PURPLE RAIN - PRINCE (1984) Perfect vocals. Perfect arrangement. Perfect guitar work from the most underrated guitarist. PERFECT SONG! There is none better. Must be listened to in its entirety! A true pop masterpiece.

BAD - U2 (1984) Originally found on The Unforgettable Fire, this is the performance that made them. Remember, they were just starting out in 1985. I do not think this song is available on the CD version of Live Aid, but it is on the DVD. Bono sold them to me on that day. Probably one of the greatest live rock performances of all time. DOES NOT need to be seen to be appreciated!

DUCHESS - GENESIS (1981) From one of the true masters of the keyboards, (just listen to Tony Banks on Firth of Fifth which can be found on Selling England By the Pound), sometimes simple is simply better. Post Peter Gabriel Genesis and Phil's vocals never got the respect they deserved.

PRISONERS - JOHN DENVER (1972) Forget the environment, this is the best da** anti-war song ever written. Where did this come from?

ANGEL FROM MONTGOMERY - JOHN PRINE (1971) Anyone's version, Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, or Dave Matthews is great. You can't ruin a terrific song.

DIALOGUE PARTS 1 & 2 - CHICAGO (1972) A 35 year old conversation for the socially conscientious. The message will never be outdated.

ANYTHING BUT MINE - KENNY CHESNEY (2004) Anything that reminds me of Myrtle Beach, anything that reminds me of summer, anything that reminds me of being a teenager, anything that reminds me of being a teenager living on the shore for the summer...is a good thing.

THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER - ROBERT EARL KEEN (1989) "Sherry was a waitress at the only joint in town"...you know the rest. Must be listened to live.

STARSHIP TROOPER - YES (1971) Because I like it a teensy bit better than Close to the Edge!

THAT'S ALL RIGHT (MAMA) - ELVIS PRESLEY (1954) Any of his Sun recordings are a history lesson. Elvis and Memphis were made for each other.

SHE'S GONE - HALL & OATES (1973) Perfect Philly soul before they became pop mainstream.

WALKING IN MEMPHIS - MARC COHN (1991) He gets it.

NAME - GOO GOO DOLLS (1995) The unusual note progression, John Rzeznik's haunting vocals and lyrics about being orphaned, and the slick production draw you into this song. The first time I heard this song on the radio, I had to know who this band was!

SOUTH CITY MIDNIGHT LADY - THE DOOBIE BROTHERS (1973) Patrick Simmons' Eagle-esque ballad was never a single and received little if any airplay, even on 70's AOR (album-oriented). Nice acoustic and steel guitar work. It is one of the band's favorite songs, and is included on probably all of their greatest hits and live albums.

HONEY, I'M HOME - BONNIE BRAMLETT - (2005) Shania may have empowered an entire generation of women to karaoke, but when she wrote this song, she should have had Bonnie's raspy growl in mind. (Is it any wonder she was the only caucasian Ikette!) Great interpretation of this song! So fun! Jeff Baxter's, of the Doobie Brothers/Steely Dan, guitar work isn't too shabby, either!