New band or homage band?

Here's a quandary I still haven't solved.  A band goes out on the road.  None of the original members are with the group.  The group's current members were all born decades after the band was formed.  The group's hits don't sound exactly the same via these voices, but the group still honors the band's history by sticking largely to the hits that made the original incarnation famous.  Should they tour and/or record under the same band name or call themselves a tribute band?

I feel like I'm back in my college philosophy class, and the teacher is asking, "Suppose I put new handlebars, brakes, and a chain on my bike.  Is it still the same bike?"

Persistent earworm alert CXC

There are a lot of ways to convey musically that you're thinking of someone.  Al Stewart's "Song On The Radio" is one of the best ways, in my opinion.  Lyrically, it's direct yet tactful, declarative without being obnoxious, and perceptive about the person to whom it's directed.

I've been thinking of the song since this afternoon, and it has yet to wear out its welcome with me.

In memory of music aficionado Pat

This morning, I started wondering whatever happened to someone I knew from college.  Pat was in my philosophy class and was an avid music listener.  He'd recommended the ominous Michael Hedges guitar piece, "Because It's There," to me, which is still a favorite and, in my opinion, would make great theme music for a drama about paranormal activity.  He was also the first person I knew who appreciated the vocals and dazzling guitar pyrotechnics of Eric Johnson.  As bassists--I played the acoustic bass, and he played electric bass--we both appreciated Stanley Clarke's "School Days" and "Journey To Love" albums.  During my first two years of college, we talked frequently about our favorite music.  He'd also been on the air at KCOU a year before I was and gave me a rough idea of what to expect before I worked there.  He left college after two years, so we didn't talk often after that.

I wondered if he was playing in a band, as he'd done in high school, or was employed elsewhere in the music world.  I don't know if that was the case, however, because what I found online was his obituary.  To my dismay, he'd passed away in 2016.  To make matters worse, he'd left a fiancee behind when he died.  Here's hoping in the next life that his wife-to-be and he have the reunion--and union--they were meant to have.  I also hope that he's enjoying all the music he wants to hear--and saying, "Ooh...Ooh...Yeah," separately--or together, if he wants.

As if our current pandemic hadn't driven this home already, we don't always have as much time to connect and reunite with people as we think we have.

A future in clay bells?

You're a high school student who doesn't feel much like playing your instrument during a lesson.  How do you minimize the amount of time you have to play any music that day?  You could try the approach a student took with me during college.  At the start of the bass lesson, he told me he had a dilemma.  He said he knew someone who could teach him to make clay bells for a living and that he was considering not going past high school and just making clay bells for the rest of his life.

I told him his story sounded awfully far-fetched, but if it was true, it was too risky to just push school aside and concentrate only on one limited skill for the rest of his life.  He'd play the bass for a little while but then would circle back to his supposed dilemma.  I told him he'd be well-advised to continue in school and make clay bells for a hobby or as a side job.

Technically, I don't know that the clay bells job offer was a fabrication.  Realistically, however...

To his credit, he didn't bring up the clay bells scenario at any other lesson.

You know your workplace is eccentric when...

...a co-worker dances past, singing the jingle, "Ma'am, have you tried Old El Paso brand tacos?"  No one bats an eye or asks, "What?!"  It's just considered part of the workplace ambience.

I worked at a place where this happened.  I still think it was a good, quirky morale booster.

Dignified listening?

In a previous post, I commended listeners on YouTube for opening themselves up to music they hadn't heard before. 

One thing I'm glad I haven't seen so far: I have yet to see anyone whose unfamiliarity with a band strains credibility.  So far, I haven't seen anyone say, "Today, we're going to sample a track from a group called The Be-AT-les; I guess that's how it's pronounced.  Pardon me, I suppose it's pronounced, 'The BEAT-els.  That makes more sense.  Not having heard their music before, I don't have much to go on.  I'm guessing, though, with that pun on a bug's name, they must have been a novelty act.  The title of their song, 'Nowhere Man,' sounds awfully negative, but I'll reserve judgment until I've heard it.  Or, is it even a song?  Maybe it's a monologue about a man who lives a downtrodden existence and has no hope.  I guess I'll find out..."

