Over my dead body 4/12

Here are the 10 songs Steve Hendricks of Cape Girardeau wouldn't want to live without:

1. "Aqualung" -- Jethro Tull

This is an English Cathedral Anthem in the guise of '70s progressive rock. A composition where text and music work so perfectly together, that if one is separated from the other, both lose their power to communicate a disturbing picture of the human condition.

2. "Fever" -- Peggy Lee

So hot it's cool (or is it the other way around?). Completely minimalist in presentation -- percussion, bass and Peggy. Nothing else is necessary. A primal scream from a woman who doesn't need to raise her voice to make the music sizzle.

3. "I Wanna Be Sedated" -- Ramones

The complete history of bubblegum pop in one three-minute punk rock explosion. Gabba Gabba Hey!

4. "Mr. Arthur's Place" -- Mandy Patinkin

This song is much easier to understand than it is to explain. A husband and wife, after many years of marriage, go to Mr. Arthur's Place where they recall their passion for each other and how difficult it is now to act on it. A beautifully sad song.

5. "My Funny Valentine" -- Rodgers & Hart

A song so well-crafted that its beauty and brilliance can (almost) withstand even the worst performance. If you approach this song with respect, it will treat you well.

6. "One Week" -- Barenaked Ladies

Sure, it's catchy and funny and at first glance the words seem completely random. I think it's a guy's public persona combined with the flotsam and jetsam in his subconscious. In other words, it's all the stuff that goes through your mind when carrying on a conversation. It makes perfect sense to me.

7. "Play That Funky Music" -- Wild Cherry

This song represents a genre that I knew -- but chose to ignore -- in my undergrad days. As I recall, my classical face refused to look upon this music which captured the imagination (and the groove) of the masses. I'm over that now.

8. "Tempted" -- Squeeze

A great melody, harmonically rich, and clever words. I believe I fell in love with my wife while dancing to this song.

9. "Wall of Death" -- Richard Thompson

Life and how to live it in an amusement-park allegory. Simple, clever and more than a little bit true.

10. "What I Like About You" -- The Romantics

An infectious, hook-ridden blast of fun from the early '80s (and way overplayed in the '90s). Perhaps the only pop song that has a harmonica break that makes sense. Hey.

SEND US YOUR LIST

The Southeast Missourian wants to publish your list of the 10 songs you could not live without.

Please include a short explanation of each title's importance, your name and a daytime phone number. E-mail your list to sblackwell@semissourian.com, or mail it to: Sam Blackwell, Southeast Missourian, 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701