Addendum
By the summer of 2024 I had decided on the music I had wanted to include, but on reflection there were a few I wanted to add — plus some new songs that have come my way and insisted on being included. Who am I to argue? So, in roughly chronological order, I am adding them here.
First off, from 1961, a little-known English singer called Al Saxon with a song written in 1941 titled There I've Said It Again. Different from most releases from that era, but nonetheless most enjoyable.
Fortunately I have the DVD of this Procol Harum concert. Their second ever single sounds great with orchestra and choir added. I have no idea what the song is about — I just find the lyrics magical.
I fear I may not have done justice to Bob Dylan, as I did spend hours listening to him back in the late '60s. He wrote so many great songs. It's a toss-up between Like a Rolling Stone and the one I have opted for. Listen to find out which one. This will please my Scottish friend!
Another singer that should have featured more is Jackson Browne, who was friends with the Eagles and Bonnie Raitt. Like Dylan, he was a prolific songwriter and again it is so difficult to choose just one track. I'm going for a relatively unknown album track. This version he recorded at home during COVID with a couple of friends. Just love the guitar work and the sweet tone of the organ.
This next track always makes me want to get up and dance. My favourite Joe Cocker song. Great rhythm and soul!
Left this one out the first time round. A bad call. Still love it!
One more from Judy Collins because it's the track that I play most often these days. A very inviting song and gorgeous silky vocals which caress the hell out of it.
I decided I couldn't leave out Kate Bush, whose debut recording caused quite a stir in 1978. But it's that guitar solo at the end that I can never get out of my head.
This next song is a slow burner — five years from the first time of hearing to now. This new performance demonstrated what a great singer and songwriter Sara Bareilles is. It’s a thing of rare beauty!!!
Two more country songs. The first is Courtney Patton, whose voice I love. She sounds even better on the album, but it was poorly recorded — so I have opted for a simpler version.
Kris Kristofferson, writer of Help Me Make It Through the Night, also wrote this song about living life in an alcoholic haze. This version by Trace Adkins really conveys the futility of it.
Elder daughter recently sent me a video of this cover of Dougie MacLean's Caledonia, a favourite song of mine and already featured in this soundtrack. I was unsure of this initially, but it gradually cast its spell over me. Here is Dougie's compatriot, Nina Nesbitt.
Recently discovered Lady Gaga's contribution to the film A Star Is Born. Always Remember Us This Way is terrific, but I am choosing this track. She wanted to write a song that had the same impact as I Will Always Love You had in The Bodyguard — which was a tall order, as that was one of Dolly Parton's best compositions. Nevertheless, Gaga produced a creditable offering with I'll Never Love Again.
Recently discovered James Blunt — and sometimes wish I hadn't, because he makes me weep buckets. It wasn't enough that he wrote an agonising account of his wife's miscarriage in The Girl Who Never Was, but he also wrote what was for me THE most emotionally painful song ever about his father dying from chronic kidney disease. Yes, his father appears in the video — and his life was saved through a kidney donation. Monsters is a wonderfully written song and this song has to be watched!
A very early track from Bonnie Raitt in 1973. The music from this era was just glorious.
When it comes to musical artists you may not like my tastes. Fair enough — but you cannot call me fickle. Here we are 50 years later and I'm still in love with Bonnie. This song is achingly beautiful. The subject matter is not Bonnie's personal experience, but she wrote it after seeing a news item on TV that moved her. Pay attention to the lyrics which feature in the video.
For a penultimate track I have chosen Show of Hands and one of their most popular songs. I love this particular live performance from about 12 years ago.
And finally!
The very first song on this soundtrack of my life I described as a masterpiece. And the performances on this last track deserve the same appellation. Sara Bareilles had the genius idea of inviting Rufus Wainwright to duet with her on her song She Used to Be Mine. They performed this on 31st December 2024 and, allegedly, only met on the day of the concert. How they managed to create such a glorious, beautiful, magical experience defies all understanding!!!