The End - The Beatles

And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.

Crimson and Clover - Tommy James and the Shondells

If you are like me, you probably didn't know this song was by Tommy James ( also famous for Mony Mony) and probably credited it to someone else, in my case Simon and Garfunkel. Released in 1969, this song is incredibly revolutionary in music with its unique wobble like guitar sounds. At the end too, there is a wobbly effect on his vocals, which he achieved by plugging his mic in through his guitar amp. An awesome sound with great effects, and some simple lyrics that are easy to relate to make this such a classic hit.

When The Music's Over- The Doors

The theirs longest song by the Doors, this song appears on 1967's Strange Days as the closer. Probably one of their more psychedelic albums, this is a very under rated songs in my opinion. It's got some great keyboard, very subtle but awesome guitar work, and Jim's incredible voice. It also contains about a 4 minute quiet poem part which I think is just awesome. Definitely worth checking out, be it Doors fan or not.

Moon River - Andy Williams/ Audrey Hepburn

An oldie, I enjoy the soft undertones of the backing music and the strength of the vocal performance. This song has been performed by a multitude of stars including Elton John and Frank Sinatra but this version happens to be my favorite I've heard. Originally written for Audrey Hepburn, it is sung in Breakfast at Tiffany's. This song is beautifully done too for its very simple acoustic beginning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flm4xcOyiCo - Andy Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOByH_iOn88&NR=1 - Audrey Hepburn

Moon River

Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way

Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me

(moon river, wider than a mile)
(I'm crossin' you in style some day)
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way

Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after that same rainbow's end, waitin' 'round the bend
My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me

Aquarius/ Let the Sun Shine In - The 5th Dimension

Released in 1969, this is a two song medley from Hair that has just always a favorite of mine. It's great a great feel, some awesome horns, and the vocal melodies really go well together. The age of Aquarius was believed to be an era of love, light and humanity, what one might think of during the late sixties/early seventies. Really, it it just a fun little song that used to be very big ( won Grammy for song of the year) but has been unfortunately forgotten.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LANwIgpha7k

Aquarius/ Let the Sun Shine In

When the moon is in the seventh house
and Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars
This is the dawning of the age
of a Aquarius, the age of Aquarius
Aquarius, Aquarius
Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
and the minds true liberation
Aquarius, Aquarius
When the moon is in the seventh house
and Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars
This is the dawning of the age
of a Aquarius, the age of Aquarius
Aquarius, Aquarius

Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in(Repeat)

Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight - The Beatles

One of the lesser known songs, Golden Slumbers is a powerful little number of the B side of Abbey Road. This album is my favorite Beatles album, and one of my top albums all of all time and it is largely in fact to the 2nd side. The way the songs run together, repeating rhythms and some lyrical set ups is beautiful and this song just seems to catch the power of the whole piece in my eyes. Followed by Carry that weight that wraps up the piece bringing back the earlier fields and then kicks it into The End, the only true Ringo solo. An incredible song progression that is sometimes looked over, but well worth the listen, although I suggest listening to the whole side together, the whole album in fact.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e_j66mgTDE&feature=related

Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight

Once there was a way to get back homeward
Once there was a way to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullabye

Golden slumbers fill your eyes
Smiles awake you when you rise
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullabye

Once there was a way to get back homeward
Once there was a way to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry
And I will sing a lullabye

Boy, you're gonna carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time
Boy, you're gonna carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time

I never give you my pillow
I only send you my invitations
And in the middle of the celebrations
I break down

Boy, you're gonna carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time
Boy, you're gonna carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time

To Sir, With Love - Lulu

Another one of those songs I have on 45, this song has a very smooth, soft feel to it especially with the presence of the strings. It was written for the movie of the same name, released in 1967, and first performed by Lulu. I love the lyrics to this song and she delivers them well. Just a great little song that is basically unknown except by fans if the film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPoFI7m-cjI

To Sir, With Love

Those schoolgirl days of telling tales and biting nails are gone
But in my mind I know they will still live on and on
But how do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try

If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters
That would soar a thousand feet high 'To Sir, With Love'

The time has come for closing books and long last looks must end
And as I leave I know that I am leaving my best friend
A friend who taught me right from wrong and weak from strong
That's a lot to learn, but what can I give you in return?

