"HOW TO SAVE A LIFE" THE FRAY (2005)

This song brings me back to a moment my wife and I had while lounging on Psarou Beach in Mykonos. We felt like we were on top of the world. We were on our honeymoon. And we had just discovered the Greek Isles, our new favorite place in the world. A few college kids were nearby, laughing, drinking, not a care in the world. They had one song playing out loud on repeat. That song was “How to Save a Life”, a song that many of us played endlessly back in 2006-07. I remember that day on Psarou Beach like it was yesterday.

“I would have stayed up with you all night had I known how to save a life.”

"MEXICO" JAMES TAYLOR (1975)

My favorite JT song of all time is “Mexico”. Having harmony masters David Crosby and Graham Nash singing backing vocals certainly didn’t hurt. But it was JT’s acoustic guitar that was the musical highlight and the heartbeat of this song. From the opening sequence to the end refrain, he found a way to create a melodic masterpiece out of unusual chord progressions—an uncommon achievement in music. And the best thing about it, “Mexico” still holds up so well more than four decades later.

“Way down here you need a reason to move. Feel a fool running your stateside games.”

"SPACE ODDITY" DAVID BOWIE (1969)

Bowie was a master at creating characters—and even at times embodying their personas—from Aladdin Sane to Ziggy Stardust. On “Space Oddity”, we met Major Tom, a fictional astronaut who launched into space with much promise, but ultimately faced his own demise by the end of the five minute song. “Space Oddity” was an imaginative story that pointed us to a universe where electric guitar rock can co-exist with a string symphony.

“This is Major Tom to Ground Control. I'm stepping through the door. And I'm floating in a most peculiar way. And the stars look very different today.”

"THE BOMB!" THE BUCKETHEADS (1995)

It would be far too dismissive to simply refer to “The Bomb!” as that great house track with the killer beats. In the mid to late 90’s, New York City’s club scene was shaped by euro establishments like Au Bar. My crew would go not just once a week, sometimes twice or three times a week. Some of the guys were strictly in it for the girls. But there was no denying the power that this music had on us. The Bucketheads bring me back to a time when a bold studio project showed us what happens when you combine house, disco, freestyle and Latin street music. It stirs your body and soul.

“These sounds fall into my mind.”

"LOVE AIN'T ENOUGH" THE BARR BROTHERS (2014)

“Love Ain’t Enough” is a closer. The kind of song that sends you off on a high after soaking in a killer show. In reality, though, The Barr Brothers have used it early on in their set lists or sometimes not at all. But it’s the kind of driving musicality that lifts your spirits. The twist is that the lyrics resolutely claim that love is enough. The song holds power—using unexpected elements like the harp and falsetto vocals to harness it.

“Love is enough when you don't look back.”

"GET LUCKY" DAFT PUNK (2013)

With Daft Punk calling it quits after 30 years, my mind is on the group that gave us the French touch. Over the years, songs like “One More Time” and “Around the World” brought on the beats. “Digital Love” and “Technologic” brought on the robot phase. And then 2013 came along, and Daft Punk reinvented itself once again.

My co-worker came running over to a group of us excitedly sharing that “the new Daft Punk is here!” I took a listen to Random Access Memories and was immediately taken aback. The robotic tendencies had diminished, and a new soulful persona emerged. “Get Lucky” led the way. It had a paradoxical blend of throwback vibes and new musicality as evidenced by the co-writing duties from Nile Rodgers and Pharrell. For me, this one surpassed all the great Daft Punk dance tracks that came before it.

“Like the legend of the Phoenix. All ends with beginnings. What keeps the planets spinning. The force from the beginning.”

"WHAT I AM" EDIE BRICKELL & NEW BOHEMIANS (1988)

If you’re an 80’s child, you’ll remember the moment this song hit the radio. It was unlike anything else out there. It was almost instantly likable even with its unusual musicality and wistful lyrics. There were quite a few solid songs on Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars. But “What I Am” was exceptional in that all the stars just seemed to align on it. We may have forgotten about this old gem, but hearing it back, the wah-wah-driven guitar solo and vocals are immediately recognizable.

“Choke me in the shallow waters before I get too deep.”

"BLOODBUZZ OHIO" THE NATIONAL (2010)

Inspired by Jeep’s “Reunited States of America” Super Bowl ad, this is my peek into America through a handful of songs. Each track is dedicated to one of the states. Here’s my last pick: Part 7.

