"LIAR" THE CRANBERRIES (1993)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

The first time I heard this song was on the Empire Records soundtrack. I practically played that disc into the ground as every single song on that soundtrack was a standout. What made “Liar” one of my favorite Cranberries anthems is that it paired some of Dolores O’Riordan’s most beautiful, yet feisty yodeling with core “alternative” elements like unexpected chord progressions, instrumental interludes and guitar playing. “Liar” brings me back to exciting, yet uncertain times that were as unexpected as the song’s characteristics themselves.

“All I want is something special. And you can't give it to me.”

"IT'S TOO LATE" CAROLE KING (1971)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

Albums like Tapestry come out maybe once a decade. It’s America’s songbook. In many ways, it’s also a playbook for how to write songs—and “It’s Too Late” is a perfect example. It showcased all the great elements of songwriting. Heart. Soul. An unforgettable melody and lyrics. And, most notably on this record, an instrumental arrangement where the music not only complements the vocals, but has its own moments to shine.

“One of us is changin', or maybe we've just stopped tryin'.”

"WOULD I LIE TO YOU?" EURYTHMICS (1985)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

Rock and blues have intermingled throughout music history. But there are few songs that did it better than “Would I Lie to You?”. It was a significant departure for a band that relied heavily on synths. This was the Eurythmics’ coming out party, featuring meaty guitar riffs, sax flourishes and a powerful bluesy vocal delivery. It showcased David Stewart’s newfound love of R&B and Annie Lennox’s impressive vocal versatility together on one record.

“I've packed my bags. I've cleaned the floor. Watch me walkin'. Walkin' out the door.”

"I PUT A SPELL ON YOU" NINA SIMONE (1965)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

That voice. It’s the unbelievable combination of versatility and pure soul. Like synthesizers or guitar effects pedals, Nina Simone’s versatility transforms to anything she wants it to be. On a song like “I Put a Spell On You”, we hear a wide array—from sweet honey to scorching fire. And the kicker: there’s an unforgettable moment at the 1:55 mark when Nina’s voice mimics the sax in one of the most arresting improvisations ever recorded.

“I put a spell on you. Because you're mine.”

"EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING" LAURYN HILL (1998)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

“Everything is Everything” is a towering bridge spanning the musical landscape. It bridges the seminal work of the Fugees with the new, defining sound and themes of Lauryn Hill. It bridges multiple genres, from R&B to soul to hip hop. It also bridges us into the next decade with an early peek into John Legend, who played piano on the track as a 19 year old. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a reeducation of what music can be. And “Everything is Everything” led the way.

“Now hear this mixture, where Hip Hop meets scripture. Develop a negative into a positive picture.”

"SOLITUDE STANDING" SUZANNE VEGA (1987)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

One Saturday afternoon in high school, I went to the old Tower Records in the Village and waited among the throngs to meet Suzanne Vega. She was quiet, but assuredly in command. That same eccentric stature and personality are on full display on “Solitude Standing” where Vega’s eerie confidence comes through even in a whisper. “Luka” and “Tom’s Diner” were bigger hits. But the title track is the one that showed Vega at her best, unapologetic self.

“I've come to set a twisted thing straight.”

"THE GREATEST" CAT POWER (2006)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

This was the title track (along with the album at large) where Cat Power’s sound evolved into a more soulful expression. It’s why a song like “The Greatest” immediately grips you and won’t let go. Even at its impossibly slow pace, “The Greatest” is somehow invigorating and hopeful, a space that band lead Chan Marshall excels in. It’s a shining example of how music can lift your spirits without relying on faster tempos or louder instruments.

“Once I wanted to be the greatest. No wind or waterfall could stall me. And then came the rush of the flood. The stars at night turned deep to dust.”

"WUTHERING HEIGHTS" KATE BUSH (1978)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

It’s not a pop song. Or a rock song. It’s just a brilliant work of art. The songwriting and instrumentation for “Wuthering Heights” are more akin to the storytelling approach and epic scale of a Broadway musical than anything else. It’s what was playing in Kate Bush’s head after reading the novel and film adaptation of the same name. At the age of 18, “Wuthering Heights” showed us Kate’s innate ability to surprise us and introduce us to different worlds.

