Shuffling the Ipod, V III
Here we go again: Five songs at random
1.King Harvest Has Surely Come- The Band
The closing track on The Band's self-titled album, an album that is really one of the fine creations in rock. This song, about a struggling farmer, is sung wonderfully by Richard Manuel.
The album is really a collection of songs about American life. While The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is one of the best songs ever written, this song showcases the soulful style of Manuel perhaps better than any on the album.

2. So Wrong- Patsy Cline
Maybe the best female singer of American popular music ever, Cline gives, well a Patsy Cline performance here. It's a normal Patsy Cline ballad, but here's the thing about Patsy: Every time you hear her voice, you realize how wonderful it is, and how there really has never been another singer like her. If only she'd lived longer.

3. Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin
The ultimate story song. It's a cautionary tale to every father out there, and I think it probably did change some lives. Last May, I saw Harry's brother, Tom, in concert. He played this song, and if you shut your eyes, it was like you were hearing Harry. It brought down the house.
I first heard this song on the way to my kindergarten class. When I understood the meaning, I wanted to cry. It's a song that connects us all, and will last as long as songs are played.

4. Meet Me in the Indian Summer- Van Morrison
This is a Van track that never did much for me. It's the second cut off the Down the Road, an album that had some amazing songs (Only a Dream, The Beauty of the Days Gone By), and this track has a nice relaxing feel. Again, it's by no means bad, and as I have written about Van's music, it's like pizza.
Even when it's bad, it's good.

5. Crazy Love -Van Morrison
This is a live cut from 1970 -- it's a gift I received before leaving my last job. Imagine Van in his prime, cutting one of his best songs. Many people have tried to cover it, but Van's version live is intense and sung with passion. Great song.