Wow, 2024 is coming to a close. Spotify just released the Wrapped for everyone to see what they were listening to all year. I got mine and my first thought was WTF….When did I listen to that song over and over and over again? I don’t know what to make of it but here is what some of our writers are listening too.
Rock My Soul – Elvin Bishop
This jazzy/bluesy number gets me going when I need a kick in the ass. Just reminding me/us that when you need a little help, just listen to a little music. Isn’t this what Drop The Needle is all about? – Pritch
Carry On – CSNY
I was watching tv and a commercial came on that made me think of this song on the same album.
Deja Vu was a masterpiece! The harmonies fit the atmosphere of the times perfectly. With songs like,
Our House, Woodstock, Teach Your Children, Almost Cut My Hair and Helpless. Carry On is one of my favorites from back then. – Dom
Down in the Park – Gary Numan
This was actually done by Numan with Tubeway Army. Though its been a staple of his solo live shows. Very reminiscent of the mood in 1979. – Mike Olszewski
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
I’m not one for Christmas songs but since the first time I saw Darlene Love perform this on David Letterman it is a tradition to give it a listen each year. I don’t know how someone can punch that much soulfulness into a Christmas song but Ms. Love wails on it – Bear
The End – The Doors
John Densmore has turned 80 and not that this song is his best drum work but it is a cool song based on a Morrison poem. The Oedipus Complex theme of the song nearly got the band thrown out of the Whiskey-A-GoGo. Happy Birthday John. – Pritch
Crackerbox Palace – George Harrison
All of the Beatles were unique. My favorite was George Harrison. The video to Cracker Box Palace is well worth a watch. It was recorded at his home Friar Park which He called Cracker Box Palace after Lord Buckley’s home. Harrison played sessions with many different musicians that showcased his talents. – Dom
Blues For Christmas – John Lee Hooker
‘Tis the season for some down- home, dirty blues. Here’s a few you won’t be hearing on the Hallmark channel. Released in 1961 on New York’s Elmor Records and featured as the B-side to his “Big Fine Woman” 45. This tracks pares perfectly with your favorite bourbon and a fine Cohiba. “Blues for Christmas Blue as I can be I’m sitting here drainkan Trying to drink my baby back” – Cornel
The Great Gig in the Sky – Pink Floyd
Fifty years on and Claire Torry’s improved vocals still send a tingle up your spine. Floyd later gave her additional credit for the song. – Mike Olszewski
Beware Of Darkness – George Harrison
I really love the version with Leon Russell in the Concert for Bangladesh. Threw this one in remembrance of George’s passing 23 years ago. May they both be rocking right now in heaven. – Pritch
Get It Right Next Time – Gerry Rafferty
This isn’t the song everyone knows from Gerry Rafferty, that song is Baker Street. This song features a powerful message and the sax playing of fellow Scotsman Raphael Ravenscroft who played the sax solo on Baker Street too for a paltry sum of about $43. If you like this one you might also like Rafferty’s earlier work on Stealers Wheel. – Dom
Jumbo – Curved Air
Here’s a band that never got its true credit, especially with heavy play on early progressive rock stations. They still put out product directly to consumers and sound as good as ever. – Mike Olszewski
Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’ – Albert King
A spicy Christmas tune written by Mack Rice, and released by Albert on the Stax label in 1971. Yes, lots of artists have covered this little Christmas diddy—but nobody comes close to the soulful, sex appeal of the “Velvet Bulldozer”. “Now Christmas is for the children And I want them to be real pleased But right now Mama it’s Christmas Eve Come make your papa happy please.” – Cornel
Early Shirley – The Coward Brothers
Here’s a new tune from a couple of old rockers! Elvis Costello (Howard) and T Bone Burnett (Henry). The Coward Brothers were born in 1984 on an Elvis Costello solo concert tour and with the new release also have an Audible Series Titled : The True Story of The Coward Brothers. – Dom
Welcome to the Boomtown – David and David
You could argue they were “one hit wonders” (as if they really cared about hits vs. art, but it stands out in both categories. – Mike Olszewski
I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You – Tom Waits
Waits is one of our greatest storytellers, I don’t want to hear it if you think different. His voice is an acquired taste I’ll give you that especially the later years but this track on the great “Closing Time” album is one of my favorite songs. In 3:53 minutes he paints a picture of longing, loneliness, angst and resignation that the end of the night is that last stout. – Bear
Merry Christmas Baby – Elvis Presley
Released for the holiday season in 1971. This five-minute-plus blues jam of the 1948 Charles Brown classic in which Elvis wailed like the KING again. This dude was born and bred in the blues—but nobody expected for his Tupelo roots to shine on a Christmas track. – Cornel
I Walk on Gilded Splinters – Dr. John
This tune conjures up scenes of smoke filled rooms on a steamy New Orleans night. The Night Tripper’s shows around that time were equally eerie. – Mike Olszewski
