Here is the scenario... a family of four from the 1870s are somehow transported to the year 2012 to your house or apartment.

It can be a family from anywhere in the country. For me, it will be from the west, so an Old West family. Two parents, about 40 years old and two teenagers, let's say an 18-year-old boy and 18-year-old girl.

They will only be in the present for a short time before they return to 1870. You have enough time to play 10 songs for them. What songs would you pick and why?

You can list some "extras" if for some reason their trip back is delayed for a little while.

Here are my picks...

(In order of year and songs played.)

1. In The Mood, Glenn Miller, 1940. I think at least one song from the Big Band era should be represented.

2. White Christmas, Bing Crosby, 1943. And at least one Christmas song should also be represented. And this was the biggest-selling Christmas song of all-time.

3. Rock Around The Clock, Bill Haley & The Comets, 1954. Of course, a '50s rock 'n' roll song should be in my list. The kids would really like this one; not so sure about the parents!

4. Don't Be Cruel, Elvis Presley, 1956. Have to include at least one Elvis song. This is among my favorites of his, along with Jailhouse Rock and Good Rockin' Tonight. Elvis would/should be popular with the teens.

5. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, The Platters, 1958
6. I Only Have Eyes For You, The Flamingos, 1959
Both of the above would demonstrate the late-'50s vocal group sound.

7. El Paso, Marty Robbins, 1960. Have to put in a country song.

8. Don't Worry Baby, The Beach Boys, 1964. 1960s vocal group sound and one of the most popular American bands from that decade (or the most American band from that decade?).

9. I Feel Fine, The Beatles, 1964. Since they were so popular, they should be included. Another one the teens would probably like a lot.

10. Saturday In The Park, Chicago, 1972. Wanted to pick one from the 1970s. I like the melody of this one a lot (and remember when it was on the radio), especially the beginning.

Extras:

- Over The Rainbow, Judy Garland, 1939. Because it's such a nice song. The parents would like it a lot.
- Theme From "A Summer Place," Percy Faith, 1960. A very popular instrumental.
- Be My Baby, The Ronnettes, 1963. A good example of early-1960s girl groups.
- Take It Easy, The Eagles, 1972. A simple and pleasant song.

Sorry, no disco songs in my list. :D

Fleet, I love your list of songs. I think it is perfect, except for The Beatles and The Eagles. I don't like them.

I think I would add a Smokey Robinson/Miricles song for the 1870 family. Maybe "You Really Got A Hold On Me" or "Tracks Of My Tears."

Your pick of Judy Garland's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is beautiful. I would replace that with the dopey Beatles song.

I think Chicago is OK, but I would replace the song you picked for them for one of your extras like "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes. Otherwise, I think your list is perfect.

Thanks, Roger.

Some of the songs I listed are not personal favorites of mine, but what I think would be most appealing. That was the reason for including the Beatles.

I was originally going to make it 5 songs, but it was too hard for me to narrow it down to only 5.

I also think I would pick a few songs by Dion & The Belmonts for the time travelers. Maybe "I Wonder Why." For more deeper lyrics, I might choose some Bob Dylan like "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" or "Blowin' In the Wind." Definitely no disco! I wouldn't want to ruin the family's visit.

I'll try and finish my list later but for me the most obvious song to play would be "Mr. Custer" by Larry Verne. After hearing the song and most likely knowing who George Armstrong Custer is, they will no doubt start asking all sorts of questions. Since they will return to 1870 and The Battle of the Little Bighorn/Custer's Last Stand didn't occur until 1876, this would be a way for them to try to alter the course of history after returning to their own time.

I'll try and finish my list later but for me the most obvious song to play would be "Mr. Custer" by Larry Verne. After hearing the song and most likely knowing who George Armstrong Custer is, they will no doubt start asking all sorts of questions. Since they will return to 1870 and The Battle of the Little Bighorn/Custer's Last Stand didn't occur until 1876, this would be a way for them to try to alter the course of history after returning to their own time.
Good idea about the song "Mr Custer" (from 1960).

In 1870 they probably would know about Custer.

If we picked 1880 instead, it would be even more of an impact!

^ I thought of a good one...Elton John's "I Feel Like A Bullet" (In the Gun Of Robert Ford) That song is about Jesse James, and they sure knew who Jesse James was back in that time.

^ I thought of a good one...Elton John's "I Feel Like A Bullet" (In the Gun Of Robert Ford) That song is about Jesse James, and they sure knew who Jesse James was back in that time.
Actually, I did think of an Elton John song to "represent" the '70s. Not for a western song, just a "general" song. Maybe "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."

Actually, I did think of an Elton John song to "represent" the '70s. Not for a western song, just a "general" song. Maybe "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."
^ That's a good one, too. "Rocket Man" wouldn't work too well, as I don't think they would even be able to imagine going up in space.

^ That's a good one, too. "Rocket Man" wouldn't work too well, as I don't think they would even be able to imagine going up in space.
Good point. They would ask, "What is a rocket?" :lol:

How about "Honky Cat?" :D

How about "Honky Cat?" :D
^ That's another great Elton John tune...very groovy, too. I can picture folks from that time like Laura Ingalls dancing around to that while Pa tries to keep up on his fiddle. :lol: