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.

Top 350 songs in 50 years of Music -- 180-151

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. 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.”

Top 350 songs in my 50 years of Music -- 200-181

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 this 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 once 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.

Reprise: My 50 years in Music - 350-201 and More

By Mark Pukalo

       Nothing can stand the test of time like music.

       Turn on a particular song from the 1970s, 80s or even 90s, and it normally makes me think about a place or an event. I'm sure many of you who are close to my age can relate. Some tunes that bring back memories don't quite make your top 350 of all time but, despite being a bit embarrassed about it, you still love the piece of music. Call them "guilty" pleasures.

       Enclosed is a list of some of those songs along with a reprise of the first 150 on my still-changing, imperfect list. 

        I also made a swap at No. 350 because I had mistakenly deleted a great tune from mention in the final stages of posting the first 50. I switched "She Loves You" to the special category because it is the song that started all of this musical madness in my head.

       In addition, I have added some songs to the "Deep Tracks" list at the bottom.

GUILTY, AND SOME EMBARRASSING, PLEASURES

Take On Me – a-ha. … Norwegian one-hit wonder produced one of the best videos of all time with this song.

Rush, Rush – Paula Abdul. … She could be a cold-hearted snake, but somehow this slow tune has hooked me. Steve Geltz, too.

Everything I do – Bryan Adams. … Smooth, heartfelt love song that was in a movie I never saw, “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.”

Put your records on – Corinne Bailey-Rae. … Gotta love the Brit’s adorable voice. “Just go ahead, let your hair down.”

I’ll Be There – Mariah Carey. … Derek Jeter’s ex did a tremendous unplugged live version of the Jackson Five tune.

All By Myself – Eric Carmen. … Secretly liked this song, even before it was played at Amalie Arena when some slobbering Bruins fan was all alone stuffing his face after the "Kiss Cam."

American City Suite – Cashman & West. …. Terry Cashman, who also wrote “Talkin’ Baseball,” and Tommy West released this moving pop song in 1972.

Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson. … Give Kelly credit. This song did rock a bit.

Such Unlikely Lovers – Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach. … Terrific collaboration on the “Painted from Memory” CD.

She Blinded Me with Science – Thomas Dolby. … “Good Heavens Miss Yakamoto, you’re beautiful.” Just some 80s fun.

Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas. … “Those cats were fast as lightning. In fact, it was a little bit frightening.” No. 1 hit in the mid 70s.

Girls on Film – Duran, Duran. … “Rio” might have been their best song, but this tune was an under-the-radar gem.

Up, Up and Away – Fifth Dimension. … In my beautiful balloon!

Angels Would Fall – Melissa Etheridge. … Melissa could rock.

Ariel – Dean Friedman. … “I said, ‘Hi’ She said, ‘Yeah, I guess I am.’” Arrrrrrrrrrriel. Tears on my pillow, and Ave Maria.

Rock and Roll Part 2 – Gary Glitter. … Not a good guy, but a memorable stadium tune.

Mr. Jaws – Dickie Goodman. … The best of its genre, when questions were answered by song lyrics. I did one of these for a history project in seventh grade. Only thing I can remember is asking, “Hey, Columbus, how high are the waves?” and then Fleetwood Mac’s memorable song replied. “Over my head. ... oooover my head. ...  and it sure feels nice.”

Billy, Don’t Be a Hero – The Heywoods. … War story with a sad ending.

Rock With You – Michael Jackson. … Soulful number before MJ got strange.

Physical – Olivia Newton John. … Was a No. 1 hit for many weeks in 1981.

Chuck E’s in Love – Rickie Lee Jones. … Soulful tune made it to No. 4 in 1979.

Lost Stars – Adam Levine. … Addicting song from a great 2014 movie “Begin Again.” Keira Knightley’s stripped-down version of the tune is good, too.

It’s Over – Lisa Loeb. … Bespectacled beauty had a captivating voice.

Brand New Key – Melanie. … Billboard ranked it the ninth best song of 1972 and you might have heard it in the movie “Boogie Nights” when Roller Girl Heather Graham was on screen.

Freedom – George Michael. … You can laugh, but George’s album “Listen Without Prejudice” is outstanding. This tremendous dance song probably should be somewhere between 300-350.

Wildfire – Michael Murphey. … “She ran calling, ‘Wildfire!” Song is apparently about a homesteader obsessed with the ghost of a woman who died while searching for her pony in a blizzard.