If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start
But I would rather you let me give my heart 'To Sir, With Love'

Sunshine Superman - Donovan

The mid 60's were a time of easy but awesome sounding rifts and some of the most interesting lyrics, simple and easy to identify with. Donovan was one of those artists who was simple but had enough musical sense and lyrical ability to make a nice catchy song. With Jimmy Page playing electric guitar for him on this song, the guitar work is simply awesome. Donovan has such a powerful voice also that I find myself being entirely drawn into this song. Released in 66' first as a demo, it became the lead single for his third album. People may also recognize this tune as it was 'sampled' by Imani Coppola in her song Legend of a Cowgirl.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_4DsNFQS98

Sunshine came softly through my a-window today
Could've tripped out easy a-but I've a-changed my ways
It'll take time, I know it but in a while
You're gonna be mine, I know it, we'll do it in style
'Cause I made my mind up you're going to be mine

I'll tell you right now
Any trick in the book now, baby, all that I can find
Everybody's hustlin' just to have a little scene
When I say we'll be cool I think that you know what I mean
We stood on a beach at sunset, do you remember when?
I know a beach where, baby, a-it never ends
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine

Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm
I'll pick up your hand and slowly blow your little mind
'Cause I made my mind up you're going to be mine
I'll tell you right now
Any trick in the book now, baby, all that I can find

Superman or Green Lantern ain't got a-nothin' on me
I can make like a turtle and dive for your pearls in the sea, yeah!
A you-you-you can just sit there a-thinking on your velvet throne
'bout all the rainbows a-you can a-have for your own
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine
I'll pick up your hand and slowly blow your little mind
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine

I'll pick up your hand
I'll pick up your hand

A Quick One While He's Away - The Who

Before Tommy, there was another rock opera, this one a mini-one songer called A Quick One While He's Away. Released on their 2nd album A Quick one in 66, it's split into 6 parts : Her Man's Gone, Crying Town, We Have a Remedy, Ivor the Engine driver, Soon Be Home, and You are Forgiven. This song was the inspiration for other songs of this cut design such as 2112 by Rush and Homecoming and Jesus of Suburbia by Green Day ( who coincidentally has this song as a hidden track on their newest album). There are several things I love about this song, including the harmonizing vocals, the overall setup and feel of the song and the way moon trashes his kit at the rock and roll circus, but two distinct parts stand out : You are Forgiven and the word cello. The ending is a repetition of the sentence you are forgiven and is so powerful, actually credited as Townshed's first lead singing role and has Entwistle singing a very convincing and awesome falsetto. Now, at one part you can hear them singing the word cello over and over ( at the start of You are Forgiven) and the story is that they wanted a string section but their manager refused to pay for it. So the Who, being who they are, decided to just sing cello where they had wanted to put it. Now that's rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D32-Fswl-Nc

I. Her Man's Been Gone

Her man's been gone
For nigh a year
He was due home yesterday
But he ain't here

Her man's been gone
For nigh on a year
He was due home yesterday
But he ain't here

II. Crying Town

Down your street your crying is a well-known sound
Your street is very well known, throughout your town
Your town is very famous for the little girl
Whose cries can be heard all around the world

III. We Have A Remedy

Fa la la la la la
Fa la la la la
Fa la la la la la
Fa la la la la

We have a remedy
You'll appreciate
No need to be so sad
He's only late

We'll bring you flowers and things
Help pass your time
We'll give him eagle's wings
Then he can fly to you

Fa la la la la la
Fa la la la la
Fa la la la la la
Fa la la la la
Fa la la la la la
Fa la la la la la

We have a remedy
Fa la la la la la la
We have a remedy
Fa la la la la la la
We have a remedy
Fa la la la la la la
We have a remedy
Fa la la la la la la

(spoken)
We have a remedy.
We have!

Little girl, why don't you stop your crying?
I'm gonna make you feel alright

IV. Ivor The Engine Driver

My name is Ivor
I'm an engine driver

I know him well
I know why you feel blue
Just 'cause he's late
Don't mean he'll never get through

He told me he loves you
He ain't no liar, I ain't either
So let's have a smile for an old engine driver
So let's have a smile for an old engine driver

Please take a sweet
Come take a walk with me
We'll sort it out
Back at my place, maybe

It'll come right
You ain't no fool, I ain't either
So why not be nice to an old engine driver?
Better be nice to an old engine driver
Better be nice to an old engine driver

V. Soon Be Home

We'll soon be home
We'll soon be home
We'll soon
We'll soon, soon, soon be home

We'll soon be home
We'll soon be home
We'll soon
We'll soon, soon, soon be home

Come on, old horse

Soon be home
Soon be home
Soon
We'll soon, soon, soon be home

We'll soon
We'll soon, soon, soon be home

We'll soon be home
Soon be home ...

VI. You Are Forgiven

Dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang

Cello, cello, cello, cello, cello, cello
Cello, cello, cello, cello, cello, cello
Cello, cello, cello, cello, cello, cello
Cello, cello, cello, cello, cello, cello


I can't believe it
Do my eyes deceive me?
Am I back in your arms?
Away from all harm?

It's like a dream to be with you again
Can't believe that I'm with you again

I missed you and I must admit
I kissed a few and once did sit
On Ivor the Engine Driver's lap
And later with him, had a nap

You are forgiven, you are forgiven, you are forgiven ... (ad lib)

You are forgiven