'40s Junction
- It's A Long Way To Tipperary-Artie Shaw (I've heard mostly somber versions of this, so it's interesting to hear it in a raucous, joint-is-jumpin' arrangement.)
- It's Too Late-Carole King (Some of the most realistic lyrics about a relationship's end, played and sung with King's customary sincerity.)
- I'm Getting Ready-Michael Kiwanuka (Effective vocals and lyrics about seeing a commitment through.)
- Do I Do-Stevie Wonder (The single version still captures the tune's infectious joy, but it's best to hear the full album version with Dizzy Gillespie.)
- Dedicated To You-Regina Carter (Elegant, sublime violin, piano, and bass.)
- Easier Said-Sunflower Bean (How Blondie might have sounded as an indie power pop band; subtle soprano vocals drift over a whirling instrumental backdrop. In the lyrics, the protagonist weighs the positive and negative consequences of choosing a new direction.)
- I Heard It Through The Grapevine-Gladys Knight & The Pips (Knight sings this in the style of Aretha Franklin's "Respect," and it works.)
- Frederic Chopin: 24 Preludes, Op. 28 (Vanessa Perez, piano) (Engaging, lyrical playing. If you hardly ever listen to Classical music, these preludes are a good starting point. Chances are, you've probably heard at least a few of them before.)
- Maurice Ravel: Bolero (Lyon National Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin, conductor) (One of the best pieces ever composed, played at a perfect tempo and structured so it builds on itself extremely well.)
- Friends-Bobby McFerrin (Considering how immediately accessible this is, lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally, I wonder why I don't hear it more often on smooth jazz stations.)
