Love Songs II
Julia Reed February 7th, 2012This Valentine’s Day playlist is, as usual, all over the map, but I thought it fitting to pay tribute to two unforgettable singers lost to us in the past year. Etta James is mostly known for the classic “At Last” (which had a big comeback in the early 90s as the soundtrack to a Jaguar commercial) and heartbreakers like “I’d Rather Go Blind.” Here, I thought I’d let her be atypically upbeat with the “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.”
Another phenomenal voice snuffed out far too soon was that of Amy Winehouse. iTunes now offers a posthumous collection of “Hidden Treasures,” and here Winehouse shows off her soulful pipes in a duet with Tony Bennett (who knew?) on “Body and Soul.”
Last year was also a time for new beginnings, especially for Sir Paul McCartney, who married Nancy Shevell, a smart, good-looking businesswoman and seemingly sane heiress, in October. For more than 30 years Paul had one of the great love stories with Linda, followed by a disastrous turn with the out-there Heather Mills. If his brand new album of old standards is any indication, true love has struck again. Here, some of his affecting new recordings are included, along with one of the hands-down best love songs ever, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” from his first solo album.
Also in the mix are songs about old loves (former Drive-By Truckers’ singer and guitarist Jason Isbell’s “Stopping By”), having it bad (Isbell’s “Heart on a String” and “One More Night” by veteran singer-songwriter J.D. Souther), and having some serious fun (Grace Potter’s “Stop the Bus”). There are unabashed love songs ranging from Nat King Cole’s “The Very Thought of You” to Ryan Adam’s “Winding Wheel.” And finally, there is my dear friend, Eden Brent’s infectious “Someone to Love.” It’s what we all want, right?
Something’s Got a Hold on Me, Etta James, Her Best, The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection
Body and Soul, Amy Winehouse, Lioness: Hidden Treasures
More I Cannot Wish You, Paul McCartney, Kisses on the Bottom
My One and Only Love, Paul McCartney, Kisses on the Bottom
My Valentine, Paul McCartney, Kisses on the Bottom
Maybe I’m Amazed, Paul McCartney, Paul McCartney
Stopping By, Jason Isbell, Here We Rest
Heart on a String, Jason Isbell, Here We Rest
One More Night, J. D. Souther, If the World Was You
Come on Up, J. D. Souther, If the World Was You
Stop the Bus, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, This is Somewhere
Love Sneaking up on You, Bonnie, Raitt, Bonnie Raitt and Friends
Love Letter, Bonnie Raitt, The Best of Bonnie Raitt
The Very Thought of You, Nat King Cole, The Very Thought of You
A Song for You, Leon Russell, The Best of Leon Russell
We’ve Still Got Time, Greg Trooper, Upside-Down Town
Winding Wheel, Ryan Adams, Heartbreaker
Someone to Love, Eden Brent, Ain’t Got No Troubles
Elusive Fine: Hot Socks
