KRUI (Iowa City, IA)
- Velvet Guitar-Alejandro Escovedo (For those who just have to pick up their instruments and play their music, even when their hands are numb.)
- Him-Lily Allen (Does God think we waste too much time? It's interesting to ponder.)
- Someone Took The Words Away-Elvis Costello (Costello sings in the best part of his range on this slower track.)
- Here Comes The Rain, Parts 1 & 2-Mark-Almond (A snapshot of 1976 prog rock and fusion; I hear elements of Rush, Yes, and Chick Corea on this track.)
- Black Coffee-Willie Bobo (A great midtempo, Latin jazz wake-up call. I also recommend Bobo's takes on "Grazing In The Grass," "The Look Of Love," and "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.")
- Weekend Girl-The S.O.S. Band (An '80s highlight from this R&B band with a feel similar to The Gap Band's "Yearning For Your Love." Also recommended: "The Finest" and "Take Your Time (Do It Right.)"
- Because It's Not Love (But It's Still A Feeling)-The Pipettes (More than 40 years later, three women capture the spirit of early '60s Motown in a catchy, compact tune.)
- Franz Joseph Haydn: Piano Sonata No. 33 in C minor: I. Moderato (Odense Symphony/Scott Yoo, conductor; Anne-Marie McDermott, piano) (This is exactly the type of movement I heard students practice frequently when walking past rehearsal rooms with my upright bass in college. I would always think, "Good for them, following their passion," or "Anyone who can play the piano with that level of heart and dedication is clearly meant to pursue it.")