“I'm coming back to his side to put it right. I'm coming home to wuthering, wuthering, Wuthering Heights.”

"BRASS IN POCKET" THE PRETENDERS (1979)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

When I think of all the frontwomen in rock & roll, Chrissie Hynde is the quintessential example. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Hynde played a lead role without stealing the spotlight. You can hear it in the classic, “Brass in Pocket”. Hynde’s edge is exactly on par with the attitude of the guitar riff and the punk posture of the bass. No one member is overpowering the other. And rather than blending all the sounds together, the production emphasized the clarity of each individual track. It’s a beautiful thing.

“Got motion, restrained emotion. Been driving, Detroit leaning.”

'NOTHING REALLY MATTERS" MADONNA (1999)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

An unusual album from Madonna spawned quite an unusual song. This was Madonna’s foray into the electronic world. In a strange twist of events, it barely charted as a single, despite being considered one of the best dance tracks of her career. In many ways, it was the Un-Madonna track. One of a couple of songs about her daughter Lourdes from Ray of Light, “Nothing Really Matters” was deeply personal and a shining example of Madonna’s evolution as a singer.

“Love is all we need. Everything I give you, all comes back to me.”

"SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME" ELLA FITZGERALD (1950)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

There are few things in life more beautiful than Ella cracking open the Gershwin songbook and paying homage to some of the finest songs ever written. “Somebody to Watch Over Me” showcased the silkier, softer side to the legendary singer. In its coyness, it’s still a serenade of assurance and conviction. And like many jazz standards, it commands your utter silence to truly enjoy what’s unfolding.

“There's a saying old, says that love is blind. Still we're often told, seek and ye shall find.”

"WHAT KIND OF MAN" FLORENCE + THE MACHINE (2015)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

“Tour de force” is a phrase that gets tossed around a little too easily in music. But it’s not a bad way to describe “What Kind of Man”. The song starts off in a whisper before launching headlong into a vocal rampage, the kind music fans have come to adore about Florence. And gone were the synths and harp. This was the band’s coming out party for powerful guitar riffs and an unrelenting percussion barrage.

“And with one kiss you inspired a fire of devotion that lasts for twenty years. What kind of man loves like this?”

"SPELLBOUND" SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES (1981)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

You can’t write a book about post-punk without mentioning the swirling, intense musical storm that is “Spellbound”. One of my favorite Siouxsie and the Banshees’ anthems — and there are several of them — this song was brilliantly original in every way. No one else sung like Siouxsie. No one else played guitar like that. And no one sure as hell ever wrote a song like that. “Spellbound” was a ritualistic purge of convention.

“Following the footsteps of a rag doll dance, we are entranced.”

"ONE" AIMEE MANN (1999)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

Aimee Mann is one of the most underrated singer-songwriters of our time. Being at the helm of ‘Til Tuesday and their mega hit “Voices Carry” may have created a shadow too big to crawl away from. But there is no mistaking the power of one of the greatest soundtracks ever written and recorded: Magnolia. Mann wrote half a dozen brilliant songs on it, but the one song I’ll never forget is her creepy, dystopian and insistent cover of “One” to open the movie.

“One is a number divided by two.”

"SON OF A PREACHER MAN" ARETHA FRANKLIN (1970)

For Women’s History Month, I’m selecting some of my favorite songs from some of the most talented and influential women in music. From frontwomen to singer-songwriters to iconic performers, I’m picking one song a day on Mental Jukebox until the end of March.

Let’s kick things off with Aretha. The queen of soul gave us literally hundreds of memorable recordings, and her rendition of “Son of a Preacher Man” is one of my favorites. She didn’t write it, but it was written with her in mind. “Preacher Man” played perfectly to her vocal range and soulful swagger. Not to take anything away from Dusty Springfield’s version, but Aretha sung it like she lived it.

“Being good isn't always easy, no matter how hard I try.”

"NEVER LET ME DOWN AGAIN - LIVE AT THE ROSE BOWL" DEPECHE MODE (1988)

In my series “Long Live Live”, I’m highlighting some of the most revered live recordings of all time. You’ll see my musical biases, but there’s no doubt that each of these tracks played a pivotal role in shaping music history. I started Mental Jukebox last year because I needed another music listening outlet when there were no more live shows to go to. These songs remind me that nothing will ever replace the blend of atmosphere and performance captured in the live experience.

