When cutting someone slack is appropriate II

In 1983, I heard a parody song on KHTR.  When the DJ back announced it, I thought,"What did he say?  'Ricky," which spoofs Toni Basil's 'Mickey,' is by Weird Alley Ankles?  That can't be right."

A few weeks later, I learned it was by Weird Al Yankovic,  Alas, in pre-Internet times, before you saw a reference to an artist in a newspaper or magazine, saw it in a record store, or called a radio station and found out who it was, you had to live with your uncertainty.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXIII

I must be feeling especially idealistic because my earworm today is "Dreams Of Harmony," a lullaby by Freyda.  Its lyrics paint a reassuring view of us all being part of humanity and having value.  When you're about to drift off to sleep, that's a comforting image to have--even though it describes a utopia and not, unfortunately, reality.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXII

During a somewhat draining week, my subconscious mind tries to lighten the mood.  That's the case right now, as "Peg Ryan's Polka," which the Buckhannon Brothers play on banjo, guitar, and bass, occupies my mind.  It strikes the right balance of being lighthearted but not over-the-top.  If you think reflexively that polkas are a frivolous musical genre, be advised that there's solid musicianship in this performance.

Only in college CXIX

In 1993, near the end of my time at KCOU, another DJ mused, "What will Kruzin' Music (i.e. the oldies show I hosted) be like in the future?  What will (oldies) be?  (The band) Arcwelder?"

Over three decades later, based on what I've heard, oldies now include The Cranberries, Nirvana, Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car," "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" by The Charlie Daniels Band, and "I Can't Go For That" by Hall & Oates.

The '70s, '80s, and '90s don't usually take center stage on college radio stations these days, which isn't surprising.  They aren't forgotten, however, and that reassures me.

Context? CDXXXVI

I agree with the radio talk show host who said yesterday that she doesn't like blind taste tests; it often seems, as she said, that the taste testers are trying to trip people up and make them look silly.

Once, after noticing how often I put slices of yellow bell peppers in salads, I bought a yellow pepper.  This was a mistake, as I only ended up eating a small amount of it.  I realized then that I only ate small bits of yellow peppers as one ingredient among many in a salad.  It didn't mean I craved an entire bell pepper.   

That principle sometimes applies to taste tests.  Enjoying a small sample of a soda or other beverage doesn't necessarily mean you'll want to drink 20 ounces or two liters of it.  Sometimes, people just crave a bit of caffeine, sweetness, or bitterness.

Lost in translation

In grade school, Mrs. S., the vocal music teacher, showed our class a production of The Music Man--as a series of slides.  As the class sat in silence, I thought, "I'm sure this is no one's fault, but wouldn't this be more effective if we saw it as a film or a video?  A soundtrack playing under stills of a performance isn't nearly as captivating as seeing the actual performance."

I didn't hate what I saw, but I kept thinking, "This is basically a View-Master presentation with audio."

Online radio sampler highlights CCXCVII

Today's standout tunes:

KOPN (Columbia, MO)

• (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding-The Holmes Brothers (A good version of the Nick Lowe-penned tune, sung with the necessary sincerity.  Rhythmically, George Harrison's or Olivia Newton-John's versions of "If Not For You" would flow well into this.)

KVNF (Paonia, CO)

• Me Skotose Giati Tin Agapousa-Elif Sanchez (A sorrowful folk tune, sung compellingly by this Turkish vocalist.)

WGDR (Plainfield, VT)

• Out Of Nowhere-Django Reinhardt (It sounds like Leon Redbone should be singing over this 1937 instrumental.  Rhythmically, this reminds me somewhat of "Begin The Beguine."  Also recommended: "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea.")

WJCU (University Heights, OH)

• Here's That Rainy Day-Nancy Wilson (A captivating performance, due in equal measure to Wilson's vocals and the gravity of orchestral strings.)
• Have You Ever Seen The Rain?-Karen Souza (Vocally and instrumentally, this is an interesting blues-meets-lounge-music take on this Creedence Clearwater Revival hit.)

WXYG (Sauk Rapids, MN)

• You're Gonna Get What's Coming-Bonnie Raitt (A strong version of the Robert Palmer song, with appropriate energy and bite.  Before tonight, I'd never heard any radio station play this 1979 cover, so kudos to WXYG, "The Goat.")