Hip Hop Hooray – Naughty by Nature. … Brings back memories of a good time in Chapel Hill, N.C. That was the same weekend I made Mia Hamm cry.

99 Luftballoons – Nena. ..German singer-songwriter released this odd, but catchy little song in 1984.

Candy Girl – New Edition. … My favorite boy band song, even before Salma Hayek did a striptease to it in the movie, “Dogma.”

Without You – Harry Nilsson. … Haunting record from 1971. “I can’t live, if living is without you.”

Nothing Compares to U – Sinead O’Connor. … Yeah, she was a little weird on SNL. But this is a great vocal performance that almost snuck into the top 350.

Get Down – Gilbert O’Sullivan. … The Irishman had big hits  “Alone Again, Naturally” and “Clair,” but this song always grabbed me. “You’re a bad dog baby, but I still want you around.”

Cool Love – Pablo Cruise. … Soulful song from the pop group that had several hits. “A room full of faceless strangers. Here I am again. Suddenly my eyes meet yours. Looks like I found a friend.”

Ready to Go – Republica. … Warmup song for the Whalers. It pumped them up for many big wins at the mall.

The Blower’s Daughter – Damien Rice. … Somewhat strange, but entrancing tune from a very good under-the-radar artist.

Your Love is King – Sade. … Sexiest voice of all time? Definitely in the running. Wayne and Garth agree.

Gettin’ Jiggy with it – Will Smith. … You can dance to it. Will did a great performance of this at Live 8 in Philly.

Toxic -- Britney Spears. … Extremely embarrassed that I sorta like this tune. But at least I can admit that.

You’re the Best Thing – The Style Council. … Remember seeing where the group once proclaimed themselves the best band in the world. Give them credit for confidence. This was a nice little love song, though.

Breakout – Swing out Sister. … Grammy-nominated song in 1987 from the British one-hit wonder act.

Talk Talk – Talk Talk. … Much better than “Bad Company” by Bad Company in my opinion. “All you do to me is Talk Talk.”

Reprise of Top 350 songs of my first 50 years in music (350-201)

350. Go All the Way – The Raspberries. … Replaces "She Loves You." Eric Carmen was the lead singer for the Cleveland band. Great harmony in this one and it rocks a bit as well.

349. Ramblin Man – Allman Brothers. … Hall of Famers put out some great music, led by this song.

348. Jesus Walks – Kanye West. … The guy can be quite annoying at times, but he has produced some standout tunes with this one at the forefront.

347. Hooked on a Feeling – Blue Suede. … Oooga, Chaka, Oooga Chaka. Brought to life big time recently in the movie "Guardians of the Galaxy.”

346. Against the Wind – Bob Seger. … Easy-listening title track from the 1980 album. Glenn Frey sings backup on this one.

345. Rapture – Blondie. … Early “sort of” rap tune from the beautiful and talented Deborah Harry that you might have heard in a recent car commercial. Remember, “don’t strain your brain.”

344: Heartbreak Warfare – John Mayer. … Leads off on a standout recent album named, “Battle Studies.”

343. So You Want Be a Rock n Roll Star – The Byrds. … Apparently, it was the super group’s last big hit. “Turn, Turn, Turn” and “Mr. Tambourine Man,” were considered for this spot.

342. My Eyes Adored You – Frankie Valli. … A huge hit in 1974, when I was beginning to notice that girls were more than just annoying classmates. LOL.

341. School’s Out – Alice Cooper. … “No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks.” Cooper is one heck of a golfer, too.

340. Guitar Man – Bread. … David Gates has a memorable voice and this is about as hard as this group rocked after ballads like “If” and “Aubrey.”

339. Happy – Pharrell Williams. … Overplayed or not, I love this song. Watch his performance of this at the 2014 Oscars. It’s outstanding. Amy Adams boogies.

338. Amanda – Boston. … At least one, perhaps two, Amandas I know were named with this song in mind.

337. Not enough love in the world – Don Henley. … Solo effort from one of the greatest voices of all time.

336. Dancing with myself – Billy Idol. … A staple of many semi-formals and mixers in college. It made everyone dance like a zombie.

335. Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks. … Too bad he had to cancel his Tampa shows. Hopefully this heavyweight country artist will return.

334. Goody Two Shoes – Adam Ant. … He was big in the 80s and this was his most popular effort.

333. Bridge to Nowhere – Sam Roberts. … Under-rated Canadian artist wrote and performed this catchy song about a troubled man.

