I’m taking a different tack today and sharing the first of a series of playlists. I don’t subscribe to any of the services, so to hear these tunes, you’ll have to find them (most are fairly easy to come by). This is the latest iteration of a series I began on cassette to listen to on roadtrips. I had as almost as much fun cutting up magazines and making covers as I did choosing the songs. I’m sure I’m not alone in that.
At any rate, this American series has grown over this years. I’ve shared it with a friend on CDs for birthdays (“50 for 50”; he shares my love of place). This latest is the most expansive and, if memory serves, the most political on the final volume. Without further ado, here’s Volume 1 of Us.
“Rally ‘Round the Flag,” Ry Cooder.
“Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream,” Bob Dylan.
“Christopher Columbus,” Maxine Sullivan.
“715 (For Hank Aaron),” Peter Cooper.
“Anchorage,” Michelle Shocked.
“By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” Isaac Hayes.
“Willin’,” Little Feat.
“Arkansas Traveler,” Michelle Shocked.
“West Memphis,” Lucinda Williams.
“Folsom Prison Blues,” Johnny Cash.
“California Sun,” the Rivieras.
“California Stars,” Billy Bragg and Wilco.
“Complainte pour Ste Catherine,” Kate and Anna McGarrigle.
“Denver Blues,” Tampa Red.
“Connecticut” Judy Garland and Bing Crosby.
“C-U-B-A,” Any Old Time String Band.
“Delaware Slide,” George Thorogood and the Destroyers.
“White House Blues,” Bill Monroe.
“To Washington,” John Mellencamp.
Volume 2 is up soon. Stay tuned.
That’s a great photo. Interesting music list, some I know, some not. Will stream that Bob Dylan song today. On By The Time I Get To Phoenix, I certainly am familiar with the Glen Campbell hit, but have never heard the Isaac Hayes version. Gonna check it out.