Top 350 songs in my 50 years of Music: 70-61

70. Rock Lobster – The B 52s. … There are not many, if any, party dance songs better than this one with some crazy lyrics from lead singer Fred Schneider and guitarist Ricky Wilson. It brings back memories of Friday night mixers from college and some great times in the 80s. “He was in a jam, said a giant clam!”

69. Sister Golden Hair – America. … No. 1 hit from 1975 by a group that graced us with a lot of great easy-listening music. “I ain’t ready for the altar, but I do agree there’s times when a woman sure can be a friend of mine.”

68. Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology) – Marvin Gaye. … What great music we missed out when Marvin passed away in 1984. The Washington D.C. native wrote this simple, beautiful, but sad tune about concerns over the environment. “What about this overcrowded land. How much more abuse from man can she stand?”

67. Love is the drug – Roxy Music. … Catch that Buzz. Bryan Ferry said the lyrics came to him while he was walking one day in London’s Hyde Park and it later became the group’s signature tune. “I say go, she say yes. Dim the lights, you can guess the rest.”

66. My Best Friend’s Girl – The Cars. … Ric Ocasek wrote this cheeky tune about frustration over a woman – no doubt before he met wife Paulina Porizkova. Something about this simple tune makes it my favorite from the Boston-based group, which will make the Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame some day.

65. Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd. … Roger Waters and David Gilmour co-wrote this brilliant short song from 1975, reportedly about feelings of alienation and mistrust. “We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year. Running over the same old ground. What have we found? The same old fears.”

64. Good Girls Don’t – The Knack. … This controversial, borderline inappropriate tune brings one of the great debut albums of all time “Get the Knack” to life more than Sharona did. The late Doug Fieger reportedly penned the song with naughty lyrics from the perspective of a teenage boy.

63. Peace, Love And Understanding – Elvis Costello. … This is something America needs a whole lot more of right now, and there is nothing funny about it. “As I walk on through this wicked world, searching for light in the darkness of insanity. I ask myself, is all hope lost? Is there only pain, and hatred, and misery?”

62. Let’s Stay Together – Al Green. … The Reverend! co-wrote and performed this soulful, moving tune that became a No. 1 hit in 1971. “Loving you whether, whether, times are good or bad, happy or sad.”

61. Smoking Gun – Robert Cray Band. … The five-time Grammy-winning blues guitarist has been somewhat under the radar, but he hit it big commercially in the mid 80s with this rocking tune about infidelity and irrational behavior that turns to disaster.

Top 350 songs in my 50 years of Music -- 80-71

80. My Sweet Lord -- George Harrison. … The most under-rated artist from the Fab Four apparently intended to fuse different religious thoughts into this song to encourage people to “abandon sectarianism.” This is definitely one of the most memorable tunes from my early childhood in 1970 and one of my first 45s.

79. Back in the High Life Again – Steve Winwood. … An uplifting, optimistic tune that displays the soothing voice of the former lead singer from the group Traffic. “It used to seem to me, that my life ran on too fast. And I had to take it slowly, just to make the good parts last.”

78. Lola – The Kinks. … Ray Davies reportedly claims the song was primarily about the band’s manager dancing with a “possible” transvestite one night in Paris, but others say it’s from a blend of different inspirations. Regardless, it is a classic from the English band and sounds best when played live.

77. If I Had a Rocket Launcher – Bruce Cockburn… The Canadian jazz/folk/rock artist wrote this emotional, angry, political song about his visit to Guatemalan refugee camps in Mexico during the 1980s. “I want to raise every voice. At least I’ve got to try. Every time I think about it, water rises to my eyes.”

76. I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones. … Joey Ramone apparently wrote this song about a boring night in London and it became a classic for the Hall of Fame punk/rock band. Saw this group on spring weekend at UConn one year and all I can remember is two guitarists playing while standing atop huge speakers.

75. I’ll Be You – The Replacements. … Lead singer, guitarist and Minnesota native Paul Westerberg wrote the band’s only single that reached the Billboard charts. “I could purge my soul perhaps, for the imminent collapse. Oh yeah, I’ll tell you what we could do. You be me for a while. I’ll be you.”

74. You are the Sunshine – Stevie Wonder. … The all-time great has several other songs that probably should have been on the list like “My Cherie Amour” or “Superstition,” but this is his best and most memorable in my opinion. “I feel like this is the beginning, though I’ve loved you for a million years.”

73. Don’t let me be misunderstood – Santa Esmerelda. … The Animals released it as a rock tune in 1965 before the latin -- and best version -- became a hit in the 70s while NBC Sports used it as outro music for baseball and football games. It was also background for one of the best fight scenes in modern cinema.

72. Amie – Pure Prairie League. … This is one of the best sing-a-long songs of all time from a country-rock group with roots in Ohio. It was written about an on-and-off relationship.  "Don't know what I'm gonna do. I keep, fallin' in and out of love with you." Released as a single in 1973 after getting big play on college radio.

71. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – Rolling Stones. … Mick and Keith wrote this classic tune that was apparently only played on pirate radio stations originally in Great Britain because of its suggestive lyrics. The song became the group’s first No. 1 hit in America and was rated No. 2 all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

Top 350 songs in my 50 years of Music: 90-81

90. Space Oddity – David Bowie. … “Ground Control to Major Tom.” The unique rock classic about a fictional astronaut floating in a most peculiar way, “far above the moon” was released nine days before Apollo 11 landed in 1969.

