Favorite music of 2014

Overall, 2014 was a good year for diverse genres of music.  My top five favorite tracks from this year are:

   5.  We'll Meet Under The Stars-Sean Jones Quartet
(One of 2014's best jazz tracks; sublime trumpet and piano lines establish a thoughtful mood and maintain it for over seven minutes.)
   4.  Crime-Real Estate
(One of the best guitar hooks of 2014.  I first heard this in February and enjoy it just as much now.)
   3.  Late Night Grande Hotel (Live)-The Kennedys
(Maura Kennedy's beautiful voice shines on this cover of mentor Nanci Griffith's song.  If you like the version on "Songs Of The Open Road," you'll enjoy this one, as well.)
   2.  La Vie En Rose-Cristin Milioti
(Thank goodness "How I Met Your Mother" had a ninth season; it allowed the audience to see Milioti's endearing acting and compelling singing.  One's heart would have to be frozen to be unmoved by this rendition.)
   1.  Bang Your Drum-Dead Man Fall
(The song's point of view about keeping at what you're doing in pursuit of success, however you define it, represents not only Craig Ferguson's winding path to becoming "The Late Late Show"'s host and the program's sensibility but a commendable attitude to maintain throughout one's life.)

Other noteworthy tracks from this year, listed alphabetically:

• America The Beautiful-Nathan East (Jazz bassist East and the accompanying choir do America proud with this dignified rendition.  His self-titled CD contains many solid covers, including Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed," on which Wonder plays harmonica.)
• The Birds Of St. Marks-Jackson Browne (From a strong comeback release, "Standing In The Breach," that's consistent throughout.)
• Bright Side Of Down-John Gorka (The title track of Gorka's latest release offers his typically thoughtful perspective on how to live once you've been around a while.)
• Cautionary Tale-The Mastersons (A strong 2014 release, lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally; Eleanor Whitmore's tremble in the vocals sells it convincingly.  A good set of lyrics about someone who's about to self-destruct.)
• Destination-Nickel Creek (It's great to hear this talented ensemble, with its unusual front line of mandolin, violin, and guitar, back together again on this uptempo number.)
• Every Little Bit Of It-Carrie Newcomer (Year after year, Newcomer's captivating alto voice conveys her appreciation for the wonders of life and the lessons learned from its trials.  She's truly one of the most consistent singer-songwriters; if you like one of her CDs, you'll like the others.)
• In Love With Useless-A Sunny Day In Glasgow (Presenting the fresher, sunnier side of techno...)
• Monsters-Sarah McLachlan (Seven months after its release, this tune about the dangers of parasites stays with you.  If I'd only heard McLachlan's early hits, such as "Possession" or "Adia," I might not have known this was her.  It's interesting to hear her music produced with an echo instead of her initially subtler singer-songwriter approach.)
• Poor Man's Son-Noah Gundersen (One of many tracks from Gundersen's early 2014 release, "Ledges," that features captivating family harmonies.  The title track and "Poor Man's Son" are two of the strongest standouts.)
• Spring-Ben Watt (A contemplative look at Spring, from the vantage point of Everything But The Girl's lower profile singer, using chords from Survivor's "The Search Is Over.")
• Summer Rain-Liam Bailey (This is from 2014, although it sounds like it's from a much earlier era; raw vocals mesh well with polished instrumentals to create a throwback blend of cool R&B and rock.)
• Swing 42-Andreas Varady (Good swing guitar with a hint of "Istanbul, Not Constantinople."  Varady has a bright future.)
• Wake Me Up (acoustic version)-Aloe Blacc ("Wake me up when it's all over," Blacc sings with conviction.  Who can't relate to that?)
• What's Broken-David Crosby (From Crosby's strong 2014 release, "Croz."  The lyrics ask poignantly if a situation is beyond repair.)
• Wind Sorceress-Incognito (One of this year's best smooth jazz tracks; in some respects, it sounds like an updated version of the Ronnie Laws tune, "Always There.")

Shuffle mode results XII

The iTunes tracks spin around, and the first song of the batch is...

...1.  Alton Air-Darrell Scott
(A short, compelling guitar prelude.)
   2.  It Came Upon A Midnight Clear-Michael B. Nelson
(A great big band arrangement of one of the best carols, fronted by a strong saxophone.)
   3.  Moon Song-Norah Jones
(Yet another captivating, breathy vocal from the "Deep Cuts" EP.)
   4.  Parting Glass-Rita Hosking
(A tale of loss, sung with sincere lament.)
   5.  Children Say-Level 42
(Mark King sings well-crafted lyrics, accompanied by his own thumping bass.  How was this not a hit?)
   6.  Life Is Just Like That-Nikki Meets The Hibachi
(For times when there's no other explanation...)
   7.  So Nice (Summer Samba)-Bebel Gilberto
(A pleasantly sung cover.)
   8.  Chorale-The Free Design
(Practice your vocal warm-ups today?)
   9.  Seven Days In Sunny June-Jamiroquai
(Similar in feel to one of Jamiroquai's strongest tracks, "When You Gonna Learn?")
 10.  Head In The Sand Stan-The Sun Sawed In 1/2
(Catchy, vocally and instrumentally; one of this St. Louis band's highlights.  Also recommended: "Bed Of Roses," "The Carnival Ride," and "Life.")
 11.  There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (Live)-Neil Finn
(Finn improves this track by The Smiths by lowering its key.  In less capable hands, the lyrics would sound like a parody of teen angst songs, but Finn gives them his all, making them shine in this impressive live performance.)
 12.  King Of The Road-The London Fox Players
(A respectable instrumental cover.)
 13.  Ride-Wild Nothing
(A hypnotic aural collage.)
 14.  Somebody To Shove-Soul Asylum
(One reason why I miss the early '90s: Bottled-up rage rarely sounds this tuneful.)
 15.  Hang On In There-The Intruders
(An overlooked R&B gem with good advice.)
 16.  Belfast-Neil Jacobs
(The best instrumental on the "12 String Guitar" CD, in my opinion.  It gallops along and stays with you after you've heard it.)
 17.  Red Guitar-Cassandra Wilson
(One of my two favorite vocals from Wilson's "Another Country" CD.  "Almost Twelve" is the other.)
 18.  Rapaz De Bem-Kenny Barron & The Brazilian Knights
(Great piano and saxophone interplay on this strong 2013 jazz release.)
 19.  Jack Gets Up ("Live At The World Cafe, Vol. 11" version)-Leo Kottke
(As on "Balloon," Kottke recites cryptic lyrics against a memorable guitar melody, and it works.)
 20.  New Year-Pat Metheny
(Metheny lets the saxophone dominate this track.)
 21.  Snowy Morning Blues-Butch Thompson
(A greet-the-day piano instrumental.)
 22.  Nil Na La (Live)-Solas
(A spirited Celtic romp, with excellent lead vocals from Karan Casey.  The group feeds off of the audience's warm reception.)

"Golden blunders come in pairs..."

If you'd never heard any music by The Posies, or just read some of the lyrics, such as "You're gonna get in the way at the wrong time," or "You're gonna mess up things you thought you would never," you might think that "Golden Blunders" is a dreary song.  It isn't.  It's actually one of the best sets of lyrics I've heard about how everyone makes mistakes, and it's sung with an optimistic undercurrent that suggests everything will be OK, in the end.  "Now that school is done, higher learning's just begun," is an accurate summary of what's to come once you enter the real world.

Unusual ingredients, great result

If someone had told me, "There's this infectious tune in which the band chants its name in the style of cheerleaders at the beginning and later in the song, you won't be able to understand any other lyrics because they're in Japanese, and there's a simultaneous present and past techno vibe to it," I don't think I would have thought, "Those are the ingredients of a song I'll play over and over."  Lo and behold, though, those elements work perfectly for Pizzicato Five on "It's A Beautiful Day."  I pulled out that gem from 1997 recently and was reminded that sometimes, it's possible to enjoy a song for the most unlikely reasons.

"Electronic mail is accessible via your desktop computer..."

Twenty years ago, we received a memo at KNJZ about the station's new email address.  In addition to describing what email was and how it could be accessed, the memo said, "Emails will be retrieved and printed once per week."  Imagine any business or individual having such restraint today.

Grappling with the day after Christmas transition

I remember working the midnight-6 a.m. shift at KNJZ on the day after Christmas 20 years ago.  During my first on-air break, I said, "Well, it's always a tough transition to make, going from Christmas Day to a regular day, but we'll just have to make the best of it," which is an unusual segue between smooth jazz tracks.  Looking back, it's a wonder I didn't quote "We'll just have to muddle through somehow," from "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." I thought then--and still think now--that I'm glad there are songs such as "Winter Wonderland," "Sleigh Ride," and "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow," provided it's an instrumental version, preferably by Sally Harmon, Brandon Fields, or Joe Pass, to ease the transition.

To everyone celebrating Christmas...

 December 2003--Rosie, the endearing calico cat, gets into the Christmas spirit.

...As B.W. Stevenson sings in "A Special Wish," "May you have Christmas with your family.  May you have peace and joy and harmony.  May all your hurts be far away, on this Christmas day."

Or, if you prefer your poignant sentimentality in instrumental form, try listening to the Imani Winds version of "The Holly And The Ivy."  It's not a stretch to imagine animals emerging from the forest to celebrate Christmas when this plays.  The woodwinds are that welcoming.

Merry Christmas, in either case.

FM dial scan highlights XVI (Christmas edition)

2005--Christmas holly

Christmas music highlights from the FM dial, heard yesterday and early this morning:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Someday At Christmas-Stevie Wonder (Given some of this year's bad news, the lyrics, unfortunately, are just as timely as they were originally.)
• Skating-Vince Guaraldi Trio (In addition to its famous inclusion in "A Charlie Brown Christmas," Snoopy uses "Skating" as a beautiful diversion in the movie, "A Boy Named Charlie Brown."  If that scene and this song don't make you forget your woes for a few minutes, I wonder what would.)
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-She & Him (Zooey Deschanel conveys the intimacy of this carol effectively, conjuring up the image of performing in a darkened auditorium.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• The Christmas Song-The Ray Brown Trio with Kevin Mahogany and Russell Malone (A cool, classy lounge rendition.)
• Snowfall-John Pizzarelli ("Snowfall" fits Pizzarelli's vocal range easily.  Listeners who enjoy Harry Connick, Jr.'s arrangements will likely enjoy this.  Pizzarelli's "Let's Share Christmas" CD also contains a great, brisk instrumental romp through "Sleigh Ride.")
• I'll Be Home For Christmas-Gene Harris (A jazzy, bluesy arrangement, perfect for the piano.)

