Timmy’s 53 favorite obscure tunes #1. P.F. Sloan (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

13. Sue Foley “Long Way To Go” (from Ten Days In November, 1998)

Sue Foley - Long Way To Go

"Long Way to Go" (Sue Foley) from Ten Days in November. Shanachie Records 1998.

youtu.be

Sue Foley is a Canadian blues guitarist extraordinaire and lead singer. This original ballad by her is probably too melodic to be classified as traditional blues, but it’s completely awesome. And man does she show off some amazing guitar chops here!

 

[kupcho1]

Tim, I've probably given you more guff than anyone in your music threads (all deserved), but you've highlighted some gems in this one.
Nice work.

 

[rockaction]

Tim, I've probably given you more guff than anyone in your music threads (all deserved), but you've highlighted some gems in this one.
Nice work.

You're so nice, man. I was going to emoji yawn at the last selection just to be an *******.

Naw, this is a good countdown. I look forward to hearing the Colin Hay selection. I've definitely heard that he's more than Men At Work, so I'll give a listen.

 

[kupcho1]

I've definitely heard that he's more than Men At Work

Check out the TV show Scrubs for even more Colin Hay

 

[rockaction]

Check out the TV show Scrubs for even more Colin Hay

He was on it or mentioned? Interesting. I usually check out Scrubs after they're getting over my dead body, but maybe I'll give it a chance.

Men At Work was an underrated band. Those albums, Business As Usual and Cargo, both had songs that will still pop into my head every so often.

"Overkill"

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day

"Underground"

There's no need for you to fight, boys
Hang up all your guns
Find your mask and as best as you can
Get ready to run
Keep all the food lines moving
Don't come crying for more
The signs were there
You should have bought connections before

 

[timschochet]

Check out the TV show Scrubs for even more Colin Hay

He was on it or mentioned? Interesting. I usually check out Scrubs after they're getting over my dead body, but maybe I'll give it a chance.

Men At Work was an underrated band. Those albums, Business As Usual and Cargo, both had songs that will still pop into my head every so often.

"Overkill"

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day

"Underground"

There's no need for you to fight, boys
Hang up all your guns
Find your mask and as best as you can
Get ready to run
Keep all the food lines moving
Don't come crying for more
The signs were there
You should have bought connections before

In addition to his newer stuff, Hay does some great acoustic covers of his old hits. Check out this version of “Down Under” with a Latin jazz feel:

Down Under (Acoustic Version)

Provided to YouTube by Compass RecordsDown Under (Acoustic Version) · Colin HayMan @ Workâ 2003 Compass RecordsReleased on: 2003-07-22Main Artist: Colin Hay...

youtu.be

 

[rockaction]

Check out this version of “Down Under” with a Latin jazz feel:

That sounds like it'll give me diarrhea. No thank you.

See?! I can be an ******* if you give me long enough.

 

[timschochet]

Check out this version of “Down Under” with a Latin jazz feel:

That sounds like it'll give me diarrhea. No thank you.

See?! I can be an ******* if you give me long enough.

lol yeah but listen to it anyhow.

 

[northern exposure]

14. Colin Hay “Waiting For My Real Life To Begin” (from Going Somewhere, 2001)

Colin Hay - Waiting for my real life to begin

Album: Topanga 1994Any minute now, my ship is coming in I'll keep checking the horizon I'll stand on the bow, feel the waves come crashing Come crashing down...

youtu.be

Colin Hay was the lead singer and songwriter for Men At Work. He has some fine tunes as a solo artist, none better than this gorgeous ballad.

I first saw Colin Hay as a solo artist at a local music festival. They had a main stage area and then satellite stages where they had "workshops".
He was amazing on the main stage.

Then I saw him in a workshop that was just musicians sitting on the stage with acoustic guitars talking about songs they have written and playing them. He was on stage with Jackson Browne, Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle. Amazing!

