Ode To Folk/Pop
Although, it is a widely held belief by my family and friends that I am a R&B Music Junkie, which is true, however, it may be surprising to some that I appreciate a variety of music and lately I have been listening to a lot of folk/pop music playlists on my IPOD. I always say I have my mother to thank for my diverse musical tastes. Although, Mom really liked the artists on the Motown label, she also appreciated the likes of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, to name a few, and I mention those two because I remember falling in love with both artists. I loved Joni’s “Big Yellow Taxi”and Joan’s “Diamonds & Rust” two hits for which they are best known. In the late 70’s I was fascinated upon learning that Joan had a large gay fan base and I learned that her song "Altar Boy and the Thief" was written as a dedication to her gay fanbase. In the late 70’s, growing up as a smalltown boy I didn’t have much to latch on to in the way of gay news and information so I was particularly drawn to Joan Baez and her music given her gay-friendly views.
I want to post some comments of my favorite pop/folk tunes of all time:
1) Diamonds & Rust by Joan Baez - a song about memories being likened to diamonds and rust (time both turns dirty charcoal into beautiful diamonds and shiny metal into ugly rust).
2) Annie’s Song by John Denver - a beautiful ode to a love companion, in this case, his wife. I like that Annie’s name is not necessarily mentioned in the song thus making it able to apply to anyone which is probably why it is a wedding favorite.
3) Leader Of The Band by Dan Fogelberg - such a beautiful song both lyrically and musically. I love all of Dan's music and it was a tough choice to decide which I liked better, this hit or “Same Old Lang Syne”.
4) Everything I Own by Bread - a folk/pop standard that has been re-recorded by many artists. The song is often regarded as a love song but David Gates actually wrote the song as a tribute to his father after his father died.
5) Love & Affection by Joan Armatrading - this is a true classic in my opinion and it really inspired me to follow her musical career. I was happy to rediscover the song when Sheena Easton covered it on one of her CD's in the 80’s and I thought Sheena did a respectable version.
6) Just Remember I Love You by Firefall - a local Colorado band scored big with this hit. I remember when I was visiting Denver with my family and staying with cousins who informed me that they were touring as the opening act for Fleetwood Mac. It was right around their Rumours release. I sooooo wanted to see the concert but alas, never made it.
7) Cat’s & The Cradle by Harry Chapin - the song is told in first-person by a father who is too busy to spend time with his son and although I am always moved to sadness by the story, I think that’s why I like it so much because it’s a story-telling song.
8) Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce - a great singer/songwriter and had his life not been cut so short, I am sure he would have had continued success as an artist. I love this artist!
9) Danny’s Song by Anne Murray - though she may be considered more country than folk per se, she has always been a favorite female vocalist of mine.
10) What I Am by Edie Brickell - a one hit wonder by all accounts but what a great hit! Had she not married Paul Simon and had kids, I wonder if she would have been poised to have a bigger career?
11) We’re All Alone by Rita Coolidge - My mom was an absolute fanatic about Rita’s music. I, too, couldn’t help but love her music. This song is a song I used to sing out loud whenever I got the chance, in the shower, in the car, etc. I remember absolutely loving it!!!
12) Wildfire by Michael Murphey - this was always a very haunting song and I loved it so much! I used to sing it at the top of my lungs too!
13) Crazy Love by Poco - I loved the guitar strings of this song. Very pretty melody!!!
14) Fast Car by Tracie Chapman - could not have a complete list without this Tracy classic!
15) Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison - got to have some Van Morrison on the list too. I always thought their music was a unique blend of folk, blues, soul and jazz.