SiriusXM highlights II

Standout tracks that I've heard on SiriusXM in recent days:

1st Wave

• Space Age Love Song-A Flock Of Seagulls ("I Ran" is the band's hit that most people think of first.  In my opinion, "Space Age Love Song" holds up even better.  The keyboard arrangement alone transports the listener right back to the '80s.)

'60s On 6

• Western Union-The Five Americans (A fun oldie that mimics the sound of a telegraph.)

'70s On 7

• Year Of The Cat-Al Stewart (Consider such Stewart hits as "Time Passages," "Song On The Radio," and "Year Of The Cat."  There's a level of literacy, appreciation for people and places, and well-crafted musicianship that the pop charts could use more of today.)

'80s On 8

• Breakout-Swing Out Sister (The band's big American hit, and rightfully so; vocally and instrumentally, its bounce and confident outlook are just as captivating as they were years ago.)

The Bridge

• An Old Fashioned Love Song-Three Dog Night (One of the band's most enduring hits.  As much as I like the band's "Shambala," this track feels at home in a wider range of eras.)
• Secret O' Life-James Taylor (It's nice to be reminded so gently how important it is to enjoy the passage of time.)

Classic Vinyl

• Glad/Freedom Rider-Traffic (One of rock's great "We're starting now!" keyboard intros.  I can't imagine how any musician wouldn't enjoy playing the piano or saxophone on "Glad.")

The Coffee House

• Driving (Acoustic)-Everything But The Girl (One of Tracey Thorn's most moving vocals; the acoustic arrangement makes the song all the more intimate.)
• For Those Below-Mumford & Sons (A thoughtful, contemplative track that segued smoothly after...)
• Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)-Ron Sexsmith (...this respectful cover of George Harrison's song that doesn't get a lot of radio airplay today.)

The Groove

• Golden Lady-Stevie Wonder (One among a great many strong Wonder songs from the '70s.)

Margaritaville 

• Water Song-Hot Tuna (One of the most pleasant rock guitar instrumentals.)

Real Jazz

• Take Five-Trio Da Paz (It's interesting to hear a Dave Brubeck tune whose piano and sax lines are so famous reinterpreted as a Spanish guitar piece.)

Siriusly Sinatra

• Blue Skies-Ella Fitzgerald (A great match of singer and material.  For a faster take, check out Al Jarreau's version.)

Watercolors

• One 2 One-Brian Hughes (A pleasant, kick-back-and-relax guitar instrumental.)