Post one non-PA song that you love, for whatever reason. Nice if it’s not a blockbuster hit.  Please keep these to under 10 minute songs, as there won’t be so much time for listening and deciding.  When voting opens, vote for up to 3 selections (not your own, as it’s kind of a given that you love the song you post). 

Because I love the song, and because this is the second Lightning Round, I will present “Twice Struck,” by Vance Gilbert.  I do indeed know a person who has been struck twice by lightning and lives to tell the tale.

I'm not a huge Prince fan by any means. I mean I'll admit he has a few catchy tunes, but this one encapsulates everything cool about the 80's.

Prince - Batdance

Lorenzo:  Maria Callas “Amami Alfredo”  Very impassioned questions and response operatic piece.  This piece gets to the heart of one loving, yet not sure one is loved, the uncertainty and the fear of losing the other person.  Here, she opens her soul to her beloved, is comforted by his words and switches from being terrified to lose his love to being once again certain of it and rejoicing in that, in a space of just two minutes.

JD:  Prince “Batdance”  Obviously a well-known artist, this one I have not heard.  In the vein of Michael Jackson’s thriller, a very choreographed dance routine in video.  Lots of Prince’s style added with combining soul and funk elements, and searing guitars with campy theatrics. 

Christian:  Karat “Albatros”  This song has a driftiness about it, even without the visuals.  Both the visuals and the lyrics are lovely, so sad to think of the beautiful birds being caught, with wings broken.  There is a strings (on keys) section that is majestic and soaring.  Truly captures the spirit of the birds and the wrong-ness of mankind.  

Mila:  Lakiko “Pantheism”  The choral opening grabbed me from the start.  Cello is one of my favourite instruments, another huge plus, and I do love looping effects.  Gorgeous voice, this keeps getting better.  Love the haunting quality as well.  Just lovely.  I will certainly look up more by her.  Thank you!

Cristi:  Betta “Lae Chioru”  And now for something completely different!  Kind of a repetitious fluty beginning, very percussive, with a lighthearted feel, once the vocals come in.  Very 70’s production, it’s a very catchy piece, radio-friendly prog for it’s time.  Nice changes in it, kind of a jammy solo in the middle, then back to the main course.  Could become an ear-worm. 

Kees:  Têtes Raides “Are You Ready?” There are some intriguing mixes of style here, kind of an almost Mark Knopfler-ish vocalist, with some avant sax parts thrown in to it for flavour.  Lots of rhythmic backing throughout. 

Rushfan4:  Ozzy Osbourne “Lightning Strikes”  Very familiar with this, having worked with Ozzy and cohorts during the 80’s, with a project with Bill Ward, in particular.  No one does Ozzy like Ozzy goes out and delivers every time. 

I prophesy disaster:  Ten Years After “Standing At The Station”  Classic 70’s blues/rock tune, which I remember from the LP.  Great bass line bubbling underneath everything, organ solo, great Alvin Lee lead, steady straight-forward beat all through. 

someone_else: Loggins & Messina “Pathway to Glory”  I know their huge hits, of course, but don’t recall hearing this, ever.  Begins with some violin and some oboe? Sounds like a soft rock story-song is going to ensue.  Harmonica break for a bit, with tension building, then becomes violin, excellent segue between the two.  Goes into a more electric band approach a little over halfway in, then back to the folky singer/songwriter beginning.

George:  Foxy Shazam “Unstoppable”  Another completely different from the previous piece selection.  Glam here, with certainly a sense of humour.  Rock anthem time here, well-crafted and well-produced in it’s over-the-top style. Fun-to-watch lead singer.