Wednesday and Thursday highlights:
KUTX (Austin, TX)
- Hollow World-Elephant Stone (For times when you want to reinforce your belief that there's no hope...)
- I Can See For Miles-Petra Haden (Haden's a cappella rendition captures the spacey vibe of The Who's original version impressively.)
KVSF (Santa Fe, NM)
- Minor Vamp-Blue Mitchell (A sly, energetic trumpet piece fit for a film's chase scene or underscoring someone attempting to meet a tight deadline, such as getting to a store before it closes.)
WFMT (Chicago, IL)
- Robert Schumann: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54: Finale, Allegro vivace (Philadelphia Orchestra/Eugene Ormandy, conductor; Rudolf Serkin, piano) (Need motivation for getting out of bed and achieving great things? Let this be your inspiration...)
- Leos Janacek: Lachian Dances, No. 4, Starodavny (Old-Time Dance) (Czech State Philharmonic/Jose Serebrier, conductor) (...Or, perhaps you'd prefer far more tempered optimism instead.)
WNMC (Traverse City, MI)
- Kentucky Mandolin-Bill Monroe (Monroe is known as the father of bluegrass for a reason; this is one of many examples of his dexterity on the mandolin.)
- Shine The Light-The Persuasions (Regardless of one's religious or lack of religious beliefs, respect for the uplifting songwriting and vocals is due here.)
WRUV (Burlington, VT)
- Hazey Jane I-Nick Drake (In a more just world, Drake would have gotten far more acclaim for his introspective singing and songwriting when he was alive. This is one of many standout tracks from his "Bryter Layter" album.)
WTUL (New Orleans, LA)
- I've Got To Be Strong-Doris Troy (Troy's vocals sound convincingly determined; the instrumental backing from top-notch rhythm players adds to the feeling of resolution. Troy and company give the tune an infectious bounce.)
