I've praised "We May Never Pass This Way Again" by Seals & Crofts in previous posts. I can't imagine ever getting tired of its sentimental look at the pleasant moments of one's life. It ends on such a graceful note, it seems wrong to slam into blistering metal guitar or anything remotely avant-garde. That's why I'm glad iTunes shuffle mode segued it with Toto's "99" today.
One wistful piano part deserves another, I believe.
Five recommended selections heard this morning:
KRCL (Salt Lake City, UT)
KUNV (Las Vegas, NV)
WQXR (Newark, NJ)
WZVN (Lowell, IN)
I don't think I've heard this radio commercial jingle since the late '80s, but it still creeps into my mind at odd times. I'll be grocery shopping, sleeping, or reading an article, and suddenly, I'll think of the jingle, "So, come to The Linen Warehouse, and make your home complete."
I've never set foot in that business, and I'm not sure if it even still exists. I remember the jingle singer having a somewhat unusual voice--not bad but distinctive. Somehow, it's the only jingle for a business of its kind to stay with me over the decades.
I'm sure I wouldn't have predicted that jingle having staying power 40 years ago, and yet...
While listening to Todd Rundgren's "A Dream Goes On Forever" recently, I wondered if any radio station has ever played Carole King's "It's Too Late" before it. Lyrically, it's a good pairing. Rundgren's lyrics suggest that it might not be too late to salvage a relationship, after all, or if it is, you can still hold on to your dreams about it.
I've been grappling with how to approach playing patriotic music this July 4. Paul Simon's "American Tune" is certainly appropriate, given how democracy is veering off course. The "Schoolhouse Rock" track, "No More Kings," would also work and is in keeping with the theme of today's widespread "no kings" protests.
After listening to Erin Bode's rendition of "Savior Of The Nations, Come," though, I'm half-considering playing it on Independence Day. While that hymn isn't a patriotic anthem, it's appropriate this year. After all, it might take divine intervention to get this country back on sane, civil footing.
Since completing my annual viewing of the movie, "1776," last night, the ominous repeating final note hasn't left my mind. Whenever I watch the film, it sinks in what a risk those who signed the Declaration Of Independence were taking.
This time, however, I also thought the movie's final note could underscore the decline and possible elimination of American democracy. I really hope that our democracy doesn't vanish. "1776"'s chilling note reminded me, however, that a positive outcome isn't necessarily a given.
While listening to Joseph Arthur's "Honey And The Moon" recently, I thought, "Has any radio station ever played Alanis Morissette's 'Hands Clean' after this? If not, they should. Both songs start off rather quietly before their energy levels increase, and the vocals in both songs grab the listener's ears. They're lyrically compatible songs, as well."
Yes, I often think in full paragraphs when it comes to musical segues.