Alberto Sanchez's Songbook

Classic songs never really die, they just get covered again and again by new generations of artists. Such is the case with The Temptations' iconic 1972 hit "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone." This rebellious track lamenting an absent, wandering father has been reimagined numerous times over the decades. One of the most unique and energetic renditions comes from the Leningrad Cowboys.  This Finnish band adds their own spin on this classic with the help of the Global Balalaika Show. Their version explodes with the frenzy and extravagance one expects from the Leningrad Cowboys. Electronic keyboards meld with big, brash balalaikas in a way only this band can pull off. The overall effect is a sweeping, grandiose take on "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone." While certain lyrics have been tweaked and the instrumentation amped up, the soul of this defiant song remains. Themes of resentment and rebellion translate powerfully through the Leningrad Cowboys' theatrical, operatic

Music has a magical way of transporting us through time. A great song can instantly take us back to a different era or remind us of meaningful moments from our past. This is certainly true of the bluegrass gospel classic "Take It to the Limit," originally recorded by The Eagles in 1975. While that version is iconic, a new rendition by Jimmy Fortune featuring The Isaacs breathes fresh life into this timeless track.  Released in 2009, Fortune's cover of "Take It to the Limit" honors the original while showcasing the artist's crisp vocals and the trio of voices from The Isaacs. Their harmonies are tight and their instrumental arrangements masterful. This is bluegrass at its finest. Fans of country and gospel music alike will appreciate this soulful take on a beloved song. What makes "Take It to the Limit" truly special is its inspirational message about perseverance. As we all know, life can be challenging at times. There are always new limits to test