Are You Ready by Paul Quarrington (with Dan Hill), streaming at danhill.com
Reminiscent of Bob Dylan's Not Dark Yet, though not despondent. A poignant death-bed song of acceptance is written and sung unwaveringly by the recently deceased author-musician. Going off into the "great unknown," the serenely unafraid Quarrington was indeed prepared, exiting with grace.
Valleys of Neptune by Jimi Hendrix, from the forthcoming Valleys of Neptune (Sony). Streaming at spinner.ca
"Look out East Coast, you're going to have a neighbour." What geologists couldn't predict - a rising new continent - Jimi Hendrix foresaw vividly. A fluid piece of Stratocaster soul rock is the title track from a new album of unreleased material by the greatest guitarist dead.
The Crystal Ship by The Hot Rats, from Turn Ons (G&D/Fat Possum)
For fans of Jim Morrison and Verve-like psychedelic rock, with this cymbal-crashing Doors cover your Crystal Ship has come in. "Another smashing chance at bliss," indeed.
Pants on the Ground, by Jimmy Fallon, from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, streaming at YouTube.
Can Conan do this? Leno? Letterman? The comedic talk-show host delivers an uncanny imitation of Neil Young, imagining the floppy-hatted troubadour inimitably interpreting a viral video hit from an aspiring American Idol.