iPod Essentials #18: "Flood--Jars of Clay

It may seem strange that a good, solid rock song is the brainchild of a Christian rock band, but "Flood" is a keeper. The song deals with redemption and healing, with strong vocals and a catchy refrain: "Lift me up." I haven't heard any other songs from this band, and I should. They deserve to be more than a one-hit wonder.

iPod Essentials #17: "Why Can't We Live Together"--Timmy Thomas

Please forgive the prolonged absense. I've been sidelined with a nasty rotator cuff injury, and typing and recovery have been very painful.

In honor of my friend Jean, this selection is for her. She just returned from a photo safari in Botswana. Her pix are incredible. Hopefully, mine will be just as inspiring when I go to South Africa next summer.

Any time I think of Africa, I am also reminded of their strong unique forms of percussion, and this one-hit wonder from the early 70's has a great percussion section. The song itself deals with overcoming bigotry, which unfortunately, still lingers today.