1. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Aretha Franklin – I saw Franklin perform this the day after Whitney Houston died, February 17th, 2012 at Radio City Music Hall and it was superior to this take but not by much. Both are Gospel, but the pain that night is something only real grieving can match – A- 2. The Price Of Love – The Everly Brothers – Wine is sweet and gin is bitter, drink all you can but you won’t forgive her… and that garp! – A+
3. Lariat – Stephen Malkmus And The Jicks – I was less than thrilled when this was first released last year, but I kinda missed it, it’s always the descending bridge that bores me on Malkmus song but the lick here is so sticky I don’t care – A
4. I’d Rather Be With You – Bernie Worrell – Wait till you hear what Bernie does to this Bootsy Collins song, turning it into a faux-classical masterwork – A
5. Gaping Hole – Marla Mase – Marla’s poppiest moment from her first album no less – B+
6. Things That Scare Me – Marla Mase – A litany of fear and that emerges as a self portrait – A
7. Rattled By The Rush – Pavement – Stephen’s last undoubted masterpiece – A
8. Sisters Are Doin’ For Themselves – Aretha Franklin And Annie Lennox – Two great soul singers belting it out – B+
9. Sparkle – Aretha Franklin – Aretha reaching heights of passion and submission – A+
10. We’re A Winner – The Impressions – Another Curtis and wait till you hear the True Groove version! – A