Persistent earworm alert CLXXXIX

For several hours, one lyric from The Guess Who's "Laughing" has been on my mind.  I keep hearing Burton Cummings singing/screaming, "The best years have come and gone!"

That's not the most optimistic perspective to have on Memorial Day, especially during a pandemic.

FM dial scan highlights CXXIX

Standout selections heard today:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• In A Silent Way/It's About That Time-Miles Davis (This side of the album, "In A Silent Way," begins and ends on a celestial note.  I felt like I was listening to the soundtrack of a journey through the cosmos.  The generosity Davis allowed his rhythm section impressed me. When he comes in on trumpet, there's no doubt who's driving the melody; however, he allows his rhythm players ample room to create an atmosphere.  I listened to this album side in its entirety over dinner, with my cat, Collette, curled up at my feet.  An intense thunderstorm rattled her, so my reassurances that things would settle down, set to Davis and company's celestial soundscape, helped soothe her.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Soul Finger-The Bar-Kays (With a hipper set of influences, this is how "London Bridge" might have turned out.  How could anyone not like the uninhibited brass and guitar on this track?)

KCLC 89.1 FM 

• Love You For A Long Time-Maggie Rogers (Rogers makes familiar-sounding sentiments sound fresh here.  There's an appealing driving groove in her vocals and the guitar.)
• One Love-Bob Marley & The Wailers (A timely appeal for unity, appropriate for this pandemic.  Even people who don't think they've ever heard a reggae song have probably heard this at some point.)

KWMU 90.7 FM

• I'm Vibing You-Thomas Marriott (There's impressive synergy among the trumpet, piano, and bass in this uptempo number.)

Dignified listening

Over the last two days, I've been watching people on YouTube react to songs they're hearing for the first time.  I commend those reviewers for their willingness to react substantively to music they've never heard before, especially when the songs are well-known but are brand new to them.

I also admire, though, that they're willing to commit themselves to video, shaking their heads and pretending to play instruments in time to the music.  When listening to music, there's the risk of veering into or past "Ooh...Ooh...Yeah" territory.

I'm glad I haven't seen anyone do anything really mortifying in that respect so far.

Persistent earworm alert CLXXXVIII

I can't be the only person who thinks of The Tarney/Spencer Band's "No Time To Lose" during relatively trivial moments.  That song will play in my mind while I'm thinking, "I've got to get to the grocery store before it closes."  I'll still be thinking of it while I'm driving, parking, and shopping.  Then, after I've gotten groceries, it'll occur to me, "What were the stakes here, exactly?  If I hadn't gotten to the store in time, I still would have had food and beverages."

Although "No Time To Lose" is one of the better album rock tracks, my subconscious music player should save it for when I'm in an ambulance.

Context? LXXVII

It's easy to think that you can't go too far in protecting yourself during a pandemic.  Apparently, you can, however.

"Don't wash your books," a radio talk show host laughed in jest today, echoing the sentiments of a library representative.

Admittedly, scrubbing books clean, page by page, isn't practical--or advisable.

Context? LXXVI

How should a radio newscaster handle it when (s)he cues up a recorded interview but it doesn't play?  One option is to apologize for the technical glitch and go on to the next story.  Another alternative is to say, "For some reason, that interview won't play.  We'll come back to it later."  There's another option, however, that I'd never heard someone use until today.  After five seconds of silence, she said, "Just waiting..."  Then, when the audio clip still didn't play, she moved on to the next story.

Although it's unusual, that's as valid an option as the other two.

SiriusXM highlights CXVIII

Standout tunes heard tonight:

'40s Junction

• Bali Ha'i-Peggy Lee (Seductively sung escapist vocals, ideal for a pandemic.)

'50s On 5

• Sea Of Love-Phil Phillips (Today, most listeners are probably more familiar with the remake by The Honeydrippers.  Check out this original version, which was a deservedly huge hit in 1959.  The sincere vocals and tasteful piano accompaniment exemplify some of the best aspects of late '50s pop music.)

'60s On 6

• Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye-The Casinos (This 1967 hit has a definite late '50s pop sensibility; it would segue smoothly with "Sea Of Love" by Phil Phillips.) 