89. Sara Smile – Hall & Oates. … Daryl Hall wrote this moving, soulful tune about his long-time girlfriend, or perhaps my first crush? It was ranked No. 11 on the Billboard chart for the year 1976.

88. I want to hold your hand – The Beatles. … Paul and John wrote this classic in 1963 and it became the Fab Four’s first No. 1 hit in America just after my first birthday. “And when I touch you I feel happy inside. It’s such a feeling that my love, I can’t hide.” Always thought it was “I get high.”

87. Betcha By Golly, Wow – The Stylistics. … The Philadelphia group is my favorite from this genre, led by the magical voice of the great Russell Thompkins Jr. The beautiful love song was apparently first recorded by Connie Stevens, but never sounded better than when Russell sang, “If I could, I’d catch a falling star. To shine on you, so I’ll know where you are.”

86. Rhiannon – Fleetwood Mac. … Stevie Nicks displays her powerful voice and Lindsey Buckingham jams in a song about an old Welsh Witch. “Taken by the sky. Dreams unwind. Love’s a state of mind.”

85. Asking for Flowers – Kathleen Edwards. … This likeable and talented Canadian singer-songwriter, who spent time growing up overseas as the daughter of a diplomat, is taking a break from the music business to own a coffee shop outside Ottawa. She said this tune, about a friend going through depression, is her best writing effort. I agree.

84. Doctor My Eyes – Jackson Browne. … The first hit for the Los Angeles native came from his self-named debut album and is about a man battling life’s hardships. “I have done all that I could, to see the evil and the good without hiding, you must help me if you can.”

83. Part of the Plan – Dan Fogelberg. … My cousin Joe introduced me to “Souvenirs” in the mid 70s and it is still among my favorite easy-listening, mellow albums. This nifty tune batted leadoff on the CD which was produced by Joe Walsh, and became the first hit for the Illinois native who later died of cancer at 56 in 2007.

82. Venus – Shocking Blue. … The Dutch group took this 1969 tune -- written by guitarist Robbie van Leeuwen and sung by Mariska Veres -- to No. 1 in nine different countries. Bananarama later returned it the top spot on the charts in 1986. “Her weapon were here crystal eyes. Making every man, mad.”

81. Heart of Gold – Neil Young. … The acoustic classic, written about a young man searching for meaning in his life, was named the third greatest Canadian song of all time by a CBC Radio series. The Toronto native took to it to No. 1 on the Billboard chart in 1972. Dedicated to old friend Chip Doucette – a huge fan of the artist.

Top 350 songs in my 50 years of Music: 107-91

107. Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve. … A very well-written and orchestrated tune from a group that has some un-realized potential. “Try to make ends meet, you’re a slave to money, then you die.”

106. Train in Vain – The Clash. … The English punk rockers made a lasting influence on music, even though they were not at their peak for very long, especially with this tune.

105. Cruel to be Kind – Nick Lowe. … The operative words are “in the right measure” to make this song politically correct. The pop-rocker from the UK co-wrote and released this catchy tune in 1979 while Letters to Cleo did a nifty cover for the likeable movie “10 Things I Hate About You.”

104. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana. … The late Kurt Cobain apparently changed his explanation of the lyrics many times, but the song just rocks no matter how you interpret it.

103. I Don’t Like Mondays – Boomtown Rats. … Bob Geldof reportedly wrote this song in 1979 after seeing the news of a senseless school shooting in San Diego by a 16-year-old girl. A sad song with a message that resonates today.

102. Barely Breathing – Duncan Sheik. … The Jersey-born artist, who went to Brown University, released this melodic tune in 1996 and later won a pair of Tony Awards to go along with a Grammy.

101. Spread your wings – Queen. … Bassist John Deacon wrote this tune from the nifty album “News of the World” about a young man named Sammy, who sweeps the floor at “the Emerald Bar” with an eye toward the future. “Knew it was time, he’d made up his mind, to leave his dead life behind.”

100. Is She Really Goin’ Out With Him? – Joe Jackson. … The angry, but humorous and accurate, Single Man’s Anthem from a brilliant English artist who probably should have had several more songs on the list. “Pretty women out walking with gorillas down my street.”

99. Follow You, Follow Me – Genesis. … The English group produced many solid, memorable songs including “Misunderstanding” and this easy-going, heartfelt tune is my favorite. Could be played at weddings.

98. Rockin’ in the Free World – Neil Young. … The “King of Distortion” and San Jose Sharks fan’s song is kinda all over the map with a message of anti-war and social injustice along with Middle East hate toward American freedom. But it freaking rocks and Trump is not authorized to use it.

97. Goodbye to you – Patty Smyth & Scandal. … John McEnroe’s wife owns one of my favorite voices and she put out some great music, whether in a group or solo. This dance number is her most memorable. “Bye Bye Baby.”

96. Message in a Bottle – The Police. … An S.O.S is answered. Sting told Q Magazine of this song, “I like the idea that while it's about loneliness and alienation it's also about finding solace and other people going through the same thing.” One of those tunes that comes alive, when it is played live.

95. Way Down Now – World Party. … Karl Wallinger is performing again after suffering an aneurysm that kept him away several years. He produced some amazing music for what was basically his solo project, including this cheeky, well-written tune.

94. Undun – The Guess Who. … Lester Bangs said of this band; “. … They had the courage to be drunken buffoons, which makes them poetic.” Burton Cummings’ tremendous voice led the way for a group that recorded some great music, led by this catchy tune.

