A linguistic irritant XXVII

I've always found it silly for entertainers to introduce a cover song by saying that "it goes a little something like this..."  There's too much mock humility in that intro.  A former co-worker proved that when joking that he was going to regale all of us with a song, "and it goes exactly like this..."

KCOU playlist flashback: 9-11 a.m., 8/30/92

When I was asked to fill in for this shift, I thought, "Hmmm...Just two hours instead of the three or four hours that make up most other general air shifts.  I'd better make them count by choosing the most diverse array of music I can round up."  I was mostly pleased with the way these two hours turned out.  Here was my playlist:

   1.  Toast And Jelly-Poi Dog Pondering
(What better way to start a morning radio shift than with rousing Let's-get-up-and-have-breakfast lyrics...?)
   2.  When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around-The Police
(...On the other hand, let's not get too carried away with our optimism.)
   3.  Short Memories-Graham Parker
(The uplifting guitar provides an interesting counterpoint to these grim lyrics about the consequences of war.)
   4.  One Place-Everything But The Girl
(Tracey Thorn sings thoughtful musings about what it might be like to settle down in one locale instead of living a touring musician's city-to-city life.  This is still one of my favorite songs.)
   5.  What's The Matter Here?-10,000 Maniacs
(Thematically, these lyrics would have segued well with Graham Parker's "Short Memories."  Natalie Merchant has always had a knack for being the listener's conscience.)
   6.  Abraham, Martin, And John-Dion
(Lyrically, this oldie illustrates how one person can be a force for good and how such a hole is left when that person is no longer around.  If ever there were a time for this reminder...)
   7.  Blues For The Chosen Few-Roger Manning
(Just try getting the guitar part out of your mind once you hear this.  After playing the KCOU promo with Manning's voice in it, I thought, "Why not play the whole song for once?"  This is DIY indie folk, with just Manning's voice and a guitar.)
   8.  Trying-J.C. Hopkins
   9.  Kid Fears-Indigo Girls
 10.  Sanctuary-The Chills
 11.  Misery (Someone Is Winning)-Scrawl
 12.  Pearl-Throwing Muses
 13.  Stay-Cubic Feet
(An early '90s track with a synthesized 1984 feel.  I segued it on a mix CD once with Heaven 17's "Who'll Stop The Rain?")
 14.  Never-The Meanies
 15.  Got My Mojo Working (Parts 1&2)-Muddy Waters
 16.  Blues City Shake Down-John Mayall
(Cool wailing harmonica from 1965.)
 17.  Wake Up-The Meditations
(If I'd thought of this reggae track earlier, I might have eased listeners into my two on-air hours with it at 9 a.m.)
 18.  Ban The Car-Greenhouse
 19.  Absolute Zero-Dead, White & Blue
 20.  Nighttrain-Public Enemy
 21.  We Will Rock You-Grandmaster Flash
(A rap track that uses the Queen song as its springboard.)
 22.  Raise Your Hand-Eddie Floyd
(Like the feel of "Knock On Wood?"  This will likely appeal to you, as well.)
 23.  Mame-Louis Armstrong
(I hadn't sought this out but was surprised to see it in the recurrent 45s category.  At our first staff meeting of the school years, Roberta, the program director, reminded us all to consider the time of day when choosing our music; in other words, don't hit listeners over the head with pounding hard rock first thing in the morning.  She said she'd tuned in while I was playing this and liked that I'd chosen morning-appropriate songs such as this.)
 24.  Samba De Be-Bop-Phil Woods Quintet
(I thought this was a good way to add some spice to a listener's morning; this is the musical equivalent of cooking chili.  Woods takes on fast alto sax runs, and the rest of his ensemble helps the tune simmer.)
 25.  Manchester England-"Hair" soundtrack
(After watching the movie, this is almost certain to become one of many persistent earworms for most listeners.)
 26.  Werewolves Of London-Warren Zevon
(Admittedly, this is a forced segue between England and London, but who's hurt by it?)
 27.  Every Little Thing-T Bone Burnett
(Rhythmically, this would have made for a sobering segue after "Manchester England.")
 28.  Full Moon-Dalton Reed
 29.  Confide In Me-Spankin' Rufus

Persistent earworm alert CXCIX

What music best mimics a migraine?  The pulsating intro of the Genesis tune, "Back In N.Y.C.," has come to my mind.  Peter Gabriel's vocal entrance also sounds appropriate when turning on a light and realizing how sensitive your eyes are to it.  This has been my recurring reality today.