Bluesville

• Killing Floor-Howlin' Wolf (A perfect blend of grit and resolve in the vocals, paired with one of the most infectious blues guitar riffs; if I were programming a noncommercial radio station, I'd segue this with Fleetwood Mac's "Long Grey Mare."  The tunes share a very similar guitar and bass rhythm.)

Outlaw Country

• House On A Hill-Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles (Powerful vocals and no-holds-barred guitar; it's rock with just enough of a country tinge.  Also recommended: "Me And Your Ghost" and the strong cover of Smokey Robinson's "Being With You.") 

Real Jazz

• We Here-Joey Alexander (Warm interplay between Alexander's piano playing and Anne Drummond's free-as-a-bird flute stylings; this is one of 2020's strongest jazz tracks so far.)

The Spectrum

• Beautiful-Carole King (King's lyrics here remind me of the expression, "You get what you give."  That applies to a person's attitude, although we don't always want to hear that.)

Studio 54 Radio

• Bad Luck-Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (Misfortune is rarely this tuneful.)

A phone-replicating fiddler

I praised saxophonist Ben Webster previously for playing with a great tone.  I've since discovered an equivalent of that excellent tone.  While listening to Natalie MacMaster's "No Boundaries" CD, I could have sworn several times that the phone was ringing.  It wasn't.  The ringing tone came from MacMaster's violin.  You can't ask for a better tone than that.

Context? LXXV

The radio weather forecaster I heard tonight said that "showers aren't out of the question."

Is that a 20% or a 30% chance of showers, then?

Non-generic closed captioning

It irks me a little when closed captioning just says, "Classical music playing," during a TV show.  I always think, "All Classical music isn't the same.  Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' isn't the same as Victor Herbert's 'March Of The Toys.'  Identify the composer and the piece!  That'll give more people who don't listen to much Classical music a chance to seek out a piece and buy a recording of it.  While you're at it, identify the orchestra and the conductor, as well.  Tempos and stylistic interpretations vary widely sometimes, so someone who wants to hear to that exact version of the piece should be able to purchase it."

The arts always need and deserve our support, especially during a pandemic.  Identifying any piece of music playing in closed captioning couldn't hurt.

A reasonably expanded jingle

You might have seen the commercial in which a trio of vocalists sings the Liberty Mutual jingle.  After they sing it, one of the singers adds a vocal flourish at the end, provoking irritated looks from the other two singers.

Whenever I see that commercial, I think, "Give that singer some slack.  He embellished the jingle in the best possible way--briefly and with notes that complement the jingle's melody."

That's not too much to ask.

"Next!"

Years ago, I heard someone auditioning on the air for a talk show.  I remember the potential host's exchange with the show's producer going like this:

HOST: I know many of you are used to hearing (name of regular host, mispronounced) in this time slot.
PRODUCER: (corrects the host's pronunciation)
HOST: Oh, really?  Is he the son of (longtime former talk show host on the station)? (Upon finding out he's a former host's son): Well, I'll be darned.

I remember gritting my teeth when I heard that and thinking, "It's a shame he didn't do that research before the show.  I'll be shocked if he gets the gig."

Sure enough, management hired someone else.

KCOU playlist flashback: 6-9 a.m., 5/13/93

The songs I chose for my air shift on this day 27 years ago:

