Ram' 99--

I think specific song suggestions are half the problem. The other half is good reliable concentrated background material to help folks on both sides of the podium understand what's going on in a given song.

May I presume to start this ball rolling with two titles:

"Scalded to Death by the Steam" by Katie Letcher Lyle. On train wreck songs, but good for RR operation.

"Ten Thousand Goddam Cattle" by Katie Lee--backgrounds of lots & lots of cowboy stuff.

If you're tired of your profession, you could throw in Hoyle--teach the kids how to play casino and shoot craps so they can dig Staggerlee and Frankie and Johnny. That outta get the Harper Valley PTA's attention. Maybe their math scores would improve in your last year as a tenured instructor--that would be a nice legacy.

Seriously, the two aforesaid Katie books are strong recommends for this noble pursuit. Mudders must know of others.

CC