KCR (San Diego, CA)
- Strawberry Fields Forever-La Santa Cecilia (I can't imagine anyone topping the original Beatles version, but this strong cover features emotive vocals and accordion accompaniment.)
- Remember This-Partner (I had a flashback to the '90s--more specifically, the vocals and guitar of Veruca Salt, as I listened.)
- 24K Magic-Greg Murphy Trio (Murphy leads the rhythm section on piano in a selection from his new release, "Bright Idea," due out Friday. These rhythm players cook on this track and the title track. Also recommended: Murphy's cover of the Seals & Crofts hit, "Summer Breeze.")
- You Needed Love, I Needed You-Angelo de Augustine (There's a thoughtful delicacy in the lyrics and guitar on this new release. A modern Nick Drake?)
- For Now-Blue Sails (A compelling midpoint between alt rock and techno in the vocals and instrumentation.)
- Come Go With Me-Pockets (This 1977 Earth, Wind & Fire-inspired groove must spark a lot of listeners to move or at least feel glad to be alive. Face To Face's "10-9-8" would sound great before it.)