   1.  Both Sides Now-Heavens To Murgatroid
(The famous song you've likely heard in its Joni Mitchell or Judy Collins incarnations; this band speeds up the tempo considerably, gives the tune some punch, and it works.)
   2.  So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star-Patti Smith Group
(Most listeners are more familiar with the faster version by The Byrds.  It's interesting to hear the tune with a slower, heavier feel.)
   3.  Tainted Love-Room Full Of Walters
---
   4.  Harbour Shark-The Wailing Souls
(Warm backing vocals enhance this should-be-better-known reggae tune.)
   5.  Blue Yes-Chucho Valdes
(A standout stride piano pyrotechnics track from the "Solo Piano" CD; I was reminded of Fats Waller as I listened.  "Solo Piano" was the last CD I reviewed as KCOU's jazz director, and it's still one of the best releases I had the pleasure of adding to the station's library...)
   6.  Early Morning Blues-Nat King Cole
(...and it segued well with this percolating piano-anchored instrumental.)
----
   7.  Line Song-Shrimp Boat
   8.  It's Not Unusual-New Duncan Imperials
(This lives up to the joy of the Tom Jones version...)
   9.  12 Bar Blues-NRBQ
(...and once you've played it, your next song can only back off on the tempo so much.  I could have segued this easily with "Rockin' At Midnight" by The Honeydrippers...)
 10.  Stack O' Lee-Mississippi John Hurt
(...but I'm glad I chose a more authentic blues tune instead.)
 11.  My Old Friend The Blues-The Proclaimers
(The vocals live up to the promise the guitar sets sensitively in the intro.)
---
 12.  Long Time-Manifesto
 13.  Coconut Shack-One Groovy Coconut
 14.  Go Ahead-My Cousin Kenny
 15.  Pick Up The Pieces-BoDeans
(A great undercurrent of drums for a tune that's catchier than I remembered.)
 16.  Skipping School-Chris Mars
---
 17.  Back In The Woods-Southern Culture On The Skids
 18.  You Cruel Thing-The Starkweathers
 19.  Wave That Flag-Brian Henneman
 20.  Four Days Of Rain-The Flying Burrito Brothers
(Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" wound sound right before this.)
 21.  Union Man-Neil Young
---
 22.  The Lemon-Lime Forest-The Sun Sawed In 1/2
(Bouncy power pop from St. Louis; I segued this current-at-the-time tune...)
 23.  Hippity Hop-The Sun Sawed In 1/2
(...with one of my favorite early tunes of theirs.)
 24.  Happy Holidays-Small Town No Airport
(The feel of the song is compatible with "Hippity Hop.")
 25.  Red Drum-Susan Voelz
 26.  War-Chris Thomas
---
 27.  Stumble-R.E.M.
(Well-structured, catchy, and underplayed today.)
 28.  Roll Away The Stone-Eggs
 29.  Stones Of A Wall-Marginal Man
---
 30.  Thermal Treasure-Polvo
 31.  All Over You-Rick Derringer And The McCoys
 32.  Hold Me Down-Dillon Fence
---
 33.  Frankenstein-Bazooka
(A cover of the Edgar Winter Group instrumental, with the saxophone, instead of the guitar, carrying the melody.)      
 34.  Forever Amo'r-D'Zyre
 35.  Please Don't Run From Me-George Clinton
 36.  Gentle Wind-Roy Hargrove
---
 37.  Weekend In L.A.-The Toasters
(When you open a set with a tune this brassy...)
 38.  All Fall Down-Missing Persons
(...you need to segue it with a relatively energetic tune.  From the vocals to the synthesized backdrop, this is 1984.)
 39.  Hooray-El Magnifico
 40.  (Today Is) Blackie's Birthday-Urge Overkill
---
 41.  Magnet And Steel-Walter Egan
(As you may have gleaned from the playlists I've posted, or even just this one, it was unusual to play a 1978 soft rock hit on KCOU.  I was surprised to see that the station had Egan in its LP library, so I thought, "Why not?"  I've forgotten who did the shift after mine that day, but I wonder if that DJ segued out of "Magnet And Steel" with an equally unexpected, compatible tune.  Most likely, though, that DJ played a station ID breaker and segued it with some indie rock.  And, why not?)

--- indicates a station break between songs.

A salute to hubris?

Is it tongue-in-cheek confidence or arrogance that the subject of Peter Gabriel's "Big Time" displays?  After hearing the tune again tonight, I think it's still infectiously appealing.  It's still just as ear-catching today, even if the person about whom Gabriel sings truly believes he'll walk right through the front door of Heaven.

Persistent earworm alert CLXXXVII

On Saturday, after reading and watching a lot of depressing news about Covid-19 sufferers, I thought, "What music is far removed from the grim reality of this pandemic?"  The first song I thought of was Percy Faith's "Go-Go-Po-Go," which was originally the flip side of "Theme From A Summer Place."

Let Faith and his orchestra make you smile with their carefree, energetic easy listening instrumental from 1959.  I've been thinking about it since Saturday night, and it has rarely left my mind since then.

