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Taylor Hicks, winner of "American Idol" season five, came to the show having probably worked the hardest of any of the show's previous contestants. He'd toured much of the southeastern U.S. as a working musician, performing in bars and at fraternity parties. Hicks then defied the will of Simon Cowell to win the title on possibly the most influential music TV show in broadcast history. The singer shared some of his favorites in this Zune exclusive Guestlist.

Published on July 3, 2007

Song List - Download from Zune Marketplace

1] "Year of the Cat" Al Stewart
This is just an incredible song. An amazing blend of melodies.

[2] "Jolene" Ray LaMontagne
It is a sincere tune from a sincere musician.

[3] "Right Down the Line" Gerry Rafferty
This is a quality song that has the perfect hook.

[4] "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" Billy Joel
Billy Joel shines with his lyrics in this song, and on the whole album The Stranger.

[5] "Soul Thing" Taylor Hicks

[6] "The Deal" Taylor Hicks
I wrote these songs prior to winning "Idol." Since they are on my self-titled debut album, they really mean a lot to me. And I think they have great hooks!

[7] "The Maze" Taylor Hicks
This is a great song that was written for me. It's upbeat and has a great sound.

[8] "Take Me to the Pilot" Elton John
An amazing blues melody going on in this song.

[9] "In the Gallery" Dire Straits
I love the guitar you hear in this song.

[10] "Mack the Knife" Bobby Darin
This has a lounge sound about it. I dig it.

[11] "Porch Song" Widespread Panic
Great live recording!!

[12] "Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley" Robert Palmer
Great song with R&B and funk roots.

[13] "Arc of a Diver" Steve Winwood
This song just flows and really compliments Steve Winwood as a musician.

[14] "Night Train" James Brown
This is a great jazz song that doesn't need justification.

Now that I'm caught up with all things Taylor, I feel the need to bring your attention to the lyrics to a song on his Sirius playlist.. the only song I didn't know, but by a writer I very much respect:

In the Gallery by Mark Knopfler, performed by Dire Straits:

In his scary smart way, Taylor's giving us all a message..

Quote:

Harry made a bareback rider proud and free upon a horse
And a fine coalminer for the NCB that was
A fallen angel and Jesus on the cross
A skating ballerina you should have seen her do the skater's waltz

Some people have got to paint and draw
Harry had to work in clay and stone
Like the waves coming to the shore
It was in his blood and in his bones
Ignored by all the trendy boys in London and in Leeds
He might as well have been making toys or strings of beads
He could not be in the gallery

And then you get an artist says he doesn't want to paint at all
He takes an empty canvas and sticks it on the wall
The birds of a feather all the phonies and all of the fakes
While the dealers they get together
And they decide who gets the breaks
And who's going to be in the gallery

No lies he wouldn't compromise
No junk no bits of string
And all the lies we subsidise
That just don't mean a thing
I've got to say he passed away in obscurity
And now all the vultures are coming down from the tree
So he's going to be in the gallery