“Fantasy” by Mariah Carey — “Fantasy” from the album Daydream, released in 1995 Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love” is sampled in this song. There is another on this list that samples that as well… One of these days I’m probably going to put “Genius of Love” on here. Not yet though. It isn’t time. Picture it. It’s 1995, your boy AE is a fresh-faced 18 year old starting to realize that, despite what his friends say, it’s okay to like Mariah Carey and Nirvana at the same time.

“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” from the album The Chronic, released in 1992 “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” is either West Coast hip hop, G-funk, gangsta rap, or R&G depending on who you ask… and probably a few more…

“Plans for the Weekend” by Malibu Shark Attack! — “Plans for the Weekend” from the album Malibu Shark Attack, released in 2014 Tribe One, the rapper for Malibu Shark Attack!, alongside Rocky O’Reilly, created this album online, literally exchanging lyrics and beat via email. Together they made something that more people should listen to. Tribe One is another nerdcore…

“Fett’s Vette” by MC Chris — “Fett’s Vetter” from the album Life’s a Bitch and I’m Her Pimp, released in 2001 For your money, this is the best Star Wars rap out there. I know you might be thinking, “Okay, but how many Star Wars raps could there be?” My response is, “Have you ever heard…

“The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers — “The Gambler” from the album The Gambler, released in 1978 While not one of the outlaw country stars I admire, Kenny Rogers dropped some solid bangers in his career. “The Gambler” is probably is best work. It’s just good country music, folks. That’s it. While avoiding all the stereotypes and tropes of pop country, it manages to have just poppy enough a sound to be a hit. It also tells a bittersweet story, teaches a lesson, and offers up a chorus that’s fun to hum.

“Season of the Witch” by Donovan — “Season of the Witch” from the album Sunshine Superman, released in 1966 That’s right, another Donovan banger. Altogether, this is a solid album but, like the song “Sunshine Superman,” there is something about “Season of the Witch” that just hits different. Again, it has that 60s psychedelic sound I love — that almost otherworldly flavor — and again the lyrics take me to a different world. These two elements work together in tandem to take me on a journey.

“Sunshine Superman” by Donovan — “Sunshine Superman” from the album Sunshine Superman, released in 1966 I’m feeling some weird, psychedelic 60s music today. For me, there are none better than Donovan’s “Sunshine Superman.” It’s a fun, poppy little number that captures the English 60s vibe like Austin Powers. Yeah, baby. Also, it references Superman and Green Lantern. Whoa. See what else I’ve placed on Project 365 here.

“Crimson & Clover” by Tommy James and the Shondells — “Crimson & Clover” from the album Crimson & Clover, released in 1968 Keeping with the weird vibe from yesterday, I give you Tommy James and the Shondells’ perennial masterpiece, “Crimson & Clover.” Literally a #1 hit in 1969. This probably has a lot to do with the psychedelic feel of the song, but there is also some skilled musicianship taking place here. I’m no expert, but I have to guess that is what gives this song its staying power.

“Panini” by Lil Nas X — “Panini” from the album 7, released in 2019 Stranger than “Old Town Road,” the one Lil Nas X song everyone knows, “Panini” isn’t about a sandwich. This silly little song is, in fact, a direct reference to a character from the classic Cartoon Network show Chowder. For me, that’s enough to make it a keeper. But I also like Lil Nas X’s unapologetic weirdness in everything he does.