Over my dead body 8/23

Here are the 10 songs Carlton Wagner of Cape Girardeau wouldn't want to live without:

1. "I'm Looking Through You" --The Beatles. Much to the ire of my friends, I was a latecomer when it came to appreciating the Beatles. Now I love almost everything they ever did.

2. "Down on the Corner" -- Creedence Clearwater Revival. Nothing much to analyze in this song. Just bring a nickel and stamp your feet.

3. "The Boxer" -- Simon and GarfunkelAll S&G music is great. This song is just the first among equals.

4. "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" -- Otis ReddingThey say some women make you wish you spoke a little French. This song makes me wish I'd done a little more "living."

5. "I Walk the Line" -- Johnny CashCountry music was perfected here. Simple arrangements, Johnny Cash's wonderful voice, and a bass line that can only be given justice on a jukebox in a smoke-filled tavern.

6. "Barrier Reef" -- The Old 97sThis is music that perked me up when I was in the doldrums of trying to finish out my credits in school.

7. "Tom Dooley" -- Kingston TrioThis was a group that was so cool I had to include at least one of their songs.

8. "Me and Bobby McGee" -- Janis JoplinReally, many songs written by Kris Kristofferson could be given mention. This is just my favorite.

9. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" -- Nirvana. This is a song that came out at just the right time. Pop music had become just about unlistenable. This song ushered out the awful L.A. rock sound that was inflicted on the country until about 1991.

10. "Louie Louie" -- The Kingsmen

Most of the music on this list, for me, is about a time and place. For this song the place was numerous local sporting events, played by a loud brass band.