My favorite songs are not favorites for the same reason that most people have favorite songs. Because I am a musician and write and record my own music, my favorite songs have to do with the way they sound (sonic character), the way they were recorded, or the way they were constructed. Confused? You’ll see what I mean when I explain. (It will help to be listening to the recording of the song in earphones to fully understand what I mean.)

Favorite Beatles song: “Strawberry Fields Forever” written by John Lennon. Paul had nothing to do with this one.

This song is actually two separate versions of the same song spliced together. The two versions are in different keys and were recorded at different speeds. Yet, when George Martin slowed on version down so he could “glue” the two recordings together, it matched the other version. It is a piece of recording wonder and creates a recording masterpiece for which The Beatles were well-known.

The first recording is the guitar/mellotron part which lasts about a minute. The mellotron is like an early sampler that played tape loops of instruments. It makes the flute sound at the beginning of the song. John’s voice is actually slowed down in this part and the guitar is playing his name in Morse Code in the background. At the 1:00 minute mark, the other recording is spliced in. This version features an orchestra playing along with Ringo’s drums. But Ringo played the drum part about 4 times. That’s why the drums sound bigger and fuller. John’s voice is slowed down the entire song giving it that odd sound like he is drawing every syllable out. “Strawberry Fields Forever” has always been a favorite, especially because of the studio recording tricks that were used in its production.

Favorite folk song: “Catch the Wind” by Donovan.

This is one of the first songs I learned to play and sing. I think I learned the version by Glen Campbell, but I loved the sound of the G5 chord at the beginning and playing the bass notes while strumming – a technique that Mother Maybelle Carter innovated in “Wildwood Flower.” The song is about a boy who loves a girl and dreams about all the things they could do together, but in the end, he knows it will never happen. This is the type of melancholy song I am drawn to time and time again.

Favorite classical song: “The Trumpet Shall Sound” by George Frederic Handel from Messiah.

Most people don’t know about this song because it occurs after the “Hallelujah Chorus” and is usually not included in presentations at Christmas. However, the American River College Band played this during a half-time show, and it featured all the trumpets, including a piccolo trumpet solo. The “Messiah” version of the song features a baritone solo and expresses one of the great Biblical promises about life after death.

Favorite country song: TIE – “That Ain’t My Truck” by Rhett Akins, “Witchita Lineman” by Glen Campbell (written by Jimmie Webb), and “The Song Remembers When” by Trisha Yearwood (though I like the demo by songwriter Hugh Prestwood better.)

“Ain’t My Truck” is pure country – a girl, a truck, and heartache. The singer gives the girl a chance to choose between him and another guy, and the girl chooses the other guy! His truck is now in the driveway of her house. I love the Telecaster guitar riff at the beginning with its slapback echo.

“Witchita” is also pure country about a working man who loves a woman. It features that great Tommy Tedesco guitar part that emulates a telegraph at the end of the chorus, and Glen Campbell plays the great baritone electric guitar solo. This song also features Carol Kaye on Fender Precision bass guitar. She is responsible for the opening riff that lets everyone know exactly what’s about to be heard. There is no mistaking that opening riff!

“Song Remembers” reminds you that a song can transport you back in time to a specific time that you heard it. The song is tied in your mind to that event or place. I heard Hugh Prestwood perform it to a dozen people in a class at Nashville Songwriters Camp. Trisha does a nice version of it.

Favorite soundtrack theme: “Honor” from The Pacific by Hans Zimmer and Geoff Zanelli. This piece of music captures what it is to serve in the military for the United States of America. The opening chord progression is exactly the same as “Shallow” that Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper did in “A Star Is Born”.

Favorite pop songs: “What Is Hip?” by Tower of Power. Who can imitate that bass guitar part? It never stops through the whole song. “Reelin’ in the Years” by Steely Dan. What a fantastic guitar solo and tone! Unmistakable. “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney. Pure simplicity in production and a guitar solo with no effects – just a guitar and an amp. “A Case of You” by Joni Mitchell. No one writes lyrics like this lady. “Country Road” by James Taylor. People think I like “Fire and Rain” better since I was kind of infamous for covering it in the early 70’s, but I like the simplicity of “CR” better. There are so many Jackson Browne songs that I love I cannot whittle it down to a favorite, but “Bright Baby Blues” and “Sleep’s Dark and Silent Gate” are right up there at the top, along with “Doctor, My Eyes” and “Running on Empty.” America’s “Ventura Highway” captures the California spirit of the 70’s and those acoustic guitar riffs at the beginning are pure gold. “Goodnight Saigon” by Billy Joel captures what it felt like to fight in Vietnam.

Favorite Christian song (that isn’t mine): “The Silence of God” by Andrew Peterson. This song is not for the faint-of-heart. It expresses the angst of unanswered prayer in that time where you wait and wait for God to do something. The story behind it is just as good as the song. Look it up.

Favorite song of all time: TIE – “Amazing Grace” and “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” What else can I say!