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.)
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 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.)

FM dial scan highlights VIII

Highlights from last night's FM dial scan:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• The Beginning Of Loneliness-Dionne Warwick (Warwick's voice soars on this track that's lyrically similar to The 5th Dimension's "One Less Bell To Answer" and "(Last Night) I Didn't Get To Sleep At All.")
• Dawning Is The Day-The Moody Blues (An overlooked album track that incorporates the flute appealingly.  "Listen, we think we have found you," is a very 1970 prog rock wake-up call.)
• Turn Back The Hands Of Time-Tyrone Davis (A good oldie with universal lyrics about regrets.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• The Moon Is Low-Betty Carter (Elegant vocals in a deceptively short song.)
• Estate-Willie Akins (An impressive jazz/bossa nova blend in this 2000 track from the St. Louis saxophonist.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• Standing Still-Jewel (The hit song of hers that holds up best, to my ears.  There's an energy here that differs from her other hits.  Incidentally, this is the same review I would write of Alanis Morissette's "Hands Clean.")
• Brighter Than The Sun-Colbie Caillat (If you're going to use songs from recent years, in addition to standard patriotic fare, during fireworks displays, this is a good choice.)

KIHT 96.3 FM

• Barely Breathing-Duncan Sheik (His 1996 debut hit; one of the best songs from that year, along with Eleanor McEvoy's "Precious Little."  Both songs received considerable, deserved airplay on WVRV that year.)
• Don't Dream It's Over-Crowded House (Still one of the best opening guitar licks; as good as this hit is, there's so much more to this band, especially on its treasure trove of great harmonies and lyrics, the "Woodface" album.)

WARH 106.5 FM

• December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night)-The Four Seasons (This '70s comeback hit stands up to repeated listening far better than the group's falsetto-led '60s hits, in my opinion.)

Praise for "Midnight Blue"

A former co-worker mentioned having a change of heart about Melissa Manchester's music, claiming as a teenager that her albums would only be useful as frisbees but actively seeking it out, as an adult, at garage sales.  I'd like to think that one song responsible for that change of heart was "Midnight Blue."  It's not played often today, but it's still one of the most moving '70s ballads with one of my favorite opening lyrics, "Whatever it is, it'll keep 'til the morning."  One lyric, in particular, impresses me--"Wouldn't you give your hand to a friend?  Think of me as your friend."  Not everyone can pull off that lyric with conviction and sincerity, but Manchester does.  When the song debuted on "American Top 40" in 1975, Casey Kasem said, "Her song's a pretty one called 'Midnight Blue.'"  Kasem called it accurately, I still think.

Conducting students wanted: Thick skin needed

My college orchestra director had a sound philosophy about how an aspiring conductor should be taught.  A good conductor, according to him, should learn by conducting an orchestra.  He asked the orchestra to imagine what it would be like to learn to play an instrument the way conducting students are usually taught.  "Imagine if we sat around for six months and talked about playing the violin," he said.  "Then, imagine if I handed you a violin after six months and said, 'Now, play.'  Then, imagine if I took the violin away from you, and we went back to talking about it."

During my sophomore year, he received clearance from the administration to turn the Thursday afternoon sectionals into conducting training sessions instead.  Although most of the burden was on the aspiring conductors instead of the orchestra, seeing what aspiring conductors go through was eye-opening.  Four examples:

• When the director asked a student why he conducted a Schubert passage a particular way, the student started to respond, "Well, I feel..." The director rebuked him, "You feel?!  No, you feel everything the way Mr. Schubert felt it."
• On another occasion, the director pointed out a mistake and asked the student, "Your fault?"  When the student nodded, the director responded, "Always your fault..."
• In criticizing a student's ineffective conducting, the director told him, "You did nothing...Nothing!"  After a pause, he added, "Absolutely nothing!"
• When the director thought one aspiring conductor looked too stern, he barked, "This is happy music!  Smile!"  The conductor's face brightened instantly.  Still not satisfied with the student's conducting, the director began moving the student's arm properly; wisely, the student continued smiling as he conducted the rest of the movement.

While playing bass during these sessions, my appreciation for what a difficult job conducting is grew exponentially.  Knowing what every instrument is playing during every moment of a piece and being able to correct any problems that arise isn't easy, by any means.  I also thought, "If these conducting students' skin gets any thicker, they won't need Winter coats."

