Welcome to our new series, Guest List, where we ask artists, bands, and industry folks to share a 10-song playlist, along with a few words about the mix. Everything is fair game: It can be on-the-road jams, a curated mood soundtrack, their pre-show mix. Really, it’s whatever strikes their fancy.
For our inaugural Guest List, we have Scott Huerta, the vocalist for San Francisco indie pop trio French Cassettes, who sent us his all-time top 10 songs. Huerta graciously provided stories to accompany each track; they’re a real treat to read as you listen. Enjoy!
French Cassettes will be performing at The Independent on January 11. Tickets are available here. Stream or purchase their latest album, “Benzene.” The blurbs below have been edited for grammar and clarity.
Harry Nilsson — "Many Rivers to Cross" (originally by Jimmy Cliff)
Huerta: My bandmate Rob [Mills, French Cassettes’ drummer] was driving us to a gig and this song came on. He skipped it. Months later, I grew the courage to ask what that song was. I'd never heard of Harry. And Ringo played the drums. It's my first selection on this list because it's one of the only songs that still makes me cry.
Mama Cass — "Dream a Little Dream of Me"
In writing this list, I've learned that the Mamas and the Papas did not write this song. I just always loved this version. I think Mama Cass does a great version. My favorite.
Bread — "Aubrey"
I don't think there are many songs that rub shoulders with "God Only Knows,” but I think this one does. I listen to it when I'm sad, happy, or just plainly upset. What I love most about it is it makes me think about the most important people in my life.
Wilco — "Should've Been In Love"
I love this song because [lead singer Jeff] Tweedy takes his time delivering the word "so" in this song.
Stone Poneys and Linda Ronstadt — "Different Drum"
I love the instrumental breakdown in the middle of this song. I also learned that Linda is my neighbor here in San Francisco. I walked around screaming "LINDA!" to no response.
The Magnetic Fields — "Grand Canyon"
One of my favorite bands of all time. The reverb ruins the song for me. But I love the sentiment.
Jeff Lynne — "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" (originally by Ella Fitzgerald)
I'm not an Ella fan, just a Jeff fan. This is a wonderful cover.
Bettye Swan — "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye"
I'll admit I don't play guitar very well. I only play to write songs. Bettye's was the first song I tried to learn in a long time.
Sam Cooke — "Bring It On Home To Me"
Not to sound cheesy, but “Bring It On Home To Me” hit me in a way that barely other songs do. Lou Rawls was originally one of five backup singers on “Bring It On Home To Me”, but they only ended up using one backup vocalist, Lou. The harmony is so interesting to me and the reason it’s a little peculiar is because it was supposed to be part of a five-part harmony. That, combined with the fact that two men singing a love duet, was pretty rare, especially for the time.
Gal Costa — "Baby"
I'm going to bring up Rob again. He's IMPORTANT. I was sitting in the backseat of his car and we were on Highway 17. This song came on. I was enamored with the melody immediately. And to my astonishment, he changed the channel. Months later I asked him to play the song again. He seemed shocked; he didn't realize I was a fan. In all truth, I wasn't. But he had no idea that he'd shown me my new favorite song.
