Moon Songs to Commemorate Apollo 11's 40th Anniversary

The newspapers and other news media have been celebrating the 40^th anniversary of man's first walk on the moon. The event is certainly important, as the astronauts left Apollo 11 and stepped onto the surface of the moon.

I have decided to commemorate the occasion with a song list appropriate for the three astronauts of Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Each title contains the word moon.

10. "Whole of the Moon" by The Waterboys: The band is still recording its catchy pop-rock, even after twenty years after its success as a new wave group. This track epitomizes their 80s music, rife with piano, intense delivery and cryptic lyrics.

9. "Mr. Moonlight" by The Beatles: This track is from the Fab Four's transition period before Rubber Soul. The music was advancing, and John Lennon was beginning to have confidence in his vocals.

8. "Blue Moon of Kentucky" by Bill Monroe: The bluegrass legend recorded many country classics, but none is associated with him as often as this yodeling track.

7. "Moonshine Girl" by The Minus Five: The song from Scott McCaughey's enduring indie band has a country tinge and fun lyrics, making it a snug fit for the album The Lonesome Death of Buck McCoy.

6. "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival: John Fogerty puts all of his talents together into this one immortal tune. The opening guitar riff promises fun, and the lyrics are delivered with all of the energy Fogerty's voice is recognized for.

5. "Moondance" by Van Morrison: This classic is the title track from Morrison's most palatable album. It has the sweeping percussion, acoustic guitar, and the distinct vocal that has made Morrison a legend of bluesy folk-rock.

4. "Kentucky Moonshine" by Pure Prairie League: It's a fun tune from Two Lane Highway with a mellow rhythm and a touch of bluegrass, strengthened by the yodel-like vocals.

3. "Moonlight Feels Right" by Starbuck: The band was around long before the coffeehouse. Their biggest hit is this romantic pop ballad about love by the Chesapeake Bay.

2. "Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest: the song, which could very well be about devil wporshipping, is still a fun song to sing. Though it was released in 1973, it recently was presented to a new generation through a popular television ad.

1. "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young: The acoustic guitar riff here is tantalizing. The melody captures you and makes your body sway with the chord changes. Lyrically it's one of the loveliest tunes Young ever penned.