What are some cool songs that any of you play on accordion that are not traditional??? I was trying to play along to FreeBird on my C last night and it was really funny (though it didn't sound much like it). Then of course there is the infamous Happy Birthday to you, which is one of my all-time favorites (just kidding by the way). Travis, if you are still lurking this board, I bet you could give some good ideas.
Here some I have played on accordion in bands and yes, in front of people...and they didn't think it was too weird to hear accordion in these, at least, they didn't get up and leave!
Brown Eyed Girl, Crazy Love, Wild Nights--Van Morrison
Hey Good Lookin---Hank Williams
The Weight--the Band
I saw her Standing There--the Beatles
Feelin Allright--Joe Cocker
Statesbough Blues--Allman Bros.
Ain't too Proud to Beg--Temptations
I've done all these on the regular 10 button box...but usually tuned wet and many times with the two middle reeds only (no piccolo or bassoon)..so only the two "back stops up.
I have done many more "non Cajun" songs on the piano accordion--anything can work and any key is great on it...Clifton explored all those cross hybrids many years ago.
Also, didn't Damon Troy do "The Secrets that you Keep...when you're talking in your sleep" by The Romantics ...And "Oh. It's Party Time." by some country artist.
One of the first tunes I learned was "Silver Threads
and Golden Needles" - an old country classic - that
can be played fast for a 2 step or slow for a waltz..
its a natural.
Here's some that we do and they all go over well.
Gotta Wear Shades by Timbuk3
Sea Cruise
Margueritaville
Promised Land (Geno does this all the time)
Whole Lotta Shakin goin' On (Jamie Bergeron version)
Rockin' Robin (similar to the Monkey and the Baboon)