Tom Lane's Music Blog

RIP Neil Sedaka

2026-02-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

Neil Sedaka first became a star in the post-Elvis Army/pre-Beatles era of the early 1960's. It's a part of Rock history that often gets dismissed by music critics. Despite the fact that some incredible records came out during that time. Sedaka often gets lumped in with the teen idols of the era, usually the most scorned by critics. But Sedaka was more of a Pop professional than those idols. For one he played piano and co-wrote his own songs. His songs became hits for Connie Francis and Gene Pitney. Still, if you're looking for a reason that Sedaka was never nominated, let alone put in under Musical Excellence or Influence, consider the era he first had hits.

The British Invasion put an end to Sedaka's 60's chart run. His hits would be ones that others covered. Which gives me the chance to bring up another early 60's institution that deserves more respect: the Brill Building. The NYC building that was home to a bunch of the greatest songwriters who crafted future classic songs: Goffin/King, Bacharach/David, Mann/Weil, Barry/Greenwich, Leiber/Stoller, Neil Diamond and Sedaka/Greenfield.

Sedaka's 70's comeback didn't begin in United States, but in the UK. There he recorded three albums of varying success. But the recordings caught the attention of Elton John who signed him to his new Rocket Records in 1974. A compilation album, Sedaka's Back, containing tracks from those three albums was released to acclaim in the U.S. And one of its tracks, 1975's "Laughter In the Rain" became Sedaka's first number one since the early 60's. Sedaka's Back is a great album. Even though a compilation, its still his best album, outside of greatest hits sets. Sedaka quickly followed it up with 75's The Hungry Years, and had another one with "Bad Blood" that featured Elton on vocals. But things began to slow down in 1976. The hits dried up again. After 1976 Sedaka only had one other Top 40 hit, a duet in 1980 with his daughter.

But he never stopped recording or touring. Most of us that hadn't followed him in years caught up with him again during the 2020 COVID shutdown. Sedaka took to social media to do mini concerts consisting of his hits, deep tracks and covers. The ultimate professional, he never let up on his posts up until his death. Because Neil Sedaka loved to please. His passion was performing and pleasing his audience. Nearly 68 years since his first Top 40 hit, he accomplished that and more.

Latest Podcast Appearance (Rock in Retrospect Podcast)

2026-02-27T18:59:00.000-08:00

I joined host Nick Bambach's the Rock in Retrospect podcast, with some others, to talk about the 2026 Rock Hall nominees.

Rock in Retrospect

Poll: February 1986 Songs

2026-02-27T08:46:00.000-08:00

Latest poll I voted in was for songs from February 1986. Not the greatest list of songs to be honest. But I've always loved my top pick.

Pop Radio Gold

"How Will I Know", Whitney Houston : 1
"My Hometown", Bruce Springsteen : 2
"I'm Your Man", Wham! : 3
"That's What Friends Are For", Dionne & Friends (with Elton John, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder) : 4
"A Love Bizarre", Sheila E. : 5
"Tender Love", Force M.D.'s : 6
"These Dreams", Heart : 7
"I Miss You", Klymaxx : 8
"When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going", Billy Ocean : 9
"Broken Wings", Mr. Mister : 10
"Life In A Northern Town", Dream Academy : 11
"Do Me Baby", Meli'sa Morgan : 12
"Secret Lovers", Atlantic Starr : 13
"Conga", Miami Sound Machine : 14
"Silent Running", Mike + the Mechanics : 15
"Alive And Kicking", Simple Minds : 16
"I Like You", Phyllis Nelson : 17
"Can You Feel The Beat", Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force : 18
"You're A Friend Of Mine", Clarence Clemons & Jackson Browne : 19
"Walk Of Life", Dire Straits : 20
"Tonight She Comes", Cars : 21
"It's Only Love", Bryan Adams & Tina Turner : 22
"Tarzan Boy", Baltimora : 23
"The Sweetest Taboo", Sade : 24
"Party All The Time", Eddie Murphy : 25
"Day By Day", Hooters : 26
"Sara", Starship : 27
"Living In America", James Brown : 28
"Russians", Sting : 29
"Goodbye", Night Ranger : 30
"Say You, Say Me", Lionel Richie : 31
"Talk To Me", Stevie Nicks : 32
"Go Home", Stevie Wonder : 33
"Kyrie", Mr. Mister : 34
"King For A Day", Thompson Twins : 35
"Sidewalk Talk", Jellybean : 36
"The Sun Always Shines On TV", A-Ha : 37
"Separate Lives", Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin : 38
"Burning Heart", Survivor : 39
"Spies Like Us", Paul McCartney : 40

Playlist for 2/20

2026-02-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Clipse - Let God Sort Em Out

Cecile McLorin Salvant - Oh Snap

Thelonious Monk - Standards

Doc Pomus - Songs for Elvis (the Demos)

Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately (Documentary)

I’m Chevy Chase and You're Not (Documentary)

Happy and You Know It (Documentary)

Poll: Top 77 Songs of All-Time

2026-02-17T05:09:00.000-08:00

My first time voting in this yearly poll. Vote for 10 songs. I didn’t spend too much time on my picks. Just thought of 10 all-time faves. If I had to vote in this again, I might change a song or two. But this is still a varied list of 10 songs I love.

