1st Wave
- The Ghost In You-The Psychedelic Furs (It's an odd trick that memories sometimes play--comforting and torturing you all at once. I'm sure this is the essence of how a lot of college radio stations sounded in 1984.)
- I Confess-The English Beat ("Save It For Later" is still my favorite track by this band, but the intermingling of vocals, keyboard, and trumpet, seemingly inspired by David Byrne, secures a close second place for me. Lyrically, I admire how the antagonist realizes he's no saint.)
- Summer Madness-Kool & The Gang (A laid-back, trance-inducing instrumental from 1974; chill guitar and keyboards sustain the mood for nearly 10 minutes.)
- Unapologetic-Katherine Penfold (Penfold's strong vocals shine in conjunction with a laid-back organ accompaniment that mimics falling rain. This throwback-sounding tune, released last month, would be equally at home on a smooth jazz or R&B playlist.)
- Diamond In The Rough (Acoustic Edition)-Shawn Colvin (Colvin's vocals and guitar shine in this new version. Colvin's "Steady On" has always been a first-rate example of singer-songwriter musicianship, so it's a treat to hear her rework the album 30 years after its original release. I also recommend the new and old versions of "Shotgun Down The Avalanche," "Ricochet In Time," and "Steady On.")
- El Hombre (Live)-Pat Martino (Cool, slinky guitar and organ.)
- Stella By Starlight-Erroll Garner (So many people have covered this standard, but Garner's interpretation is not only an inviting piano rendition but possible accompaniment for learning the cha-cha. Disagree? Then, you might like Tommy Dorsey's cha-cha rendition of "Tea For Two.")
- Long Weekend (See You On Tuesday!)-Bob Baldwin featuring Ragan Whiteside (A familiar yet fresh-sounding new uptempo groove for piano and flute.)
- City Of New Orleans-Willie Nelson (Upon hearing the title of this Steve Goodman song, most listeners probably think of Arlo Guthrie's rendition. I haven't heard Nelson's version nearly as often, but it deserves its due; Nelson's voice is a natural fit for this tale of a train ride.)