KLOU 103.3 FM

• I'll Be Home For Christmas-Linda Ronstadt (A naturally beautiful voice with strings; that's ideal for Christmas.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. KIHT-HD2

• Good King Wenceslas-Cincinnati Sinfonietta, Keith Lockhart & Mel Torme (That groovy cat, Wenceslas...He offers sustenance and kind words to those who need them, while accompanied by a walking bass line wherever he goes.  Not just any hipster has that kind of backup.)
• John Rutter: Donkey Carol (John Rutter: Choir Of Clare College, Cambridge) (One of my frequently played favorites from KFUO's "A Classic Christmas."  The lyrics give the donkey its due for transporting Mary and Joseph to the stable.)

In memory of Joe Cocker

In memory of Joe Cocker, who passed away on Monday at age 70, I offer this reflection: Cocker has received much deserved acclaim for "Feelin' Alright" and his covers of "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "The Letter."  Four recordings of his that also deserve that level of recognition, however, are:

• Bye Bye Blackbird (This is how you emote in a way that satisfies the audience and you.)
• I Think It's Going To Rain Today (The orchestral arrangement and strong backing vocals augment Cocker's already powerful lead.)
• Pardon Me Sir (As I've mentioned, few rock songs cry out for tuba accompaniment; this one does, however, and it works extremely well.)
• A Song For You (Ray Charles and Joe Cocker set the bar high with their respective versions.  Here's wishing any singer luck who thinks (s)he can equal or top the pathos either artist exhibits on this tune.)

It's unusual for a singer to convey such a level of passion, grit, and gravity in his music, but Cocker pulled it off over the decades.

Consistent Christmas guitar recordings

Two of the most consistent instrumental Christmas CDs I've ever heard are by guitarists.  For pleasant, continuous listening, check out Bob Rafkin's "Six String Christmas" and Edward Gerhard's "Christmas" releases.  Both CDs cover a solid selection of well-known carols.

Shuffle mode results XI

My iTunes shuffle mode is on, and the first track that plays is...

...1.  Bluesette (Live)-Toots Thielemans
(Harmonica master Thielemans leads a strong quartet in an enjoyable prelude followed by a driving melody.)
   2.  Reptile-7 Worlds Collide
(Lisa Germano sings lead on a quirky tune whose chorus grows on you.)
   3.  Nantucket Island-Willie Wright
(As mentioned previously, Wright's laid-back singing should have garnered more success in the '70s.  His album, "Telling The Truth," should have been a big hit.)
   4.  Ela-Wa-Zimba
(An interesting blend of African and European influences here.)
   5.  Peace March-Bruce Cockburn
(Two concepts mesh well in this guitar instrumental brought to my attention on KDHX's "Backroads.")
   6.  Footprints-Squeeze
(An appealing tune for the Summer-to-Fall transition.)
   7.  The Silent Nutcracker (Instrumental)-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
(Dials down "The Nutcracker"'s preciousness, to good effect.  A quieter, not-so-produced guitar instrumental.)
   8.  Callin' Venus-Jazzamor
(A contemplative instrumental with shades of Vangelis and The Alan Parsons Project.)
   9.  Wichita Lineman-Dee Felice Trio
 (A cool rhythm section's instrumental take on this song that Glen Campbell made famous.)
 10.  The Windmills Of Your Mind-Buddy Merrill
(A good, guitar-based instrumental rendition.)
 11.  Lord Won't You Help Me-Sara Watkins
(One of Watkins' most endearing solo tracks; a moving set of lyrics about seeking help from a higher power when your resolve is crumbling.)
 12.  This Side-Nickel Creek
(Sara Watkins' brother, Sean, sings lead on this optimistic title track from the band's excellent second CD.)
 13.  Rose Cottage Reels-Capercaillie
(Fit for welcoming Spring or any number of other joyous occasions.)
 14.  Oh Holy Night-Suzanne Ciani
(An instrumental highlight from the compilation, "A Very Green Christmas.")

"Keep bangin' on your drum..."

"...and your day will come."

"...and they will hear you."

-Dead Man Fall, "Bang Your Drum"

Kudos to Craig Ferguson and all of the guests, writers, and staff members who made "The Late Late Show" the refreshingly original program it was from 2005 through last night.  The finale's opening, featuring Dead Man Fall's "Bang Your Drum," was particularly moving.  The song's point of view about keeping at what you're doing in pursuit of success, however you define it, represents not only Ferguson's winding path to becoming the show's host and the program's sensibility but a commendable attitude to maintain throughout one's life.

When I started this blog on September 1, I could barely speak.  Three days before I started writing, a doctor injected botox into my vocal cords to restore my voice.  He'd cautioned me that I might have a false sense of security for a couple of days; he said my voice would improve temporarily and then all but disappear into a whisper within three days.  In order to build the vocal cords back up, the injection weakens them first.  His prediction was right on the money; I had the injections on a Friday afternoon, and by Sunday morning, I couldn't speak above a whisper.  I was humbled further throughout September as I waited for my voice to stabilize.  For over a month, I hit every octave while speaking that you can imagine, ranging from a grizzled, old prospector to Mickey Mouse.  For someone who had made a living doing considerable talking on the phone, with supervisors and co-workers, and with radio and voice-over audiences, this was an adjustment, to say the least.

I thought to myself, "I can hardly speak.  What would I really like to do that sparks my interest and doesn't involve speaking?"  Hence, my equivalent of bangin' on the drum--this blog.  I'd had the idea in the back of my mind for years to write a music and radio blog, using stories I'd told family members and friends along with other observations that came to mind.  Not being able to speak made me decide, once and for all, "I'm starting this September 1.  At least, this way, I know there'll be at least one bright spot in each day for me."

Fortunately, in October, my voice returned, allowing me to go to my high school class reunion and return to work.  Although I wouldn't have wished to have dysphonia, it motivated me to start something I've wanted to pursue for a long time and keep at it.  Ferguson's goal with his show was to, as he put it, "create something that wasn't here before."  That's what I've tried to do with my blog.

"Keep bangin' on your drum," indeed.  It's sound advice that I'm glad I heeded.

A low-key Christmas winner

One overlooked Christmas CD that doesn't get much radio airplay is Freddy Cole's "I Want A Smile For Christmas."  Nat King Cole's brother has a low-key, understated, natural voice that does Christmas carols justice.  Of special note: Cole's version of "A Cradle In Bethlehem."  Over seven minutes, Cole presents an engaging, subtle take on an underplayed carol. 

Favorite pairs of segues X (Christmas edition II)

More of my favorite pairs of Christmas tunes that segue well:

   1.  Do You Hear What I Hear?-Hampton String Quartet
   2.  Winter Wonderland-David Grisman
(Classical meets neo-jazz, and it works.)
---
   3.  Sussex Carol-Canadian Brass
   4.  Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring-Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
(A quiet instrumental version of "Sussex Carol" blends nicely into a quietly sung version of "Jesu, Joy...")
---
   5.  The First Nowell-Roger Wagner Chorale
   6.  Mary's Boy Child-Harry Belafonte
(Two stately renditions sung with appropriate gravity.)
---
   7.  2000 Miles-The Pretenders
   8.  A Warm Little Home On A Hill-Stevie Wonder
(An effective contrast between distance and close proximity in these lyrics.)
---
   9.  Good King Wenceslas-Loreena McKennitt
 10.  Angels We Have Heard On High-Kenny Rankin & Laurence Juber
(These two carols segue well in almost any combination of versions.)
---
 11.  Fum, Fum, Fum-Robert Shaw Chamber Singers
 12.  Shepherd's Pipe Carol-James Galway
(If you prefer that your carol singers not skimp on emoting, these two tracks should go over well.)
---
 13.  It Came Upon The Midnight Clear-Rosanne Cash
 14.  What Child Is This?-Tony Trischka
(Two more carols that segue well in almost any combo of renditions.  Cash's intimate vocals flow smoothly into Trischka's understated banjo arrangement.)
---
 15.  A Gift Of Love-The Boones
 16.  Silent Night-Boyz II Men
(Two ensembles capture the solemnity of Christmas through beautiful harmonizing.)
---
 17.  Christmas Time Is Here-Vince Guaraldi
 18.  Welcome Christmas-"How The Grinch Stole Christmas" soundtrack
(Two of the purest ways in which to give Christmas its due.)
---
 19.  A Special Wish-B.W. Stevenson
 20.  There's No Place Like Home-Glen Campbell
(Here's hoping everyone can be with the ones who mean the most to them this holiday season--in spirit, at a minimum.)

For that decadent, easy listening Christmas sound...

...I recommend the three-record set, "The Sounds Of Christmas," by The London Sound 70 Orchestra and Chorus.  I haven't heard any of it on the radio since 1982, when KCFM played "Happy Holiday," but it's worth seeking out.  Some of the segues are tonally questionable; "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," for instance, is out of place between "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" and "O Come All Ye Faithful," and "Frosty The Snowman" is in an odd spot between "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day."  Still, at 30 songs, it's a generous helping of soothing Christmas arrangements, released in 1970, that deserves a listen.

Simple Christmas cheer revisited

As I mentioned in my previous post, "Simple Christmas cheer," the dial-a-carol concept appeals to me.  Yesterday, I called one such service, and three volunteers tackled my two requests, "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" and "Good King Wenceslas."  "...Midnight Clear" was especially well sung.  Kudos to Amy, Austin, and the other unidentified participant for giving those carols their all.  I appreciated Amy telling me, "Thanks for keeping things interesting for us and not requesting the same old tunes that most people do; it gets repetitive, singing 'Jingle Bells' and 'Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer' all day."

Shuffle mode results X

Here are my latest iTunes shuffle mode results:

   1.  Drifting Along With The Tumbling Tumbleweeds-"Buck" Pizzarelli & Andy Levas
(A good cover, fit for singing on the range or around the campfire.)
   2.  I'm Coming Home-The Spinners
(If you like "The Rubberband Man," you'll probably like this tune, as well; its melody is a prototype of that song.)
   3.  Sailing/Ships Are Sailing-Grace Griffith
(Sparse lyrics, sung impeccably...The song turns into a jig, unexpectedly, near the end.)
   4.  Time Will Show The Wiser-The Merry-Go-Round
(Which decision will the conflicted protagonist make?  Fairport Convention recorded a good cover of this.)
   5.  The Ballad Of Slip Stump Mudfist-Five Of These
(One of this St. Louis band's strongest tracks, with an atypical country vibe.  Contains the memorable refrain, "They want their money; oh, they want their money.")
   6.  I Saw Three Ships-Dan Fogelberg
(One of the best versions of this carol; Fogelberg sings it with easy confidence.)
   7.  Lay My Burden Down-Alison Krauss & Union Station
(Krauss sings Aoife O'Donovan's moving lyrics about being separated from someone close; the lyrics are a natural fit for Krauss's style.  Be sure to check out O'Donovan's own excellent version.)
   8.  Up Cherry Street-Jerry Cherry
(St. Louis bassist Cherry anchors this energetic, seemingly Vince Guaraldi-inspired workout for the rhythm section.)
   9.  This Land Is Your Land-Peter, Paul & Mary
(Few ensembles can match Peter, Paul & Mary's sincerity here.)
 10.  Tiger Rag-The Mills Brothers
(Try to listen without breaking into a smile; it's nearly impossible.)
 11.  Runaway-Laurence Juber
(Del Shannon's hit is transformed into an instrumental workout for the guitar.)
 12.  Alexander's Ragtime Band-Ray Charles
(One track, among many, that proves that Charles could sing in any style with ease.)
 13.  Lay My Burden Down-Aoife O'Donovan
(See my review of track 7; O'Donovan's faster version is just as captivating.)
 14.  Sitting On Top Of The World-The Spinners
(An overlooked album track by a consistently talented band.)
 15.  I Saw Three Ships-Emily Mitchell
(An understated rendition played on the harp.)
 16.  Breathing Underwater-Metric
(Acknowledging what it feels like when your life isn't going quite the way you'd like...)
 17.  Really Want To Know You-Gary Wright
(Universal sentiments in a hit that doesn't get much radio airplay today.)
 18.  Holy, Holy, Holy-The Mills Brothers
(A respectfully sung version of this hymn.)
 19.  Masters In This Hall-Seth Austen
(A good guitar instrumental rendition of this lesser-played carol.)
 20.  A Lot Of Livin' To Do-Lee Morgan
(An excellent, propulsive trumpet line.)
 21.  Jogging Along With My Reindeer-John Kirkpatrick
(The only track of its kind in my iTunes library.  A Christmas novelty song fit for sing-alongs at the pub, perhaps...)
 22.  We'll Understand It Better Bye And Bye-Sweet Honey In The Rock
(Beautifully sung, and an excellent starting point for getting to know this group's music.)
 23.  What's Broken-David Crosby
(From Crosby's strong 2014 release, "Croz."  The lyrics ask poignantly if a situation is beyond repair.)
 24.  Politan-Nellie McKay with Bob Dorough
(A surprising pairing of singer-songwriter McKay and "Schoolhouse Rock" singer-songwriter Dorough; a quirky Brazilian/lounge-influenced number.)

A certain sameness among marches, but...

By its nature, the march is a restrictive genre.  A marching band looking to surprise its audience with a memorable tune, though, should learn The Dirty Dozen Brass Band's "Use Your Brain."  If ever there were a tune that invited its audience to get in step...

My "If I Had A Hammer" moment

Years ago, I was asked, on short notice, to work on a night close to Christmas.  As I listened to a Boston Pops Christmas tape while driving, I grumbled, "Why did no one take care of this?  Now, I have to go in on a night I don't want to and fix what should have been done correctly in the first place.  Why did this happen?  Why was this left until the last minute?  What were people thinking?"  Then, I burst out laughing.  I realized I'd been complaining as "Waltz Of The Flowers" played.  I thought, "Even though I'm justified in being irked, it's kind of funny to sound this irate against a background of 'Waltz Of The Flowers.'"  The juxtaposition of the music and the way I'd acted reminded me of a Mike Royko column in which Royko had been grousing on his way into work and then realized he'd been listening to "If I Had A Hammer."

FM dial scan highlights XV

Standout tracks heard this morning:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Cautionary Tale-The Mastersons (A strong 2014 release, lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally; Eleanor Whitmore's tremble in the vocals sells it convincingly.  A good set of lyrics about someone who's about to self-destruct.)
• Memories Of You-Dr. John featuring Arturo Sandoval (Sandoval's trumpet punctuation complements Dr. John's gritty, bluesy vocals.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Pannonica-Jimmy Owens (Owens gives one of Thelonious Monk's best tracks a lounge music treatment that works.)

KLOU 103.3 FM

• Frosty The Snowman-Ella Fitzgerald (It's refreshing to hear an oldies station play Fitzgerald's 1960 version of this.)
• Calypso Noel-Johnny Mathis (As I mentioned in my "Shuffle mode results V" post, this is the best Mathis Christmas track.  It could just as easily have been titled "Sing We Noel," and says all it needs to in 2:11.)

Shuffle mode results IX

I'm letting shuffle mode run for a long while in iTunes, so the first of many tracks is...

...1.  Star Carol-Simon & Garfunkel
(This track segues smoothly with Charlie Byrd's "The Bells Of Bethlehem" and deserves more radio airplay.  Two solo Christmas tracks that I also recommend: Simon's "Under African Skies" and Garfunkel's "O Come All Ye Faithful.")
   2.  America, The Beautiful-Pete Seeger
(A succinct guitar and harmonica version.)
   3.  Barrett's Privateers (Live)-Stan Rogers
(Just try not to get into the story here once you start listening.  The Irish Descendants recorded the best version of this, but this version is strong in its own right.  One edge this version has--the upward swoosh at the end of the lyric, "How I wish I was in Sherbrook now-ow!")
   4.  Only For A Moment-The Sneetches
(One of my favorite discoveries from my KCOU days.  An excellent power pop band that employs jangly guitars and sing-along vocals effectively.  Also recommended: "Stranger Things," "...And I'm Thinking," and the band's cover of Nilsson's "Everybody's Talkin'.")
   5.  Birdcalls-Robin
(See my previous review of "Birdcalls-Cardinal.")
   6.  Gently Down The Stream-Hem
(As mentioned in my "Favorite trios of segues" post, this is an endearing, dreamy waltz of a song.  Well done, Sally Ellyson.  This was one of 2013's best tracks.)
   7.  Children, Go Where I Send Thee-Natalie Merchant
(A WVRV Christmas favorite.  Kudos to Merchant for covering an overlooked carol.  Odetta's version is the one by which all other renditions should be compared, but this is a strong rendition.)
   8.  Sha La La-The Boorays
(One of this St. Louis band's strongest recordings that must be a breath of fresh air to sing or play.  Also recommended: "Pickup Truck.")
   9.  O Little Town Of Bethlehem-Nat King Cole
(Although it isn't played on the radio as often as Cole's version of "The Christmas Song," this is one of the most moving, elegant renditions you'll hear.)
 10.  Wassail, Wassail-Paul Spicer: The Finzi Singers
(A fast choral rendition; it's the type of arrangement that makes me miss "A Classic Christmas" on KFUO, our former Classical station here.)
 11.  Midnight-Etienne Charles
(From one of 2013's strongest jazz CDs, "Creole Soul."  A haunting melody for trumpet, saxophone, and piano.  "Memories" is another standout track.)
 12.  Meditation (Meditacao)-Guitars Unlimited
(About as laid back as easy listening music from its era ever was.)
 13.  Mister Santa-Sandler & Young
(Baritones make this altered arrangement of "Mister Sandman" work.)
 14.  Old Days-Chicago
(As mentioned previously, this is one of my favorite songs about nostalgia.)
 15.  Our Days-Stephen Jacob
(A reflective, uptempo piano instrumental.  Those who enjoy George Winston's music will likely enjoy this.)
 16.  Winter Wonderland-Aimee Mann
(Mann's strongest Christmas cover.  Its unhurried arrangement suits the song well.)
 17.  Call Me Home-Sarah Bollinger
(Reflections on being a nomad who appreciates her home base.)
 18.  Tickle Toe-Lyle Lovett & His Large Band
(An instrumental that lets Lovett's band show its chops.  This could almost be an alternate "Tonight Show" theme from Johnny Carson's era.)
 19.  Santa Claus Is Coming (It's Almost Day)-The Weavers
(Old school folk music for the holidays.)
 20.  Medicine Man-Michael Murphey
(A good '70s album rock track that doesn't get much airplay today.)
 21.  The First Noel-Emily Mitchell
(Strike the harp--and play it quietly for the effect to sink in.)
 22.  Don't Know Why-Norah Jones
(From her deservedly huge-selling debut; still one of her best efforts.)
 23.  J.S. Bach: St. John Passion, BWV 245: No.39, Chorus: "Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine" (English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner & Monteverdi Choir)
(Coneys the solemnity of Easter, prior to Christ's resurrection.)
 24.  In Dulci Jubilo-Academy & Chorus Of St. Martin In Field/Neville Marriner, director
(An effective midtempo reading.)
 25.  Loch Lomond-Dan Zanes & Natalie Merchant
(An unlikely pairing of singers whom I wouldn't have expected to hear sing, "You take the high road, and I'll take the low road," but it works.)
 26.  Better To Be-Liam Finn
(One of the stronger tracks from Finn's "I'll Be Lightning" CD.  The CD features one of the most jarring transitions between tracks, as it segues from Finn's moving tribute to departed Crowded House drummer Paul Hester, "Gather To The Chapel," to the disturbing yet gripping "Lead Balloon.")
 27.  Now You're Not Here (Taj Calder instrumental)-Swing Out Sister
(A must-add track for any smooth jazz or free-form station.)
 28.  The Christmas Song-Kenny Burrell
(A thoughtful instrumental take; Burrell's version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" conveys a similar tempered outlook.)
 29.  Miss The Mississippi And You-Rosanne Cash
(One of Cash's best-chosen and best-sung covers.)
 30.  Agua De Beber (Live)-Al Jarreau & The Metropole Orkest
(Jarreau's unique scatting sets the stage for an enjoyable take on this standard.)
 31.  It's Going To Take Some Time-Carole King
(One of my favorite tunes of King's, along with "Been To Canaan."  The Carpenters had a deserved hit with this, but King's own version should have had that acclaim, as well.  As usual, she sings it from the heart.)
 32.  Ghost Of Tom Joad-Solas
(I wouldn't expect a Bruce Springsteen song to be a Celtic band's most likely choice for a cover, but the quiet vocals here fit the song's allusions to Dust Bowl times.)
 33.  Barrett's Privateers-The Irish Descendants
(See my review of track 3.)
 34.  Iowa-Dar Williams featuring Sara & Sean Watkins, Motherlode & Mary Chapin Carpenter
(If you're not moved by the way Williams and company emote on this track, perhaps it's time to have the ice water extracted from your veins.)
 35.  Rockin' Radio-Tom Browne
(This could not have come from any decade other than the '80s.)
 36.  Mummy-Bob McFadden & Dor
(A Halloween novelty track--the only one of its kind in my iTunes library.  The mummy's conversation with the beatnik tips you off to the era in which it was recorded.)
 37.  What Child Is This?-Vanessa Williams
(Williams makes a jazzy arrangement of this carol sound like a natural fit.)
 38.  The Holly And The Ivy-Jim Infantino & Jonatha Brooke
(Both artists zip through this carol; stations with AAA formats should play this.)
 39.  Can't Stop Time-Beats
(An interesting mix of influences here--The Sneetches meet Shoes, with a side of Devo, while playing a song in the style of Rush's "New World Man.")
 40.  Joy To The World-Percy Faith & His Orchestra
(Conveys the joy of this carol more effectively than any other instrumental rendition I've heard.)

