Before we begin, let me make myself crystal clear: this is not a top nine list. These songs are not ranked. I chose nine because I needed a limit and the number made making a collage of covers easy. While I would put a few of these on my all-time list, the point of this is to illustrate what makes songs great. I tried to put in a few familiar favorites, a few things a bit lesser known, songs that were complicated and songs that were simple. Ultimately, it is about illuminating what makes for a great song.
Read MoreIt took me awhile to appreciate the Ataris. All these years later, I can admit it was a bit of jealousy. Kris and I were never friends, but I used to see him all the time at shows in Indianapolis, mostly at the Emerson Theater, and also at A-1 Records in Anderson.
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