A linguistic irritant XXVI

It amuses me when someone uses the phrase, "ready to rock and roll," in a non-musical context.  It's especially silly in most work-related cases.  "Ready to rock and roll?" "No, I'm not about to break into an infectious guitar riff like I'm a member of The Ventures.  I'm just going to give the quarterly earnings report."

The mysterious muse

It's slightly disappointing to me when an artist who is asked what inspired certain lyrics says, "They just came to me."

That might be a perfectly honest answer.  None of us know for sure how the muse works every single time.  Still, when someone's lyrics are profound, I hope to hear an answer such as, "With all the unrest in (a particular part of the world), I started thinking...," "While on vacation years ago, I had a chance meeting with someone who made me look at (a particular issue) in a new light," or "There was a friend I had growing up who stopped me in my tracks with this astute observation about people."

Any variation of those answers is more satisfying than saying, in effect, "Beats me."

Still, if that's the honest answer...

FM dial scan highlights CXXXVI

Seven commendable selections heard today:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Fuzzy Logic-Ghost Funk Orchestra (This 2020 release contains instrumental passages fit for a spy thriller and appropriately distorted vocals.)
• This Life-Kendra Morris (I would have sworn this was an early '70s R&B track instead of a 2020 release.  In recent weeks, this has become one of my favorite songs of the year.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Stronger Now-Carol Albert (This piano piece would sound appropriate with lyrics of resolve sung over it but works at least as well without them.  An inspirational instrumental highlight of 2020.)
• Tell Me A Bedtime Story-Herbie Hancock (One of the warmest, most beguiling jazz melodies, thanks to Joe Henderson on flute and Hancock on keyboard.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• Terrible Things-April Smith and the Great Picture Show (Smith pairs a throwback variety show style with a more contemporary sensibility in the vocals and instrumental backing.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. KNOU-HD2

• Johannes Brahms: Serenade No. 1 in D major, Op.11: V. Scherzo (The Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam/Bernard Haitink, conductor)  (I've had great luck in catching this piece, and this movement specifically, many times on Classic 107.3.  I never tire of hearing this joyous, brassy movement, fit for the arrival of Spring.  Although I'm most accustomed to hearing the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's recording under the direction of Leonard Slatkin, the fanfare and exuberance of this version are equally compelling.)
• Mauro Giuliani: Concerto For Guitar And Strings (Melos Ensemble; Julian Bream, guitar) (I was sorry to learn of Bream's passing on August 14.  For decades, Bream has been my most frequent source for guitar and lute pieces.  In his long, distinguished career, he made both instruments convey sorrow and lightheartedness in equal measure.  This piece is one such example of his balance.  Also recommended: Bream's "The Woods So Wild" and "The Art Of Julian Bream" albums.)
  

Online radio sampler highlights CXII

Seven standout tunes heard today:

KAFM (Grand Junction, CO)

• Dill Pickle Rag-Chet Atkins & Doc Watson (A renowned guitar tackles this whirling instrumental, fit for an interlude on "A Prairie Home Companion.")
• Pray For Rain-The Devil Makes Three (An unusual blend of rock, country, and bluegrass, tilted most heavily toward the rock side, particularly in the vocals.  The host of "Bluegrass And Beyond" explained that the area is starved for rain, so songs wishing for rain would be a recurring feature of today's show.  I hope it helps.)
• Mountain Girl-Judy Collins (A lyrical reminder that we're all products of our environment.)

KCCK (Cedar Rapids, IA) 

• All Blues-Liquid Soul (The Miles Davis classic, sped up and reworked imaginatively as a funk instrumental.)
• So Simple A Beginning-Renee Rosnes (An expansive, reflective piece, with Rosnes on piano, and more than able accompaniment from vibes, bass, drums, and especially flute.)

KUVO (Denver, CO)

• Monopoly-Bud Powell (Exhibit A of why I need more piano melodies with a bounce in my collection.)

WRFN (Nashville, TN)

• How Hard-Kit Watts (Watts belts out commanding vocals, illustrating how difficult and unhealthy some relationships are.)

Grating but harmless stress relief

One semi-recent day, I was grocery shopping when Andy Gibb's "I Just Want To Be Your Everything" started playing in the store.  One worker, in a burst of nostalgia, began singing along--very off-key.

After putting things in context, this didn't bother me.  The pandemic by itself has made 2020 such a lousy year for the world.  If a grocery store worker who is putting her life on the line so people can buy necessities wants to sing out of tune, why not?  Anyone should be able to stand two or three minutes of off-key singing in a day.