 

[timschochet]

12. Golden Smog “Won’t Be Coming Home” (from Down By The Old Mainstream, 1995)

Won't Be Coming Home

Provided to YouTube by Ryko/RhinoWon't Be Coming Home · Golden SmogDown By The Old Mainstreamâ 1995 RykodiscWriter: LOURISWriter: OlsonAuto-generated by YouT...

youtu.be

An all-star band from the 90s. Of course, true to form I never heard of them until 20 years later. This is jingly jangly power pop of the Byrds variety; the sort I can never say no to.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

12. Golden Smog “Won’t Be Coming Home” (from Down By The Old Mainstream, 1995)

Won't Be Coming Home

Provided to YouTube by Ryko/RhinoWon't Be Coming Home · Golden SmogDown By The Old Mainstreamâ 1995 RykodiscWriter: LOURISWriter: OlsonAuto-generated by YouT...

youtu.be

An all-star band from the 90s. Of course, true to form I never heard of them until 20 years later. This is jingly jangly power pop of the Byrds variety; the sort I can never say no to.

This whole album is full of gems.

 

[timschochet]

11. Indigo Girls “Pendulum Swinger” (from Despite Our Differences, 2006)

Pendulum Swinger

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupPendulum Swinger · Indigo GirlsDespite Our Differencesâ 2006 Hollywood Records, Inc.Released on: 2006-01-01Associ...

youtu.be

No list of rare songs from me would be complete without an Indigo Girls tune. They have been my favorite group of the last 30 years or so, not because of their politics or affiliation with LGBT movement but because I love the folky goodness which is a combination of of Joni Mitchell and Simon & Garfunkel. I generally prefer Emily Saliers’ songwriting to Amy Ray, but I love both.

My selection here, one of my favorites of theirs, is a celebration of Nancy Pelosi becoming Speaker of the House, the first woman to do so.

 

[northern exposure]

12. Golden Smog “Won’t Be Coming Home” (from Down By The Old Mainstream, 1995)

Won't Be Coming Home

Provided to YouTube by Ryko/RhinoWon't Be Coming Home · Golden SmogDown By The Old Mainstreamâ 1995 RykodiscWriter: LOURISWriter: OlsonAuto-generated by YouT...

youtu.be

An all-star band from the 90s. Of course, true to form I never heard of them until 20 years later. This is jingly jangly power pop of the Byrds variety; the sort I can never say no to.

I thought I was aware of most of the all star bands/Supergroups, but this one is new to me.
From Wiki "At various times, members of Soul Asylum, The Replacements, Wilco, The Jayhawks, Run Westy Run, The Honeydogs and Big Star have worked with Golden Smog."

 

[timschochet]

10. Ron Sexsmith “Snow Angel” (from Time Being, 2006)

Ron Sexsmith - Snow Angel

youtu.be

Ron Sexsmith may be the best power pop artist I have ever heard. He is very much like Nick Lowe, except IMO his output is much more consistent. “Snow Angel” is my favorite tune by Sexsmith, an almost flawless pop ballad.

 

[northern exposure]

10. Ron Sexsmith “Snow Angel” (from Time Being, 2006)

Ron Sexsmith - Snow Angel

youtu.be

Ron Sexsmith may be the best power pop artist I have ever heard. He is very much like Nick Lowe, except IMO his output is much more consistent. “Snow Angel” is my favorite tune by Sexsmith, an almost flawless pop ballad.

Sexsmith is Canadian and I'm surprised he is known in the USA.
His most well known song is probably Secret Heart because Rod Stewart covered it.

Ron Sexsmith - Secret Heart

Music video by Ron Sexsmith performing Secret Heart. (C) 1995 Interscope Records

youtu.be

 

[krista4]

10. Ron Sexsmith “Snow Angel” (from Time Being, 2006)

Ron Sexsmith - Snow Angel

youtu.be

Ron Sexsmith may be the best power pop artist I have ever heard. He is very much like Nick Lowe, except IMO his output is much more consistent. “Snow Angel” is my favorite tune by Sexsmith, an almost flawless pop ballad.

I knew a Ron Sexsmith was going to show up on here!

And by the way, my favorite Colin Hay song.

 

[krista4]

10. Ron Sexsmith “Snow Angel” (from Time Being, 2006)

Ron Sexsmith - Snow Angel

youtu.be

Ron Sexsmith may be the best power pop artist I have ever heard. He is very much like Nick Lowe, except IMO his output is much more consistent. “Snow Angel” is my favorite tune by Sexsmith, an almost flawless pop ballad.

Sexsmith is Canadian and I'm surprised he is known in the USA.
His most well known song is probably Secret Heart because Rod Stewart covered it.