93. Speed of Sound – Coldplay. … Unless your list of musical geniuses is short, Chris Martin belongs on it. Martin said this smooth tune with some great piano work was inspired by his daughter Apple, the first of his two children with actress Gwyneth Paltrow, and artist Kate Bush’s sound.

92. No Such Thing – John Mayer. … The debut single in 2002 for the versatile Bridgeport, Connecticut-born, Fairfield-raised, artist takes on high school guidance counselors. “They love to tell you, stay inside the lines. But something’s better, on the other side.” He has certainly showed them.

91. For You – The Outfield. … The Manchester, England-based trio, originally called the Baseball Boys, was actually more popular in the U.S. than in their homeland and Tony Lewis’ distinctive voice is their signature. This one stands out to me among their many solid pop/rock tunes.

Be Patient, Enjoy the Ride Lightning Fans

By Mark Pukalo

There are two simple words for Tampa Bay Lightning fans to live by through the first half of the 2015-16 NHL season.

Don’t panic.

Only a small part of that is about the worry over secret contract negotiations with captain Steven Stamkos. More than 90 percent of the reason to show patience for the next campaign is the hangover the Lightning is likely to experience after playing 108 games – two shy of the most they could have in 2014-15.

You add in the recovery from injuries for goalie Ben Bishop and Tyler Johnson, along with the news of Andrei Vasilevskiy’s blood clot that will keep him out at least the first month or two, and there is more uncertainty.

It is often difficult for a team to find that magic, that emotion after a long, physical and mental slog of the postseason. The Lightning could be in that position early on and a rough four-game trip in October that includes a rematch with the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks doesn’t help.

Don’t worry about it, though, Lightning fans. Ultimately, this team is too good to fail unless they are ravaged with injuries. The best scenario may be to find their best stride in the second half anyway, and take that momentum into the playoffs where they have already proven they can win on the road.

However, there are some things that can help produce better results in the first half of the season. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said -- clearly -- after last season that youngsters Jonathan Drouin and Vladislav Namestnikov are going to get bigger roles. That new blood from players who showed flashes last season can invigorate a squad and coach Jon Cooper needs to put them in positions where they can succeed.

Where is that? We all have our own opinions. Here’s mine, before camp opens Friday:

I admit I may end up being wrong about this down the line, but I think Drouin will be better as a winger rather than a centre. Whether Ryan Callahan or Alex Killorn (more likely) is on the other wing, Drouin has to be given a real chance as a set-up man for Stamkos. It cannot be a few so-so games and that’s it. Stick the former Halifax Moosehead there and let him build real chemistry with Stammer and Killer. I can’t imagine that line wouldn’t work at some level. They are all too smart, too crafty, too talented. Maybe Drouin and Killorn are both at their best on the left side, but the 20-year-old Drouin has already showed he can play on the right side during his rookie season. No doubt Drouin should be on one of the power-play units as well, whether he plays with Stamkos or not.

It sounds like blasphemy to break up the triplets, but I don’t think it’s out of the question if you can find out that other combinations may give you three dangerous scoring lines that are capable defensively -- instead of two. You certainly don’t start that way, though. Cooper might feel differently, but Namestnikov seems to fit on the left side with centre Valterri Filppula and Ryan Callahan on the third line while Cedric Paquette should play with Brian Boyle and J.T. Brown to start. The Bolts need to find out once and for all whether Namestnikov can be a productive winger, or is he only noticeable at centre. Can Filppula move to the left side with Vladdy in the middle? Maybe.

I don’t disregard the prevailing thought that positions don’t matter, except on faceoffs. But I still think forwards patrol certain areas of the ice and it is important to be strong up the middle. Stamkos can certainly play the wing and it worked for part of the postseason. But, to me, he belongs in the middle with Killorn and Drouin working to get him the puck in shooting areas. Both of them can score as well with defenses sagging toward Stamkos. The flexibility the Lightning have up front can be a plus, but in my opinion Cooper must avoid the temptation to over-coach with so many options.

That is what this training camp will be about. The staff needs to find the right combinations to light a fire while allowing Drouin and – to a lesser extent – Namestnikov to grow. The roster is pretty much set with newcomer Erik Condra taking a spot among the 13 forwards in place of Brenden Morrow. Adam Erne could become a factor down the road if there are injuries and he starts very fast in the AHL like Nikita Kucherov did two years ago.

The Lightning likely will keep eight defensemen unless they send Nikita Nesterov down so he can play 20 minutes a game in October. Luke Witkowski cannot get to Syracuse without waivers this season and should be kept around because he is the type of hard-nosed, physical defenseman another team (wouldn't Toronto or Ottawa love to have him?) will grab in a second. Plus, I think he can push Andrej Sustr on the right side. The biggest objective in the preseason for the Lightning is keeping the top four healthy. You might also see Braydon Coburn play a little with Matt Carle and Sustr with Jason Garrison to see if those combinations will be better than using Sustr and Carle together as the third pair – a dumpster fire most of the playoffs – the whole game. In some ways, I think the Lightning would be better with Nesterov and Witkowski as the third pair with Nesty getting some power-play time and Luke killing penalties. But, no doubt, Carle has the experience advantage and Sustr owns the most upside.

Another thing to watch on defense is Victor Hedman’s health. If the Big Swede can play at least 70-75 games this season, you might finally see him in the Norris Trophy conversation. If the Bolts had won the Cup, I fully believe Hedman would have won the Conn Smythe.