The best way to amp up?

In a way, it's a shame that most jobs, aside from rock musicians in concerts, don't have one team member say to another, "Count me (or us) in," followed by an enthusiastic "1, 2, 3, 4!"

On the other hand, that would be an odd way to amp someone up for a mundane task, such as walking to a cabinet to retrieve file folders.

An on-the-nose cat food jingle

Recently, I fed my cat, Collette, while singing softly to the tune of an '80s Praise dog food commercial, "Good cat!  Here's your Iams.  Cats love the taste of Iams.  Cats love Iams!"

Collette hadn't finished her food by the time I finished the jingle, but it was close.  Such rapid-fire gobbling of the product illustrates the jingle's accuracy--in my household, at least.

Best to read the fine print

Unfortunately, I didn't see the fine print on the CD until I got home.  Years ago, I bought a '60s oldies compilation.  I didn't realize until I got home, however, that there was an asterisk on the back cover indicating that all but one of the songs were rerecorded versions instead of the original ones.

I hadn't expected that.  If I'd wanted to hear versions that sounded different than the original recordings I'd have bought concert CDs.  In this case, however, the deception felt rather sneaky.  To me, this felt like getting home and realizing that instead of "Happy Together" by The Turtles, a CD contained a lesser-known version called "Content Together."

The company that released the CD should have known that when people buy oldies, they expect to hear the familiar versions heard on the radio.

Persistent earworm alert CXCVIII

I can't be the only person who passes a magazine stand and thinks repeatedly of the lyric from Elton John's "Bennie And The Jets," "You know, I read it in a magazine," or "...magazayeeen," as it's sung.

Youthful exuberance, thanks to Mozart

When I was in second grade, my dad gave me a magazine's soundsheet recording of the third movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 25 in C major.  The movement's immediately accessible melody impressed me, so I did what seemed logical at the time.  I plugged in my Fisher-Price record player and stretched the cord out so it would be close to the phone.  I then called my grandpa and told him what a beautiful piece of music I'd just heard.  I held the phone up to the record player while an orchestra played that movement.

It didn't occur to me that my grandpa might be taking a nap, reading, or planting seeds in his garden.  It didn't dawn on me that he might not have been in the mood for Mozart at that moment.  To his credit, though, when the movement finished, he said, "That's a nice piece of music."

I'd much rather be an adult than a kid.  Still, there's a thrill of discovery you have as a kid that just isn't the same when you're older.  Looking back, I'm glad I made that call--and that my grandfather was receptive to the music.  I also appreciate my dad giving me that recording; I've heard a lot of moving pieces since then, but that Allegretto movement's melody appeals to me as much as it did over 40 years ago.

FM dial scan highlights CXXXV

Six highlights from recent days:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Tomorrow Night-Shoes (Shoes have a way with a power pop hook; "Tomorrow Night" and "Too Late" are two of their best examples of this.  I always welcomed the chance to play this on KCOU...)
• The Ballad Of El Goodo-Big Star (...and this, as well.  This is a melodic ode to perseverance and staying true to yourself, complete with sing-along chorus.)
• Leaning On You-Haim (The guitar sound brings Lindsey Buckingham to mind.  The Haim sisters have an appealing acoustic, matter-of-fact approach to their lyrics and instrumentation here.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Vibin' In Time-Alex Parchment (Released in April, this upbeat trumpet melody with strong bass underscoring is one of 2020's smooth jazz standouts.)

KWMU 90.7 FM

• From Dream To Dream-Benny Golson (Golson's warm tenor sax sound makes this reflective piece ideal for a late night playlist.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. KNOU-HD2

• Ottorino Respighi: Pines Of Rome (Sinfonia Of London/John Wilson, conductor) (Announcer Tom Sudholt praised the nuance and quality of this new recording.  Its crisp sound leaps out of the speakers, making me take note of the shimmering winds in the first movement and mighty brass sound in the last movement.  I've raved about this piece before, so I was pleased to hear the station play this rendition for the first time.)
  

103: Test score or radio frequency?

In high school, I once heard a student say, "I KHTRed this test."  Translation: The frequency of our contemporary hit radio station in the late '80s, KHTR, was 103.3 FM, rounded down to 103 on the air.  The student had gotten 100% plus three extra credit points.

Given that terrestrial radio is an afterthought, at best, to most kids, I'd be surprised if any student would tie a test score in with a radio frequency today.