Top 77 Songs All-Time

Here's how you voted this year:

1: Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley (1969)

2: You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Righteous Brothers (1965)

3: Respect - Aretha Franklin (1967)

4: Wichita Lineman - Glen Campbell (1968)

5: I Only Have Eyes For You - Flamingos (1959)

6: Midnight Train To Georgia - Gladys Knight & the Pips (1973)

7: Stop In The Name Of Love - Diana Ross Supremes (1965)

8: The Love I Lost - Harold Melvin& the Blue Notes (1973)

9: Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac (1977)

10: Could It Be I'm Falling In Love - Spinners

Favorite Love Songs for Valentine's Day

2026-02-13T05:20:00.000-08:00

All of these Valentine's Day type tracks have meant something to me at some point in my life.

If you want to find out what other songs I'm adding, then check out my Spotify playlist
A Not On Every Best Love Songs Ever Playlist

Al Green - Sha-La-La
Alexander O'Neal - If You Were Here Tonight
Atlantic Starr - Send For Me
Aretha Franklin - Day Dreaming
Barry White - Can't Get Enough
Bill Withers - Lovely Day
Boz Scaggs - We're All Alone
Bread - Make It With You
Con Funk Shun - Love's Train
Daryl Hall & John Oates - One On One
DeBarge - All This Love
Earth, Wind & Fire - Love's Holiday
Ella Fitzgerald - I Concentrate On You
ELO - Strange Magic
Elvis Presley - Fame and Fortune
Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You
Frank Sinatra - You Make Me Feel So Young
Gap Band - Yearning For Your Love
Gladys Knight & The Pips - You're The Best Thing That's Ever Happened To Me
Gregory Abbott - Shake You Down
Isley Brothers - Voyage to Atlantis
Janet Jackson - Let's Wait Awhile
Jackie Wilson - To Be Loved
Jason Isbell - If We Were Vampires
Jimmy LaFave - Into Your Life
Joni Mitchell - Case of You
L.T.D. - Love Ballad
Luther Vandross - If Only For One Night
Major Harris - Love Won't Let Me Wait
Manhattans - Shining Star
Marvin Gaye - After The Dance
Maxwell - Whenever, Wherever, Whatever
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly - I Wanna Thank You
Merle Haggard - That's The Way Love Goes
Michael Jackson - Lady In My Life
Neil Young - Harvest Moon
Norman Connors - You Are My Starship
O'Jays - Lovin' You
Patti LaBelle - Love, Need and Want You
Peabo Bryson - I'm So Into You
Prince - Adore
Randy Travis - Forever and Ever, Amen
Ray, Goodman & Brown - Special Lady
Rene & Angela - Your Smile
Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway - Closer I Get To You
Rodney Crowell - After All This Time
Rose Royce - Wishing On A Star
Roxy Music - Avalon
Rufus featuring Chaka Khan - Sweet Thing
Sam Cooke - Nothing Can Change This Love
Smokey Robinson - Quiet Storm
Spinners - Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
Stevie Wonder - You and I
Stylistics - I'm Stone In Love With You
T-Connection - Best of My Love
Teddy Pendergrass & Stephanie Mills - Feel The Fire
Terence Trent D'Arby - Let's Go Forward
Tom Jones - Move Closer
Tony! Toni! Tone! - Anniversary
Whispers - Lady
Willie Nelson - Moonlight In Vermont

Ranking: Songs from Teddy Pendergrass - TP

2026-02-10T14:40:00.000-08:00

Released in 1980, TP is Teddy Pendergrass' greatest album. And famously, despite being released on Philadelphia International Records, it has no songs produced or written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. But expertly chosen songs from Ashford & Simpson, Peabo Bryson, Cecil Womack and others more than make up for G & H's absence. There are two incredible duets with Stephanie Mills. Too bad they never did a duets album together. I've said this about many R&B albums from this era. You won't find these types of records listed on various greatest album countdowns ever lists. This era of R&B was and still is vastly underrated in history. Having said many of the best albums from that era, TP as well, were critically praised when they were released.

1. Love T.KO.

2. Feel the Fire (w/Stephanie Mills)

3, Is It Still Good To Ya

4. Take Me In Your Arms Tonight (w/Stephanie Mills)

5. Can't We Try

6. Girl You Know

7. I Just Called To Say

8. Let Me Love You

Playlist for 2/5

2026-02-05T10:05:00.000-08:00

Rosalia - Lux

Beatles - Anthology 4

Beatles - Anthology Episode 9

Paul Anka: His Way (Documentry)

It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley (Documentary)

Colter Wall - Memories and Empties

Ken Pomeroy - Cruel Joke

Crystal Gayle - Somebody Loves You

Anne Murray - Together

Dick Feller - Some Days are Diamonds

Lefty Frizzell - Classic Style

Steve Young - Honky-Tonk Man

Jerry Jeff Walker - Ridin' High

Oxford American Southern Music Issue #27 Austin Live - Various

For Our Una (2012-2026)

2026-02-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

The day after Una passed away was a rough one. The house was too quiet. My routine of taking care of the dog's daily needs was gone. I still couldn't grasp that she won't be back. She spent the night with someone I said. Or she's outside running around. But she'll be back in the house, I know she will. There are now reminders everywhere of Una. Her beds. Her food and water bowl. Her dog food. Her walking leashes. Her blankets. I picked up one of her blankets just to inhale her smell again. Her sweaters for those cold days. And even more sadly, her medicine that she had been taking since last November. Una suffered from epilepsy/seizures from last November until the day before she died. These are awful things to watch your dog go through. But Una was a fighter. And until the last week of her life she would always recover. But the seizures took a toll. She was not the same Una anymore. The light and sparkle in her eyes had disappeared. She had trouble walking. She was telling us its time.

My wife named her Una. Meaning “the one”. Although we had no idea when we got her in September 2013 that she would be “the one”. But something in that initial meeting told my wife this dog was special. We never owned a dog before. Or any pets. My parents had cats. Her parents had dogs. But since we lived together we never owned a pet. Particularly for me, having a dog was a brand new experience. But Una was special from day one. She made me feel less nervous. And she made us feel like we were meant to be together.

