Dear Daughters: My IPod Part I

 

Dear Daughters:

An important part of your genetic history

is archived,

not in scrapbooks or photo albums,

but

on my

IPod.

You have proven a million times over

that you are smart enough and cool enough

to not

place music into generational categories,

thereby ignoring it,

if it is not a product of your generation.

That makes me very proud.

So here is a starter list 

of award winners,

not of the experts,

but from me,

from my IPod.

***

Best Male Voice……..Michael McDonald

originally of the Doobie Brothers, and to date as a single artist.

I know his hair is white, which may not fit your esthetic, but aside from that,

his covers of Motown are some of my favorites.

And his voice.  Oh my.

Best Intro to a Soul Song…….. Shotgun, Jr. Walker and the All-Stars

I can’t tell you how many times I hit replay on this one.

Even in my 45 record days,

in my lavender bedroom,

in front of the mirror.

Best Male Lead Singer of a Band……..Steve Perry, Journey

His second award should be

Most Recognized Voice.

Don’t Stop Believin makes me want to drive fast.



Best Soul Group/Best Album…….. The Four Tops

The Four Tops Greatest Hits

This album was the soundtrack to

my freshman year at boarding school.

Best British Soul Voice Period…….. Steve Winwood

Do not play Roll With It while driving.

Texting has nothing over dancing while driving.

Best Creative Band……..Fleetwood Mac

Favorite Song……..You Make Lovin Fun

 

Best Marvin Gaye Dance Song……. Got to Give it Up

Best Marvin Gaye Friendship/ Family Song……..Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

Best Song to Get Your Dad to Dance………Taking Care of Business, Randy Bachman

It works every time.

Best Driving to Work Song…….. Start Me Up, The Rolling Stones



Best Soul Sounding Female Country Singer……..Bonnie Raitt

plus from Bonnie Raitt

Best Female Heartbreak Song……..I Can’t Make You Love Me

Best Easy Listening Song……..Nick of Time



Best All -Time Album for The Time It Was Created…….. Tapestry, Carole King

Best 70’s Band…….. Creedence Clearwater Revival

CCR was all about country and soul and protest.

When I hear them now, I think of James Lee Burke novels.

Favorites:  Born on the Bayou, Green River, Fortunate Son.

Proud Mary is just a little too stereotypical CCR for me.

Fortunate Son makes me think of Viet Nam and

the draft.

Dad’s number wasn’t called,

but members of his high school baseball team were.

They didn’t come back. 

 

***

This is just a beginning.

Once again I bit off more than I can chew.

What is a list without Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Aretha Franklin,

the O’Jays, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson,

etc.?