Ron Sexsmith - Secret Heart

Music video by Ron Sexsmith performing Secret Heart. (C) 1995 Interscope Records

youtu.be

While I'm here, my favorite Ron Sexsmith.

 

[timschochet]

list will be finished this week. The top 9 includes:

1. Bob Dylan’s best Christian song,
2. A non-blues tune by BB King
3. A Velvet Underground song that did not appear on any of their studio albums.
4. The greatest country songwriter of all time.
5. The greatest blues guitarist of all time.
6. A blues cover of a Richie Havens classic.
7. An acoustic cover of a New Wave classic.
8. The best selling gospel song of all time, now largely forgotten.
9. A forgotten song by a famous songwriter about another famous songwriter.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

1. Bob Dylan’s best Christian song

I hope it is

Spoiler

Every Grain of Sand

3. A Velvet Underground song that did not appear on any of their studio albums.

I hope it is

Spoiler

Foggy Notion

7. An acoustic cover of a New Wave classic.

Knowing you, this is

Spoiler

Frente!'s version of Bizarre Love Triangle

8. The best selling gospel song of all time, now largely forgotten.

Is it

Spoiler

O Happy Day by the Edwin Hawkins Singers

?

 

[timschochet]

9. Bob Dylan “Precious Angel” (from Slow Train Running, 1979)

Bob Dylan - Precious Angel (Official Audio)

Official audio for "Precious Angel" by Bob DylanListen to Bob Dylan: https://bobdylan.lnk.to/listenYDSubscribe to the Bob Dylan YouTube channel: https://bobd...

youtu.be

This is the one Dylan Christian song that falls into what I call the “epic” category; songs like “Like a Rolling Stone” “Stuck Inside of Mobile”, “Mississippi”, etc. Great music (partly due to Mark Knopfler on guitar), great lyrics (I especially love his comparison of Jesus with Buddha and Muhammad). Always loved this.

 

[timschochet]

1. Bob Dylan’s best Christian song

I hope it is

Spoiler

Every Grain of Sand

3. A Velvet Underground song that did not appear on any of their studio albums.

I hope it is

Spoiler

Foggy Notion

7. An acoustic cover of a New Wave classic.

Knowing you, this is

Spoiler

Frente!'s version of Bizarre Love Triangle

8. The best selling gospel song of all time, now largely forgotten.

Is it

Spoiler

O Happy Day by the Edwin Hawkins Singers

?

I love 3 of these tunes (I don’t know the Frentel) but you’re 0 for 4.

 

[squistion]

list will be finished this week. The top 9 includes:

1. Bob Dylan’s best Christian song,
2. A non-blues tune by BB King
3. A Velvet Underground song that did not appear on any of their studio albums.
4. The greatest country songwriter of all time.
5. The greatest blues guitarist of all time.
6. A blues cover of a Richie Havens classic.
7. An acoustic cover of a New Wave classic.
8. The best selling gospel song of all time, now largely forgotten.
9. A forgotten song by a famous songwriter about another famous songwriter.

Up to this point this thread has been your favorite obscure tunes, so no one can quibble about or second guess any selection.

However, in the bolded it seems that you will be going beyond that and will be holding yourself out as some sort of expert on country songwriting and blues guitarists (which you may well be).

With #5, I am curious how you will define "blues guitar." Will that be limited to traditional blues guitarists (Robert Johnson, Elmore James, Big Bill Broonzy etc.) or rather will it be modern blues rock guitarists (Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc.)? Or will this be some all inclusive combination?

 

[timschochet]

8. B.B. King “Hummingbird” (from indianola Mississippi Seeds, 1970)

Hummingbird

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupHummingbird · B.B. KingIndianola Mississippi Seedsâ A Geffen Records Release; â 1970 UMG Recordings, Inc.Released...

youtu.be

“Hummingbird”, written by Leon Russell, is not a blues song; it’s a pop rock song and sounds more like something George Harrison might have written at the time than anything else. Yet when B.B. got ahold of it he added certain blues nuances on his guitar and vocals. The result is pure magic and my favorite tune by this artist.