The other issue in camp is the clean slate for goalie Kristers Gudlevskis. The Latvian had a promising 2013-14 campaign and struggled mightily last season. The Lightning has to see if Gudlevskis can be a viable option down the road and the first month or two of this season could be that showcase. If he plays well on the NHL stage, it can both give the Lightning more confidence in him and add trade value.

Ray Emery, in camp on a tryout contract, is most likely here for insurance purposes. If there is an injury or Goody falters in the preseason, the veteran gets a contract offer.

You’d have to be a mind reader to know where the Stamkos contract talks stand right now. Yzerman is too smart not to have the parameters of a deal outlined for the two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner. It would seem easy to plug in numbers similar to Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane and plow forward, but it looks as though one or both sides are trying to be a little more creative which makes everything more complicated. More money for a shorter term? Big money early in the deal? Not sure, but, honestly, it shouldn’t worry Lightning fans. As another blogger wrote recently, the Bolts can live without Stamkos -- if he wants to be blown away with cash or play in Canada. I agree. They are loaded with good young players and would get back plenty in return for Stammer if he needed to be dealt.

So enjoy the season and certainly don’t panic – especially when Mike Milbury shows concern in between periods on NBC Sports Network as the Lightning hosts Buffalo on Nov. 10 while standing at 6-7-3. The key will be how they are playing in April – not in the fall.

Top 350 songs in my 50 years of Music: Reprise 200-108

By Mark Pukalo

Musical preferences develop like anything else in life.

Much of it comes from your environment along with the influences of older siblings, cousins and friends, or the radio stations you first listen to. I grew up, basically, in the 1970s and enjoyed the great artists of that era on FM pop-rock while hearing adults bash the newer bands and singers. Now I am one of those grey-haired veterans who think the 70s and 80s music was mostly better than today’s.

Little by little, more hard-rocking artists like Aerosmith and Rush came into favor with me and I started listening to WAAF-107FM out of Boston – The Rock and Roll Air Force. I liked the new wave artists a lot – especially The Cars – but began to appreciate bands like The Who and Pink Floyd more along with becoming a bigger fan of dynamic acoustic performers such as Neil Young and James Taylor.

While others became more specialized in their preferences, I like the fact that I have always enjoyed a variety of music. I can dig a Taylor Swift song as well as one by the Foo Fighters and Nirvana or a pure pop tune from the 70s as much as one by Ice Cube. I’m proud of that and sometimes “music snobs” can get on my nerves -- those who look down on you because your choices are not hard-edged enough or you don’t get into those 15-minute songs where you can’t understand the nothing lyrics.

Calm down Mark! Ok, of course everybody has a right to listen to what they want, but there is a scent of snobbery out there these days and a lack of respect for the past – in addition to some newer acoustic solo artists. Perhaps, it is a product of our politics in America. Many can’t look at the big picture or open their minds. I remember watching the Grammys or the American Music Awards one night at a smoky bar in Florida a few years ago. A 20-something female bartender looked up at the TV screen, saw Paul McCartney doing a special performance, and actually said “Who is that?”

Like anyone else, though, there are artists that I believe are vastly over-rated or I just don’t like for one reason or another. But that didn’t happen before I heard their music and learned a little more about them. I do try very hard not to look down on anyone that might enjoy their songs as well.

Some of those I dislike include: Chris Brown, Deep Purple, Celine Dion, Guns & Roses, Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit, Judas Priest, Toby Keith, Lorde (guess, I don’t get it?), Nicki Minaj (Don’t get it, No. 2), Motley Crue, Nickelback, Nine Inch Nails, Ted Nugent, The Sex Pistols.

Here’s another incomplete list of artists I respect or like that had songs considered but didn’t make the Top 350: 10,000 Maniacs (Noah’s Dove), Abba (Name of the Game), Ashford & Simpson, Atlanta Rhythm Section (So into you), The Babys (Isn’t it Time), Anita Baker, The Band, Sara Bareilles (King of Anything), Pat Benatar, Beyonce, Black Sabbath, Clint Black, Michael Bolton (like John C. McGinley, I value his entire library of songs), James Brown, Ray Charles, Jimmy Cliff (Many Rivers to Cross), Sam Cooke, Sheryl Crow

John Denver, Doobie Brothers, Duran Duran (Rio), Sheena Easton, ELO, Eminem (Lose Yourself), The Everly Brothers, Ben Folds (thought about “The Bitch Went Nutz”), The Go Gos, The Grateful Dead (Alabama Getaway), John Hiatt (Perfectly Good Guitar), Lady Gaga, Huey Lewis & the News, Ice Cube, Inxs, Michael Jackson (Remember the Time, Thriller and Rock With You were very close, but one J5 tune is in top 100), James Gang, Dobie Gray (Drift Away should have been in the 300s), Janis Joplin, Kansas (All I Wanted), Kings of Leon, Lenny Kravitz, Little River Band (Lady), Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, N.W.A.

The O’Jays, Brad Paisley, Paramore (The Only Exception), Katy Perry, Peter, Paul & Mary (Leaving on a Jet Plane might be 351), Radiohead, Bonnie Raitt, Otis Redding (Dock of the Bay), Lionel Richie (All Night Long), Smokey Robinson (Tears of a Clown), Rodriguez, Darius Rucker, Sly & the Family Stone, Smashing Pumpkins, Snoop Dogg (Signs), Steve Miller Band, Taylor Swift, Talking Heads, George Thorogood & the Delaware Destroyers, Justin Timberlake, Tina Turner (Private Dancer), Shania Twain, Velvet Underground (Who Loves the Sun), Barry White, Jack White and The Wreckers.