Thanking every listener

It's considerate for DJs to acknowledge that they're speaking to an audience.  It's possible to get carried away, however, with the specifics of where listeners might be hearing you.  A DJ I heard today thanked listeners for tuning in "wherever (they're) listening...the kitchen, the patio, the bathroom..."

If you're going to go that route, why not say, "Whether you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, downing the last of your Big Gulp soda, or just sitting in a room by yourself, filled with existential despair, I hope you're enjoying the music?"

Reconsidered merit VII

After reading reviews of their biopic, released earlier this year, I've realized that I haven't given The Go-Gos sufficient accolades for their biggest hit, "We Got The Beat."  Hearing it now, I'm impressed by how Gina Schock sets the tone forcefully on drums, the guitars and bass follow suit, and Belinda Carlisle's vocals don't leave your mind easily once you hear them,  Although I never disliked the song, I didn't have a strong reaction to the lyrics initially. When it was a hit, I probably thought, "OK, they have the beat.  That works, I guess."  Are the lyrics overly cerebral?  No, but they aren't supposed to be; the point of the tune is to show that the band members have the beat, and clearly, they do.  (Besides, pop hits aren't supposed to be about tax-free municipal bonds.)  Today, I appreciate the song for how every element of it clicks into place and results in a tight, memorable pop tune. 

My two favorite Go-Gos songs will likely always be their 1984 hits, "Head Over Heels" and "Turn To You," which share a similar infectious energy.  Hearing every aspect of the tune coalesce on "We Got The Beat" now, however, makes me realize why it was such a smash in 1982.

Objective reasoning, subjective decision

How do you rank a song that's well-written and well-sung but has lyrics that hit uncomfortably close to home?  Marcus Eaton's cover of Sting's "Fragile" will be in my favorite music of 2020 countdown in December.  It's too strong of a rendition not to be included.  The song's range is ideal for Eaton's voice, and he sings it with gripping solemnity. 

Where in the countdown will it fall, however?  At the moment, I have no idea.  I remember the chills I felt hearing Sting's version shortly after the September 11, 2001 atrocities.  Those chills returned recently while listening to Eaton's cover.  The lyrics about how fragile all of us are and how life can change instantly for the worse are disturbingly apropos for this pandemic.  When ranking it among my favorite songs of 2020, should I place it above a song that's more fun to listen to but has less depth lyrically?  Or, should I put more weight on how the song makes me feel and rank it below a more lightweight tune?

Fortunately, I still have another four months to decide.

Online radio sampler highlights CXI

Eight Thursday morning standouts:

WBER (Rochester, NY)

• Underline The Black-Metric (Powerful vocals from Emily Haines.  Also recommended: "Breathing Underwater.")

WREK (Atlanta, GA)

• After The Storm-Abram Wilson (Free-spirited interplay between the trumpet, guitar, and piano; if I walked past a high school or college band rehearsal room and heard students warming up with this, I'd know the future is in rhythmically capable hands.)
• A Foggy Day-Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald (The grit in Armstrong's voice and the more conventional professionalism of Fitzgerald's vocals make this an enjoyable cover of this Ira Gershwin tune.)

WRUW (Cleveland, OH)

• Porque (Because)-Louie Ramirez y Sus Amigos (This ensemble makes this Beatles tune its own, making imaginative use of the vibraphone, strings, flute, and, eventually, vocals.)

WUMB (Boston, MA)

• The Cure-Watkins Family Hour (Sean and Sara Watkins provide some of my favorite vocals of 2020 on this tune about a fresh start.  This is no surprise, coming from two of Nickel Creek's three excellent leaders.  In my opinion, this is the strongest track on their "brother sister" CD.)
• Useless Desires-Patty Griffin (Painfully honest lyrics about cutting one's losses and starting anew.  This is no surprise, coming from the author of the heart-wrenching song, "Rain.")
• The Letter ("Live In The Square" version)-Patty Larkin (Although I never disliked "The Letter" by The Box Tops, I didn't seek it out; there was no need, as oldies stations played it incessantly for decades.  Hearing just Larkin's voice and an acoustic guitar on this cover made me appreciate the lyrics in a way I hadn't before.)

WWEC (Elizabethtown, PA)

• Human Highway-Neil Young (How do you readjust to other people when you've been away from them for so long?  Although this was released in 1978, it feels all too appropriate for today's pandemic.)