The year was 1988. Almost overnight, Depeche Mode was thrust into the masses. They were taking over stadiums on an ambitious tour across the states. On “Never Let Me Down Again” at the Rose Bowl, we experience a band transcending the boundaries of traditional stadium rock. It rode on the back of Martin Gore’s grating electric guitar riff, all while David Gahan steered a new alt rock universe into euphoria with his arms waving in the air.

“We're flying high. We're watching the world pass us by. Never want to come down. Never want to put my feet back down on the ground.”

"GOLDEN - LIVE AT THE FILLMORE" MY MORNING JACKET (2005)

In my series “Long Live Live”, I’m highlighting some of the most revered live recordings of all time. You’ll see my musical biases, but there’s no doubt that each of these tracks played a pivotal role in shaping music history. I started Mental Jukebox last year because I needed another music listening outlet when there were no more live shows to go to. These songs remind me that nothing will ever replace the blend of atmosphere and performance captured in the live experience.

There’s a magical element to live shows that many of us have been missing since the pandemic began. That special aura that comes with quieter songs. Songs that transport us and immerse us well into the night. That’s “Golden”, one of My Morning Jacket’s slower, sleepier songs. The band’s live recording at The Fillmore is full of live magic—the kind of performance that makes you wish the concert never ends.

“Sure sometimes they thrill me. But nothin' could ever chill me. Like the way they make the time just disappear.”

"OLD FRIENDS - LIVE AT CENTRAL PARK" SIMON & GARFUNKEL (1981)

In my series “Long Live Live”, I’m highlighting some of the most revered live recordings of all time. You’ll see my musical biases, but there’s no doubt that each of these tracks played a pivotal role in shaping music history. I started Mental Jukebox last year because I needed another music listening outlet when there were no more live shows to go to. These songs remind me that nothing will ever replace the blend of atmosphere and performance captured in the live experience.

On September 19, 1981, Simon & Garfunkel played a benefit concert at the Great Lawn. The first song in the encore was “Old Friends”. There was nothing except Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s vocals and Simon’s acoustic guitar. With no other instrumentation and nowhere to hide, that summer evening performance in Central Park showcased just how good their voices were and how simple and honest their songwriting was.

“The sounds of the city sifting through trees settle like dust on the shoulders of the old friends.”

"ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL - LIVE AT FOLSOM PRISON" JOHNNY CASH (1968)

In my series “Long Live Live”, I’m highlighting some of the most revered live recordings of all time. You’ll see my musical biases, but there’s no doubt that each of these tracks played a pivotal role in shaping music history. I started Mental Jukebox last year because I needed another music listening outlet when there were no more live shows to go to. These songs remind me that nothing will ever replace the blend of atmosphere and performance captured in the live experience.

There were 16 songs on the set list for Johnny Cash’s legendary concert to the inmates at Folsom State Prison in California. But “Orange Blossom Special” is the one song that has always stood out to me from that recording. It had the rockabilly swagger that we’ve heard throughout a good bulk of his catalog. But it also did something powerful with the inmates that day that you can clearly hear from the rousing cheers. Containing one of Cash’s fastest, most energetic harmonica solos, the song distracted the men long enough to forget where they were or what their predicament was. That’s a powerful performance.

“I'll ride that Orange Blossom Special and lose these New York blues.”

"BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE - LIVE IN HOLLYWOOD" TALKING HEADS (1983)

In my series “Long Live Live”, I’m highlighting some of the most revered live recordings of all time. You’ll see my musical biases, but there’s no doubt that each of these tracks played a pivotal role in shaping music history. I started Mental Jukebox last year because I needed another music listening outlet when there were no more live shows to go to. These songs remind me that nothing will ever replace the blend of atmosphere and performance captured in the live experience.

At the momentous concert in Hollywood’s Pantage Theatre, Talking Heads slowed some songs down and reinvented others. But with “Burning Down the House”, the band added more fuel and vigor to an already artfully intense song. Jerry Harrison’s keyboard mastery manifested in an impressive combination of power and precision, culminating in the minute long synth solo.

“Watch out, you might get what you're after. Cool babies, strange but not a stranger. I'm an ordinary guy burning down the house.”