Because I almost wrote the book. As was noted some time ago, either here or at failedpilot.com (or both), Village Voice patriarch Chuck Eddy used the term “Afternoon Rock” while reviewing a Little River Band collection. I coined this term over ten years ago, starting using it in print nine years ago (in a nascent version of The Cimarron Weekend), have been making newbies “run the gauntlet” of my formidable collection of A.R. for years and years (at odd hours, under differing chemical circumstances, and to varying degrees of success), bandy the term about whenever I get the chance, and used it in communication with Eddy almost two years ago. It’s mine. I am the world’s foremost curator of Afternoon Rock. Later, I’ll explain what makes an Afternoon Rock song an Afternoon Rock song, as it’s about the song and nothing else.

Here’s a starter list. Steal all of these songs NOW – they are easily found with ANY file-sharing application. Fun Facts are included for virgins.

(no particular order of transcendence)

1. The Climax Blues Band – “I Love You” (1980)

2. Player “Baby, Come Back” (1978)

3. Firefall “You Are The Woman” (1978) Fun Fact: This 87-member band was a result of Flying Burrito Brothers fallout, and optimized the “Coloradoization of America.”

4. Ace “How Long” (1974) Fun Fact: Paul Carrack, who later went on to join the hit-making version of Squeeze, led Ace.

5. The Eagles “I Can’t Tell You Why” (1979) Fun Fact: Last true Eagles hit. Written and performed by new (at the time) bassist Timothy B. Schmit.

6. Starbuck “Moonlight Feels Right” (1975/76)

7. Ambrosia “How Much I Feel” (1978) Fun Fact: Album is titled “Life Beyond L.A.” Uh, not so much, guys.

8. Hall and Oates “Sara Smile” (1975)

9. The Little River Band “Lady” (1978) Fun Fact: Album has one of my favorite titles: “Sleeper Catcher”

10. Jay Ferguson “Thunder Island” (1978) Fun Fact: Jay was previously the lead singer for both Spirit and Jo Jo Gunne. You must hear this song. You must see this album cover.