“Drive” (The Cars) Cover

Welcome to your Monday, Monday edition of The Laptop Sessions at https://guitarbucketlist.com !

Tonight, I give you a song from another band we haven’t done yet, “The Cars”.

Now, I always thought that “Just What I Needed” was their biggest hit, but this song, “Drive”, was actually a #3 hit on Billboard pop charts, their highest charting song.

I love this song- it’s the quintessential 80s ballad. The chord progression is great and it’s sung from such a youthful point of view. I mean, the chivalry of driving someone home just doesn’t exist now. And, it’s only been about 20 years!

Another interesting point about this tune is that it was written by the keyboardist for the band, Greg Hawkes. And, the song is originally sung by the bassist, Benjamin Orr. You would expect their biggest hit to go to Ric Ocasek, but that’s the way things go. I always thought that it wasn’t fair that the Doobie Brothers main original guy, Tom Johnston, never got a #1 hit. But, another member, Pat Simmons, did with “Black Water”. And, years later, Michael McDonald did with “What A Fool Believes”.

Well, I hope you enjoy tonight’s Session and make sure to come back tomorrow for Chris’ Session!

“My Brave Face” (Paul McCartney Cover)

By Jim Fusco:

Welcome to your Friday edition of the Laptop Sessions with me, Jim Fusco!

Tonight, I bring you a cool tune from Paul McCartney, “My Brave Face”. I always knew of this song, hearing it on the radio and such, but for some reason, I fell in love with it a couple years ago. I guess I never really knew it was Paul.

It’s a TOUGH song to sing and I just can’t seem to shake this cold lately, but I prepped myself by eating and drinking a lot before I did the take. It always makes me feel better.

There’s also some really tough lines to sing, as they have this odd syncopation to them. The line, “Ever since you left I have been trying to compose a ‘baby will you please come home’ note meant for you”. Are you kidding me? It took a while to get that one down.

But, I really like the way the whole video came out and I think you’ll agree it’s one of my more passionate ones.

Enjoy tonight’s video and make sure to get yourself back to https://www.guitarbucketlist.com tomorrow for another new video from the one and only Chris Moore!