R.I.P. Pete Seeger

Phil writes: This is his 94th birthday celebration.  By now his voice had more or less gone, in terms of singing, but the audience participation, which he always encouraged, helps to make this very moving.  He wrote the music and the words were adapted, by others, from the Book of Ecclesiastes:

Kiesza - Hideaway

Joe writes: Big dance pop tune from Canada via New York, but heavily influenced by the sound of UK right now

Ages and Ages - Divisionary (Do the Right Thing)

Joe writes: Ages and Ages come from Portland, Oregon which is where I should be living according to Buzzfeed. I heard this track on the Guardian's New Band of the Day column (could I be anymore Portland?). Anyway, it's a great tune that builds and builds, and I like the message - I have a friend whose personal motto was "still trying to do the right thing".

Jakwob feat. Tiffani Juno - Somebody New

Joe writes: Full disclosure: I know Jakwob. But when I heard this on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show, I knew that I knew it, couldn't think what it is, but thought it sounded massive, which it does.

The Orwells - Who Needs You

Joe writes: I enjoyed this controversial Letterman performance and I really like this song:

Everly Brothers - All I Have To Do Is Dream

Phil writes: I meant to post this to mark Phil Everly's death.  For me it is their greatest track, with a memorable melody and the timeless harmonies for which they were noted:



One of my all-time gig highlights, was when Simon and Garfunkel, on their last reunion tour, acknowledged the debt they owed to the Everlys and then (this was a total surprise to me) introduced them:

You Ain't Alone by Alabama Shakes as featured on the Dallas Buyers Club trailer

Joe writes: When you hear the whole track, you start to suspect the appeal is more the performance and the sound than the underlying song, but it works brilliantly on the end of the Dallas Buyers Club trailer.

If you want underlying song and all the rest as well, how about Stay With Me Baby by Lorraine Ellison. I first heard this as the closing song to a British TV drama about a self-loathing comedian. It played as he committed suicide at the end by driving down a mountain on a motorbike. I wish I could remember more about it.

Buika - Mi Niña Lola

Joe writes: Buika is from Mallorca, lives in Florida, but born to African parents. Her voice is incredible.

Harry Chapin - Taxi

Joe writes: I love a good story song and this is one of the best. If you've never heard it before, make sure you listen to the end. Taxi seems appropriate to New Year's Day. Let's hope it's a good one.