Shuffle mode results III

I shuffled the tracks in my iTunes library and landed first on:

   1.  Better Than Nothing-Jennifer Trynin
(This doesn't get played on the radio anymore, and that's a shame; its hook is as infectious now as it was in 1994.  Trynin's book about her experiences in the music business, Everything I'm Cracked Up To Be, is also recommended for its honesty and amusing stories.)
   2.  Virginia Moon-Foo Fighters featuring Norah Jones
(An unlikely pairing that produces a sublime result.)
   3.  I Saw God-Victor Wooten
(From one of 2008's stronger releases; an enjoyable spoken and sung track.)
   4.  Christmas Time Is Here (alternate vocal take)-Vince Guaraldi
(The voice actors from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" sing without lyrics; the mood is established almost as effectively as it is in the original version.)
   5.  I Will Rise Up/Ain't No More Cane-Lyle Lovett & His Large Band
(A strong effort; strong lead and backup singing carries off powerful lyrics about standing tall when faced with adversity.)
   6.  The Paris Match-The Style Council featuring Tracey Thorn
(It's always a pleasure to hear Everything But The Girl's lead singer; this song could have been an EBTG track.)
   7.  The Game-Lemon Grass
(One side of a strong indie rock single; the flip side, "Cathy's Song," deserves just as much notice.)
   8.  Blue Cafe-The Style Council
(Proof that this is a random selection; two tracks from the same album turn up with just one track between them.  This is a classy instrumental.)
   9.  I'd Be Lying-Mary Karlzen
(A catchy way of saying, "Hey, I miss you."  The guitar line keeps you hooked.)
 10.  Gloria-Michael W. Smith
(KEZK has played this often in previous Decembers.  Essentially, this is "Angels We Have Heard On High" reworked into a life-affirming aerobics number.)
 11.  Too Blue-7 Worlds Collide
(Neil Finn and company's strongest track from "The Sun Came Out."  Existentialism rarely sounds this catchy.)
 12.  We Let The Stars Go-Prefab Sprout
(As mentioned in a previous post, this is a good waltzing-off-into-the-night song.)
 13.  Places & Spaces-Donald Byrd
("Places and spaces out there" is a naturally promotable slogan; it's no wonder this song was used in various radio station promos in the '70s and '80s.  Does anyone remember this being used in KSLQ's "St. Louis After Dark" promos in the early '80s?)
 14.  Mary's Boy Child-Harry Belafonte
(Belafonte's rich voice delivers the definitive version of this Christmas standard.)
 15.  American Tune ("The Concert In Central Park" version)-Simon & Garfunkel
(July 4 is incomplete without Simon's original version or this live recording.  Some of Simon's most stirring lyrics, which is saying a lot.)
 16.  There's No Place Like Home-Glen Campbell
(Christmas Eve sentiments with which most people can identify.)
 17.  You Know That (Is Nothing New)-Vigilantes Of Love
(The lead singer uses a Tom Petty vocal affectation in delivering the "Summershine" CD's leadoff track.  "Stand Beside Me" is another highlight.)
 18.  Shenandoah/The Water Is Wide-Castlebay
(Echoing vocals in this good version of "Shenandoah" and an endearing flute arrangement of "The Water Is Wide."  Also recommended: Ferrante & Teicher's version of "Shenandoah" and Mary Black's rendition of "The Water Is Wide.")
 19.  I'm A Little Teapot-Sy Oliver
(I did a double take upon seeing there was a big band arrangement of this.  It's a credible arrangement of an unlikely song.)
 20.  Papa George-Tommy Emmanuel
(One of Emmanuel's most memorable, sunny, uptempo guitar pieces.)
 21.  Caravan-The Carpenters
(Did you know The Carpenters started out as a jazz trio?  Here's proof.)
 22.  Joy Spring-Ron McCroby
(A cool whistled jazz instrumental.  The Manhattan Transfer's version, "Sing Joy Spring," should also be checked out.)
 23.  Love Is All Gone-Dog Society
(This song about growing older and more cynical still makes me smile.  "I just wanted to grow up and be something," indeed.)
 24.  Peace In The Water-Five Of These
(Lead singer Robynn Ragland also recorded this as a solo artist.  It's one of the highlights of this St. Louis band's CD, "I Married My Head."  Other standouts: "Read About It" and "The Ballad Of Slip Stump Mudfist.")
 25.  Mercy, Mercy, Mercy-Henri-Pierre Noel
(A great piano-based take on a classic tune, made famous by Cannonball Adderley and, later, The Buckinghams.)
 26.  Catch A Falling Star-Perry Como
(I used to play this on WEW.  To put it mildly, tunes that made the pop charts were considerably different when this was a hit.)
 27.  St. Louis Blues-Papa John Creach
(Creach's violin carries this version.)
 28.  There Was A Time-Dee Felice Trio
(Good piano-based funk.)
 29.  Slipping Slowly-Ben Watt
(Everything But The Girl's other vocalist proves to be a thoughtful singer in his own right.  Watt's song, "Spring," is one of 2014's better ones.)

