1) Lovers in a Dangerous Time by Barenaked Ladies
This is a rare example of a cover being (in my opinion) better than the original. Bruce Cockburn performed the original as a sort of soft rock song, BNL give it a country/bluegrass feel to it which seems to suit it better.
2) There's a Fine, Fine Line - Julie Atherton
This is a song from the Musical 'Avenue Q' (as an actor I reckon I'm allowed a musicals track). It stands out amidst the brilliantly funny profanity and puppet porn as a beautifully simple and heartfelt love song.
3) I'll be your Shelter - The Housemartins
Paul Heaton is probably one of the most underrated male vocalists this country has produced, and his range is really pushed and explored on this song. Uplifting and powerful.
Yes they were cheesy, yes they had some duff songs, but Crazy Horses is innovative and a proper rock-out song. It reminds me of being younger and it was my once concession I made to my Osmonds loving Mother.
Listening to this is almost an endurance test, pulse raising swells and staccato drums make you feel like you're in the heat of battle. I first heard it during a music lesson at high school and it's a piece of music I seem to play in my head a lot.
I couldn't really choose my favourite Stevie Wonder song, I love most of his work and actually changed my mind midway through writing this! I plumped for Living for the City because it's a brilliant social commentary without being mawkish or preachy.
Any version of this will do, not necessarily because I like the song, but because it is one my wife sings around the house a lot, and always reminds me of her.
He's a great storyteller, and though I'm not a big fan of rap as such this track really got to me and makes for an intuitive look into intense fandom from both sides.
Best. Theme tune. Ever. (ED: I couldn't decide which version to choose so went for a video that has all of them!)
I love, *love* Neil Hannon's voice, and this is one of his best songs. Charming and whimsical and also the theme to Father Ted.
That BNL song is an inspired choice, Azza!
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