Yes, it’s that time of the year. If I ruled the world, I would make Election Day April 16th, as people would vote MUCH differently if they had just finished paying their taxes. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but it is quite interesting that the first Tuesday of November is almost 6 months away from Tax Day.
Anyway, this week’s theme is about money. It’s one of the top three topics of songs, right up there with booze and love. Too much, or not enough, there’s an angle of it that’s surely been reflected upon. Here, we’ve put together a list of some of the best tunes about that green, gold and silver stuff that you may or may not know.
1) Taxman-The Beatles. Still as timeless as when it was first recorded. Did Harrison think of Obama when he wrote “if you get too cold I’ll tax the 
heat; if you take a walk I’ll tax your feet”? Definitely could use a jazz/r&B version
2) Money, Honey-Clyde McPhatter. This R&B gem mixes humor and worldly wisdom like few others. The only problem with it is no one these days can sing that high!
3) Dollar Green-Lou Rawls. With a big band that swings like Basie, Lou is as hip and cool as ever as he talks about 
“Buck” and “Bill”.
4) Romance Without Finance is a Nuisance-Tiny Grimes. Including a sax solo by a young Charlie Parker, this song is a message that hasn’t changed since they invented dinner and a 
movie.
5) With Plenty of Money and You-Tony Bennett or The Ink Spots. Both made this tune from 
The Gold Diggers a delight.
6) Your Cash Ain’t Nothin’ but Trash-The Clovers. Rebuke with a hip beat!
7) Money (That’s What I Want)-Barrett 
Strong –hard hit in the face.
8) First I Look at the Purse-The Contours. More famous for “Do You Love Me” but this one has a wry humor that is irresistible
9) Busted-Ray Charles. No one sounds more convincingly down in the dumps as Brother Ray, and the swaying saxes just add to the misery so 
delectably.
10) For the Love of Money-The O’Jays. Sure, they misquote the Bible verse, as 1 Timothy 6:10 says that it’s the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. But the point is still well taken.
11) God Bless the Child-Billie Holiday. “Money, you’ve got lots of friends,” sadly says it all.
12) Puttin’ on the Ritz-Fred Astaire. The inspiration for many a man to dress in order to impress
13) Diamonds are a girl’s best friend-Marilyn Monroe. And wouldn’t she know?
14) If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time-Lefty Frisell. Willie Nelson 
made it a hit, but a remake is definitely calling out.
15) She Works Hard for the Money-Donna Summer. Best positive song about why we need money.
16) Sixteen Tons-Merle Travis. Most NEGATIVE song about the use of money.