The Zac Brown Band, Jason Mraz and perhaps Ed Sheeran are examples of artists I might like as well, but haven’t yet really dived into their portfolio of songs. I’m sure there are plenty of others.

In the final 107 on my list, I probably leaned toward preferences a little more than I did from 350-108. There are some Captain Obvious selections along with songs from somewhat unknown or forgotten artists like Duncan Sheik, Santa Ezmerelda, NRBQ, Kathleen Edwards, Robert Cray, The Outfield and Bruce Cockburn -- among others.

There are three from The Eagles and Bruce Springsteen, and two each from Marvin Gaye, World Party, Fleetwood Mac, U2, Elvis Costello, The Police, Queen, John Lennon, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, James Taylor, The Rolling Stones and Neil Young.

Hope everyone sees at least one song they might never have heard before in the final 107 … enjoys it….then admits that. Join with me! Let’s END music snobbery forever!

Here’s a reprise of 200-108. Awesome mixes are available by request.

200. Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly. … You wonder what would have happened with his music if he had lived on.

199. Ice Cream – Sarah McLachlan. … Like Seinfeld with the massage therapist, if I dated Sarah I would pester her to sing to me all day. This simple tune (Ok, a bit of a guilty pleasure) is from her tremendous album named “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy.”

198. Light My Fire – The Doors. … Jim Morrison is alive!! Not a huge Doors fan, but this belongs on the list.

197. Centerfold – J Geils Band. … My roommate got me a ticket in the first few rows next to the speakers for J Geils at UConn during height of the “Freeze Frame” album and my ears were ringing for a week afterward. This is probably their most iconic song.

196. Return of the Grievous Angel – Counting Crows. … The Crows did this amazing cover of the Gram Parsons song on a standout album called, “Underwater Sunshine.” “Twenty-thousand roads I went down, down, down. They all led me straight back home to you.”

195. Paradise by the dashboard light – Meatloaf. … There had never been anything like this song before it burst on the scene in 1977. Ellen Foley is the defiant, powerful voice beside Meat and Phil.

194. Strength – The Alarm. … The Alarm didn’t exactly become the next U2, but this song and “The Spirit of 76” will live on forever in rock lore. “Give me love. Give me hope. Give me strength. Give me someone to live for.”

193. 867-5309 Jenny – Tommy Tutone. … For a good time, call. One of the best, somewhat cheesy, one-hit wonders of all time. Joe Maddon did a “Tommy Tutone lineup” last year.

192. We are the Champions – Queen. … Song is a bit overplayed at sporting events, but it is a powerful piece of music.

191. The Long Way Around – Dixie Chicks. … The first song on a brilliant, smart, “Taking the Long Way” album. I could go on and on about how the Chicks were wronged during the whole Bush debacle. All I’ll say is FUTK.

190. Oh Girl – Chi Lites. … A sad, wonderful love song. “All my friends call me a fool, they say, ‘Let the woman take care of you.’ So I try to be hip and think like the crowd, but even the crowd can’t help me now.”

189. It’s Not Unusual – Tom Jones. … This one goes out to huge TJ fans Donna and Jeannie. Heard this song played during a timeout in the Breslin Center at Michigan State during the winter on TV. The kids loved it.

188. Fantastic Planet of Love – Marshall Crenshaw. … Dedicated to Dan Gerstein, who introduced me to a great CD named “Life’s Too Short” during a car ride to Boston for a visit or a Red Sox game. This is the best from that one for Crenshaw, who played Buddy Holly in the movie “La Bamba.”

187. Hey Jude – The Beatles. … Paul wrote this for Julian Lennon – it started out as Hey Jules -- after his father’s divorce to mom Cynthia. Blame Yoko.

186. God Only Knows – The Beach Boys. … After watching the movie “Love & Mercy,” I gained much more appreciation for the brilliance of Brian Wilson. Wilson said Paul McCartney told him this is his favorite song.

185. Simple Kind of Life – No Doubt. … Me and Gwen Stefani have a connection. She sang on Moby’s big hit “Southside” and yes, Richard Melville Hall (Moby) lived on my floor in Fairfield Hall at UConn. Really.

184. Teach your children – Crosby, Stills & Nash. … Few other groups, if any, could do the things they did with acoustic guitars and harmony.

183. Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac. … The first single off the epic “Rumours” LP. Written by Lindsey Buckingham about his so-called “complicated relationship” with fellow band member Stevie Nicks.

182. That’s the way of the world – Earth, Wind & Fire. … Slow, soulful song from a tremendous and versatile group.

181. Sunday Bloody Sunday – U2. … Powerful piece from their early work, written about the violence in Northern Ireland.

180. Freewill – Rush. … Neil Peart is one of the best drummers of all time, but his song writing is under-valued. This might be one of his top efforts from “Permanent Waves,” which also includes “The Spirit of Radio” and an under-the-radar gem “Entre Nous.”

179. Can We Still be Friends – Todd Rundgren. … Perhaps the best breakup song of all time?

178. Love Grows – Edison Lighthouse. … One of my very early favorites in 1970 from a group that apparently never toured. “Love grows where my Rosemary goes, and nobody knows like me.”

