I Tell You Love, Sister, It's Just a Kiss Away

Let us pray.



“Why Me Lord?,” Johnny Cash
With all the talk of “greatest” songwriters going on around here this week, I would be shirking my duties if I didn’t give an honorable mention to Kris Kristofferson. Along with composing this tune, he also wrote “For the Good Times,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” and a little ditty called “Me and Bobby McGee.” Here he is with the great Texas hippie Doug Sahm in a short scene from Cisco Pike. Sahm cracks me up.

“Gimme Shelter,” The Rolling Stones
One of the greatest lead-off tracks in rock history. I’ve heard this song a quadrillion times but I always stop what I’m doing when that signature guitar opening hits my ears. The Stones appeared on Ed Sullivan as he introduced the song as a track from the new album, Let It Be. Priceless. Michael Sragow wrote about the genesis of the film Gimme Shelter in this 2000 Salon article.

“Carousel,” Iron & Wine
Sam Beam has one of the best beards in rock. He keeps it so well-groomed. Here’s a nice live version from nearly a year ago.

“Sunrise Sunset,” The Fiddler on the Roof OST
Whoa, how did that get in here? I have to admit a soft spot for Topol and this song. What can I say? I’ve got a daughter who’s growing up way too fast.

“Simmer Down,” Bob Marley & The Wailers
Early Marley tends to get forgotten sometimes. This was his first hit (1964) and set him apart from other artists as far as social awareness was concerned. Clement Dodd, who developed the “Studio One sound” of early ska and reggae, was the producer. It also reminds me of Cheri Oteri.