I ain’t worried

“Sitting on Top of the World” was written and recorded by the Mississippi Sheiks in 1930 and it directly entered “blues standard” territory where it has been loved and recorded by all manner of musicians from Bob Wills to Doc Watson to Howlin’ Wolf to . . . spin the dial and most likely someone you listen to has recorded it, so many maybe you got to the point where you never wanted to hear it again. I know I did. And then along comes ole Papa Taj and his pals Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley with this delightful version and we’re top of the world once again.

Taj Mahal • Sittin’ on Top of the World • 2021

If I had’ve followed my first mind

A voice for the ages. . . .

Howlin’ Wolf • Killing Floor • 1965

Georgia . . . Brown

A big hit right out of the chute, in 1925, “Sweet Georgia Brown” has been performed and recorded countless times by all manner of performers in all manner of genres. Here’s a couple of favorites that have recently resurfaced through the slow-swirling goo on constant mix mode inside my aging noggin.

The Coasters • Sweet Georgia Brown • 1957

Jerry Lee Lewis • Sweet Georgia Brown • 1971

LP covers: Discogs

By the time I make Albuquerque

You can always depend on King Solomon to apply his considerable skills to a song you’ve heard a million times and give it new meaning, mood, color. . . .

Solomon Burke • By the Time I Get to Phoenix • 1968

Fairweather friend

A new-ish track from the former Feufollet singer.

Anna Laura Edmiston • Fairweather Friend • 2010

Get it: After Hours at Valcour Records

I don’t know what you’ve got

Roll over Little Richard, tell Covay and Hendrix the news? Um, not really. But for a cover of an absolutely unassailable performance, Mr. Milem comes pretty durn close.

Percy Milem • I Don’t Know What You’ve Got (But It’s Got Me) • 1967

Get it: The Goldwax Story Volume 2

After you get rid of me

If Charlie Rich’s 1961 Phillips original is Charlie Rich personified, then Jerry Lee Lewis’ take, recorded eighteen years later, is remade in Jerry’s image—as always, and with a whistling outro as a bonus.

Jerry Lee Lewis • Who Will the Next Fool Be • 1979

Get it: Jerry Lee Lewis / Killer Country / When Two Worlds Collide