177. Rocket Man – Elton John. … Elton’s early stuff was so damn good. This is from “Honky Chateau.”

176. Highway Song – Blackfoot. … One for the South. Jacksonville band was a hard-rocking one-hit wonder.

175. Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison. … Mercy! What a voice. What a song.

174. Northern Sky – Nick Drake. … Heard a song by Drake – no not that Drake -- on the “Garden State” soundtrack and it made me look into his library further before finding this beautiful tune, which I had unknowingly enjoyed at the end of “Serendipity.”

173. Mr. Jones – Counting Crows. … The second of three from the talented California band on the list is about wanting to become a star. The song, which graces their wonderful debut CD “August and Everything After,” made it to No. 1 in 1994.

172. Roll with the changes – REO Speedwagon. … This was released before REO became really commercial and popular, and it rocked more.

171. Jamie’s Cryin – Van Halen. … One of the warmup songs for Griswold High basketball during my varsity career, when I totaled 57 points – with a career-high eight vs. the hated Wheeler Lions.

170. Harvest Moon – Neil Young. … The title track from my favorite, easy-listening Neil album.

169. On the road again – Willie Nelson. … How can he not be in the Rock and Roll Hall of the Fame? One of the greatest, and most unique, voices of all time.

168. Rock and Roll Never Forgets – Bob Seger. … The real motor city madman (screw that other buffoon) put out a lot of great music and his best album was “Night Moves,” with this song in the leadoff spot.

167. Bad Moon Rising – Credence Clearwater Revival. … Oldie, but a goodie from 1969. John Fogerty wrote this classic about impending doom.

166. Everlong – Foo Fighters. … It’s tough to choose the best of many great records from this group. This stands out by a little bit, especially after David Letterman used it as background music for all-time highlights on the final show.

165. Gravity – John Mayer. … The performance of this song at Live Earth in Giants Stadium was soulful and epic. His whole effort that day was dazzling, including “Belief.”

164. Wild World – Maxi Priest. … Cat Stevens wrote the tune and performs it well, but I like Priest’s reggae version best. Just a great piece of music, whoever sings it.

163. Don’t Stop Believen – Journey. … A good song turned into one that everyone added to their itunes after the final episode of “The Sopranos.”

162. Rosalita – Bruce Springsteen. … “Hold on tight, stay up all night, cause Rosie I’m coming on strong.”

161. Another Brick in the Wall – Pink Floyd. … Brings back memories of a surreal trip to NYC for the NIT semifinals in 1980 with my high school basketball team. Ralph Sampson and the immortal Jeff Lamp led Virginia to the title and I came home with two of my favorite all-time albums “The Wall,” and Tom Petty’s “Damn the Torpedoes.”

160. Take the Long Way Home – Supertramp. … A catchy tune from one of the 50 best albums every made -- “Breakfast in America.”

159. Radio Free Europe – REM. …. Probably the first song I heard from Michael Stipe and the boys and still one of their best.

158. Year of the Cat – Al Stewart. … This memorable pop song from the under-rated Stewart was a top-10 hit in 1976. “On a morning from a Bogart movie. In a country where they turn back time. You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre, contemplating a crime.”

157. It’s Too Late – Carole King. … “Tapestry” was one of the great albums of my early childhood. It “made the earth move.”

156. Roxanne – The Police. …  She don’t need the red light or to sell her body to the night. From their masterpiece of a first album, “Outlandos d’Amour.”

155. Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash. … That train keeps a rollin….down to San Antone. The man in black was tremendous. Considered “Boy Named Sue,” for the list as well.

154. Maybe I’m Amazed – Paul McCartney. … Song is at best when it is played live. Paul dedicated the tune to his former wife Linda.

153. Free Bird – Lynard Skynard. … A Classic tune that has become a punch line at times, somewhat unfairly. Not a fan of the band, but can’t discount this song’s power.

152. Somebody’s Baby – Jackson Browne. … Fits very nicely in the middle of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”

151. Girl U Want – Devo.  … “Whip it” was the probably the most recognizable song by this red pot-wearing group, but this was their best tune – “She sends out an aroma of undefined love, it drips on down in a mist from above.”

150. The End of the Innocence – Don Henley. … “O’ beautiful, for spacious skies, but now those skies are threatening, they’re beating plowshares into swords for this tired old man (Reagan) we elected king.”

149. Back in the USSR – The Beatles. … Apparently it was written in honor of Chuck Berry’s “Back in the USA” and as a bit of a parody of “California Girls,” from the Beach Boys to lead off “The White Album.” “The Ukraine girls really knock you out, they leave the West behind.” Damn right!

148. You can’t hurry love – Phil Collins. … Yeah, it’s a Supremes song that was written in Motown, but Phil does such a great cover on a tremendous album called, “Hello, I must be going.”

147. Baby Blue – Badfinger. … It’s amazing how well this song worked in the brilliant final scene of “Breaking Bad.” … “Guess I got, what I deserved….”

146. You can’t always get what you want – The Rolling Stones. … “You can try sometimes, but you might well find, you get what you need.”

145. Rebel Rebel – David Bowie. … “Hot tramp, I love you so.” What a lyric. Ziggy Stardust sings it.

144. Heat Wave – Linda Ronstadt. … Many said after seeing The Eagles documentary, “Man, Linda Ronstadt rocked.” Linda and “that voice” covered this one, originally sung by Martha and the Vandellas.