I’m ending my state series with The National. It’s hard to swallow, but High Violet may very well have been the band at its peak. Everything clicked, musically, lyrically and thematically. They still play “Bloodbuzz Ohio” live quite frequently and it’s an emotional experience every single time. What I love most about it is it took a so-called Brooklyn band back to its actual roots. The music started in Brooklyn, but the bonds formed in Cincinnati.

“The floors are falling out from everybody I know.”

"ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK" STING (1987)

Inspired by Jeep’s “Reunited States of America” Super Bowl ad, this is my peek into America through a handful of songs. Each track is dedicated to one of the states. Here’s Part 6.

One of my all time favorite Sting anthems, “Englishman in New York” epitomizes the true fabric of New York. The places and the vibe are distinct and irreplaceable. But it’s the people that make New York what it is. “Englishman in New York” celebrated this notion. The lyrics were impeccable, filled with the perfect balance of poeticism and slogan-slinging. Musically, it’s a work of art and a breath of fresh air for the pop world, highlighted by Branford Marsalis on sax.

“Be yourself, no matter what they say.”

"JERSEY GIRL" TOM WAITS (1980)

Inspired by Jeep’s “Reunited States of America” Super Bowl ad, this is my peek into America through a handful of songs. Each track is dedicated to one of the states. Here’s Part 5.

Springsteen made “Jersey Girl” famous through his frequent live renditions. Coming from a Jersey guy, in many ways it feels like a quintessential Boss anthem. But this song is written by Tom Waits and it belongs to Tom Waits. It’s the beauty and the beast. One of Waits’ most tender, beautiful songs. But it’s still emotionally delivered with that signature voice that sounds like he just rinsed his mouth out with a bucket of gravel. Without Waits’ gripping vocals, this song loses some of its swagger.

“Down the shore everything's all right. You with your baby on a Saturday night.”

"NEW MEXICO" JOHNNY CASH (1964)

Inspired by Jeep’s “Reunited States of America” Super Bowl ad, this is my peek into America through a handful of songs. Each track is dedicated to one of the states. Here’s Part 4.

I’m currently rewatching Breaking Bad with my wife and renewing my fascination with the beautiful southwest. Which leads me to the next entry for my state theme on Mental Jukebox. In between the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe and the gripping stories of Vince Gilligan came a song that told a wild west folk tale of the state of New Mexico. With his classic baritone delivery and guitar picking tendencies, it was, in many ways, a prototypical Johnny Cash song even though he didn’t write it.

“Go back to your friends and loved ones, tell others not to go to the God forsaken country they call New Mexico.”

"COME ON! FEEL THE ILLINOISE!" SUFJAN STEVENS (2005)

Inspired by Jeep’s “Reunited States of America” Super Bowl ad, this is my peek into America through a handful of songs. Each track is dedicated to one of the states. Here’s Part 3.

I can’t have a state theme on Mental Jukebox without Sufjan Stevens. And his unfinished state project is best represented by his Illinois album. What Illinois did more so than any other Sufjan Stevens record was showcase his ability to create both stripped down moments of solitude as well as orchestrated Broadway-like anthems. What I love about “Come On! Feel the Illinoise” the most is how it displays the instrumentation, storytelling and scale of a Broadway musical and delivers it in Sufjan’s unmistakeable style.

“Typically terrific, busy and prolific. Classical devotion, architect promotion, lacking in emotion. Think about it now.”

"GOING TO CALIFORNIA" LED ZEPPELIN (1971)

Inspired by Jeep’s “Reunited States of America” Super Bowl ad, this is my peek into America through a handful of songs. Each track is dedicated to one of the states. Here’s Part 2.

When I got my copy of Led Zeppelin IV back in ninth grade, it felt like I had discovered the full span of rock & roll in one cassette. The hard and heavy stuff with “When the Levee Breaks” and “Black Dog”. The accessible power of “Misty Mountain Hop” and “Rock and Roll”. The epic statements of “Stairway to Heaven” and “The Battle of Evermore”. And then there was “Going to California”, which showcased a beautiful acoustic side to Jimmy Page and gave way to one of Robert Plant’s most impressive and versatile vocal deliveries.

“Made up my mind, make a new start. Goin' to California with an achin' in my heart.”

"TENNESSEE" ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT (1992)

Inspired by Jeep’s “Reunited States of America” Super Bowl ad, this is my peek into America through a handful of songs. Each track is dedicated to one of the states. Here’s Part 1.