Una was born on December 10, 2012. But she was given up by her owner nine months later. We'll never know why. And I always felt bad for her that someone let her go. My wife knew about Una through her friends. And outside of one photo we never met Una before. My first reaction was how small she was. Una was a long-haired Chihuahua. It's not a rare breed, but not the most common seen of the Chihuahua's. It was love at first sight. From the start she changed our lives. My son had moved out of the house and the timing was right for a pet in our life. Una opened up a whole new world in our eyes. For 13 years her enthusiasm and curiosity about life was fascinating. She would get excited to go for car rides. She'd jump in the car and have that "take me somewhere" attitude. Holding and getting kisses from her was special. She was my walking companion. No change that. I was her walking companion. Almost every night she sat or slept next to me on the couch as I watched television.

Una was a special dog loved by everyone. She passed away from the effects of too many seizures, which in turn caused some dementia. I don't want to remember her last weeks. I want to remember how she was always there with a kiss when i asked for one. Today there is sadness at her passing. Much grief. No, change that. Much devastation. Like every dog, Una deserved to live a long life free of illness. She did not deserve to suffer in her last days. I wonder if she knew how much she was loved in her final moments. She is no longer in pain. I am comforted in knowing she is running free once again a healthy dog. On her last day we walked around one of her favorite spots, a lake. She couldn't walk as well anymore, so we held her the whole way. In her last hour we sat on the front steps holding her. It was a beautiful, peaceful moment. Just Mommy, Daddy and our beautiful Una. Together one last time. I choose to remember all the wonderful moments we had with her. After she passed I took walks around areas we always walked. I brought her leash with me. Like the old days. Just me and my Una out for a walk.

On the first night without her she came to my dreams briefly but as a reminder. From my bed I saw her in the hallway. I heard her scratching herself next to me in her own bed. She's letting us know that we are all still together. She was a precious angel. We hope our little Una Buna knows that she will never be alone. We are indeed all together. And we will love her forever.

Poll: January 1970 Songs

2026-01-27T11:06:00.000-08:00

The latest poll I voted in were the songs of January 1970. Still living in North Carolina. But my young 6 year old self heard many of these on the radio.

Pop Radio Gold

"Fortunate Son", Creedence Clearwater Revival : 1
"Come Together", Beatles : 2
"Something", Beatles : 3
"I Want You Back", Jackson 5 : 4
"Whole Lotta Love", Led Zeppelin : 5
"The Thrill Is Gone", B.B. King : 6
"Thank You (Fallentinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", Sly & the Family Stone : 7
"Sugar, Sugar", Archies : 8
"Someday We'll Be Together", Diana Ross & the Supremes : 9
"Venus", Shocking Blue : 10
"Down On The Corner", Creedence Clearwater Revival : 11
"Psychedelic Shack", Temptations : 12
"Don't Cry Daddy", Elvis Presley : 13
"Wonderful World, Beautiful People", Jimmy Cliff : 14
"Hey There Lonely Girl", Eddie Holman : 15
"Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye", Steam : 16
"Leaving On A Jet Plane", Peter, Paul & Mary : 17
"Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head", B.J. Thomas : 18
"Take A Letter Maria", R.B. Greaves : 19
"Without Love (There Is Nothing)", Tom Jones : 20
"I'll Never Fall In Love Again", Dionne Warwick : 21
"No Time", Guess Who : 22
"Walk A Mile In My Shoes", Joe South & the Believers : 23
"Winter World Of Love", Engelbert Humperdinck : 24
"Early In The Morning", Vanity Fare : 25
"Backfield In Motion", Mel & Tim : 26
"Jam Up Jelly Tight", Tommy Roe : 27
"Holly Holy", Neil Diamond : 28
"Evil Woman Don't Play Your Games With Me", Crow : 29
"Arizona", Mark Lindsay : 30
"Eli's Coming", Three Dog Night : 31
"Jingle Jangle", Archies : 32
"And When I Die", Blood, Sweat & Tears : 33
"Blowing Away", 5th Dimension : 34
"Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday", Stevie Wonder : 35
"Heaven Knows", Grass Roots : 36
"Walkin' In The Rain", Jay & the Americans : 37
"She", Tommy James & the Shondells : 38
"Baby Take Me In Your Arms", Jefferson : 39
"Midnight Cowboy", Ferrante & Teicher : 40
"La La La (If I Had You)", Bobby Sherman : 41

Not Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2026 Inductees Updated)

2026-01-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

Updated for 2026 Inductees

The 2026 Songwriters Hall Inductees have been announced: Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, Taylor Swift, Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons in the Performers category. Terry Britten & Graham Lyle, Walter Afanasieff, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, in the Non-Performer category.

Here's a 2025 article with more info on the Song Hall process: The Song Hall Process

Here's something interesting to consider:

"Each nominee must approve their nomination and select five representative songs and submit a photo before ballots are distributed to roughly 1,850 voting members, a body made up of music industry professionals."

"Voting is conducted electronically, with six inductees elected annually. Those chosen are notified privately ahead of the public announcement."

Maybe this is why some big name acts haven't been nominated. But then again isn't this what managers are for? They don't get back to the Song Hall with an approval for their nomination. But isn't this what managers are for? The Song Hall appears to be making an effort to induct deceased songwriters who received enough votes, but were denied induction by this ridiculous rule listed below:

"Deceased writers to be considered for posthumous induction were included in a special segment of the 2023 ballot. (There is now a separate ballot for deceased nominees). As the annual SHOF gala normally does not include inductions for songwriters after their death, the organization intends to continue hosting future posthumous inductions at unique venues and special events".

