The pitfalls of shuffle mode XV

So...An endearing tune about the warmth of Christmas isn't really meant to slam into an angry, cathartic song about avoiding the general public due to its lack of civility.  Today, iTunes shuffle mode paired "Christmas Is My Favorite Time Of Year" by Kenny Rogers with Paramore's "This Is Why."  "This Is Why"'s central point about the deterioration of thoughtful discourse is well-taken, and I think of it often when I've read or watched a misguided screed about the state of the country or the world.  When I'm feeling disgruntled, "This Is Why" is one of my top go-to songs.  It isn't, however, best heard after thoughtful musings about the origin of Christmas.

Obviously, when I turn on shuffle mode, I expect any number of unlikely segues.  That one, however, prompted me to stop listening in random play and select songs that made musical and lyrical sense together.

The allure of shuffle mode XCVII

After hearing iTunes pair Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "4+20" randomly with Tommy Emmanuel's "Papa George" Sunday, I was struck by how well those songs mesh in a darkness-to-light progression.  After hearing Stephen Stills sing about how depression feels somewhat similar at age 24 and age 84, it's refreshing to hear "4+20" segue into Emmanuel's sunny guitar instrumental.  Despite their contrasting moods, the tunes have nearly identical beats per minute, which aids the smooth transition.

Context? CDLXVI

I was surprised to hear that a cigar store now sponsors a radio station's traffic reports.  I was only half-listening this morning, but I think the commercial's tag line was, "Choose your smoke.  Enjoy the moment."

To each, his or her own, I suppose.  I'll pass, though.  I've never seen the allure of smoking anything, and I can't see suddenly changing my mind on that at age 56.

Teaching my cat respect for music III

To follow up, I put the David Crosby CD in another room.  So far, it remains safe from Collette the cat's claws.  Perhaps I was paranoid to think that she'd saw the door down.  Still, she's pacing outside the door and has had plenty of time to think...

Persistent earworm alert CDLX

Since hearing FUTURENOT's "Be The Change" on WSIE earlier this month, it has been on my recurring mental loop.  I'm thankful, as it's one of the coolest blends of piano and horns I've heard in recent memory.  I was surprised to learn it was recorded in 2020, as it could pass for bumper music the Saturday Night Live band might have played in the '70s.

When musicians nail that type of throwback pastiche so convincingly, it's a win for the band and the listener.

"Concentrate on the magic. Concentrate on the magic..."

Around this time of year, I often start listening to various episodes of CBS Radio Mystery Theater.  I plan to do that this year, as well, but before I delve into an episode, I have to think, "Don't picture voice actors in a studio, or it'll compromise my ability to lose myself in the story."

Also, I try to forget that many of the conflicts in these stories could be resolved today with a cell phone or Google search.

In addition, I try to overlook that if a lot of these stories occurred in real life, people likely wouldn't launch into such melodramatic monologues that contain convenient swaths of exposition.

With those few disclaimers, then, I'm ready to enjoy some radio dramas from decades ago--I think.

Segue suggestion XXII

I was surprised that an Allentown, Pennsylvania station, WDIY, played "Walter's Theme" by R.E.M. today, as it's almost never played on the radio.  While listening, I thought, "This is how you maximize an upbeat guitar riff," and "I've never thought about this before, but Crowded House's 'Tall Trees' would segue well with this..."

...They would segue smoothly because both tunes share a similar driving energy.  Also, as catchy as their central riffs are, both songs are shorter than they deserve to be.