I don’t believe in the devil. It goes against my irreligion. Who wants to believe in a cat-kicking demon?

I do, however, believe in the power of music to dilute the effect of some of the bad shit going on in the world. Some of the Insult Comedian’s followers confuse him with Jesus, so it’s only fair if he reminds some of us of the devil. I guess he didn’t get the memo about the devil’s skin color, it’s supposed to be red, not orange.

There have been many fine songs with devil in the title. It was hard winnowing this list down to a dozen. As always, the songs are in chronological order. I skipped a few obvious tunes because I don’t like them as much as this dozen. Are you listening, Devil In A Blue Dress?

It’s time to go to hell and back with the Devil Songs Dozen. I hope someone brought some deviled eggs.

Robert Johnson claimed to have sold his soul to the devil. The deal produced some great songs including this one:

Billie Holiday. Say no more.

Here’s Ella Fitzgerald with a devilish song written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. Has the devil ever asked you to take a dive?

The blues and devil songs go together like red beans and rice even though it’s Sunday, not Monday. This is one of many devil tunes by the great Texas bluesman Samuel John Hopkins, not to be confused with the teaching hospital in Baltimore.

There’s nothing worse than falling for someone and discovering that they’re the devil in disguise as Elvis learned to his dismay in 1963.

A demonic tune from a singer with a voice like an angel.

The Rolling Stones messed around with Satanic imagery in the late 1960’s. They dialed that back after the Altamont disaster for which we’ll always have sympathy.

Ready for some hippie bluegrass? Hit it, Jerry.

Have I told you lately that the late, great Kris Kristofferson attended the same high school as I did? Go San Mateo Bearcats. I dare the devil’s kid to kick a bearcat.

Let’s take a ride with The B-52’s:

Sinuous and slinky are words that characterize Chris Isaak’s sonic palette. He’s so cool that he can pick up the phone and call the devil direct. He might even have the nerve to call collect.

Finally, the lone 21st Century tune on the list:

What would an Adrastos listicle be without some lagniappe? It’s about to take a possessive turn. Who’s more possessive than the devil?

I give you a devilish triple header that begins with the sweet sound of Papa John Creach’s violin.

Is the devil a country singer? What about his right hand? Discuss amongst yourselves.

The last word goes to George Harrison: