An atypical standout XVII

It escaped my notice for the longest time that Patty Griffin is the singer behind "One Big Love."  When I think of Griffin's singer-songwriter material, I typically think of such tracks as "Rain," "Making Pies," or "The Wheel."  Generally, her songs make the listener lean in and ingest the discomforting or heart-wrenching topics about which she sings.

Yesterday, I wrote about being reminded that Donna Summer sang "Love Is In Control."  As with "...Control," I remembered the rhythm of "One Big Love" for years without recalling its lyrics.  Given its fun, upbeat vibe, I was surprised to learn it was Griffin's song--and that I already own the CD that includes it.

It's amazing what you find when you delve into your own music collection thoroughly.

Persistent earworm alert CDXLIX

While listening to KLOU's August 21, 1982 rebroadcast of  "American  Top 40" yesterday, I exclaimed, "So, that's what that song is!"

I'd forgotten all about Donna Summer's "Love Is In Control."  I remember hearing it on KMJM when it was a hit but not after that.  Admittedly, I'd never paid much attention to its lyrics; after not hearing it for decades, I just remembered the rhythm of its fast chorus.  I've been making up for lost time, though, by thinking of the song frequently since Sunday. 

It's puzzling how only the rhythm of a song sometimes sticks with you over the years.

Persistent earworm alert CDXLVIII

During Thursday night's power outage, the first three words of Crowded House's "It's Only Natural," played on a mental loop for me.  I kept thinking, "Ice will melt," repeatedly.  

That earworm stopped when I realized that I would lose hardly any perishable food.  Ever since a three-day power outage 21 years ago, I've been careful not to get too far ahead on perishable food.  During a storm in 2005, I lost 90% of the perishable food I'd just bought, and I resolved not to let that happen again.

"I thought, 'Ice will melt?'  Ice cube trays can always be refilled," I reasoned Thursday, "and all I'm really losing while the electricity is out is two sticks of butter." 

Context? CDLIV

Recently, I heard an opinion expressed on AM radio that some amusement parks should be dinged for not having a running theme.  

How important is that?  When I went to Six Flags as a kid, I didn't think there needed to be any common thread among the attractions.  I just thought, "I look forward to going on the Log Flume and the Scrambler and tasting the mustard-based potato salad at a particular restaurant."

As with most high school yearbooks, I'm not sure a theme matters all that much to most customers.  Disney, for some reason, is an exception to that for people, but otherwise...

Context? CDLIII

Yesterday, a radio talk show host said that when he retires, it will be a true retirement.  He won't go on the radio again, even in a reduced capacity.

He clarified that he'll likely talk about what it was like to be in radio with people at a coffee shop, but he doesn't intend to broadcast again,  He reasons that by then, he'll have said everything he intends to say.

His logic is understandable.  Even when you enjoy broadcasting, it's a relief not to have to fill airtime.  Here's hoping he has a relaxing time away from the microphone--whenever that turns out to be. 

Context? CDLII

Yesterday, a radio personality made a sound case for being the narrator in a play, reasoning that "all you have to do is read, and you're paid handsomely for it."

If you never have to appear on stage while narrating, I'd contend it's even more appealing.  

Spoken like someone who prefers the contradictory known-yet-anonymous aspect of radio fame...

FM dial scan highlights CCCX

Six recommended tracks heard this morning:

WSIE 88.7 FM 

• Sky High-Donald Byrd (A sunny, joyful groove for trumpet, flute, and rhythm section.  The vocal punctuation is icing on the cake for this 1973 tune.  Also recommended: "Where Are We Going?")
• El Fuego-Althea Rene (Pleasant, upbeat smooth jazz flute and guitar, with a kick.)
• Paris-Janet Evra (The synergy between the vocals and piano is particularly appealing.  This relaxed rhythm could segue with multiple versions of "The Girl From Ipanema.")

KCLC 89.1 FM

• We Should Talk-Bleachers (Lyrically, this is a sad reminder that people you once knew well will drop out of  your life not out of animosity but because your life trajectories are radically different.)
• Paranoid-Hippo Campus (Are you on the right path?  Yes.  Or no, maybe.  Sometimes, the answer isn't immediately obvious.)

KCFV 89.5 FM

• Promise Me-Badflower (A discomforting warning, even more so than "We Should Talk" by Bleachers, that it's sometimes too late to get back in touch.)