FM dial scan highlights CXXXIV

Six standout tunes heard this morning:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Simple Math-Kathleen Edwards (This new track's endearing lyrics are a tribute to the importance of lifelong friends.)
• Mountains Of The Moon-Laura Veirs (A nice cover of a Grateful Dead song; the airy production values give the vocals and guitar appropriate space to echo and breathe.)
• Nazareth-The Staves (We all age, and our lives are fleeting.  Somehow, filtered through such moving vocal harmonies, those inevitable outcomes don't sound so ominous.  This new release is one of 2020's best-sung tunes.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Along Came Betty-Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers (A steady walking rhythm, thanks to drummer Blakey, with engaging solos by trumpeter Lee Morgan and tenor saxophonist Benny Golson.)
• Kansai Groove-Dante (Upbeat synergy from the saxophone, keyboard, and bass.  Initially, I would have recommended this for morning and afternoon playlists, but its driving rhythm is suited for a smooth jazz station's evening playlist, as well.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• I Miss Those Days-Bleachers (The lyrics wax nostalgic for the days when the protagonist's future was a lot more nebulous.  Those times sound fun to revisit, at least from a distance.)

Considerate to ask first

One night, a former co-worker walked by, during a pause in singing R.E.M.'s "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?"  He asked, "Drew, are you a monster?"

After I replied, "No, I don't think so," he continued singing, paraphrasing the next lyric, "Drew's not a monster..."

If I'd said yes or ignored the question and kept typing, I wonder how he would have proceeded.

Persistent earworm alert CXCVII

During tonight's heavy thunderstorm, I kept thinking of the first lyric from "A Lover's Concerto" by The Toys.  "How gentle is the rain...?" kept running through my mind.  My answer tonight: "It looks like we have a monsoon."

Fortunately, it wasn't a monsoon.  Nevertheless, it was intense.

A function of age II

While listening to an Ogden, Utah station, KLO, online last month, my ears perked up. 

"Hey, that's 'Aubrey' by Bread," I thought.  "You don't hear that played often today."

Several minutes later, I was pleased to hear "For All We Know" by The Carpenters.

That's one sign of a person who's going to turn 50 in less than two months--paying the most attention to songs that were hits when he was two and less than a year old, respectively.  There are times when I'm firmly in music-of-your-life territory--but I don't think that's a bad place to be.

Only in college LXXIV

Every so often at KCOU, we were required to read copy in the form of a PSA or mention of an upcoming event.  I'm guessing the copy book hadn't been updated when a DJ just told the audience, "Take short baths."

Undivided attention required

Obviously, being a good musician takes talent and practice.  There's another critical ingredient, however, as my middle and high school orchestra director, Mr. D., used to say.

"Focus," Mr. D. said.  "That complete attention to what you're doing...That's why you and your brother play your instruments as well as you do."

I still consider that one of the best compliments I've ever received.

Online radio sampler highlights CX

Eight standout selections heard today:

KBCU (North Newton, KS)

• Cade Voce?-Bebel Gilberto (Beguiling vocals, piano, guitar, and percussion; songs about unfulfilled longing rarely sound this inviting.  The English translation of this Portuguese title is "Where Are You?")
• No More-Kenny Burrell (A warm, quiet guitar interlude.)

KVSC (St. Cloud, MN)

• I'll Be Gone-Sarah Jarosz (A lyrical reminder that with or without a natural disaster, the window on when you can pursue someone eventually closes.  This is one of many highlights from Jarosz's strong CD, "World On The Ground," released in June.)
• Fell So Hard-Woods (A good, energetic May release; the instrumental backdrop is reminiscent of The Cure.)

WGUC (Cincinnati, OH)

• Gustav Holst: The Planets; "Mars, The Bringer Of War" (Berlin Philharmonic/Sir Colin Davis, conductor) (All sections convey appropriate force and sound convincingly ominous as bringers of war.)
• Ferdinand Herold: "Zampa" Overture (Cincinnati Pops Orchestra/Erich Kunzel, conductor) (This overture contains elements of a steeplechase, a quiet, contemplative work, and a ballet.  The brass, winds, strings, and percussionists all rise to the occasion.)

WJPC (Chicago, IL)

• Circles-Atlantic Starr (A groove that lives up to its name, with lyrics that capture what it feels like to ponder a weighty decision.  Considering its appealing driving rhythm, I'm puzzled that this wasn't a bigger hit in 1982.)
• Never Too Much-Luther Vandross (The 55-second instrumental intro sets the scene perfectly, drawing the listener right into the protagonist's resolve to see his beloved one as often as possible.  With all due respect to "Stop To Love," this is the best uptempo Vandross tune.)
  