A linguistic irritant XXI

Although it isn't my favorite genre of music, it should still be labeled correctly.  It's country music, not country and western.  Listeners know which genre you're referring to when you mention Johnny Cash, for instance, so "western" isn't necessary.  Furthermore, I don't hear anyone refer to Classical music as Classical and European or Classical and American music.

Thus, country music is the proper term.

Justified venting

You'd think this would be elementary, but if you're being interviewed, don't antagonize the questioners for no reason.  One of the most contentious radio interviews I ever heard was on a classic rock station in the early '90s.  Two co-hosts were interviewing a photographer of famous musicians; he'd written a book but didn't sound overly eager to promote it.

The author set the tone by saying, "I didn't even know we were going to be doing the interview."  His tone was cavalier, and he made it all the more pretentious by slipping in and out of an English accent.

His disdain for the interviewers was also apparent.  Affecting a stereotypical top 40 DJ voice, he said, "I don't know what it is that makes me think all you guys sound alike."

"I don't know what it is that makes us think all authors look alike," one of the DJs fired back.

After the interview, the DJs blew off steam.

Responding to the author not knowing he was scheduled for an interview, one DJ said sarcastically, "Oh, we just got your name out of the phone book!"  He also mocked the fake English accent, while the other DJ mentioned how obnoxious the author had been.  One of the DJs concluded the segment, saying that a book "you will not want to buy is..."

I'd never heard a DJ pan an author's work on the air after an interview, but under the circumstances, I couldn't blame him.

Context? LXXIV

An on-air exchange between two radio show hosts heard during an early week of the pandemic:

Host #1: Do you find you're telling more people to be safe?
Host #2: No, I just tell them to listen to my show.

So far, I've fallen somewhere between those extremes.  I don't usually initiate a "Be safe" wish, but when someone has wished me that lately, I've replied, "You, too."  Knowing myself, I'll probably stick with that routine.  If I had a radio show, however, I might not completely rule out Host #2's approach.

FM dial scan highlights CXXVIII

Five standout selections heard today:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• In My Heart-Barbara And The Browns (An angst-driven, emotive R&B single from 1964 that should have been a hit.)
• Frida K. The Beautiful-Triptypch Myth (Effectively conveyed sorrow from the piano, drums, and bass.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Let The Stars Shine-Swing Out Sister (One of the group's strongest, best-arranged tunes.  The vocals mesh effectively with the '60s-style lounge backing.) 
• Feelin' Good-Stanley Turrentine (Turrentine's saxophone sets the tone in this hip walking melody.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. KNOU-HD2 

• Ottorino Respighi: Pines Of Rome: IV. The Pines Of The Appian Way (Chicago Symphony/Riccardo Muti, conductor) (Brassy and showy in the best ways; this movement is fit for a prolonged, satisfying march to victory; it was great to hear the audience reward this performance with such appreciative applause.)

Persistent earworm alert CLXXXVI

When news of the Covid-19 pandemic is so depressing every day, how do you zone out and try to forget about it?  You might try the Men Without Hats hit, "Pop Goes The World."  The tune's whimsical, intentionally childish feel might make you smile and forget the news--for about four minutes, at least.

An overlooked cover tune LXI

"Rhythm Of The Rain," a 1963 oldie by The Cascades, ran through my mind as the rain started to fall softly tonight.  I also thought of Dan Fogelberg's cover version, with its slower tempo and reverence for the original version. 

As the rain grew more intense and hail pelted the roof, however, the delicacy of those versions no longer sounded appropriate.  Instead, I turned to Grimetime's heavy metal cover.  The lead vocalist still conveys the sorrow of being dumped, but at a much faster tempo, with wailing guitars punctuating the angst.

Who says wallowing can't be done to thrashing guitars and a furious rhythm?

