"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.

A function of age LV

Erin Bode knew her audience this morning.  Near the end of an enjoyable concert at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center this morning, she told us, "With Halloween coming up, if you want to be the coolest house on your street, you know what kids are into? CDs..."  She continued, "I know kids.  Forget the full size Snickers bars."

That's as good of a tongue-in-cheek prod as any to let people know you have CDs of your music for sale, and it earned a knowing laugh from the crowd.

2025 retcon II

After listening to Tristen's "Let Go" multiple times over the past week, I'm retroactively declaring it my second favorite song of 2025.  Its catchy rhythm, lyrics about resisting the pressure to conform, and well-executed vocals have held my attention, making each hearing of it as appealing as the previous ones.  As a bonus, it also segues well with my retroactive favorite tune from last year, Wolf Alice's "White Horses."

I wish I'd known about "Let Go" when it was released late last year.

Teaching my cat respect for music II

For weeks, my cat, Collette, has used David Crosby's "For Free" CD cover as a scratching post.  Regardless of where the CD is in the living room, she finds it and sharpens her claws on it.  I've told her she should respect Crosby's strong later work.  She should especially favor "River Rise," his duet with Michael McDonald that was one of my favorite songs of 2021. 

Actually, I don't think a lack of respect for Crosby's music prompts Collette to scratch the cover.  Most likely, it's because the cardboard packaging suits her claws better than typical plastic CD cases.

The obvious solution is to put the CD in another room.  Knowing Collette, however, she'll likely use a power saw to cut open the door, find the CD, and resume scratching it up.  

Not much gets past her.

FM dial scan highlights CCCXV

Sunday night standouts:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Eyes For You (Ain't No Doubt About It)-Daryl Hall (The hint of the Hall & Oates chart-topper, "I Can't Go For That," drew me in, and Hall's smooth vocals sell this tune easily.)

KWUR 90.3 FM

• Savannah-Jensen McRae (The protagonist in this song made a wise choice in ending her relationship with the person about whom she sings.)
• All In Good Time-Iron & Wine featuring Fiona Apple (Endearing lyrics about having faith in the future, despite the knocks life throws at us.)

KWMU 90.7 FM

• We Will Meet Again-Herbie Mann & Phil Woods (Bittersweet, uptempo flute and saxophone, ideal for a late night playlist.)
• Moon Over Miami-George Shearing (Engaging pep on the vibraphone and piano from Marjorie Hyams and Shearing, respectively.  If I didn't know otherwise, I might have thought this was a Lionel Hampton & Count Basie collaboration.)

KSHE 94.7 FM

• Heart Of The Night-Poco (A well-crafted immediate hook with a sing-along chorus.  "Heart Of The Night" and "Crazy Love" have held up deservedly well over the decades.)

Establishing a welcoming atmosphere

One of the hosts of last night's neighborhood cookout made a sound musical choice.  How, after all, can anyone walk into a cookout in a cross mood during a recording of "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling?"