332. Love Shack – The B-52s. … Bouncy tune brings back memories of the Clam Shack in Wellfleet, Mass. on the Cape. “Tin roof. … Rusted!”

330 (tie). Do They Know it’s Christmas? – Band Aid. … English charity song raised millions for African famine relief in 1984 when it was released.

330. We are the World – USA for Africa. … Counter to Band Aid in 1985. My fraternity brothers and I all dressed up as the stars and did a lip synch of the now 30-year-old song for a Greek “talent show.” I was James Ingram. Don’t laugh. One of my facebook friends was Tina Turner.

329. Soul Man – Blues Brothers. … Penned by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, originally sung by Sam & Dave, but never more alive than when John and Dan performed it on SNL.

328. Like to get to know you well – Howard Jones. … Diane Franklin (Monique) fixes John Cusack’s car while this tune is playing in the comedy classic, “Better Off Dead.”

327. I’m a Believer – The Monkees. … Davy Jones and the boys had a great TV show, too. 

326. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2. … “I have climbed the highest mountains. I have run through the fields. Only to be with you.”

325. Torn – Natalie Imbruglia. … The gorgeous Aussie recorded this haunting song about being torn over a relationship.

324. Lithium – Nirvana. … There is something to be said about a band that bursts on the scene and is so different it causes a craze. That’s what Kurt Cobain and the boys did for a short time and this is one of their best efforts, apparently “an ode to finding religion.”

323. Respect – Aretha Franklin. … Important song on so many levels, from the Queen of Soul.

322. Pinball Wizard – The Who. … He’s got such a supple wrist.

321. Ohio – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. … Two words: Kent State. “Tin soldiers and Nixon coming. We’re finally on our own. This summer I hear the drumming. Four dead in O-hio.”

320. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard – Paul Simon. … Tremendous artist that never disappoints and this is another iconic, fun number. Edged out “50 ways to leave your lover.”

319. Love will come to you – Indigo Girls. … Saw them at the Tennis Center in New Haven. Great show. Amazing harmony. This song is very heartfelt.

318. Get down on it – Kool & the Gang. … Yeah, right, you wouldn’t dance to this if it was playing. Sure. Liked the group. Lots of smooth, cool songs.

317. Where Did Our Love Go? – J Geils Band and The Supremes. … Both versions of the song are tremendous in their own way.

316. You see me crying – Aerosmith. … Edges “Sweet Emotion” as the Boston group’s second best tune. From one of the first rock albums I purchased, “Toys in the Attic.”

315. Refugee – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. … “Baby we ain’t the first. I’m sure a lot of other lovers been burned. Right now it seems real to you, but it’s one of those things you gotta feel to be true.” From the classic vinyl, “Damn the Torpedoes.”

314. Come Sail Away – Styx. … Group produced some tremendous songs. Modern Family’s Phil Dunphy does a great cover of this song. LOL.

313. Ordinary People – John Legend. … The guy has a tremendous voice.

312. Redemption Song – Bob Marley. … The story I read said that Bob wrote this song as he was dying from cancer.

311. Brass Bonanza – Jack Say. … Greatest fight song of all time. Go Whale! It has to be hat trick followed by Kevin Dineen’s number, right?

310. A Whiter Shade of Pale – Procol Harum. … “We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels cross the floor. I was feeling kinda seasick. But the crowd called out for more.” Have no clue what it means, but pretty nifty lyrics.

309. Baby Boom Baby – James Taylor. … Listened to JT’s “Never Die Young,” over and over and over when it came out and this was the best song from it.

308. Changes – David Bowie. … “Time may change me, but I can’t trace time.”

307. Me Around – Michael Penn. … Sean Penn’s bro did a great take on this song during a concert at Toad’s Place in New Haven when performing on a tour with his wife and one of my favorite artists Aimee Mann.

306. Here and Now – Luther Vandross. … Luther had one of my favorite voices of all time, whatever weight he was at.

305. Back to you – Bryan Adams…. The Canadian rocker has a great library of songs and this one edges in front of the rest.

304. Jojo – Bozz Scaggs. … Bozz was under-rated, especially with this jazzy, soul number.

303. Beth – Kiss. … Perhaps the best ballad by a rocking “hair” band ever. It was either this or much-harder edged “Love Gun,” from this group.

302. Cheeseburger in Paradise – Jimmy Buffet. … What can I say? I love cheeseburgers. I identify with, “Heaven on earth with an onion slice.”