Remembering Webster Records

Spring 2010: RCA dog Nipper, apparently after attending Mardi Gras, at Webster Records.

On January 31, 2012, one of St. Louis's most tasteful music stores, Webster Records, closed.  It was unfortunate to have to say goodbye to a store full of well-chosen CDs and records, ranging from Rachel Z and Mary Black to The Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo and Ralph Vaughan Williams, and always-courteous workers Bill and Jim.

On the second weekend of November each year, my brother and I would attend the annual Old Webster Christmas Open House sale there.  In addition to providing a great selection of offbeat vinyl and CDs, the store's customer service was consistently impressive.  Bill and Jim would always greet the customers enthusiastically, always remembering to say to us, "Now, our day is complete!"  As we talked about all types of music, ranging from Pat Metheny and Louis Armstrong to Brahms and Beethoven, with them, we were free to help ourselves to Switzer's cherry licorice, cookies, and punch.  While ringing up purchases, they would often say, "We really appreciate your business," or "Thank you for shopping here."  Another highlight of shopping there was meeting St. Louis singer Erin Bode, after she had just dropped off copies of one of her best CDs, "The Little Garden."

The atmosphere outside the store was also welcoming, as horse-drawn carriages trundled by, and instrumental and choral ensembles performed Christmas carols on the sidewalk. 

The Old Webster Christmas Open House is going on today, but the lights will seem a bit dimmer to me without Webster Records.  Today, it's rare to find a store that offers a great selection and excellent customer service; Webster Records had both attributes going for it, which made its closing all the more disappointing.  It's no wonder that Bode wrote on a poster of herself, "To the best record store in the world."

Thanks, Bill, Jim, and Webster Records, for all the years of great music and conversation.

FM dial scan highlights VII

Noteworthy tracks heard this morning:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Amish Autumn-Neil Jacobs (A highlight from a CD of consistent instrumentals, "12 String Guitar."  The best track on the CD, in my opinion, is "Belfast;" it segues well with "Belfast Blues" by Brooks Williams, another guitar instrumental with a similar gallop.)
• Wind-Shelby Lynne (A laid-back groove from the bonus track edition of "I Am Shelby Lynne." The track that received the most commercial airplay from the original version, "Gotta Get Back," is just as infectious as it was in 2000.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• When Sunny Gets Blue-Carmen McRae (Many listeners would think of the Johnny Mathis version of this song first.  McRae's version, however, is also a classy interpretation that holds up 50 years later.)
• Lament-Kenny Burrell (An elegant guitar ballad, one of many in Burrell's long history.)
• Good Morning Heartache-Emmet Cohen (An impressive piano and trumpet rendition of a well-covered song.  Laura Fygi recorded the best vocal version of it that I've heard; KNJZ used to play it, often late at night.)

WFUN 95.5 FM

• Just My Imagination-The Temptations (Wistfulness rarely sounds this smooth; it's still one of the band's best hits.)

KIHT 96.3 FM

• You Get What You Give-New Radicals (Still a breath of fresh air; a memorable one-hit wonder track that used to be played often on WVRV, "The River.")
• Torn-Natalie Imbruglia (See my review of "You Get What You Give.")

Had this sentence ever been said before?

