iTunes shuffled the tracks in my music library today, and here's what came up:
1. Blue Sky-Jill Andrews
(Counting one's blessings doesn't always require a church organ and a solemn choir; in this case, a light techno beat works.)
2. Right Place Wrong Time-Dr. John
(Who can't relate to these lyrics?)
3. Shine-Liberty Horses
(I first heard this on KPNT in 1994, and it's still as appealing to me now. For days when you're loving life, the song reflects that mood. On days when your mood is more downcast, the band's "King Of A Rainy Country" might match your outlook; it might also remind you of XTC's more accessible songs.)
4. Will o' the Wisp-Leon Russell
(The '70s--a time when synthesizers and pianos came together to produce thoughtful mood pieces.)
5. Denny's Lounge-The Sun Sawed In 1/2
(This St. Louis band, with a lot of solid power pop-sounding tunes to its name, pulls off a good uptempo instrumental interlude; it would segue well with "Acapulco (Sunrise)" by The Explorers Club.)
6. Nengueleru-David Sanchez/Stefon Harris/Christian Scott
(Appealing piano and drum lines weave their way through this jazzy, cross-categorical instrumental.)
7. All Again-Josh Nelson & Erin Bode
(Nelson's piano underscores Bode's vocals effectively. As usual, Bode sings them with sincerity. It's easy to believe that the song's protagonist would "do it all again." A good soft rock station should make this a staple track.)
8. Rainy Day-Shuggie Otis
(Stuck inside as the rain falls? This is an ideal staring-out-the-window-while-thinking instrumental.)
9. Send In The Clowns-Dori Caymmi
(A subtle, contemplation-at-sunset arrangement of this song, which Judy Collins made famous; guitar, harmonica, and occasional vocals set the mood.)
10. The Jug Of Punch-Altan
(I should have included this in my previous post, "Favorite music by Irish artists," as it's my favorite version of this Celtic tune.)
11. The Symmetry-Erik Voeks
(A highlight of a strong power pop CD, "Sandbox." With vocals and jangling guitar playing like this, Voeks should have had more national acclaim.)
12. The Speed Of Soul-Carrie Newcomer
(Newcomer's beautiful alto voice tells a story compellingly and knows how to make listeners sympathize with those who haven't had their fair share of breaks in life.)
13. Happy Song-Victor Wooten
(Wooten's bass anchors this cool uptempo instrumental that segues well with George Benson's "Good King Bad.")
14. Give Me The Simple Life-Denny Berthiaume
(A good jazz piano waltz.)
15. Ray's Shoes-Lydia's Trumpet
(A quirky local track, with an unusual call and response, i.e. "I can't find my shoes." "Ray, you have 'em on.")
16. So Many Stars-Carolbeth True
(I praised the Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 version of this previously; this piano instrumental deserves the same recognition, as it captures the song's sense of wonder equally well.)