Here's my list of songwriters not inducted as of 2026:

Alicia Keys

Ann & Nancy Wilson

Andreas Carlsson

B.B. King

Beyonce
Billy Joe Shaver
Bo Diddley
Bob McDill
Bobby Womack
Bonnie Raitt

Bootsy Collins
Boz Scaggs
Bryan Adams
Bryan Ferry

Burton Cummings
Carl Perkins

Chips Moman
Chrissie Hynde

Curly Putnam
Dallas Frazier
Dan Fogelberg
Dan Penn

David Byrne
David Gates
Dean Dillon
Debbie Harry/Chris Stein
Dion DiMucci

Dwight Yoakam

George Clinton

George Harrison
George Michael

Gerry Beckley/Dewey Bunnell

Giorgio Moroder/Pete Bellotte
Guy Clark
Harry Nilsson
Harry Wayne Casey

J.J. Cale
Janet Jackson
Jerry Chesnut
Jerry Fuller
Jimi Hendrix

Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Cliff

Joe South

Joe Strummer/Mick Jones
John Hiatt

John Legend
John D. Loudermilk
Kate Bush

Kix Brooks/Ronnie Dunn
Led Zeppelin
Lefty Frizzell

Lindsey Buckingham/Stevie Nicks/Christine McVie

LL Cool J

Lou Reed
Lucinda Williams
Luther Vandross
Madonna
Mark Knopfler
Mary J. Blige

Max D. Barnes

Mike Chapman/Nicky Chinn

Mike Stock/Matt Aitken/Pete Waterman
Muddy Waters
Neil Young
Nick Lowe
Outkast
Pam Sawyer
Paul Overstreet
Percy Mayfield
Pete Townshend
Peter Gabriel
P.F. Sloan & Steve Barri
Phil Ochs

Pink

Randy Bachman
Randy Goodrum
Ric Ocasek

Richard Carpenter
Richard Thompson
Robbie Robertson
Robert "Mutt" Lange
Rod Stewart
Rod Temperton
Rodney Crowell
Roger Miller
Roger Waters/David Gilmour
Rosanne Cash

Sandy Linzer/Denny Randell

Sarah McLachlan

Shania Twain
Shel Silverstein
Sheryl Crow

Sly Stone
Sonny Throckmorton
Spooner Oldham
Steve Earle

Steve Kipner
Steve Perry/Neal Schon/Jonathan Cain
Steve Winwood

The Doors
Tim Hardin

Todd Rundgren

Tom Snow
Tom Waits
Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart
Tony Joe White

Toots Hibbert
Townes Van Zandt
Tracy Chapman
U2
Vince Gill
Warren Zevon
Waylon Jennings

2026 Rock Hall Nominee Predictions

2026-01-20T07:55:00.000-08:00

There are no slam dunk first year eligibles this year. I've tried to add some first time nominees though. And a few returnees. Going with 15 nominees. There were 14 last year.

Alanis Morissette - 90's female Alt/Rock singers haven't been making it on the ballot. But Alanis is still a big act from that era. Never nominated.

B-52's - New wave legends have surprisingly (shockingly?) never been nominated.

Beck - Nominated once in 2022, but a performer at last year’s induction ceremony. Seems like a good time to bring him back.

Bryan Adams - His appearance as an inductor and performer at last year's Hall ceremony should help with a first time nomination.

Coldplay - The Hall wants a big name that is still active and popular and big in the 00's. Never nominated

De La Soul - Hard to predict what rap act will go in after OutKast last year. Snoop would walk right in. But would the Wu-Tang Clan? Would De La Soul? Never nominated.

Iron Maiden - What to about Metal? It’s a yearly puzzle. This twice nominated act (2021/23) is often mentioned as the next Metal artist to be inducted. But are the votes there this time?

Jethro Tull - Are there still some classic rock era names left to nominate? Here’s one that comes up often. Never nominated.

Lenny Kravitz - Nominated in 2024, but not last year.

Luther Vandross - I predicted his nomination last year thanks to a 2024 documentary that got a lot of press. But the Kendrick Lamar song that sampled him, "Luther" got quite a bit of airplay in 2025. So, I'll try again. Never nominated

Mariah Carey - Kind of a shock, to me at least that she can't get in. This would be nomination number 3 (in a row).

Melissa Etheridge - We tend to forget how popular she was in the mid-90’s. Newish nomcom member Sheryl Crow thinks she belongs in the Hall. Never nominated.

Monkees - Chubby Checker's induction showed that the right name from the 60's could still get an induction from the ballot. This group would do the same thing. And it’s their 60th anniversary. Never nominated.

Oasis - The Gallagher brothers came storming back with a much publicized tour last year. This would be nomination number 3 (in a row).

Smashing Pumpkins - Time for more 90's alt-rock acts to get noticed. This band seems to have been just waiting for their turn at a nomination. Never nominated.

Playlist for 1/18

2026-01-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

Charley Pride - Charley

Johnny Cash - Look At Them Beans

Tanya Tucker - Tanya Tucker (1975)

Gene Watson - Love In The Hot Afternoon

Bobby Bare - Hard Time Hungrys

Tompall Glaser - Tompall

David Allan Coe - Once Upon A Rhyme

Johnny Rodriguez - Just Get Up and Close the Door

Earl Scruggs - Anniversary Special

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Symphonion Dream

Orville Peck - Appaloosa

Black Crowes - Amorica

Songs About Elvis Presley

2026-01-08T02:22:00.000-08:00

Updated January 2026

There have been more songs written about Elvis Presley than any other performer. No surprise since he's one of the most important musicians of all time. But doing research for this post, even I couldn't believe how many songs about Elvis have been released. Im missing a lot of songs. I can't claim that all the ones listed below are stellar. A lot of tribute records can be pretty mawkish, no matter the subject. But there's certainly many good ones and at the very least, interesting takes on Elvis' legacy.