FM dial scan highlights XIV

Noteworthy tracks heard late last night and early this morning:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Can I Change My Mind (Live)-Roy Buchanan (To second guess or not second guess a decision?  In this case, Buchanan's protagonist is firmly in the first camp.  Buchanan belts his vocals with conviction while making his guitar sing.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town-Dave Brubeck Quartet (Brubeck lets saxophonist Paul Desmond take center stage in a "Jingle Bell Jazz" compilation highlight.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• First Train Home-Imogen Heap ("Goodnight And Go" is still Heap's most captivating track, but her comparatively restrained "First Train Home" keeps the listener hooked in a more low-key way.)

WFUN 95.5 FM

• Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now-McFadden & Whitehead (Still one of the most positive anthems for anyone who feels overlooked or unheard.  Soccer fans might remember this as the theme song of the St. Louis Steamers.)

KYKY 98.1 FM

• Monsters-Sarah McLachlan (Seven months after its release, this tune about the dangers of parasites stays with you.  If I'd only heard McLachlan's early hits, such as "Possession" or "Adia," I might not have known this was her.  It's interesting to hear her music produced with an echo instead of her initially subtler singer-songwriter approach.)

KLOU 103.3 FM

• What Child Is This?-The Lettermen (Appropriately solemn vocals.)
• O Holy Night-Jeffrey Osborne (One of the more challenging Christmas carols to sing; Osborne nails it.)

KPNT 105.7 FM

• Something From Nothing-Foo Fighters (Although "Next Year," "Learn To Fly," and "Big Me" still represent the top tier of the band's output, "Something From Nothing" is a good song for getting the rage out of one's system.  It works as a companion piece with "Long Road To Ruin.")

No longer a Christmas tradition, fortunately

Fortunately for the boar and for humans who value civility, it's no longer customary to sacrifice a wild boar and present its head as a Christmas dish.  "The Boar's Head Carol" is typically one of the most forcefully sung Christmas carols despite its bizarre lyrics.  (i.e.  "The boar's head, as I understand, is the rarest dish in all this land!")  Singers also elaborate on how it will be served with bays and rosemary.  No other carol details a Christmas feast in such a manner, as far as I know, and it would be downright strange if other carols followed suit.  I'd wonder about anyone who would walk into a room singing, "These cookies, as I understand, were made with flour and marzipan!"

Concise Christmas music

Running late?  Do you need to leave but still want to get your Christmas music fix in first?  I recommend these two tracks:

• Up On The Housetop-Al Jarreau (Clocking in at just 33 seconds, Jarreau sings the chorus and repeats "Good St. Nick" as a fadeout.)
• The Holly & The Ivy-Vincent Varvel (In 30 seconds, Varvel makes an already short Christmas carol even more efficient.  Varvel strums the melody twice on the guitar, truncates it a third time while slowing it down, and that's it.)

Not feeling a day over 1,000

I've always liked the sound of a well-preserved LP or 45.  I was reminded of how retro my interest in music on vinyl is, though, when...

...a former co-worker asked if I ever listened to music "on those big records."
...another former co-worker said records were given away as prizes in a church raffle about 15 years ago, and kids in grade school who won them stared at them and asked older people at the event, "What do we do with these?"
...a friend from college went back for another degree in recent years and took a music appreciation course.  When the teacher asked for someone to work the record player, she volunteered.  She was the only person in the room, aside from the instructor, who knew how to operate a turntable.

Objectively, a record is an eccentric form of technology.  The act of putting a needle on a piece of wax to hear sounds is, after all, quirky.  Still, considering that so much music has slipped through the cracks and will never be available online or on CD, a good turntable is a sound investment.

Simple Christmas cheer

It's good to know, in an era of somewhat excessive technology, that a concept as basic as a Christmas-carols-by-phone service still works.  People call in, and volunteers sing the requested Christmas carols over the phone.

Around mid December last year, when I was in need of some Christmas cheer, I called one such hotline and heard, "Hi!  We're Hannah and Jake!  Which Christmas carol would you like to hear?"  I requested "The First Noel," and both volunteers sang a soaring rendition of it, nailing the high notes.  Considering that none of the hotline's volunteers were professional singers, I was impressed that those two sang so well.

That was the first time I'd called a Christmas carol hotline, but I imagine it won't be the last.

Shuffle mode results VIII

My iTunes shuffle mode has been in a Christmas frame of mind recently, as evidenced by selections such as...

...1.  Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow-Joe Pass
(A breezy, straight ahead, jazzy instrumental, with Pass's guitar leading the way.  From a consistently good, low-key album, "Six String Santa.")
   2.  Stir The Fire-John Kirkpatrick
(Lyrics, sung with booming conviction, about the importance of getting a fire started in Winter.  Kirkpatrick makes the convincing case that a roaring fire when it's cold ranks up there with oxygen as a necessity.)
   3.  I've Just Seen A Face (Live from Louisville, Kentucky)-The String Cheese Incident
(Nothing tops the Beatles original, but this is a fun, expansive romp.)
   4.  Simple Gifts-Castlebay
(A fast-paced, angelic-sounding instrumental rendition.)
   5.  Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)-The Stylistics
(The Stylistics used this effective template multiple times in crafting their '70s ballads.)
   6.  Nice, Nice, Very Nice-Ambrosia
(A Kurt Vonnegut poem set to music, resulting in a compelling song about how everyone fits into this world and contributes something to it.)
   7.  How High The Moon-Sean Jones Quartet
(Please see my previous review of "We'll Meet Under The Stars."  A muted trumpet is used effectively here.)
   8.  Ooh Oh-Keri Noble
(Accessible, universal lyrics about the heartbreak that life throws at you and grappling with how to handle it.)
   9.  Think I'm Gonna Feel Better-Gene Clark
(What The Doors might have sounded like if they'd emulated The Byrds.)
 10.  Country-Keith Jarrett
(One of Jarrett's most accessible performances, with excellent interplay between the piano and the saxophone.)
 11.  Santa Claus Is Coming To Town-Dave Valentin
(My favorite version of this song; an energetic flute instrumental that kicks into a fun, mambo-flavored gear.)
 12.  When The First Snow Falls-Hagood Hardy
(A contemplative, piano-and-vibes tune that illustrates its title well.)
 13.  Still, Still, Still-Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields/Neville Marriner, director
(One of the quieter Christmas carols, sung with appropriate reverence.)
 14.  Adeste Fideles-Bonnie Rideout, Maggie Sansone & Al Petteway
(Bagpipes might not be everyone's cup of tea, but they work in this rendition.  This unusual mix of instruments does the carol justice, making it sound almost like a Yuletide version of "Taps.")
 15.  Home Sweet Home-Rick Thum
(St. Louis-based Thum dulcimer artist Thum conveys the image of a happy home effectively.)
 16.  Bombshell-Sierra Hull
(As I noted in "Favorite pairs of segues VI," the sky's the limit for this talented mandolinist.)
 17.  Shaft In Africa-The Mighty Show-Stoppers
(A crackling ensemble builds on the essence of Isaac Hayes convincingly in this impressive instrumental.)
 18.  All I Want-Tierney Sutton
(Sutton capitalizes on the jazzy feel of Joni Mitchell's leadoff "Blue" song.)
 19.  There's A Train That Leaves Tonight-Mary Black
(Will the protagonist get on the train?  Maybe.  It sounds as though she probably will.)
 20.  Mr. Super Hip-Jamey Aebersold
(A cool way to learn to play the bass, as presented on the "Nothin' But Blues, Vol. 2: Jazz and Rock" instructional album.  This could easily have been the theme from "Barney Miller."  The seemingly incongruous "1, 2, 3, 4" countdown prior to the tune sets the stage perfectly, somehow.)
 21.  Come Saturday Morning-The Sandpipers
(For the incurably optimistic, retro idealist with his or her head in the clouds.)
 22.  Out Of Time-Erin Bode
(One of my favorite low-key Bode charmers that I'd like to hear in concert again.  Her scatting at the 2:36 and 3:41 marks adds subtle spice to an already appealing groove.)
 23.  Mwana Talitambula-Regina Carter
(One of Carter's quiter efforts.  A thoughtful violin performance, as usual.)
 24.  The Holly And The Ivy-Robert DeCormier Ensemble
(This carol has relatively sparse lyrics, and yet, it's one of my favorites.  This ensemble performs it with just the right level of gravity.  The last 18 seconds are particularly effective.)
 25.  Secret Place-Je Suis Animal
(Endearing, uptempo indie rock with a feel that brings to mind Film School's "Sunny Day.")
 26.  Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34--3.  Alborada-Vivo E Strepitoso (Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy)
(A fast, stately movement, with violins conveying a spirited, anthemic feel.)
 27.  Time In The World-Colleen Green
(The '80s are back--or so one might think after hearing the synthesizer and wrapped-in-gauze vocals on this track from 2013.)
 28.  Winter Wonderland-Hagood Hardy
(An easy listening instrumental arrangement with an early '70s feel.)
 29.  The First Noel-Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
(This arrangement hits the appropriate midpoint between intimate and reverent.)
 30.  Bob's Theme-Nickel
(Air guitars were invented for just this type of indie rock instrumental.)
 31.  Chant Of The Wanderer-The Sons Of The Pioneers
(One of many reasons I'll miss Craig Ferguson's incarnation of "The Late Late Show" when it ends in two weeks: Five to six years ago, Ferguson opened a lot of his shows with lip-synched performances of disparate songs, ranging from Hanson's "MMMBop" to "Chant Of The Wanderer," often featuring members of his staff, puppets, and himself.  Not just any host could pull off an entertaining, lip-synched rendition of an unlikely throwback tune such as this, but Ferguson did.  It made me appreciate the campfire sing-along quality of the song in a way I didn't before.)
 32.  Higher Than Hope (acoustic version)-Daryl Braithwaite
(A take-on-the-world set of lyrics suitable for Olympic ceremonies.  KYKY is the only station on which I ever heard the original version; that's puzzling, considering how uplifting and radio-friendly it is.)
 33.  Say Oh Say-Courtney Jaye
(As mentioned in my first "Favorite pairs of segues" post, this is a strong tune from 2013 with a '70s throwback feel.)
 34.  The Girl From Ipanema-Erin Bode Group
(From early in Bode's career; a solid cover that rivals Astrud Gilberto's famous take.)
 35.  Stone Crazy World-Wilson Pickett
(What does one do when the world goes mad?  According to Pickett, the first step is to acknowledge the madness.  After that...?)
 36.  Chick A Boom Boom Boom-Mocean Worker
(This track is the lyrical equivalent of eating potato chips--no real nutritional value but tasty.  Just try to get it out of your mind once you've heard it.)
 37.  O Tannenbaum-The Norman Luboff Choir
(A dignified rendition that gives Christmas trees their due.)

