Many years ago an interviewer asked Paul McCartney what kind of music he liked---he replied “Good.”

As far back as I can remember I have always loved music.  All kinds of music.  But I must confess, I have always been mostly a fan of popular music and the Beatles defined the term “Pop Music”, or more accurately “Great Pop Music.”  They were the best of friends--The Beatles and great pop songs. And George Harrison wrote his share.  All of us know the Beatles would not have been without George Harrison.

One of my favorite memories of his music goes back to December 1970 when my brother gave me for Christmas the Phil Spector produced three album George Harrison opus “All Things Must Pass”--arguably the best post Beatles album.  After having been denied more access on previous Beatles records it’s no wonder this album has stood the test of time.  There’s a lot to this work--great original songs, the best cover of Bob Dylan’s “If Not For You” I’ve ever heard and a great jam session with some of George’s favorite musicians.

It’s been 14 long years since he released anything new.  That’s ok. His place in Rock n’ Roll history was secured a long time ago...or should I say all those years ago.

10 Tracks-42:31
Produced by:  Glyn Johns
Columbia Records

In 1976 William “Boz” Scaggs released the enormously successful Silk Degrees.  The album went on to sell 5 million copies.  But was it his best?  For my money, Moments released in 1970 was vastly superior.  Consisting of nine vocal tracks and the Japanese flavored instrumental finale, this album showcases more of Scaggs’ musical palette than any other in his catalog.  From the country tinged “Alone Alone”, the soul ballad “Moments”, the blues of “I Will Forever Sing”, the contemporary RB gem “We Were Always Sweethearts” to the lushness of “Downright Woman” and “Near You” this album has it all.  Of particular note is the impressive keyboard work of Ben Sidran (formerly of the Steve Miller Band) and Jymn (Joachim) Young.

So sit back and enjoy the laid back grooves of the “Boz”.

P.S.:  Originally recommended to me by Dave Whiting of Coldwater, Mississippi, it remains one of my top ten all-time favorites.  Thanks Dave, I owe ya one.

22 tracks-75:08
Rhino Records

In 1981 Marshall Crenshaw was voted Best New Artist by Rolling Stone magazine.  Despite having released one critically acclaimed album after another, he remains virtually unknown to the record buying public.  This compilation of his work, released last year, highlights his brilliant but overlooked career.  I’m tellin’ ya folks, this album’s got more hooks than a tackle box (check out the Brian Wilson inspired “Blues is King”, one of the great pop songs of the 80’s).

This best of CD is the ideal forum to experience his undiminished voice and topnotch song craft.  With a career now spanning two decades, his music retains a timeless quality that would apply to few other pop acts spawned in the 80’s.  And as we all know...gotta have pop.

13 Tracks-49:29
Superego Records

So far Aimee Mann has suffered the same fate as Marshall Crenshaw-virtual anonymity. Mostly known for her reflective and soul-searching lyrics, she was the composer and performer of the majority of the songs that appeared on the Magnolia soundtrack.

Ably assisted on several tracks by her husband Michael Penn (Sean’s brother), this album contains music reminiscent of the best Bacharach -David had to offer some four decades ago.

Note: Michael Penn released an album in 1989 titled March. It’s worth a listen.