 

[timschochet]

list will be finished this week. The top 9 includes:

1. Bob Dylan’s best Christian song,
2. A non-blues tune by BB King
3. A Velvet Underground song that did not appear on any of their studio albums.
4. The greatest country songwriter of all time.
5. The greatest blues guitarist of all time.
6. A blues cover of a Richie Havens classic.
7. An acoustic cover of a New Wave classic.
8. The best selling gospel song of all time, now largely forgotten.
9. A forgotten song by a famous songwriter about another famous songwriter.

Up to this point this thread has been your favorite obscure tunes, so no one can quibble about or second guess any selection.

However, in the bolded it seems that you will be going beyond that and will be holding yourself out as some sort of expert on country songwriting and blues guitarists (which you may well be).

With #5, I am curious how you will define "blues guitar." Will that be limited to traditional blues guitarists (Robert Johnson, Elmore James, Big Bill Broonzy etc.) or rather will it be modern blues rock guitarists (Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc.)? Or will this be some all inclusive combination?

I do t know if I can call myself an expert on either. I’ve certainly listened to a lot of both (more blues than country) and have pretty strong opinions. After I reveal the selections you and everyone else reading this can decide if I am correct in my assumptions.

 

[squistion]

list will be finished this week. The top 9 includes:

1. Bob Dylan’s best Christian song,
2. A non-blues tune by BB King
3. A Velvet Underground song that did not appear on any of their studio albums.
4. The greatest country songwriter of all time.
5. The greatest blues guitarist of all time.
6. A blues cover of a Richie Havens classic.
7. An acoustic cover of a New Wave classic.
8. The best selling gospel song of all time, now largely forgotten.
9. A forgotten song by a famous songwriter about another famous songwriter.

Up to this point this thread has been your favorite obscure tunes, so no one can quibble about or second guess any selection.

However, in the bolded it seems that you will be going beyond that and will be holding yourself out as some sort of expert on country songwriting and blues guitarists (which you may well be).

With #5, I am curious how you will define "blues guitar." Will that be limited to traditional blues guitarists (Robert Johnson, Elmore James, Big Bill Broonzy etc.) or rather will it be modern blues rock guitarists (Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc.)? Or will this be some all inclusive combination?

I do t know if I can call myself an expert on either. I’ve certainly listened to a lot of both (more blues than country) and have pretty strong opinions. After I reveal the selections you and everyone else reading this can decide if I am correct in my assumptions.

If you unequivocally say that someone is "The greatest blues guitarist of all time" then you are holding yourself out as an expert on the subject of blues guitarists, whether you call yourself that or not. If you say "This is my favorite blues guitarist" then that is just stating your opinion and no one should have an issue with that.

 

[timschochet]

list will be finished this week. The top 9 includes:

1. Bob Dylan’s best Christian song,
2. A non-blues tune by BB King
3. A Velvet Underground song that did not appear on any of their studio albums.
4. The greatest country songwriter of all time.
5. The greatest blues guitarist of all time.
6. A blues cover of a Richie Havens classic.
7. An acoustic cover of a New Wave classic.
8. The best selling gospel song of all time, now largely forgotten.
9. A forgotten song by a famous songwriter about another famous songwriter.

Up to this point this thread has been your favorite obscure tunes, so no one can quibble about or second guess any selection.

However, in the bolded it seems that you will be going beyond that and will be holding yourself out as some sort of expert on country songwriting and blues guitarists (which you may well be).

With #5, I am curious how you will define "blues guitar." Will that be limited to traditional blues guitarists (Robert Johnson, Elmore James, Big Bill Broonzy etc.) or rather will it be modern blues rock guitarists (Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc.)? Or will this be some all inclusive combination?

I do t know if I can call myself an expert on either. I’ve certainly listened to a lot of both (more blues than country) and have pretty strong opinions. After I reveal the selections you and everyone else reading this can decide if I am correct in my assumptions.

If you unequivocally say that someone is "The greatest blues guitarist of all time" then you are holding yourself out as an expert on the subject of blues guitarists, whether you call yourself that or not. If you say "This is my favorite blues guitarist" then that is just stating your opinion and no one should have an issue with that.

All of my views on these issues (as well as all issues) are completely objective and not subject to debate.

 

[northern exposure]

list will be finished this week. The top 9 includes:

1. Bob Dylan’s best Christian song,
2. A non-blues tune by BB King
3. A Velvet Underground song that did not appear on any of their studio albums.
4. The greatest country songwriter of all time.
5. The greatest blues guitarist of all time.
6. A blues cover of a Richie Havens classic.
7. An acoustic cover of a New Wave classic.
8. The best selling gospel song of all time, now largely forgotten.
9. A forgotten song by a famous songwriter about another famous songwriter.

