Barbara Stanisława Trzetrzelewska, better known as Basia, was a popular staple on pop and soft-jazz radio stations from the late 80’s through the 90’s. This tune is timeless for me; it seems just as fresh today as the first time I heard it.

Only once in my life have I ever started walking out of a record store, only to start hearing a song, and turn back around and immediately by that song. It was 1988, Concord Mall, Wilmington, Delaware. There are many critics who believe this song is “the greatest hip-hop single ever cut.”

Donald Fagen was a perfectionist in Steely Dan, and he remains a perfectionist in his own solo work. This understated jazzy song is a masterpiece and never grows old for me.

Steven Patrick Morrissey is known as the main singer/songwriter with The Smiths. His self-deprecating and clever lyrics continued in his solo efforts. This song is a perfect example.

This 2008 collaboration with Sean Paul, Descemer Bueno, and Gente de Zona, is a four-minute energy-filled delight.

This is one of many memorable synth-pop/new-wave danceable hits from the 80’s. It was partially inspired by Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer, and includes samples of Leonard Nimoy from a Star Trek episode.

This song by Sananda Maitreya (formerly known as Terence Trent D’Arby) was a worldwide hit in 1987. It is a beautiful song and is just one of so many creative and memorable tunes by the singer-songwriter.

Ranked as #87 on Billboard’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, this unique recording by Johnny Cash combines his amazing bass-baritone voice and rockabilly/country sound with a mariachi band! What an iconic song.

Before the world knew him as Sting, he was Gordon Sumner, a bus conductor, building laborer, tax officer, and school teacher. His magic with lyrics was apparent through his entire career in the Police, and continued in beautiful tunes like this one from his post-Police days.

I could never grow tired of this song. Patsy Cline’s incredible vocals, the twinkling piano, and the seductive guitar accompaniment are all parts of a timeless masterpiece!

Andrew Gold wrote and produced dozens of songs for others in the 70’s, but this was his biggest solo hit; it was hugely popular worldwide.

This song was written by Ringo Starr, produced by fellow Beatle, George Harrison, and released on Apple records. Years ago it was impossible to find this song on any music service, and – in desperation – I paid for an mp3 of it from a Russia-based music service; I’m sure that situation was not legit!

This was one song I loved to hear on MTV back in the early 80’s. John “J.” Geils and his band were living in obscurity until this 1980 hit, which got heavy rotation when MTV launched in the fall of 1981. If you watch the video, pay attention to the drummer’s unique sticks.

I first heard this song in the soundtrack for the movie Unstrung Heroes. Immediately catchy and sweetly endearing, Ray Charles’ version of this song is fantastic.

This solo song, by Walsh, who was a member of the Eagles for a chunk of his career, immediately brings me back to my teenage years. Its clever lyrics and rocking instrumentation make it a timeless gem!

I visited England in 1980, and I recall being at a tavern or a pub (at the age of 16!) and getting this really warm and magical feeling from the physical space and ambiance. I also recall enjoying a flavor of music in that place, too. When I heard the song “I’ve Been Thinking About You”, in 1990, it immediately reminded me of my visit to that pub.

When I heard Britney’s earlier songs, something struck me about the style and feel: ABBA! Jangly and boppy. Listen to the song and imagine it as something by ABBA. Britney’s early albums were crafted by Swedish record producer, Max Martin. Coincidence? I don’t think so! (Actually Martin admits that ABBA was a huge influence on his work.)

The new-wave/post-punk song “New Toy” was one of the hits played on MTV nonstop; it was released in 1981, the year MTV started.The song was written by Thomas Dolby. He didn’t have his own hits until a year or so later.

Singer/guitarist Dolores O’Riordan’s unique vocal stylings are easily recognizable. Sadly she died at 46 in an alcohol intoxication-related drowning. You may know her songs, “Zombie”, “Dreams” and “Linger”, but have you heard this song before?

This amazing song is by the Go-Go’s before they got big record contracts. Recorded on/by Stiff Records, “How Much More” sounds raw, intense and authentic … minus all of the fancy production work on their later re-recording of the song. A post-punk romp!

The video is a synthesis of 60’s miniskirts, yoga stretches, and female empowerment.

What struck me about this video is that it’s not lip-synched; perhaps this the actual filming of the song’s production.

Taylor Swift is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter! The song has a jangly tune reminiscent of ABBA, with some timely and culturally poignant lyrics.

Enjoy the great video; see if you find all of the cameos!

A cool song to listen to. A lot of their music has a formulaic feel, and this song is not amazing. But I found myself laughing out loud at this video; which made me realize I don’t usually laugh at videos.

This was born out of a joke Preston made to his songwriting partner, Bruce Fisher, about having a song but no melody and singing it to his friends.

Probably not one of his more famous songs, but it’s F-U-N-K-Y. “Give me some air!!”

A beautiful and timeless classic.

When I heard this band and this song for the first time, it didn’t sound like anything I had heard before. What a soulful and joyful masterpiece.

Lyrically very clever, and musically catchy. A solid performance, and an often overlooked song from his huge back catalog.

Take a little Nancy Sinatra, a little Amy Winehouse, a little Dolly Parton, a little Elvis, a little P!nk, and some clever lyrics and rhyming patterns, and you’ve got a unique and memorable song.

Bollywood meets the Beatles. Enjoy!

The song, “Holiday Inn”, co-written with Bernie Taupin, includes a variety of guitar, mandolin, maybe banjo, strings, and of course, piano. An often overlooked hidden gem!

It brings me back to the 70’s immediately. What an iconic band!

Maybe not the most well-known song by Cream, but still a great showcase of Eric Clapton’s early talent. And a psychedelic tune whichever way you cut it!

I’m featuring it here because I don’t have the licensing to include it on the show, but it’s such a great tune. So funky and smooth!

Bowie? Iggy Pop? Elvis Presley? Lots of influences here; but a unique song, still.

A lot of their songs sound very bubble-gum, popular, 60’s-era. However, the four-part harmonies and incredible production (mostly due to Brian Wilson’s mastery) really set them apart from many ultra-popular groups of the time. (And inspired the Beatles on a lot of projects.) This performance, live, is impeccable and exemplifies their skills and discipline.

Have you heard this tune before?

The video is great; a send-up of top Youtube memes, with the original meme subjects!