Billy Burnette - Today Is Elvis' Birthday

Bob Dylan - Went To See The Gypsy

Bobby Bare (as Bill Parsons) - All American Boy
Bruce Springsteen - Come On (Let's Go Tonight)
Bruce Springsteen - Johnny Bye Bye

Bryan Adams - Hey Elvis

Carmella Rosella - Oh It Was Elvis

Chris Wall - Half Of What Killed Elvis
Confederate Railroad - Elvis and Andy

Danny Mirror - I Remember Elvis Presley

Dead Milkmen - Going to Graceland
Dire Straits - Calling Elvis

Dolly Parton & Ronnie McDowell - I Dreamed About Elvis
Elton John - Porch Swing in Tupelo

Fatboy - What Would Elvis Do?

Florence + The Machine - Morning Elvis

Frankie Allan - Just A Country Boy

George Jones - King Is Gone
George Michael - John and Elvis Are Dead

Gillian Welch - Elvis Presley Blues

Hayden Thompson - Boy from Tupelo

James Brown - Love Me Tender (A remake, but first 30 seconds JB talks about his love for Elvis)
Janis Martin - My Boy Elvis
J.D. Sumner - Elvis Has Left The Building
Jerry Reed - Tupelo Mississippi Flash

Jillian Cardarelli - If I Could Talk To Elvis
Jim Ford - Story of Elvis Presley

Jimmy Webb - Elvis and Me

John Fogerty - Big Train
John Hiatt - Riding With The King
John Hiatt - Tennessee Plates

Johnny Earle - Private Elvis
Kacey Musgraves - Velvet Elvis

Kate Bush - King of the Mountain
Kenny Chesney - Jesus and Elvis
Lalo Guerrero - Elvis Perez

Lana Del Rey - Elvis

Lenny LeBlanc - Hound Dog Man

Link Davis - Trucker from Tennessee

Link Wray - It Was Elvis

Lisa Marie Presley - Lights Out

Lola Kirke - Mississippi, My Sister, Elvis & Me

Marc Cohn - Walking In Memphis

Margo Price - Long Live The King

Merle Haggard - From Graceland to the Promised Land
Mojo Nixon - (619) 239-KING
Mojo Nixon - Elvis Is Everywhere
Neil Young - He Was The King

Nuns - Elvis Said
Odie Palmer - Letter to Elvis

Patty Loveless - I Try To Think About Elvis

Paul Simon - Graceland

Phil Lynott - King’s Call
Ray Stevens - Mama's In The Sky With Elvis

Richard Thompson - From Galway to Graceland

Ronnie McDowell - The King Is Gone

Sonny Cole - I Dreamed I Was Elvis

Sonny Fisher - I Miss You Elvis
Stan Freberg - Heartbreak Hotel

Steve Forbert - House of Cards
Steve Goodman - Elvis Imitators

Stray Cats - Elvis On Velvet

T M Hanna - I Saw Elvis At The K-mart
Unknown (Jimmy Fields) - I Have Returned

U2 - Elvis Presley & America

Wall of Voodoo - Elvis Bought Dora A Cadillac

Wanda Jackson - I Wore Elvis' Ring
Warren Zevon - Jesus Mentioned
Warren Zevon - Porcelain Monkey

Weeklings - Little Elvis

Ranking: Songs from Elvis Presley - Elvis' Golden Records

2026-01-08T00:50:00.000-08:00

This was Elvis' first compilation. Comprising songs from 1956/57. Released in March 1958. For me this was the first greatest hits album I remember hearing. The reason is my parents bought a copy after Elvis died in 1977. In fact they bought a few other Elvis titles after he died. Now before 1977, my Dad was already a huge Elvis fan. He bought albums that Elvis recorded in the early 70's. So, I heard these albums all throughout my young life. But oddly they never had an Elvis compilation album. So, this is one has always been close to my heart. Nine A-Sides, 4 B-sides and one album track. For many this was where to start with Elvis.

1. Jailhouse Rock

2. Don't Be Cruel

3. Hound Dog

4. All Shook Up

5. Heartbreak Hotel

6. Love Me Tender

7. Love Me

8. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear

9. Treat Me Nice

10. Too Much

11. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You

12. Loving You

13. Anyway You Want Me

14. That's When Your Heartaches Begin

Playlist for 1/2

2026-01-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

Geese - Getting Killed

Last Dinner Party - From the Pyre

Steve Martin & Alison Brown - Safe, Sensible & Sane

Chrissie Hynde - Duets Special

Vince Gill - I Gave You Everything I Had/Secondhand Smoke

Willie Nelson - Workin' Man

Bruce Springsteen - Electric Nebraska

Elvis Presley - King In The Ring

Sam Fender - People Watching

Lily Allen - West End Girl

Dijon - Baby

Miguel - Caos

Macis Staples - Sad and Beautiful World

Bob Dylan - Bootleg Series Vol. 18 Highlights

Carl Perkins - Some Things Never Change

Florence & The Machine - Everybody Scream

Luke Bell - The King is Back

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025 Film)

Latest Podcast Appearance (Rock in Retrospect Podcast)

2026-01-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

I joined the Rock in Retrospect podcast to predict and discuss potential 2026 Rock Hall nominees. Yes, it's that time of the year again. 4 other folks joined me and host Nick Bambach.