301. Brilliant Disguise – Bruce Springsteen. … A smooth, sad song about the Boss’ divorce. “Is it you, baby, or just a brilliant disguise.”

SPECIAL CATEGORY 

2112 – Rush (Every bit of the 20:33 is tremendous)

She Loves You – The Beatles. … First fave has been passed by 350, but is still unforgettable.

TOP 300

300. All Shook Up – Elvis Presley. … Never a huge Elvis fan, for some reason. But this one definitely deserves a spot on the list as his best single.

299. X-Ray Man – Liz Phair  -- Very hard to pick this talented, mostly unfiltered, artist’s best song - whether it is from her critically-acclaimed debut album “Exile in Guyville,” the women’s anthem “Extraordinary,” or the catchy “Got my own thing.” But this is such a nifty tune from “Whip-Smart.” … “He’s an X-Ray Man, he’s got secret plans … for me.”

298. Little Jeannie – Elton John. … The tune brings back memories of high school days. “Stepped into my life from a bad dream. Making the life that I had seem, suddenly shiny and new.”

297. Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood. … One day she was singing “Jesus Take the Wheel,” and soon after she was slashing some dude’s tires in this song. I’ll give Carrie a pass though. She’s a hockey wife.

296. Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf. … Hard-rocking song from 1968, which has become an anthem for bikers.

295. Wanted Dead or Alive – Bon Jovi. … “I walk the streets with a guitar on my back. …” Jersey boy did a great version of this at Live Earth in Giants Stadium.

294. Somebody Like You – Keith Urban. … Mix of country and rock at its best.

293. Party Town – Glenn Frey. … Can you say monster? From Glenn’s first and best solo effort, “No Fun Aloud,” which also includes a beautiful song with a latin flavor, “She can’t let go.”

292. She’s Mine – Steve Perry. … Steve’s solo album “Street Talk” is a guilty pleasure of mine. “Oh Sherrie” is on that one and this soulful tune was the best in my opinion.

291. Slit Skirts – Pete Townshend. … From an album with a weird name -- “All the Best Cowboys have Chinese Eyes.” Another great solo effort from Pete, “Let my love open the door,” deserves mention as well.

290. Run Around – Blues Traveler. … Top-10 hit in the mid 90s from the versatile band, originally formed in Princeton, New Jersey.

289. Something So Strong – Crowded House. … The somewhat under-appreciated group, formed in Australia and led by New Zealander Neil Finn, has become one of my favorites over time. This is their second-biggest hit on the U.S. charts behind “Don’t Dream It’s Over.”

288. Centerfield – John Fogarty. … “Put me coach, I’m ready to play, today.”

287. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & the Waves. … Everybody’s favorite Monday morning song!

286. Aqualung – Jethro Tull. … Rocking many-layered tune about a lonely homeless man, who is mostly misperceived.

285. Rapper’s Delight – The Sugarhill Gang. … “I got a color tv, so I can watch, the Knicks play basketball.” Don’t forget this was written when the Knickerbockers were watchable. That might change with Kristaps!

284. Fool in the Rain – Led Zeppelin. … From a great album with a cool name – “In Through the Out Door.” Drummer John Bonham displays his masterful skills in this song – working on the last Zep album before his death in 1980.

283. Dreamgirl – Dave Matthews Band. … Friends who love Dave might disagree with this choice, but I think it’s a great piece of music. Maybe “. … if I could steal the wind from the sails of the greedy men that will rule the world,” pulls me in deeper.

282. Good People – Jack Johnson. … The former surfer has graced us with some strong music, led by this tune.

281. Talk to ya Later – The Tubes. … Unique San Francisco-based band that debuted in the 70s was never better than when this song was released from “The Completion Backward Principle” album.

280. Get Ready – Rare Earth. … Smokey Robinson wrote this song for the Temptations, but I prefer the rocking version of it that reached No. 4 on the charts in 1970.

279. Takin’ Care of Business – Bachman Turner Overdrive. … Randy and the boys from Winnipeg were workin’ overtime.

278. Ain’t Even Done With the Night – John Cougar Mellencamp. … Mr. Mellencamp is more known for epic songs such as “Jack & Diane” and “Pink Houses,” but I liked this soulful piece best from him along with “Justice and Independence.”

277. Dancing with tears in my eyes – Ultravox. … “Dancing with tears in my eyes, weeping for the memory of life gone by. Dancing with tears in my eyes, living out the memory of love that died.” Electric rock from the band led by the under-appreciated Midge Ure, who played a big part in Live Aid along with Bob Geldof.

