KBXR (Columbia, MO)
- Leave It Alone-Amanda Shires ("When You're Gone" is my go-to Shires track, so the more processed sound on her voice and the techno backing on this new track took a little time to warm up to. After just one listen, however, I wanted to hear it again.)
- Lash Out-Alice Merton (A cathartic track from Merton's EP, released in April. If you usually hold your tongue and let your anger well up inside, you might feel like this. Merton's forthright vocals mesh well with the bubbling undercurrent of bass that would have fit in on either of Joe Jackson's 1979 albums.)
- Veronica-Elvis Costello (One of Costello's best, most immediately accessible, sing-along efforts.)
- Magnolia Special-Jambalaya Brass Band (An infectious minor key rhythm that simmers and stews; I'd be curious to hear The Dirty Dozen Brass Band play this.)
- Quiereme Mucho-Linda Ronstadt (If you haven't heard this much-covered tune, Ronstadt's beautifully sung Spanish should draw you right in.)
- Ti Mon Bo-Tito Puente (If I were still a student, I wouldn't rule out having this hypnotic percussion in the background while I studied.)
- Days Of Wine And Roses-Earl Klugh Trio (A fine cover version, with bass, drums, and Klugh's guitar turning this into a jaunty stroll.)
- What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life? (Monterey Jazz Festival recording)-Stan Getz with The Woody Herman Orchestra (Equally compelling saxophone in quiet, lyrical moments and brisk passages.)
