Today’s very special episode of the Friday Five was pre-recorded live in front of a studio audience.

Hello… is it me your looking for? In anticipation of a hectic Friday afternoon I’ve opted to write up the five on Thursday night. Don’t hold it against me. Last week, while all over the map, had a unifying theme a good song is a good song, no matter who plays it. And a bad song is… well, only good if Richard Cheese covers it! I also discovered that there is a decent live version of “Stairway to Heaven” (thanks Jim). Okay, so for you first timer’s here’s the scoop I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes and then show you my five with some words for each track.

Then it’s your turn!

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. Prince – Starfish & Coffee (from Sign ‘O the Times)

Word salad for the pop crowd, “Starfish & Coffee” stands as one of my all time favorite Prince tracks. There’s something so free and unabashedly simple about the tune that His Royal Badness rarely shows. Even when I suffer the “Purple Ear Fatigue” I can still pop this track on and enjoy.

2. Duke Ellington & His Orchestra – Take the “A” Train (MP3) (from Sir Duke)

This reminds me of growing up and hearing my Nana’s radio in the kitchen. I’ve developed a deep love for all manners of jazz over the years and the big band stuff is no exception. The melodies are timeless and recordings sound so warm and inviting.

3. Foo Fighters – On the Mend (from In Your Honor)

From the acoustic half of the two disc set this is one of my favorite tracks from the record overall. I’ve still got a bit of the afterglow of seeing these guys last month.

4. Elvis Costello – Night Rally (MP3) (from This Years Model)

For me, this is where I think Elvis Costello (with The Attractions here) shines. In searching for the retail link I see that this record recently got the “Deluxe Edition” complete with live, demo and alternate tracks. I’ll have to pick it up… thanks shuffle for reminding me!

5. Def Leppard – Bringing On the Heartbreak (from Rock of Ages: The Definitive Collection)

Ahh the teenage angst filled memories. I’ve seen these guys more times then I care to admit and I will say that they are one of the most fun acts I’ve seen. Sure they are over processed but they manage to pull off sounding close to the recorded versions every time.

We’re opening the phone lines now, let us know what your ‘Friday Five’ looks like.