Rock in Retrospect

Intro to My New 2026 Monthly Post: Ranking Album Tracks

2025-12-30T05:22:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed doing this project in 2025 that I've decided to continue it in 2026.

Intro to Ranking: Since this is the first in a monthly series I want to give a brief history of my album listening habits. The 1980's was the decade where I started to buy more albums than singles. This mostly had to do with finances. So, I was still buying singles for the most part over albums. I turned 18 in May 1982, and started working more. Which means more money. Not that I wasn't buying albums before the 80's. I worked part-time in the late 70's and able to buy an album here and there. The first albums I bought were in 1976. I think the first was the Bee Gees' comeback one, Main Course. Until 1982 it was mostly singles. And I still bought them until the late 80's, but not as much. Also, as I got older my listening interests changed. It wasn't just the latest albums at the top of the charts that interested me, but other genres. Country, Indie Rock, Alt-Rock, Rap were growing during the 80's. I also subscribed to more music magazines, read more music books and watched more videos (MTV, VH1) in the 80's.

What I'm going to do in this series is spotlight some of my most played albums. And rank the songs from them.

Poll: December 1979 Songs

2025-12-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

December 1979. Disco on its last legs. But you wouldn't know that by looking at the list of songs below. This chart is dominated by AC songs.

Pop Radio Gold

"Rock With You", Michael Jackson : 1
"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough", Michael Jackson : 2
"I Wanna Be Your Lover", Prince : 3
"Ladies Night", Kool & the Gang : 4
"Cruisin'", Smokey Robinson : 5
"This Is It", Kenny Loggins : 6
"Don't Do Me Like That", Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers : 7
"Rise", Herb Alpert : 8
"Please Don't Go", KC & the Sunshine Band : 9
"Pop Muzik", M : 10
"Jane", Jefferson Starship : 11
"Heartache Tonight", Eagles : 12
"Dreaming", Blondie : 13
"Tusk", Fleetwood Mac : 14
"You're Only Lonely", J.D. Souther : 15
"We Don't Talk Anymore", Cliff Richard : 16
"The Long Run", Eagles : 17
"Still", Commodores : 18
"Escape (The Pina Colada Song)", Rupert Holmes : 19
"Cool Change", Little River Band : 20
"Coward Of The County", Kenny Rogers : 21
"Sara", Fleetwood Mac : 22
"Do You Love What You Feel", Rufus & Chaka : 23
"Forever Mine", O'Jays : 24
"Dim All The Lights", Donna Summer : 25
"Babe", Styx : 26
"Head Games", Foreigner : 27
"You Decorated My Life", Kenny Rogers : 28
"Do That To Me One More Time", Captain & Tennille : 29
"Take The Long Way Home", Supertramp : 30
"Send One Your Love", Stevie Wonder : 31
"Ships", Barry Manilow : 32
"No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)", Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer : 33
"Broken Hearted Me", Anne Murray : 34
"Half The Way", Crystal Gayle : 35
"Better Love Next Time", Dr. Hook : 36
"If You Remember Me", Chris Thompson & Night : 37
"I Want You Tonight", Pablo Cruise : 38

Playlist: Christmas Albums 2025

2025-12-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

Kenny Burrell - Have Yourself A Soulful Little Christmas

Merry Cajun Christmas - Various

Roberta Flack - Holidays

Brad Paisley - Snow Globe Town

Chess Records Christmas Album - Various

Trisha Yearwood - Christmastime

Top Christmas Songs (2025 Edition)

2025-12-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

Below is a list of some of my favorite Christmas songs. There may be multiple versions of the same song, by different artists.