276. Saturday in the Park – Chicago. … I can dig it. The band’s early stuff was outstanding, including “Beginnings,” “Colour My World,” and “Just You and Me,” along with another much later on the list.

275. Thinking of you – Loggins & Messina. … One of the great short tunes (2:19) of all time and a big hit in 1972 for Kenny and Jimmy. “This is it” from Kenny was also the best intro music for an NCAA Tournament ever (1980).

274. Like a Hurricane – Neil Young. … One of the most versatile artists ever could produce such wonderful songs with the acoustic guitar and record epic pieces like this with the electric flowing. “You are like a hurricane. There’s calm in your eyes.”

273. Save Me – Aimee Mann. … This song ends the compelling, but sometimes crazy go nuts, movie “Magnolia.”

272. You Might Think – The Cars. … One of the greatest videos of all time, especially when Ric Ocasek knocks the guy out of the prom photo. “You might think I’m crazy. All I want is you.”

271. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond. … This one is dedicated to Mike Corcoran and A.J. Calabro, who absolutely love this song. LOL. The tune was featured on a terrific live album called “Hot August Night.”

270. Luka – Suzanne Vega. … Sad song, somewhat ahead of its time, about a woman hiding domestic abuse. Made it to No. 3 on the billboard chart in 1987.

269. Fight the Power – Public Enemy. … Released in 1989, the song still resonates today. Sometimes we don’t fight the right power in this country.

268. Gonna Fly Now – Bill Conti. … Makes you want to drink an egg and run for miles and miles like Rocky.

267. Magic Man -- Heart. … Classic, hard-rocking tune from the wonderfully talented Wilson sisters.

266. Bitch – Meredith Brooks. … One-hit wonder Brooksie belted it way out of the park with this memorable grammy-nominated tune that reached No. 2 on the billboard chart in 1997.

265. Down to the Waterline – Dire Straits. … Magnificent guitar work here from Mark Knopfler and the boys. Second only to Sultans.

264. You Better You Bet – The Who. … From one of their best albums in my opinion, “Face Dances.”

263. Dig Down Deep – Marc Cohn. … He walked in Memphis, but this acoustic number resonated with me more. “I don’t wanna go up the mountain. I don’t need to go down to the sea. I’m gonna sit right here till we unravel, this mystery.”

262. Times Like These – Foo Fighters. … “It’s times like these you learn to live again. It’s times like these you give and give again. It’s times like these, you learn to love again. It’s times like these, time and time again.”

261. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynard Skynard. … The guy at the turn table played this song as Alabama-Huntsville was finishing up a victory in the UConn Hockey Classic final many years ago. While the Chargers tapped their sticks on the ice in approval, Huskies coach Bruce Marshall had steam coming out of his ears. LOL.

260. I Love You Suzanne – Lou Reed. …. This tune isn’t much on deep lyrics, but I think it’s much more fun than the iconic “Walk on the Wild Side.”

259. American Idiot – Green Day. … Might be a little premature to put these guys in the Hall of Fame, but this song is a head banger.

258. Brandy – Looking Glass. … Was a No. 1 hit in the early 70s. “The sailors say, ‘Brandy, you’re a fine girl, what a good wife you would be.’”

257. Photograph – Def Leppard. … Hard-rocking hair band did it right with this melodic piece of music.

256. Against All Odds – Phil Collins. … Memorable, heart-felt song from a dreadful 1984 movie by the same name.

255. Superman – Five for Fighting. … Originally written about, “trying to fit in.” Took on special meaning after 9/11 when John Ondrasik sang it at the “Concert for New York,” in honor of the rescue workers.

254. She Moves On – Paul Simon. … From the terrific, latin-styled music of the 1990 Grammy-nominated album, “The Rhythm of the Saints.”

253. At this moment – Billy Vera & the Beaters. .. Michael J. Fox dances with his girlfriend to this in a memorable “Family Ties” episode.

252. Manic Monday – The Bangles. … Still have that crush on Susanna Hoffs.

251. Lyin Eyes – The Eagles. … Glenn Frey introduced this song at a concert in Tampa by saying, “This is dedicated to my ex-wife. … Plaintiff.” Such an impeccably-written song by Don and Glenn.

250. Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield. … A No. 1 hit and Grammy-Award winning song in 1981 from “Working Class Dog” for the Aussie.

249. Do What You Like – Foreigner. … Deep track from “Head Games.” Group provided a lot of memorable singles, but this is the one I have listened to the most – led by Lou Gramm’s soothing voice.

248. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen. … Freddie Mercury reportedly wrote this Elvis-like tune in a very short time one day. He plays guitar on the record as well.

247. (Wearin Down) Like a Wheel – Elliot Easton. … The left-handed guitarist of The Cars put out a solo album named “Change No Change” with this tune that includes a nifty solo.

246. Dreamboat Annie – Heart. … A great blend of voices and wonderful acoustic guitar work on the live version make this song memorable.

245. You Learn – Alanis Morissette. … Best song from an amazing album called, “Jagged Little Pill.” “You live, you learn, you love, you learn, you cry, you learn, you lose, you learn.”

244. Tangled Up in Blue – Bob Dylan. … The legend only had one better than this one in my estimation.

243. It’s Not Safe – Aimee Mann. … “All you wanna do is something good. So get ready to be ridiculed and misunderstood.” From a terrific album, cheekily named “I’m With Stupid.”

242. Two Tickets to Paradise – Eddie Money. … Long before he was starring in a Geico commercial, Eddie was rocking and this tune edges “Shakin” as his best. Saw him at a nightclub in New Britain and he looked out of it when the show started, but what a performance he produced.

241. My City of Ruins – Bruce Springsteen. … The Boss originally wrote this for an Asbury Park, N.J. benefit and it ended up on his terrific CD, “The Rising.” Come on Rise up!

240. Locked Out – Crowded House. … Always thought this was a perfect song to play when the home team’s player heads to the penalty box. “Been locked out. Been locked in. But I always seem to come back again. When you’re in that room, what do you do? I know that I will have you in the end.” From a terrific album named “Together Alone.”

239. Maggie May – Rod Stewart. … Originally released as a B-side to the single “Reason to Believe” before it became a No. 1 hit in 1971.

238. Every Little Kiss – Bruce Hornsby & the Range. … His son Keith has great range as a shooter for LSU as well. “What I wouldn’t give for only one night.”

237. More than a woman – The Bee Gees. … You want Stayin’ Alive. You’re not gonna get it. John Travolta and Karen Lynn Gorney danced to this moving tune by the Gibb brothers in “Saturday Night Fever.”

236. Runnin’ down a dream – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. … “Workin’ on a mystery. Going wherever it leads.”

235. Bad Time – Grand Funk Railroad. … A top-four hit in 1975 when Grand Funk picked “a bad time to fall in love.”

234. A Certain Girl – Warren Zevon. … “What’s her name?” He couldn’t tell ya!! Warren, who died of cancer in 2003 after producing lots of unique and memorable music, sits last on my itunes list behind Frank Zappa.

233. Every Breath You Take – The Police. … Haunting song from 1983 about a possessive lover. Elevates one of the group’s better albums -- “Synchronicity.”

232. Ol’ 55 – The Eagles. … Tom Waits wrote this classic that enhances the group’s second-best album in my opinion, “On the Border.”

231. Baba O’Riley – The Who. … Inaccurately called it “Teenage Wasteland” for many, many years.

230. Bennie and the Jets – Elton John. … BBBBBennie. Electric Boots. Classic released in 1974 from the “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” album.

229. You Get What You Give – New Radicals. … A great motto to live by. Never turn this vibrant, somewhat political song off when it comes on the ipod. The Edge reportedly loved this tune.

228. Brass in Pocket – The Pretenders. … Man, could Chrissie Hynde sing. This is the first big hit for the band in the year 1980. Scarlett Johansson does a great karaoke version in “Lost in Translation.”

227. Overkill – Colin Hay. … Hay appeared on an episode of “Scrubs” and did an acoustic version of his Men At Work song and it just blew me away. It will be on my playlist when I form my band.

226. Veronica – Elvis Costello. … Elvis wrote this unique song from “Spike” with inspiration from his grandmother, who was stricken with Alzheimer’s.

225. All Right Now – Free. … English rock band, led by eventual Bad Company lead singer Paul Rodgers, had this one big hit in 1970. Always a toughie in Name that Tune competitions.

224. The way love goes – Janet Jackson. … There really is nothing wrong with a wardrobe malfunction. Liked a lot of Janet’s music. I challenge you not to move your shoulders while listening to this tune.

223. White Room – Cream. … Eric Clapton rocks out on lead guitar while Ginger Baker drums and Jack Bruce sings this iconic song from the amazing 60s band.

