Helluva music collection

I forgot, in the transition to just listening to music on my laptop and internet radio, that I actually have a hell of a CD collection. Coupled with Mike's CDs, we have probably 3-400 CDs. I've realized this because I'm making MP3s of most of them (my favorites) anyway. It's a productive project, but also fun. (I think I'm ready to get back to work next week because I'm enjoying being productive again, instead of just laying around or playing.) Anyhoo, here are some recently re-discovered gems from the Rock A-G drawers: The Cars — "You're all I've Got Tonight" and "Let The Good Times Roll" still sound fresh, 20 years later. Take that, Strokes! Dan Baird — "Love Songs for the Hearing Impaired" (CD) The lead singer for the Georgia Satellites made a solo record of smart, literate redneck rock. Well worth checking out, to get in touch with your white trash roots. Favorite line? "Now Tina wouldn't win because she danced to Twisted Sister, but when Dixie told the DJ 'Gimme 3 Steps, Mister", all the gentlemen in the audience began to rise." Woo! Yes! I want to run away and get in a wet t-shirt contest RIGHT NOW! Woo! Jackson Browne — Okay, I know, you think he's the worst of the California sensitive types. Or you don't like him because he allegedly beat Darryl Hannah. But if you actually listen to his songs, man... the guy can write. And sing. Set aside your assumptions and listen to "Late for the Sky." Or a later record, "I'm Alive." Then come tell me he's a wimp. The Cure — I kinda ignored them in college because everybody was into them. But dang if "Why Can't I Be You?" isn't a killer song. JJ Cale — The source of much laid-back coolness in the 70s. I only wish I were this chill. His version of "After midnight" is way sexier than Clapton's. Jonatha Brooke & The Story — I know The Story were one of the bands that overly emotional smart girls listened to in the 80s and all you guys got the heebie-jeebies. But "Inconsolable" is a damn gorgeous song of heartbreak. So there. Shawn Colvin "Steady On" — More girliness, but before she kinda began to suck. That's a stunning voice in there, wrapped in a slightly icky-sweet cardigan sweater, but tough nonetheless. Beck -- "Debra" from "Midnight Vultures" — Hilarious Prince-style send-up with ridiculous wah-wah guitar and falsetto yelping. You didn't know skinny little Beck could sing like that, did you? A great chorus: "I wanna get with you...and your sister... I think her name's Debra..." And the best pick-up line: "I said 'Lady, step inside my Hyundai'" Unh! More later, perhaps.