One day, about 20 years ago, I shopped for CDs at a store one of my former high school teachers owned.  His wife was at the cash register and said, as she was ringing up my CDs, "The jewel case on this Jefferson Airplane CD is cracked.  I'll get you a new one."  She replaced the case but didn't put the CD in the bag.  I didn't realize it was missing, so I paid for the CDs and left.  As I walked back to the car, she ran off down the street after me, saying, "Wait! You forgot your 'Surrealistic Pillow!'"  As out-of-context declarations go, I still think that's funny.

Shuffle mode results II

Here's what turned up on my latest iTunes shuffle mode playlist:

   1.  Restless Twilights-Hot Club Of Detroit
(One of the best uses of jazz accordion.)
   2.  Silent Night-October Project
(Solemn, haunting vocals; surprisingly, the tempo picks up about 1 1/2 minutes in.)
   3.  Now The Day Is Over-Stu Gardner/Nine Guys From Out Of Town
(Appropriate for the end of the working day, with a pace that take its time but doesn't feel like it's meandering.)
   4.  Vivaldi: Beatus Vir-Potens in Terra (Nicholas Ward: Northern Chamber Orchestra, Oxford Schola Cantorum)
(I've listened to this movement on Easter Sunday some years.)
   5.  Winter Wonderland-Ray Charles
(One of my favorite versions of this.  I especially like the way it ends, with Charles saying, "Come on, walk it," over the keyboard fade-out.)
   6.  Winter Wonderland-Chris Botti
(Botti's trumpet instrumental take segues well with Ray Charles' version.)
   7.  Pick Up The Pieces-Money Mark
(I thought, when this tune was played on KDHX and KCLC in early 2007, that it could work as the theme song for a sitcom set in the '70s.)
   8.  Ten Years Later-Kathryn Priestley
(Thoughtful lyrics, a sincere voice, and a guitar make this song moving and complete.)
   9.  The First Noel-Steve Schenkel & Ashley Mason
(Two St. Louis talents turn in a pleasant, jazzy version of this carol.  Mason's vocals are solid, and Schenkel keeps the guitar playing laid-back, at first.  Then, he jets off into near-David Byrne, "Make Believe Mambo" territory to keep things interesting.)
 10.  When A Child-Hagood Hardy
(If you listened to "The 36--24, in later years--Hours Of Christmas" on KYKY between 1985 and 1991, you might have heard this piano and trumpet instrumental.  Understated piano anchors this tasteful take on a lesser-known carol, until the trumpet really kicks in.  Hardy's version of "Silent Night" is also recommended; it's one of the best, most intimate recordings of it I've heard.)
 11.  Christ The Lord Is Risen Today-St. Michael's Singers
(My favorite opening hymn from my Sundays of regular church attendance, years ago.)
 12.  Aqueous Transmission-Incubus
(An unusual blend of modern-day vocals with new age instrumentals.)
 13.  Reasons Why-Nickel Creek
(Yes!  One of many stellar tracks from Nickel Creek's self-titled debut.  Sara Watkins sings downcast lyrics effectively, with the memorable refrain, "Others have excuses.  I have my reasons why."  If this track is too downcast for you, listen to "Out Of The Woods.")
 14.  Pardon Me Sir-Joe Cocker
(One of his strongest tracks, although it isn't played often today.  Not just any rock song cries out for tuba accompaniment, but this one does.)
 15.  Down To Earth-Fallen Leaves
(Subtle vocals illustrate the sense of wonder we have when we're young.  There's a mixture of energy and wonder you have when you're a kid, and the song's imagery captures it.)
 16.  Swing Low, Sweet Chariot-Charlie Haden & Hank Jones
(An elegant, piano-and-bass arrangement.)
 17.  Sense-The Lightning Seeds
(An early '90s recording that would have been at home on the pop charts during the '80s.)
 18.  Birdcalls-Cardinal (five variations from the compilation album, "Wild Birdcalls")
(A family tabby, Sammy, sat by a stereo speaker the first two times I played this, meowing and wondering where the birds were.  During his third listen, his calico sister, Rosie, rebuked him with a sharp "Mew!"  Roughly translated, I think she was saying, "You silly brother; these birds are recorded.  They aren't the ones we see through the window.")
 19.  Sweet Jane-Cowboy Junkies
(As mentioned previously, this is one of the best examples of Margo Timmins' soft, compelling vocals.)
 20.  How Not To Behave-Christine Kane
(One of the best singer-songwriter tracks of 2009.  Kane sings convincing, uptempo lyrics about learning from one's mistakes and drawing on one's reserves of bravery.  I get the feeling that the song's protagonist is very resilient and will turn out fine.)

