Now the whippersnappers on my esteemed staff have resurrected the format.

And they're having too much fun.

I'm fighting back for the generation which REALLY knew what music was all about.

So, since I've got nothing better to do on this cold Friday night (in July for Gawd's sake!!), I thought I'd just rattle off a few gems.

They are, of course, the fave raves from the grave at this particular moment in time and space ....

1. No Matter What ... Badfinger. A top notch power pop masterpiece from the early 70s. The lead singer (I think) also wrote the original 'Without You', latterly a worldwide smash for Harry Nilson and thens ome blade called Carey. Check it out on one of those free download thingys if you don't believe me.

2. Get down and get with it ... Slade. I kid you not. They rocked. Noddy could chant. That Dave bloke with the gemmy strands could play the guitar. Ozzie Crabbe loved 'em. This song was epic. I said AWRIGHTTTT EVERYBUDDDDYY

3. Bankrobber ... The Clash. It could have been their version of 'I Fought The Law' just as easily.

4. Many Rivers to Cross ... Jimmy Cliff. This man is/was (current state of existence unknown) cool as a dip in Carnlough Harbour on New Year's Day. This is (IMHO) his greatest song. UB40 made a horlicks version of it with electro-dub backing in the 80s. Listen to the original and weep.

5. Proud Mary ... Ike and Tina Turner version. Creedence wrote it but Ike and more specifically, Tina, turned it into a soul sensation. Magnif. End of.

6. Happy Hour .. The House Martins. What more can I say. They coulda been contenders ... but one ended up as an over-rated Dj and the podgy dude did pretty well with The Beautiful South.

7. Bring It On Home - Led Zeppelin. Brilliant riff, Fantastic harmonica. Zep doing the electric blues thang with their unique style. If you ain't heard it, get it sorted.

8. Irene Wilde - Ian Hunter/Mott the Hoople. Ian Hunter is a hugely undervalued lyricist and Hoople don't get half the praise they deserve. Usually they just rocked the bit out with some pre-punk epics but on this one, the lads went all soft .. with a twist. Another 'hard to get' sound .. unless you download. By the way the link it to the Golden Age of Rock'n'Roll - couldn't get Irene Wilde!

9. Carry on Wayward Son - Kansas. American 'prog rock' but darned good it was. Classic harmonies, power guitar. Where's me lighter?

10. Supper's Ready - Genesis. In the days before the band went soft, they produced some superbly weird and whimsical music. This magnum opus is an acquired taste but once you've had a sip, you'll be back for more.
Kaftan required.