And now, for the rest of the round-trip drive to the fishing hole.

5. Do It Again – The Kinks (1984)
This tune was released as I headed into the home stretch of my senior year. It featured a catchy hook and paired with a fun video; it was a treat. Forty years, three “careers”, lots of hours, weekly paychecks, and gray hair later, the tune is still a favorite. However, it hits on a different level after all those decades of doing it again, and again…

4. Nightrain – Guns N’ Roses (1987)
While this song is a tribute to a cheap wine, me and my buddies were fonder of inexpensive beer. Green Oaks, campfires turned bonfires, a boom box, the Appetite for Destruction cassette tape, and just a few Milwaukee’s Bests with John, Hack, and Catfish. While the album was released in 1987, of course we waited until 1988 before such camping trips after all of us reached 21. (Insert winking emoji)

3. Peace of Mind – Boston (1976)
Nearly fifty years old, but it never gets old. And to think that Tom Scholz pretty much created it all in his basement. With the advent of the internet, it is interesting to check out the wide range of breakdowns of this tune. From creators marveling over the vocals, to musicians pulling apart the song track by track, it fosters a whole new appreciation for a song that’s still going strong on the radio.

2. Feeling That Way/Anytime – Journey (1978)
There are several incarnations of the band Journey. My vote for the best version spans 1978’s Infinity album through 1980’s Departure release. These begin with the addition of vocalist Steve Perry and end with Greg Rolie leaving the band. This song is one of my favorites as it features dual vocals from those members. In addition, when you get two songs for the price of one on the radio, it is always a treat.

1. Some Kind of Wonderful – Grand Funk Railroad (1974)
Love songs come in all shapes and sizes. And this one needs the volume turned up a notch for full effect. There’s much to be said for the ballads that get you misty-eyed but with a foot stompin’, sing along jam like this one, it’s your own fault if you have a bad time. On a side note, also see “Get Ready” from Rare Earth.

Next up is the latest Top 5 Update and I hope to add another strip mine report from Brent as the week progresses. Talk to you later. Troy