Let’s admit it; we’re all musical snobs at heart. There are things that we like because we know other people like it as well, and we don’t want to be “caught” listening to something that is considered “uncool”. The old saying “I know what I like” is not as true as “I like what I know”.
But we all have secret “guilty” favorites that we like to put on when we just don’t care anymore. Things no one else really likes, but gives us pleasure. And while we talk about the fashionable music to our friends and acquaintances, these are the tunes when we listen to when alone, and no one is watching.
So,
here is my TOP TEN list of “GUILTY PLEASURE” styles and artists that put a smile on my face when cruising around:
- Greek folk music of the 50s-60s. I grew up listening to these Old School bouzouki players, and singers like Rena Dalla, Polly Panou and
Bambakaris. Sounds like a smoky tavern in some Grecian village - Jim Reeves-“Gentleman Jim” had one of the mellowest and saddest baritones ever, with clear enunciation and heartfelt lyrics. “Is It Really Over?” is something I still sing to my wife of 39 years.
- Donovan-Something about this English folk troubadour is simple and gracious. He also swung a bit on his early concert albums.
- Buck Owens-The creator of “The Bakersfield Sound” is a hard swinging affair, and there is tear in the beer in every tune.
Bob Wills-Western Swing is just a hoot, and it’s just fun to “Ah Ha” along with the band.- Doo Wop-Including groups like the Marcels, The Penguins, The Hollywood Flames. If you’re not harmonizing with them, you just don’t get it.
- Outlaw Music-vintage Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings singing about life on the run or on the road. Dirt under the nails, and real lives, sin and forgiveness.
- Little Richard/The Coasters/50s R&B-think Lloyd Price, Larry Williams and the New Orleans beat with a bigger beat.
- 40s-50s black gospel. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Dixie Hummingbirds, etc. I play this music every Sunday morning to get ready for church, just in case the worship part of the service isn’t up to par. That way I’ve still gotten sanctified.
The Mercy Beat-early 60s like The Searchers, Gerry and The Pacemakers, Chad and Jeremy and even the early Beatles still sound fresh.