Buying a CD from us? What are you thinking?

Over 20 years ago, I purchased a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD.  As I put it on the counter, the cashier remarked, "I guess there's no accounting for taste."  I was tempted to respond, "My apologies for subsidizing your last three hours of work."  In the spirit of Christmas, though, I'm glad I held my tongue.  At least, I think so...maybe.

Maybe the principal was on to something...

"I don't want this year's Christmas program to be the type of show in which each class just walks out and sings 'Frosty The Snowman,'" said the chorus director.  "I can see it having a news, sports, and weather parody, interviews with students doing parodies of teachers, various variety show acts, and a good helping of music."

Thus began our in-class brainstorming sessions for the Christmas program fiasco of '84.  When the principal heard what the director had planned, he told him, "That sounds awfully ambitious.  If you're planning to mount something that elaborate, rehearsals should have started back in October."

"Yes, there are a lot of acts," the director responded.  "What each person actually does in the show won't take that long, though."

As it turned out, the principal was onto something.

Despite having multiple brainstorming sessions in class, the director held only one rehearsal--four hours before the show started.  Even then, students were only asked to perform parts of their acts so they'd have an idea of where they'd be on stage.

There were some bright spots.  The news, sports, and weather parodies went fairly well, by middle school standards, despite the fact that no microphones were provided, and no one sitting beyond the eighth row could hear them.  After completing my weather parody, I introduced our director, who took the mic for a comedy monologue.  It was a decent introduction to the show, but as my brother pointed out later, "Why was the teacher doing a monologue?  The show is supposed to be about the students."

Other sporadic highlights followed.  Germaine sang a strong rendition of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time."  Four girls performed a well-choreographed version of Madonna's "Burning Up."  One or two other acts went off relatively well.  As for the rest of the show, however...

...The first musical act, scheduled to sing New Edition's "Cool It Now," was introduced.  (Did I mention this was 1984?)  As the curtains opened, however, stage fright set in, as all three students stared, open-mouthed, at the audience.  Quickly sensing their panic, the director immediately motioned for the curtains to be closed and announced, optimistically, "But they'll be back!" 

...My friend, Mark, was about to go on stage to do a parody of our seventh grade math teacher.  The director was going to ask him questions, to which Mark had rehearsed his answers.  Just before they hit the stage, though, the director whispered to him, "I forgot the questions," forcing them to ad-lib their way through the entire bit.

...Just before a choral performance of another Yuletide favorite, "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, those of us whose acts were finished got a stunning surprise.  The person manning the curtains was supposed to open only the curtain nearest the stage; instead, he opened both curtains.  Unexpectedly, those of us whose acts were over were suddenly on stage.  Rather than scurry off, we all formed an impromptu back row of the chorus and attempted to join in on "Endless Love," which none of us had ever sung.  We got through it by singing a half-beat or so behind the chorus who had actually sung it in class. 

...To top off the whole fiasco, a large group of students acted out the verses in "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" as our director played the piano and led the singing.  If there was one act that especially needed more rehearsal, it was this one.  Among other miscues:

• The person illustrating five gold rings ran out the first time with five rings jingling on a key chain but skipped out on the rest of the verses.
• There were at least three verses in which no one appeared on stage.
• Three girls walked on stage to represent six geese a-laying, dropping tennis balls from behind, one of which bounced off the stage and hit someone in the audience.
• Shortly before the show, another friend, Mike, asked the director how he was going to represent a partridge in a pear tree.  Forced to improvise, someone went outside, broke off a tree limb, and taped a stuffed dog toy to it.  Thus, 12 times that evening, Mike walked across the stage carrying a tree limb with an attached stuffed dog, stopped halfway through each time, smiled at the audience, and continued walking.  He deserved credit, actually, for being the only person who did exactly what he was supposed to do every time his verse came up.
• During the last verse, the director realized what a fiasco the sing-along had become.  He deliberately sped up the tempo, causing everyone to run out on stage at the same time and nearly collide with each other.

The following year, my class went on to high school, and middle school became a distant memory--not completely distant, however, as our partridge in a pear tree representative, Mike, went back to the middle school to watch the Christmas show.

"How was it?" I asked.

"It was a lot different than ours," Mike replied.  "Basically, each class just walked out and sang 'Frosty The Snowman...'"

FM dial scan highlights XIII

Standout selections heard this morning:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• It's A Shame-The Spinners (Recorded before the band's change in lead singers, this hit is just as strong as the band's later ones.  "I'll Be Around," "Games People Play," "Then Came You," and "The Rubberband Man" are among the band's best work.  It's no wonder that when they were on "Saturday Night Live" in the early '80s, Bill Murray introduced them as "here to sing some of the best music ever made.")
• Don't Know What It Means-PussNBoots (It's interesting hearing Norah Jones sing in a rockabilly style.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Martha's Prize-Cedar Walton (Fine straight ahead piano jazz.  "Warm To The Touch" is another standout of Walton's but with powerful vocals.)

KLOU 103.3 FM

• Sleigh Ride-The Ronettes (A fun arrangement of "Sleigh Ride," with memorable backup singing.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. KIHT-HD2

• Franz Joseph Haydn: Christmas Symphony in D minor (London Festival Orchestra/Russ Pople, conductor) (Conveys the grandeur and happiness of Christmas, particularly through one waltzing movement, appropriately.)
• Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet in C major, Op. 59, No. 3 (Arianna String Quartet) (An appealingly warm reading from this St. Louis-based ensemble.)

Why I buy vinyl and shop at local stores

For about a month, I've made a concerted effort to buy merchandise from small, neighborhood businesses--the pharmacy, the bookstore, and the hardware store, among them--instead of big conglomerates.  Even if I only spend 10 or 15 dollars in one visit at those places, it always feels like it matters a lot more to those stores than it would to big chain stores.  There's the added bonus of feeling like more than just a number when you shop there.

Another way of saying this: About 15 years ago, I went to a record store.  The clerk told me the store was having trouble selling the reissued "1962-1966" and "1967-1970" Beatles LPs. 

"We figured, 'It's the Beatles,'" he said.  "People are always collecting Beatle albums.  We thought, 'Surely, if we order five copies of each album, they'll sell.'  They haven't sold, though.  People walk past them and say, 'Oh, look!  Vinyl!  Wow!  Neat!'  They don't buy them, though."

After too many years of driving past small, local businesses that need my support, I decided I didn't want to be the customer who walks past the LPs, metaphorically speaking, and just says, "Vinyl! Wow! Neat!" without buying anything.  My conscience feels better, as a result.

Shuffle mode results VII

The music in my iTunes library is shuffling, and the song that pours into my headphones first is...

...1.  Anywhere-Naomi Wachira
(We're all more alike than we are different; a good reminder in turbulent times.  Taj Mahal's "Everybody Is Somebody" and Keb' Mo's "Just Like You" convey similar sentiments effectively.)
   2.  Twilight-Melody Gardot
(One of my favorite bits of musical noodling; an unexpected end to Gardot's "Worrisome Heart" CD.  Gardot's "That was fun" remark at the end makes me smile.)
   3.  Cold Cold Heart (Live at House Of Blues-New Orleans)-Norah Jones
(A strong cover of the Hank Williams tune, sung with sultry grit; one of her best recordings.)
   4.  Be Thankful For What You Got-William DeVaughn
(This is another Thanksgiving music recommendation; this slick '70s arrangement brings Curtis Mayfield's music to mind.)
   5.  Reasons Why ("Live At The World Cafe, Vol. 11" version)-Nickel Creek
(As I mentioned in my Shuffle mode results II post, "Reasons Why" is one of the band's strongest efforts.  This version is faithful to the original.)
   6.  Up On The Roof-The Persuasions
(An impressive a cappella cover of the standout Drifters oldie.  It's interesting hearing this in mono, with lead vocals in the right speaker and harmony vocals in the left speaker.)
   7.  Bodhisattva (Live in Santa Monica)-Steely Dan
(An emcee's 2 1/2-minute, spontaneous intro precedes this extremely energetic version.)
   8.  Good King Wenceslas-Dawn Weber
(A strong arrangement by a St. Louis trumpeter.)
   9.  Raglan Road (KGSR "Broadcasts, Vol. 9" version)-The Chieftains with Joan Osborne
(A pairing that works effectively on this well-known Irish song.  You can hear the heartbreak coming in the lyrics.)
 10.  Lift Off-Robert Glasper featuring Shafiq Husayn & Mic Check
(Thanks to my brother for bringing this track to my attention.  This is about as smooth of an intro to a CD--or radio show, for that matter--as anyone could have.)
 11.  Silver Lining-Rilo Kiley
(One of the band's more tuneful offerings.  Also recommended: "The Frug.")
 12.  What You Don't Know-The Hello Strangers featuring Jim Lauderdale
(Alas, life doesn't come with a guidebook.)
 13.  Triste-Kenny Barron & The Brazilian Knights
(One of last year's best jazz tracks; a memorable piano vamp makes its imprint right away, and the ensemble clicks at the top of its form.)
 14.  Kari-Bob James & Earl Klugh
(A smooth mesh of keyboards and guitar; I'm surprised I haven't heard it more often on smooth jazz stations.  Other James recommendations: "Touchdown" and "Angela (Theme From 'Taxi.')"  Klugh is one of my favorite smooth jazz guitarists; favorite tracks include "Dr. Macumba," "Long Ago And Far Away," "Dance With Me," "Moonlight Dancing," and "I Never Thought I'd Leave You.")
 15.  Driving Me Mad-Neil Finn
(Finn's descent into madness provides an interesting lyrical counterpoint to his son Liam's "Energy Spent.")
 16.  Quintessence-Quincy Jones & His Orchestra
(Longtime St. Louis jazz authority/DJ Leo Chears used to close his shows with this track.  It's easy to hear why, as it brings to mind images of a ballroom closing for the evening.)
 17.  The Great Pumpkin Waltz-George Winston
(No version could top Vince Guaraldi's original, but this is a fine, somewhat more academic version.)
 18.  Sitting In Limbo-Thea Gilmore
(Sometimes, a song resonates with you at just the right time.  When I first heard it in late 2005, I was on the cusp of moving, but I didn't know where yet.  The lyric, "Sitting here in limbo, knowing that I have to go," stayed with me.  Gilmore makes this Jimmy Cliff song her own.)
 19.  The Boy In The Bubble (Live in New York City)-Paul Simon
(My favorite song from the "Graceland" album is in fine form here.  Any lyrics that discuss "the days of miracle and wonder" this well should command respect.)
 20.  Follow Your Dreams-Brett Stamps
(As I mentioned previously, Stamps is a jazz trombonist whose music should be known more widely.)
 21.  Sweet Thing-Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
(A highlight of Khan's career that deserves more airplay than it usually gets these days.)
 22.  Wassail Song-Trombones Under The Tree
(A succinct, brassy instrumental rendition of "Here We Come A-Wassailing.")
 23.  We'll Meet Under The Stars-Sean Jones Quartet
(One of 2014's best jazz tracks; sublime trumpet and piano lines establish a thoughtful mood and maintain it for over seven minutes.)
 24.  Former Glory-Ron Sexsmith
(Things might be rocky now, but that doesn't mean something positive isn't just around the corner; a nice reminder.)
 25.  You Can't Change That-Ray Parker, Jr. & Raydio
(Another song that deserves more airplay than it usually gets today; a strong hook that stands up to repeated listening.)