1. Bing Crosby - White Christmas
2. Nat "King" Cole - The Christmas Song
3. Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas
4. Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas
5. Judy Garland - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6. Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock
7. Jose Feliciano - Feliz Navidad
8. Darlene Love - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
9. Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby
10. Donny Hathaway - This Christmas
11. Harry Simeone Chorale - Little Drummer Boy
12. Jimmy Durante - Frosty The Snowman
13. Vince Guaraldi Trio- Linus and Lucy
14. Burl Ives - Holly Jolly Christmas
15. Gene Autry - Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
16. Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You
17. Drifters - White Christmas
18. Charles Brown - Please Come Home For Christmas
19. Andy Williams - It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
20.Ronettes - Sleigh Ride
21. Dean Martin - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
22. Bing Crosby - Silent Night
23. Elvis Presley - Silver Bells
24. Jackson 5 - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
25. Carpenters - Merry Christmas Darling
26. Aretha Franklin - Winter Wonderland
27. Andy Williams - Happy Holidays
28. David Bowie/Bing Crosby - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
29. Gene Autry - Here Comes Santa Claus
30. Pogues & Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale of New York
31. Roy Orbison- Pretty Paper
32. Wham - Last Christmas
33. Vaughn Monroe - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
34. Darlene Love - Marshmallow World
35. Johnny Mathis - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
36. Chuck Berry - Run Run Rudolph
37. Elvis Presley - Santa Claus Is Back In Town
38. Whitney Houston - Do You Hear What I Hear?
39. Jimmy Boyd - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.
40. James Brown - Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto
41. Gene Autry - Here Comes Santa Claus
42. Leroy Anderson- Sleigh Ride
43. Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick
44. Elvis Presley - Merry Christmas Baby
45. Luther Vandross - O Come All Ye Faithful
46. Nat "King" Cole - O Tannenbaum
47. Joni Mitchell - River
47. Perry Como - Home For The Holidays
48. Bing Crosby - I'll Be Home For Christmas
49. Run DMC - Christmas In Hollis
50. Stevie Wonder - Someday At Christmas
51. John Denver & Muppets - 12 Days of Christmas
52. Thurl Ravenscroft - You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch
53. John Lennon - Happy Xmas
54. Elton John - Step Into Christmas
55. Barry Gordon - Nuttin' For Christmas
56. Greg Lake - I Believe In Father Christmas
57. Crystals - Parade of the Wooden Soldiers
58. Merle Haggard - If We Make It Through December
59. Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
60. Nat "King" Cole - O Little Town of Bethlehem
61. Spike Jones - All I Want For Christmas
62. Clarence Carter - Back Door Santa
63. Jackie Wilson - O Holy Night
64. Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping
65. Dolly Parton - Hard Candy Christmas
66. Vanessa Williams - What Child Is This?
67. Jackie Wilson- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
68. Frank Sinatra - The First Noel
69. Barbra Streisand - Ave Maria
70. Nat "King" Cole - Hark The Herald Angels Sing
71. Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time Is Here
72. Angela Lansbury and Cast - We Need A Little Christmas
73. Ray Parker Jr. - Christmas Time Is Here
74. Elvis Presley - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
75. Nat "King Cole" - I Saw Three Ships
76. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Deck The Halls
77. Dan Fogelberg - Same Old Lang Syne
78. Madonna - Santa Baby
79. Harry Belafonte - Mary's Boy Child
80. Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas?
81. Buck Owens - Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy
82. Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime
83. Elvis Presley - If I Get Home On Christmas Day
84. Aretha Franklin - Joy To The World
85. Windham Hill Artists - Carol of the Bells
86. Eagles - Please Come Home For Christmas
87. George Strait - Away in A Manger
88. Alabama - Christmas In Dixie
89. Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Jordan - Baby It's Cold Outside
90. Pretenders - 2000 Miles
91. Louis Armstrong - 'Zat You Santa Claus?
92. Johnny Mathis - My Favorite Things
93. Chipmunks - Chipmunk Song
94. Robert Earl Keen - Merry Christmas From The Family
95. Kelly Clarkson - Underneath the Tree
96. Bobby Lloyd and the Skeletons - Do You Hear What I Hear/You Really Got Me
97. Johnny Mathis - Caroling Caroling/Happy Holidays
98. Mills Brothers - I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
99. Slade - Merry Xmas Everybody
100. Randy Travis - Old Time Christmas
101. Oak Ridge Boys - Thank God For Kids
102. Prince - Another Lonely Christmas
103. Kenny Loggins - Celebrate Me Home
104. Elmo & Patsy - Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer
105. Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans - Bells of St. Mary
106. Mabel Scott - Boogie Woogie Santa Claus
107. Hall & Oates - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
108. Fred Waring - 'Twas The Night Before Christmas
109. Miles Davis - Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern)
110. Michael Buble - Grown Up Christmas List
111. Billy Squier - Christmas Is The Time To Say "I Love You"
112. Temptations - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
113. Jimmy Buffett - Christmas Island
114. Detroit Junior - Christmas Day
115. Weird Al Yankovic - Christmas At Ground Zero
116. Dolly Parton - Hard Candy Christmas
118. Bryan Adams - Christmas Time
119. Alexander O'Neal - My Gift To You
120. Bing Crosby & Andrew Sisters - Mele Kalikimaka
121. Frank Sinatra - Mistletoe and Holly
122. Roches - Here We Come A Carolling
123. Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton - Christmas Without You
124. Emmylou Harris - Christmas Time's A-Coming
125. Darlene Love - All Alone At Christmas
126. Gayla Peevey - I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas
127. John Mellencamp - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
128. Luciano Pavarotti - Adeste Fideles
129. Gene Autry - Up On The Housetop
130. Tom Petty - Christmas All Over Again
131. Trans Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon
132. Nsync - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
133. Stevie Wonder - What Christmas Means To Me
134. Ariana Grande - Santa Tell Me
135. Counting Crows - A Long December
136. Kurtis Blow - Christmas Rappin'
137. Kenny Rogers - Kids
138. Sounds of Blackness - Soul Holidays
139. Wizzard - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
140. Pentatonix - That's Christmas To Me
141. Kinks - Father Christmas
142. La Rondallita - El Burrito de Belen
143. Andrea Bocelli - Angels We Have Heard On High
144. Faith Hill - Where Are You Christmas
145. James Taylor - Go Tell It On The Mountain
146. John Prine - Christmas In Prison

