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“Is That All There Is?” – PJ Harvey

An unusual, but wonderful cover of the Peggy Lee classic from 1969 that Harvey recorded for the soundtrack of Julian Schanbel’s wonderful biopic on Jean-Michel Basquiat from 1996 (“Basquiat”).

“Jar of Hearts” – Christina Perri

Continuing the melodramatic early 1970s piano/strings ballad vibe, comes this remarkably gorgeous ballad from 2010. I just heard this for the first time today and it reminded me of the type of song that would not have been out of place on a Harry Nilsson or Badfinger album back in the day. I think the accompanying video leaves much to be desired, but the song is a winner.

“Don’t Forget Me” – Harry Nilsson & John Lennon

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From the infamous “lost weekend” album that Lennon recorded with Nilsson (“Pussy Cats”) in 1974, comes this lush, melodramatic ballad that makes “Without You” sound like “We Got the Beat.”

“Jackie” – Sinead O’Connor

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The stunning opener from O’Connor’s debut album “The Lion and the Cobra.” It’s the song that hooked me when someone played this album in the record store I was hanging out in during the winter of 1987-1988. Even 25 years later, it still puts chills up my spine.

“Wicked Little Town” – The Breeders

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The Breeders do a subdued, but beautiful cover of the song that’s arguably the emotional centerpiece of the musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Recorded for the Hedwig tribute album “Wig in a Box.”

“Homicide” – 999

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Another rare punk music video from the late 1970s. Yes, the pastel suits are a bit much, but they disguise how terrifically nasty and ferocious this really is. Very reminiscent of Alice Cooper at his best, with a distinct late 1970s punk feel. This was a Top 40 hit in England back in the day.

“Promises” – The Buzzcocks

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Here’s a rarity: a music video from the late 1970s promoting a Buzzcocks single. And a damn good one. If you like what you hear, be sure to pick up “Singles Going Steady” one of the best greatest hits albums of all time.

“I Need You (For Someone)” – The Jam

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A terrific power pop song in the same vein as the Who’s “So Sad About Us.” While the Jam were hugely popular in Britain, they only made a small ripple in the States. If ever there was a band that needs rediscovering on this side of the Atlantic, the Jam is an ideal candidate.

“So Sad About Us” – The Who

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The fact that this Who song is not in heavy rotation on classic rock and oldies stations is a major crime. A beautiful 60s era pop song that blows the doors off most hits from the era.

“Miss X” – MC5

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Arguably, the first “power ballad,” from 1971. The Motor City Five (MC5) stop the “dope, guns, and f–king in the streets” for a few minutes and get “sensitive” with this love song about sliding and slipping “from hip to lip.” Alllrighty then!!! I’m not exactly a man of sensitivity and taste, but something tells me there’s a cooler way to talk to the ladies. In any case, this is still a great song.