This History of American Music course that I am teaching has me digging deeper into my iPod than I ever have. I knew there was a bunch of stuff in there. Heck, I downloaded it all. However, I did not realize that depths of its knowledge. When I want to play a sample for the class, I find it on my iPod. It makes me realize that the iPod does not have any issues at all. It is simply steeped in music history.
In honor of this newfound respect for the iPod, I have decided to explore its inner workings and see what is there. Besides, I cannot think of anything else to write about.
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition
“Night Train” by Alvino Rey
“Wild World” by Cat Stevens
“America” by Neil Diamond
“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
“Luck Be a Lady” by Michael Civisca
“You Really Got Me” by The Kinks
“John Barleycorn” by Traffic
“Changes” by David Bowie
“When I Can Afford to Lose” by Will Hoge
“Save the Last Dance for Me” by The Drifters
“Sweet Tennessee” by Judah and the Lion
“The Road to Hell” by Chris Rea
“High Fever Blues” by Bukka White
“Don’t Cry” by Guns N’ Roses
“My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison
“All the Young Dudes” by Mott the Hoople
“Elevation” by Television
“Still” by The Commodores
“Jack and Diane” by John Mellencamp
Yeah, maybe my iPod is not as crazy as everyone thinks.
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
I don’t think it is crazy, just a collection of great music.
There is some not so great stuff on there, too. I tend to weed through that.
So many of my old favorites. Wow. Really takes me back!
That’s the magic of music.
Amazing how I associate some moods and moments in my life with certain songs – indelibly embedded it seems – some pleasant – some not.
Music is always a good connection to the past.
One item on the list brings memories of Jethro Tull doing a version of John Barleycorn. A very different one from Traffic’s but I like both. Have you heard that one?
I haven’t heard it, but I am going to look for it.
I heard it on the live album ‘A Little Light Music’