222. New York, New York – Frank Sinatra. … Brings back some great memories. No, not of Yankees victories.

221. It don’t come easy – Ringo Starr. … “Gotta pay your dues, if you wanna to play the blues.” Ringo rocks. His great solo library also includes songs like “Photograph,” “You’re Sixteen” and “The No No Song.”

220. Empire State of Mind – Jay Z and Alicia Keys. .. Two tremendous artists collaborate. Keys can sing with anybody. Yes, even Beyonce.

219. All of the good ones are taken – Ian Hunter. … Ian kills it in one of the greatest videos of all time. This is the title track from the former Mott the Hoople lead singer’s sixth solo album, which was released in 1983.

218. I’m Mandy, Fly Me – 10 CC. … Story song about a man falling asleep near one of those old airline posters and dreaming he was saved by a mythical stewardess named Mandy. This innovative British band was under-rated.

217. The Boxer – Simon & Garfunkel. … There might never have been a better singing duo than these two.

216. Signed Sealed Delivered – Stevie Wonder. … “Here I am baby…” Michael McDonald did a solid cover of this song as well.

215. Money – Pink Floyd. … The band’s first hit in America from the legendary album “Dark Side of the Moon” was written by Roger Waters.

214. Steer – Missy Higgins. … “Steeeah,” as she calls it in her pure Australian accent, is a wonderfully-written tune from her best album, “On a Clear Night.” Saw Missy four times and her show at a little jazz club in Providence was one of the best I have ever attended.

213. Vida La Vida – Coldplay. … “I used to rule the world, seas would rise when I gave the word. Now in the morning I sleep alone, sweep the streets I used to own.”

212. Baby, I love your way – Peter Frampton. … Tremendous artist that I would have loved to see when he came “Alive.” This song made it to No. 12 in the mid 70s.

211. Heaven – Los Lonely Boys. … Might be a bit of a chick song, but the soulful, jazzy number gets the toe tapping.

210. Come on Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners. … Long-distance dedication to the former (probably) Eileen O’Brien, who I met at UConn in 1982. I was such an idiot. Still am.

209. I Heard it through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye. … Even before “The Big Chill” this was a classic song.

208. Just the way you are – Billy Joel. … Simple, meaningful tune from Billy’s best work, “The Stranger.”

207. Get Together – The Youngbloods. … “Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another, right now.” Masterpiece from the 1960s.

206. The Promised Land – Bruce Springsteen. … Often on the list of songs that open his epic concerts. “Mister I ain’t a boy, no, I’m a man and I believe in a promised land.”

205. You can never tell – Chuck Berry. … Uma and Travolta dance to this in “Pulp Fiction” during one of the greatest scenes in modern cinema.

204. I Can’t Tell You Why -- The Eagles…. Timothy B. Schmidt takes the lead in this moving soul number. Second best song I sing in the car. … Alone.

203. Man in the Wilderness – Styx. … Deep track from the group’s best album, “The Grand Illusion.”

202. Borderline – Madonna. … Way! Madonna made a lot of great music and, in my opinion, that first album was her best with this track leading the way. Edges “Into the Groove,” as her top tune.

201. Rock the Casbah – The Clash. … Biggest hit for the English punk band in America was inspired, apparently, by the banning of Western music in Iran in 1979.

HONORABLE MENTION "DEEP TRACKS" (Some other favorites that could have easily been in the top 350 and deserve their own category -- *new additions)

Spaced – Aerosmith. … From their best album, “Get Your Wings.”

Jane – Barenaked Ladies. … Very melodic song from the Canadians.

I’ll Be On My Way – The Beatles. … “As the June light turns to moonlight, I’ll be on my way.” From Live at BBC CD.

Putting out Fire – David Bowie. … Originally from the movie “Cat People,” but never sounded better than when Michelle Laurent was putting on her war paint before killing Nazis in “Inglourious Basterds.”

The Load Out – Jackson Browne. … JB’s ode to the roadies, which plays nicely right into “Stay.”

Moving in Stereo – The Cars. … Unique song that leads into “All Mixed Up,” which ends their brilliant first album.

I Can’t Take It – Cheap Trick. … Easy-listening tune that is overlooked among the group’s best.

Lonely Stranger – Eric Clapton. .. Under-appreciated piece from his Unplugged album.

Ink – Coldplay. … Nice little tune on their most-recent CD, “Ghost Stories.”

Another Horsedreamer’s Blues – Counting Crows. … Haunting song from “Recovering the Satelites.” … “So she takes her pills, careful and round. One of these days she’s gonna throw the whole bottle down. But she’s trying to be a good girl and give’em what they want.”

Don’t Stop Now – Crowded House. … From the group’s return album, “Time on Earth.” It just pulls you into a journey.

Twisting by the Pool – Dire Straits. … Different kind of song from this group, with a great video.

Open Your Eyes – Doobie Brothers. … Michael McDonald’s voice soars in this little-known tune from “Minute By Minute.”

Wasted Time – The Eagles. … “You can get on with your search baby, and I can get on with mine, and maybe someday we will find, that it wasn’t really wasted time.” A classic from “Hotel California.”

*Pretty Maids -- The Eagles. ... Written as a melancholy look at life so far and Joe Walsh's voice works perfectly with the song that also graces "Hotel California." Walsh sings, "Heroes they come and they go."

*You Get the Glory -- Kathleen Edwards. ... "You're the Great one; I'm Marty McSorley." Tremendous video.

*Summerlong -- Kathleen Edwards. ... Probably should be in the top 300. Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst shop for an urn for Mitch while this song plays in "Elizabethtown."

Honey Hi – Fleetwood Mac. … Nifty little piece of music from an inventive album, “Tusk.”

*All I want to be is by your side – Peter Frampton. … A simple tune that graces probably the greatest live album of all time – “Frampton Comes Alive.”

Look Sharp – Joe Jackson. … Kickass title track from a kickass album.

Rosalinda’s Eyes – Billy Joel. … Wonderful latin-flavored song from “52^nd Street.”

Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters – Elton John. … From the master work, “Honky Chateau.”

Your number or your name – The Knack. … Another great tune from “Get the Knack.”

4^th of July – Aimee Mann. … From her amazing first solo effort, “Whatever.”

Daughters – John Mayer. … Moving song with the acoustic guitar -- for the ladies.

Crawling Back to You – Tom Petty. … From the under-rated solo album named “Wildflowers,” which also had the catchy “It’s Good to be King.”

Got my own thing – Liz Phair. … From a wonderful CD called “Somebody’s Miracle.” “I know you’re not like other guys. I don’t expect you to normalize. I won’t get into what you do, because I’m bettin’, bettin’, bettin’ all my money on you.”

Little Darlin – Poco. .. From a dynamite album named “Legend.” “You’re the sun, the moon, the stars shining. You’re the one, there’s no denying.”

*When will I see you? -- The Pretenders. ... "Demand the impossible. Everyone will be free." From an under-rated album, "Packed!."

Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen. .. Sounded best on “Live Killers.”

Subterranean Homesick Alien – Radiohead. … Unique band, unique song from “OK Computer,” – which was loved by the critics.

Electrolite – REM. … Just a smooth, under-rated classic from “New Adventures in Hi-Fi.”

How it Is – Rush. … From perhaps their best under-the-radar album, “Vapor Trails.”

Winding Road – Bonnie Somerville. … Heard this song on the “Garden State” soundtrack and it blew me away how good it was. Bonnie is an actress who has been on several TV shows.

Out in the Street – Bruce Springsteen. … Follows “Hungry Heart” on Bruce’s classic double album “The River.”

Janey don’t you lose heart – Bruce Springsteen. … Never was a single. You can catch it on the “The Essential Bruce Springsteen” CD. Just love the smoothness of this song. … Na na na na.

Black Cow – Steely Dan. … “Aja” was such a great album and this might be the best on that one along with “Deacon Blues.”

*I’m so happy I can’t stop crying – Sting. …. Stinnnng, Sting a ling, Stinnnnng!… with a sad divorce song about Sunday fathers.

White Horse – Taylor Swift. … Secretly, it’s my favorite from her. Oh wait.

Shed a Little Light – James Taylor. .. Hopeful song, seemingly about world peace.

The Other End of the Telescope – Til Tuesday. … Aimee Mann performed this song at a concert in a Providence club I attended and stopped after a few lines to start over. “There’s too many damn words in this song,” she joked, shaking her head. “I didn’t write it.” Elvis Costello did.

Wild Honey – U2. … Bono and the boys had fun with the different-style tune from “All That You Can’t Leave Behind.”

Hard Sun – Eddie Vedder. .. From his brilliant work on the soundtrack of “Into the Wild.”

Sunshine – World Party. … Maybe they are all deep tracks from this under-appreciated pop-rock band. They sound a little like the Stones in this one.