Up to this point this thread has been your favorite obscure tunes, so no one can quibble about or second guess any selection.

However, in the bolded it seems that you will be going beyond that and will be holding yourself out as some sort of expert on country songwriting and blues guitarists (which you may well be).

With #5, I am curious how you will define "blues guitar." Will that be limited to traditional blues guitarists (Robert Johnson, Elmore James, Big Bill Broonzy etc.) or rather will it be modern blues rock guitarists (Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc.)? Or will this be some all inclusive combination?

I do t know if I can call myself an expert on either. I’ve certainly listened to a lot of both (more blues than country) and have pretty strong opinions. After I reveal the selections you and everyone else reading this can decide if I am correct in my assumptions.

If you unequivocally say that someone is "The greatest blues guitarist of all time" then you are holding yourself out as an expert on the subject of blues guitarists, whether you call yourself that or not. If you say "This is my favorite blues guitarist" then that is just stating your opinion and no one should have an issue with that.

All of my views on these issues (as well as all issues) are completely objective and not subject to debate.

Can we get back to the countdown?

 

[timschochet]

7. The Velvet Underground “Stephanie Says” (from VU, 1985)

Stephanie Says

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupStephanie Says · The Velvet UndergroundVUâ 1985 Universal Records, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.Released on:...

youtu.be

VU was a collection of outtakes and songs by the band that were never previously released. It’s an awesome record and it was somewhat serependitious for me that it was released a couple months after I became obsessed with this band. Other great songs on this CD included “Foggy Notion” (which @Pip's Invitation guessed), “Temptation Inside Your Heart”, “Lisa Says”, “Ocean”; all complete gems. But for me “Stephanie Says”, originally recorded in 1967, is the best and a brilliant ballad that rivals the greatest things Lou Reed ever did.

 

[timschochet]

8. B.B. King “Hummingbird” (from indianola Mississippi Seeds, 1970)

Hummingbird

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupHummingbird · B.B. KingIndianola Mississippi Seedsâ A Geffen Records Release; â 1970 UMG Recordings, Inc.Released...

youtu.be

“Hummingbird”, written by Leon Russell, is not a blues song; it’s a pop rock song and sounds more like something George Harrison might have written at the time than anything else. Yet when B.B. got ahold of it he added certain blues nuances on his guitar and vocals. The result is pure magic and my favorite tune by this artist.

I was looking at the personnel on this and it’s pretty impressive: Leon Russell on keyboards, Joe Walsh on rhythm guitar, Russ Kunkel on drums, and Merry Clayton is one of the backup vocals.

Carole King played keyboards on several songs on the album, though not this song.

 

[zamboni]

7. The Velvet Underground “Stephanie Says” (from VU, 1985)

Stephanie Says

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupStephanie Says · The Velvet UndergroundVUâ 1985 Universal Records, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.Released on:...

youtu.be

VU was a collection of outtakes and songs by the band that were never previously released. It’s an awesome record and it was somewhat serependitious for me that it was released a couple months after I became obsessed with this band. Other great songs on this CD included “Foggy Notion” (which @Pip's Invitation guessed), “Temptation Inside Your Heart”, “Lisa Says”, “Ocean”; all complete gems. But for me “Stephanie Says”, originally recorded in 1967, is the best and a brilliant ballad that rivals the greatest things Lou Reed ever did.

Somewhat related, I love that "I'll Be Your Mirror" has been all over the place in a recent commercial. Don't recall which product though.

 

[timschochet]

7. The Velvet Underground “Stephanie Says” (from VU, 1985)

Stephanie Says

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupStephanie Says · The Velvet UndergroundVUâ 1985 Universal Records, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.Released on:...

youtu.be

VU was a collection of outtakes and songs by the band that were never previously released. It’s an awesome record and it was somewhat serependitious for me that it was released a couple months after I became obsessed with this band. Other great songs on this CD included “Foggy Notion” (which @Pip's Invitation guessed), “Temptation Inside Your Heart”, “Lisa Says”, “Ocean”; all complete gems. But for me “Stephanie Says”, originally recorded in 1967, is the best and a brilliant ballad that rivals the greatest things Lou Reed ever did.