Thanksgiving music recommendations

As promised, here is some of the best Thanksgiving music:

• Coming Home-Sean Harkness (This guitar piece from "Thanksgiving: A Windham Hill Collection" captures the warmth and anticipation of getting together with family.)
• Now Be Thankful-Fairport Convention (Although thought to be referring to torturous life in medieval times, the line, "For the rose, the red rose blooms for all to know," suggests hopefulness.)
• Over The River And Through The Wood/Among Ones So Dear-Julia Lane (If Maggie Sansone's Christmas dulcimer music appeals to you, this selection likely will, too.)
• Thanksgiving Theme-Vince Guaraldi (If you've ever watched "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," you know this pleasant piano melody.)
• Thanksgiving Waltz-Jay Ungar & Molly Mason (Gratitude for life is conveyed through fiddle, guitar, cello, and bass.)

Late Autumn/Pre-Thanksgiving music recommendations

During the early weeks of November, when it still feels too early for Christmas music, I listen to the CD, "Simple Gifts: Instrumental Arrangements Of Shaker Melodies," by William Coulter and Barry Phillips.  The CD features appealing, old-school instrumentation of guitar, cello, mandolin, and dulcimer, while conjuring up images of a harvest.  The two strongest tracks, to my ears, are "Square Check Tune/When Cheer Fills The Hearts Of My Friends" and "My Robe Is New/Mother Ann's Song."

Another track suitable for the weeks close to Thanksgiving is The Band's "Book Faded Brown."  The song's theme of family unity and respect for what has gone before fits Thanksgiving well.  If "The Waltons" had been set in a later era, "Book Faded Brown" would have been an appropriate theme song.

Stay tuned for actual Thanksgiving music--Yes, it does exist--recommendations tomorrow.

Shuffle mode results

Before going to sleep, I set my iTunes library to shuffle mode.  Here's what came up:

