The Songs that Never Get Old--to me.

At the risk of sounding like Peter Fonda in that TimeLife commercial for "Flower Power" CD compilations, some music just don't get old. Too bad that doesn't apply to Mr. Fonda himself, who, although he looks good for 70, should NEVER be allowed to wear a motorcycle jacket again. It just looks sad, like a pleather toupee or something. I mean, "Easy Rider" was 41 years ago. That means he had 41 years to make other movies to diversify his image. Look no further than the late Dennis Hopper for instructions on how to do this.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to change my clothes in order to get in the mood to write this next part. Let the record show that I am now wearing my flannel shirt, which I will leave unbuttoned so you can see my Pearl Jam Lollapalooza 1992 T-Shirt. I also have a killer pair of doc martins on, and some of those there carpenter jeans--relaxed fit is where it's at. (dry cough)

I haven't really been feeling musical as of late. However, I have recently restrung the ole guitar (the electric one that only had 5 strings on it since the second Reagan Administration), and have been, for better or worse, playing more frequently.

Let the record show that a fountain of songs does not flow from my fingers to the fretboard. I am more of a slow, annoying drip coming from an improperly sealed faucet. If that faucet came from 1996. And was formally located in Geddy Lee's bathroom. The point being, every time I start to play, certain songs seem to come out.

Here they are, in no particular order:

• Sweet Child o' Mine--If there is an electric guitar in my hand, this song comes out within 5 minutes. I especially like the opening (reason number 1 million why Les Paul guitars are so effing cool--what a tone), and the breakdown "Where do we go?" part.
  

• Cannonball--Damien Rice may only had a cup of coffee on the radio here in the States, but this song makes me happy in spite of it's melancholy message. Plus, it's SO effing fun to play--right up my alley. As a bonus, the melody lends itself to my "all neck" falsetto style. Michael Anthony would be proud.

• All Your Love (I Miss Loving)--If I had one wish, it would be to be able to sing like Otis Rush. I guess I'll just have to be satisfied with murdering his wicked cool guitar part with my fat white hands. Sigh.

• The Dutchman--Liam Clancy and I are in agreement. One of the most touching love songs ever written. And the guitar part is perfect to accompany it. If you can listen to this song and not get a little well-eyed, than I'm not sure I want you to read my blog, you soul-less wretch.
  

That's pretty much the list. Sure, there are other songs that occasionally work their way into the rotation. Honorable mentions go to Dreamline, Dancing Nancies, Jessica and of course, The Holy Ground.

The point is this: I wonder if this habit is peculiar to me, or do other musicians do this? I suspect it's not, and that they do. Taken further, do other amateur artists do this? I mean, do painters who like to paint trees paint more trees to warm up? Or do mystery writers type 20 pages from an Agatha Christie novel to get warmed up? I'm not so sure. Can anyone out there shed any light on this?