Somewhat related, I love that "I'll Be Your Mirror" has been all over the place in a recent commercial. Don't recall which product though.

Ha! I’m the exact same way. I remember these commercials all the time but I can never recall the product; and when I do I can never name the brand. I think advertisers must really hate people like us.

 

[timschochet]

6. Townes Van Zandt “I’ll Be Here In The Morning” (from For The Sake Of The Song, 1968)

Townes Van Zandt - I'll Be Here in the Morning (Official Audio)

"I'll Be Here in the Morning" from Townes Van Zandt's album The Best of Townes Van ZandtListen/Purchase: https://townesvanzandt.ffm.to/thebestoftownesvanzand...

youtu.be

Yet another artist I discovered only a few years ago long after he was no longer with us. Such great music especially on his first couple of albums. This is my favorite, beautiful and wistful. For me it’s one of the greatest country songs I’ve ever heard.

 

[northern exposure]

6. Townes Van Zandt “I’ll Be Here In The Morning” (from For The Sake Of The Song, 1968)

Townes Van Zandt - I'll Be Here in the Morning (Official Audio)

"I'll Be Here in the Morning" from Townes Van Zandt's album The Best of Townes Van ZandtListen/Purchase: https://townesvanzandt.ffm.to/thebestoftownesvanzand...

youtu.be

Yet another artist I discovered only a few years ago long after he was no longer with us. Such great music especially on his first couple of albums. This is my favorite, beautiful and wistful. For me it’s one of the greatest country songs I’ve ever heard.

I also discovered Van Zandt recently. His name always came up when musicians like Steve Earle were asked to name artists that influenced them. So, I checked him out and I'm glad I did.

 

[timschochet]

5. Johnny Winter “Be Careful With A Fool” (from Johnny Winter, 1969)

Johnny Winter - Be Careful with a Fool (Audio)

Music video by Johnny Winter performing Be Careful with a Fool (audio). Originally released 1969. All rights reserved by Columbia Records, a division of Sony...

youtu.be

IMO (that part was written for @squistion) Johnny Winter is the greatest blues guitarist of all time. Also IMO, this particular tune contains the single greatest guitar solo I have ever heard on a musical recording in any genre- yes better than any Hendrix solo, better than Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption”, better than anything. If any of you are skeptical about this, take a listen. Although the guitar is great from the very beginning it really takes off with the solo after the second verse, and then he just keeps getting better and better. It’s simply an amazing listening experience and it never gets old.

 

[timschochet]

4. Susan Tedeschi “Follow” (from Hope and Desire, 2005)

Susan Tedeschi - "Follow"

"Follow" is a track from Susan Tedeschi's 2005 album, "Hope and Desire."

youtu.be

I actually learned about Susan Tedeschi around the time this album came out; it was playing at a Barnes & Noble as I was walking around the store. I quickly bought it. The album is a collection of covers of rock tunes that Susan interpreted with her incredible blues voice. It’s all great and none better than her rendition of the old Richie Havens classic.

 

[zamboni]

5. Johnny Winter “Be Careful With A Fool” (from Johnny Winter, 1969)

Johnny Winter - Be Careful with a Fool (Audio)

Music video by Johnny Winter performing Be Careful with a Fool (audio). Originally released 1969. All rights reserved by Columbia Records, a division of Sony...

youtu.be

IMO (that part was written for @squistion) Johnny Winter is the greatest blues guitarist of all time. Also IMO, this particular tune contains the single greatest guitar solo I have ever heard on a musical recording in any genre- yes better than any Hendrix solo, better than Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption”, better than anything. If any of you are skeptical about this, take a listen. Although the guitar is great from the very beginning it really takes off with the solo after the second verse, and then he just keeps getting better and better. It’s simply an amazing listening experience and it never gets old.

I doubt those other guys pale in comparison to Johnny.

