Adult Alternative
- Light On-Maggie Rogers (The energetic, accessible hook sounds familiar but doesn't wear out its welcome. I wish more pop music sounded like this.)
- Domenico Scarlatti: Four Sonatas For Harpsichord-K.239/K.45/K.491/K.17 (Sergei Babayan, piano) (Babayan's technical precision shines in these four sonatas, underscoring the definitions of allegro and presto. To my ears, one of the D major sonatas, K.491, has the most inviting nimble melody. Babayan transitions impressively between Scarlatti's major and minor melodies in one of the F major sonatas, K.17.)
- This Masquerade-George Benson (For many listeners, Benson's first pop hit is the definitive version of this Leon Russell song. That's true for me, as I've always thought Benson's melancholy vocals capture the tune's spirit perfectly.)
- My Eliza/Rawlins' Return/Old Friends/Lt. McGuire's-Rawlins Cross (This Canadian Celtic band's strong instrumental medley starts off with a plaintive tune that brings a gorgeous countryside to mind. The contemplative mandolin-underpinned melody gives way to a jaunty tune. Then, the bagpipes and guitar come in, to end on a Celtic rock note.)
- Waltz For Wheeler-Kenny Barron & Dave Holland (Quiet, elegant piano and bass.)
- Carousel-Ira Stein (The violin gives Stein's piano-anchored rendering of a moving carousel an appealing Classical underpinning.)
- Separated By September-Leah Graham (Airy production values let this thoughtful piano piece breathe.)
