'70s On 7
- Rainy Days And Mondays-The Carpenters (Possibly the group's best hit, in my opinion; Karen Carpenter was masterful at conveying the emotion behind any lyrics, regardless of who wrote them. I heard a Vietnamese version of this on KDHX years ago, and the feeling behind the tune was just as heartfelt.)
- Change Of The Guard-Steely Dan (This uptempo highlight from the band's first album, "Can't Buy A Thrill," sports a sing-along "Na, na-na, na, na, na-na-na-na" chorus that's unusual for Steely Dan. Other sometimes overlooked "Can't Buy A Thrill" highlights: "Brooklyn" and "Only A Fool Would Say That.")
- Proud Mary-Floyd Cramer (The Creedence Clearwater Revival tune, interpreted as an easy listening piano instrumental. Points for chutzpah?)
- Maybe-Ingrid Michaelson (Universal, realistic lyrics about the pain and awkwardness of a breakup.)
- Swingin' (Live)-Kenny Burrell with Art Blakey (A great, cookin' take on a Clifford Brown number. There should have been more applause at the end of it!)
- Salt Peanuts-Dizzy Gillespie (Absolute precision between instruments and the vocalist is needed to pull off this melody. With all-star trumpeter Gillespie at the helm of an excellent band, though, the listener shouldn't worry.)
- You're Not The Only One I Know-The Sundays (The album from which this originates, "Reading, Writing, And Arithmetic," was among my most-listened-to ones in college. I still haven't heard a voice with a touch that's as light and ethereal as Harriet Wheeler's. Also recommended: "Here's Where The Story Ends.")
- Love's Theme-Love Unlimited Orchestra (An approximately 40-year-old memory: My parents, brother, and I were waiting for friends of the family to arrive. My dad put this tune on the stereo as I sat on the family room sofa, watching the lava flow in the lava lamp on the piano. I thought then and still think now that this is one of the most appealing instrumental hits ever recorded. Decades later, the song's of-its-time instrumentation and joyous vibe hold up.)
- Something's Coming-The Waifs (The "something" is intentionally vague, but with a voice and a guitar that are this endearing, you have to hope it's positive. This tune and the one listed below were highlights of this morning's "Songs To Hang On Stars" program.)
- Fishing In The Morning-Dar Williams (Williams captures the beauty of everyday moments that are often taken for granted. Also recommended: "I Saw A Bird Fly Away.")
- Mornin'-George Benson & Al Jarreau (Benson shines on guitar, and Jarreau shines on background vocals in this cover of one of Jarreau's best tunes.)
