KSD 93.7 FM
- I Pretend-Kim Carnes (Best known for her smash 1981 hit, "Bette Davis Eyes," Carnes released this low-key midtempo album track in 1983. Considering that it wasn't a hit, I'm impressed that KSD was still playing it the following year. It's a good tune for driving, however, so I'm surprised it didn't have more of a following.)
- It's All I Can Do-The Cars (Although I'm not the biggest fan of the band's hits, this is one of their better efforts. It's a good example of album rock power pop; listeners who like it might also enjoy such Shoes tunes as "Too Late" and "Tomorrow Night.")
- Spinning Wheel-Blood, Sweat & Tears (This oldie still gets played today. That doesn't surprise me, as it doesn't leave a listener's mind easily. Lyrically, it's a good, eccentric reminder that bleak situations can change for the better.)
- The Longest Time-Billy Joel (Not only is this the song used in one of the stronger "How I Met Your Mother" tag scenes, it's some of Joel's best harmony singing. When I was in high school, I remember waiting during a solo/ensemble festival to play my piece, and I heard a great, impromptu college choir performance. I was glad my performance time was delayed; if my session had started on time, I'd never have seen one vocalist in the hallway start singing this, to be joined by the rest of the choir. Every section--soprano, alto, tenor, and bass--was on its game. If that was the tune on which the judges were grading them, I hope they received top marks.)
- Heart Of The Night-Juice Newton (Newton emotes convincingly on this downcast hit. It's a shame this tune isn't usually played on the radio today. The adult contemporary format used to include more tunes such as this, but today, it often gravitates toward higher energy tunes by younger artists.)
- When Doves Cry-Prince (The haunted house-style guitar and keyboard intro sets the tone for one of Prince's most unique hits. Recently, I thought back to the first time I heard it and was jolted back to the present day; in recognition of his passing, Walgreens had Prince's "Purple Rain" and "1999" CDs for sale by the checkout counter.)
- Love Will Show Us How-Christine McVie (Earlier in 1984, McVie had a big solo hit with "Got A Hold On Me." "Love Will Show Us How" was the Fleetwood Mac singer's follow-up single. It wasn't as big of a hit, but its pleasant, uptempo arrangement should have elicited more airplay.)
