I was having trouble coming up with a theme this week and then the power went out in my house for 24 hours, making it harder to lovingly craft a theme. So this week it’s just a bunch of songs with nothing particular in common.

Toadsuck Symphony “Stop In The Name Of Love” (Supremes)
Ever wonder what Diana Ross would sound like backed by a banjo and fiddle? Now you can rest easy.

Lin Yu Chu and William Shatner “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” (Bonnie Tyler)
What can be said about Shatner that hasn’t already been said? His music is truly a genre unto itself. I admire Shatner because he seems completely self-aware regarding his limited skills and is willing to laugh at himself. Those are traits that we should all cultivate.

This recording comes from the George Lopez Show by way of the charming and talented Ms. Lee. It’s the first clip from that show I’ve ever seen anybody repost. I see stuff from Jimmy Fallon’s show more often, which can’t bode well for Mr. Lopez’ show.

Look At The Fields “Miracles” (Insane Clown Posse)
I wasn’t aware of the original version of this song until some youthful recent house guests were mocking it. Then Heather (who’s cooler than I can ever hope to be) turned me on to this very charming, earnest ukulele-drenched cover. It makes me smile every time I hear it. Thanks, Heather.

Sly & The Family Stone “Que Sera Sera” (Doris Day)
Buying a ticket to see Sly Stone perform live is always an act of faith. You never know if he’ll show up at all or if he’ll be sober enough to play if he does. But his recordings are consistently great. Here he takes Doris Day’s signature song and turns it into an incredible slow jam. Man, do I wanna make out with somebody right now.

Camper Van Chadbourne “I Talk To The Wind” (King Crimson)
Eugene Chadbourne is an eclectic guitarist and banjo player who is probably best known for his time with Shockabilly and for inventing the electric rake, an ordinary garden rake with a guitar pickup attached. I saw Mr. Chadbourne in the early 90s playing with the bassist and violinist from Camper Van Beethoven. It was a good show but he didn’t pull out the rake. I was mildly disappointed. On this song he’s working with all of the guys from CVB and playing a very odd two-step arrangement of the prog-rock classic from King Crimson’s first album.