Sweet Home Alabama

Fascinating that I'd get a notoriously racist song into my head (though this interpretation is up for debate) following a song that helped break down barriers of racism in popular culture and the music industry.

Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Year: 1974
Rating: Warm

Diamonds of the Soles of Her Shoes

Many fond memories of riding in Jodi's car in the mid-'80s listening to Paul Simon's marvellous Graceland (on cassette, natch). This is one of the album's finest songs. Simon created a major international controversy recording in South Africa during the cultural boycott of Apartheid, but he also helped propel a number of Black South African musicians and artists (such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo) into international stardom in the process.

Artist: Paul Simon with Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Year: 1986
Rating: Luke Hot

The Waiting

What is it that I'm waiting for, anyway?

Artist: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Year: 1981
Rating: Warm

Little Deuce Coupe

I'm not really a "car song" person, but when Mike Love hits the low notes in the bridge, "There's one more thing/I got the pink slip, Daddy," it still gives me chills.

Artist: The Beach Boys
Year: 1963
Rating: Warm

Back In Time

Back to the Future montage lovingly crafted by YouTube user Ramzilla.

By far not my favorite Huey Lewis song, but I think it's in my head this morning 'cause I've got so much paperwork to do to wrap up at the clinic that I need a DeLorean to take me back in time a couple weeks to get it all done. Anyone got a flux capacitor?

Artist: Huey Lewis & the News
Year: 1985
Rating: Lukewarm

Cut Your Hair

Basically, just woke up with "Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh" in my head.

Songs mean a lot
When songs are bought

Oddly, this Pavement rant against commercialism became their biggest-selling single.

Artist: Pavement
Year: 1994
Rating: Hot!

Use It

Great video! I'd never seen it before. Yep, that's David Cross as one of the puppet-operators.

Two sips from the cup of human kindness
and I'm shit faced, just laid to waste

Guess I'm on a New Pornographers kick. Not complaining.

Artist: New Pornographers
Year: 2005
Rating: Luke Hot

Here Comes the Sun

And speaking of perfect pop songs...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting...

Artist: The Beatles
Year: 1969
Rating: Warmly warm

Tears of a Clown

One of the most brilliant pop songs ever written and recorded. Hands-down. In my head because I've been brainstorming an entry 'bout what makes a perfect pop song. Tune in to find out.

Music by Stevie Wonder, lyrics by Smokey Robinson.

Artist: Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
Year: 1967
Rating: Hot!

All The Old Showstoppers

Yummy acoustic version of this song from the New Pornographers' most recent album. Not sure why I woke with it. Here's a gander at some ideas about the meaning of the lyrics.

Artist: New Pornographers
Year: 2007
Rating: Luke Hot