147. Alan Jackson - Let It Be Christmas

148. Kay Starr - Man With The Bag

149. Dick Shawn - Snow Miser Song

150. Tracey Thorn - Joy

151. El DeBarge - Christmas Without You

152. Raveonettes - The Christmas Song

153. Low - Just Like Christmas

154. Marvin Gaye - Purple Snowflakes

155. Irish Rovers - Good King Wenceslas

156. Emotions - What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas Eve

157. Roger Miller - Old Toy Trains

158. Bob Seger - Sock It To Me Santa

159. George Jones & Tammy Wynette - Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus

160. Ventures - Sleigh Ride

161. Zach Schmidt - I'm Drunk Again This Christmas

162. NRBQ - Christmas Wish

163. Elvis Presley - If Every Day Was Like Christmas

164. Everly Brothers - Christmas Eve Can Kill You

165. George Strait - Christmas Cookies

166. Youngsters - Christmas In Jail

167. O'Jays - Christmas Ain't Christmas

168. Johnny Mathis - When A Child Is Born

169. Jim Croce - It Doesn't Have To Be That Way

170. David Lasley - This Christmas, This Year

171. Huey "Piano" Smith - Silent Night

172. Leona Lewis - One More Sleep

173. Sia - Snowman

174. Earth, Wind & Fire - Happy Seasons

175. Pet Shop Boys - It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas

176. Jerry Butler - Little Red Shoes

177. Clarence Reid - Winter Man

178. Ramones - Merry Christmas

179. Mavis Staples - Christmas Vacation

180. Shirley Booth & Mickey Rooney - Year Without Santa Claus

181. Billy Ward & His Dominoes - Christmas In Heaven (Jackie Wilson lead vocals)

182. Chris Rea - Driving Home for Christmas

183. Nick Lowe - Christmas At The Airport

184. Peggy Lee - Christmas Spell

185. Taylor Swift - Christmas Tree Farm

186. Moonglows - Hey Santa Claus

187. Ron Sexsmith - Maybe This Christmas

188. Frank Sinatra - Christmas Waltz

189. Isaac Hayes - Mistletoe and Me

190. Rufus Thomas - I'll Be Your Santa Baby

191. Kate Bush - December Will Be Magic Again

192. Leadbelly - On A Christmas Day

193. Samara Joy - Warm In Christmas

194. Ed Sheeran & Elton John - Merry Christmas

195. Cold Crew - Rappin’ Christmas

Tom’s Top Albums/Songs/Reissues of 2025

2025-12-17T05:49:00.000-08:00

Albums

1. Tyler Childers - Snipe Hunter

2. Lily Allen - West End Girl

3. Craig Finn - Always Been

4. Margo Price - Hard Headed Woman

5. Jason Isbell - Foxes In The Snow

6. Wet Leg - Moisturizer

7. Brandi Carlile - Returning to Myself

8. Amanda Shires - Nobody's Girl

9. War and Treaty - Plus One

10. Haim - I Quit

11. Willi Carlisle - Winged Victory

12. Charley Crockett - Dollar A Day

13. James McMurtry - Black Dog and the Wandering Boy

14. S.G. Goodman - Planting by the Signs

15. Rodney Crowell - Airline Highway

16. Molly Tuttle - So Long Little Miss Sunshine

17. Mavis Staples - Sad and Beautiful World

18. Alison Krauss - Arcadia

19. Luke Bell - The King Is Back

20. Kathleen Edwards - Billionaire

Songs

1. Chappell Roan - The Subway/The Giver

2. Lola Young - Messy

3. Wet Leg - Catch These Fists

4. Raye - Where Is My Husband

5. KPop Demon Hunters - Golden

6. Sabrina Carpenter - Manchild/Tears

7. Olivia Dean - Man I Need

8. Taylor Swift - Fate of Ophelia

9. Ella Langley - Choosin’ Texas

10. Lady Gaga - Abracadabra

Reissues

1. Rilo Kiley - That's How We Choose To Remember It (Saddle Creek)

2. Neil Sedaka - Sedaka's Back (Neil Sedaka Music reissue)

3. Elvis Presley - Sunset Boulevard (RCA Box set)

4. Gamble & Huff Songbook - Various (Ace)

5. Jingle Jangle Morning-The 1960's US Folk Rock Explosion (Cherry Red Box Set)

Ranking: Songs from Alexander O'Neal - Hearsay (87)

2025-12-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

Hearsay just might be my favorite R&B album of the 80's. The second album from O'Neal, written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, hits all the right buttons of mid-80's R&B. Vocally, O'Neal never sounded better and thanks to some top notch songs everyone rises to new heights. O'Neal never topped this album and his career steadily went downhill after this album. But for 2 albums, his debut and this one, he was a new kind of R&B singer to rally behind. Tough, tender all wrapped up in a unique voice.

1, Fake

2. Criticize

3. What Can I Say To Make You Love Me

4. Sunshine

5. Never Knew Love Like This Before w/Cherrelle

6. When The Party's Over

7. The Lovers

8. Crying Overtime

9. Hearsay

Playlist for 12/12

2025-12-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

Jon Savage's 86-90 - Various (Ace)

Robert Plant - Saving Grace

Neko Case - Neon Grey Midnight Green

Jeff Tweedy - Twilight Override

Ed Sheeran - Play

Lola Young - I'm Only F--ing Myself

Buckingham Nicks - s/t

Wednesday - Bleeds

Miguel - CAOS

Madi Diaz - Fatal Optimist

Hayley Williams - Ego Death at A Bachelorette Party

Snocaps - s/t

Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo - Wicked: One Wonderful Night Live

One to One: John & Yoko (Documentary)

RIP Raul Malo

2025-12-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

The first time I heard the Mavericks was in the early 90's on KPIG-FM, my local Americana station on the Monterey Peninsula, California. The title track of their most successful album, What A Crying Shame, is what made me a life long fan. The album is an Americana touchstone. This was a band with an eclectic sound: Country, Americana, Rock, Pop, R&B, Tex-Mex, Latin. It was a wonderful mix. And what set it all apart was Raul Malo's voice. A little Orbison and Elvis Presley. Here we had a vocalist who could sing any kind of genre. Not only is the Mavericks catalog strong, Malo also released strong great solo albums.

I always felt Malo should have been a household name. Vocally he was as great as any singer of his generation. Maybe a little more exposure could have pushed him into superstardom? But then I feel Malo was comfortable with where he was career wise. The Mavericks put out many excellent albums, but they really came to life in concert. Every show a sell out. And I was lucky enough to seem them twice. In 2016 and 2023. Each time they put on a superb show. And Malo's voice as strong as it was when I first heard him in the early 90's. Raul Malo's music will be one that will be rediscovered by many for years to come.