Friday Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0kjXEX04LoIbf75aTfp648?si=6a9b1e0b47324656

“Police On My Back” – The Clash
I watched like my 60th documentary about The Clash this week and dove into their music for a bit after. I maintain they are the greatest cover band of all time, taking songs by other acts that were already great and elevating them as they made them their own. Here’s a perfect example, originally written and sung by Eddie Grant with his band The Equals in 1967.

“The Sky Is Melting” – Alex Lahey
This song is either about Monday, apparently the hottest day in Earth’s history (assuming during human occupation of our planet) or Lahey taking some edibles in the desert one night. She says B but I think A.

“I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man)” – Kenny Loggins
The best – by far, fight me – song on the Footloose soundtrack. It’s a damn shame it peaked at #22 on the Top 40. That’s what happens when you release a single in the middle of the greatest summer for music ever.

Why am I including it? Twice this week – Monday and Wednesday – while popping into my local grocery I heard it on the in-store music stream. Which seems pretty random. Especially when the next song was different each time, so it’s not like they were stuck in a loop or something. If it plays again on my next visit, I’m going to think something is up.

“Basketball” – Kurtis Blow
L and I will hit the road shortly for a week of hoops in the Lou.

“Brainless” – The Urge
Speaking of the Lou, Spotify has spit this out twice in the past couple weeks. Arguably the greatest non-Nelly song to come out of St. Louis in the mid-to-late 90s.

“Show You The Way” – Thundercat with Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins.
I watched [a summary of Michael McDonald’s career](https://youtu.be/Yna1ZN7AdOg) this week. It’s pretty amazing how often he appeared as a guest on other artist’s hits. This song was referenced as one he’s appeared on lately. Since McDonald is from St. Louis, seems right to include it. And, holy shit, Kenny Loggins too!

“Summer Nights” – Van Halen
Man, it is all coming together. In July 1986 I visited a friend who had moved to St. Louis. We listened to nothing but Van Halen for the 36 hours I spent with him. I think the Van Hagar song of the moment was “Dreams.” But I’m sure my love for this song is connected with that trip. I always thought Eddie’s mini guitar he plays in this video was cool as shit.