"I Only Want To Be With You" by Dusty Springfield.

OK, back to the 60's: This '63 Hawker/Raymonde composition was its British interpreter's first solo single (#12 U.S., #4 UK). 2nd British Invasion artist to have a U.S. hit after The Beatles. For extra credit: A '64 cover in Spanish was this Puerto Rican idol's 1st major hit. Song? Artist? Cover title? PR singer?

Yesterday's answer: "You've Got A Friend". And for a "double dose", their live duet rendition from their current tour is out of this world - heard it on NPR!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7RPCFfudmU

"You've Got A Friend"

OK, back to the 70's: This '71 Carole King composition was James Taylor's ONLY #1 hit. He won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and her for Song Of The Year. First recorded by The City and then by Dusty Springfield (unreleased). A beautiful tune about being there for those in need. Covered by, among others, Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Anne Murray and Tom Jones.

Yesterday's answer: "This Boy (Ringo's Theme)" by The Beatles. One of their greatest love ballads. Deceivingly intricate 3-part harmonies even though, as always, they made it look easy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzZdi2z7lHM

"This Boy (Ringo's Theme)".

OK, for the Birthday bloke (70 today!): This '63 Lennon composition was the B-side to "I Want To Hold Your Hand" in the UK. Performed during the Beatles 2nd appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Emulates Smokey Robinson. First Beatles tune to be commented on by a music critic - "pendiatonic clusters (!)". An instrumental version plays on "A Hard Day's Night" during the dedicatee's "big scene". B-day bloke? Song?

Yesterday's answer: "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Orv_F2HV4gk

"Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman.

OK, more 80's: This powerful '88 tune won the "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" Grammy that year for its composer and singer. Peaked at #6 on Billboard. At #165, it is the highest-ranked composition performed and written by a female among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs. A song of hope, it is about "... a relationship that doesn't work out because it's starting from the wrong place". Song? Artist?

Yesterday's answer: "A Groovy Kind Of Love". One of the first songs to include the newly-coined term "groovy". Yeah, Baby, yeah! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hilAvj7oZhw

"Groovy Kind Of Love"

OK, more British Invasion: This Wine/Bayer Sager composition is based upon the Rondo movement of Clementi's Sonatina in G maj. op. 36 no. 5. First released by Diane and Annita in '65. Wayne Fontana and The Mindbenders' version hit #2 in the U.S. and the UK that same year. Phil Collins' cover was #1 in the U.S. and the UK in '88. #17 in my all-time makeout tunes hit parade!

Previous day's answer: Paul Simon's "An American Tune". That song has very special meaning for me as I came to the mainland in '73 - to this day I can't play it without getting all choked up (you know me, I'm a sensitive guy!).

"American Tune"

OK, one to wish you all a Happy 4th: This '73 Paul Simon anthem about the American experience - hopes and aspirations - peaked at #35. Based upon J.S. Bach's "St. Matthew Passion", in turn inspired by an earlier Hans Hassler piece. Covered by, among others, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews, Indigo Girls and masterfully by the late Eva Cassidy. My favorite Simon solo song!

Yesterday's answer: "Smile A Little Smile For Me" by The Flying Machine. I don't even like the song too much but I heard it yesterday and couldn't get it out of my mind. I hate it when that happens.

"Smile A Little Smile For Me (Rosemarie)" by The Flying Machine.

OK, more one-hit wonders from The Island Of Enchantment: This British pop group started out as Pinkerton's Assorted Colours. Their only hit, a Mcaulay/Stephens composition, peaked at #5 on Billboard in '69 but did not chart in the UK. Group? Song?

Previous answer: "Badge" by Cream.