Favorite pairs of segues IX (Christmas edition)

Pairs of Christmas selections that I think segue well:

   1.  Away In A Manger-Oscar Peterson
   2.  O Holy Night-The Lettermen
(I used to think "Away In A Manger" was an average Christmas carol until I heard Peterson's sublime rendition.  Peterson's piano and Jack Schantz's flugelhorn set the mood perfectly, conveying a perfect blend of solemnity and intimacy.  The Lettermen's version of "O Holy Night" conveys a similar reverence.)
---
   3.  The Peace Carol-John Denver & The Muppets
   4.  Light One Candle (live)-Peter, Paul & Mary
(Denver & company evoke the peace of Christmas Day convincingly, while Peter, Paul & Mary illustrate why it's prudent to be peaceful.)
---
   5.  He Is Born-Holiday Brass featuring Susan Slaughter
   6.  Ding Dong! Merrily On High-Irish Philharmonic Chorus
(The St. Louis Symphony's brass, winds, and percussion sections offer an appropriately regal, joyous take on "He Is Born," and the Irish Philharmonic Chorus contributes a compatible from-the-mountaintop arrangement.)
---
   7.  The Borning Day-The Brothers Four
   8.  Mary Had A Baby-Pete Seeger
(The birth of Christ, conveyed compellingly in two different styles of folk music.)
---
   9.  It Doesn't Have To Be That Way-Jim Croce
 10.  Angels We Have Heard On High-Bob Rafkin
(Croce's tale of hope segues into Rafkin's enjoyable instrumental in the same key.)
---
 11.  Here We Come A Wassailing-Kate Rusby
 12.  In Dulci Jubilo-Mike Oldfield
(Rusby's angelic voice fits this slightly unusual rendition of "...Wassailing," and Oldfield's instrumental take on "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" builds on Rusby's upbeat vibe.)
---
 13.  Light Of The Stable-Emmylou Harris
 14.  Little Road To Bethlehem-Shawn Colvin
(Different stages of the Christmas story, sung equally movingly.)
---
 15.  Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella-Philadelphia Brass Ensemble
 16.  Sussex Carol-Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields/Neville Marriner, director
(The joy of Christmas, conveyed effectively through horns and vocals.)
---
 17.  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing-Take 6
 18.  Angels From The Realms Of Glory-Arturo Delmoni & Friends
(Perfect harmony meets a perfect string quartet in this pairing.)
---
 19.  Gloria, In Excelsis Deo-Paul Mauriat & His Orchestra
 20.  I'll Be Home For Christmas-The Mills Brothers
(Two forms of excellent easy listening.)

FM dial scan highlights XII

A diverse selection of standout tracks got my attention this morning:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Holding On To The Earth-Sam Phillips (This punchier, late '80s original holds up better than the version on her best-of compilation.  If I'd been at KCOU when this was released, I'm sure I would have played this frequently.)
• Tomorrow Night In Baltimore-Lee Ann Womack (I don't usually seek out country music with wall-of-sound production values.  In this case, however, the big production works; Womack makes this Roger Miller tune her own.  Either version, but especially Miller's, could segue with Glen Campbell's "Gentle On My Mind.")

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Cold Duck-Al Jarreau (An effective way to start a CD on an uptempo note; one of the highlights from Jarreau's "Accentuate The Positive" release.  Jarreau has released so much excellent music over the years.  Among his best tracks: "Across The Midnight Sky," "Mornin'," "Step By Step," "Breakin' Away," "Distracted," "Roof Garden," and "Letter Perfect.")
• In Your Own Sweet Way (Take 2)-Bill Evans Trio (A shorter, less-played version of this jazz piano standard.)

KLOU 103.3 FM

• Deck The Halls-James Taylor (Although "Deck The Halls" has never been one of my favorite Christmas carols, Taylor's take, with its Peter And The Wolf-style arrangement, is among the best.  Taylor's controlled delivery improves it, leaving the instruments to provide low-key frills.)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving...

...I'm cueing up Lisa Lynne's "Allelujah."  If you haven't heard it, it's a glad-to-be-alive, uptempo instrumental.  Liz Story's "Blessings" is another track from Windham Hill's Thanksgiving compilation that deserves a mention; it's a contemplative piano piece that's suitable, in a different way, for this holiday.  As the music plays, I want to thank everyone who reads and enjoys my blog.  It's gratifying, 88 posts into it, to see that people are reading it not only in this country but in France, Poland, Germany, Vietnam, and Russia.  Thank you, also, to the artists who have share their talents and sensitivity through their music.  I look forward to listening and writing about your music each day.  Here's wishing all who celebrate it a positive Thanksgiving and those who don't celebrate it an equally positive day. 

Another Thanksgiving recommendation

Thank you to KDHX for jogging my memory last Saturday.  While listening to "The Back Country," I heard Fred Holstein's rendition of "The Thanksgiving Song" from his "Tribute To Steve Goodman" CD.  "What can you do with each moment of your life but love 'til you've loved it away?" is an appropriate sentiment not only for Thanksgiving but every day.  It isn't always realistic, but it's a great goal for which to aim.

Peace needed, stat!

While watching TV news coverage of last night's mayhem in Ferguson, I was struck by the incongruity of seeing Christmas lights amidst destroyed buildings and cars.  I thought repeatedly about John Gorka's "Christmas Bells."  Gorka's take on "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" has a markedly different tone than Harry Belafonte's version.  Belafonte's version is elegant, while Gorka's is stark and downcast, especially as he sings, "And in despair, I bowed my head.  'There is no peace on Earth,' I said.  'For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on Earth, good will to men.'"  After last night's devastation, here's hoping from now on, as the song says, that "the wrong shall fail" and "the right (people, with more peaceful reactions will) prevail."

FM dial scan highlights XI

Here are some of the best tracks I've heard on the FM dial today:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Santa Cruz-Chucho Valdes (One of his many excellent Latin jazz piano selections.  The last CD I reviewed for KCOU was his "Solo Piano" CD, which I also recommend, particularly for "Blue Yes" and "Blues (Untitled.)")
• Amazing Grace-Cyrus Chestnut (An unexpected stride piano approach to this hymn that works.  Chestnut's versions of "The First Noel" and "Skating" also stand out.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• Something Wild-Maia Sharp (Sharp's most gripping, powerfully sung track from a strong CD, "Fine Upstanding Citizen."  A forceful set of lyrics about thinking you want something and realizing, when you get it, that you don't want it so much.)

WFUN 95.5 FM

• Happy Feelings-Maze featuring Frankie Beverly (One of the band's standout tracks that lives up to its title.  "Golden Time Of Day" is also recommended.) 

KEZK 102.5 FM

• Celebrate Me Home-Kenny Loggins (Who doesn't enjoy being welcomed home during the holidays?)

Shuffle mode results VI

Here's what came up for me in iTunes shuffle mode today:

   1.  Not Going Anywhere-Keren Ann
(The protagonist accepts a life full of regrets with a certain understandable wistfulness.)
   2.  Purdy's Ride-Kohala
(A pleasant midtempo, smooth jazz guitar groove that holds up well on repeated listens.)
   3.  No Room In Your Bag-GrooveLily
(A well-written account of a woman making tough decisions about her life but not regretting them, even when they don't turn out well.  It contains one of my favorite choruses: "You make a choice.  You make a call.  You may rise.  You may fall.  You will pay for what you get.  You got no room in your bag for regret.")
   4.  Hide Me-Erin Bode
(Bode always sings this, and Adam Maness always plays keyboards on this, in concert with as much or more energy than on the studio version.  A hidden bonus track that's worth seeking out.)
   5.  Time Will Reveal-DeBarge
(As I mentioned in a previous post, this is one of the better '80s slow jams.  El DeBarge doesn't hold back on emoting here, especially in the last verse.)
   6.  Gabriel's Message-Sting
(Have yourself a solemn little Christmas?)
   7.  Double Rainbow-Oscar Castro-Neves
(The approach to the guitar is similar to that of Kohala's "Purdy's Ride."  More instruments have their say here, with especially effective violin usage.)
   8.  The First Cut Is The Deepest-Sheryl Crow
(Crow turns in a well-sung cover of a Cat Stevens tune here, making it her own.  Its lyrics express what it's like to start bouncing back from rejection eventually.  To my ears, it segues well with Clive Gregson and Christine Collister's "It's All Just Talk.")
   9.  Keep Your Heart Right-Terry Callier
(These lyrics could advise the rejected person in "The First Cut Is The Deepest."  Callier's strongest vocal performance, in my opinion.)
 10.  Simple Visions-Strawbs
(A core piece of "Amazing Grace" transformed into a song with poppier sensibilities.  This is my favorite track from the "Deep Cuts" album; "Charmer" and "Wasting My Time (Thinking Of You)" are also highlights.)
 11.  When I Write The Book-Rockpile
(iTunes must be feeling contemplative today, because a lot of songs about regrets are coming up.  The protagonist turns his tale of woe into a great hook.)
 12.  Lust For Life-Sonny Rollins
(The stairstep-style trumpet intro, and the way it sets the stage for Rollins' saxophone, made me hear, at an early age, what sets jazz apart from all other forms of music.) 
 13.  Heaven (KGSR "Broadcasts" version)-Los Lonely Boys
(As strong acoustically as the studio version.  The harmonies hold up here.)
 14.  Gold Mine-Take 6
(One of the strongest a cappella tracks from the group's outstanding self-titled debut, and an especially impressive leadoff track.  Gospel for listeners who wouldn't necessarily consider themselves gospel listeners.)
 15.  Ela-Charlie Byrd
(There's a level of quality musicianship you'll get from any of Byrd's releases, and this uptempo, Spanish-flavored track doesn't disappoint.)
 16.  Welcome Christmas-"How The Grinch Stole Christmas" soundtrack
(The Whos down in Whoville are admirably resilient.  Good for them.)
 17.  Stranger In A Strange Land-Buddy Mondlock
(Lyrically and vocally, Mondlock channels Paul Simon to strong effect here.)
 18.  El Nino-The Sound Stylistics
(A great, fast showcase for all instruments featured.  Any band that can play this well deserves its audience's undivided attention.)
 19.  Les Fleur-Ramsey Lewis
(If you haven't been loving life, this song might just turn you around.)

