THE STATE WE'RE IN

10 Songs about........

California

California Uber Alles - The Dead Kennedys

Hippy-baiting, Governor Jerry Brown-hating shard of shiny rage. One of the great debut singles. Could be dug out again if Jerry runs again.

California Dreamin’ – The Mamas and The Papas

Said to be about John Phillips’ unhappy time at the US Naval Academy, this has been covered by everyone from The Beach Boys to Queen Latifah… and Bruce Lee’s daughter, Shannon. Yes, really.

California Girls – The Beach Boys

The music born from an early Brian Wilson foray into LSD, this was the first single to feature Bruce Johnston on lead vocals and was brilliantly but affectionately sent-up by Lennon for Back In The USSR.

Going To California – Led Zeppelin

In amongst the magnificent beasts of IV like Stairway and When The Levee Breaks, this nestles like chopped coriander on top of a hot curry or possibly a cucumber raita. Lovely.

Hotel California – The Eagles

Overplayed it may have become, but that’s not the song’s fault: the classic tale of the weary traveller trapped in a nightmare of excess. Much like a recent experience in a Baltimore Howard Johnson that we will tell you about when we feel stronger. And what is a Colita anyway?

It Never Rains In Southern California – Albert Hammond

The American dream as performed by a man with a startling resemblance to Kevin Keegan. One of America’s great songwriters. Albert that is, not Kevin, though John Toshak did write poetry. Well, it rhymed anyway.

Heads Carolina, Tails California – Jo Dee Messina

Born Massachusetts, moved Nashville, was computer programmer, then country darling, then alcoholism, rehab, marriage and baby. Classic country tale, apart from the computer programming.

Californication – The Red Hot Chili Peppers

With John Frusciante back from heroin rehab in place of Dave Navarro, the title cut from the album of the same name exemplified the move away from rap-funk to a more sophisticated, melodic rock sound. And it had a very silly video with snowboarding and a porno shoot.

California Man – The Move

Roy Wood, you naughty fibber. You’re actually from Kitts Green in the West Midlands. Classic pre-ELO orchestrated rock from the Birmingham school.

California Blue – Roy Orbison

The best of The Big O’s late works, yet another beautiful vocal from the master of the crying voice.