Days Like These - Asia

An underrated track from a very underrated band. Superstars from day one

in the US; despised as rock dinosaurs in their UK home. There's no

justice. But this track just makes me feel so up, hyper, loud and happy

that it has to be on the album. Perfect for blasting down California

Highway 1 to Los Angeles. Or up the A30 to Tesco in Camberley, as

applicable.

The Man With The Child In His Eyes - Kate Bush

Is there anything more sensual than the sound of Kate whispering "He's

here" at the start of this track? If there is I don't need to hear it. I

don't think it would be safe.

And I don't care if Kate's put on weight (haven't we all?), I'd batter a

nun with a cricket bat if it got me tickets to see her perform live.

The Winner Takes It All - Abba

Because, as a naturally cheerful, happy and optimistic person, I need

artificial aids to generate melancholy for those occasions when it's

needed to set my happiness in sharp relief. Light and shade. Plus, I

remember the video and being heartbroken looking at poor, sad, beautiful

Agnetha Faltskog. Ahhh...

Dire Strais - Romeo & Juliet

1981. I was 17 and in love. Of course I was too painfully shy and

unattractive to do anything about it, so, obviously, the best

alternative was to listen to this song.

Al Stewart - Year Of The Cat

Actually a bit before my time, but I fell in love with the whole album

because I was introduced to it by Sarah when I was crazy about her after

she'd split up with my best friend. She got the album from her older

sister - the one who later overheard me admiring her bottom at Sarah's

wedding. So no grist for a therapist's mill there then, eh?

All The Young Dudes - Mott The Hoople

Time travel straight back to 1972. Glam rock in microcosm. And I must

have something by Bowie on here, so writing this song ticks that box.

Birdhouse In Your Soul - They Might Be Giants

Melodic rock with great multi-layered vocals and witty lyrics. Plus,

it's not a love song.

Life In A Northern Town - Dream Academy

The Academy may have been one hit wonders, but, when this is your debut

single, the only way is down, so you can see why they quit while they

were ahead. Has that wonderful melancholic aspect to it too.

Sweet Talkin' Woman - Electric Light Orchestra

SUCH a tough call whether to choose this or 'Mr. Blue Sky', but,

although the latter is the definitive ELO track, I think this song has

even more joie de vivre. Anyway, I just like it better. I could've

picked 12 ELO tracks, as Jeff Lynne can do no wrong, musically, as far

as I'm concerned.

Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) - Queen

I had to have something by Queen, so it might as well be something as

beautifully crafted as this song. Guaranteed to bring a lump to the

throat before it breaks into its bombastic rock section. Classic Queen,

even though it isn't one of their better-known tracks.

Northern Lights - Renaissance

Annie Haslam's crystal-clear vocals are what make this song so

breathtaking, but sparkling flutes, guitars and synths provide the

perfect context. What you'd get if Yes had lived in the middle ages.

Take Your Mama - Scissor Sisters

It makes me a little bit proud to think that the Scissor Sisters were a

huge success here in the UK and not such a hit in the US. Don't they

know great music when they have it on their doorstep? Almost makes up

for Britain not appreciating Asia. Anyway, these guys know how to write

a good song, how to get it down on a CD and they definitely know how to

perform 'em live! It's all going to be OK - the 21st century can produce

great original music.

It breaks my heart to leave off The Beatles, Boston, Elton John, The

Eagles, Larry Norman, Toto, The Traveling Wiburys, Foreigner, Aerosmith,

Bad Candy, Jill Sobule, Joe Jackson, Julie London, Rush, The Carpenters,

Carly Simon, Steely Dan, Whitesnake, Blondie, The Human League,

Freiheit, Mike Batt, The Monkees, Gary Moore and the songs 'Walking On

Sunshine', 'Rush Hour', 'Body Rock', 'Downtown' and "'74-'75". Thank

goodness my iPod holds more than 12 tracks.

On the other hand, you've been spared Heart, Dido, John Denver and

Journey, so you got off lightly.

Sharon C >>