FM dial scan highlights X

Highlights from the FM dial this morning:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Dance Around-Arlo Guthrie & Family (Appropriate continuity between KDHX's kid-centric show, "Musical Merry-Go-Round" and "Backroads," the singer-songwriter show that follows it.)
• Night In The City-Joni Mitchell (This early Mitchell track would segue well with the mood established in The Family Tree's "Nickelodeon Music.")
• White Bird-It's A Beautiful Day (Still one of the best uses of strings on an album rock track.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Another Star-Yoron Israel (An interesting reworking of Stevie Wonder's "Songs In The Key Of Life" standout into a walking saxophone melody.  Israel's cover of "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" is also recommended.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• A Thousand Miles-Vanessa Carlton (Still a memorable, infectious mesh of piano and vocals that stays with you after you've heard it.  The St. Louis-based Ralph Butler Band performs an impressive cover of it.)
• Wake Me Up (acoustic version)-Aloe Blacc (One of 2014's stronger tracks.  "Wake me up when it's all over," Blacc sings with conviction.  Who can't relate to that?)

WFUN 95.5 FM

• Wishing On A Star-Rose Royce (One of the better '70s R&B ballads; a considerably different sound than that of the band's hit, "Car Wash.")
• Outstanding-The Gap Band (One of the band's enduring '80s tracks.  Their two best songs, in my opinion, though, are "Yearning For Your Love" and "We Can Make It Alright."  Both songs share a similar, from-the-heart optimism.)

KEZK 102.5 FM

• The Christmas Waltz-The Carpenters (One of the three best sung pop versions of "The Christmas Waltz;" The Lettermen and Nancy Wilson recorded the other two.)
• We Wish You A Merry Christmas-John Denver & The Muppets (Ordinarily, I'd criticize any song that contains lyrics demanding figgy pudding, but this is one of the few versions that works.  It has just the right amount of tongue-in-cheek heart and uses Animal effectively.)

Carol for the apocalypse

As downcast as "Coventry Carol" and "In The Bleak Midwinter" are, no Christmas carol makes me think about my mortality more often than "Carol Of The Bells."  To give credit where it's due, the versions by Windham Hill artists and Swingle Singers are impressive.  When listening to any version of it, though, short of Guster's "Carol Of The Meows" rendition, I can't help picturing sands in an hourglass slipping away, the furnace exploding, and meteors wiping out huge swaths of Earth.  A dream I had years ago illustrates my discomfort with the carol; in the dream, I was trying to get to sleep in a hotel room, but someone kept singing "Carol Of The Bells" louder and louder outside the door while punching random selections on a soda machine.  To me, "Carol Of The Bells" is the Death Of A Salesman of Christmas carols.  I respect it but don't usually enjoy it much.

Curbed enthusiasm from an early age

I've felt right at home handling several different formats as a radio announcer--eclectic rock, smooth jazz, new age, Classical, and big band with a dash of oldies.  I've never worked at or aspired to work at a Top 40/contemporary hit radio station, however, because shouting with manic enthusiasm on the air for hours has never come naturally to me.  In the late '80s, I won two prizes from a Top 40 station by being the specified caller.  The on-air replay of my victory went like this:

DJ: You're our winner!  Congratulations!
ME: Thank you.
DJ:  You've won a compilation CD of top 40 hits!
ME: Oh, good.  Thanks.
DJ:  You've also won a set of colored pencils from our sponsor!
ME: Sounds good.  Thank you.
DJ:  Feel free to show enthusiasm any time now.
ME: That's not really in my nature, but thank you for the prizes.
DJ:  Well, OK, then.

Looking back, I'm surprised the station didn't just name me as the winner on-air and leave it at that.

Theme music fit for a calico

October 19, 2005--One of my favorite photos of Rosie.

My parents, brother, and I endured a loss this Summer when our longtime family calico cat, Rosie, passed away.  Coming to terms with her passing was difficult, but I take heart in knowing that she left us with many wonderful memories, including these music-related ones:

Once, when I went over to my parents' place to spend time with her tabby brother, Sammy, and her, I turned on the Sirius Jam_On station.  The first song I heard was a live version of The String Cheese Incident's "Rosie."  Right on cue, Rosie strutted in, washing herself in time to the music, as the band sang, "Rosieeeee...I have no fear for you.  Rosieeeee...I know who you are."  The synchronicity there still amuses me; who would think that a fusion jam with minimalist lyrics about a spider would serve as a calico's entrance theme?

I thought back to the day after Rosie joined our family.  I put on Carole King's "Really Rosie" for her then, not knowing yet how true to her personality the lyric, "I'm really Rosie.  I'm Rosie real.  You'd better believe me.  I'm a great big deal," would turn out to be.

I'd like to believe that Rosie's larger-than-life personality is acknowledged in the afterlife and that her theme music plays whenever she enters a room.

Shuffle mode results V

My shuffle mode feature is turned on in iTunes.  It's spinning, and the first track it lands on is...

...1.  Blow My Mind-The Ocean Blue
(Laid back indie rock that segues well with Prefab Sprout's "We Let The Stars Go.")
   2.  Keeping The Dream Alive-Freiheit
(Although this track is from the UK compilation, "The Best Christmas Ever," its lyrics are even better suited for New Year's Eve.  Realizations such as "The hopes we had were much too high, way out of reach, but we have to try," are rarely sung so optimistically.)
   3.  I Wonder Why-Louis Bellson
(The freewheeling nature of this instrumental makes me think it could have been used in a Little Caesars commercial.  The mascot's slogan, "Pizza, pizza," works with this backdrop.)
   4.  Here We Come A-Wassailing-The King's Singers/Richard Hickox, City Of London Symphonia
(One of the strongest renditions of the many carols on the CD, "A Little Christmas Music."  Second, perhaps, only to "The Gift (Simple Gifts.)"
   5.  Red Rover-Rosie Thomas
(Poignantly sung lyrics about wanting the best for one's kids.)
   6.  Adriatic-Lanterna
(A contemplative instrumental that falls somewhere between new age and folk.)
   7.  Do You Hear What I Hear?-Bing Crosby
(One of the best renditions of this carol;  Crosby's deep baritone suits this carol well.)
   8.  Carrie-Cliff Richard
(Ominous lyrics conveyed with appropriate concern.)
   9.  Fixed-Stars
(Fit for a rave, this track brings to mind New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle.")
 10.  Frosty The Snowman-Hampton Quartet
(A stately, impressive, Mozart-influenced rendition.)
 11.  I'll Always Be Waiting For You-Sierra Hull
(There are definite shades of Alison Krauss in Sierra Hull's singing and playing.  Hull is an artist to watch.)
 12.  Shiny Objects-The Sun Sawed In 1/2
(An unexpected approximation of calliope sound effects by this St. Louis band.)
 13.  Glad Girls-Guided By Voices
(If you watched "How I Met Your Mother," you might remember this jubilant song that plays as Ted runs through the streets, rejoicing in the chain of events that led up to meeting his wife.)
 14.  1 2 3 4-Feist
(One of Feist's most memorable hooks, as its "Sesame Street" adaptability proves.  Her other two most memorable hooks are "One Evening" and "Mushaboom.")
 15.  For Unto Us A Child Is Born-The Roches
(A trio of voices replicates a choir admirably well against an unexpectedly synthesized background.)
 16.  That's On Me-Wavves
(One of 2013's harder rocking tracks that segues with Soul Asylum's "99%.")
 17.  In The Sweet Bye And Bye-The Mills Brothers
(One of many appropriately reverent arrangements on the album, "Hymns We Love."  Those who like this arrangement will probably also appreciate the group's similar approach on "Rock Of Ages.")
 18.  A Voice In The Dark-Elvis Costello
(A bit of a departure for Costello, as this track has more of a lounge music style than his usual defiant rocker or introspective balladeer approach.)
 19.  Wise Man-Erin Bode
(A recipe for a relationship that was meant to be.  Bode's song asks how someone can get along without his or her beloved.)
 20.  Secret O' Life (KCRW "Morning Becomes Eclectic" version)-James Taylor
("The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time," Taylor sings.  Who can argue?)
 21.  Plow To The End Of The Row-Adrienne Young & Little Sadie
(I've never worked on a farm, but I'm guessing that life on a farm must be something like this.)
 22.  Never To Be Forgotten-Marshall Crenshaw
(Crenshaw has always been adept at elevating everyday lyrics and singing them as though he's living them.)
 23.  Dimming Of The Day-Alison Krauss & Union Station
(A thoughtful arrangement.  The Geyer Street Sheiks recorded an equally captivating version.)
 24.  Waves At Turtle Bay-Stevan Pasero
(One of Pasero's many relaxing, pastoral guitar instrumentals.)
 25.  La Vie En Rose-Cristin Milioti
(Thank goodness "How I Met Your Mother" had a ninth season; it allowed the audience to see Milioti's endearing acting and compelling singing.)
 26.  Morning Song-Kelley McRae
(This used to come up on KDHX's "Backroads."  McRae sings convincingly about the benefits of morning solitude.)
 27.  Sleigh Ride-BBC Concert Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin, conductor
(Shows potential...Just kidding.  It's "Sleigh Ride."  You already know what you think of "Sleigh Ride."  If you like the Boston Pops rendition that radio stations play most often, it's unlikely that this similar version will disappoint you.)
 28.  I'll Fly Away-Kim Collingsworth
(A spirited piano romp; if I didn't know otherwise, I would have thought this came from "A Prairie Home Companion.")
 29.  Transcendance-Santana
(Sparse vocals, used as needed, in a mostly instrumental space jam that reminds me of Chick Corea and Return To Forever.)
 30.  Wishes And Stars-Harper Simon
(Paul Simon's son sounds a lot like his famous father on this well-written, wistful gem.  "There are more wishes than stars."  It does seem that way sometimes.)
 31.  The Christmas Song-Nat King Cole
(The most-played rendition on the radio every Christmas season; a perfect mix of elegance and gravity.)
 32.  Little Town-Cliff Richard
(Too few radio stations play Richard's confident take on "O Little Town Of Bethlehem."  In my opinion, it trumps the tentative, toy piano-style renditions that others have recorded.)
 33.  Here Comes Santa Claus-The Mills Brothers
(Kids and adults should appreciate the musicianship on this cut-above rendition.)
 34.  Calypso Noel-Johnny Mathis
(Four Christmas tunes in a row...Hmmm...Apparently, the iTunes shuffle mode, much like most retailers, is getting a jump on the season.  That's a good thing in this case, because this is the best Mathis Christmas track.  It could just as easily have been titled "Sing We Noel," and says all it needs to in 2:11.)
 35.  Save That Time-Karrin Allyson
("Days go by so fast, it seems to me," Allyson sings.  The lyrics and vocal phrasings are similar to Erin Bode's.)
 36.  Black Coffee-Ray Charles
(A piano instrumental that radiates class from the first note.)
 37.  Winter Wonderland (instrumental)-Harry Connick, Jr.
(Connick's best Christmas cover, hands down; an imaginative, saloon-style piano arrangement.)
 38.  Break It Down Again-Tears For Fears
(I never cared for the band's monster hit, "Shout."  I wish Tears For Fears had recorded more songs like "Last Days On Earth" and this one.  INXS would likely have done a credible job with this track.)
 39.  I Decided-Solange
(A breath-of-fresh-air outlook on having a bright future with someone.  Solange's optimistic perspective reminds me of Natalie Cole's outlook in "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love.")
 40.  Even A Child-Crowded House
(One of the band's most radio-friendly hooks.)
 41.  Home For The Holidays-Jack Jezzro featuring Beegie Adair
(A smooth, inviting bossa nova instrumental for Christmas.)

