“Foreplay/Long Time” by Boston (1976)

Don’t ever let anyone convince you that all rock music from the 1970’s is the same. We like to do that with our obsessions over categories and eras. Like any “era,” there was pap, and there was quality. Boston was definitely of the latter.

A great group of musicians with a terrific (and criminally underrated) vocalist named Brad Delp, Boston made some epic records. As something of a nerd when this record came out, I liked their guitarist, Tom Scholz. Not only did he get a Ph.D. from one of the best schools in the country, but he also tinkered with his instruments and with electronics to get his signature sound. He has patents and a company that sells his inventions. AND he made some awesome music with his mates in Boston.

This track is split up into two parts. The first part, “Foreplay,” is what you might call progressive rock, and I understand it’s not to everyone’s taste. But give it a chance to set up and build to the second part. At about the two minute mark, the track settles into a quiet, pensive moment, with a lone organ playing among some ambient sounds. Then it builds, marvelously and explosively, into the second part, “Long Time.”

I’ve just always thought that was a high point in modern music. It gets me every time.

“(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes” by Elvis Costello (1977)

You will find a LOT of Elvis Costello records in our collection. He’s one of my favorite songwriters and performers, and he’s put out some amazing albums, like “Imperial Bedroom,” “This Year’s Model,” “Armed Forces,” and my personal favorite—as much for the great music as for the perfect timing in my life to hear it—”Blood and Chocolate.”

And I love the album from which this track comes, “My Aim is True,” which was his first record. You absolutely must hear “Watching the Detectives,” the track I was going to highlight for you. But I wanted to post “Angels” because it’s one of those songs that’s near and dear to my heart. It’s everything I like about Mr. Costello’s music. He would branch out into many musical directions, but he would always retain that edgy, sly wit in both his lyrics and music.

Every time I hear this line from the song, I can’t help but smile, if not laugh out loud:

“I said, ‘I’m so happy, I could die.’
She said, ‘Drop dead,’ then left with another guy.”

LOL.

“Bizarre Love Triangle” by New Order (1986)

Some folks I know would describe New Order as a band that makes “dance music,” but they’re much more than that, at least to me. They wrote some great songs, and their arrangements—relying heavily on electronic instruments—are terrific. Unlike some dance music, there is real heft, musicality, and integrity in New Order’s work.

Although it’s not really my scene, there’s nothing like being in a club when the DJ spins some New Order. The sound is amazing, and the crowd is electrified by the music. Not bad for a day’s work.

I also wanted to tell you what I think a good song is. A good song doesn’t rely on production value alone, it can stand up on its own and be heard in any context. This song is a perfect example. It sounds great in its original form, as a so-called dance track, but it also sounds great stripped down to the bare essentials. The Australian band Frente! did a cover of this song with just voice and acoustic guitar, and you can really hear the song shine through.

That’s kind of a test for me. Could a person play the song around a campfire? Would it just sound stupid and repetitious? Or would it still move you?

“Uninvited” by Alanis Morissette (1998)

Alanis Morissette had a huge album in 1995, “Jagged Little Pill,” which took the world by storm. It’s a great record which was overshadowed a bit by idiotic controversy over some of her lyrics. Apparently, if you’re a man, you can get away with “dirty” words, but if you’re a woman, you’ll offend someone’s sensibilities. Proof that women still have a ways to go in our society if they want equal treatment.

This song was recorded for a movie soundtrack, and it was, I think, the first recording she did since the success of “Jagged Little Pill.” I couldn’t imagine the pressure she must have been under to follow up on her previous album.

But then she gave us this magnificent jewel. The production is terrific, a live, cavernous vibe that still sounds intimate. It’s gentle and soothing, yet strong and fierce at the same time. And who can resist Ms. Morissette’s powerful, expressive voice? It works perfectly with the intricate flow and phrasing of her words.

Everyone who worked and performed on this track should be mighty proud.

This is a “headphone song.” Put on a good pair, shut the door, and let it envelop you.

“Black Milk” by Massive Attack (1998)

Massive Attack creates intense, moody, and extraordinarily beautiful music. Considered one of the original “trip hop” groups, they incorporate some incredible sounds and rhythms into their sonic landscapes. They’ve also asked some wonderful vocalists to contribute to their songs, like Elisabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins) on this track, from their third album, “Mezzanine.”

“Mezzanine” is an epic album, worth absorbing into your life. If it doesn’t absorb you, first.

“I Confess” by The (English) Beat (1982)

Okay, the name of this band in the rest of the world is simply “The Beat,” but they had to add “English” to their name for us Americans due to another band with that name. I know them as The English Beat, but if you talk to a Brit about them, he or she will probably snicker if you call them that.

The Beat made wonderful, crackling music which just felt alive to me at the time (and still does). They blended elements of ska, punk, and new wave that was both danceable and thought-provoking. It was the perfect soundtrack to my youth. I remember driving around San Francisco with friends in the summer, excited about seeing some concert, and optimistic about the future. We sang along to The Beat, shouting the words out the windows of my beat up VW bug.

A lot of people have bands and/or albums that define certain phases of their lives, and The English Beat will always remind me of my high school and college years. I’m just glad it was a band as good as this.

“Party at Ground Zero” by Fishbone (1985)

Ska is one of my favorite styles of music, and Fishbone was one of the best ska/punk bands around. Later on they explored more diverse styles of music, but it’s their earlier skankin’ that is near and dear to my heart. This track is from their first release, an EP, and it really showcases the manic energy and enthusiasm that they poured into their music.

This track is definitely a crowd-pleaser. If it’s not, you may be in the wrong crowd.

“The Richest Man in Babylon” by Thievery Corporation (2002)

Thievery Corporation was started by a couple of blokes from Washington DC who wanted to meld club/dance music with jazz, dub, and latin styles of music. It’s probably considered “downtempo” music, or “trip hop” by some, but whatever category you put it in, it’s fine music that lifts you up while easing your mind at the same time. At least it does for me.

I particularly like this track, although in this case the subject may not ease your mind. It mixes a lilting, reggae groove with dancehall horns and floating, intriguing vocals. And hidden in the beautiful music is a stark social critique about the direction of our civilization.

“The wicked stench of exploitation
Hangs in the air and lingers on”

“Down by the Water” by PJ Harvey (1995)

Polly Jean Harvey makes great music and pushes a lot of boundaries and buttons, which you know I think is terrific. An artist of her talent could easily produce formulaic music and make a mint, but Ms. Harvey plays from her heart and soul.

Fortunately she has a lot of admirers and fans, allowing her to continue sharing her music with us.

This track just grinds and sways behind the assured but menacing lyrics. What’s she singing about? I’ll leave that for you to decide.

“Start Wearing Purple” by Gogol Bordello (1999)

Gogol Bordello’s music is energizing, fun, and always a pleasure to hear. Formed in New York by folks with roots in Eastern Europe, they play a rowdy blend of gypsy rock and roll. And they play it very, very enthusiastically, which is terrific. This is the kind of band you want to see live, at least once in your life.

Listen to this a few times and see if you don’t want to “Start Wearing Purple” yourself.