143. Bait and Switch – The Shins. … My favorite song from 2012. About a man who wants to take a break from dating, but can’t resist spending time with a beauty that, it turns out, is nuts. “I’m just a simple man, cursed with an honest heart, why’d she go and tear it all apart?”

142. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers. … Very, very worthy of his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. I know, I know, I know, I know the man has a tremendous voice.

141. Dancing in the Dark – Bruce Springsteen. … Had the whole Tampa Bay area dancing – and Courteney Cox somewhere – during his most recent concert at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

140. Nothing Else Matters – Metallica. … “Open mind for a different view,” is what we all should strive to do. A rock ballad from an intelligent metal band.

139. You shook me all night long – AC/DC. … “Back in Black” is such a tremendous album and this is the most recognizable song from it.

138. True – Spandau Ballet. … English band produced one of the best pop ballads of all time, which has become a guilty pleasure for millions of music fans. Reached No. 4 on the U.S. charts in 1983.

137. Limelight – Rush. … “All the world’s indeed a stage, and we are merely players, performers and portrayers, each another’s audience, outside the gilded cage.” Powerful song.

136. Surrender – Cheap Trick. … Under-rated band, fronted by local Floridian Robin Zander, had many great songs. This was the most memorable. “Mommy’s alright, Daddy’s alright, they just seem a little weird.” Isn’t that the truth. J

135. Little Wing – Jimi Hendrix. … “When I’m sad she comes to me, with a thousand smiles she gives to me free.”  Sting covered it and did the song justice.

134. Better Be Home Soon – Crowded House. … Their performance of this at Live Earth in Australia was absolutely brilliant. “It would cause me pain, if we were to end it. But I could start again, you can depend on it.”

133. Smooth – Santana. … Carlos is the man and this was probably his biggest hit, with Rob Thomas on the vocals.

132. Rikki Don’t Lose that Number – Steely Dan. … You don’t want to call nobody else. “Send it off in a letter to yourself.” Classic from the 70s.

131. All you need is love – The Beatles. … For sentiment and meaning, this should probably be top 10.

130. Godzilla – Blue Oyster Cult. … Another hard-rocking warmup song for Griswold High School basketball when I used to dunk (well, ok, couldn’t get a technical, lay it in stylishly). “Oh No, there goes Tokyo, Go, Go Godzilla.”

129. Roundabout – Yes. … A progressive rock tour de force. Jon Anderson and Steve Howe co-wrote the song, which is 8:29 in its longest version.

128. Revolution – The Beatles. … The New England Revolution used to play this song after their games in Foxborough early on and I remember hearing it loud and clear as I left the press box or sprinted to my car to beat the traffic.

127. Little Red Corvette – Prince. … One of the first videos I ever saw on MTV. This song and “Kiss” are his best in my book. “But it was Saturday night, I guess that makes it alright, and you say baby, I don’t got enough gas.”

126. Moondance – Van Morrison. … A very unique voice with an easy-listening song you can’t ever turn off.

125. Tailspin – The Jayhawks. … The country rock band from Minnesota has a lot of interesting tunes and isn’t coached by Bill Self. This one came from their 2003 CD “Rainy Day Music.”

124. For Everyman – Jackson Browne. … Some very under-rated guitar work on this incredible tune. JB apparently wrote the song after spending time with Crosby, Stills & Nash, hearing all about their “escapist vision.”

123. Lights – Journey. … Steve Perry and the boys were better, in my opinion, before they became commercially successful in the 80s. This one, along with “Wheel in the Sky” and “Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin” came in the late 70s.

122. She Was Hot – The Rolling Stones. … Loved their version of this song in the movie, “Shine a Light.” “She was hot, in a melting snow.”

121. Peaceful Easy Feeling – The Eagles. … I will certainly have this song playing in the car if I ever drive up and down the coast of the Hotel California.

120. Beautiful Day – U2. … Powerful tune that sounds great in a big stadium.

119. Turning Japanese – The Vapors. … Guitarist Rob Kemp reportedly said the song is about a man who had just lost a girlfriend and was “slowly going crazy.” Liz Phair performs a nifty cover of the tune.

118. Fire and Rain – James Taylor. … JT sings about a friend who had committed suicide, on the epic album “Sweet Baby James.” “Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you.”

117. Please Let Me Get What I Want – The Smiths. … “The life I’ve had can make a good man…bad.” A very short song that packs some serious clout.

116. It’s All I Can Do – The Cars. … RIP Benjamin Orr, one of my favorite rock lead singers, and he may not have been any better than on this song and “Drive.” The tune graces a wonderful album named “Candy-O.”

115. Man on the Moon – REM. … “Mister Fred Blaise in a breakfast mess, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.”

114. River – Joni Mitchell. … The first time I drove from the Ottawa airport into the city I thought about this song as I saw people skating along the winding river all the way. They truly have a river they “could skate away on.”

113. Talk to me – Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. … The Boss wrote this one and Southside knocks it into the bleachers. “I got a full week’s pay and I’ve been working hard each day. I’m not asking for the world you see, I’m just asking, girl, talk to me.”

112. Damned if I do – Alan Parsons Project. … From a terrific, unique album called “Eve.” “Damned if I do, damned if I don’t, but I love you.”

111. Rocky Mountain Way – Joe Walsh. … Dedicated to Jeanne, Don and Kristen out in Colorado along with cousin Joe in Ohio – the biggest Walsh fan I know.

110. Piano Man – Billy Joel. … “It’s nine o clock on a Saturday. The regular crowd shuffles in. There’s an old man sitting next to me, making love to his tonic and gin.”

