Counting Crows "A Long December"

When I think about months that drag on forever, December never comes to mind. Enter January who says "hold my beer"...

Counting Crows "Mr. Jones"

So many albums from my formidable high school years turn 25 this year. One such is August & Everything After from Counting Crows. The album introduced the world to "Mr. Jones" late in 1993. The angst-filled alternative song is all about the internal struggles of band's lead singer, Adam Duritz, who just wanted to believe that if he was a big star...girls would like him. Despite being the band's biggest hit and signature song, nowadays Duritz rarely performs the song at his concerts.

Amy Grant "Big Yellow Taxi"

Amy Grant asked for Joni Mitchell's permission to update the lyrics  in "Big Yellow Taxi" and Mitchell agreed (admission to the tree museum was hiked to $25 in Grant's version). Grant released the song in 1994. Grant's version preceded another more commercially-successful version from Counting Crows and Vanessa Carlton in 2003.

Counting Crows & Vanessa Carlton - "Big Yellow Taxi"

A few songs have made so many appearances on the Adult Contemporary Charts by numerous different artists.  One such tune is "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell, and then later by Amy Grant, followed by Counting Crows and Vanessa Carlton.  Believe it or not, the latter version scored the highest chart position of any of the former versions.

The Wallflowers - "6th Avenue Heartbreak"

While interviewing Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers in 1997 during the height of his popularity, his handlers gave us one rule: do NOT ask him about his father, Bob Dylan.  (Trivia: Adam Duritz of Counting Crows provides background vocals to "6th Avenue Heartache".)