1. Aretha Franklin: ‘Think’
This number’s for anyone who’s feeling blue about a festive season relationship fallout – be strong.
2. The Band: ‘Ophelia’
This song is quintessentially uplifting. I visualise The Band playing it on stage during The Last Waltz.
3. Gene Clark: ‘White Light’
Gene Clark left The Byrds and created a superb debut album, White Light. This is the title track.
4. The Flying Burrito Brothers: ‘Christine’s Tune’
Moving in similar circles to Gene Clark and The Byrds, I’m not a huge fan of The Flying Burrito Brothers, but this song stands out.
5. Joni Mitchell: ‘Carey’
Opening line ‘The wind is in from Africa…’ instantly conjures up the comforting warmth that we’re severely lacking right now.
6. Paul Simon ‘Under African Skies’
Continuing the African theme here with ‘Under African Skies’ by Paul Simon.
7. Ringo Starr: ‘I’m The Greatest’
John Lennon wrote this song – his dry sense of wit shines through. Ringo’s voice is the perfect match.
8. Buddy Holly & The Crickets: ‘That’ll Be The Day’
I had the best of Buddy Holly & The Crickets on tape as a child. This is one of my favourite Buddy Holly songs.
9. Van Morrison: ‘Wild Night’
The opening track on ‘Tupelo Honey’, this song takes me back to a short period when all I listened to was Van.
10. Professor Longhair: ‘Mardi Gras In New Orleans’
I’ve never been to the Mardi Gras or New Orleans. Hopefully one day I’ll be fortunate enough to go.
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