Who else sings about pumpkin pie with such gusto?

As often as I've heard Perry Como's "(There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays" on the radio, one small part of it still makes me lose all composure.  In the verse following the sudden detour into Bugs Bunny cartoon territory, "Take a bus, take a train, go and hop an aeroplane...," Como and his backup singers let loose.  He sings, more freely the second time around, about the man in Tennessee who "was headin' for Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie."  The backup singers belt out "Some pumpkin pie!" with such conviction that when I'm driving, I nearly swerve off the road, heaving with laughter.  Admittedly, pumpkin pie, especially with Cool Whip, is delicious.  Somehow, though, I doubt that anyone has sung about it on record with such manic gusto since Como's backup singers in 1959.

Three points earned, not given

Years ago, one of my high school teachers asked an unexpected extra credit question on a history quiz.  The last of 10 questions was "Write the first verse of your favorite Christmas carol."  Those who claimed "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" was their favorite didn't get credit because they wrote, "Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose..."  As the teacher pointed out, the first verse is actually, "You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen..."  That's one of the more unusual reasons I've ever heard for denying students extra credit.  Also, although the teacher didn't bring this up, "Rudolph" is technically a song, as opposed to a carol, such as "Silent Night" or "The First Noel." 

Shuffle mode results IV

Shuffling the tunes in my iTunes library produced the following recent results:

   1.  A Baby Just Like You-John Denver
(This doesn't receive a lot of airplay today, but it's a thoughtful tribute to Denver's son, tied in with the wonder of Christmas.)
   2.  Deeper Shade Of Soul-Urban Dance Squad
(One of the more accessible rap tracks; a cover tune that shows how sampling should be done.)
   3.  Don't Ever Leave Me-Keith Jarrett & Charlie Haden
(One of 2010's best jazz releases, and this elegant piano and bass rendition is a key reason why.  The world lost a great jazz bassist in Haden in July.  His "Haunted Heart" and "Always Say Goodbye" CDs are strongly recommended.)
   4.  You Belong To Me-The Waking Hours
(There's a late '50/early '60s influence on the vocals here.  This longtime indie band deserves more national attention.  Their song, "123," was used on "How I Met Your Mother," deservedly, but "I'm Falling Down," "What You Don't Know," and "December Sun" should have been hits.)
   5.  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing-Take 6
(An excellent vocal rendering of one of the most forceful carols.  I saw Take 6 open for Al Jarreau in 1989, and it's a concert I wish I could relive.  "Gold Mine," "Spread Love," and "Get Away, Jordan" are among the group's best work.)
   6.  Not California-Hem
(Hem consistently turns out well-crafted, well-sung gems from the heart, such as this one.)
   7.  More Today Than Yesterday-Kermit Ruffins
(A swingin' big band/vocal take on the Spiral Starecase--Yes, that's how the band spells its name--hit.)
   8.  These Are The Fables-The New Pornographers
(Not a great name for a band, but Neko Case's vocals on this 2005 track hold up well.)
   9.  You'll Remember-Patty Griffin
(An appropriately sparse arrangement, given the reflective nature of the lyrics--a compelling, soulful voice and an unobtrusive upright bass.)
 10.  Silent Night-Roger Williams
(This piano-and-strings arrangement is a throwback to a time when easy listening music was more prevalent.)
 11.  That's The Way It Goes-The Manhattan Transfer
(See my previous posts, "Saying it all in less than three minutes" and "In memory of Tim Hauser.")
 12.  The Art Of Virtue-Adrienne Young
(Benjamin Franklin has never sounded so contemporary.)
 13.  Someday, Someway ("Driving And Dreaming" EP version)-Marshall Crenshaw
(A slowed-down arrangement of Crenshaw's excellent 1982 hit; the original and demo versions are still the two best ones, but this is also welcome.  It's puzzling that Crenshaw hasn't had more chart success, considering all of the radio-friendly songs he writes; "Whenever You're On My Mind," "Mary Anne,"  "Cynical Girl," and "You're My Favorite Waste Of Time," at a minimum, should have been hits.)
 14.  This Is Going To Stop-GrooveLily
(Val Vigoda sings this moving account of a relationship, from its beginning to its wistful end, with full conviction.)
 15.  O Come O Come Emmanuel-Sufjan Stevens
(A plaintive piano instrumental of this Advent hymn.)
 16.  You're My Favorite Waste Of Time-Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs
(As I said in my review of track 13...)
 17.  These Days-The Waking Hours
(A more uptempo track than "You Belong To Me" that brings to mind The Who's "The Kids Are Alright."  Those who like the feel of the band's song, "123," will probably like this one, although the outlook in these lyrics is grim.)
 18.  Acapulco (Sunrise)-The Explorers Club
(A short, pleasant instrumental interlude that lives up to its name.  "Run Run Run" is another standout track from the CD, "Grand Hotel.")
 19.  Weight Of The World-GrooveLily
(Here comes the light at the end of the tunnel.  See my previous post, "- to +.")
 20.  Our Own Place And Time-Grey Eye Glances
(Vocally and lyrically compatible with GrooveLily.  This is one of the better original Christmas songs.  "Let's just say that it's been quite a year."  In a word, yes.)
 21.  Spain-Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
(One of my favorite songs to play during my high school jazz band days.  It's difficult not to get caught up in the Spanish feel of this track, regardless of which instrument you play.  One of Chick Corea's best tracks.)
 22.  The Bells Of Bethlehem-Charlie Byrd
(A beautiful, memorable Christmas guitar instrumental.)
 23.  Down By The Riverside-Charlie Haden & Hank Jones
(A tasteful piano-and-bass rendition.)
 24.  In My Hands-Natalie MacMaster
(I've always liked this spoken/sung Celtic track that ostensibly describes a violin.)
 25.  Samba da Volta-Toquinho & Vinicius de Moraes
(A breath of fresh air from Brazil; thanks to KDHX's "Radio Rio" for bringing this track to my attention.)
 26.  Nucleus-The Alan Parsons Project
(We have liftoff.  Now, we're floating in space.)
 27.  Night Train-The Scofflaws
(One of the best arrangements of this jazz standard, complete with spoken shout-outs to various reggae and ska giants.)
 28.  Gabriel's Mother's Hiway Ballad #16 Blues-Paul Stookey
(One-third of Peter, Paul & Mary produced an excellent album, "Paul And...," from which this is taken.)
 29.  Driving Home For Christmas-Michael Ball
(The lyrics convey the warmth and happiness people generally feel when driving home for Christmas.  WRTH is the only station on which I've heard this.)
 30.  A Surfeit Of Lampreys-Fairport Convention
(An unconventional song title for this catchy, Celtic-flavored, electric instrumental.)
 31.  Long Journey-Sarah Jarosz
(A standout track from Jarosz's strong debut CD.  Not surprisingly, Jarosz has lived up to the bright future promised on her first release.  "Build Me Up From Bones" builds impressively on the sentiments expressed in this song.) 

FM dial scan highlights IX

Standout selections from today's listening session:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• The Words Of Aaron-The Move (Aaron was either a realist or a jaded cynic...Some of both, perhaps?  A good, early effort by ELO's Jeff Lynne.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• St. Thomas-Ron Carter (A great Sonny Rollins saxophone melody that translates just as well to Carter's bass.)
• A Child Is Born-Joe Williams (A tasteful, understated vocal rendition.)

WFUN 95.5 FM

• Ain't Nobody-Chaka Khan (One of Khan's most powerful hits that doesn't leave your mind easily after you've heard it.  "What Cha' Gonna Do For Me" has a similar effect.)
• I Wanna Be Your Lover-Prince (From early in Prince's career; still one of his best hits, vocally and instrumentally.)

KEZK 102.5 FM 

• I Believe In Father Christmas-Greg Lake (KEZK flipped over to all Christmas music yesterday morning, and this has been one of the highlights.  Yet another explanation for why I was an existentialist from an early age: This is the first Christmas 45 I was ever given.  Lake's thoughtful, measured lyrics offer an unusually tempered view of the season.  By a slight margin, Lake's original version with a choir's backing is the best one; his version with Emerson, Lake & Palmer in which the piano has the last word is a close second.)
• White Christmas-The Drifters (This is possibly the coolest version of "White Christmas" recorded, thanks, in part, to the group's deft handling of "May your days, may your days, may your days be merry and bright."  The only other ensemble that comes close to rivaling this smooth version is The Swingle Singers.)
• Hark! The Herald Angels Sing-Amy Grant (One of the most endearing versions of this carol that captures your ear with Grant singing a cappella, at first, and other voices lending support in good measure.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. KIHT-HD2

• Johannes Brahms: Clarinet Sonata No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 120 (Martin Frost, clarinet; Roland Pontinen, piano) (An appealing, unusual synergy between clarinet and piano.)
• Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 (Bavarian State Orchestra/Carlos Kleiber, conductor) (I'm pleased that this is the piece I've heard most often on this station.  As I raved in a previous post, it contains one of the most dynamic, joyful opening movements in any symphony.)