   1.  National Anthem-101 Strings
(Sam, The American Eagle would approve of this leadoff track, I imagine.  This is as dignified of a way as any to begin a shuffle mode.  Sidebar: Someone pocket dialed me once from a baseball game.  The call went to voicemail, and the message began right on the downbeat of a brass band's rendition of  "The Star-Spangled Banner."  Naturally, I stood up and put my hand on my heart.  Strangely, the message lasted for exactly the duration of the anthem.)
   2.  Hot 'n' Cold-Albert Collins
(From one of the most consistent albums of blues instrumentals, "Truckin' With Albert Collins."  This uptempo track could work with Chuck Berry vocals on it, but it's already strong as it is.)
   3.  The Clearing-David Crosby
(A good reminder from a rock veteran about not living in fear.  From "Croz," one of 2014's best releases.)
   4.  Perfectly-Judd & Maggie
(KCLC is the only station on which I've ever heard this song.  Its endearing vocal harmonies convey a couple's synchronicity convincingly.)
   5.  Enter This Deserted House-Shel Silverstein
(Shel Silverstein reads his poetry, with appropriately ghoulish sound effects.  At the 45-second mark, Silverstein lets loose, possibly making some listeners nervous in his increasingly manic warning about the bats, owls, gnomes, and goblins that populate the deserted house.  I could have included this track easily in my Halloween recommendation post, "Thinking beyond 'Monster Mash.'") 
   6.  Sometimes-Jazzamor
(Vocally and instrumentally, this track would be at home on the Sirius Chill channel.  Sultry female vocals elevate fairly minimalist lyrics.)
   7.  Celtic Wedding-Al Petteway & Amy White
(A pleasant guitar number that hops, skips, and jumps.)
   8.  Theme From "Buffy The Vampire Slayer"-Nerf Herder
(Still one of the coolest TV show theme songs, which is fitting for such an imaginative program.)
   9.  No More Words-Berlin
(Berlin's best hit single; a prototypical '80s hit.)
 10.  Will The Wolf Survive?-Los Lobos
(A track that works on more than one level.  An interesting subject for a song: How do you adapt to a new culture while respecting your heritage?)
 11.  This Is Not A Test-She & Him
(A fun pick-me-up, thanks to Zooey Deschanel.)
 12.  Turn Me On (Live in Chicago)-Norah Jones
(This live version features a smooth, soulful edge that's characteristic of her best work.  "Don't Know Why" and "Come Away With Me" received much-deserved airplay and acclaim, but her version of "Cold Cold Heart" is also excellent.  Also, although it's not the most obvious pairing, Foo Fighters teamed up with Jones to produce a smooth, late-evening charmer, "Virginia Moon.")
 13.  Swing Low, Sweet Chariot-She & Him
(Proof that this is a truly random selection: Two tracks by the same group came up with just one track between them.  The lo-fi, recorded-on-cassette feel of this rendition was a smart choice, as it brings out the intimacy of Zooey Deschanel's vocals.)
 14.  Something Like This-Louise Taylor
("I will always leave the light on for you," Taylor sings, and I'm convinced she's sincere.  Captivating, low-key guitar and vocals.)
 15.  Blackbird (Live at The Blue Note)-Dave Valentin
(For nearly seven minutes, Valentin and company make good on their promise to put some "rice and beans" on this Beatles classic.  It's a cool, jazzy, expanded romp, with Valentin's flute leading the way.)
 16.  Silly-Deniece Williams
(A woman singing about a guy she wants who is out of reach.  KMJM played this a lot in the early '80s.  Williams sings it with a convincing sense of resignation and longing.)
 17.  Blue Chair-Elvis Costello & The Attractions
(Lyrically, Costello's rather frank here, and it works.  Instrumentally, this track has a feel that's oddly similar to "Manic Monday" by The Bangles.)
 18.  Dizzy Heights-Neil Finn
(The title track from Finn's latest release and one of the stronger tracks on it.  Lyrically and vocally, you just expect a certain level of quality from someone who turns out such impressive solo work as "She Will Have Her Way" and "Sinner," as well as such excellent Crowded House gems as "Walking On The Spot," "Distant Sun," "Weather With You," "Tall Trees," and "How Will You Go.")
 19.  Penny For Your Thoughts-Peter Frampton
(A guitar instrumental that, to my ears, has a Beatles-influenced, "Blackbird"-style arrangement which holds up better than Frampton's frequently played '70s hits.)
 20.  Too Late, But Not Forgotten-Joy Of Cooking
(I referred to this track in my previous post, "An ideal ringtone."  It's very 1970, in a positive way.  A gliding piano with touches of harmonica suits the song well, giving it an accessible, homey feel.)
 21.  The Border-America
(An overlooked minor hit from 1983 that holds its own with the group's '70s hits.  It's easy to feel the singer's urgency "to make it to the border" in his quest to "be in the arms of the girl I love the most.")
 22.  Cigarettes-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 other standouts.)

FM dial scan highlights VI

Noteworthy tracks from today's listening session:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Howlin' Bones-Hannah Aldridge (Aldridge has a promising future, thanks to a powerful voice that mixes blues and country influences.)
• Little Of The Farm In Me-Steve Perron (Appropriate lyrics for Thanksgiving show an appreciation for the past and present.) 

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Peggy's Lament-Brett Stamps (Elegant, midtempo trombone jazz from a talent who should be better known.) 

KSHE 94.7 FM

• Lady Luck-Kenny Loggins (An unusual track for Loggins; the lyrics and vocals have more of a bite.)
• Bluebird-Leon Russell (Being alone with your sorrow sometimes results in a memorable song.  The piano, bass, and backup singing augment Russell's vocals impressively.)

WFUN 95.5 FM

• Very Special-Debra Laws (It was good to hear this track again, as it's a solid call-and-response song that's one of the first ones I associate with early '80s KMJM.)

Keeping slogans simple

A concise slogan, such as KDHX's "Independent music plays here," or KYKY's slogan from the '80s, "Between rock and a soft place," usually summarizes a radio station's mission best.  A slogan such as "Less talk, more rock" is easy to remember and stays with the listener.

Another type of slogan, however, from a 1991 air check isn't so concise: "The New J 96, with an increased and expanded playlist, guarantees less repetition and means more perfectly blended soft rock hits for your--"

I'm not sure how the slogan ended because the DJ had to stop talking and let Billy Vera start singing "At This Moment."  I still think what I heard of that slogan would be better suited for a press release than the airwaves.