KCOU playlist flashback: 2-6 a.m., 5/4/93

These were four of the most satisfying hours I ever programmed outside of a specialty show for KCOU.  I knew I'd be graduating from college in a week and a half and wouldn't have many more opportunities to be on the air there.  I rose to the occasion by programming a diverse array of artists I thought the listeners and I wanted to hear.  Here was the playlist from this day 27 years ago:

   1.  Since The Other Day-Gregory Isaacs
(This is still one of my favorite reggae songs; despite losing someone close to him, the protagonist is clearly sad but falls short of being overwrought.)
   2.  One Eye Open-Nicky Skopelitis
   3.  Variations On Love Theme-Ravi Shankar
(Admittedly, my previous air shifts had been unintentionally light on sitar music.)
   4.  40-Ton Parachute-Davey Graham
(One of my favorite fingerstyle guitar melodies; if this doesn't make you want to skip down the lane or grab a guitar and play along, I don't know what would.)
   5.  They Don't Call Them Chihuahuas Anymore-Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet
(A guitar instrumental suitable for underscoring a stakeout or chase scene.)
---
   6.  Water In A Cup-Miranda Warning
   7.  I Play The Drums-The Del-Lords
(Yes, reaching for the drums instead of a gun is advisable.  Neo-rockabilly meets neo-punk?)
   8.  I Choose To Sing The Blues-Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
   9.  Doodlin'-Ray Charles
(An excellent piano-anchored cover of the Horace Silver tune.)
---
 10.  Close Your Eyes-Peter Holsapple & Chris Stamey
 11.  If I Had A Hammer-American Music Club
(Disclaimer: This is a not a cover of the famous folk song.)
 12.  He's Dead-The Nightblooms
(Despite its title, this is a quiet acoustic number, with soft, sensitive vocals from Esther Sprikkelman.)
---
 13.  One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer-Alexis Korner & Snape
(Not my cup of tea, but a lot of listeners know this song in this or one of its many incarnations.)
 14.  It Doesn't Matter-Blue Meanies
 15.  Learnin' The Hard Way-The Starkweathers
---
 16.  Tonite-The Go-Gos
 17.  Take Another Picture-Quarterflash
 18.  Blank-Monsterland
---
 19.  Love Letter Boxes-The Posies
 20.  Up All Night-The Records
(An obvious pick for an overnight radio shift, but that doesn't mean I was wrong to play it.)
 21.  Driving Aloud (Radio Storm)-Robyn Hitchcock & The Egyptians
(This tune's strong, definitive ending...)
 22.  The Mayor Of Simpleton-XTC
(...teed up one of my favorite songs of all time.  This is one of XTC's strongest tracks, with powerful, confident vocals and percussion that makes you want to drum along on the dashboard.  Lyrically, the tune reminds me of Sam Cooke's "(What A) Wonderful World."  In each song, the protagonist claims not to know much; it's obvious, however, that both protagonists are smarter than they claim to be.  As much as I love music, I'm parsimonious about giving songs A grades.  "The Mayor Of Simpleton," in my view, deserves an A.)
---
 23.  Let The Music Play-Pet Shop Boys with Carroll Thompson
(A cover of the commanding, getting-who-you-seek tune; the original version by Shannon used to be played frequently on KMJM.)
 24.  Waltzing Back-The Cranberries (*)
(Thank you, listener who requested this...)
 25.  Alison-Elvis Costello & The Attractions (*)
(...and other listener who requested this.  The haunting final note of "Waltzing Back" dovetails perfectly with Costello's "Alison.")
---
 26.  There's No Business Like Show Business-"Annie Get Your Gun" cast
(I discovered this soundtrack by accident in KCOU's library and was surprised to see we had it.  I still wonder if the DJ/listener at the station who would have appreciated it most heard me play it that morning.  Even if she didn't, she probably played it on-air herself.  While it was playing, it occurred to me...)
 27.  Arise And Shine-Vanessa Rubin
(...that if I was going to play a tune with such an "on with the show" outlook, I needed to follow it with something upbeat and regal.  Hence, Rubin's decree to get up...)
 28. & 29.  Carpe Diem-Maurice Jarre mixed with J.R.R. Tolkien reading from The Adventures Of Tom Bombadil   
(At the time, I remember listening to Tolkien in cue off the air and thinking, "How would this sound with subtle musical underscoring?"  I took a chance on-air by blending these two somewhat disparate tracks together, and it worked pretty well.)
---
 30.  Heavy Metal Tears-The Pursuit Of Happiness
(At the time, I thought this was one of the most immediately accessible sing-along melodies at KCOU.  Listening to it now, its tuneful power pop sheen still appeals to me.)
 31.  You Know Nothing-Swans
 32.  River Of Love-Vigilantes Of Love
(The conviction of the guitar and vocals are evenly matched.  Also recommended:"You Know That (Is Nothing New)" and "Stand Beside Me.")
 33.  Pleasin' Each Other-Bonnie Raitt
(After reading a book that reviewed each of Raitt's albums favorably, I was slightly amused that the author seemed to think every album of hers was one of her all-time best.  In retrospect, he wasn't wrong.  Raitt's vocals have been remarkably consistent throughout her entire career.)
---
 34.  Blood On The Dagger-Chris Thomas
 35.  Jesus Gonna Make Up My Dying Bed-Joshua White
 36.  I Hear You Knockin'-Swinging Steaks
---
 37.  Love Is All Gone-Dog Society
(This song about growing older and more cynical still makes me smile.  "I just wanted to grow up and be something," indeed.  I wonder if anyone has ever played this at a class reunion.)
 38.  Window Pane-The Real People
(When I was in the mood for a power pop segue, The Real People's "Window Pane" and "The Truth" were two safe choices.)
 39.  Missed-PJ Harvey
---
 40.  Sweet Home Chicago-Robert Johnson (*)
(Kudos to the listener who had the good taste to request this blues standard in the middle of the night...)
 41.  Rosetta-Kermit Ruffins
(A joyous steeplechase of a melody, with heartfelt vocals, trumpet, and rhythm section.  If you prefer jazz with a conspicuous New Orleans feel, this is for you.)
 42.  What It Is-The Impressions
 43.  The Gun And The Bible-Negativland
 44.  Dusted-Belly
---
 45.  (Living A) Daydream-Madder Rose
(When I think of 1993's indie music scene, these guitar and vocal stylings come to mind, by default.  This track's energy segues well into...)
 46.  Run Run Run-Three Colours
(...this track.)
 47.  Some Fun-Raindogs
 48.  One Tongue-Hothouse Flowers
---
 49.  Cubano Chant-Billy Taylor
(A great, forceful piano rendering of a Ray Bryant tune.)
 50.  WindWalker-Tim Crawford & Paul Stavenjord
---
 51.  I Knew That-The Devlins
 52.  One Bad Habit-Dillon Fence
 53.  Imagination-HanSoul
 54.  7/14-The Fluid
---
 55.  Girl In A Jigsaw Puzzle-Katydids
 56.  Downtown Train-Everything But The Girl
(As "How I Met Your Mother" showed, this is perfect underscoring for meeting the person you'll marry.)
 57.  Angels Of Stone-John & Mary
---
 58.  It's A Sunshine Day-The Brady Bunch
(Yes, I take myself seriously--but not all the time.  Why not wrap up four hours of music on a positive note?)
---

