I’ve spent the past few months completing some major renovations to my home, and during that stretch have had the pleasure of listening to some super, fantastic music. None of what will follow is either new or local, but there is no denying that the following five songs are musical gems.

1 – God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

Incredible song from one of the most influential albums of the past fifty years.  Littered with classic Beach Boy harmonies, an opening everyone recognizes and layers upon layers of keys and strings, “God Only Knows” is a perfect example of how magical and melodic Brian Wilson was.

2 – Heading For The Light – Traveling Wilburys

The super group that all other super groups aim to be, The Traveling Wilburys were an unexpected, at the time, sensation.  More well known songs, “Tweeter and the Monkey Man”, “End Of the Line” and “Handle Me With Care” are what define the Wilburys’ first album but with Harrison taking lead on the vocals, a great bridge and a great sax solo, “Heading For The Light” gets my nod.

3 – Christie Lee – Billy Joel

Billy Joel at the top of his game, channeling his inner Little Richard.  If you’re a piano/pop fan, this song hits every note. Nuff said!

4 – Lust for Life – Iggy Pop

A thumping drum beat that plays throughout the entire song, mixed in with Iggy Pop’s signature vocals and what you end up with is five minutes of an organized mess. No one does it better.

5 – A Boy Named Sue – Johnny Cash

A tale of a gent with a name that follows women around. From busting heads, to adventures in bars and an epic fight with a family member, Johnny Cash spins a tale like no other and ends up crafting one for the ages.