 

[northern exposure]

5. Johnny Winter “Be Careful With A Fool” (from Johnny Winter, 1969)

Johnny Winter - Be Careful with a Fool (Audio)

Music video by Johnny Winter performing Be Careful with a Fool (audio). Originally released 1969. All rights reserved by Columbia Records, a division of Sony...

youtu.be

IMO (that part was written for @squistion) Johnny Winter is the greatest blues guitarist of all time. Also IMO, this particular tune contains the single greatest guitar solo I have ever heard on a musical recording in any genre- yes better than any Hendrix solo, better than Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption”, better than anything. If any of you are skeptical about this, take a listen. Although the guitar is great from the very beginning it really takes off with the solo after the second verse, and then he just keeps getting better and better. It’s simply an amazing listening experience and it never gets old.

I doubt those other guys pale in comparison to Johnny.

Albino humor is very under-rated and rarely sees the light of day.

 

[timschochet]

3. Oysterband (with June Tabor) “Love Will Tear Us Apart” (from The Big Session, Vol 1, 2004)

June Tabor & Oysterband : Love Will Tear Us Apart

Filmed at the Union Chapel London on April 19th 2012, directed by Judith Burrows.Ragged Kingdom is available now from iTunes: http://bit.ly/TwqIdW - Amazon.c...

youtu.be

OK time for my favorite cover ever. The original “Love Will Tear Us Apart” was a classic tune- quite possibly the greatest New Wave/postpunk song of all time. Oysterband and June Tabor are traditional English folk artists. What they did here is turn the song inside out, focusing on its lyrics and stretching out the melody. The result is one of the most beautiful recordings I have ever heard. Enjoy.

 

[timschochet]

2. Mahalia Jackson “Move On Up A Little Higher” (single, 1947)

Move On Up A Little Higher | Mahalia Jackson

This is my favorite Mahalia song. She sounds so encouraged and assured while singing this, it's so meaningful!!

youtu.be

How can a song that was the bestselling gospel hit of all time be considered obscure? It’s not, but it’s largely forgotten so I have placed it on this list and deservedly nearly at the very top. The tune itself is a precursor to rock and roll (the electric guitar riff is extremely sophisticated for its era and would make any rock guitarist proud). But it’s the vocals of course that make this special. If I had to rank the best singing I have ever heard on a popular recording, this is probably #1 for me. She was simply phenomenal.

 

[timschochet]

1. Jimmy Webb “P.F. Sloan” (from Words And Music, 1970)

Jimmy Webb - P. F. Sloan

Un brano che resta tra i più belli mai scritti da Webb...Created with http://www.mp32tube.comon http://www.musicadalpianetaterra.net

youtu.be

P.F. Sloan was a well known 60s songwriter who wrote “Eve of Destruction” for Barry Maguire. Jimmy Webb was a well known 60s songwriter who wrote “Wichita Lineman” for Glen Campbell. In 1970 Jimmy Webb wrote and released a song about P.F. Sloan. This song is my favorite “obscure” tune of all time.

I have no idea why it is is obscure. I listen to it and think it should have been a massive hit, so addictive is its melody. But most people have never heard of it.

 

[timschochet]

That concludes this list. It’s been a lot of fun, though completely self-indulgent. I will have the 1974 thread in late March or early April.

If you enjoyed this list I would very much like to hear your thoughts on any the songs you weren’t familiar with. That would be a great pleasure to me, thanks.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I think I'm gonna do my own version of this exercise. Watch for it in a few weeks/months, depending on how life/work stuff goes.

 

[Gatorman]

That concludes this list. It’s been a lot of fun, though completely self-indulgent. I will have the 1974 thread in late March or early April.

If you enjoyed this list I would very much like to hear your thoughts on any the songs you weren’t familiar with. That would be a great pleasure to me, thanks.

Tim, any chance you can make this a spotify playlist? I'd dig tuning in...

 

[timschochet]

That concludes this list. It’s been a lot of fun, though completely self-indulgent. I will have the 1974 thread in late March or early April.

If you enjoyed this list I would very much like to hear your thoughts on any the songs you weren’t familiar with. That would be a great pleasure to me, thanks.

Tim, any chance you can make this a spotify playlist? I'd dig tuning in...

Sorry I don’t use Spotify. Perhaps someone else?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I created a Spotify playlist for those that don’t want to click through each YouTube link. I’ll try and keep it updated.

Timmy’s Tunes

Timmy’s Tunes · Playlist · 28 songs

open.spotify.com

@Gatorman Doc Oc did a Spotify playlist for this countdown, but I dunno if he finished it before he left the site (hopefully temporarily).