109. Wouldn’t it be nice – The Beach Boys. … A tremendous piece of music from the complicated, but immensely talented group.

108. Desperado – The Eagles. … “Now it seems to me some fine things, have been laid upon your table, but you only want the ones that you can’t get.” Very true.

Top 350 songs in my 50 years in Music -- 150-121

150. The End of the Innocence – Don Henley. … “O’ beautiful, for spacious skies, but now those skies are threatening, they’re beating plowshares into swords for this tired old man (Reagan) we elected king.”

149. Back in the USSR – The Beatles. … Apparently it was written in honor of Chuck Berry’s “Back in the USA” and as a bit of a parody of “California Girls,” by the Beach Boys to lead off “The White Album.” “The Ukraine girls really knock you out, they leave the west behind.” Damn right!

148. You can’t hurry love – Phil Collins. … Yeah, it’s a Supremes song that was written in Motown, but Phil does such a great cover on a tremendous album called, “Hello, I must be going.”

147. Baby Blue – Badfinger. … It’s amazing how well this song worked in the brilliant final scene of “Breaking Bad.” … “Guess I got, what I deserved….”

146. You can’t always get what you want – The Rolling Stones. … “You can try sometimes, but you might well find, you get what you need.”

145. Rebel Rebel – David Bowie. … “Hot tramp, I love you so.” What a lyric. Ziggy Stardust sings it.

144. Heat Wave – Linda Ronstadt. … Many said after seeing The Eagles documentary, “Man, Linda Ronstadt rocked.” Linda and “that voice” covered this one, originally sung by Martha and the Vandellas.

143. Bait and Switch – The Shins. … My favorite song from 2012. About a man who wants to take a break from dating, but can’t resist spending time with a beauty that, it turns out, is nuts. “I’m just a simple man, cursed with an honest heart, why’d she go and tear it all apart?”

142. Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers. … Very, very worthy of his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. I know, I know, I know, I know the man has a tremendous voice.

141. Dancing in the Dark – Bruce Springsteen. … Had the whole Tampa Bay area dancing – and Courteney Cox somewhere – during his most recent concert at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

140. Nothing Else Matters – Metallica. … “Open mind for a different view,” is what we all should strive to do. A rock ballad from an intelligent metal band.

139. You shook me all night long – AC/DC. … “Back in Black” is such a tremendous album and this is the most recognizable song from it.

138. True – Spandau Ballet. … English band produced one of the best pop ballads of all time, which has become a guilty pleasure for millions of music fans. Reached No. 4 on the U.S. charts in 1983.

137. Limelight – Rush. … “All the world’s indeed a stage, and we are merely players, performers and portrayers, each another’s audience, outside the gilded cage.” Powerful song.

136. Surrender – Cheap Trick. … Under-rated band, fronted by local Floridian Robin Zander, had many great songs. This was the most memorable. “Mommy’s alright, Daddy’s alright, they just seem a little weird.” Isn’t that the truth. J

135. Little Wing – Jimi Hendrix. … “When I’m sad she comes to me, with a thousand smiles she gives to me free.”  Sting covered it and did the song justice.

134. Better Be Home Soon – Crowded House. … Their performance of this at Live Earth in Australia was absolutely brilliant. “It would cause me pain, if we were to end it. But I could start again, you can depend on it.”

133. Smooth – Santana. … Carlos is the man and this was probably his biggest hit, with Rob Thomas on the vocals.

132. Rikki Don’t Lose that Number – Steely Dan. … You don’t want to call nobody else. “Send it off in a letter to yourself.” Classic from the 70s.

131. All you need is love – The Beatles. … For sentiment and meaning, this should probably be top 10.

130. Godzilla – Blue Oyster Cult. … Another hard-rocking warmup song for Griswold High School basketball when I used to dunk (well, ok, couldn’t get a technical, lay it in stylishly). “Oh No, there goes Tokyo, Go, Go Godzilla.”

129. Roundabout – Yes. … A progressive rock tour de force. Jon Anderson and Steve Howe co-wrote the song, which is 8:29 in its longest version.

128. Revolution – The Beatles. … The New England Revolution used to play this song after their games in Foxborough early on and I remember hearing it loud and clear as I left the press box or sprinted to my car to beat the traffic.

127. Little Red Corvette – Prince. … One of the first videos I ever saw on MTV. This song and “Kiss” are his best in my book. “But it was Saturday night, I guess that makes it alright, and you say baby, I don’t got enough gas.”

126. Moondance – Van Morrison. … A very unique voice with an easy-listening song you can’t ever turn off.

125. Tailspin – The Jayhawks. … The country rock band from Minnesota has a lot of interesting tunes and isn’t coached by Bill Self. This one came from their 2003 CD “Rainy Day Music.”

124. For Everyman – Jackson Browne. … Some very under-rated guitar work on this incredible tune. JB apparently wrote the song after spending time with Crosby, Stills & Nash, hearing all about their “escapist vision.”

123. Lights – Journey. … Steve Perry and the boys were better, in my opinion, before they became commercially successful in the 80s. This one, along with “Wheel in the Sky” and “Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin” came in the late 70s.

122. She Was Hot – The Rolling Stones. … Loved their version of this song in the movie, “Shine a Light.” “She was hot, in a melting snow.”

121. Peaceful Easy Feeling – The Eagles. … I will certainly have this song playing in the car if I ever drive up and down the coast of the Hotel California.