This week, I’m celebrating the United States on Mental Jukebox. First up, the highly influential 90’s southern hip hop classic “Tennessee”. It gave us an early example of a half-sung, half-rapped delivery. It stood in stark contrast to gangsta rap with a more positive message - exploring themes like family and spirituality. And it just had an infectious, unforgettable beat. This track helped Arrested Development win far more than just awards. It won them a ton of respect, even outside hip hop circles.

“Take me to another place, take me to another land. Make me forget all that hurts me, let me understand your plan.”

"ARMANDO'S RHUMBA" CHICK COREA (1976)

My friend, jazz aficionado and the immensely talented artist Jonathan Glass is contributing today’s Mental Jukebox pick from Chick Corea—in honor of a true legend’s passing last week. Not only is Jonathan intimately familiar with Chick Corea’s catalog and live performances, he also gifted one of his signature ink sketches to the legendary jazz pianist.

As pianist Renee Rosnes put it best, "It's hardest to think of Chick Corea in the past because no other musician was as ‘present’ as he". It’s hard to overlook Corea’s vast stylings, especially with the electronic fusion band, Return to Forever. But I choose a song that I first heard pianist virtuoso Helen Sung play at Smalls, "Armando's Rhumba", a song dedicated to Chick Corea's dad, Armando, (it should also be noted that Chick's full name is ARmando Anthony "Chick" Corea).

This song has elements of flamenco mixed with jazz as many of his "Spanish" albums do. Hearing Helen's version felt definitive, but I later heard Chick Corea play this song at Jazz At Lincoln Center with another pianist virtuoso, Chucho Valdes, as a duo concert. While Helen Sung's version felt like a tightly woven composition, Chick offered some gorgeous soloing. "Armando's Rhumba" is decidedly a jazz standard while proving once again that Chick's writing and playing had an openness to all styles of music.

"QUEEN OF PEACE" FLORENCE + THE MACHINE (2015)

Ferocity. Emotion. Grandeur. These are some of the qualities that I love about Florence. And they all come together on “Queen of Peace”, one of my favorite tracks from How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. It’s a song that switches gears two times—once from the string arrangement prelude to the fierceness of the opening verse. Then up another notch to the emotional rampage of the chorus. It’s one of the most powerful songs from one of the most powerful artists of the last decade.

“Like the stars chase the sun, over the glowing hill, I will conquer. Blood is running deep. Some things never sleep.”

"ONLY SHALLOW" MY BLOODY VALENTINE (1991)

On Mental Jukebox, I try to include some of the influential acts in music history. Not necessarily the most prolific or most successful bands. But ones that redefined music and inspired future artists and genres. It was just a matter of time that I would feature a My Bloody Valentine song. “Only Shallow” was a perfect expression of shimmering, textural soundscapes. You don’t so much listen to it as you let it wash over you.

“Where she won't dare. Anyway (where). Look in the mirror. She's not there. Where she won't care. Somewhere.”

"LITTLE WING" JIMI HENDRIX (1967)

It’s easy to appreciate the more sonic expressions of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar playing—from “All Along the Watchtower” to “Voodoo Child”. But in some ways, “Little Wing” was more impressive in its understated way. On it Hendrix demonstrated an amazing rhythm & blues-infused guitar style. It was an intricate and delicate display of the Stratocaster. But it was also an exercise in restraint. Proof that the guitar can have a prominent place in even a ballad.

“Butterflies and zebras. And Moonbeams and fairy tales. That's all she ever thinks about.”

"SOUL MEETS BODY" DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE (2005)

The songs of Death Cab for Cutie resemble timepieces. They have a methodical, percussive heartbeat that feel more like handmade Swiss watches than drum kits. This rare quality can be hugely addictive. “Soul Meets Body” is one of my favorites. While the beat has that steady, ticking personality associated with DCC, the song itself also channels the passing of time in its mood and lyrics. And it brings me back to a time when Death Cab reinvented the way we thought about music.

“I do believe it's true that there are roads left in both of our shoes.”

"THE DOWNEASTER 'ALEXA'" BILLY JOEL (1989)

Billy Joel is not only the piano man, he’s a master storyteller—with countless songs that tell gripping, novel-like narratives. And “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” was one of his finest, recounting the plight of a fisherman—with local references like Block Island Sound, Nantucket, Montauk and Gardiner’s Bay. Seeing Billy perform it live on the Storm Front tour at Giants Stadium, I felt like my very hands were on the wheel of the Alexa. That’s a powerful song.

“But I've got people back on land who count on me. So if you see my Downeaster Alexa and if you work with the rod and the reel, tell my wife I am trolling Atlantis.”