No one’s ever asked, so I’ll volunteer. Here are the 45s that most formed me and the Nine Life Lessons (give or take) they taught.

In chronological order below with highest Billboard Hot 100 chart position:

1) “Last Train to Clarksville” — The Monkees (1967) Charted at #1

Lesson: You don’t have to know how to play an instrument to get chased by girls.

2) “Superstar” — the Carpenters (1971) Charted at #2

Lesson: our family can enjoy a song together and have no idea what the lyrics mean.

3) “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” — Looking Glass (1972) Charted at #1

Two lessons: Women will be faithful to men; men will be faithful to the water. And some lessons will require unlearning later in life.

4) “Killing Me Softly with His Song” — Roberta Flack (1973) Charted at #1

Lesson: A song can reveal a life just as well as any bite into a madeleine, and someday, you might discover what a madeleine is.

5) “Hooked on a Feeling” — Blue Swede (1973) Charted at #1

Lesson: When your cousin visits with his 45s, you have to share the turntable. Ugah Chuga.

6) “Brother Louie” — The Stories (1973) Charted at #1

Lesson: Know that families can be difficult, so start preparing for life as a monk.

7) “You Sexy Thing” — Hot Chocolate (1975) Charted at #3

Lesson: Some people are more comfortable with their bodies than you.

8) “At Seventeen” — Janis Ian (1975) Charted at #3

Lesson: Girls may have life harder than boys. Much harder.

9) “Play That Funky Music” — Wild Cherry (1976) Charted at #1

Lesson: The best creative ideas happen spontaneously, and probably don’t belong to you. So just be there and be ready.Bonus Lesson

“Money (That’s What I Want)” — The Flying Lizards (1979) Charted at #50

Lesson: Being able to play an instrument or sing may not be that important at all. Also, you get more for your money if you buy albums.