Here's what came up when I set my iTunes library on shuffle mode today:
1. Rattlin' Bog-The Irish Descendants
(Frank McCourt discusses teaching one of his English classes this folk song in Teacher Man. The song's lyrics build on themselves and get progressively faster, and the song becomes increasingly challenging to sing, as a result.)
2. You Can Be Sure-Peter Frampton
(WVRV used to play Frampton's comeback tune; other stations should have followed suit. Note the brief "Sail On," Commodores-style guitar lick early in the tune.)
3. Janet-The Commodores
(Speaking of The Commodores, can you recall the last time you heard this song on the radio, if ever? I never heard it on the air after 1985. A good teen angst tune with a good hook.)
4. Praise-Aaron Parks
(A tasteful, subtle piano piece.)
5. Move Up-Patty Griffin (featuring Ann McCrary, Regina McCrary, Jim Lauderdale, and Buddy Miller)
(An uplifting view of Heaven; a highlight of Griffin's "Downtown Church" release.)
6. Our Flag Was Still There-John McCutcheon
(A well-sung tune, fit for Independence Day.)
7. Midnight Rider ("Live At The World Cafe, Vol. 18" version)-The Allman Brothers Band
(A strong acoustic version of the band's 1974 hit.)
8. Strawberry Letter 23-Shuggie Otis
(The original version of the song most listeners know as a hit for The Brothers Johnson; a slightly subtler but no less effective take on an unusually structured set of lyrics.)
9. Out On The Road-Norah Jones
(A good road trip tune; it's a different sound for Jones and a highlight of the "Little Broken Hearts" CD.)
10. Send Your Love ("Live At The World Cafe, Vol. 18" version)-Sting
(A powerful live version and yet another highlight of "...Vol. 18.")
11. I'm Fine-Patty Larkin
(A singer-songwriter who consistently releases quality work, as exhibited here. Also recommended: "Dear Diary.")
12. Bird Song-The Wailin' Jennys
(What might it be like to experience life as a bird or a flower? The Wailin' Jennys answer this thoughtfully. Also recommended: "One Voice.")
13. Sadhbh Ni Bhruineallaigh-Solas
(There's an appealing wandering minstrels quality in this inviting Celtic tune; the breathy vocals make it all the more effective.)
14. Tiger-Noel Paul Stookey
(An appealing track from one-third of Peter, Paul & Mary about finding guidance from above that isn't preachy.)
15. Holiday ("Live At KDHX, Vol. 5" version)-Erin Bode
(It's no wonder that Bode often begins her concerts with this song, as it's one of her best tracks. She conveys "a caution underneath the yellow moon" particularly well in this version.)
16. Days Of Wine And Roses-Andre Kostelanetz & His Orchestra
(Lush strings and harmonica; an easy listening style from a bygone era.)
17. Country Song-Carolbeth True
(An engaging, uptempo smooth jazz instrumental from this St. Louis talent.)
18. Snowbird-Catherine MacLellan
(The daughter of "Snowbird"'s author, Gene MacLellan, pulls off an impressive cover of the tune that was a big hit for Anne Murray.)
19. The One And Only-Chesney Hawkes
(A fun 1991 hit about staying true to yourself that isn't played on the radio today.)
20. After The Lights Go Down Low-Al Hibbler
(Before the ballroom closes for the evening, here's one more encore...)
