KALX (Berkeley, CA)
- The Emancipation Procrastination-Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (Imagine a more expansive, experimental version of Herb Alpert's "Rise," in which the trumpeter and other instrumentalists journey off on various whims.)
- Bedroom Eyes-The Dum Dum Girls (This power pop tune has a solid hook with a hint of Belinda Carlisle in the vocals, blended with driving guitar and drums. "Turn To You" by The Go-Gos would sound compatible after it.)
- Move-Miles Davis (This leadoff track from the landmark "Birth Of The Cool" album lets the listener hear Davis playing in a fast big band style. Compared to his later work, this sounds relatively traditional. Another Davis gem from 1949: "Godchild.")
- Sunday Nostalgia-Shamie Royston (Warm, endearing piano-anchored jazz fit for a rainy day or any other time of unhurried contemplation. Royston's version of the Bill Withers tune, "Lovely Day," is another highlight of her new release, "Beautiful Liar.")
- (If You Were) In My Movie-Suzanne Vega (Vega's voice fits the delivery of her artfully suggestive lyrics perfectly.)
- Iowa-Dar Williams (Williams sings movingly about someone whose emotional courage ranks around the J. Alfred Prufrock level. For additional gravity in the vocals, seek out the version featuring Sara & Sean Watkins, Motherlode & Mary Chapin Carpenter.)
- If I Had A Boat-Lyle Lovett (One of Lovett's best melodies and best-structured tunes. I've always liked the way these lyrics build on each other)
- The Devil's Paintbrush Road-The Wailin' Jennys (This catchy, sobering number lays out the pitfalls of being a lone wolf.)
