoals, Alabama influence is very pervasive, probably because that’s where the record was recorded with the classic Muscle Shoals sidemen. Sparky and unusually underproduced for a Paul Simon record, this oddly enticing ditty embraces Simon’s seemingly happy wordplay and tossed in references. Favorite “borrowed” lyric: “They called him Speedo, but his Christian name was Mr. Earl.” Sure was. —RS

THE BEACH BOYS: “Pitter Patter” Play this track

Let’s get this outta the way up front: I’m a confirmed devotee of The Beach Boys’ lesser-known work, mainly dating from the late ’60s through to the late ’70s and beyond. Here’s “Pitter Patter” from 1978’s M.I.U. Album (don’t ask) and it’s a favorite of mine. Brian’s pounding electric piano, Dennis’ pounding drums, and those great savant harmonies are all there. Who cares if the rain-themed lyrics are dopey when the rest of the song is so cool? Not me. Not you? Just play it. —RS

THE BEACH BOYS: Summer’s Gone” Play this track

Another Beach Boys song you ask? I’m on a roll here so don’t stop me now. From the surprisingly excellent “reunion” album, 2012’s That’s Why God Made the Radio, “Summer’s Gone” is Brian Wilson’s wistfully haunting rumination on aging and the circular nature of the seasons. Gorgeous and oddly comforting in its beauty. —RS

JIMI HENDRIX: “Drifting” Play this track

After hearing “Pitter Patter” and “Summer’s Gone” I knew this wonderful Hendrix tune had to follow them. I think the final four songs in this NHT podcast are just perfect together. —JS

Am I the only one who thinks Hendrix’s posthumous Cry of Love album is perfect? LMK. That’s what this blog is for. —RS

GEORGE HARRISON: “Your Love is Forever” Play this track

Easygoing and focused, the allure of this under-the-radar George Harrison track will pull you in with its exquisite charm and elegance. A love song for the ages, “Your Love is Forever” employs a loping grace, plus shimmering harmonics and, of course, enticing dollops of Harrison’s bejeweled slide guitar playing. One of my top 10 Harrison favorites. —RS