That’s the Way

Not the KC and the Sunshine Band song! It was written by Jimmy Page in 1970.

A Salty Dog

One of those rare songs where the lyrics and music come together as one. Recorded by Procol Harum in 1969; written by Gary Brooker and Keith Reid.

Love Song

Written by Lesley Duncan in 1970. This version is based on Elton John’s from his album “Tumbleweed Connection”.

I Come and Stand at Every Door

This is an anti-war song from the 1950’s, written by the Turkish poet Nâzım Hikmet Ran.

From Wikipedia: the poem Kız Çocuğu (The Girl Child) conveys a plea for peace from a seven-year-old girl, ten years after she has perished in the atomic bomb attack at Hiroshima. This version is from the Byrds’ album “Fifth Dimension” released in 1966.

Wild is the Wind

“Wild Is the Wind” was written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington for the 1957 film with the same title. It was made famous by Nina Simone in 1966. This version is based on David Bowie’s from 1976 which he recorded as a tribute to her.

A Whiter Shade of Pale

Often considered the first prog rock song, “Whiter Shade of Pale” was released by Procol Harum in the summer of 1967. The music was composed by Gary Brooker and Matthew Fisher and appears to be influenced by the J.S. Bach composition entitled “Air on a G String”. The lyrics were written by Keith Reid. This version features Rob Esguerra on vocals.

A Friend I Call Desire

This is from the Ultravox album entitled “Lament” released in 1984. It was written by Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie, and Midge Ure, in other words, the whole band. The original definitely has an 80’s feel to it, unlike this more torch-like rendition.

Samba pa ti

Black Magic Woman

Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac wrote this piece in 1968 and Santana released it on their Abraxas album. Otto Navas and Raul Latino are featured here on percussion and bass respectively.