KBEM (Minneapolis, MN)
- Kurt Vibe-Brad Mehldau (I picked up on a Vince Guaraldi vibe in Mehldau's piano playing here. I half-expected Snoopy to walk by as Joe Cool. To hear Mehldau's more contemplative approach, check out his new "Blues And Ballads" album, being released today. His covers of "Since I Fell For You," "I Concentrate On You," and "These Foolish Things" are highlights.)
- Moon Over Bourbon Street-Victor & Penny (Given the throwback arrangement of the instrumentation, I wouldn't be surprised to walk past the musicians playing and singing this cover of a Sting tune in the park. These artists make a good case for the relevance of roving troubadours.)
- Try Me On-Mia Borders (Forceful vocals, backed by rock-steady guitar and bass.)
- Ting-A-Ling-Aaron Neville (The vocal harmony intro alone should convince listeners they're in good hands. The Clovers had a big hit with this in 1952, and Neville and company show that the tune holds up.)
- More Than It Seems-Salvation (Moby Grape meets Jefferson Airplane.)
- Divine Intervention-Matthew Sweet (Midtempo power pop, with blistering guitar. Also recommended: "I've Been Waiting" and "Evangeline.")
