And the footprints on your ceiling are almost gone...

This track is from a compilation released about two years ago called Back to California. It's the only track I really listen to, but I'm glad I found it, even if the rest are twangy white man country. But this one song, it never fails me.

'Trouble' is originally a Lowell George track; this version is by Nicolette Larson and was recorded live. What makes it more exciting is Van Dyke Parks on piano; you can hear him counting her in. She's most famous for being Neil Youngs woma' for a while, and recording a cover of "Lotta Love". She died in 1997 from a cerebral edema at the age of 45.

It always picks me back up, every little bit, one play is never enough. The gutsy drawl of Lawson adds bite to the lyrics, which carry the perfect sentiment. Parks' piano follows her voice, tracking the parts where she drags the heavier parts from the pit of her stomach, and when they linger on her tongue and in her mouth.

I find it impossible not to join in as she bawls: "You're an island and oooon yourrr own!", or the determined but soft drawl of "and your eyes are tired; and your feet are too; and you wish the world were as tired as youuuu"

I listen to it when I feel exhausted, and feel guilty for being so pathetically tired, because I've just worn myself out doing things I like and nothing I don't. Drag yourself out of bed to this, your day will be all the more productive. I think I'll need it tomorrow, so I'm gonna write a letter, and I'll send it away, put all the troubles in it I have todayyyyy...

Nicolette Larson - Trouble