(*) indicates a listener's request.
--- indicates a station break between songs.

A hopeful cadence for a turbulent time

As I watched a priest's sermon online this morning, I thought, "This is comforting--not just the content but the cadence.  Who does this remind me of?"

The priest's speaking style reminded me of folk musician Pete Seeger.  During a pandemic, it's encouraging to be reminded of Seeger's hopeful outlook.

Persistent earworm alert CLXXXV

I made a risky move at the grocery store this morning.  To get to the produce section, I had to get past another shopper.  This required me to be within approximately five-and-a-half feet, rather than six, of someone else for all of two seconds.  As I selected some blueberries and bananas, Bob Dorough's "Devil May Care" ran through my mind and has been there ever since.

It's interesting what passes for rebellious behavior during a pandemic.

Not even trying

A memory from the '90s: I saw what was obviously a bootlegged CD by Jewel at a record store.  The photo of her looked weirdly grafted onto the back cover, there was no sign of a major record label anywhere on the CD, and there was one other obvious giveaway...

...Jewel's "Who Will Save Your Soul" was listed on the back cover as "Who Is Going To Save Your Soul."

"As if this person's pirating efforts weren't blatant enough," I thought.  "He or she couldn't even get the title of Jewel's big hit song right."  I half-expected to see "Transparent Ripoff Records, Ltd." as the name of the CD's record label.