The epitome of the Jazz Age, Rhapsody in Blue is almost the same age (1924) as the 'Art Deco' exhibition of 1925 (see poster above). Written for solo piano and jazz band, it was subsequently orchestrated into the form you hear most often today. It's long, but it'll take you in to the weekend on a cloud.
So kick off your shoes, grab The Great Gatsby from the shelf (also 100 years old) and party like it's 1925.
With Elizabeth's Fraser's impenetrable, often made up lyrics, their 'ethereal' sound and a preference for privacy, the Cocteau Twins certainly cracked it when it came to mystery. Mind you, your Song of the Week editor once saw them having an argument on a London Underground train. Rock n' Roll.
Still, this is very uplifting don't you think? Also check out their cover of Tim Buckley's Song to the Siren (as This Mortal Coil), a Song of the Week from a long, long time ago.
Frankly we could have a 'Beatles Song of the Week' in itself such is the volume and range of music they produced, much of it original and brilliant.
'Rain' is a startling example, not least because it was a vinyl B-side, i.e., considered the inferior of the two songs on the single (the A-side was 'Paperback Writer'). Yet, from Ringo's opening drumbeats to the innovative use of backwards vocals at the end via the overall psychedelic sound, this remains exciting and modern.
Some pieces of music are so familiar that we no longer hear them when they are played (or when you are on hold to your bank). Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' is very high on that list, yet it deserves our full attention. Especially as it is 300 years old this year.
So listen to 'Spring' with your imagination. And enjoy.
PS: the subtitles are Vivaldi's.