Gender-Specific Day At The Ballpark

If you grow a beard between seasons with an orchestra, this might be the conductor's reaction upon seeing it for the first time:

Conductor (to first violin section:) In measure 40, despite what the score says, don't play it forte; make it mezzo forte, and (looking over at bass section:) Andrew, you grew a beard. Wow!  (looking back at first violin section:) Then, in measure 60...

If you're a teenager when the conductor observes this, expect a few giggles from the orchestra.

That was my experience, at least.

Context? LXXXII

Heard on an out-of-town AM station tonight: "Did you know (our plumbing company) has water softeners?  Well, did ya, punk?"

Talk about going for the hard sell when listeners would least expect it...

SiriusXM highlights CXX

Noteworthy tunes heard today:

'40s Junction

• Don't Get Around Much Anymore-The Ink Spots (A classy vocal take on this Duke Ellington tune; it could segue with most versions of "They Can't Take That Away From Me.")

'80s On 8

• If The Love Fits, Wear It-Leslie Pearl (When this was a hit in 1982, I would only hear it on "American Top 40."  Lyrically, it's a good way of saying, "If a relationship works, pursue it.  If it doesn't, don't.")
• Kids In America-Kim Wilde (The synthesized backdrop and Wilde's vocals have 1982 stamped all over them, and, in this case, that's a plus.  Decades later, the hook still gets into the listener's mind and doesn't let up easily.)
• American Music-The Pointer Sisters (Enjoying the music you like by the stereo...What's not to like here?  It's a shame this song hasn't gotten regular radio airplay here since it was a hit.)

'90s On 9

• Everybody Everybody-Black Box (One of the most memorable pop keyboard melodies of the decade, fit for a hockey game.)

The Covers Channel 

• Wild Horses-The Sundays (Harriet Wheeler's vocals float over the instrumentation in this cover of a Rolling Stones tune.)

Escape

• In The Chapel In The Moonlight-Chet Atkins (Two prepositions this close together in a song title?  In this case, it's necessary to set the scene.  Atkins plays this on guitar at the perfect tempo, and the throwback purity of the melody is endearing.  Hot Club Of Detroit's "Patio Swing" would sound right after it.) 

Love

• Show And Tell-Al Wilson (In 1985, KYKY asked listeners to mail in a list of their favorite songs; the songs were then used not only for countdown rankings but as a barometer of what to add to the station's soft rock playlist.  The station played this oldie a lot after the survey results were in.  Smart move; it's a well-sung, emotive ballad.  I wonder how Brook Benton might have sung it.) 

Luna

• Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing-Carmen McRae & Cal Tjader (No cover could top Stevie Wonder's original version for me, but this is an appealing blend of vocals and vibraphone.)

Real Jazz

• I Can't Get Started-Sonny Rollins/Roy Hargrove (Rollins and Hargrove show that this often-sung standard works just as well instrumentally.  The tune's heart shines through in any context.) 
• Sixty-Six-Pat Metheny (This February release gathers momentum as it goes.  The tune brings out the elegance and thoughtfulness of Metheny's guitar playing, and the Hollywood Studio Symphony provides additional gravity.)

Siriusly Sinatra

• Come Rain Or Come Shine-Ray Charles (Anyone who can sing these lyrics with this much conviction must really believe in the enduring quality of a relationship.)

Watercolors

• Nos Voamos-Gato Blanco (This spacey, uptempo June release blends chill, international, and smooth jazz genres, with appealing guitar, keyboard, and vocal punctuation.)

Yacht Rock Radio

• Any World (That I'm Welcome To)-Steely Dan (During this pandemic, a lot of listeners likely share this escapist sentiment.  Listening to it again, I'm struck but not surprised by the consistency of Steely Dan's "Katy Lied" album.  The sobering realization that the album is 45 years old is also sinking in; I'm not sure where all that time went.)
• You're The Only Woman-Ambrosia (The vocals on this hit are top-notch.  David Pack and company let loose impressively in the third verse, starting with the lyric, "When the pain of love surrounds you...")

Why amplify?

An all-state high school orchestra memory: I talked with a violinist who also played guitar.  He made a case for the acoustic guitar's rightful place over the electric guitar.  He contended, "(Renowned Classical guitarist Andres) Segovia's still alive, and he didn't use any (amplification.)"

For an Exhibit A, that's difficult to refute.

A linguistic irritant XXV

It doesn't make sense to say, "This email about my winning this contest (or this meal I'm eating) is music to my ears."  The expression, "music to my ears," should be reserved for sounds only.